JP2008309559A - Fluid managing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fluid managing device capable of informing a gas utility of a gas using actual state of a user by informing a center (gas utility) of a learning state corresponding to the flow rate and using time of a measuring fluid such as gas at an appropriate timing. <P>SOLUTION: A gas meter 1 comprises a measuring section 11 for measuring the flow rate of gas, a shielding section 14 for shielding or supplying the gas, a microcomputer 10a for resetting the shielding set value for driving the shielding section 14 when the gas flow rate value reaches a predetermined condition, and a terminal base 15 for outputting the learning information learned by the microcomputer 10a to the outside. When the microcomputer 10a starts to learn, a predetermined time passes after the start of the learning, or the learning is completed, the terminal base 15 outputs the learning information learned by the microcomputer 10a to the outside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid management device, and more particularly to a fluid management device such as a gas meter that manages the remaining amount of fluid such as LP gas.

  Conventionally, when LP gas in a gas container continues to be consumed, the remaining amount is reduced, a situation of running out of gas occurs, gas supply becomes impossible, and there is a problem that the consumer cannot receive gas supply. Therefore, in order to prevent a gas exhaustion state, for example, as in Patent Document 1, when the usage time is increased, there is a device that generates a usage time increase signal and transmits the signal to the outside.

The LP gas remaining amount management device described in Patent Document 1 integrates a flow rate of LP gas supplied from a gas container to a gas combustion appliance through a gas supply pipe, and a gas flow rate integration means capable of resetting the integrated flow rate value; An alarm signal generating means for generating an alarm signal when detecting that the gas remaining amount in the gas container has decreased below a predetermined judgment value based on the integrated flow value by the gas flow integrating means, and transmitting the alarm signal to the outside. Time increase signal generating means. This usage time increase signal generating means is used when LP gas supply to the gas combustion appliance is continuously performed exceeding the usage time cutoff set value that cuts off the supply of LP gas to the gas combustion appliance, or the usage time. When the LP gas is continuously supplied to the gas combustion appliance beyond the first monitoring value determined in advance based on the cutoff setting value, the usage time cutoff setting value is automatically reset upward. The use time shut-off device made to detect the use time cut-off set value or the continuous use time of the gas combustion appliance that exceeded the first monitoring value and started resetting the use time cut-off set value upward. When the usage time increase signal is generated, it is transmitted to the outside.
Japanese Patent No. 375596

  However, in the case of Patent Document 1, it is not possible to know what the current consumer is in what state and in what state of use only by the usage time increase signal, and a usage time increase signal is output for a temporary increase in usage amount. However, even though the remaining amount of LP gas remains, measures such as promptly supplying LP gas cylinders were taken, which put a burden on consumers.

  In addition, the gas meter automatically learns from installation to the expiry date, but unless it is read by an external device, the learning state has only a simple LCD display. ), Gas supply efficiency is not good because it is impossible to grasp the change in the learning state corresponding to the actual gas consumption and the learned conditions due to the addition of a combustion appliance, replacement, etc.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and notifies the center (gas company) of the learning state corresponding to the flow rate and usage time of the fluid to be measured such as gas at an appropriate timing. An object of the present invention is to provide a fluid management apparatus capable of notifying a gas company of the actual gas usage of a user.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention of claim 1 is a fluid management device comprising a flow rate measuring means for measuring a flow rate of a fluid to be measured and a shutoff means for shutting off or supplying the fluid to be measured. Learning means for resetting a cutoff setting value for driving the cutoff means when the flow rate value of the fluid to be measured reaches a predetermined condition, and learning information for outputting learning information learned by the learning means to the outside Output means.

  The invention of claim 2 is a fluid management apparatus comprising a flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured and a shutoff means for shutting off or supplying the fluid to be measured, wherein the usage time of the fluid to be measured A time-of-use time measuring means, a learning means for resetting a cutoff set value for driving the cutoff means when a measured value by the time-of-use time measuring means reaches a predetermined value, and learning learned by the learning means A learning information output means for outputting information to the outside is provided.

