Gas shutoff device and wireless device for gas shutoff device

Abstract

The invention provides a gas cutoff device and a wireless device for the gas cutoff device. This gas meter is provided with: a flow rate measurement unit (102) that measures the flow rate of gas flowing through a flow path (101); a shut-off valve (103) for shutting off the flow path (101); a wireless communication unit (202) that periodically performs wireless communication with the outside; and a communication interval setting unit (203) for setting the communication interval of the wireless communication unit (202). A communication interval setting unit (203) sets a communication interval on the basis of the gas flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring unit (102). By changing the setting of the communication interval in accordance with the flow rate measured by the flow rate measurement unit (102), the required minimum communication frequency is ensured, and the required responsiveness is improved in accordance with the gas flow rate measured by the flow rate measurement unit (102), thereby enabling power saving and maintenance of convenience.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 201980018680.0, application date March 5, 2019, and invention title "Gas Cut-off Device and Wireless Device for Gas Cut-off Device". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a gas shut-off device with communication function and a wireless device for the gas shut-off device. Background Technology

[0003] Wireless automatic meter reading systems, which use wireless technology to automatically collect meter readings of the actual usage of gas, electricity, tap water, and other utilities, are becoming increasingly practical.

[0004] Gas and water meters, for example, are often powered by batteries because they are difficult to supply from commercial power sources. Therefore, there is a demand for energy-efficient meters that rely on batteries. On the other hand, from the perspective of energy management—including visualization of energy usage and energy monitoring—and from the perspective of added value, there is a tendency to increase the value of meters by increasing meter reading frequency to obtain more detailed usage costs, reading meter values ​​at shorter intervals, or adding new sensors to acquire various information.

[0005] Based on these perspectives, various methods have been studied to suppress the current consumption of meters or wireless devices for meters. Furthermore, methods have been proposed, such as using an LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication module for continuous communication or shortening communication intervals. However, given that gas meters or wireless devices for gas meters are intended to operate for 10 years without battery replacement, power saving is strongly desired. Additionally, from an added-value perspective, current consumption suppression and responsiveness are also important factors. For example, intermittently driving the meter side and sending a synchronization signal to the main unit with a shorter cycle can balance current consumption suppression and responsiveness (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Moreover, in other words, a gas meter with a shut-off valve that cuts off the flow path of gas can be called a gas shut-off device, and a wireless device used in a gas meter with a shut-off valve can be called a wireless device for a gas shut-off device.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-160990 Summary of the Invention

[0009] However, while previous methods could achieve a certain degree of power saving, this power saving was limited by the transmission time on the main device side and the reception interval on the instrument side or the instrument's wireless device, making it impossible to suppress the current consumption to a certain extent.

[0010] Alternatively, there is a method where the instrument or its wireless device periodically sends information to the master device and then retrieves the information from the master device. In this method, in addition to timing the transmission, the instrument or its wireless device can pause the communication or operate in a low-power mode, thus saving power.

[0011] When power saving is achieved through this method, the cycle of the instrument or the instrument's wireless device sending information to the master device is usually very long, and the time to receive the response from the master device is also the same. Therefore, the following situation may occur: the status of the instrument is unknown for a long time, or even if the data of setting change is received from the master device, the changed setting cannot be reflected for a long time.

[0012] The instrument or wireless device for instruments, i.e. gas shut-off device or wireless device for gas shut-off device in this invention ensures the minimum required communication frequency by changing the communication interval according to the flow rate measured by the flow measurement unit, and improves the required responsiveness according to the flow rate, thereby achieving power saving and maintaining convenience.

[0013] The gas shut-off device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a flow measurement unit for measuring the flow rate of gas flowing through a flow path; a shut-off valve for shutting off the flow path; a wireless communication unit for periodically communicating wirelessly with an external source; and a communication interval setting unit for setting the communication interval of the wireless communication unit. The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval based on the gas flow rate measured by the flow measurement unit.

[0014] By changing the communication interval based on the flow rate measured by the flow measurement unit, the minimum required communication frequency can be ensured, and the required responsiveness can be improved according to the flow rate, thereby achieving power saving and maintaining convenience.

