JP2001264142A - Flowmeter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a flowmeter whose installation space is small and which is installed easily. SOLUTION: An enclosure 1 which houses respective units (a pressure measuring part 2, a flow-rate measuring part 3, a control and computing part 4 and the like) which undertake various functions of a gas meter 10 is arranged and installed in the ground. The gas meter 10 is arranged and installed in the ground. The installation space of the gas meter 10 or the like around a house on the ground can be reduced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a flow meter for measuring a flow rate of a fluid flowing in a pipe.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, gas meters are installed in each customer's home for the purpose of measuring the consumption (flow rate) of domestic fuel gas flowing through gas pipes. This gas meter is generally provided at an arbitrary location near the outer wall of the customer's home according to the location of a gas-burning appliance (for example, a gas range, a gas heater, a gas heater, etc.) in the customer's home connected to the gas pipe. Installed in place. By reading the gas meter regularly, a gas company or the like can grasp the gas consumption of the customer even when the customer is absent. That is, conventionally, the gas meter, the gas pipe, and the like have been exposed near the outer wall of the customer's house.

[0003]

By the way, in recent years, with the progress of housing construction, gas meters, gas pipes, and various wirings have been used in installation work related to gas supply and the like in order to secure a sufficient living space in each dwelling unit. And non-living spaces for installing various other related equipment and the like tend to be further reduced. This trend is
In particular, this is remarkable in a case where a plurality of houses are densely constructed in a limited lot for sale in a downtown area or a case where an apartment house such as an apartment in which a plurality of dwelling units are gathered is constructed.

However, conventionally, since a gas meter, a gas pipe, and the like are installed near the outer wall of a customer's house, there is a problem that the installation space for these various devices and the like reduces the living space in the dwelling unit. . Further, since a plurality of gas pipes, various wirings, and the like must be installed around the gas meter, there is a problem that the installation workability of the gas meter and the like is poor and the installation state after the installation is complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a flow meter capable of reducing installation space while facilitating installation.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flowmeter, comprising: a pipe for guiding a fluid to a customer's house; Pressure measuring means for measuring the pressure of the fluid, flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid flowing in the pipe, and control both the pressure measuring means and the flow rate measuring means and the measurement results measured by both And a control operation means for taking in.

[0007] In this flowmeter, a flow measurement housing housing piping, pressure measurement means, flow measurement means, and control calculation means is disposed underground. That is, the flow meter is disposed underground.

The flow meter according to claim 2, further comprising: display means for displaying the measurement result taken into the control operation means; a communication line for connecting the display means to the control operation means; And a protection tube for protecting the communication line.

In this flow meter, the display means and the control calculation means are connected by a communication line, and the measurement result taken by the control calculation means is displayed by the display means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flow meter wherein the display means is disposed on the ground.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the flow meter, the pressure measuring means measures a differential pressure between the atmospheric pressure and the pressure of the fluid, and the pressure measuring means takes in the atmosphere through a protective tube.

In this flow meter, the atmosphere is taken into the pressure measuring means through the protective tube, and the pressure measuring means measures the differential pressure between the atmospheric pressure and the pressure of the fluid.

[0013] The flowmeter according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is further provided with an atmosphere introduction pipe for taking the atmosphere into the pressure measuring means.

In this flow meter, the atmosphere is taken into the pressure measuring means through the atmosphere introduction pipe.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the air introduction pipe is housed in the protection pipe together with the communication line.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the flow meter, the air introduction pipe is integrated adjacent to the protection pipe.

In the flow meter according to the present invention, the display means includes a display housing, and a display panel provided inside the display housing, and a part of the display housing has an internal portion. An air introduction hole for introducing the atmosphere into the air is provided.

In this flow meter, the atmosphere is introduced into the inside of the display housing by the air introduction hole provided in a part of the surface of the display housing.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the flowmeter further comprises a shutoff means for interrupting the flow of the fluid when an abnormality occurs.

