JP2019184241A - Gas shut-off device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a gas meter having a wireless function, while securing necessary minimum communication frequency according to a device to be used, and securing necessary security performance to save power. Kind Code: A1 A flow rate measuring section for measuring a gas flow rate flowing through a flow path, an appliance determining section for determining a gas appliance based on the flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring section, and a shutoff valve for shutting off the flow path. 103, a wireless communication unit 202 for periodically performing wireless communication with the outside, and a communication interval setting unit 203 for setting a communication interval in the wireless communication unit 202. The communication interval setting unit 203 The communication interval is set according to the determined gas appliance. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas cutoff device having an instrument discrimination function and a communication function.

  A wireless automatic meter reading system has been put into practical use that automatically measures the meter reading value of a meter that measures the usage amount of utilities such as gas, electric power, and water supply using wireless or the like.

  Among these, meters such as gas and water are required to save power because batteries are used as the power source because it is difficult to supply power from a commercial power source. In addition, from the perspective of energy management, including energy consumption visualization, energy monitoring, and added value, reading the finer usage by increasing the meter reading frequency, reading the meter reading value in a short cycle, By adding sensors, we are trying to acquire various information and improve the value.

  From these viewpoints, various methods have been studied to suppress the current consumption of the meter. And, as a communication method, a method of communicating by using a LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication module at all times or by shortening the communication interval has been proposed, but the gas meter is assumed to be used without battery replacement for 10 years. There is a demand for power saving. In addition, from the viewpoint of added value, suppression of current consumption and responsiveness are also important factors.For example, the meter side is intermittently driven, and the master unit transmits a synchronization signal in a short cycle to suppress current consumption and respond. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-160990 A

  However, in the conventional method, power saving can be realized at a certain level, but it is related to the limitation on the transmission time on the base unit side and the reception interval on the meter side. Not connected.

  There is also a method in which information is transmitted to the parent device at the meter-side timing and information is acquired from the parent device after transmission. With this method, the meter can save power by operating the communication part in a pause or low-consumption mode except for the transmission timing.

  In order to save power with this method, the cycle in which the meter transmits information to the master unit is generally very long, and the timing when receiving a response from the master unit is also the timing. This state becomes a state in which the user cannot know the state for a long time, or even if the setting change data is received from the master unit, the change setting cannot be reflected for a long time.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and changes the communication interval according to the type of gas appliance determined based on the measured flow rate, and is thus required depending on the gas appliance. It is possible to save power while ensuring safety performance.

In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, a gas shutoff device according to the present invention includes a flow rate measuring unit that measures a flow rate of gas flowing through a flow path, and an appliance discrimination that discriminates a gas appliance based on the flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring unit. A communication interval setting unit that sets a communication interval in the wireless communication unit, and a wireless communication unit that periodically performs wireless communication with the outside, and a communication interval setting unit that sets a communication interval in the wireless communication unit The unit sets the communication interval according to the gas appliance discriminated by the appliance discriminating unit.

  As a result, it is possible to save power while ensuring the necessary safety frequency according to the gas appliance while securing the necessary minimum communication frequency.

  According to the gas shut-off device of the present invention, the communication interval is changed according to the gas appliance determined based on the measured flow rate, thereby ensuring the necessary minimum communication frequency and depending on the gas appliance. It is possible to save power while ensuring the necessary safety performance.

Block diagram showing a gas meter in the first embodiment The figure which shows an example of the communication interval setting in Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the communication space | interval setting according to the discriminated instrument in Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the communication space | interval setting according to the discriminated instrument in Embodiment 2.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flow rate measurement unit that measures a flow rate of gas flowing through a flow path, an instrument determination unit that determines a gas instrument based on a flow rate measured by the flow rate measurement unit, and a shut-off valve that blocks the flow path. A wireless communication unit that periodically performs wireless communication with the outside, and a communication interval setting unit that sets a communication interval in the wireless communication unit, wherein the communication interval setting unit is a gas determined by the appliance determination unit The gas shut-off device is characterized in that the communication interval is set according to the appliance, and it is possible to save power while ensuring the safety performance required according to the appliance.

