High pressure abnormality detector

Abstract

To provide a high pressure abnormality detector that can notify a user of abnormal occurrences of high pressure gas occurring upstream of a regulator.SOLUTION: A high pressure abnormality detector 2, which is arranged between a gas container 1 and a pressure regulator 3, includes a switch 15 that switches on and off depending on the pressure of the gas flowing in from the gas container 1 and turns on when the pressure falls below a predetermined level, and a notification unit 16 that emits a signal to provide notification of an abnormal condition when the switch 15 turns on.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a high voltage abnormality detector. [Background technology]

[0002] A regulator is known that reduces the pressure of gas from a gas container to a combustible pressure and supplies it to a combustor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A gas meter is connected to the regulator and detects the amount of gas used in the combustor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-159536 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Gas meters not only detect gas usage but also have safety functions, and can detect abnormalities (such as gas leaks) in the regulator itself or downstream from the regulator (low pressure section) and notify the outside world, but cannot detect abnormalities upstream from the regulator (high pressure section).

[0005] The present invention provides a high pressure abnormality detector that can notify of an abnormal occurrence of high pressure gas occurring upstream of a regulator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the high voltage abnormality detector according to the present invention has the following features. A high pressure abnormality detector disposed between a gas container and a pressure regulator, a switch that switches on and off depending on the pressure of the gas flowing in from the gas container and turns on when the pressure falls below a predetermined level; and a notification unit that issues a signal notifying an abnormal state when the switch is turned on. High voltage abnormality detector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to notify of an abnormal occurrence of high-pressure gas occurring upstream of the regulator.

[0008] The present invention has been briefly described above. The details of the present invention will become clearer by reading the following detailed description of the invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a high-pressure abnormality detector according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected between a gas container and a pressure regulator. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the high voltage abnormality detector under normal conditions. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the high pressure abnormality detector when the pressure drops. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a high-pressure abnormality detector according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected between a gas container and a pressure regulator. Gas supplied from gas container 1 is sent from the upstream side via a high-pressure abnormality detector 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention and a pressure regulator 3 to a gas meter 4. Gas container 1 contains LP gas (liquefied petroleum gas), which becomes high pressure when vaporized at room temperature. The vaporized high-pressure gas passes through high-pressure abnormality detector 2 and is reduced to a predetermined pressure in pressure regulator 3 before being supplied to gas meter 4 and a combustor (not shown) further downstream. Pressure regulator 3 regulates the pressure to a predetermined level regardless of pressure fluctuations in gas container 1 and flow rate fluctuations in the combustor, and maintains the blocking pressure even when gas is not being used.

[0012] The high-pressure abnormality detector 2 is connected between the gas container 1 and the pressure regulator 3, and is arranged upstream of the pressure regulator 3. The high-pressure abnormality detector 2 detects abnormalities in the pressure of the gas supplied from the gas container 1, and when an abnormality occurs, notifies the gas meter 4 or a wireless communication device provided integrally with or separately from the gas meter 4 of the abnormal condition via a signal line 5. Thus, the high-pressure abnormality detector 2 can notify abnormalities in gas pressure (high pressure) occurring upstream of the pressure regulator 3 that adjusts the gas pressure. Upon receiving the notification of the abnormal condition, the gas meter 4 issues a warning by display or the like, or notifies the gas supplier or the like via the wireless communication device. The signal line 5 may be configured to be detachable from the high-pressure abnormality detector 2.

[0013] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the high pressure abnormality detector 2 under normal conditions. The high pressure abnormality detector 2 has a housing 11 that forms the main body. The high pressure abnormality detector 2 has a gas inlet 12, a gas passage 13, and a gas outlet 14 formed in the housing 11. Gas from the gas container 1 flows into the gas inlet 12, passes through the gas passage 13, and flows out from the gas outlet 14 to the pressure regulator 3 downstream.

[0014] The high-pressure abnormality detector 2 includes a switch 15 and a notification unit 16. The switch 15 switches on and off depending on the pressure of the gas flowing from the gas container 1 through the gas inlet 12 into the gas passage 13, and turns on when the pressure falls below a predetermined level. When the switch 15 turns on, the notification unit 16 transmits a signal notifying of an abnormal state. The signal is transmitted via a signal line 5 to the gas meter 4, a wireless communication device, or the like.