  The invention of claim 3 is the invention of claim 1 or 2, further comprising external signal input means for inputting an external signal for activating the learning function of the fluid management device, wherein the learning means is the external signal input means. When an external signal is input by the above, the cutoff set value for driving the cutoff means is reset.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the learning information output unit is configured to start learning when the learning unit starts learning, when a predetermined time elapses after starting learning, or learning ends. Then, the learning information learned by the learning means is output to the outside.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the learning information output means externally outputs the learning information learned by the learning means at a timing when a learning state by the learning means changes. It is characterized by being output to.

  According to the present invention, the gas state of the user's gas usage is notified to the gas company by notifying the center (gas company) of the learning state corresponding to the flow rate and usage time of the fluid to be measured such as gas at an appropriate timing. Since it is possible to notify the user, it is possible to surely confirm the actual use condition and use situation of the user, and to grasp the combustion appliance used by the user and to improve the efficiency of gas delivery.

  In addition, it is possible to check the start and end of use of combustion appliances according to the season (change in temperature), and it is possible to grasp in advance the increase in gas consumption, so gas replenishment and gas delivery at the optimal timing The efficiency can be improved.

  In addition, by notifying the start (cancellation of the shipping mode) from the gas meter, it is possible to grasp the start of gas use at the center (gas company), confirming the start of gas use reliably, and stopping By notifying (capping, shipping mode), it is possible to reliably grasp the gas use stop state.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to a flow management device of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a gas meter which is a fluid management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is also a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a general microcomputer meter. In FIG. 1, 1 is a gas meter, 2 is an external device, 10 is a control unit, 11 is a metering unit, 12 is a sensor unit, 13 is a display unit, 14 is a blocking unit, 15 is a terminal block, 21 is a home controller, 22 Is a network control device (hereinafter referred to as NCU), 23 is a gas leak alarm, 24 is an external 1 device (device of external terminal 1), 25 is an external 2 device (device of external terminal 2), 10a is a microcomputer (Hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 10b is an interface, 10c is a battery, 10d is a test cutoff switch, 10e is a container reset switch, 11a is a weighing function, 12a is a battery voltage detection sensor, 12b is a flow sensor, 12c is a pressure sensor, 12d Is a seismic sensor, 13a is an integrated display function, 13b is a security display function, 14a is a shutoff valve, and 14b is a shutoff valve opening switch.

  The gas meter 1 includes a control unit 10 that performs various controls in the gas meter 1, a measuring unit 11 that measures a gas flow rate, a sensor unit 12, a display unit 13, and a blocking unit 14, and a terminal that connects to the external device 2. A stand 15 is provided.

  The metering unit 11 includes a metering function 11a that outputs the rotational speed or fluid vibration of the rotating body according to the gas flow rate. The sensor unit 12 includes sensors that detect physical quantities related to the gas flow rate and security. The battery voltage detection sensor 12a detects the voltage of the battery 10c, the flow rate sensor 12b detects the output of the measuring function 11a, and the gas pressure. The pressure sensor 12c detects gas pressure such as a drop, and a seismic sensor 12d detects vibration such as seismic waves. The flow rate sensor 12b is a sensor for detecting the flow rate, and of course may be a flow rate sensor that calculates the flow rate with the microcomputer 10a, or via a flow rate calculator (flow rate converter). The flow rate may be transmitted to the microcomputer 10a.

  The control unit 10 mainly performs arithmetic processing on the captured sensor signal, stores the processing data, and outputs the processed data to the display unit 13 or to the outside via the terminal block 15. 10b, a battery 10c as a power source, a test cutoff switch 10d for testing whether the cutoff valve 14a functions normally, a container reset switch 10e, and the like. The battery 10c serves as a power source for at least the control unit 10. Further, the microcomputer 10a is an electronic control device that commands the flow sensor 12b and performs a process of measuring and integrating the flow based on a flow detection signal from the flow sensor 12b. The memory is configured to record a program for causing the MPU to function and to record processing data.

  The display unit 13 is a display device such as an LCD (liquid crystal display unit) that displays the data processed by the control unit 10 in accordance with a predetermined program or an external command, and includes an integrated gas flow rate display function 13a and a security display. It has a function 13b and the like. The shut-off unit 14 shuts off the control valve according to a command from the microcomputer 10a of the control unit 10 when an abnormality or the like due to the signal of the sensor unit 12 occurs. The shut-off valve 14a as a control valve, the shut-off valve opening switch 14b and the like.