In this flow meter, the flow of the fluid is shut off by the shut-off means when an abnormal situation involving a danger to the customer occurs.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the flowmeter further includes a vibration sensing means for detecting vibration, and the shutoff means is activated when the vibration is detected by the vibration sensing means.

In this flow meter, when the vibration is sensed by the seismic sensing means, the shut-off means operates.

[0023] In the flowmeter according to the eleventh aspect, a pipe connecting portion for connecting the pipe to another pipe is provided at both ends of the pipe.

In this flow meter, this pipe is connected to other pipes through pipe connection sections provided at both ends of the pipe.

[0025]

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

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a flow meter according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flow meter according to the present embodiment is installed at an arbitrary position in a pipe for the purpose of measuring a flow rate of a fluid flowing in the pipe.
Hereinafter, for example, a case will be described in which the fluid flowing through the pipe H is domestic fuel gas (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “gas”) G, and the flow meter is the gas meter 10 for measuring the flow rate of the gas G. I do.

The gas meter 10 according to the present embodiment measures, for example, an instantaneous flow rate Q1 and an integrated flow rate Q2 of gas G flowing in a pipe H (hereinafter, both are collectively simply referred to as "flow rate Q"). Is what you do. Here, one end of the pipe H is connected via a connection fitting 22 to another pipe branched from a main pipe (not shown) connected to a supply source of a gas G (not shown). Is connected via a connection fitting 22 to another pipe for guiding the gas G to the customer's house. The connection fitting 22 is formed of, for example, a meter access pipe, a union, or the like, and has a connection mechanism that can easily connect the pipe H to another pipe. Here, the connection fitting 22 corresponds to a specific example of a “pipe connection part” in the present invention.

The gas meter 10 is housed, for example, inside a metal housing box 20 buried underground. That is, the gas meter 10 is disposed underground. A part of the surface of the storage box 20 is exposed to the ground, and a storage box door 21 is provided in this exposed portion. Gas companies, etc.
When the storage box door 21 is opened, maintenance work and the like of the gas meter 10 can be performed at any time.

The gas meter 10 includes, for example, a metal housing 1.
Of the gas meter 10 for measuring the pressure P of the gas G flowing in the pipe H, the flow rate measuring section 3 for measuring the instantaneous flow rate Q1 of the gas G flowing in the pipe H, A control operation unit 4 for controlling a series of operations and taking in measurement data measured by both the pressure measurement unit 2 and the flow rate measurement unit 3 and a seismic sensor 5 for confirming a shaking situation around the gas meter 10. And the gas meter 10
A shutoff valve 6 for switching the supply state of the gas G to the downstream side. In addition, the gas meter 10 includes a display unit 40 for displaying the measurement data captured by the control calculation unit 4 outside the housing 1. Here, case 1
Corresponds to a specific example of the “flow rate measurement casing” in the present invention.

The display unit 40 is installed, for example, near the outer wall of a customer house (not shown) on the ground. The details of the display unit 40 will be described later. The control calculation unit 4 and the display unit 40 are connected via a plurality of communication lines 31. In FIG. 1, only a part of the communication line 31 is shown. The communication line 31 is covered by the protective tube 30 over substantially the entire area thereof.
0. This protection tube 30
For example, the communication line 31 is made of a vinyl chloride resin to protect the internal communication line 31 from the effects of wind and rain and to prevent the communication line 31 from being damaged. The protection tube 30 penetrates a part of both the housing 1 and the storage box 20, for example.
The housing 4 constituting the exterior of the display unit 40 from the inner wall of the housing 1
1 (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 3 (B)). Inside the protection tube 30, together with the communication line 31, an atmosphere introduction tube 32 for taking the atmosphere A into the pressure measurement unit 2 is housed. One end of the atmosphere introduction tube 32 is connected to the pressure measurement unit 2, and the other end is fixed inside the housing 41 of the display unit 40. In addition, the protection tube 30 and the communication line 3
The configuration of 1 and the atmosphere introduction tube 32 will be described later. Here, the protection tube 30 corresponds to a specific example of the “protection tube” in the present invention, and the air introduction tube 32
Corresponds to a specific example of the “atmosphere introduction pipe” in the present invention.