[0015] Furthermore, the wireless device for the gas shut-off device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: an instrument communication unit that communicates with the gas shut-off device, the gas shut-off device having a flow measuring unit for measuring the flow rate of gas flowing through a flow path and a shut-off valve for shutting off the flow path; a wireless communication unit that periodically communicates wirelessly with an external source; and a communication interval setting unit for setting the communication interval of the wireless communication unit. The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval based on the gas flow rate obtained by the instrument communication unit.

[0016] By adjusting the communication interval of the wireless device for the gas shut-off device based on the flow rate measured at the gas shut-off device side, the required minimum communication frequency can be ensured, and the required responsiveness can be improved according to the flow rate, thereby achieving power saving and maintaining convenience. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the gas shut-off device in the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the first communication interval setting of the gas cut-off device in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the second communication interval setting of the gas cut-off device in the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating examples of other communication interval settings for the gas shut-off device in the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating examples of other communication interval settings for the gas shut-off device in the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing the wireless device for the gas shut-off device and the gas shut-off device in the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] (First Implementation)

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the gas shut-off device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments described below, a gas meter will be listed as an example of a gas shut-off device, and its operation will be explained. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components, and descriptions of components already described are omitted. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a gas meter as part of the gas shut-off device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] exist Figure 1The gas meter 100 includes: a flow path 101 through which gas flows; a flow measurement unit 102 that measures the gas flow rate through the flow path 101; and a shut-off valve 103 for shutting off the flow path 101. Additionally, the gas meter 100 includes: a control unit 104 that exchanges signals with other components within the gas meter 100, including the shut-off valve 103; an appliance identification unit 105 for identifying gas appliances connected to the gas meter 100; and a vibration detection unit 106 for detecting vibrations caused by earthquakes, etc. Furthermore, the gas meter 100 includes: a wireless communication unit 202 that communicates with a base station 300, which is an external device; and a communication interval setting unit 203 that controls the communication interval of the wireless communication unit 202. The gas meter 100 is connected to a gas pipe 1, and gas appliances 10-12 are connected downstream of the gas meter 100 via a gas pipe 2.

[0027] The following section explains the components and functions within the module.

[0028] The flow measurement unit 102, which measures the flow rate of the gas flowing through the flow path 101, is composed of an ultrasonic flow meter. The flow measurement unit 102, composed of an ultrasonic flow meter, measures the flow rate of the gas, which is a fluid flowing in the flow path 101, by emitting ultrasonic waves at fixed time intervals (e.g., every 0.5 seconds or every 2 seconds). The flow measurement unit 102 can use a general device. Alternatively, the flow measurement unit 102 can be constructed using a circuit for calculating flow rate through thermal fluctuations, or, if measuring gas, a metering diaphragm; it is not particularly limited to this structure.

[0029] The shut-off valve 103 is composed of an electromagnetic valve, a valve using a stepper motor, etc., and can be opened and closed by the control unit 104 described later. The shut-off valve 103 has the following functions: if the shut-off valve 103 is opened, gas is supplied to gas appliances 10-12 connected downstream of the gas meter 100; if the shut-off valve 103 is closed, the gas supply is stopped.

[0030] The appliance identification unit 105 determines the type of gas appliance (water heater, fan heater, stove, etc.) that is being used based on the flow value obtained by the flow measurement unit 102 and the flow change pattern obtained when the gas appliances 10 to 12 start working.

[0031] The vibration detection unit 106 consists of a vibration sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc., and is used to detect vibrations such as earthquakes. When a vibration of a specified magnitude or higher is detected, it determines that an earthquake has occurred and outputs an earthquake occurrence signal, or outputs a vibration value corresponding to the magnitude of the vibration.