  In a second aspect of the invention, particularly in the first aspect of the invention, the communication interval setting unit is configured to set the communication interval to a predetermined first predetermined interval when the appliance determination unit determines that a gas appliance is not used. When the gas appliance used by the appliance discriminating unit is discriminated as a stove, when the gas appliance is continuously used for a first predetermined time or more at a first predetermined flow rate or at a flow rate smaller than the first predetermined flow rate. The communication interval is set to an interval shorter than the first predetermined interval when the communication device is continuously used for a second predetermined time set longer than the first predetermined time.

  In a third aspect of the invention, particularly in the first aspect of the invention, the communication interval setting unit is configured to set the communication interval to a predetermined first predetermined interval when the appliance determination unit determines that the gas appliance is not used. When the gas appliance used by the appliance discriminating unit is discriminated as a fan heater, the communication interval is set to the first period only for a predetermined period when the flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring unit changes by a predetermined flow rate or more. An interval shorter than the predetermined interval is set.

  In a fourth aspect of the invention, particularly in the first aspect of the invention, the communication interval setting unit determines that the communication interval is a first predetermined interval that is set in advance when the appliance determination unit determines that a gas appliance is not used. When the gas appliance used in the appliance discriminating unit is discriminated as a fuel cell, the communication interval is not changed.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, in the first aspect, the communication interval setting unit is configured to set the communication interval in advance when the appliance determination unit determines that the gas appliance is not used. When the gas appliance used in the appliance discriminating unit is discriminated as a water heater, the communication interval is set to be shorter than the first predetermined interval after being continuously used for a predetermined time or longer. It is a feature.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the communication interval setting unit may be configured to set the communication interval to a predetermined first predetermined interval when the appliance determination unit determines that the gas appliance is not used. When the use of the gas appliance is determined, the communication interval is set to a second predetermined interval shorter than the first predetermined interval.

  In a seventh aspect of the invention, particularly in the sixth aspect of the invention, the communication interval setting unit continues at a first predetermined flow rate or more for a first predetermined time when the gas appliance used in the appliance discrimination unit is determined to be a stove. When used, or when continuously used for a second predetermined time set longer than the first predetermined time at a flow rate lower than the first predetermined flow rate, the communication interval is shorter than the second predetermined interval. The interval is set.

  In an eighth aspect of the invention, in particular, in the sixth aspect of the invention, the communication interval setting unit determines that the flow rate measured by the flow rate measurement unit is predetermined when the gas appliance used in the appliance discrimination unit is discriminated as a fan heater. The communication interval is set to be shorter than the second predetermined interval for a predetermined period when the flow rate changes more than the flow rate.

  In a ninth aspect of the invention, particularly in the sixth aspect of the invention, the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval to be greater than the second predetermined interval when the gas appliance used in the appliance discrimination unit is discriminated as a fuel cell. It is characterized by setting a long interval.

  In a tenth aspect of the invention, particularly in the sixth aspect of the invention, the communication interval setting unit determines that the communication device is used when the gas appliance used in the appliance discriminating unit is discriminated as a water heater, The interval is set to be shorter than the second predetermined interval.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a gas cutoff device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiment described below, a gas meter is given as an example of the gas cutoff device, and the process will be described. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the components already described is omitted. In addition, this invention is not limited by embodiment described below.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a gas meter according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a gas meter 100 includes a flow path 101, a flow rate measurement unit 102, a shut-off valve 103, a control unit 104, an appliance determination unit 105, a vibration detection unit 106, a wireless communication unit 202, and a communication interval setting. The unit 203 is provided. Further, the gas meter 100 is connected to the gas pipe 1, and gas appliances 10 to 12 are connected to the downstream side of the gas meter 100 via the gas pipe 2.

  The components and functions in the block will be described below.