The pressure measuring unit 2, for example, the pressure difference P between the gas pressure P _G in the atmospheric pressure P _A and the gas G in the air A (hereinafter, simply referred to as "pressure P".) Adapted to measure the I have. The pressure measuring section 2 has, for example, a configuration as shown in FIG. Here, FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed configuration example of the pressure measuring unit 2 and its peripheral part. 2, the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 2, the pressure measurement unit 2 includes a piezoelectric film sensor 51 that detects a pressure difference between a gas G and the atmosphere A according to a strain of a piezoelectric film (not shown) caused by a pressure difference between the two. And an air introduction pipe 52a and a gas introduction pipe 52b for guiding the atmosphere A and the gas G to the piezoelectric film sensor 51, respectively. One end of each of the air introduction pipe 52a and the gas introduction pipe 52b is connected to two fluid introduction chambers (not shown) provided on both sides of the piezoelectric film sensor 51 with the other end therebetween. Each is connected to the atmosphere introduction tube 32 and the pipe H. The piezoelectric film sensor 51 takes in the atmosphere A through the atmosphere introduction tube 32 and the atmosphere introduction tube 52a, and takes in the gas G through the pipe H and the gas introduction tube 52b, and the atmospheric pressure P _A of the atmosphere _A and the gas pressure P _G of the gas _G. The pressure P is detected based on the amount of change (distortion) of the piezoelectric film caused by the pressure difference between the pressure P and the pressure P. Pressure measuring part 2
Outputs the measured pressure data (pressure P) to the control calculation unit 4.

The flow rate measuring section 3 has, for example, a fluidic element, and measures an instantaneous flow rate Q1 of the gas G flowing in the pipe H. The flow measurement unit 3 outputs the measured flow data (instantaneous flow Q1) to the control calculation unit 4.

The control operation section 4 controls a series of operations of each unit (for example, the pressure measurement section 2 and the flow rate measurement section 3) in the gas meter 10, and is controlled by both the pressure measurement section 2 and the flow rate measurement section 3 and the like. Measured data (pressure P,
The instantaneous flow rate Q1) is taken in at predetermined time intervals. At this time, the control calculation section 4 calculates the integrated flow rate Q2 of the gas G based on the instantaneous flow rate Q1 fetched from the flow rate measurement section 3. In addition, the control calculation unit 4 performs a part of the measurement data (for example, the integrated flow rate Q2).
Is output to the display unit 40 via the communication line 31, and the measurement data is stored in a RAM (random access memory) (not shown) or the like as needed. Further, the control calculation unit 4 monitors the usage state of the gas G by the consumer while taking in the pressure P and the instantaneous flow rate Q1, and for example, the pressure P becomes lower than a predetermined pressure value due to a gas leak or the like. Or, when an excessive instantaneous flow rate Q1 larger than a predetermined flow rate value is detected, it is determined that the use state of the gas G with danger to the consumer is recognized, and the shutoff valve 6 is and outputs a driving signal S _4.

The seismic sensor 5 confirms the shaking situation around the gas meter 10. The seismic device ₅ outputs a shut-off valve drive signal S ₅ to the shut-off valve 6 when detecting a shake or vibration of a predetermined magnitude or more due to, for example, an earthquake or the like.

The shut-off valve 6 is designed to meet demands associated with the use of gas G.
Take risks to consumers to ensure the safety of the house
When an abnormal situation occurs, the control operation unit 4 or
Shut-off valve drive signal S output from seismic device 5_Four , S_Five In response
Drive, and shut off the supply of gas G if necessary.
It has become. In addition, the shut-off valve 6 outputs the shut-off valve drive signal S
_Four , S_Five (Such as abnormal pressure value or abnormal flow value)
It does not drive only during normal
For example, the flow rate of the gas G over a predetermined time or more
Is continuously detected (including gas G leakage) or pressure
Each device constituting the measuring unit 2 and the flow rate measuring unit 3
In such a case, it is driven.