  On the other hand, the external device 2 is equipment connected to the outside of the gas meter 1 via the terminal block 15. For example, the external device 2 makes a call between the home meter 21 that operates the gas meter 1 in the home and the gas meter 1. Other external devices (here, one external device) such as an NCU 22 that controls the telephone exchange network such as sending and disconnecting selection signals, a gas leak alarm device 23 that warns of gas leaks in the gas meter 1, and a handy terminal and PC (personal computer) 24 and two external devices 25) are provided. The NCU 22 is a device that connects the gas meter 1 and the gas meter 1 via a telephone line to perform communication functions (automatic notification, remote shut-off, automatic meter reading, etc.) of the gas meter 1. 1 data is transmitted and received. The handy terminal and the PC are used as a meter reading device and a setting device. The setting device performs setting change or confirmation of the installed gas meter 1. Items to be set and confirmed include continuous use time setting and flaming registration, but their specifications are determined by the operation type of the gas company.

  When the gas meter 1 configured as described above is installed in the gas line and the shut-off valve opening switch 14b is turned on (closed), the valve is kept open by self-holding and gas flow measurement is started. Whether the pressure data detected by the built-in pressure sensor 12c is taken into the control unit 10 and processed, and whether the measurement is continued by determining the security function given to the pressure sensor 12c described above according to a predetermined program. It is instructed whether to close the shut-off valve and issue an alarm. When measuring the current gas pressure, the current gas pressure can be displayed on the display unit 13 for a predetermined time, for example, 10 seconds, by pressing the shut-off valve opening switch 14b.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network of the gas meter 1 according to the present invention. Thus, the gas meter 1 is connected to the NCU 22, and the NCU 22 and the center 4 are connected via the telephone exchange network 3. Thereby, the gas meter 1 and the center 4 are connected so that communication is possible.

  The gas meter 1 according to the present invention includes a measuring unit 11 corresponding to a flow rate measuring unit that measures a gas flow rate, a blocking unit 14 that corresponds to a blocking unit that blocks or supplies gas, and a gas flow rate value that satisfies a predetermined condition. A microcomputer 10a corresponding to learning means for resetting a cutoff setting value for driving the cutoff unit 14 when reaching a level (for example, a monitoring level described later), and learning for outputting learning information learned by the microcomputer 10a to the outside And a terminal block 15 corresponding to information output means.

  The microcomputer 10a may be provided with a function as a usage time measuring means for measuring the usage time of the gas. In this case, the microcomputer 10a resets the cutoff setting value for driving the cutoff unit 14 when the measured value of the gas flow rate or the gas usage time reaches a predetermined value. Here, learning means learning an appropriate cutoff setting value corresponding to the gas flow rate and the gas usage time. Further, the learning information can include information such as the reset setting value that has been reset, the learning state of the gas meter 1 (see FIG. 3 described later), the learning history, and the maximum flow rate value.

  The terminal block 15 may have a function as an external signal input means for inputting an external signal for activating the learning function of the gas meter 1. In this case, the microcomputer 10a resets the cutoff setting value for driving the cutoff unit 14 when an external signal is input from the terminal block 15.

  When the microcomputer 10a starts learning, when a predetermined time elapses after learning starts, or when learning ends, the terminal block 15 externally (ie, learns learning information learned by the microcomputer 10a according to an instruction from the microcomputer 10a). Output to center 4). Alternatively, the terminal block 15 may output the learning information learned by the microcomputer 10a to the outside (center 4) at the timing when the learning state by the microcomputer 10a changes.

  With this configuration, the actual learning progress of the gas meter 1 is sent to the center 4 at an appropriate timing, so that the gas company of the center 4 grasps this and improves the efficiency of gas delivery. , Gas outage can be prevented. For example, when the gas meter 1 is learning, since the equipment used is still not grasped, a margin is provided for delivery. In addition, when the gas meter 1 has already been learned, it is easy to make a delivery plan because the used appliances are grasped. Further, by knowing the gas appliance usage state (usage flow rate, usage time) of the gas meter 1, it is possible to make a more accurate delivery plan.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a learning start procedure by the gas meter 1 of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a learning state and security display corresponding to the learning start procedure of the automatic setting function of the cutoff setting value.
After the installation of the gas meter 1 is completed (S1), the test is shut off (S2), the shutoff valve is opened within about 2 minutes (S3), and a series of procedures including monitoring (S4) for about 30 seconds after the shutoff valve is opened. The learning state is “shipping mode before initial learning”.

