JP3928240B2 - Gas shut-off device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gas shut-off device that achieves safety and convenience in use of gas.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In this type of conventional gas shut-off device, as shown in FIG. 5, the gas flow rate detection means 22 outputs a flow rate signal corresponding to the passing gas flow rate. In response to the flow signal, the appliance estimation unit 23 estimates a gas appliance in use, and if an abnormality is detected from the usage state, a cutoff request signal is output. Upon receipt of the cutoff request signal, the cutoff valve drive unit 24 receives the cutoff request signal. When the shut-off signal is output at, the gas passage is shut off by the gas shut-off valve 25. Moreover, in order to notify the outside of the cutoff request signal output from the used appliance estimation unit 23 when there is an abnormality in the gas usage state, external communication means for the gas cutoff device that communicates with a predetermined external location such as a centralized monitoring device 21 is provided.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional gas shut-off device, the gas appliance is estimated based on the passing gas flow rate, and the gas shut-off request signal is output only when an abnormal state occurs from the estimated usage state of the gas appliance. For example, if the estimated gas appliance is a water heater, it is assumed that the water heater's gas usage status is not abnormal even when water is not supplied to the water heater. However, there has been a problem that gas supply to the water heater is continued and the empty combustion is continued.
[0004]
In addition, since the state of the gas appliance is estimated only from the passing gas flow rate, it is necessary to use for a long period of time, such as 30 days, in order to determine a minute flow rate such as a leakage flow rate from a crack in the gas pipe as a leakage flow rate. It had the subject that it had to be determined by the monitoring state of the gas flow rate.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention connects a water meter and a gas shut-off device by external communication means, and waters the hot water heater based on the gas flow rate signal of the gas shut-off device and the water amount signal of the water meter. As a specific configuration, the water meter includes a water amount detecting means for outputting a water amount signal corresponding to the passing water amount, and a water meter external communication means for informing the use state of the appliance from the water amount signal. The gas shut-off device includes an external communication means for the gas shut-off device that communicates with the water meter, a gas flow rate detection means that outputs a gas flow rate signal corresponding to a passing gas flow rate, and a gas flow rate signal in use. and to that used for instrument estimating unit estimates a gas appliance, the cutoff valve driving unit which outputs a shielding disconnection signal, and a gas shut-off valve for interrupting the gas passage by the blocking signal, the used appliance estimation unit When a hot water heater in-use signal is output from the excess gas flow rate when the hot water heater is in use, if an unused notification signal is sent from the water meter, it is determined that the water heater is empty and a shutoff signal is output. It is what you do .
[0006]
According to the first aspect of the invention, instead of monitoring only the gas use state by estimating the gas appliance from the gas use state, for example, when the water heater is estimated, information on the use state from the water meter is obtained. In addition, it is possible to monitor the safety state against emptying of the water heater and improve the safety of the gas user.
[0007]
Further, the water meter and the gas shut-off device are connected by an external communication means, and gas leakage is monitored based on the gas flow rate signal of the gas shut-off device and the water amount signal of the water meter. The meter has a water amount detecting means for outputting a water amount signal corresponding to the passing water amount, a water amount unused timer for counting while the water amount signal is in an undetected state, and the water amount unused timer for a predetermined time. and a water supply for the external communication means for notifying that the elapsed, the the gas shut-off device includes an external communication unit for gas cutoff apparatus for communicating with an external predetermined location and said water meter, corresponding to gas flow passing through the gas alarms and gas flow detecting means for outputting a flow rate signal, and a leakage determination unit for outputting an alarm signal to determine gas leakage state, that gas leakage has occurred to the outside from said alarm signal, And an external display unit that knowledge, the leakage determination unit from detecting the unused predetermined time elapse signal from the water meter, when detecting a gas flow rate signal with said gas flow detecting means is the gas leakage state And an alarm signal is output .
[0008]
According to the second invention, the flow rate of leakage from the gas pipe is not determined by monitoring the gas usage state for a long period of time, but by determining together with the usage status information from the water meter, the gas usage state The monitoring period can be shortened, the determination can be made more reliable, and the convenience for the gas user can be improved.
[0009]
The present invention is a gas shut-off device that connects a water meter and a gas shut-off device by external communication means, and monitors the emptying of a water heater based on a gas flow signal of the gas shut-off device and a water amount signal of the water meter. the the water meter has a water amount detecting means for outputting a water signal corresponding to the passing water, and a water meter for external communication means for notifying the use state of the water signal from the instrument, the gas shut-off device, and external communication means for a gas cutoff device in communication with the water meter, passing gas and the gas flow rate detection means for outputting a gas flow signal corresponding to the flow rate, the gas flow signal you estimate gas appliance used instrument in use from estimation and estimation unit, shielding the cutoff valve driving unit for outputting a disconnection signal, and a gas shut-off valve for interrupting the gas passage by the blocking signal, the used appliance estimation unit using the water heater from the gas flow passing through When you have a signal in water heater use, if the unused broadcast signal is transmitted from the water meter, in which to output a blocking signal is judged that boil-dry state of the water heater.