The display section 40 displays the measurement data (for example, the integrated flow rate Q2) output from the control operation section 4, and the like. The display unit 40 has, for example, a configuration as shown in FIG. 3A illustrates an overview of the display unit 40, and FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional structure of the display unit 40. 3A and 3B show only a part of the communication line 31.

A gas company or the like visually checks the gas meter 1 on a metal housing 41 constituting an exterior of the display unit 40.
Display window 42 for confirming information about
And a return button 43 for releasing the supply cutoff state. For example, when the gas G is used for a long time and the security function of the gas meter 10 is activated and the supply of the gas G is cut off, the customer or the like presses the return button 43 to turn off the gas. The valve 6 (see FIG. 1) is driven, and the supply of the gas G is restarted. Here, the housing 41 corresponds to a specific example of “display housing” in the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the display unit 40 includes a display panel 44 for displaying the measurement data and the like output from the control operation unit 4 inside a housing 41, and a plurality of display panels 44. Terminal block 4 for guiding the communication line 31 to the display panel 44
5 is provided. The display panel 44 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). The gas company, the customer, and the like can display the display panel 44 through the display window 42.
Is visually confirmed, a series of information on the gas meter 10 can be grasped. An air introduction hole 46 for taking in the atmosphere A into the inside of the housing 41 is provided in, for example, a lower part of the housing 41. For this reason, the atmosphere A can be taken into the housing 41 even when the inside of the housing 41 has a high hermeticity. The atmosphere A taken into the inside of the housing 41 through the atmosphere introduction hole 46 is further supplied to the atmosphere introduction tube 3.
2 to the pressure measuring unit 2 (piezoelectric film sensor 51). In particular, the flow path (passage) of the atmosphere A in the air introduction hole 46 is not linear from the outer surface portion to the inner surface portion of the housing 41, but has, for example, a crank shape. This is to prevent rain, dust, and the like from entering the inside of the housing 41 through the air introduction hole 46.

FIG. 4 shows a specific configuration example of the protection tube 30, the communication line 31, and the atmosphere introduction tube 32. 4A illustrates an overview of the protection tube 30 and the like, and FIG. 4B illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional structure of the protection tube 30 and the like. A plurality of communication lines 31 and, for example, one atmosphere introduction tube 32 are housed inside the protection tube 30. By housing the air introduction tube 32 inside the protection tube 30 together with the communication line 31, it is possible to prevent the air introduction tube 32 from being damaged due to the influence of wind and rain, etc. Can be installed. As shown in FIG. 4B, for example, the outer diameter D30 of the protection tube ₃₀ is about 10 mm, and the outer diameter D32 of the air introduction tube ₃₂ is about 3 mm.

Next, the gas meter 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.
Will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