  Next, when a flow rate of 21 L / h or more is detected (S5), the learning state shifts to “shipping mode release”. Here, when one hour has elapsed, the learning state shifts to “learning start standby mode”. Also, the test is shut off within 1 hour (S6), the shut-off valve is opened within about 2 minutes (S7), the leak shut-off during the return safety check (S8), the shut-off valve open operation (S9), and The learning state shifts to the “learning start standby mode” by performing the operation process during the return safety confirmation (S10) for about 30 seconds.

  When the operations of S1 to S10 are completed, the user can use the gas meter 1 normally, and the learning state shifts to “early learning first period” and “early learning late period”, and the flow rate detection learning is performed from the user gas usage state. I do.

  When the learning state is “initial learning above”, when flow rate detection learning of 21 L / h or more is started (S11), an external report is sent to the center 4 monitoring each gas meter. When 3 days have elapsed, a maximum flow rate value from the start of flow rate detection learning or a value obtained by multiplying the maximum usage time by the safety factor is provisionally set as a cutoff setting value (S12). At this time, the cutoff setting value, learning state, and the like temporarily set are transmitted to the center 4 monitoring each gas meter, and the center 4 needs to know in detail what the user is currently using. Is possible.

  In addition, by transmitting the cutoff set value to the center 4, it is possible to request data from the center 4 to the corresponding gas meter, and not only the cutoff set value but also the learning state, learning history, maximum flow rate value, etc. Needless to say, it is possible to grasp more detailed data.

  After temporary setting in S12, a period of 11 days is set and this setting is performed. In this case as well, the safety factor is calculated based on the maximum flow rate value or maximum use time for 14 days from the period when the flow rate detection learning of 21 L / h or more is started. The multiplied value is finally set (S13), and a cutoff set value according to the user's gas consumption pattern is set.

  When this setting is completed in S13, the cutoff setting value set to the center 4 is transmitted to the center 4 side, and the user can check in which learning state and the current usage state.

  After starting the actual setting in S13, the flow rate is monitored in S14, and the process proceeds to logic interruption (S15) or forced relearning (S16). In the case of the logic interruption of S15, the process proceeds to S11 and the process is repeated, and in the case of forced relearning of S16, the process proceeds to S5 and the process is repeated. In S14, the microcomputer 10a sets the monitoring level to a value equal to or higher than a predetermined flow rate, for example, a value that is lower than the set cutoff setting value and the cutoff setting value multiplied by a predetermined rate. Learning is performed, and the cutoff set value is reset.

  Similarly to the above, when the measured value of the gas flow rate by the metering unit 11 or the gas usage time by the microcomputer 10a reaches a predetermined value, the microcomputer 10a may perform relearning and reset the cutoff setting value. . Further, the microcomputer 10a may perform relearning when the relearning start signal is input from the outside via the terminal block 15, and reset the cutoff setting value.

  For example, if the gas usage amount suddenly increases due to the circumstances of the user and the flow rate value exceeds the set cutoff set value, the shutdown is immediately performed. In this case, relearning is performed so that the set upper limit value becomes the cutoff set value. In addition, when the flow rate value exceeds the monitoring level and does not exceed the cutoff setting value, incremental relearning is performed to reset the cutoff setting value upward. In this case, a value obtained by multiplying the flow rate value exceeding the monitoring level by the safety factor 2.6 is set as the cutoff setting value as a temporary setting value.

  Furthermore, when monitoring for a predetermined period from the flow rate value exceeding the monitoring level and detecting the flow rate exceeding the monitoring level again within the predetermined period, the flow value exceeding the monitoring level first and the flow value exceeding the monitoring level next. And the value obtained by multiplying the value of the maximum flow rate value by the safety factor 2.2 is reset to the cutoff setting value as this setting value. After this setting is reset, the reset cutoff setting value is notified to the center 4 (or outside). As a result, it is possible to confirm that the cutoff setting value has been changed on the center 4 side.

  Note that the above-described series of processing is not limited to an increase in gas flow rate, and can be similarly performed even when the gas usage time has increased.

