JPH0743131B2 - 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 is 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 is provided, and the cutoff means is judged to be abnormal if the usage condition is judged by the flow rate signal of the flow rate measurement means 3 and deviates from the preset and stored proper gas usage condition. 4 was provided with a control unit 5 for issuing a closing signal.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of this conventional control unit. Those having the same numbers as in FIG. 4 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. It comprises a setting unit 7 and a proper use condition judging unit 8 which outputs an interruption signal when the signal from the use state detecting unit deviates from the gas proper use condition and judges that the gas is abnormal.

Here, the proper use condition indicates each condition item such as a total flow rate set according to the capacity of each gas meter, an individual maximum flow rate, and a safe continuous use time. The total flow rate condition is to activate the shut-off means when the total gas flow rate that passes through the gas meter within the predetermined measurement period exceeds a predetermined value that is initially set when the gas hose is pulled out or the gas appliances burn out. . The individual maximum flow rate condition is to detect the gas flow rate change for each predetermined measurement period, identify how many kinds of gas appliances are currently used, and identify how much gas consumption is used for each, and determine the maximum gas among them. When the consumption exceeds a predetermined set value, a shutoff signal is output to the shut-off means to deal with gas leakage such as cracking of the gas hose and combustion extinction when the gas plug is half opened. In addition, the safe continuous use time condition refers to the continuous usable time set for each range from the statistical data of the time that a gas appliance in a certain combustion range is continuously used, and the data from the usage state detection unit is When the set time is exceeded, an operation signal is sent to the shutoff means to ensure safety even when the gas appliance is forgotten to be turned off.

As described above, the usage state detection unit 6 observes the total flow rate, the individual maximum flow rate, and the continuous use time, and the appropriate use condition determination unit 8 performs the comparison determination with the initial value to determine the gas supply system. An abnormality was detected.

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, by actually measuring the flow rate pattern of the gas used in each home for a predetermined period of time and resetting the judgment condition that matches the actual condition, which is severe, An object is to provide a safe gas shutoff device. In addition, when the gas consumption becomes exceptionally high, for example, when the gas stove is used for a long time to cook a special meal, the usability can be maintained even when the gas is used differently than usual. Moreover, the purpose is to provide a gas shutoff device that can ensure safety.

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 that emits a signal according to the amount of gas passing through a gas meter provided in the gas supply line, a usage state detection unit that detects the usage state of gas by the flow rate signal sent from the flow rate measuring means, and proper gas usage conditions Initial condition setting unit for setting as an initial value in advance, a proper use condition determination unit that outputs a cutoff signal when the signal of the use state detection unit deviates from the gas proper use condition and outputs a cutoff signal, and a first predetermined period. A first timer for counting, a start signal applying means for starting the first timer, a use state storage section for storing a gas use state during operation of the first timer by a flow rate signal sent from the flow rate measuring means, The maximum value of the gas usage state actually measured in the usage state storage unit is updated, and the maximum value or the maximum value updated at the end of the first timer operation is multiplied by a predetermined coefficient. The appropriate use condition changing unit that newly selects a smaller value by comparing with the already set initial condition and changes it as the gas proper use condition in the proper use condition determination unit, and counts the second predetermined period. No. 3, a control unit including a change condition ignoring unit for activating the second timer, and a shutoff unit for shutting off the gas passage in response to a shutoff signal from the control unit.

Operation According to the present invention, when the activation signal is applied to the first timer, counting of the first predetermined period is started by the above-described configuration, and at the same time, the gas usage pattern during the timer operation is activated by the operation of the usage state storage unit. Is measured. That is,
During this period, the measured values of the total flow rate, individual maximum flow rate, continuous use time, etc. described above are updated, and at the same time as the timer ends, the final data is compared with the initial value by the gas proper use condition changing unit and the predetermined value is determined. The gas proper use condition is newly set. After that, the proper use condition determination unit compares the new set condition with the signal from the use state detection unit, and when the condition is not satisfied, determines that the condition is abnormal and activates the shutoff means. Further, the appropriate use condition determination unit of the control unit ignores the condition changed by the change unit while the first timer is operating by the input of the change condition ignoring unit, and determines whether the use state is abnormal according to the initial condition. Is to do.

