JP4304890B2 - Shut-off device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a shut-off device that ensures the safety when the power capacity of a battery power source is consumed, for example, in a shut-off device that monitors the usage state of a gas appliance that uses city gas, LP gas, or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
This type of conventional shut-off device has, for example, a gas shut-off device configured as shown in FIG. 2 as disclosed in JP-A-10-103546. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a conventional gas shut-off device.
[0003]
In the gas shut-off device 1 of FIG. 2, reference numeral 2 denotes a battery power source, which supplies power to the entire gas shut-off device. Reference numeral 3 denotes a shut-off valve, which stops or supplies gas in the flow path.
[0004]
Reference numeral 4 denotes a voltage drop detection unit that detects a battery voltage in a consumed state in which the capacity of the battery power source 2 capable of operating the gas shut-off device 1 within a predetermined operation guarantee time is detected, and outputs a voltage drop signal A. 5 is an opening acceptance unit that accepts opening of the shut-off valve from the time when the voltage drop signal A is input, and opens when there is an opening request (opening request switch or input of an opening signal by communication). A stopper request signal C is output. A timer unit 6 counts a predetermined operation guarantee time from when the voltage drop signal A is input, and outputs a plug opening completion signal D.
[0005]
Reference numeral 7 denotes an opening function stop unit which outputs a closing stop signal E for stopping the opening according to the opening request signal C when the opening end signal D is input. Reference numeral 8 denotes a gas shut-off control unit which, when the battery voltage drop signal A or the plug stop signal E is input, closes the shut-off valve 3, and when the plug request signal C is input before the input signal of the plug stop signal E The shut-off valve 3 is opened.
[0006]
Next, the operation of the conventional configuration will be described. When the voltage drop detection unit 4 checking the consumption level of the battery power supply 2 detects the battery consumption voltage, the voltage drop signal A is output to the unplug accepting unit 5, the timer unit 6, and the gas cutoff control unit 8. The gas cutoff control unit 8 to which the voltage drop signal A has been input outputs the first cutoff command signal B1, operates the cutoff valve 3, and executes the opening of the gas passage. When the voltage drop signal A is input, the timer unit 6 starts counting, and until the timer unit 6 finishes counting for a predetermined time, there is an opening request to the opening acceptance unit 5, and the opening request signal C Is output, the gas cutoff control unit 8 opens the cutoff valve 3. When the timer unit 6 finishes counting, the plug opening end signal D is output, so the plug opening function stop unit 5 outputs the plug opening stop signal E and stops accepting the plug opening request. The gas cutoff device 1 to which the closing stop signal E is inputted outputs the second cutoff command signal B2 to close the cutoff valve 3.
[0007]
In the gas shut-off device 1 attached to the flow path through which the medium gas such as city gas or LP gas flows, the voltage drop detection unit 4 measures the voltage of the battery power source 2 at predetermined time intervals and monitors the degree of battery consumption. Yes. A lower limit voltage at which the gas shut-off device 1 can be operated is set in advance as an operation guarantee voltage, and a voltage value when the voltage is reversed for a required number of days from here is set as a battery consumption voltage. The voltage drop detection unit 4 monitors the battery voltage and detects the battery voltage when the battery is consumed. That is, after the battery consumption voltage is detected for the required number of days, the shutoff valve 3 can be opened only during the period when the voltage of the battery power supply 2 drops to the operation guarantee voltage, and a grace period is provided until the gas shutoff device 1 is replaced. Is.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional configuration has the following problems. The voltage drop detection unit 4 detects the battery voltage in a predetermined consumption state, outputs a voltage drop signal A, the timer unit 6 starts counting, and the shut-off signal is cut off from the gas cutoff control unit 8 when the timer unit 6 elapses for a predetermined time. Although it is output to the valve, it is not disclosed how to drive the voltage drop detection unit 4 to detect the battery voltage, and there is a problem that the battery capacity is sufficient, for example, misjudgment in a cryogenic environment in winter, for example Had.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a safety and highly reliable shut-off device that can monitor battery voltage without erroneous determination.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides a battery power supply means for supplying power, a shutoff means for supplying and shutting off gas, and a voltage setting means driven by a cycle setting means set at a predetermined cycle to The supply voltage is monitored to determine whether or not it is lower than the predetermined voltage, and it is determined that there is an abnormality at the time of detection of the drop. By changing the period of the setting means, the voltage detecting means again determines whether the voltage drop is abnormal.