  By setting it as such a structure, the gas company of the center 4 knows that the interruption | blocking setting value was changed, and can confirm what use state a user is now. For example, it is possible to determine which learning is currently being performed by the consumer on the administrator side based on the cutoff setting value.

  After the gas meter 1 is installed, the “shipping mode release information” is notified to the center (gas company) 4 at the timing of actually notifying the start of gas use, and the center 4 acquires and stores the state of the gas meter 1 before learning. . Further, the “main setting start information” is notified to the center (gas company) 4 again at the timing when the learning of the gas meter 1 is completed (main setting), and the center 4 acquires and stores the state of the gas meter 1 when learning is completed. . By comparing the contents at the start and end of learning in the center 4, it is possible to grasp the maximum usage amount of the user of the gas meter 1 and to plan an optimal delivery amount.

  For example, when using only a stove, the learning state at the end of learning is set to a small amount of gas usage. When a large water heater is used, the learning state at the end of learning is set to a large amount of gas. Set to usage.

Conventionally, when a user stops using gas for a long period of time, such as when moving, the gas meter is closed (shipping mode). Until now, there was only a simple display on the gas meter. ) To review the delivery plan. For this reason, transmission of information is not performed in real time, and wasteful delivery is performed.
On the other hand, in the case of the gas meter 1 of the present invention, the “capping (shipping mode) information” for stopping the gas use and the “shipping mode release information” for starting the gas use are notified to the center (gas company) 4. , Can be immediately reflected in the delivery plan. In addition, gas can be delivered simultaneously with the start of use.

  That is, the gas meter 1 has information about the learning state (“shipment of gas use stop” at the timing when the learning state of the gas meter 1 changes (“shipment mode before initial learning”, “cancel shipping mode”,... Mode information ”,“ shipping mode release information ”for starting gas use, etc.).

  Thus, according to the present invention, by notifying the gas company of changes in the actual usage of the gas meter to the gas company at an appropriate timing, the gas company can surely check the user's actual usage and usage status. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the user's combustion appliances and improve the efficiency of gas delivery.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the gas meter which is the fluid management apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the network of the gas meter which concerns on this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the procedure of the learning start by the gas meter of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Fluid management apparatus (gas meter), 2 ... External device, 3 ... Telephone exchange network, 4 ... Center (gas company), 10 ... Control part, 10a ... Microcomputer, 10b ... Interface, 10c ... Battery, 10d ... Test interruption Switch, 10e ... Container reset switch, 11 ... Metering unit, 11a ... Metering function, 12 ... Sensor unit, 12a ... Battery voltage detection sensor, 12b ... Flow rate sensor, 12c ... Pressure sensor, 12d ... Seismic device, 13 ... Display unit , 13a ... Integrated display function, 13b ... Security display function, 14 ... Shut-off unit, 14a ... Shut-off valve, 14b ... Shut-off valve open switch, 15 ... Terminal block, 21 ... In-home controller, 22 ... NCU, 23 ... Gas leak alarm 24, 1 external device, 25 ... 2 external devices.

Claims (5)

A fluid management device comprising a flow rate measuring means for measuring a flow rate of a fluid to be measured and a shutoff means for shutting off or supplying the fluid to be measured,
Learning means for resetting a cutoff setting value for driving the cutoff means when the flow rate value of the fluid to be measured reaches a predetermined condition, and learning information output for outputting learning information learned by the learning means to the outside And a fluid management apparatus. A fluid management device comprising a flow rate measuring means for measuring a flow rate of a fluid to be measured and a shutoff means for shutting off or supplying the fluid to be measured,
Usage time measuring means for measuring the usage time of the fluid to be measured; learning means for resetting a cutoff setting value for driving the cutoff means when a measured value by the usage time timing means reaches a predetermined value; and A fluid management apparatus comprising: learning information output means for outputting learning information learned by the learning means to the outside. An external signal input means for inputting an external signal for activating the learning function of the fluid management device;
3. The fluid management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the learning unit resets a cutoff setting value for driving the cutoff unit when an external signal is input from the external signal input unit.   The learning information output means outputs the learning information learned by the learning means to the outside when the learning means starts learning, when a predetermined time elapses after learning starts, or when learning ends. The fluid management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fluid management apparatus is characterized in that:   The learning information output means outputs the learning information learned by the learning means to the outside at a timing when a learning state by the learning means changes. Fluid management device.

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