JP2002071420A - Voltage fall detector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a detector for monitoring the voltage fall of a batteries supplying electric power used for driving a load such as a shutoff valve, on a gas meter to accurately warn of that voltage fall. SOLUTION: This detector is provided with a first counter means Ca1 which sets powered duration for a battery B to periodically energize a dummy resistance R3 loaded equivalently to an electric shutoff valve V opening/closing channel of a gas meter, a second counter means Ca3 which sets longer power-on cycle and powered duration than those set by the first counter means Ca1, a control means Ca2 which energizes and controls the dummy resistance R3 or the shutoff valve V in the power-on cycle set by each of counter means Ca1 and Ca3, and a voltage detector means dv determining the battery voltage when operating the dummy resistance R3 or the shutoff valve V in each power-on cycle.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a voltage drop judging device for judging a voltage drop of a battery built in a gas meter, for example.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A battery built in a device is widely used for driving a load which is difficult to connect to a commercial power supply, or for driving a load with a voltage and a current different from those of a commercial power supply. As an example of the device, there is a gas meter provided in each home or the like.

This gas meter measures the flow rate of gas in order to measure the flow rate of gas. The gas meter measures the flow rate of gas flowing through a gas flow path inside the gas meter. Gas leak detecting means for determining whether or not a gas leak has occurred, and a shutoff valve for forcibly shutting off a gas flow path when the leak detecting means determines that the gas has leaked. ing. These anemometer, gas leak detecting means, shutoff valve and the like are driven by a lithium battery built in the gas meter.

[0004] In addition, the gas meter requires lithium power to close the gas flow path by a shut-off valve so that the gas flow path is forcibly shut off when the gas leak detection means determines the gas leak. A battery voltage drop inspection device that periodically checks whether or not the battery remains is built in together with a flow meter, gas leak detection means, a shutoff valve, and the like.

[0005] In the gas meter described above, if the power of the lithium battery is determined to be low enough to reduce the level required for the valve closing operation by the shut-off valve, as a result of the inspection by the battery voltage drop inspection device, the safety is reduced. Then, the shutoff valve is closed to shut off the gas flow path.

FIG. 9A shows, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 4-2316.
Is a voltage monitoring device disclosed in US Pat. The apparatus main body 1 is built in the gas meter GM, and when a gas flow rate signal is input from a flow rate sensor FS provided in a gas flow path F in the gas meter GM, a gas leak or the like is detected from a gas flow rate calculated based on the flow rate signal. sometimes, type is oN operated shutoff valve operating signal to the base of the transistor to Q ₁ shutoff valve V for driving through a resistor R ₁ and a control unit C for forced cutoff control the gas flow path F. In this voltage monitoring device, driving power is supplied from a lithium battery B that supplies operating power to the entire gas meter.

[0007] The control unit C, the lithium battery B + pole is connected to the collector, the pulse signal (pseudo resistance signal every predetermined cycle through the emitter resistor to the base of the transistor Q ₂ to which is grounded through a pseudo-resistor R ₃ R2 O)
N / OFF operation is performed. As a result, current from the lithium battery B flows pseudo resistor R ₃ connected between the emitter and the ground transistor Q _2. The pseudo resistor R ₃ has become the equivalent load resistance and shut-off valve V, the battery voltage is set so as to be sure can be secured in a state in which most current flows in the gas meter used as the valve operation.

That is, the voltage determination circuit Dv outputs the pseudo resistance R from the lithium battery B every battery voltage monitoring cycle by the control unit C.
By monitoring the terminal voltage of the lithium battery B when a current flows through ₃ , the consumption of the lithium battery B is monitored. The reason for monitoring the open state of the lithium battery B, when the open-circuit voltage of the battery B starts a pseudo resistor R ₃ in a low state,
This is because an excessive load is applied to the lithium battery B whose electric power has been consumed, and a voltage drop appears remarkably.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the monitoring of the consumption of the lithium battery B is performed once every 50 hours.
20 which is shorter than the more usual shut-off valve operation time (1-2 seconds)
ms during flow the pseudo resistance signal to the transistor Q2 from the base resistor R _2. As a result, the transistor Q2 is 20 m
s between, by conduction, current flows through the pseudo-resistor R ₃ through the transistor Q2 from the lithium battery B. At this time, the voltage determination circuit Dv determines the terminal voltage of the lithium battery B, whereby the voltage drop of the lithium battery B during the load operation is determined.

[0010]

The conventional voltage monitoring apparatus is characterized in that when a current flows from the lithium voltage to the pseudo-resistor once every 50 hours for 20 ms, the battery is consumed due to a change in the terminal voltage of the lithium voltage. Was determined.

However, if the operation of the shutoff valve is a small number of times, such as once every six months, the operation time is shorter than the actual valve operation only by checking the battery voltage for 20 ms once every 50 hours, and the current consumption is reduced. Because of its small size, it goes without saying that the shut-off valve is not operated for a long time.