In the gas meter 10, first, in the pressure measuring section 2, the atmosphere A (atmospheric pressure P _A ) is passed through the atmosphere introduction tube 32 and the atmosphere introduction tube 52 a to the piezoelectric film sensor 5.
1, the gas G flowing through the pipe H (gas pressure P _G ) is taken into the piezoelectric film sensor 51 through the gas introduction pipe 52b, and the pressure P (differential pressure between them; P = P _G −P _A ) is measured. (FIG. 5; step S101). At this time, in parallel with the measurement of the pressure P in the pressure measurement unit 2, the flow measurement unit 3
, The instantaneous flow rate Q1 of the gas G flowing in the pipe H is measured (FIG. 5; step S102). The pressure measurement unit 2 and the flow measurement unit 3 output the acquired measurement data (pressure P, instantaneous flow Q1) to the control calculation unit 4. Next, the control operation unit 4 determines whether the measured pressure P and instantaneous flow rate Q1 are within a safe range for the consumer (FIG. 5; step S103). Here, when the pressure P is lower than the predetermined pressure value due to gas leakage or the like, or when the instantaneous flow rate Q1 is higher than the predetermined flow value (FIG. 5; step S103)
In N), the control calculation unit 4 determines that a situation involving a danger to the customer using the gas G has occurred, and outputs the shut-off valve drive signal S ₄ to the shut-off valve 6. In response to the cutoff valve driving signal S _4, shutoff valve 6 is driven, the supply of the gas G to the customer is interrupted. Further, in the gas meter 10, in parallel with the measurement of the pressure P by the pressure measurement unit 2 and the measurement of the instantaneous flow rate Q1 by the flow measurement unit 3,
In the seismic device 5, the shaking situation around the gas meter 10 is confirmed (FIG. 6; step S201, FIG. 5; A). Here, it is confirmed whether or not the shaking or vibration or the like having a predetermined magnitude or more is generated around the gas meter 10 (FIG. 6; step S202), and when the shaking or vibration or the like is sensed (FIG. 6; step S202Y). the), outputs the cutoff valve driving signal S ₅ with respect to the shutoff valve 6 to cut off the supply of gas G. On the other hand, when both the pressure P and the instantaneous flow rate Q1 are within the safe range (FIG. 5; step S103Y),
When no shaking or vibration is detected due to (FIG. 6;
In step 202N, FIG. 5; B), the control calculation unit 4 calculates the integrated flow rate Q2 of the gas G based on the instantaneous flow rate Q1 fetched from the flow rate measurement unit 3 (FIG. 5; step S104). Next, the control calculator 4 outputs the integrated flow rate Q2 to the display 40 (FIG. 5; step S10).
5) The integrated flow rate Q2 is displayed on the display panel 44 of the display unit 40 (FIG. 5; step S106).

As described above, according to the gas meter 10 of the present embodiment, each unit (the pressure measuring unit 2, the flow measuring unit 3, the control calculating unit 4, etc.) which performs various functions of the gas meter 10 is housed. Since the housing 1 is arranged underground, the above units are also arranged underground, that is,
The gas meter 10 will be installed underground. Therefore, unlike the conventional case where the gas meter 10 is arranged on the ground, the installation space for installing the gas meter 10 and the like can be reduced, and the complexity of the installation state after the installation is improved. Can be.

In the present embodiment, the gas meter 10
Data measured by (for example, integrated flow rate Q2)
Is arranged on the ground, a series of information on the gas meter 10 can be confirmed through the display unit 40 even when the gas meter 10 is arranged underground.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the air introduction tube 32 for taking in the air A is provided, even when the gas meter 10 is disposed underground,
The atmosphere A can be taken into the pressure measuring unit 2 (piezoelectric film sensor 51) through the waterfall introducing tube 32.

Further, in this embodiment, the communication line 31 and the air introduction tube 32 are housed inside the protection tube 30. Therefore, when the gas meter 10 and the like are installed, the communication line 31 and the air introduction tube 32 are provided. Can be simply and collectively arranged. Therefore, installation workability when installing the gas meter 10 and the like is improved. Also, the communication line 31 and the air introduction tube 32
Can be prevented from being damaged.

Further, in the present embodiment, the air introduction hole 46 is provided in a lower part of the housing 41, so that even when the inside of the housing 41 is highly sealed, The atmosphere A can be introduced into the inside. In particular, by making the flow path of the atmosphere A in the air introduction hole 46 not a straight line but a crank shape, it is possible to prevent rain, dust, and the like from entering the inside of the housing 41 through the air introduction hole 46. .

In the present embodiment, the pipe H and another pipe are connected via the connection fitting 22 (for example, a meter access pipe, a union, or the like). Can be.