[0032] The control unit 104 mainly consists of a microcomputer, a memory, a clock, and storage devices (not shown). The control unit 104 is connected to the flow measurement unit 102, the shut-off valve 103, the appliance discrimination unit 105, the vibration detection unit 106, and the wireless communication unit 202 (described later) and exchanges signals with them. Furthermore, based on the flow data measured by the flow measurement unit 102, the control unit 104 calculates and accumulates the flow rate, or determines whether an abnormality has occurred, and uses the shut-off valve 103 to cut off the flow path 101. Abnormalities that could cause the shut-off valve 103 to cut off the flow path 101 include an abnormality such as the gas flow rate exceeding a preset maximum flow rate, an abnormality such as the gas usage time exceeding a preset maximum usage time, or an earthquake detected by the vibration detection unit 106.

[0033] In addition, the control unit 104 controls the wireless communication unit 202 based on a predetermined communication protocol. The wireless communication unit 202 sends the stored cumulative value, the output result of the vibration detection unit 106, the control result or status of the shut-off valve 103, etc. to the base station 300, which is an external device of the gas meter 100.

[0034] The wireless communication unit 202 comprises a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, a demodulation circuit, a modulation circuit, a VCO circuit (Voltage Controlled Oscillator circuit), and an antenna (not shown). It communicates with the base station 300 outside the gas meter 100 according to a predetermined protocol, i.e., it transmits and receives data. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 202 sends the accumulated gas usage value obtained from the control unit 104, or detected anomalies, to the base station 300, or controls the gas meter based on instructions from the base station 300. Thus, the flow path 101 can be cut off using the shut-off valve 103 of the gas meter 100 based on instructions from the central device 400.

[0035] The communication interval setting unit 203 has the function of controlling the communication interval of the wireless communication unit 202 based on information obtained from the control unit 104. Details will be described later.

[0036] The base station 300 communicates with the wireless communication unit 202 of the gas meter 100 via a communication unit (not shown). Additionally, the base station 300 communicates with the central device 400, which is managed and operated by a gas company or similar entity, via network lines or the like. Alternatively, the central device 400 may also function as the base station 300.

[0037] Based on the above structure, the gas meter 100 can communicate with the central device 400 and can send data such as gas usage obtained from the gas meter 100 to the central device 400. In addition, the central device 400 can instruct the gas meter 100 to cut off the gas supply using the shut-off valve 103.

[0038] Figure 2 An example of the first communication interval setting performed by the communication interval setting unit 203 of the gas meter 100, which is a gas shut-off device, is shown. In this example of the first communication interval setting, when the gas flow rate is less than a specified flow rate (51.82 L / H), the communication interval is set to 300 seconds; when the gas flow rate is greater than or equal to the specified flow rate (51.82 L / H), the communication interval is set to 20 seconds. The specified flow rate (51.82 L / H) is the flow rate at which it can be determined that a gas appliance is in use, and it is a value such that if the flow rate is less than the specified flow rate, it can be determined that no gas is being used; and if the flow rate is greater than or equal to the specified flow rate, it can be determined that a certain gas appliance is being used.

[0039] By setting such a communication interval, the responsiveness of the gas meter 100 to the central device 400 during gas use can be improved. Therefore, even when the gas flow path 101 is remotely cut off based on a contact from a user who is away, as a service provided by the gas company, in response to a forgotten gas appliance, the gas flow path 101 can be cut off quickly, and safety can be ensured.

[0040] Figure 3 An example of a second communication interval setting performed by the communication interval setting unit 203 of the gas meter 100, which is a gas shut-off device, is shown. In the example of the second communication interval setting, when the gas flow rate is within a specified flow rate range (51.82 L / H to 1000 L / H), the communication interval is shortened from 300 seconds to 20 seconds in response to the increase in flow rate.

[0041] Based on this communication interval setting, when sending the cumulative value of gas usage from the gas meter 100 to the central device 400, the communication frequency is increased as the flow rate increases, thereby reducing the change in the cumulative value per unit time. Therefore, the central device 400 can accurately monitor gas usage and perform demand analysis by acquiring real-time gas usage data.

[0042] In addition, Figure 3 In the example of the communication interval setting shown, the traffic varies proportionally to the communication time interval, but in Figure 4 Examples of other communication interval settings performed by the communication interval setting unit 203 are shown below. For example... Figure 4 As shown, in this example of communication interval setting, the transmission time decreases exponentially as the traffic volume increases. This communication interval setting allows for the determination of the required accuracy in relation to the traffic volume, and can be arbitrarily set according to the accuracy needed based on demand analysis.

