JP2003014227A - Cut-off apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide cut-off apparatus wherein using time of a cell is measured, and after the passage of predetermined time an alarming informing a user of an expiration of the valid term of a cell is issued, and further when the cell is not replaced for a predetermined time, gas supply is cut off. SOLUTION: Using time of the cell is counted with cell using time counting means 10, and when an expiration of the valid term set in valid term setting means 11 is detected by comparing means 12, a judgement that the valid term of the cell is expired, and the user is informed of the judgement. Further, if an elapse of a predetermined time is detected by time counting means 14, a cut-off command is out putted to cut off gas supply.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a circuit breaker for monitoring the usage state of gas appliances that use city gas, LP gas, etc., for ensuring safety when the power capacity of a battery power source is exhausted. Regarding

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional circuit breaker of this type has, for example, a gas circuit breaker as shown in FIG. 4 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-103546. FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a conventional gas shutoff device.

In the gas shutoff device 1 of FIG. 4, reference numeral 2 denotes a battery power supply, which supplies power to the entire gas shutoff device. A cutoff valve 3 stops or supplies the gas in the flow path.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a voltage drop detection unit, which detects a battery voltage in a depleted state in which the capacity of the battery power supply 2 capable of operating the gas shutoff device 1 remains within a predetermined operation guarantee time and detects a voltage drop signal A. Output. Reference numeral 5 denotes an opening accepting unit that accepts opening of the shutoff valve from the time when the voltage drop signal A is input and opens when there is an opening request (input of an opening request switch or an opening signal by communication). The plug request signal C is output. Reference numeral 6 denotes a timer unit, which counts a predetermined operation guarantee time from when the voltage drop signal A is input and outputs a plug opening end signal D.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a plug opening function stopping portion, which outputs a plug closing stop signal E for stopping the plug opening according to the plug opening request signal C when the plug opening end signal D is inputted. Reference numeral 8 denotes a gas shutoff control unit, which shuts off the shutoff valve 3 when the battery voltage drop signal A or the plugging stop signal E is input, and when the open request signal C is input before the input signal of the plugging stop signal E. The shutoff valve 3 is opened.

Next, the operation of the conventional configuration will be described. When the voltage drop detection unit 4 which is checking the degree of consumption of the battery power supply 2 detects the battery consumption voltage, it outputs a voltage drop signal A to the opening reception unit 5, the timer unit 6, and the gas shutoff control unit 8. The gas cutoff control unit 8 to which the voltage drop signal A is input outputs the first cutoff command signal B1 to operate the cutoff valve 3 to close the gas passage. The timer unit 6 starts counting when the voltage drop signal A is input, and until the timer unit 6 finishes counting a predetermined time, there is an opening request to the opening reception unit 5 and the opening request signal C Is output, the gas shutoff control unit 8 opens the shutoff valve 3. When the timer unit 6 has finished counting, the uncapping end signal D is output, so the unsealing function stopping unit 5 outputs the unsealing stop signal E and stops accepting the unsealing request. The gas shutoff device 1 to which the shutoff stop signal E is input outputs the second shutoff command signal B2 to shut off the shutoff valve 3.

In the gas cutoff device 1 installed in the flow path of a medium gas such as city gas or LP gas, the voltage drop detection unit 4 measures the voltage of the battery power supply 2 at predetermined time intervals to determine the degree of battery consumption. I'm watching. The lower limit voltage at which the gas cutoff device 1 can be operated is set in advance as the operation guarantee voltage, and the voltage value when going up from this point by the required number of days is set as the battery consumption voltage. The voltage drop detection unit 4 monitors the battery voltage and detects the battery voltage at the time of this exhaustion. That is, a grace period is provided until the shutoff valve 3 can be opened and the gas shutoff device 1 is replaced only during the period in which the voltage of the battery power supply 2 drops to the operation guarantee voltage after the battery consumption voltage is detected for the required number of days. It is a thing.