[0015] According to the high-pressure abnormality detector 2 of this embodiment, when a pressure drop occurs in the high-pressure gas flowing in from the gas container 1, the switch 15 turns on and transmits a signal notifying of the abnormality, so that the abnormality can be notified to the gas meter 4 or a wireless communication device attached to the gas meter. In particular, the high-pressure abnormality detector 2 can detect and notify abnormalities upstream of the pressure regulator 3 (on the gas container 1 side), which cannot be detected by the gas meter 4. Abnormalities include, for example, a decrease in gas in the gas container 1 (including running out of gas), the occurrence of a gas leak, etc.

[0016] A spring 17, a diaphragm backing plate 18, and a diaphragm 19 are provided inside the housing 11. The spring 17 is an elastic member that extends in one direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 2 in this embodiment) inside the housing 11 and has elasticity, and is a coil spring in this embodiment. One end of the spring 17 is fixed to the inner surface of the upper part of the housing 11, and the other end is attached to the diaphragm backing plate 18. The diaphragm backing plate 18 is assembled to the diaphragm 19. The outer peripheral edge of the diaphragm 19 is supported by the housing 11, and separates the gas passage 13 from the atmospheric pressure chamber.

[0017] The spring 17 biases the diaphragm backing plate 18 in one direction (downward in this embodiment). On the other hand, the pressure of the gas passing through the gas passage 13 pushes up the diaphragm 19, which also pushes up the diaphragm backing plate 18 connected to the diaphragm 19. Therefore, the diaphragm backing plate 18 moves up and down in response to the gas pressure. The diaphragm backing plate 18 in Figure 2 is normally in a position where the biasing force of the spring 17 and the gas pressure are in balance.

[0018] The high voltage abnormality detector 2 further includes a movement mechanism 20 that moves the magnet 21 in conjunction with the movement of the diaphragm backing plate 18. As the diaphragm backing plate 18 moves, the movement mechanism 20 moves the magnet 21, causing the magnet 21 to move closer to or farther away from the switch 15.

[0019] The switch 15 can be switched between an on state and an off state by the magnetic force of the magnet 21, and the switch 15 is turned on when the magnet 21 approaches the switch 15, and turned off when the magnet 21 moves away from the switch 15. The switch 15 can be switched by the movement of the magnet 21 linked to the movement of the diaphragm backing plate 18, so that with such a simple configuration, the switch 15 can be switched in accordance with the gas pressure.

[0020] The movement mechanism 20 will now be described in detail. The movement mechanism 20 includes a pickup 22 and an arm 23. The pickup 22 and arm 23 are rotatably attached to the housing 11. The pickup 22 is rotated about a first rotation center C1 by the up and down movement of the diaphragm backing plate 18 due to gas pressure. The arm 23 has a magnet 21 attached to a first end 23a, and is rotated about a second rotation center C2 in conjunction with the rotation of the pickup 22.

[0021] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the high-pressure abnormality detector 2 when pressure drops. When the gas pressure in the gas passage 13 drops due to an abnormality, unlike the normal state shown in Figure 2, the biasing force of the spring 17 becomes greater than the gas pressure. Therefore, the spring 17 pushes down the diaphragm backing plate 18.

[0022] Since the first end 22a of the pickup 22 of the moving mechanism 20 is in contact with the upper surface of the diaphragm backing plate 18, the pickup 22 rotates counterclockwise from the state shown in FIG. 2 as the diaphragm backing plate 18 descends.

[0023] Second end 23b of arm 23 is in contact with the tip of second end 22b of pickup 22. As pickup 22 rotates counterclockwise, the tip of second end 22b of pickup 22 moves while sliding in contact with the underside of second end 23b of arm 23, causing arm 23 to rotate clockwise from the state shown in FIG. 2. As a result, magnet 21 provided at first end 23a of arm 23 approaches switch 15, turning switch 15 on. When switch 15 turns on, notification unit 16 emits a signal notifying of an abnormal state, and notifies gas meter 4, a wireless communication device, or the like via signal line 5.

[0024] According to the high pressure abnormality detector 2 of this embodiment, the up and down movement of the diaphragm receiving plate 18 caused by the gas pressure in the gas passage 13 can be transmitted to the switch 15 smoothly.

[0025] The gas inlet 12 may constitute a connection part to be connected to a high-pressure hose connection port such as a POL (Prestolite Left-Handed Connection) screw on the gas container 1. POL is a left-handed screw specified in the appendix of JIS B8246 (Valves for High-Pressure Gas Containers). This ensures a high level of safety when connected to the gas container 1. Furthermore, since the high-pressure abnormality detector 2 can be directly connected to the gas container 1, installation of the high-pressure abnormality detector 2 is easy. The gas inlet 12 may be a connection part with a POL male screw that is externally threaded, and the gas outlet 14 may be a connection part with a POL female screw that is internally threaded.