When a lithium battery is used with such a low current consumption, the lithium battery tends to be in an inactive state, which has undesirable characteristics. The inactive state is a phenomenon in which the battery capacity is sufficient but the chemical reaction becomes slow and the battery voltage drops. As a result, the battery voltage drop value in the inactive state matches the battery voltage drop determination value originally set in anticipation of use for 10 years, and as a result, the battery voltage drop due to the consumption of the battery capacity is erroneously determined and abnormally displayed. There was a problem that would.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a voltage drop determining apparatus capable of performing voltage measurement in an active state while avoiding an inactive state which is a battery characteristic. Aim.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a voltage drop judging device, comprising a driving battery incorporated in a gas meter and at least one of a pseudo resistor and a shut-off valve, the amount of electricity required to drive the shut-off valve. Means for periodically measuring the battery voltage while maintaining the activated state of the battery, periodically activating the battery and measuring the battery voltage drop in the active state.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a voltage drop judging device according to the present invention.
As shown in the basic configuration diagram, a first counting means for setting an energizing time for periodically energizing the battery with respect to a pseudo resistance of an electric load equivalent to an electric shut-off valve for opening and closing the flow path of the gas meter. A second counting means for setting a longer energizing time longer than the energizing cycle set by the first counting means, and energizing the pseudo-resistance or the shut-off valve with the energizing cycle set by each of the counting means. Control means for controlling, comprising a voltage determination means for determining the battery voltage when operating the pseudo-resistance or the shut-off valve in each of the power supply cycle, during the power supply time set by the second counting means, A current is supplied from the battery to the pseudo resistor or the shutoff valve, and a battery voltage drop is determined in each of the current supply cycles while maintaining the battery active state.

[0016] The control means of the voltage drop judging device according to the present invention, when judging the normal operation of the shut-off valve, is capable of detecting the second operation.
After the energizing operation is started after shifting to the next energizing cycle by the counting means, after the shut-off valve is energized and normally operated,
In the next energizing cycle by the second counting means, the pseudo-resistance or the shut-off valve is energized to measure the battery activation state.

The control means of the voltage drop judging device according to the present invention resets the time counting up to the energizing cycle by the second counting means when the normal operation of the shutoff valve is determined, so that the shutoff valve is energized normally. When the battery is operated, resetting the counting of the energization cycle by the second counting means and then starting the counting can prevent a plurality of energizations by the battery in a short time.

Further, the control means of the voltage drop judging device according to the present invention is characterized in that when the shut-off valve is closed, the pseudo resistor is energized according to the energizing cycle, and when the shut-off valve is opened, the pseudo-resistance is energized according to the energizing cycle. Inadvertent opening of the shut-off valve can be prevented when the shut-off valve is closed, and energization according to the actual operation of the shut-off valve can be performed when the shut-off valve is opened.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a gas meter to which a voltage drop measuring device 1A according to the present invention is applied. In FIG. 9, (a) of FIG.
The same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts. The control unit Ca in the present invention includes a microcomputer 30 shown in FIG.
The software function makes a judgment on the battery voltage drop in the active state, and when the voltage drop is judged, a warning of the battery voltage drop is displayed by the alarm circuit 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the microcomputer 30 has a CPU 30a, a RAM 30b, and a ROM 30c. Among them, the CPU 30a has a flow rate sensor FS for measuring a gas flow rate flowing through the gas flow path F in addition to the RAM 30b and the ROM 30c. A transistor Q _{1 for} controlling the opening and closing of the shutoff valve V (see FIG. 2) at the time of gas leakage determined from the gas flow rate calculation value based on the flow velocity measurement result, is turned on periodically (for example, 50 hours) for 20 msec. Work,
Transistor Q ₂ to which electric current from the pseudo-resistor R ₃ lithium battery B, a pseudo resistor R ₃ of the voltage detecting terminal voltage of the lithium battery B at the time of driving determination circuit Dv, battery voltage drop CPU30a is determined by the detected terminal voltage The alarm circuit 3 that issues a warning based on the above is connected via an interface (not shown).

Further, once a month to gauge the activation of CPU30a lithium battery B, the shutoff valve V, or the shut-off valve V is in operation to flow a current from the lithium battery B to a pseudo resistor R _3, time ( 1 month), and at the time of confirming the shut-off valve V operation by the normal operation, cancel the current time-measuring operation and start the time-measuring operation again for one month from the time of confirming the shut-off valve V operation. It has a timer.

The RAM 30b has a data area for storing various data and a work area used for various processing operations, and the ROM 30c has a voltage drop determining process, a flow speed calculating process, and a shutoff valve controlling process which are various processes by the CPU 30a. A control program for performing such operations is stored.

Embodiment 1 Next, Embodiment 1 of the present invention
The operation of the control unit Ca in the voltage drop determination device according to the above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The outline of the present embodiment is that once every 50 hours, whether the battery voltage at that time is normal or abnormal is determined by the voltage determination circuit Dv. However,
Once every 15 times (50 hours × 15, about one month), the shut-off valve V is actually operated for 1 to 2 seconds to prevent the inactivation of the lithium battery B.

That is, a current is passed from the lithium battery B to the pseudo resistor R ₃ every 50 hours, and the voltage of the lithium battery B at that time is sampled to determine a decrease in battery voltage. Furthermore, the number of times of sampling is counted. For example, when the number of times of sampling becomes 15 (variable), the shut-off valve V is actually driven by the lithium battery B, and the voltage of the lithium battery B at that time is taken into the CPU 30a and checked. do.

[0025] If the battery voltage is not reduced, after clearing the sampling times, again every 50 hours, by sampling the voltage drop across the pseudo-resistor R ₃ or to determine the battery voltage drops, the sampling frequency is 15 times If it becomes
After the shut-off valve V is energized and operated by the lithium battery B for 1 to 2 seconds corresponding to a normal valve operation time, the voltage of the lithium battery B is checked by the CPU 30a. If the battery voltage drop is determined in any operation, a warning is issued.