[0010]
According to the above configuration, the external communication means for the gas shut-off device that can communicate with the water meter, and the appliance estimation unit that outputs a hot water heater in-use signal when the gas water heater is in use when a large flow rate is estimated. By providing, it becomes possible to monitor the usage state of the water meter while using the water heater.
[0011]
The use appliance estimation unit that estimates the gas appliance from the flow rate signal output from the flow rate detection means estimates a large flow rate such as a water heater. When in use, the shut-off valve drive outputs a shut-off signal so that the gas shut-off valve shuts off the gas passage and prevents the gas water heater from being emptied to ensure the safety of gas use. it can.
[0012]
The water meter and the gas shut-off device are connected by an external communication means, and the gas shut-off device monitors gas leakage based on the gas flow rate signal of the gas shut-off device and the water amount signal of the water meter. The water amount detection means for outputting a water amount signal corresponding to the passing water amount, the water amount unused timer for counting while the water amount signal is in the undetected state, and the water amount unused timer have elapsed for a certain period of time. and a water supply for the external communication means for informing the said the gas cutoff apparatus, outside predetermined location and an external communication means for a gas cutoff device in communication with the water meter, gas flow signal corresponding to the passing gas flow rate a gas flow rate detection means for outputting a leakage determination unit for outputting an alarm signal to determine gas leakage state, the outer it to warning and notifying a gas leak has occurred to the outside from said alarm signal And display means, the leakage determination unit from said detecting unused predetermined time elapse signal from the water meter, when detecting a gas flow rate signal with said gas flow detecting means, determines that the gas leakage state An alarm signal is output .
[0013]
According to the above configuration, the water meter unused timer that counts when the water amount signal is not detected, and the water meter external that notifies a predetermined external location and the gas shut-off device when the water amount unused timer elapses for a certain period of time. By providing the communication means, the water meter external communication means can inform the gas shutoff device external communication means of the unused amount of water when the water amount unused time has passed for a fixed time.
[0014]
When the communication result of the unused amount of water is received by the external communication means for the gas shut-off device, the external display means that the gas leak has occurred when the gas flow rate signal detected by the flow rate detection means is received. The gas leakage can be notified to a predetermined external location by the gas communication device external communication means.
[0015]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
Example 1
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a gas shutoff device and a water meter according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the gas cutoff device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0017]
In FIG. 1, a water amount detection means 11 for outputting a water amount signal corresponding to the amount of water passing through, and a water meter external communication means 12 for informing the gas shut-off device 2 of the usage state of the water amount from the water amount signal. A water meter 1 having an external communication means 21 for communicating with the water meter 1, a gas flow rate detecting means 22 for outputting a gas flow rate signal corresponding to the passing gas flow rate, and a gas appliance in use from the gas flow rate signal If the passing gas flow rate corresponds to that during use of the hot water heater, the use appliance estimation unit 23 that outputs a hot water heater in-use signal, the hot water heater in-use signal, and the gas shut-off device external communication means 21 The water meter 1 includes a shut-off valve driving unit 24 that outputs a shut-off signal according to a communication result when the water meter 1 is not used, and a gas shut-off valve 25 that shuts off a gas passage using the shut-off signal.
[0018]
Next, in the flowchart of FIG. 2, it is assumed that the process starts when the water flow rate detection unit 11 does not detect the water flow rate signal and the gas flow rate detection unit 22 detects the gas flow rate signal.
[0019]
In step T1, a gas appliance is estimated by the appliance estimation unit 23 from the gas flow rate signal detected in the gas appliance estimation process, and a certain amount of gas flow (for example, a state where the gas water heater is using a shower or If the gas flow rate when the hot water is used in the bath is set to a constant amount), a hot water heater in-use signal is output, and the process proceeds to step T2. If the gas flow rate does not exceed a certain amount, it is determined that the gas flow rate is other than that for the gas water heater, and waits until the start state is reached.
[0020]
Step T2 communicates with the water meter external communication means 12 by the gas communication device external communication means 21 in the water amount use information acquisition process, and acquires that the usage status of the water meter 1 is unused and goes to Step T3. Transition.
[0021]
In step T3, a communication result indicating that the water meter 1 is not in use from the external communication means 21 for the gas shut-off device by the shut-off valve driving unit 24 in the shut-off determination process, and the hot water heater being used from the appliance estimation unit 23 is being used. Although the gas flow rate is detected from the signal and the water heater is not used even though the gas water heater is estimated to be used, the gas water heater is empty. It determines with it being in a state, outputs a interruption | blocking signal, and transfers to step T4.
[0022]
In step T4, the gas shutoff valve 25 is driven by the shutoff signal output by the shutoff valve drive unit 24 in the gas shutoff process, and the gas passage is shut off to stop the gas supply to the gas water heater. By stopping the gas supply, the safety of gas use is ensured and the process is terminated.