[0043] In addition, Figure 5Examples of other communication interval settings performed by the communication interval setting unit 203 are shown below. For example... Figure 5 As shown, in this example of communication interval setting, the communication interval of the wireless communication unit 202 is set in advance according to a predetermined traffic zone, and the communication interval is set according to the traffic zone to which the traffic Q measured by the traffic measurement unit 102 belongs. According to this structure, the communication interval can be arbitrarily set according to the traffic zone without performing calculations.

[0044] As described above, according to the gas meter 100, which is the gas shut-off device of this embodiment, by changing the communication interval of the wireless communication unit 202 according to the flow rate measured at the meter side, the required minimum communication frequency can be ensured, and the required responsiveness can be improved according to the flow rate. Therefore, power saving and convenience can be achieved.

[0045] Furthermore, when the communication interval of the wireless communication unit 202 is set to the shortest time after a predetermined time has elapsed since the gas flow rate is determined by the gas flow rate measured by the flow measurement unit 102, the central device 400 can respond to any abnormalities that may occur when the gas appliance is started.

[0046] In addition, by setting the communication interval of the wireless communication unit 202 to a preset minimum time after the shut-off valve 103 is closed due to an abnormality in the gas flow measured by the flow measurement unit 102 or the occurrence of an earthquake detected by the vibration detection unit 106, the central device 400 can respond in advance when an abnormality occurs.

[0047] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in this embodiment, the determination flow rate for gas appliance use is described as 51.82 L / H, but if the gas appliance installed downstream of the gas meter is known in advance, the determination flow rate for gas appliance use can also be set according to the minimum flow rate of the gas appliance. In addition, the communication interval of the wireless communication unit 202 is described as a maximum of 300 seconds and a minimum of 20 seconds, but of course, it can also be arbitrarily set according to the battery capacity and the required responsiveness.

[0048] (Second Implementation)

[0049] The wireless device for a gas shut-off device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments described below, examples of wireless devices for gas shut-off devices will be provided, including a wireless sub-device wired to a gas meter, which is a gas shut-off device, and the processing of this wireless sub-device will be explained. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components as those in the gas shut-off device according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a wireless sub-device for a gas shut-off device, which is a second embodiment of the present invention, and a gas meter that is wiredly connected to the wireless sub-device and serves as a gas shut-off device.

[0051] exist Figure 6 The gas meter 110 includes: a flow path 101 through which gas flows; a flow measurement unit 102 that measures the gas flow rate through the flow path 101; and a shut-off valve 103 for shutting off the flow path 101. Additionally, the gas meter 110 includes: a control unit 104 that exchanges signals with other components within the gas meter 110, including the shut-off valve 103; an appliance identification unit 105 for identifying gas appliances connected to the gas meter 110; and a vibration detection unit 106 for detecting vibrations caused by earthquakes, etc. Furthermore, the gas meter 110 is connected to a gas pipe 1, and gas appliances 10-12 are connected downstream of the gas meter 110 via a gas pipe 2.

[0052] In addition, the wireless sub-device 200, which is a wireless device for gas shut-off, includes an instrument communication unit 201 connected to the control unit 104 of the gas meter 110, and a wireless communication unit 202 and a communication interval setting unit 203 connected to the instrument communication unit 201.

[0053] The following section explains the constituent elements and functions within the box.

[0054] The flow measurement unit 102, which measures the flow rate of the gas flowing through the flow path 101, is composed of an ultrasonic flow meter. The flow measurement unit 102, composed of an ultrasonic flow meter, measures the flow rate of the gas, which is a fluid flowing in the flow path 101, by emitting ultrasonic waves at fixed time intervals (e.g., every 0.5 seconds or every 2 seconds). The flow measurement unit 102 can use a general device. Alternatively, the flow measurement unit 102 can be constructed using a circuit for calculating flow rate through thermal fluctuations, or, if measuring gas, a metering diaphragm; it is not particularly limited to this structure.