The operation of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, a current is passed from the lithium battery B to the pseudo resistor R ₃ every 50 hours, and the voltage of the lithium battery B is sampled at that time.
It is determined whether the time timer has timed out (step S1). If the time has not elapsed, the counting operation is continued again. If the time is over,
The number of checks (sampling) is counted up (step S2).

As a result of counting up, it is determined whether or not the number of checks (sampling) is less than 15 (step S3). Be less, between 20msec and from current lithium battery B to a pseudo resistor R _3, samples the voltage of the lithium battery B upon applying checking the battery voltage (step S4).

As a result of the check, it is determined whether the battery voltage is lower than a specified value (for example, 80% of the battery voltage) (step S5). If it is not reduced is determined start the process from the step S1, if the elapsed 50 hours, pseudo resistor R ₃ to the current between 20 msec, sampling the flow battery voltage.

In step S3, the number of checks is 15
If it is determined in step S5 that the battery voltage has fallen below the specified value twice within less than the number of times, a warning of the battery voltage drop is issued (step S6).

If the battery voltage does not fall below the specified value even after the number of checks reaches 15, the routine enters a routine for operating the shut-off valve V in order to prevent inactivation of the battery. Shut-off valve V
Before the operation is performed, it is determined whether or not the shutoff valve is performing a shutoff operation (meter energization) (step S7).

Here, if the shut-off valve V is in the shut-off operation,
Proceed to step S9. In the pseudo resistance signal output processing in step S9, first, the valve operation elapsed time timer is set to 1
Set to months and start timing operation (step S9)
a). This is because the pseudo-resistance R ₃ is 1 immediately after the shut-off valve V is activated.
This is to prevent the consumption of the battery capacity from being promoted when a current flows from the lithium battery B for up to 2 seconds.

After starting the timing operation, it is determined whether or not there is a valve operation (step S9b). If it is determined that there is a valve operation in an irregular inspection work or the like within one month, the process returns to step S9a to return the elapsed time of the valve operation. Reset the timer to one month and restart. As a result, a short period from the valve operation time of unscheduled until valve actuation elapsed time by the valve actuation elapsed time timer setting (1 month), preventing to promote the consumption of battery capacity electric current pseudo resistor R ₃ Can be.

However, if it is determined in step S9b that there is no valve operation, it is determined whether the initially set valve operation elapsed time is over the timer (step S9).
c). If the valve operating age timer-over is determined, the control unit Ca from a current flows over 1-2 seconds pseudo resistor R ₃ on the basis of the pseudo resistance signal output to the transistor Q ₂ (step S9d), in step S4 Check the battery voltage.

Then, it is determined whether or not the battery voltage falls below a specified value (step S5). If it is determined that the battery voltage falls below the specified value, a warning is issued (step S
6). However, if the battery voltage does not fall below the specified value, the process starts again from step S1.

However, if it is not determined in step S9c that the elapsed time of the valve operation has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S9b.
Then, it is determined whether or not there is a valve operation. At this time, if the valve operation is not determined, the elapsed time of the valve operation is counted (step S9a). However, if the irregular valve operation is determined before the valve operation elapsed time timer expires, step S9a
Then, the timer operation overtime of the valve operation is restarted, and the pseudo resistance signal output point one month after this point is counted again.

As a result, it is possible to maintain a stable battery active state by periodically energizing the pseudo resistor R ₃ . Since it is not passing a current across the pseudo resistor R ₃ despite there is a valve operated within a month or two seconds, prevented to promote the consumption of battery capacity, efficient batteries Voltage drop determination can be performed.

If it is determined in step S7 that the shut-off valve V is not operating, the process proceeds to a shut-off valve operation signal output process in step S8. In the shut-off valve signal output processing in step S8, first, a valve operation elapsed time timer is set to one month, and a timekeeping operation is started (step S8a). This is to prevent the consumption of the battery capacity from being promoted when the shut-off valve V is operated by the lithium battery B to determine the battery voltage drop immediately after the shut-off valve V is operated.

After starting the timing operation, it is determined whether or not there is a valve operation (step S8b). If it is determined that there is a valve operation in an irregular inspection work or the like within one month, the flow returns to step S8a and the elapsed time of the valve operation. Reset the timer to one month and restart. As a result, during the short period from the irregular valve operation time to the valve operation elapsed time (one month) set by the valve operation elapsed time timer, it is possible to prevent the operation of the shutoff valve V from promoting the consumption of the battery capacity. .

However, if it is determined in step S8b that there is no valve operation, it is determined whether the initially set valve operation elapsed time is over the timer (step S8).
c). When it is not determined that the valve operation elapsed time timer is over, the process returns to step S8b, and it is determined whether or not there is a valve operation. At this time, if the valve operation is not determined, the elapsed time of the valve operation is counted (step S8c). However, if the irregular valve operation is determined before the valve operation elapsed time timer expires, the process returns to step S8a to restart the valve operation elapsed time timer over, and the pseudo-resistance signal output point one month later from this point is set again. Count.

If it is determined that the valve operation elapsed time timer is over, it is determined whether or not the meter is shut off, that is, whether or not the shut-off valve V is being shut off for inspection work or the like (step S8).
d). If it is determined that the shutoff is being performed, a shutoff valve operation signal is output to the transistor Q1 so that the shutoff valve V cannot be returned (released).
To output a pseudo-resistance signal for 1-2 seconds and turn it on.
Flowing a current pseudo resistor R ₃ from the lithium battery B (step S8f). Proceeding to step S4, the battery voltage is checked.