[0011]
As a result, even if it is detected by the voltage detection means that the supply voltage of the battery power supply is lower than the predetermined voltage, for example, an abnormal cold wave may hit in the winter and the battery voltage may be confirmed at a very low temperature. The period variable means sets the variable period so as to check the battery voltage in different time zones instead of the interval set by the conventional period setting means, and monitors the voltage. As a result, for example, the coldest transient cryogenic temperature in the winter does not erroneously determine that the battery is low, and as a result of the erroneous determination, there is no problem that the gas cannot be used by shutting off after a predetermined time has elapsed. Increases safety and reliability.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention monitors battery power supply means for supplying power, shut-off means for supplying or shutting off a medium such as gas, etc., and monitoring the supply voltage of the battery power supply means to determine whether or not it is below a predetermined voltage. A voltage detection unit for determining; a cycle setting unit for setting a cycle for driving the voltage detection unit; a cycle variable unit for varying the cycle of the cycle setting unit when a voltage drop is detected by the voltage detection unit; and the voltage abnormality Time measuring means for measuring a predetermined number of times or more by a counting means when detecting, a return means for outputting a signal for returning the shut-off means to a gas supplyable state, and a return when a predetermined time has passed by the time measuring means It comprises return prohibiting means for prohibiting input of signals and outputting shut-off output to the shut-off means.
[0013]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention monitors battery power supply means for supplying power, shut-off means for supplying or shutting off a gas medium, and monitoring the supply voltage of the battery power supply means to determine that an abnormality is detected when the voltage is below a predetermined voltage. Voltage detecting means for setting, a period setting means for setting a period for driving the voltage detecting means, and a voltage setting means for detecting a voltage drop by the voltage detecting means at a time zone different from a set interval before battery low detection . A period varying means for varying the period; a time measuring means for measuring a predetermined number of times or more by the voltage abnormality counting means; a return means for outputting a signal for returning the shutoff means to a gas supply enabled state; When a predetermined time elapses in the time measuring means, the return signal is prohibited from being input, and the return prohibiting means for outputting a shut-off to the shut-off means.
[0014]
【Example】
Hereinafter, although the Example of this invention is described with a gas interruption | blocking apparatus, this invention may be interruption | blocking apparatuses, such as not only gas but water supply, electric power, and combustion fuel.
[0015]
Example 1
A description will be given with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, components having the same functions as those in FIG.
[0016]
FIG. 1 shows a gas shut-off device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein 9 is a control means for the gas shut-off device, and 10 is a flow rate detecting means for detecting the amount of gas used. The flow rate detection means 10 is, for example, a flow rate measurement method by measuring propagation time using an ultrasonic element, a flow rate measurement method by measuring flow rate oscillation using the Coanda effect, or a membrane type. There is also a method of measuring the gas amount by the measuring unit. 11 is an external device means, for example, a gas leak alarm for detecting gas leaks, a seismic sensing means for detecting earthquakes, or a pressure detecting means for detecting gas pressures, detecting gas leaks and earthquakes. When a gas pressure drop is detected, a signal is output. Reference numeral 12 denotes an abnormality determination unit, which detects, for example, that one gas appliance has been used for an abnormally long time from the state of use of the gas detected by the flow rate detection unit 10, or detects a gas leak with the external device unit 11. When an earthquake is detected, it is determined whether or not the earthquake has a predetermined intensity or higher, and when it is determined that the earthquake has a predetermined intensity or higher, a cutoff signal for stopping gas supply is output to the cutoff means 3. Reference numeral 13 denotes a return means, which outputs a return signal from the shut-off means 3 to start gas supply to the shut-off means 3 when operated. Reference numeral 14 denotes a return prohibiting means, which determines whether or not to output a return signal from the return means 13 to the blocking means 3, and outputs it if it is not in a return prohibiting state, thereby opening the blocking means 3. Reference numeral 15 denotes a period setting means for setting a time for monitoring the battery voltage and outputting a battery voltage monitoring drive signal when a predetermined time has elapsed. Reference numeral 16 denotes voltage detection means. When a drive signal is received from the period setting means 15, the output voltage of the battery power supply means 2 is monitored, and it is determined whether or not the voltage has dropped below a predetermined value. Is output. Reference numeral 17 denotes a period variable means, which changes the drive signal output time of the period setting means 15 when a voltage drop signal from the voltage drop means 16 is received. For example, a different time zone such as 12 hours after the time when the battery voltage drop is detected is set, output to the cycle setting unit 15, and when that time elapses, the voltage detection unit 16 is driven. The voltage detection means 16 is driven in different time zones to make a voltage determination. If the voltage value is determined to be normal, it is determined that the malfunction is caused by a temperature drop due to a temporary weather factor such as a cold wave, and the voltage drop is determined again. Then, it is determined that the voltage is decreased due to battery consumption. Reference numeral 18 denotes time measuring means. When a voltage drop state is detected by the voltage detection means 15, counting of the usable time of the gas shut-off device after the battery voltage drop detection is started by the drop signal. That is, the elapsed time of the time during which the safety monitoring of the usage state of the gas appliance can be performed in a normal voltage range is performed. When the measurement of the usable time is completed by the time measuring means 17, that is, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the return prohibiting means 14 is prohibited from inputting the return instruction signal from the returning means 13, and is shut off to the shutting means 3 and maintained in the gas supply stop state. Then, an abnormality display for replacing the gas shut-off device is displayed on the notification means 19.