[0023]
(Example 2)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gas shutoff device and the water meter according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the gas cutoff device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0024]
In FIG. 3, a water amount detecting means 11 for outputting a water amount signal corresponding to the passing water amount, a water amount unused timer 13 for counting the amount of water not detected from the water amount signal, and a water amount unused timer 13 are provided. A water meter 1 having a predetermined external location and a water meter external communication means 12 for notifying the gas cutoff device 2 that a predetermined time has passed, and a gas cutoff device communicating with the external predetermined location and the water meter 1 An external communication means 21, a gas flow rate detection means 22 for outputting a gas flow rate signal corresponding to the passing gas flow rate, and an alarm signal based on a communication result indicating that the water meter 1 has not been used for a certain period of time and a gas flow rate signal are output. A leak determination unit 26, an external display means 27 for alarming / notifying that a gas leak has occurred outside from the alarm signal, and a gas leak from a warning signal to a predetermined external location. It is one having a gas cutoff apparatus for external communication means 21 for warning and notifying that.
[0025]
Next, in the flowchart of FIG. 4, since the water amount signal is not detected by the water amount detecting means 11, the timer 13 when the water amount is not used is set for a certain period of time (for example, tap water is always used if the gas user is at home). 24 hours as a certain period of time).
[0026]
In step t1, a water amount unused state is transmitted from the water meter external communication means 12 to the gas shut-off device in the water amount unused state notifying process, and the process proceeds to step t2.
[0027]
Step t2 is a gas leak determination process in which it is determined whether or not a gas flow rate signal is detected by the leak determination unit 26 while the unused amount of water is detected by the external communication means 21 for the gas shut-off device. If the flow rate signal is detected, it is determined that the flow rate is not a gas flow rate in use of the gas appliance but a leakage flow rate, an alarm signal is output, and the process proceeds to step t3.
[0028]
In step t3, the alarm signal output from the leak determination unit 26 is notified to the external display means 27 using an LED or the like as a leak alarm signal, and the external communication means 21 for the gas shut-off device is used to provide a predetermined external signal. The process is terminated by ensuring the safety of gas use by reporting a leak alarm to the location.
[0029]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to monitor the gas appliance in accordance with the usage status of the water meter and the gas usage status, and to prevent the gas appliance such as a gas water heater from being emptied. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of the gas user because it is possible to take detailed measures for ensuring the safety of gas use.
[0030]
In addition, a period when tap water is not being used can be detected by a water meter, and the information can be monitored together with the gas usage status. Therefore, the monitoring period of the gas leakage flow rate can be shortened, and the convenience of the gas user can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a gas shut-off device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the gas shut-off device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a gas shut-off device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Flow diagram of gas shut-off device [Fig. 5] Block diagram of conventional gas shut-off device [Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water meter 2 Gas shut-off device 11 Water quantity detection means 12 Water meter external communication means 13 Water quantity unused timer 21 Gas shut-off device external communication means 22 Gas flow rate detection means 23 Equipment used estimation part 24 Shut-off valve drive part 25 Gas shut-off valve 26 Leakage determination unit 27 External display means

Claims (2)

A gas shut-off device that connects a water meter and a gas shut-off device by an external communication means, and monitors the emptying of a water heater based on a gas flow rate signal of the gas shut-off device and a water amount signal of the water meter,
Wherein the water meter is provided with a water amount detecting means for outputting a water signal corresponding to the passing water, and an external communication means for a water meter for notifying the use state of the water signal from the instrument,
The gas shut-off device includes a gas shut-off device external communication means for communicating with the water meter, a gas flow rate detecting means for outputting a gas flow rate signal corresponding to a passing gas flow rate, and a gas appliance in use from the gas flow rate signal. comprising a to that used for instrument estimating unit estimates, and the cutoff valve driving unit which outputs a shielding disconnection signal, and a gas shut-off valve for interrupting the gas passage by the blocking signal,
When the appliance estimation unit estimates the use of the water heater from the passing gas flow rate and outputs a water heater in-use signal, when an unused notification signal is transmitted from the water meter, A gas shut-off device that judges and outputs a shut-off signal . A gas shut-off device that connects a water meter and a gas shut-off device by external communication means, and monitors gas leakage based on a gas flow rate signal of the gas shut-off device and a water amount signal of the water meter,
The water meter has a water amount detecting means for outputting a water amount signal corresponding to the passing water amount, a water amount unused timer for counting while the water amount signal is not detected, and a water amount unused timer. and a water supply for the external communication means for notifying that a predetermined time has elapsed,
The gas shut-off device includes a gas shut-off device external communication means that communicates with a predetermined external location and the water meter, a gas flow rate detection means that outputs a gas flow rate signal corresponding to a passing gas flow rate, and a gas leakage state. and leakage determination unit for outputting the determined alarm signal, and an external display means for warning and notifying that a gas leak has occurred to the outside from said alarm signal,
When the leak determination unit detects an unused fixed time lapse signal from the water meter and then detects a gas flow signal by the gas flow detection means, it determines that the gas leak is present and outputs an alarm signal. gas cutoff apparatus in.

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