However, if it is determined that the meter is not shut off, a return signal is output to the shut-off valve V to bring the shut-off valve into the reset state (step S8e), and the battery voltage is checked in step S4. Then, it is determined whether or not the battery voltage is lower than a specified value (Step S5). If it is determined that the battery voltage falls below the specified value, a warning is issued (step S6). However, if the battery voltage does not fall below the specified value, the process starts again from step S1.

As a result, a stable battery activation state can be maintained by periodically setting the valve operation cycle. Even though the valve has been operated within one month, no current flows through the shut-off valve V, so that it is possible to prevent the consumption of the battery capacity from being promoted,
Efficient battery voltage drop determination can be performed.

Embodiment 2 The first embodiment, if it is in shut-off valve V operating uniquely passing a current pseudo resistor R _3, was performed to check the voltage of the lithium battery B, Form of the embodiment in the flowchart of FIG. 5 As shown, if it is determined in step S7 that the shut-off valve V is operating (the meter is being shut off), and if it is determined that the shut-off valve V has not returned (opened) even after a predetermined time has elapsed. (Step S1
0,11), a current flows to the pseudo resistor R ₃ over 1 to 2 seconds, which corresponds to the shut-off valve operating time pseudo resistor R ₃ (step S9). Performing voltage check of the lithium battery B at a current pseudo resistor R ₃ (step S4). However, if the meter is shut off, a shut-off valve operation signal is output as in the first embodiment (step S8).

In the pseudo resistance signal output in step 9, first, a valve operation elapsed time timer is set to one month, and a time counting operation is started (step S9a). This is to prevent to promote the consumption of battery capacity when an electric current is applied from the lithium battery B across the pseudo-resistor R ₃ to 1 to 2 seconds immediately after actuation of the shut-off valve V.

After the start of the timing operation, it is determined whether or not there is a valve operation (step S9b). If it is determined that there is a valve operation in an irregular inspection work or the like within one month, the flow returns to step S9a to return the elapsed time of the valve operation. Reset the timer to one month and restart. As a result, a short period from the valve operation time of unscheduled until valve actuation elapsed time by the valve actuation elapsed time timer setting (1 month), preventing to promote the consumption of battery capacity electric current pseudo resistor R ₃ Can be.

However, if it is determined in step S9b that there is no valve operation, it is determined whether the initially set valve operation elapsed time is over the timer (step S9).
c). If the valve operating age timer-over is determined, pseudo resistor R ₃ a current flows over two seconds (step S9d), checks the battery voltage in step S4.

Then, it is determined whether or not the battery voltage falls below a specified value (step S5). If it is determined that the battery voltage falls below the specified value, a warning is issued (step S
6). However, if the battery voltage does not fall below the specified value, the process starts again from step S1.

However, if it is not determined in step S9c that the elapsed time of the valve operation has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S9b.
Then, it is determined whether or not there is a valve operation. At this time, if the valve operation is not determined, the elapsed time of the valve operation is counted (step S9c). However, if the irregular valve operation is determined before the valve operation elapsed time timer expires, step S9a
Then, the timer operation overtime of the valve operation is restarted, and the pseudo resistance signal output point one month after this point is counted again.

[0049] As a result, it is possible to maintain a stable cell active energization period of the pseudo-resistor R ₃ in the regular. Since it is not passing a current across the pseudo resistor R ₃ despite there is a valve operated within a month or two seconds, prevented to promote the consumption of battery capacity, efficient batteries Voltage drop determination can be performed.

In the shut-off valve operation signal output processing in step S8, first, a valve operation elapsed time timer is set to one month to start a timekeeping operation (step S8a). This is because immediately after the operation of the shutoff valve V, the battery voltage drop is determined.
This is to prevent the consumption of the battery capacity from being promoted when the shut-off valve V is operated by the lithium battery B.

After the start of the timing operation, it is determined whether or not there is a valve operation (step S8b). If it is determined that there is a valve operation in an irregular inspection work or the like within one month, the flow returns to step S8a to return the elapsed time of the valve operation. Reset the timer to one month and restart. As a result, during the short period from the irregular valve operation time to the valve operation elapsed time (one month) set by the valve operation elapsed time timer, it is possible to prevent the operation of the shutoff valve V from promoting the consumption of the battery capacity. .

If it is determined in step S8b that there is no valve operation, it is determined whether the initially set valve operation elapsed time is over the timer (step S8c). When it is not determined that the valve operation elapsed time timer is over, the process returns to step S8b, and it is determined whether or not there is a valve operation. At this time, if the valve operation is not determined, the elapsed time of the valve operation is counted (step S8c). However, if the irregular valve operation is determined before the valve operation elapsed time timer expires, the process returns to step S8a to restart the valve operation elapsed time timer over, and the pseudo-resistance signal output point one month later from this point is set again. Count.

If it is determined that the valve operation elapsed time timer is over, it is determined whether or not the meter is shut off, that is, whether or not the shut-off valve V is shut off for inspection work or the like (step S8).
d). If it is determined that the shutoff is being performed, a shutoff valve operation signal is output to the transistor Q1 so that the shutoff valve V cannot be returned (released).
To output a pseudo-resistance signal for 1-2 seconds and turn it on.
Flowing a current pseudo resistor R ₃ from the lithium battery B (step S8f). Proceeding to step S4, the battery voltage is checked.