[0017]
When the battery voltage drop signal is output to the time measuring means 17 and before the predetermined time is reached by the time measuring means 17, that is, when the abnormal use state of the gas appliance by the consumer is detected by the abnormality determining means 12 during the time measurement, the interruption means. 3 is output, and when an interruption notification signal for detecting an abnormal state is input to the return prohibiting means 14, the return prohibiting means 14 does not accept the return signal of the shutting means 3 from the return means 13 and enters the cutoff state. Hold.
[0018]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
[0019]
A gas shut-off device is installed, and the gas appliance usage state of the gas consumer is monitored by the flow rate detection means 10 and the external equipment means 11. When abnormal use is detected by the abnormality determination means 12 during the use, for example, when it is detected that the gas stove has been used for an abnormal long time, a cutoff signal is output to the cutoff means 3 and the gas supply is stopped. Under such a monitoring situation, when an abnormal cold wave in winter strikes, the battery power supply means 2 is exposed to a low temperature state, and a record abnormal low temperature continues, the voltage detection means 16 is turned on at the period set by the period setting means 15. Although it is driven and the voltage of the battery power supply means 2 is monitored, when it is measured at the lowest temperature around dawn, it may be temporarily detected that the battery is low, even though the battery capacity remains sufficiently. In such a case, when the voltage drop signal is input, the cycle variable means 17 sets a time zone different from the time zone in which the next voltage detection cycle is detected as a voltage drop, for example, 12 hours later, in the cycle setting means 15. That is, the voltage detection means 16 is driven and voltage monitoring is performed with a shift from the set time zone of the current cycle setting means 15. Voltage drop due to extremely low temperature due to abnormal weather is shifted by a predetermined time by the detection time variable means 17 to drive the voltage detection means 16 to measure the battery voltage. If the battery voltage is determined to be normal, the weather such as abnormal cryogenic temperature is detected. It is determined to be an erroneous determination due to the cause, the measurement start state of the time measuring means 18 is reset, the voltage detecting means is returned to the original period, and voltage monitoring is performed with the original period setting value.
[0020]
On the other hand, if the battery voltage of the battery power supply means 2 is abnormally consumed for some reason and the battery voltage drops, the voltage detection means 16 detects the battery low state, and the cycle variable means 17 can change the measurement cycle to measure the voltage. The voltage drop state continues. In this state, when the voltage detection means 16 outputs a voltage drop signal, it outputs a drop state signal to the return prohibition means 14 and the time measurement means 18. At the same time, the notification means 19 displays the low battery state using an LCD element, LED element, or the like. In addition, the battery supply company is notified of abnormal battery low conditions via a telephone line.
[0021]
Further, the time measuring means 18 counts the time when the battery low signal state is detected, measures the usable time of the gas shut-off device after the battery voltage drops, and receives the signal from the return means 13 to the return prohibiting means 14 when the predetermined time is counted. Is made in a prohibited state and a cutoff output is made to the cutoff means 3. As a result, by stopping the gas supply thereafter, it is notified that the safe useable time of the gas shut-off device has elapsed.