[0008]

However, the above conventional structure has the following problems. The gas cutoff device has a function of measuring the gas flow rate, but the metering unit has a limited period of use, but the voltage drop detection unit 4 does not always detect the battery voltage in a predetermined consumption state at the end of the period of use, and the period of use is limited. If it is used without being replaced, the warranty period of the electronic circuit of the gas circuit breaker has expired, and when a low battery condition occurs after that, the circuit component will come before the battery. If the product has reached the end of its life, it is assumed that it cannot be shut off.As a result, if the gas appliance is used abnormally, it cannot be shut off, and there is no danger warning display such as a gas leak. As a result, there are problems such as leading to the above-mentioned troubles, and the contents thereof are not disclosed.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems. For example, even if the battery voltage is not lowered, the battery usage period is measured, and when the expiration of the usage period is detected, a warning is displayed and the replacement notification period is further elapsed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a highly safe and reliable shutoff device that allows consumers of shutoff gas to safely use a gas appliance and monitor its state.

[0010]

In order to solve this problem, the present invention relates to a battery power supply means for supplying power, a shutoff means for supplying or shutting off a medium such as gas, and a start of supply of the battery power supply means. The battery usage time measurement means for measuring the usage time of the battery, the battery usage time limit setting means for setting the usage period of the battery power supply means, and the battery usage time measurement means and the battery usage time limit setting means are compared. Voltage warning judgment means that outputs a warning signal when it is judged that the deadline has been reached, time measurement means that further measures a predetermined time when the battery usage period elapses at the voltage warning judgment stage, and interruption means can supply gas etc. The recovery means outputs a signal for returning to the state, and the recovery prohibiting means for prohibiting the input of the recovery signal when a predetermined time has passed by the time measuring means and performing the interruption output to the interruption means.

Thus, the battery usage time measuring means measures the elapsed time from the start of use of the battery power source, and the voltage warning determination means monitors whether or not the battery usage time reaches the usage deadline of the battery usage deadline setting means. When the arrival is detected, the time measurement means starts the time measurement, and first, the voltage warning determination means outputs the battery expiration date abnormality, and the notification means displays the abnormality to notify the customer of the battery voltage abnormality. Can notify the need for replacement of the shutoff device, and even if the operator of gas etc. forgets to replace it accidentally, the time measurement means shuts it off after a predetermined time, and shuts off the gas etc. again. This can strongly encourage businesses and consumers to exchange. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the problem that the battery voltage drops due to factors such as a sudden drop in the temperature in winter even though the battery expiration date has passed, and even if a warning is displayed, the battery cannot be shut off after a specified period of time. Prevents the safety monitoring function from malfunctioning and improves safety and reliability.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention uses a battery power supply means for supplying power, a shutoff means for supplying and shutting off a medium such as gas, and use from the start of supply of the battery power supply means. Battery usage time measuring means for measuring time,
When it is determined that the battery usage time has reached the battery usage deadline by comparing the battery usage deadline setting means that sets the usage period of the battery power supply means with the battery usage time measurement means and the battery usage deadline setting means. A voltage warning determination unit that outputs a warning signal, a time measurement unit that further measures a predetermined time when the battery usage period is detected by the voltage warning determination unit, and outputs a cutoff signal when the predetermined time has elapsed, and the cutoff unit is a gas or the like. The recovery means outputs a signal for returning to the supply possible state, and the recovery prohibiting means for prohibiting the input of the recovery signal when the predetermined time has elapsed in the time measuring means and for holding the interrupting means in the interrupted state.

Then, the elapsed time from the start of use of the battery power source is measured by the battery usage time measuring means, and the comparison means monitors whether the battery usage time has reached the usage deadline of the battery usage deadline setting means. When it detects it, it starts the time measurement by the time measuring means, and at the same time, the voltage warning judging means outputs the battery expiration date abnormality, displays the abnormality and notifies the customer of the battery voltage abnormality. The operator can notify the necessity of replacement of the gas, etc. And customers are strongly urged to exchange.

Further, it is possible to eliminate the problem that the battery voltage drops due to factors such as a sharp drop in temperature in winter even though the battery has expired, and even if a warning is displayed, the battery cannot be shut off after a predetermined period. For example, when the gas appliances are used at the customer's home after the expiration date of the battery, when the heating device such as the gas stove is used in the winter, when the temperature drops suddenly due to a cold wave, etc. When the gas stove is used for an abnormally long time, it is necessary to shut down the usage time, but the problem that it cannot be shut down due to battery consumption disappears Can safely use gas appliances.