If it is determined that the meter is not shut off, a return signal is output to the shut-off valve V to bring the shut-off valve into the reset state (step S8e), and the battery voltage is checked in step S4. Then, it is determined whether or not the battery voltage is lower than a specified value (Step S5). If it is determined that the battery voltage falls below the specified value, a warning is issued (step S
6). However, if the battery voltage does not fall below the specified value, the process starts again from step S1.

As a result, a stable battery activation state can be maintained by periodically setting the valve operation cycle. Even though the valve has been operated within one month, no current flows through the shut-off valve V, so that it is possible to prevent the consumption of the battery capacity from being promoted,
Efficient battery voltage drop determination can be performed.

Embodiment 3 Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. A current flows from the lithium battery B to the pseudo resistor R ₃ every 50 hours,
In order to sample the battery voltage at that time, it is determined whether or not the 50-hour timer has timed out (step S1). If the time has not elapsed, the timer operation is continued again.

If the time is over, the pseudo resistor R
_{3. A} current is passed from the lithium battery B to ₃ and the voltage at that time is sampled to check the battery voltage (step S
4), the number of checks is counted up (step S)
4a).

Then, it is determined whether the number of checks is 15 and one month has passed since the start of the voltage drop determination operation (step S4b). If after one month, the pseudo resistor R ₃ in order to prevent the inert lithium battery B 1 to 2
For 2 seconds, energize or actually operate the shut-off valve V, and proceed to step S4c to check the battery voltage at that time.

[0059] However, since initially the number of checks is less than 15 times, checks the battery voltage produced by 20msec energizing current to the pseudo resistor R _3, the result of the check, the battery voltage is the specified value (e.g., battery voltage Is determined (step S5).

If it is determined that there is no decrease,
Clear the battery voltage drop judgment count (step S1
4). At this point, the number of battery voltage drop determinations is zero. Steps S1, S4, S4a, S4 every 50 hours
Steps b, S5, and S14 are repeated to determine whether the battery voltage has dropped below a specified value.

If it is determined that the battery voltage has dropped below the specified value, the number of battery voltage drop determinations is counted up (step S12), and it is determined whether or not the number of battery voltage determinations is one (step S13). .

If the number of determinations of the battery voltage drop is one, preparations are made to flow a current from the lithium battery B to the shut-off valve V in order to prevent the inactivity of the lithium battery B and determine the battery voltage drop.

Before passing the current, the shut-off valve V
It is determined whether or not the meter is being shut off by shutting off the shutoff valve V in order to prevent the self-recovery from returning without permission (step S7). If the meter is not shut off, a shut-off valve operation signal is sent to the transistor Q1 to turn on the meter, and a current is output from the lithium battery B to the shut-off valve V (step S8).

Then, the battery voltage at that time is taken in and checked (step S4). If the checked battery voltage is not lower than the specified value (step S5), it is determined that the battery voltage decrease is due to the inactivity of the battery, and the counted number of battery voltage decrease determinations counted up is cleared to 0 ( Step S14), again steps S1, S4, S
The processes of 4a, S4b, and S5 are repeated.

However, if it is detected in step S5 that the battery voltage has dropped below the specified value, the number of battery voltage drop determinations is counted up (step S12) and step S13 is performed.
(Step S1)
3) Go to step S7.

If it is determined in step S7 that the meter is being energized, and if it is determined that the shut-off valve V has not returned (opened) even after the lapse of a predetermined time (steps S10 and S11), the pseudo resistance over 1 to 2 seconds, which corresponds to the shut-off valve operating time R ₃ a current flows to the pseudo resistor R ₃ (step S9), and checks the battery voltage (step S
4).

As a result of the check, it is determined whether or not the battery voltage is lower than a specified value (for example, 80% of the battery voltage) (step S5). If it is determined that the battery voltage has dropped, the number of battery voltage drop determinations is counted up (step S12), and it is determined whether the number of battery voltage drop determinations has become two (step S13). At this point,
Since the number of times of battery voltage drop determination is two, a warning of battery voltage drop is issued (step S6). If it is determined in step S7 that the meter is not shut off, a shut-off valve operation signal is output to operate the shut-off valve V (step S7).
8). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4, where the battery voltage is checked. If the battery voltage is lower than the specified value (step S5), a warning of the battery voltage drop is issued (step S5).
6).

In step S4b, if it is determined that the number of checks exceeds 15, the pseudo-resistance signal output corresponding to the valve operation time (1-2 seconds) or the shut-off valve V is activated in order to activate the lithium battery B. It is determined whether to operate (step S4c). If the meter is off, a pseudo-resistance signal is output (step S4d), and if the meter is not off, a shutoff valve operation signal is output (step S4e).

In the pseudo resistance signal output in step S4d, first, the valve operation elapsed time timer is set to one month, and the timer operation is started (step S9a). This is to prevent to promote the consumption of battery capacity when an electric current is applied from the lithium battery B across the pseudo-resistor R ₃ to 1 to 2 seconds immediately after actuation of the shut-off valve V.

After the start of the timing operation, it is determined whether or not there is a valve operation (step S9b). If it is determined that there is a valve operation in an irregular inspection work or the like within one month, the flow returns to step S9a to return the elapsed time of the valve operation. Reset the timer to one month and restart. As a result, a short period from the valve operation time of unscheduled until valve actuation elapsed time by the valve actuation elapsed time timer setting (1 month), preventing to promote the consumption of battery capacity electric current pseudo resistor R ₃ Can be.