  The ultrasonic flow meter as the flow rate measuring unit 102 emits ultrasonic waves at a constant time interval (for example, every 0.5 seconds or every 2 seconds) and measures the flow rate of the gas as the fluid flowing in the flow path 101. It is a thing and can use a general thing. In addition, it is possible to adopt a configuration such as a circuit for calculating a flow rate due to thermal fluctuations, or a measurement membrane if gas is measured, and there is no particular limitation.

The vibration detection unit 106 includes a vibration sensor, an acceleration sensor, and the like. The vibration detection unit 106 detects a vibration such as an earthquake, and determines that an earthquake has occurred when a vibration having a predetermined magnitude or more is detected. A vibration value corresponding to the magnitude of vibration is output.

  The shut-off valve 103 is configured by an electromagnetic valve, a valve using a stepping motor, or the like, and can open and close the shut-off valve according to an instruction from the control unit 104 described later. If the shut-off valve 103 is opened, gas is supplied to the gas appliances 10 to 12 connected after the gas meter 100, and if the shut-off valve 103 is closed, the supply is stopped.

  The appliance discriminating unit 105 is based on the flow rate value acquired by the flow rate measuring unit 102 and based on the flow rate change pattern obtained when the gas appliances 10 to 12 are started to operate, Fan heater, stove, etc.).

  The control unit 104 mainly includes a microcomputer, a memory, a clock, a storage device, and the like (all not shown). The control unit 104 is connected to the flow rate measurement unit 102, the shut-off valve 103, the appliance determination unit 105, the vibration detection unit 106, and a wireless communication unit 202 described later. Then, based on the flow rate data measured by the flow rate measuring unit 102, the flow rate is calculated and integrated, or the presence or absence of an abnormality is determined, and the flow path 101 is blocked by the cutoff valve 103. As an abnormality leading to shut-off, an abnormality in which the gas flow rate exceeds a preset maximum flow rate, an abnormality in which the gas use time exceeds a preset maximum use time, or an earthquake detected by the vibration detection unit 106 Etc.

  Further, the control unit 104 controls the wireless communication unit 202 based on a predetermined communication protocol, and the stored integrated value, the output result of the vibration detection unit 106, the control result and state of the shutoff valve 103, and the like. The data is transmitted to the base station 300 which is a device external to the gas meter 100.

  The wireless communication unit 202 includes a transmission circuit, a reception circuit, a demodulation circuit, a modulation circuit, a VCO circuit, an antenna, and the like (all not shown), and is a base station outside the gas meter 100 according to a predetermined protocol. Communicate with 300, ie transmit and receive. Then, the integrated value of the gas usage obtained by the control unit 104 or the detected abnormality is transmitted to the base station 300, or the gas meter is controlled based on an instruction from the base station 300. Thereby, the flow path 101 can be shut off by the shutoff valve 103 of the gas meter 100 in accordance with an instruction from the center device 400.

  The communication interval setting unit 203 controls the communication interval in the wireless communication unit 202 based on the information obtained from the control unit 104, and will be described in detail later.

  Base station 300 communicates with radio communication unit 202 of gas meter 100 via a communication unit (not shown). The base station 300 communicates with the center apparatus 400 managed and operated by a gas company or the like through a net line or the like. It should be noted that there is no problem even if the center device 400 also serves as the base station 300.

  With the above configuration, the gas meter 100 and the center device 400 can communicate, and data such as the amount of gas used obtained by the gas meter 100 can be communicated to the center device 400. Further, the center device 400 can instruct the gas meter 100 to shut off the gas.

FIG. 2 shows a first example of the set time of the communication interval setting unit 203. When the gas flow rate is less than the predetermined flow rate (21 L / H), the transmission interval is set to 300 seconds, and the predetermined flow rate error is detected. In the case of, it is set to 20 seconds. This predetermined flow rate (21 L / H) is a flow rate at which it can be determined that a gas appliance is being used. If the flow rate is smaller than this flow rate, it can be determined that no gas is being used, and if it is greater, any gas appliance is used. It is a value that can be determined to be.