[0026] Furthermore, the high-pressure abnormality detector 2 and the gas container 1 may be connected by a high-pressure hose. By attaching the high-pressure abnormality detector 2 to a wall and connecting it to the gas container 1 by a high-pressure hose, damage due to accumulation of snow, etc. can be prevented. It is also possible to connect multiple gas containers 1 and high-pressure abnormality detectors 2.

[0027] The high voltage abnormality detector 2 can be retrofitted to existing equipment, or it can be installed only for the period when it is needed and can be easily removed later.

[0028] The high pressure abnormality detector 2 does not require a power supply because it detects a drop in pressure mechanically.

[0029] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims are within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention. While the pressure regulator 3 in the above embodiments is a single-stage regulator, the high-pressure abnormality detector 2 may be connected upstream of a two-stage regulator. Furthermore, while the above embodiments detect a drop in gas pressure by lowering the position of the diaphragm backing plate 18, a pressure sensor may also be provided to detect a drop in gas pressure.

[0030] Here, the features of the embodiments of the high-voltage abnormality detector according to the present invention described above will be briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to [4].

[0031] [1] A high pressure abnormality detector (2) disposed between a gas container (1) and a pressure regulator (3), a switch (15) that switches on and off depending on the pressure of the gas flowing in from the gas container and turns on when the pressure falls below a predetermined level; and a notification unit (16) that transmits a signal notifying an abnormal state when the switch is turned on. High voltage abnormality detector.

[0032] According to the high-pressure abnormality detector having the configuration [1] above, when a pressure drop occurs in the high-pressure gas flowing from the gas container, the switch turns on and transmits a signal notifying of an abnormality, so that the abnormality can be notified to the gas meter or a wireless communication device attached to the gas meter.

[0033] [2] A diaphragm support plate (18) that moves up and down in response to the pressure; a movement mechanism (20) that moves the magnet (21) in conjunction with the movement of the diaphragm support plate, The switch is turned on or off when the magnet approaches or moves away from the switch. The high voltage abnormality detector described in [1] above.

[0034] According to the high pressure abnormality detector of the configuration [2] above, the switch can be switched by moving the magnet in conjunction with the movement of the diaphragm support plate, so that the switch can be switched according to the gas pressure with a simple configuration.

[0035] [3] The moving mechanism a pickup (22) that is rotated by the up and down movement of the diaphragm support plate due to the pressure; and an arm (23) having the magnet at its end and rotating in conjunction with the rotation of the pickup. The high voltage abnormality detector described in [2] above.

[0036] According to the high pressure abnormality detector having the configuration [3] above, the up and down movement of the diaphragm backing plate caused by pressure can be smoothly transmitted to the switch.

[0037] [4] A connection part (gas inlet 12) connected to the high-pressure hose connection port of the gas container, The high voltage abnormality detector according to any one of [1] to [3] above.

[0038] According to the high-pressure abnormality detector having the configuration [4] above, the connection to the gas container can be ensured with high safety by connecting the connection part directly to a high-pressure hose connection port such as a POL screw, or by connecting via a high-pressure hose. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 1 gas bottle 2. High voltage abnormality detector 3 Pressure Regulator 4 Gas meter 5 Signal line 11. Housing 12 Gas inlet (connection) 13 Gas passage 14 Gas outlet 15 Switch 16 Notification Department 17 Spring 18 Diaphragm support plate 19 Diaphragm 20 Moving mechanism 21 Magnet 22 Pickup 23 Arm

Claims

1. A high pressure abnormality detector disposed between a gas container and a pressure regulator, a switch that switches on and off depending on the pressure of the gas flowing in from the gas container and turns on when the pressure falls below a predetermined level; and a notification unit that issues a signal notifying an abnormal state when the switch is turned on. High voltage abnormality detector.

2. a diaphragm support plate that moves up and down in response to the pressure; a movement mechanism that moves the magnet in conjunction with the movement of the diaphragm support plate, The switch is turned on or off when the magnet approaches or moves away from the switch. The high voltage abnormality detector according to claim 1.

3. The moving mechanism includes: a pickup that is rotated by the up and down movement of the diaphragm support plate due to the pressure; an arm having the magnet at an end thereof and rotating in conjunction with the rotation of the pickup; The high voltage abnormality detector according to claim 2.

4. A connection part connected to a high-pressure hose connection port of the gas container, The high voltage abnormality detector according to claim 1.

Images