In this embodiment, the gas meter 10 is stored inside the storage box 20 having the storage box door 21. Therefore, even when the gas meter 10 is disposed underground, maintenance of the gas meter 10 is performed. Work and the like can be easily performed.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the air introduction tube 32 is housed inside the protection tube 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Here, FIG. 7 shows a configuration of a modified example regarding the configuration of the protection tube 30 and the air introduction tube 32, and the like, and (A) and (B) in FIG. This corresponds to (B).
As shown in FIG. 7, for example, the protection tube 30 and the air introduction tube 32 may be integrated adjacent to each other. In such a case, the same effect as in the case shown in FIG. 4 can be obtained.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the atmosphere A is introduced into the pressure measuring section 2 through the atmosphere introducing tube 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Here, FIG. 8 illustrates a configuration of a modified example regarding the configuration of the gas meter 10, and FIG.
It corresponds to. As shown in FIG. 8, for example,
The atmosphere A may be introduced into the pressure measuring unit 2 through the gap between the communication lines 31 inside the protection tube 30 without providing the atmosphere introduction tube 32. In such a case, the atmosphere A introduced into the housing 1 through the protection tube 30 is directly taken into the pressure measurement unit 2 through the atmosphere introduction pipe 52a. FIG. 9 (A),
(B) shows the sectional structure of the protective tube 30 and the communication line 31 in this case, and corresponds to FIGS. 4A and 4B described above, respectively. In such a case, the same effect as that shown in FIG. 1 can be obtained. 8, the structure other than the above-described point is the same as that shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the integrated flow rate Q of the gas G is displayed on the display panel 44 of the display section 40 (see FIG. 3B).
2 is displayed, but in addition, for example, gas G
Various measurement data such as the instantaneous flow rate Q1 and the pressure P, and various operation data of the gas meter 10 (for example, the driving state of the shut-off valve 6) may be displayed. Even in such a case, various information about the gas meter 10 can be confirmed through the display panel 44 of the display unit 40 without directly confirming the gas meter 10 disposed underground.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the gas meter 10 is stored inside the storage box 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the gas meter 10 may be buried underground. However, if the maintenance work after the installation of the gas meter 10 is considered, the gas meter 10 is provided inside the storage box 20 having the storage box door 21 that can be opened and closed as in the above-described embodiment.
Is preferably stored.

Further, in the present embodiment, the display section 40 is arranged on the ground. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display section 40 may be arranged underground. In such a case, in order to take in the atmosphere A into the pressure measuring unit 2, in the case shown in FIG.
2, or in the case shown in FIG. 8, it is necessary to lead the protection tube 30 alone to the ground. At this time, the air introduction tube 32 or the protection tube 30
It is necessary to cover the vicinity of each mouth with a protective cover or the like so that foreign matter (for example, rain) does not enter from each mouth. However, in order to facilitate a meter reading operation or the like by a gas company or the like, it is preferable to dispose the display unit 40 on the ground as in the above embodiment.

The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, the fluid flowing in the pipe H is the gas G,
Although the case where the flow meter is the gas meter 10 for measuring the flow rate of the gas G has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. The fluid is tap water, and the flow meter measures the flow rate of tap water. May be used.

[0055]

As described above, according to the flow meter according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the piping and the pipe are provided inside the flow measurement casing disposed underground. , Pressure measuring means, flow measuring means, and control calculating means, the flow meter is disposed underground.
For this reason, there is an effect that the installation space for the flow meter and the like around the dwelling unit, which has been conventionally regarded as a problem, can be reduced.

In particular, according to the flow meter according to the third aspect, since the display means is arranged on the ground, even when the flow meter is arranged underground, a series of information on the flow meter is provided. Can be confirmed through the display means.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the pressure measuring means takes in the atmosphere through the protective tube, even if the flow meter is installed underground, the pressure measuring means can take the atmosphere. And the pressure difference between the fluid pressure and the atmospheric pressure can be measured.