Further, the time measuring means counts the elapsed time after the battery is lowered, and if the interrupting device for gas or the like is not replaced for some reason during that time, the battery voltage is expected to decrease due to further consumption and continues. It is dangerous to safely monitor the usage of gas appliances. Therefore, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the shutoff means shuts down, and by prohibiting return acceptance of the shutoff means to supply gas and the like so that consumers cannot mistakenly use gas appliances, etc. Prevents the safety monitoring function from malfunctioning due to exhaustion of the battery power, and improves safety and reliability.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention further provides a flow rate detecting means for detecting the flow rate of gas or the like, an external device means for detecting leak of gas or the like, a battery power source means for supplying power, and a gas medium. Shutoff means for supplying and shutting off the battery, battery usage time measuring means for measuring the usage time from the start of supply of the battery power supply means, battery expiration date setting means for setting the usage period of the battery power supply means, and the battery A voltage warning determination means that outputs a warning signal when it is determined that the battery usage time has reached the battery usage time limit by comparing the usage time measurement means and the battery usage time limit setting means, and the battery usage period by the voltage warning determination means. When the lapse is detected, the time is further measured for a predetermined time and a time measuring means for outputting a cutoff signal when the predetermined time has elapsed, and it is judged whether or not the observed value detected by the flow rate detecting means is an abnormal usage amount, and an abnormal judgment At the time of detecting an abnormality such as a gas leak by the external device means, an abnormality determining means for driving the shut-off means, a returning means for outputting a signal for returning the shut-off means to a state where gas or the like can be supplied, and the time measuring means. When the predetermined time has elapsed or when the time measuring means is measuring the predetermined time, the abnormality determining means prohibits the recovery signal upon abnormality detection from being input, and holds the shutoff means in the shutoff state.

Then, the elapsed time from the start of use of the battery power source is measured by the battery usage time measuring means, and the comparison means monitors whether the battery usage time has reached the usage deadline of the battery usage deadline setting means. When it detects the time, it starts the time measurement by the time measuring means, and immediately notifies the customer such as the battery expiration date abnormality by the voltage warning determination means, or a business operator such as gas to notify that the battery expiration date is in an abnormal state, Abnormal use of gas appliances, etc. during time measurement is blocked by flow rate detection means and abnormality judgment means when detection is not possible and cannot be restored, so that a sudden heating due to cold waves during use of a heating device such as a gas stove in winter. If the battery voltage drops and the battery usage period has expired, the battery voltage will be rapidly reduced by repeatedly shutting down the battery to exhaust the battery capacity. Reduced or. Under such circumstances, if the gas stove is used for an abnormally long time, it may not be possible to shut down the usage time.However, there is no such trouble, and the expiration date setting value should be set with sufficient battery capacity secured. This allows customers to use gas appliances and the like with peace of mind.

Further, the time measuring means counts the elapsed time until the switching device is replaced after the expiration date of the battery, but if the gas appliance or the like is abnormally used at the customer's home during that time, for example, the gas appliance is mistakenly used. If the battery is continuously used for a long time, the abnormality determination unit detects it and the cutoff unit stops the supply of gas etc., but if the cutoff unit is frequently driven after the expiration date of the battery, the battery capacity until replacement can be secured. Even so, there is a problem in safely monitoring the usage status of the gas appliance because the voltage drop is accelerated due to the further consumption of the battery voltage. Therefore, the safety and reliability are improved by prohibiting the return acceptance of the cutoff means and maintaining the cutoff state for supplying gas or the like so that the consumer cannot use the gas appliance or the like by mistake.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention further comprises a flow rate detecting means for detecting a flow rate of gas or the like, a shutoff means for supplying or shutting off a medium such as gas, a battery power source means for supplying a power source, Battery usage time measurement means for measuring usage time from the start of supply of battery power supply means, battery usage time limit setting means for setting usage time of the battery power supply means, battery usage time measurement means and battery usage time limit setting means When the battery usage time reaches the battery usage deadline and a warning signal is output when the battery usage time has reached the battery usage deadline, the voltage warning determination means detects the lapse of the battery usage time, and further measures a predetermined time for a predetermined time. When a time elapses, a time measuring means for outputting a shutoff signal to the shutoff means, and whether or not the observed value detected by the flow rate detecting means is an abnormal usage amount, is determined at the time of abnormality determination or the external device hand When the abnormality such as a gas leak is detected, the abnormality determining means for driving the interruption means and the interruption signal delayed by the interruption signal output from the time measuring means until the flow rate detected by the output signal of the flow rate detecting means is below a predetermined value. A signal delaying means, a returning means for outputting a signal for returning the shut-off means to a state where gas or the like can be supplied, and the abnormality determination when the time measuring means has elapsed a predetermined time or while the time measuring means measures the predetermined time. Means for prohibiting the input of the return signal at the time of abnormality detection by the means, and for holding the shut-off means in the shut-off state.