[0055] The shut-off valve 103 is composed of an electromagnetic valve, a valve using a stepper motor, etc., and can be opened and closed by the control unit 104 described later. The shut-off valve 103 has the following functions: if the shut-off valve 103 is opened, gas is supplied to gas appliances 10-12 connected downstream of the gas meter 100; if the shut-off valve 103 is closed, the gas supply is stopped.

[0056] The appliance identification unit 105 determines the type of gas appliance (water heater, fan heater, stove, etc.) that is being used based on the flow value obtained by the flow measurement unit 102 and the flow change pattern obtained when the gas appliances 10 to 12 start working.

[0057] The vibration detection unit 106 consists of a vibration sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc., and is used to detect vibrations such as earthquakes. When a vibration of a specified magnitude or higher is detected, it determines that an earthquake has occurred and outputs an earthquake occurrence signal, or outputs a vibration value corresponding to the magnitude of the vibration.

[0058] The control unit 104 mainly consists of a microcomputer, a memory, a clock, and storage devices (not shown). The control unit 104 connects to the flow measurement unit 102, the shut-off valve 103, the appliance discrimination unit 105, and the vibration detection unit 106 for signal exchange, and also connects to the instrument communication unit 201 (described later) via a communication interface (not shown) for signal exchange. Furthermore, based on the flow data measured by the flow measurement unit 102, the control unit 104 calculates and accumulates the flow rate, or determines whether an abnormality has occurred, and uses the shut-off valve 103 to cut off the flow path 101. Abnormalities that could cause the shut-off valve 103 to cut off the flow path 101 include abnormalities such as the gas flow rate exceeding a preset maximum flow rate, gas usage time exceeding a preset maximum usage time, or earthquakes detected by the vibration detection unit 106.

[0059] In addition, the control unit 104 also has the following function: to communicate with the instrument communication unit 201 of the wireless sub-device 200, which is a wireless device for gas shut-off, based on a predetermined communication protocol.

[0060] The instrument communication unit 201 communicates with the control unit 104, receiving from the control unit 104 accumulated values, the output results of the vibration detection unit 106, the control results or status of the shut-off valve 103, etc. Alternatively, the instrument communication unit 201 sends control data received from the central device 400 (described later) to the control unit 104.

[0061] The wireless communication unit 202 consists of a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, a demodulation circuit, a modulation circuit, a VCO circuit (Voltage Controlled Oscillator circuit), and an antenna (not shown). It communicates with the base station 300 outside the gas meter 110 according to a predetermined protocol, i.e., it transmits and receives data. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 202 sends the accumulated gas usage value obtained via the meter communication unit 201, or detected anomalies, to the base station 300, or sends control data indicated by the base station 300 to the gas meter 110 via the meter communication unit 201. Thus, based on the instruction from the central device 400, the flow path 101 can be cut off using the shut-off valve 103 of the gas meter 110.

[0062] The communication interval setting unit 203 has the function of controlling the communication interval of the wireless communication unit 202 based on information obtained via the instrument communication unit 201. Details will be described later.

[0063] The base station 300 communicates with the wireless communication unit 202 of the wireless sub-device 200, which is a wireless device for gas shut-off, via a communication unit (not shown). Additionally, the base station 300 communicates with the central device 400, which is managed and operated by a gas company or similar entity, via network lines or the like. Alternatively, the central device 400 may also function as the base station 300.

[0064] Based on the above structure, the gas meter 110 can communicate with the central device 400 via the wireless sub-device 200, and can send data such as gas usage obtained from the gas meter 110 to the central device 400. In addition, the central device 400 can instruct the gas meter 110 to cut off the gas supply via the shut-off valve 103.

[0065] Next, an example of setting the communication interval between the base station 300 and the wireless communication unit 202 provided in the wireless sub-device 200, which is the wireless device for the gas shut-off device in this embodiment, will be described. However, the example of setting the communication interval in this embodiment is the same as the example of setting the communication interval in the first embodiment, therefore, it will be used... Figures 2-5 Please provide an explanation.