  The appliance discriminating unit 105 first determines whether or not a gas appliance is used from the flow rate obtained by the flow rate measuring unit 102. If the gas appliance is used, the type of the gas appliance is determined by a predetermined determination method. (A stove, a fan heater, a fuel cell, a water heater, etc.) are identified. In addition, when a gas appliance cannot be discriminated, the discrimination result is an unknown appliance.

  Hereinafter, the relationship between the communication interval set in the communication interval setting unit 203 and the gas appliance discriminated by the appliance discriminating unit 105 will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows the setting of the communication interval set according to the determination result in the appliance discriminating unit 105 and the changing conditions such as the flow rate and the usage time. The communication interval is set as follows according to the appliance to be discriminated. .

  First, in a state where the appliance discrimination is not performed in the appliance discrimination unit 105, the first predetermined interval (for example, 300 seconds) is set.

  Next, when the gas appliance is determined to be a stove by the appliance determination unit 105, when the gas appliance is continuously used for a first predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) at a first predetermined flow rate (for example, 60 L / h) or more, Alternatively, the communication interval is the first when the flow rate is lower than the first predetermined flow rate (for example, 40 L / h) and continuously used for a second predetermined time (for example, 2 hours) set longer than the first predetermined time. The communication interval is set shorter than the predetermined interval.

  Because of this, there is a possibility of forgetting to switch off when there is a use situation that is not normally assumed such as using for a long time with a strong fire, or when it is used for a longer time than expected even with a low fire, By shortening the center device 400, it is possible to determine an abnormal use state at an early stage, and contact the user, or if the center device 400 cannot contact the user, the center device 400 shuts off the gas meter 100. Can be instructed.

  Further, when the appliance determination unit 105 determines that the gas appliance is a fan heater, the communication interval is set to be shorter than the first predetermined interval at the timing when the flow rate change occurs. Thereby, since the center apparatus 400 can acquire the flow rate information when the flow rate change occurs in a short period of time, the center device 400 can monitor the stepwise flow rate change that is a unique flow rate control of the fan heater, the occurrence of an abnormality, etc. Can be grasped. It is also possible to specify the type of fan heater.

  That is, the flow control characteristics of each fan heater, which is the same appliance, differ depending on the model. Measure the flow characteristics associated with the flow control for each model and compare it with the previously acquired flow characteristics for each model. However, in order to specify the model with the gas meter 100, it is necessary to store the flow characteristics of each model in a memory or the like, and to incorporate software for the specification. It is difficult to increase the load on the microcomputer for control. On the other hand, since there is no such restriction in the center apparatus 400, it can be easily realized.

  In addition, it is good also as a structure which limits the time which sets a communication interval to an interval shorter than a 1st predetermined interval to a predetermined period from a flow volume change.

  Further, when the appliance determination unit 105 determines that the gas appliance is a fuel cell, the communication interval is maintained at the first predetermined interval. This is because the flow rate change in the fuel cell is gradual and it is not particularly necessary to shorten the communication interval.

  Further, when the appliance determination unit 105 determines that the gas appliance is a water heater, the communication interval is made shorter than the first predetermined interval when used for a long time (for example, 30 minutes). Thereby, when long-time use of the water heater is detected, there is a possibility of forgetting to cut, so by shortening the communication interval, the center device 400 can determine that it is abnormally used at an early stage, The center device 400 can instruct the gas meter 100 to shut off if the user is contacted or if the user cannot be contacted.

  Further, when the appliance determination unit 105 determines that the gas appliance is an unknown appliance, the communication interval is set to be shorter than the first predetermined interval. Thereby, the center apparatus 400 can acquire the flow rate information from a gas meter at a short interval, and can monitor whether there is an abnormal behavior.