Then, the elapsed time from the start of use of the battery power source is measured by the battery usage time measuring means, and the voltage warning determination means monitors whether or not the battery usage time has reached the expiration date of the battery expiration date setting means. When is detected, the time measurement by the time measurement means is started, and a warning signal is immediately output to display a battery expiration warning to promptly notify the customer or the operator such as gas that the battery has expired. By sending a notification to the security center of the operator of gas, etc. using a telephone line etc. by communication means and letting the operator recognize that the battery has expired due to interruption of supply of gas etc., the operator can quickly replace the interruption device etc. In addition to outputting the battery expiration date signal to the recovery prohibiting means, when the time measuring means has passed a predetermined time, a cutoff signal is output. At this time, if the gas flow signal is detected by the flow rate detection means and whether the flow signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined value by the flow rate detection means as to whether or not the gas appliance is used at the customer's home By delaying the output of the cutoff signal while in use, that is, by delaying until the time when it is stopped so that it does not bathe cold water due to sudden gas stop while using a gas appliance such as a shower , Improves usability, safety and reliability after the expiration date of the battery.

[0021]

EXAMPLES Examples of the present invention will be described below with reference to a gas shutoff device, but the present invention is not limited to gas, and may be a shutoff device for tap water, electric power, combustion fuel, or the like. First, second, and third embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, constituent elements having the same functions as those in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows a gas shutoff device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, 9 is a control device for the gas shutoff device, 10 is a battery usage time measuring means, and power supply to the battery power source means 2 is started. Measure and monitor the subsequent usage time. A battery expiration date setting means 11 sets an expiration date of the battery mounted in the control device 9 of the gas shutoff device. Normal gas shutoff device control device 9
The measuring unit has been designated as 10 years by the Measurement Law, etc., ensuring reliable durability for at least 10 years and enabling time setting for more than 10 years. Reference numeral 12 denotes a voltage warning determination means, which compares the measured time of the battery usage time measurement means 10 with the expiration time set value of the battery usage expiration time setting means 11 to determine whether the battery usage time has reached the set expiration time value. If it is determined that the expiration date of the battery power supply means 2 has been reached, a battery expiration date warning signal is output to notify that the battery expiration date has expired.

The voltage warning determination means 12 also monitors the voltage of the battery power supply means 2 and monitors whether a normal voltage is being supplied or whether it is in a lowered state. Reference numeral 13 is a time measuring means, and when a signal indicating that the battery expiration date has passed is output from the voltage warning determining means 12, it starts counting the time that the gas shutoff device can be used after the expiration of the battery expiration date. That is, the time during which the safety monitoring of the usage state of the gas appliance can be performed within the normal voltage range is counted. Reference numeral 14 is a return means, and when it is operated, the gas supply to the shutoff means 3 is started, so that the shutoff means 3
The return signal of is output. Reference numeral 15 denotes a return prohibiting means, which determines whether or not to output the return signal from the returning means 14 to the cutoff means 3, and outputs a return signal to open the cutoff means 3 to enable gas supply if it is not in the return prohibition state. . When the time measuring means 13 completes measuring the usable time, that is, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the return prohibiting means 15 is prohibited from inputting the return instruction signal from the returning means 14, and the shutoff means 3 remains in the shutoff state. maintain. Reference numeral 16 is an informing means for displaying a battery usage expiration warning state, for example, a display means composed of an LCD element or an LED element, or having a communication function (not shown) using a public telephone line or the like for gas business. The person's security center is notified of an abnormal battery expiration date.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. A gas shutoff device is installed to monitor the usage status of gas appliances by gas consumers, but the battery capacity is designed so that it can normally be used for 10 years. The control device 9 is composed of highly reliable electronic circuit parts that can operate for 10 years. Therefore, it has a reliability capability of at least 10 years, and when the power supply from the battery power supply means 2 is started, the battery usage time is reduced so as to prevent accidental unreliable and abnormal long-term use. Measuring means 10
Measure the usage time (elapsed time) since the start of supply.