[0066] Figure 2This section shows a first example of the communication interval setting unit 203 of the wireless sub-device 200, which is the wireless device for the gas shut-off device in this embodiment, setting the communication interval. In this first example of communication interval setting, when the gas flow rate is less than a specified flow rate (51.82 L / H), the communication interval is set to 300 seconds; when the gas flow rate is greater than or equal to the specified flow rate (51.82 L / H), the communication interval is set to 20 seconds. The specified flow rate (51.82 L / H) is the flow rate at which it can be determined that a gas appliance is in use, and it is a value such that if the flow rate is less than the specified flow rate, it can be determined that no gas is being used; and if the flow rate is greater than or equal to the specified flow rate, it can be determined that a certain gas appliance is being used.

[0067] By setting such a communication interval, the responsiveness of the gas meter 110, which is responded to from the central device 400 via the wireless sub-device 200, can be improved during gas usage. Therefore, even when the gas flow path 101 is remotely cut off based on a contact from a user who is away, as a service provided by the gas company, in response to the user forgetting to turn off the gas appliance, the flow path 101 can be cut off quickly, and safety can be ensured.

[0068] Figure 3 An example of a second communication interval setting performed by the communication interval setting unit 203 of the wireless sub-device 200, which is a wireless device for gas shut-off, is shown. In the example of the second communication interval setting, when the gas flow rate is within a specified flow rate range (51.82 L / H to 1000 L / H), the communication interval is shortened from 300 seconds to 20 seconds in response to the increase in flow rate.

[0069] Based on this communication interval setting, when transmitting the cumulative value of gas usage from the wireless sub-device 200 to the central device 400, the communication frequency is increased with the increase in flow rate, thereby reducing the change in the cumulative value per unit time. Therefore, the central device 400 can accurately grasp the gas usage status and perform demand analysis based on the real-time gas usage data.

[0070] In addition, Figure 3 In the example of the communication interval setting shown, the traffic varies proportionally to the communication time interval, but in Figure 4 Examples of other communication interval settings performed by the communication interval setting unit 203 are shown below. For example... Figure 4 As shown, in this example of communication interval setting, the transmission time decreases exponentially as the traffic volume increases. This communication interval setting allows for the determination of the required accuracy in relation to the traffic volume, and can be arbitrarily set according to the accuracy required by the demand analysis.

[0071] In addition, Figure 5Examples of other communication interval settings performed by the communication interval setting unit 203 are shown below. For example... Figure 5 As shown, in this example of communication interval setting, the communication interval of the wireless communication unit 202 is set in advance according to a predetermined traffic zone, and the communication interval is set according to the traffic zone to which the traffic Q measured by the traffic measurement unit 102 belongs. According to this structure, the communication interval can be arbitrarily set according to the traffic zone without performing calculations.

[0072] As described above, according to the wireless sub-device 200 of the gas shut-off device wireless device of this embodiment, by changing the communication interval of the wireless communication unit 202 of the wireless sub-device 200 according to the flow rate measured by the gas meter 110, the required minimum communication frequency can be ensured, and the required responsiveness can be improved according to the flow rate. Therefore, power saving and convenience can be achieved.

[0073] Furthermore, when the communication interval of the wireless communication unit 202 is set to the shortest time after a predetermined time has elapsed since the gas flow rate is determined by the gas flow rate measured by the flow measurement unit 102, the central device 400 can respond to any abnormalities that may occur when the gas appliance is started.

[0074] In addition, by setting the communication interval of the wireless communication unit 202 to a preset minimum time after the shut-off valve 103 is closed due to an abnormality in the gas flow measured by the flow measurement unit 102 or the occurrence of an earthquake detected by the vibration detection unit 106, the central device 400 can respond in advance when an abnormality occurs.

[0075] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in this embodiment, the determination flow rate for gas appliance use is described as 51.82 L / H, but if the gas appliance installed downstream of the gas meter is known in advance, the determination flow rate for gas appliance use can also be set according to the minimum flow rate of the gas appliance. In addition, the communication interval of the wireless communication unit 202 is described as a maximum of 300 seconds and a minimum of 20 seconds, but of course, it can also be arbitrarily set according to the battery capacity and the required responsiveness.