  Needless to say, when it is detected that the use of the gas appliance is stopped, the communication interval is returned to the first predetermined interval.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the response from the center device 400 to the gas meter can be optimized according to the gas appliance during use while the gas appliance is in operation, and the center device 400 is operated. As a service of the gas company that is doing, even when shutting off remotely by contact from a user who has gone out as a response to forgetting to cut off the gas appliance, it is possible to quickly shut off and secure safety.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the relationship between the communication interval set in the communication interval setting unit 203 in the second embodiment and the gas appliance discriminated by the appliance discriminating unit 105 will be described.

  FIG. 4 shows the setting of the communication interval set according to the appliance discrimination result and the changing conditions such as flow rate and usage time in the present embodiment. The communication interval is set as follows according to the appliance to be discriminated. The

  First, in a state where the appliance discrimination is not performed in the appliance discrimination unit 105, the first predetermined interval (for example, 300 seconds) is set. Thereafter, when the start of use of the gas appliance is detected, first, the communication interval is set to a second predetermined interval (for example, 60 seconds) shorter than the first predetermined interval, and then the gas determined by the appliance determination unit 105 is detected. The communication interval described below is set according to the appliance.

  Next, when the appliance determination unit 105 determines that the gas appliance is a stove, when the gas appliance is continuously used for a first predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) at a first predetermined flow rate (for example, 60 L / h) or more, or The communication interval is set to the second predetermined time when continuously used for a second predetermined time (for example, 2 hours) set longer than the first predetermined time at a flow rate (for example, 40 L / h) smaller than the first predetermined flow rate. The communication interval (for example, 20 seconds) is set shorter than the interval.

  Because of this, there is a possibility of forgetting to switch off when there is a use situation that is not normally assumed such as using for a long time with a strong fire, or when it is used for a longer time than expected even with a low fire, By shortening the center device 400, it is possible to determine an abnormal use state at an early stage, and contact the user, or if the center device 400 cannot contact the user, the center device 400 shuts off the gas meter 100. Can be instructed.

When the appliance determination unit 105 determines that the gas appliance is a fan heater, the communication interval is set to be shorter than the second predetermined interval when the flow rate change occurs. Thereby, since the center apparatus 400 can acquire the flow rate information when the flow rate change occurs in a short period of time, the center device 400 can monitor the stepwise flow rate change that is a unique flow rate control of the fan heater, the occurrence of an abnormality, etc. Can be grasped. Also, it is possible to specify the type of fan heater as in the first embodiment.

  In addition, when the appliance determination unit 105 determines that the gas appliance is a fuel cell, the communication interval is set to a communication interval longer than the second predetermined interval. The flow rate change in the fuel cell is gradual, and there is no problem even if the communication interval is increased.

  In addition, when the appliance determination unit 105 determines that the gas appliance is a hot water heater, the communication interval is made shorter than the second predetermined interval when the gas appliance is used for a long time (for example, 30 minutes). Thereby, when long-time use of the water heater is detected, there is a possibility of forgetting to cut, so by shortening the communication interval, the center device 400 can determine that it is abnormally used at an early stage, The center device 400 can instruct the gas meter 100 to shut off if the user is contacted or if the user cannot be contacted.

  Further, when the appliance determination unit 105 determines that the gas appliance is an unknown appliance, the communication interval is set to an interval shorter than the second predetermined interval. Thereby, the center apparatus 400 can acquire the flow rate information from a gas meter at a short interval, and can monitor whether there is an abnormal behavior.

  Needless to say, when it is detected that the use of the gas appliance is stopped, the communication interval is returned to the first predetermined interval.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the response from the center device 400 to the gas meter can be optimized according to the gas appliance during use while the gas appliance is in operation, and the center device 400 is operated. As a service of the gas company that is doing, even when shutting off remotely by contact from a user who has gone out as a response to forgetting to cut off the gas appliance, it is possible to quickly shut off and secure safety.