However, if it is determined in step S9b that there is no valve operation, it is determined whether the initially set valve operation elapsed time is over the timer (step S9).
c). If the valve operating age timer-over is determined, after a current flows over the pseudo-resistor R ₃ to 1 to 2 seconds, the flow returns to step S1 to clear the number of checks to zero. Since the 50-hour timer is over in step S1, the process proceeds to step S4 to check the battery voltage.

Then, the process proceeds to step S5 through steps S4a and 4b, and it is determined whether or not the battery voltage falls below a specified value. If it is determined that the battery voltage falls below the specified value, a warning is issued (step S6). However, if the battery voltage does not fall below the specified value, the process starts again from step S1.

However, if it is not determined in step S9c that the valve operation elapsed time timer has expired, the process proceeds to step S9b.
Then, it is determined whether or not there is a valve operation. At this time, if it is not determined that there is a valve operation, the elapsed time of the valve operation is counted (step S9c). However, if an irregular valve operation is determined before the valve operation elapsed time timer expires, step S
Returning to step 9a, the timer operation elapsed time timer over is restarted, and the pseudo resistance signal output point one month after this point is counted again.

As a result, it is possible to maintain a stable battery active state by periodically energizing the pseudo resistor R ₃ . Since it is not passing a current across the pseudo resistor R ₃ despite there is a valve operated within a month or two seconds, prevented to promote the consumption of battery capacity, efficient batteries Voltage drop determination can be performed.

In the shut-off valve operation signal output process of step S4e, first, the valve operation elapsed time timer is set to one month, and the timer operation is started (step S8a). This is because immediately after the operation of the shutoff valve V, the battery voltage drop is determined.
This is to prevent the consumption of the battery capacity from being promoted when the shut-off valve V is operated by the lithium battery B.

After the start of the timing operation, it is determined whether or not there is a valve operation (step S8b). If it is determined that there is a valve operation in an irregular inspection work or the like within one month, the process returns to step S8a to return the elapsed time of the valve operation. Reset the timer to one month and restart. As a result, during the short period from the irregular valve operation time to the valve operation elapsed time (one month) set by the valve operation elapsed time timer, it is possible to prevent the operation of the shutoff valve V from promoting the consumption of the battery capacity. .

However, if it is determined in step S8b that there is no valve operation, it is determined whether the initially set valve operation elapsed time is over the timer (step S8).
c). When it is not determined that the valve operation elapsed time timer is over, the process returns to step S8b, and it is determined whether or not there is a valve operation. At this time, if the valve operation is not determined, the elapsed time of the valve operation is counted (step S8c). However, if the irregular valve operation is determined before the valve operation elapsed time timer expires, the process returns to step S8a to restart the valve operation elapsed time timer over, and the pseudo-resistance signal output point one month later from this point is set again. Count.

However, if it is determined in step S8c that the valve operation elapsed time timer has expired,
That is, it is determined whether or not the shutoff valve V is being shut off for inspection work or the like (step S8d). If it is determined that the shut-off is being performed, a shut-off valve operation signal is output to the transistor Q1 so that the shut-off valve V cannot be restored (released). Output to turn on, pseudo-resistance R ₃ from lithium battery B
(Step S8f), the number of checks is cleared to 0, and the process returns to Step S1. Since the 50-hour timer is over in step S1, the process proceeds to step S4 to check the battery voltage. Then, step S4
The process proceeds to step S5 through a and 4b to determine whether or not the battery voltage falls below a specified value, and thereafter, restarts from step S12.

However, if it is determined in step S8d that the meter is not shut off, a return signal is output to the shut-off valve V to set the shut-off valve to the reset state (step S8e), the number of checks is cleared to 0, and step S1 is executed. Return to Since the 50-hour timer is over in step S1, the process proceeds to step S4 to check the battery voltage. And
The process proceeds to step S5 through steps S4a and 4b, and determines whether or not the battery voltage falls below a specified value, and thereafter, restarts from step S12.

As a result, a stable battery activation state can be maintained by periodically setting the valve operation cycle. Even though the valve has been operated within one month, no current flows through the shut-off valve V, so that it is possible to prevent the consumption of the battery capacity from being promoted,
Efficient battery voltage drop determination can be performed.

Embodiment 4 Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 50
Each time a current flows from the lithium battery B to a pseudo resistor R ₃ to determine the time 50 hours timer for sampling the battery voltage whether it is a time-over (step S1). If the time has not elapsed, the counting operation is continued again.

If the time is over, the pseudo resistor R
_A current is passed from the lithium battery B to the battery ₃ , and the battery voltage is sampled at that time to check the battery voltage (step S
4), the number of checks is counted up (step S)
4a).

Then, it is determined whether or not one month has passed since the number of checks was 15 and the voltage drop judging operation was started (step S4b). The number of checks is counted up (step S4a).

[0084] However, since initially the number of checks is less than 15 times, checks the battery voltage produced by 20msec energizing current to the pseudo resistor R _3, the result of the check, the battery voltage is the specified value (e.g., battery voltage Is determined (step S5).

If it is determined that there is no decrease,
Clear the battery voltage drop judgment count (step S1
4). At this point, the number of battery voltage drop determinations is zero. Steps S1, S4, S4a, S4 every 50 hours
Steps b, S5, and S14 are repeated to determine whether the battery voltage has dropped below a specified value. If it is determined that the battery voltage has dropped below the specified value (step S5), the number of battery voltage drop determinations is counted up, and it is determined whether or not the number of battery voltage determinations is one (step S13).