[0076] As described above, the gas shut-off device of the first invention includes: a flow measurement unit that measures the gas flow rate through a flow path; a shut-off valve for shutting off the flow path; a wireless communication unit that periodically communicates wirelessly with an external source; and a communication interval setting unit for setting the communication interval of the wireless communication unit. The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval based on the gas flow rate measured by the flow measurement unit. By changing the communication interval according to the flow rate measured by the flow measurement unit, the required minimum communication frequency is ensured, and the required responsiveness is improved according to the flow rate, thereby achieving power saving and maintaining convenience.

[0077] The gas shut-off device in the second invention can be configured such that, in the first invention, when it is determined that no gas is being used based on the gas flow rate measured by the flow measurement unit, the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval to a preset maximum time; when it is determined that gas is being used, the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval to a shorter time than the maximum time.

[0078] The gas shut-off device in the third invention can be configured such that, in the first invention, it has multiple gas flow zones obtained by dividing the gas flow measured by the flow measurement unit into predetermined flow bands, and the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval according to the gas flow zone to which the gas flow measured by the flow measurement unit belongs.

[0079] The gas shut-off device in the fourth invention can be configured such that, in the second invention, it has multiple gas flow zones obtained by dividing the gas flow measured by the flow measurement unit into predetermined flow bands, and the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval according to the gas flow zone to which the gas flow measured by the flow measurement unit belongs.

[0080] The gas shut-off device in the fifth invention can be configured such that, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval for a predetermined time after the gas flow rate is determined by the flow measurement unit to be used as the shortest time.

[0081] The gas shut-off device in the sixth invention can be configured such that, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval after the shut-off valve is closed to a predetermined minimum time.

[0082] The gas shut-off device in the seventh invention can be configured such that, in the fifth invention, the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval after the shut-off valve is closed to a predetermined minimum time.

[0083] The wireless device for a gas shut-off device in the eighth invention includes: an instrument communication unit that communicates with a gas shut-off device having a flow measuring unit for measuring the flow rate of gas flowing through a flow path and a shut-off valve for shutting off the flow path; a wireless communication unit that periodically communicates wirelessly with an external source; and a communication interval setting unit for setting the communication interval of the wireless communication unit. The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval based on the gas flow rate obtained from the instrument communication unit. By changing the communication interval of the wireless device for the gas meter according to the flow rate measured at the gas meter side, the required minimum communication frequency is ensured, and the required responsiveness is improved according to the flow rate, thereby achieving power saving and maintaining convenience.

[0084] The wireless device for the gas shut-off device in the 9th invention can be configured such that, in the 8th invention, when it is determined that no gas is being used based on the gas flow rate obtained by the instrument communication unit, the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval to a preset maximum time, and when it is determined that gas is being used, the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval to a shorter time than the maximum time.

[0085] The wireless device for the gas shut-off device in the 10th invention can be configured such that, in the 8th invention, the gas shut-off device has multiple flow zones obtained by dividing the gas flow measured by the flow measurement unit into predetermined flow bands, and the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval based on the flow zones obtained by the instrument communication unit.

[0086] The wireless device for the gas shut-off device in the 11th invention can be configured such that, in the 9th invention, the gas shut-off device has multiple flow zones obtained by dividing the gas flow measured by the flow measurement unit into predetermined flow bands, and the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval based on the flow zones obtained by the instrument communication unit.

[0087] The wireless device for the gas shut-off device in the 12th invention can be configured such that, in any one of the 8th to 11th inventions, the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval for a predetermined time after the gas is used, based on the flow rate measured by the flow measurement unit, to the shortest possible time.

[0088] The wireless device for the gas shut-off device in the 13th invention can be configured such that, in any one of the 8th to 11th inventions, the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval for a predetermined time after the shut-off valve is closed to a preset minimum time.

[0089] The wireless device for the gas shut-off device in the 14th invention can be configured such that, in the 12th invention, the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval for a predetermined time after the shut-off valve is closed to a preset minimum time.