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. 5 are components having the same function. The control unit 15 inputs a flow rate signal from the flow rate measuring means 3 similar to the conventional one and detects a usage state of gas, and an initial condition setting unit 7 that presets gas proper usage conditions as initial values. And an appropriate use condition determination unit 8 that outputs an interruption signal by determining that the signal from the use state detection unit deviates from the gas proper use condition and determines that it is abnormal.
And a first timer 9 for counting the first predetermined period
A start signal applying means 10 for starting the timer, a use state storage section 11 for storing a gas use state during the timer operation by a flow rate signal sent from the flow rate measuring means, and an actual measurement by the use state storage section 11. The maximum value of the gas usage state is updated and the maximum value updated at the end of the operation of the first timer 9 or a value obtained by multiplying the maximum value by a predetermined coefficient is compared with the already set initial condition, and the value is smaller. A proper use condition changing unit 12 for selecting a new one and newly changing it as the gas proper use condition in the proper use condition determining unit 8, a second timer 13 for counting a second predetermined period, and the second timer. It is composed of a change condition ignoring means 14 which is activated.

In the above configuration, when the activation signal applying means 10 (for example, a push button switch or the like) is activated, the activation signal is sent to the first timer 9, and the first timer 9 receives the signal and counts the first predetermined time. To start. The predetermined period is
Although it may be set in advance or may be set arbitrarily, it is a span such as one week or one month. During this timer operation period, the use state storage unit 11 stores the gas use pattern of the gas supply system in which the meter is installed, that is, the total flow rate, the individual maximum flow rate, the continuous use time, and the like. The appropriate use condition changing unit 12 stores the maximum value of the actually measured gas use pattern, and therefore updates the data. In this way, when the count of the first timer 9 is completed, the final data is sent from the use state storage unit 11 to the proper use condition changing unit 12. In this change unit, the initial condition and the final data are compared, and the smaller value is selected, that is, a new proper usage condition is set again on the safer side. That is, until the aforementioned timer count ends, the proper use condition determination unit 8 determines the abnormal state by comparing the current gas use state with a preset initial value. After the condition is newly set based on the actual measurement result of the usage pattern, the abnormal state is judged by comparing with the reset value. Here, when it is determined that there is an abnormality, a cutoff signal is output, the cutoff means is activated, and the gas passage is closed.

In the above, the final data is used as it is for the comparison with the initial value, but it is also possible to multiply by a predetermined coefficient for comparison. It takes into consideration the safety factor in actual use. Although the example in which only the maximum value of the actual measurement is stored is shown, a method of statistically processing from the data distribution during the measurement period is also effective.

By the way, the change condition ignoring unit 14 is configured to change the judgment condition in the proper use condition changing unit 12 and then to the use state detecting unit 11
It is provided to apply an initial condition to the comparison with the signal from, and when the change condition ignoring means 14 is operated, the second timer 13 starts to operate. During the counting period of the second timer 13, the proper use condition determination unit 8 compares the signal from the use state detection unit 11 with the initial condition to determine the abnormal use of the gas flow rate. After that, when the second timer 13 counts up, the determination condition in the proper use condition determination unit 8 is returned to the content in the proper use change unit 12, and the abnormality determination is continued. That is, by operating the change condition ignoring means 14, even when using a gas that is different from the normal one, it can be used without stopping the gas supply during use, and within the range of the initial conditions uniformly set for the meter. It is safe to use.

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, FIG. 2 shows a schematic program flow.

When the program starts, an initial value is set as a gas proper use condition in A, a flow rate is measured in B, and a use state of the gas as described above is detected in C. And D
At, it is determined whether the first timer for measuring the first predetermined period is counting, and when counting, at E, the usage state of the gas is stored. That is, the maximum value of the usage state of the gas corresponding to each usage condition is stored and updated. Then, at F, each gas proper use condition is determined. If not counting, jump to F immediately. In G, when the result of the judgment in F is abnormal, it jumps to the cutoff signal output in H, and further resets the timer count in X. That is, if the gas usage state exceeds the initial condition, it is meaningless to continue storing data because of an abnormality, so the timer is stopped.

When it is not abnormal, I is used to check whether the proper use condition changing unit has been operated. When it is operated, J is used to check whether the second timer has finished counting. When the count ends, the determination condition in the determination unit in K is returned to the value reset by the change unit, and the flow branches to h1, that is, the flow rate measurement in B. If the timer has not finished counting, it is determined at L whether the second timer is currently counting, and if it is counting, M continues counting and jumps to h1. If it is not counting, it is judged in N whether or not there is an input from the change condition ignoring means, and if there is, the counting of the second timer is started in O, and then the initial condition is set in the judging section by P. Set and exit to h1. If there is no input, jump to h1 immediately.