According to the flowmeter of the present invention, since the pressure measuring means is provided with the air introduction pipe for taking in the atmosphere, even if the flowmeter is disposed underground, the airflow can be reduced. The atmosphere can be taken into the pressure measuring means through the introduction pipe.

According to the flowmeter of the present invention, since the air introduction pipe is housed in the protection pipe together with the communication line, it is possible to prevent the air introduction pipe from being damaged and to prevent the air introduction pipe from being damaged. Installation workability when installing pipes and communication lines can be improved.

According to the flow meter of the present invention, since the air introduction pipe is integrated adjacent to the protection pipe, installation workability when installing the air introduction pipe is improved. Can be.

According to the flowmeter of the present invention, the air inlet is provided in a part of the display housing.
Even in the case where the inside of the display housing is highly sealed, the atmosphere can be introduced into the inside of the display housing through the air introduction hole.

According to the flowmeter of the eleventh aspect,
Since a pipe connecting portion for connecting this pipe to another pipe is provided at both ends of the pipe, the connection work between the two can be facilitated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a flow meter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of a pressure measurement unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of a display unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of a protection tube, a communication line, and an atmosphere introduction tube illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the flow meter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the seismic device.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a modified example regarding the configuration of the protection tube, the communication line, and the atmosphere introduction tube shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of a modified example of the configuration of the flow meter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view for explaining a configuration of a protection tube, a communication line, and an atmosphere introduction tube shown in FIG. 8;

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 41 ... housing, 2 ... pressure measuring unit, 3 ... flow measuring unit, 4
... Control calculation part, 5 ... Seismic sensor, 6 ... Shutoff valve, 10 ... Gas meter, 20 ... Storage box, 21 ... Storage box door, 22 ... Connection fitting, 30 ... Protective tube, 31 ... Communication line, 32 ... Atmosphere introduction Tube, 40 display unit, 42 display window, 43 return button, 44 display panel, 45 terminal block, 46 air introduction hole, 51 piezoelectric film sensor, 52a air introduction tube, 5
2b: gas introduction pipe, A: atmosphere, G: gas, H: pipe, P
... pressure, Q1 ... instantaneous flow rate, Q2 ... integrated flow rate.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Ken Tashiro 1-5-20 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2F030 CC13 CF05 CF11

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A pipe for guiding a fluid to a customer's house inside a flow rate measurement casing disposed underground, a pressure measuring means for measuring a pressure of a fluid flowing in the pipe, Flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid flowing in the pipe, and a control operation means for controlling both the pressure measuring means and the flow rate measuring means, and for taking in the measurement results measured by both. A flow meter, comprising: 2. A display unit for displaying the measurement result taken into the control operation unit, a communication line connecting the display unit and the control operation unit, and protecting the communication line. The flowmeter according to claim 1, further comprising a protection tube for the flowmeter. 3. The flow meter according to claim 2, wherein said display means is provided on the ground. 4. The pressure measuring means for measuring a differential pressure between the atmospheric pressure and the pressure of the fluid, wherein the pressure measuring means takes in the atmosphere through the protection tube. Or the flowmeter according to claim 3. 5. The flowmeter according to claim 4, further comprising an air introduction pipe for taking in air into said pressure measuring means. 6. The air introduction pipe is housed in the protection pipe together with the communication line.
Flowmeter as described. 7. The flow meter according to claim 5, wherein the air introduction pipe is integrated adjacent to the protection pipe. 8. The display means includes a display housing and a display panel provided inside the display housing, and a part of the display housing introduces air into the inside thereof. The flowmeter according to any one of claims 2 to 7, further comprising an air introduction hole for performing the operation. 9. The flow meter according to claim 1, further comprising a shut-off means for shutting off a flow of the fluid when an abnormality occurs. 10. The flowmeter according to claim 9, further comprising: a vibration sensing means for sensing vibration, wherein said interruption means is activated when the vibration is sensed by said vibration sensing means. 11. A pipe connection part for connecting the pipe to another pipe is provided at both ends of the pipe. The flow meter according to 1.