[0022]
When the time measuring means 18 receives the battery low signal and the time measuring means 18 is counting the time, the flow rate detecting means 10 or the external device means 11 detects the use state of the gas appliance of the consumer, and when an abnormal state is detected, the time is reached at that time. The time count of the measuring means 18 is stopped and the gas use is prohibited. The customer and the gas supplier are notified through the notification means 19 that the gas cannot be supplied unless the gas shut-off device itself is replaced thereafter.
[0023]
In this way, when the battery power source of the gas shut-off device detects a predetermined value or less by the voltage detection means 16, it is not immediately judged as abnormal, but the voltage detection period by the period setting means 15 is shifted from the period variable means 17 by the decrease signal. The voltage of battery power supply means 2 is monitored, and the temporary voltage drop of the battery power supply due to the extremely low temperature due to the abnormal cold wave in winter is discriminated from the permanent battery drop due to real battery capacity consumption. It is not possible to shut off after a predetermined time due to an erroneous determination due to factors or the like, thereby making it impossible for the gas consumer to use the gas appliance or causing the gas supplier to unnecessarily dispatch.
[0024]
Although not shown, the setting of the period value for changing the period by the period changing means and the setting of the predetermined time for counting the time by the time measuring means may be set from a gas supply company or the like through a telephone line or the like. For example, each setting is made according to the local climate and the actual situation of the user.
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the battery power supply means for supplying power, the shutoff means for supplying and shutting off a medium such as gas, and the supply voltage of the battery power supply means are monitored, and when a predetermined voltage or less is detected. A voltage detection means for determining an abnormality; a period setting means for setting a period for driving the voltage detection means; a period variable means for changing the period of the period setting means when a voltage drop is detected by the voltage detection means; A voltage abnormality counting means for measuring the number of times that the voltage detection means determines that the voltage drop is abnormal, a time measuring means for measuring a predetermined number of times or more when the voltage abnormality counting means is detected, and a means for supplying gas to the interruption means A return means for outputting a signal for returning to the state, and a return prohibiting means for prohibiting the input of the return signal when a predetermined time has passed by the time measuring means and for performing a shut-off output to the shut-off means. The battery power supply of the device is periodically monitored by driving the voltage detection means for every set time of the period setting means, and when the voltage detection means detects a predetermined value or less, it is not immediately judged as abnormal, but the drop detection signal is variable in period When input to the means, the set time of the period setting means is changed, that is, the time period for driving the voltage detection means is set to a period for changing to a time period different from the time period in which the previous voltage drop was detected, and the voltage detection means is driven. As a result, if the voltage value can be determined to be normal, it is determined to be a false determination, and the battery capacity is still insufficient due to a temporary drop in temperature due to the winter cold wave, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish it from a voltage drop due to battery consumption, and by changing the voltage monitoring period, the time zone can be changed so that the battery voltage is not affected by temporary temperature fluctuations. Since it is possible to prevent erroneous determination by driving the pressure detection means and determining whether it is abnormal or not, the time measurement means is activated by the erroneous determination, the shut-off means is activated, the supply of gas, etc. is stopped, and the user uses the gas, etc. The reliability and usability of the shut-off device are improved without the inconvenience of being unable to do so.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a shut-off device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a conventional shut-off device.
2 Battery power supply means 3 Shut-off means 10 Flow rate detection means 11 External device means 12 Abnormality determination means 13 Restoration means 14 Restoration prohibition means 15 Period setting means 16 Voltage detection means 17 Period variable means 18 Time measurement means

Claims (1)

Battery power supply means for supplying power, shut-off means for supplying and shutting off the gas medium, voltage detection means for monitoring the supply voltage of the battery power supply means and determining that an abnormality is detected below a predetermined voltage, and the voltage detection means A period setting means for setting a period for driving the voltage, a period setting means for setting a period for driving the voltage detection means, and a time zone different from a set interval before the battery low detection is detected when the voltage detection is detected by the voltage detection means. wherein a period varying means for varying the period of the period setting means, and outputs a time measurement means for measuring detection time for a predetermined time a predetermined number of times or more by the voltage detecting means, a signal for returning the blocking means to the gas supply state to the A gas shut-off device comprising: a return means; and a return prohibit means for prohibiting input of a return signal when a predetermined time elapses in the time measuring means and performing a shut-off output to the shut-off means.

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