If the number of determinations of the battery voltage drop is one, the inactivity of the battery is prevented to determine the battery voltage drop.
Between 20msec pseudo resistor R _3, current flows (step S15), and checks the battery voltage (step S
4). The number of checks is counted up (step S4
a) If the number of checks is less than 15, the result of the check indicates that the battery voltage is a specified value (for example, 80% of the battery voltage).
%) (Step S)
5). If it is determined that the battery voltage has dropped, the number of battery voltage drop determinations is counted up, and it is determined whether the number of battery voltage drop determinations has become two (step S1).
3). At this point, since the number of times of battery voltage drop determination is two, a warning of battery voltage drop is issued (step S6).

However, as a result of each check, if it is determined that one month has passed without the battery voltage dropping below the specified value (step S4b), the pseudo resistor R is used to prevent the lithium battery B from being deactivated. _{In step 3} , energize or actually operate the shut-off valve V for 1-2 seconds, and proceed to step S4c to check the battery voltage at that time. If the meter is off, a pseudo-resistance signal is output (step S4d), and if the meter is not off, a shutoff valve operation signal is output (step S4e).

In the pseudo resistance signal output in step S4d, first, the valve operation elapsed time timer is set to one month, and the time counting operation is started (step S9a). This is to prevent to promote the consumption of battery capacity when an electric current is applied from the lithium battery B across the pseudo-resistor R ₃ to 1 to 2 seconds immediately after actuation of the shut-off valve V.

After the start of the timing operation, it is determined whether or not there is a valve operation (step S9b). If it is determined that there is a valve operation in an irregular inspection work or the like within one month, the flow returns to step S to return to the elapsed time of the valve operation. Reset the timer to one month and restart. As a result, a short period from the valve operation time of unscheduled until valve actuation elapsed time by the valve actuation elapsed time timer setting (1 month), preventing to promote the consumption of battery capacity electric current pseudo resistor R ₃ Can be.

However, if it is determined in step S9b that there is no valve operation, it is determined whether the initially set valve operation elapsed time is over the timer (step S9).
c). If the valve operating age timer-over is determined, (step S9d) after a current flows over the pseudo-resistor R ₃ to 1 to 2 seconds, the number of checks is cleared to 0 returns to step S1. Since the 50-hour timer is over in step S1, the process proceeds to step S4 to check the battery voltage.

Then, the process proceeds to step S5 through steps S4a and 4b, and it is determined whether or not the battery voltage falls below a specified value. If it is determined that the battery voltage falls below the specified value twice, a warning is issued (step S6). However, if the battery voltage does not fall below the specified value twice, step S1 is performed again.
Processing is started from 5.

If it is not determined in step S9c that the valve operation elapsed time timer has expired, the flow returns to step S9b,
It is determined whether or not there is a valve operation. At this time, if the valve operation is not determined, the elapsed time of the valve operation is counted (step S9).
c). However, if the irregular valve operation is determined before the valve operation elapsed time timer is over, the flow returns to step S9a to restart the valve operation elapsed time timer over, and the pseudo resistance signal output point one month later from this point is set again. Count.

[0093] As a result, it is possible to maintain a stable cell active energization period of the pseudo-resistor R ₃ in the regular.

[0094] For pseudo resistor R ₃ despite there is a valve operated within a month not pass a current across the two seconds, prevented to promote the consumption of battery capacity, efficient Battery voltage drop determination can be performed.

In the shut-off valve operation signal output processing in step S4e, first, the valve operation elapsed time timer is set to one month, and the timer operation is started (step S8a). This is because immediately after the operation of the shutoff valve V, the battery voltage drop is determined.
This is to prevent the consumption of the battery capacity from being promoted when the shut-off valve V is operated by the lithium battery B.

After the start of the timing operation, it is determined whether or not there is a valve operation (step S8b). If it is determined that there is a valve operation in an irregular inspection work or the like within one month, the process returns to step S8a to return the elapsed time of the valve operation. Reset the timer to one month and restart. As a result, during the short period from the irregular valve operation time to the valve operation elapsed time (one month) set by the valve operation elapsed time timer, it is possible to prevent the operation of the shutoff valve V from promoting the consumption of the battery capacity. .

If it is determined in step S8b that there is no valve operation, it is determined whether the initially set valve operation elapsed time is over the timer (step S8c). When it is not determined that the valve operation elapsed time timer is over, the process returns to step S8b, and it is determined whether or not there is a valve operation. At this time, if the valve operation is not determined, the elapsed time of the valve operation is counted (step S8c). However, if the irregular valve operation is determined before the valve operation elapsed time timer expires, the process returns to step S8a to restart the valve operation elapsed time timer over, and the pseudo-resistance signal output point one month later from this point is set again. Count.

If it is determined that the timer has elapsed (step S8c), the meter is being shut off, that is,
It is determined whether or not the shutoff valve V is being shut off for inspection work or the like (step S8d). If it is determined that the shut-off is being performed, a shut-off valve operation signal is output to the transistor Q1 so that the shut-off valve V cannot be restored (released). and outputs Te was turned oN, after a current flows from the lithium battery B to a pseudo resistor R ₃ (step S8f), the number of checks is cleared to 0 returns to step S1. In step S1,
Since the 50-hour timer is over, the process proceeds to step S4 to check the battery voltage. Then, step S4
The process proceeds to step S5 through a and 4b, and it is determined whether or not the battery voltage is lower than the specified value.