On the other hand, the battery expiration date setting means 11 sets the expiration date as the battery power source of the control device 9 of the gas shutoff device by means such as communication (not shown). The voltage warning determination means 12 compares the measurement time of the battery usage time measurement means 10 with the set period value of the battery usage time limit setting means 11 to monitor whether the elapsed time since the start of use has reached the set value. .

When the voltage warning determining means 12 detects that the usage time limit has been reached, it outputs a battery expiration date elapse signal to the time measuring means 13 and the recovery prohibiting means 15. Further, the voltage warning determination means 12 outputs a warning signal to the notification means 16 when it detects a state in which the battery expiration date has passed. The notification means 16 displays the battery deadline state on the LCD device, LED device, or the like. In addition, the gas supplier will be notified of an abnormal state of battery expiration over a telephone line.

On the other hand, the time measuring means 13 counts the grace period until the gas cutoff device is replaced when the battery deadline is detected. That is, the usable time of the gas shutoff device after the expiration of the battery usage period is measured. When a predetermined period of time is counted, the recovery prohibiting means 15 is prohibited from receiving a signal from the recovering means 14, and thereafter, the gas supply is stopped by the shutoff means 3 due to abnormal use of the gas appliance,
The resetting means 14 prohibits the drive of the breaking means 3.

In other words, by stopping the gas supply thereafter, it is notified that the safe usable time of the gas shutoff device has elapsed, and the replacement measure is prompted. The voltage of the battery power source unit 2 is also monitored by the battery warning determination unit 12, but there is a case where the battery voltage does not reach a voltage drop state and a sufficient capacity remains even after a predetermined period has passed. Priority warning is given to the warning.

In this way, when the voltage warning determination means 12 detects that the battery power of the gas shutoff device has passed the predetermined time by the battery usage time measurement means 10, it is determined that the battery usage period is abnormal, and the gas consumer and the gas are immediately notified. Since it notifies the supplier as an abnormality of battery expiration, even if the customer is using a gas appliance at the time of the abnormality, if it suddenly shuts off when using a heating appliance such as a gas stove,
In order to use the gas again, it is necessary to once close the gas valve of the gas stove and operate the return means 14 to supply the gas, but first, by immediately reporting, the trouble due to the interruption during the use of the gas appliance can be prevented and the gas shutoff can be performed. An alarm notification can be sent when a device is replaced.

After that, even if the gas shutoff device is continuously used without being replaced, when the time measuring means 13 detects that the predetermined time has elapsed, the gas shutoff is forcibly shut off and the gas supply is stopped. As a result of being used
When the battery capacity is exhausted and a low temperature condition occurs due to cold waves in winter, for example, and the user has used an abnormal gas appliance and must be shut off, for example, shutting down the usage time due to long-term use, etc. In case of reaching the end of the battery life, it may be necessary to grasp the behavior at the end of the battery life in order to face the sudden voltage drop at the end of the battery life due to the low temperature condition and abnormal long-term use of the battery, and to prevent the interruption. Since it is monitored, safety, reliability, and usability are improved.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 2 shows a gas shutoff device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 2, FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG.
The components having the same function as are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 2 shows a gas shutoff device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and 17 is a flow rate detecting means for detecting the amount of gas used.
The flow rate detecting means is, for example, a flow rate measuring method by measuring a propagation time using an ultrasonic element, a flow rate measuring method by measuring a flow rate oscillation utilizing the Coanda effect, or a membrane type metering. There is also a method of measuring the gas amount by the section. Reference numeral 18 denotes an external device means, for example, a gas leak alarm for detecting gas leak, a seismic sensing means for detecting an earthquake, or a pressure detecting means for detecting gas pressure, which detects a gas leak or an earthquake. When the gas pressure is detected, a signal is output. Reference numeral 19 denotes an abnormality determination means, which detects, for example, that one gas appliance has been used for an abnormally long time from the gas usage state detected by the flow rate detection means 17, or detects gas leakage by the external device means 18. When an earthquake is detected, it is determined whether or not the intensity is equal to or higher than a predetermined intensity, and when it is determined that the intensity is equal to or higher than the intensity, a shutoff signal for stopping the gas supply is output to the shutoff unit 3.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. A gas shutoff device is installed, power supply is started from the battery power supply means 2, the battery usage time measuring means 10 measures the usage time, and
The flow rate detecting means 17 and the external equipment means 18 monitor the gas appliance usage state of the gas consumer.