  As described above, according to the gas meter (gas shut-off device) of the present invention, the communication interval is changed according to the gas appliance made by the appliance discriminating unit 105, thereby ensuring the minimum necessary communication frequency. By changing the communication interval according to the type of the gas appliance, it is possible to save power while ensuring the safety performance required according to the gas appliance.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the determination flow rate for using a gas appliance has been described as 21 L / H. However, when the gas appliance installed after the gas meter is known in advance, it is set in accordance with the minimum flow rate of the gas appliance. You can also The communication time interval has been described with the first predetermined interval being 300 seconds and the second predetermined interval being 60 seconds, but it goes without saying that the communication time interval can be arbitrarily set according to the battery capacity and the required responsiveness.

  As described above, the gas meter according to the present invention can secure the responsiveness while saving power by setting the communication interval according to the gas appliance. Therefore, the gas meter can be applied to a water meter using a battery as a power source. can do.

100 Gas meter (gas shut-off device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Flow path 102 Flow measurement part 103 Shut-off valve 104 Control part 105 Instrument discrimination | determination part 106 Vibration detection part 202 Wireless communication part 203 Communication interval setting part 300 Base station 400 Center apparatus

Claims (10)

A flow rate measuring unit for measuring the flow rate of gas flowing through the flow path;
An appliance discriminating unit for discriminating a gas appliance based on the flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring unit;
A shut-off valve for shutting off the flow path;
A wireless communication unit that periodically performs wireless communication with the outside;
A communication interval setting unit for setting a communication interval in the wireless communication unit;
With
The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval according to the gas appliance discriminated by the appliance discriminating unit. The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval to a preset first predetermined interval when the appliance determination unit determines that the gas appliance is not used, and the gas used by the appliance determination unit When it is determined that the appliance is a stove, the second set is set to be longer than the first predetermined time at a flow rate lower than the first predetermined flow rate or when it is continuously used for a first predetermined time or more at a first predetermined flow rate or higher. 2. The gas shut-off device according to claim 1, wherein the communication interval is set to be shorter than the first predetermined interval when it is continuously used for a predetermined time or longer. The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval to a preset first predetermined interval when the appliance determination unit determines that the gas appliance is not used, and the gas used by the appliance determination unit When the appliance is determined to be a fan heater, the communication interval is set to be shorter than the first predetermined interval for a predetermined period when the flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring unit changes by a predetermined flow rate or more. The gas cutoff device according to claim 1. The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval to a preset first predetermined interval when the appliance determination unit determines that the gas appliance is not used, and the gas used by the appliance determination unit The gas shut-off device according to claim 1, wherein the communication interval is not changed when it is determined that the instrument is a fuel cell. The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval to a preset first predetermined interval when the appliance determination unit determines that the gas appliance is not used, and the gas used by the appliance determination unit 2. The gas shut-off device according to claim 1, wherein when the appliance is determined as a water heater, the communication interval is set to be shorter than the first predetermined interval after being continuously used for a predetermined time or longer. The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval to a preset first predetermined interval when the appliance determination unit determines that the gas appliance is not used, and the use of the gas appliance is determined The gas cutoff device according to claim 1, wherein the communication interval is set to a second predetermined interval shorter than the first predetermined interval. When the gas appliance used in the appliance discriminating unit is determined to be a stove, the communication interval setting unit is continuously used for a first predetermined time at a first predetermined flow rate or more, or from a first predetermined flow rate. 7. The communication interval is set to be shorter than the second predetermined interval when the flow is continuously used for a second predetermined time set longer than the first predetermined time at a smaller flow rate. The gas shut-off device according to 1. The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval for a predetermined period when the gas appliance used in the appliance discriminating unit is discriminated as a fan heater, and when the flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring unit changes by a predetermined flow rate or more. The gas cutoff device according to claim 6, wherein an interval shorter than the second predetermined interval is set. The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval to an interval longer than the second predetermined interval when the gas appliance used in the appliance determination unit is determined to be a fuel cell. The gas shut-off device according to 1. The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval to an interval shorter than the second predetermined interval when the gas appliance used in the appliance discriminating unit is discriminated as a water heater, and is continuously used for a predetermined time or more. The gas cutoff device according to claim 6, wherein