However, if it is determined that the meter is not shut off, a return signal is output to the shut-off valve V to set the shut-off valve to the reset state (step S8e), the number of checks is cleared to 0, and the process returns to step S1. In step S1, 5
Since the 0 hour timer is over, the process proceeds to step S4 to check the battery voltage. Then, step S4
Restart from step S5 through a and 4b.

As a result, a stable battery activation state can be maintained by periodically setting the valve operation cycle. Even though the valve has been operated within one month, no current flows through the shut-off valve V, so that it is possible to prevent the consumption of the battery capacity from being promoted,
Efficient battery voltage drop determination can be performed.

[0101]

According to the present invention, a current of an amount of electricity required to drive the shut-off valve is periodically supplied to at least one of the pseudo resistor and the shut-off valve from a driving battery incorporated in the gas meter, An effect of providing a means for measuring a battery voltage while maintaining the activated state of the battery, periodically activating the battery, and measuring the battery voltage drop in the active state to obtain a highly reliable voltage drop determination device. There is.

According to the present invention, the first counting means for setting the energizing time for energizing the battery periodically with respect to the pseudo resistance of the electric load equivalent to the electric shut-off valve for opening and closing the flow path of the gas meter. A second counting means for setting a longer energizing time longer than the energizing cycle set by the first counting means, and energizing the pseudo-resistance or the shut-off valve with the energizing cycle set by each of the counting means. Control means for controlling;
Voltage determining means for determining a battery voltage when the pseudo resistor or the shut-off valve is operated in each of the power supply cycles, during a power supply time set by the second counting means,
By energizing the pseudo-resistance or the shut-off valve from the battery and determining the battery voltage drop in each energizing cycle while maintaining the battery active state, there is an effect that the battery voltage drop can be measured in a stable active state. .

Further, according to the present invention, when the normal operation of the shut-off valve is determined, the control means starts the energizing operation after shifting to the next energizing cycle by the second counting means, thereby energizing the shut-off valve. After the normal operation, the pseudo-resistance or the shut-off valve is energized in the next energizing cycle by the second counting means to activate the battery, so that the battery capacity is consumed by frequently energizing the battery in a single time. There is an effect that it can be suppressed.

The control means of the voltage drop judging device according to the present invention resets the time counting up to the energizing cycle by the second counting means when the normal operation of the shut-off valve is determined, so that the shut-off valve is energized normally. When operated, by resetting the timing of the power supply cycle by the second counting means and then starting the timekeeping, it is possible to prevent a plurality of power supply operations by the battery in a short time, thereby suppressing consumption of the battery capacity. There is.

Further, the control means of the voltage drop judging device according to the present invention is such that when the shut-off valve is closed, the pseudo resistor is energized according to the energizing cycle, and when the shut-off valve is opened, the pseudo-resistance is energized according to the energizing cycle. Inadvertently opening the shut-off valve when the shut-off valve is closed, and energizing according to the actual shut-off valve operation can be performed when the shut-off valve is opened, so that the battery can be activated efficiently.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram of a voltage drop determination device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration when the voltage monitoring device of the present invention is applied to a gas meter.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a voltage drop determination device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the voltage drop judging device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the voltage drop judging device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the voltage drop determining device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the voltage drop judging device according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a pseudo resistance signal output process and a shutoff valve operation signal output process in each embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration when a conventional voltage drop determining device is applied to a gas meter.

[Explanation of symbols]

Ca1 first timer means Ca2 control unit Ca3 second timing means dv voltage determining means B cell R ₃ pseudo resistor

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (Reference) H02J 7/00 302 H02J 7/00 302A (72) Inventor Sada Kawashima 23 Minamikashima, Futama-cho, Tenryu-shi, Shizuoka Prefecture Yazaki Keiki F term within the company (reference) 2F030 CB04 CC13 CF05 CF11 2G016 CA00 CB12 CC01 CC04 CC06 CC21 CC24 CC27 CC28 CD04 CD14 CE00 5G003 BA01 DA02 EA06 GC05 5H030 AS11 BB21 FF44

Claims (5)

[Claims] An electric current required to drive the shut-off valve is periodically supplied to at least one of a pseudo resistor and a shut-off valve from a driving battery built in the gas meter,
A voltage drop judging device comprising means for measuring a battery voltage while keeping the battery activated. 2. A first counting means for setting an energizing time for periodically energizing a battery with respect to a pseudo resistance of an electric load equivalent to an electric shut-off valve for opening and closing a flow path of a gas meter; A second counting means for setting a longer energizing time longer than the energizing cycle set by the counting means, and a control means for energizing the pseudo-resistor or the shut-off valve with the energizing cycle set by each of the counting means. And a voltage determination means for determining a battery voltage when the pseudo resistor or the shut-off valve is operated in each of the power supply cycles, and the power supply time is set by the battery during the power supply time set by the second counting means. A voltage drop judging device characterized in that a pseudo resistor or the shut-off valve is energized and a battery voltage drop is judged in each energizing cycle while maintaining a battery active state. 3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein when the normal operation of the shutoff valve is determined, the control unit starts the energizing operation after shifting to a next energizing cycle by the second counting unit.
2. The voltage drop determining device according to 1. 4. The voltage drop according to claim 2, wherein the control means resets the time counting until the next energization cycle by the second counting means when the normal operation of the shutoff valve V is determined. Judgment device. 5. The control means according to claim 2, wherein said pseudo resistor is energized according to an energizing cycle when said shut-off valve is closed, and energized according to an energizing cycle when said shut-off valve is opened. The voltage drop judging device according to any one of the above.