When the changing unit has not been operated in I, it is determined in Q whether or not the first timer has finished counting, and when it finishes, the use state stored in R and the initial condition are compared.
Next, in S, the gas proper use condition is changed to a predetermined value. As described above, the maximum value of each stored pattern is compared with the initial value, and the smaller value is selected and reset. After that, in F, the reset value is treated as a gas proper use condition while the second timer is not operating, and is compared with the detected value. When the timer count is not completed at Q, the process branches to T to determine whether the first timer is currently counting. If it is counting, U continues counting as it is, and if it is not counting, V determines whether or not there is a start signal. When the activation signal is input, the timer count is started at W. If there is no activation signal, it returns to h1 again.

By executing this program flow, the function of the control unit of the gas shutoff device of the present invention can be realized.

FIG. 3 shows a control unit of another embodiment of the present invention, and blocks having the same numbers as those in FIG. 1 represent constituent elements having the same function. The 17 control unit includes 16 period changing means, and can adjust the counting period of the second timer of 13, that is, the second predetermined period. Here, assuming that there are various exceptional gas usage patterns due to changes in various conditions, the period during which the learning result can be ignored can be set. Further, by setting the maximum value in the second predetermined period, it is possible to secure the safety matched with the gas supply system without unnecessarily extending the period in which the learning result is ignored.

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) The start signal is used to observe the actual usage pattern of the gas supply system in which the gas meter is installed for a predetermined period of time, and the maximum value is compared with the initial value to determine the predetermined value (for example, the smaller value) as appropriate. Since it is reset as a usage condition, it is possible to further increase the safety level against gas accidents by considering individual special conditions in comparison with the conditions that were uniformly determined by the capacity (number of items) of the gas meter. .

(3) Furthermore, when using an exceptional gas appliance with a low probability of occurrence in the actual use state by the change condition ignoring means and the operation of the second timer, for example, when the customer is visiting, a special meal is prepared. Therefore, even when the gas stove is continuously used for a long time, the usability can be maintained even when the gas stove is used differently from usual, and the safety in using the meter can be secured.

[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 diagram showing a schematic program flow of a control unit of the device, and FIG. 3 is a gas shutoff device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a block diagram of a conventional gas shutoff device, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a conventional controller. 2 ... Gas meter, 3 ... Flow rate measuring means, 4 ... Shutoff means, 6 ... Usage state detecting section, 7 ... Initial condition setting section, 8
…… Appropriate use condition judgment part, 9 …… First timer, 10 ...
... Starting signal applying means, 11 ... use state storage section, 12 ... appropriate use condition changing section, 13 ... second timer, 14 ... change condition ignoring means, 15 ... control section, 16 ... variable period means.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-53-49339 (JP, A) JP-A-56-97747 (JP, A) Actual opening Sho-53-166133 (JP, U) Actual opening Sho-59- 181957 (JP, U)

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. Flow rate measuring means for emitting a signal according to the amount of passing gas of a gas meter provided in a gas supply line,
A usage state detection unit that detects the usage state of gas with a flow rate signal sent from the flow rate measurement unit, an initial condition setting unit that sets gas proper usage conditions as initial values in advance, and a signal from the usage state detection unit is the gas proper use A proper use condition determination unit that outputs a cutoff signal when it deviates from the conditions, a first timer that counts a first predetermined time, a start signal application unit that starts the first timer, and a flow rate measurement unit. The use state storage unit that stores the gas use state during the first timer operation by the flow rate signal sent from the first timer operation end by updating the maximum value of the gas use state actually measured in the use state storage unit The maximum value that is sometimes updated or the value obtained by multiplying the maximum value by a predetermined coefficient is compared with the already set initial condition, and the smaller value is selected to newly select the appropriate use condition determination unit. From the control unit, a control unit including a proper use condition changing unit that changes the gas proper use condition, a second timer that counts a second predetermined time, and a change condition ignoring unit that starts the second timer. And a shutoff means for shutting off the gas passage in response to the shutoff signal, and the proper use condition determination unit of the control unit determines the conditions changed by the proper use condition changing unit while the second timer is operating. A gas shutoff device that ignores and determines whether the operating condition is abnormal according to the initial conditions. 2. The gas cutoff device according to claim 1, further comprising period changing means for changing a second predetermined time counted by a second timer.