[0090] Industrial availability

[0091] As described above, the gas shut-off device or wireless device for gas shut-off device involved in this invention can achieve power saving and ensure responsiveness by setting the communication interval according to the flow rate, and therefore can also be applied to battery-powered water meters and the like.

[0092] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0093] 100, 110: Gas meter (gas shut-off device); 101: Flow path; 102: Flow measurement unit; 103: Shut-off valve; 104: Control unit; 105: Appliance identification unit; 106: Vibration detection unit; 200: Wireless sub-device (wireless device for gas shut-off device); 201: Instrument communication unit; 202: Wireless communication unit; 203: Communication interval setting unit; 300: Base station; 400: Central device.

Claims

1. A gas shut-off device, characterized in that, have: The flow measurement unit measures the flow rate of the gas passing through the flow path; A shut-off valve, used to shut off the flow path; The wireless communication unit regularly communicates wirelessly with external entities; and A communication interval setting unit is used to set the communication interval of the wireless communication unit. Specifically, when it is determined that the gas is being used based on the gas flow rate measured by the flow measurement unit, the larger the gas flow rate measured by the flow measurement unit, the shorter the communication interval set by the communication interval setting unit. The wireless communication unit transmits a cumulative value of gas usage obtained by accumulating the gas flow measured by the flow measurement unit.

2. The gas shut-off device according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the gas flow rate measured by the flow measurement unit indicates that no gas is being used, the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval to a preset maximum time. If the gas is being used, the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval to a shorter time than the maximum time.

3. The gas shut-off device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has multiple gas flow zones obtained by dividing the gas flow measured by the flow measurement unit into predetermined flow bands. The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval based on the gas flow zone to which the gas flow measured by the flow measurement unit belongs.

4. The gas shut-off device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It has multiple gas flow zones obtained by dividing the gas flow measured by the flow measurement unit into predetermined flow bands. The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval based on the gas flow zone to which the gas flow measured by the flow measurement unit belongs.

5. The gas shut-off device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval, which is determined based on the gas flow rate measured by the flow measurement unit as the minimum time after the start of gas use, to be a predetermined time.

6. The gas shut-off device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval after the shut-off valve is closed to a predetermined minimum time.

7. The gas shut-off device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval after the shut-off valve is closed to a predetermined minimum time.

8. A wireless device for a gas shut-off apparatus, characterized in that, have: The instrument communication unit communicates with the gas shut-off device, which has a flow measurement unit for measuring the flow rate of gas flowing through a flow path and a shut-off valve for shutting off the flow path. The wireless communication unit regularly communicates wirelessly with external entities; and A communication interval setting unit is used to set the communication interval of the wireless communication unit. Specifically, when it is determined that the gas is being used based on the gas flow rate obtained from the instrument communication unit, the larger the gas flow rate obtained from the instrument communication unit, the shorter the communication interval setting unit will set the communication interval. The wireless communication unit transmits the cumulative value of gas usage obtained by the instrument communication unit.

9. The wireless device for the gas shut-off apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, If the gas flow rate obtained by the instrument communication unit indicates that no gas is being used, the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval to a preset maximum time. If the gas is being used, the communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval to a shorter time than the maximum time.

10. The wireless device for the gas shut-off apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The gas shut-off device has multiple flow zones obtained by dividing the gas flow measured by the flow measurement unit into predetermined flow bands. The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval based on the traffic partition obtained by the instrument communication unit.

11. The wireless device for the gas shut-off apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The gas shut-off device has multiple flow zones obtained by dividing the gas flow measured by the flow measurement unit into predetermined flow bands. The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval based on the traffic partition obtained by the instrument communication unit.

12. The wireless device for a gas shut-off apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval, which is determined by the flow rate measured by the flow rate measurement unit as the minimum time after the start of gas use, to be a predetermined time.

13. The wireless device for the gas shut-off apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval after the shut-off valve is closed to a predetermined minimum time.

14. The wireless device for the gas shut-off apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The communication interval setting unit sets the communication interval after the shut-off valve is closed to a predetermined minimum time.

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