When the abnormal judgment means 19 detects an abnormal use during the use, for example, when it detects that the gas stove is used for an abnormally long time, it outputs a cutoff signal to the cutoff means 3 to stop the gas supply. When the elapsed time measured by the battery usage time measuring means 10 while monitoring the usage status of the gas appliance in this way reaches the battery usage time setting means 11, the voltage warning determination means 12 causes the battery power supply means to operate. Two
When the battery capacity is approaching the limit at which the shutoff means 3 can be driven with a margin, a battery expiration date signal is output. The battery expiration date elapse signal is input to the time measuring means 13 and the recovery prohibiting means 15. Further, the voltage warning determination means 12 outputs a warning signal to the notification means 16 when it detects the battery expiration date passing state. The warning means 16 displays a warning indicating that the battery has expired using an LCD element, an LED element, or the like. Furthermore, the gas supplier is notified of the abnormal state of the expiration date of the battery through a telephone line or the like, and a request to replace the gas shutoff device is made.

Further, the time measuring means 13 counts the time when the battery usage time elapsed signal state is detected, and measures the usable time of the gas shutoff device after the expiration date of the battery, that is, the grace period until replacement. When the predetermined time has been counted, the return prohibiting means 15 is made to prohibit the signal reception from the returning means 14 and the cutoff means 3 is cutoff output. As a result, the gas supply is stopped thereafter to notify that the safe usable time of the gas shutoff device has elapsed.

Here, after the battery expiration date signal is received, while the time measuring means 13 is counting the time, the flow rate detecting means 17 and the external equipment means 18 detect the usage state of the gas appliance of the consumer and use it. Although the state is monitored by the abnormality determining means 19, when the abnormal state is detected, the time counting of the time measuring means 13 is stopped at that time and the gas use prohibition state is set. That is, an abnormally high flow rate flows when the gas stove or the like is used for an abnormally long time or the gas hose is displaced for some reason during the time counting by the time measuring means 13 after receiving the battery usage period elapsed signal. When such a state is detected by the abnormality determination means 19, the cutoff output is output to the cutoff means 3 and the recovery prohibition means 15 is notified of the cutoff.

After that, even if the return output of the cutoff unit 3 is input from the return unit 14, the cutoff state is maintained and the return signal input is prohibited. The notification means 16 notifies the consumer and the gas supplier that the gas cannot be supplied unless the gas shutoff device itself is replaced thereafter. The voltage of the battery power source unit 2 is also monitored by the battery warning determination unit 12, but there is a case where the battery voltage does not reach a voltage drop state and a sufficient capacity remains even after a predetermined period has passed. Priority warning is given to the warning.

In this way, the control device 9 for the gas shutoff device
Of the battery power source, the battery usage time measuring means 10 measures the usage time, and the voltage warning determination means 12 determines whether or not the usage time set in the battery usage time limit setting means 11 has been reached.
When it detects that the battery usage time has passed, it immediately determines that the battery usage time has passed and notifies the gas consumer and gas supplier of the battery usage period error. Even if you were using gas appliances,
For example, when a heater such as a gas stove is used, if it is suddenly shut off, the gas valve of the gas stove must be closed and the resetting means 14 must be operated in order to use the gas again. As a result, troubles due to interruption during use of gas appliances can be prevented.

After that, even when the battery expiration date has come and the gas shutoff device is continuously used without being replaced, the flow rate detecting means 17 causes the flow rate detecting means 17 to perform the predetermined time counting by the time measuring means 13. When an abnormal use state of a gas appliance is detected, or when gas leakage or CO
When a leak is detected or a strong earthquake is detected by the seismic sensor, the shutoff means 3 is driven to stop the gas supply,
The counting of the time measuring means time 13 is stopped, and the interruption signal is sent to the restoration prohibiting means 15 to prohibit the restoration so that the gas cannot be used again.

In such a case, when the shutoff means 3 is driven, the capacity of the battery power source is consumed in a large amount, which makes it difficult to accurately monitor the usage status of the gas appliance.
The shut-off notification is given to 5, and the resetting means 14 is used to use the gas thereafter.
The opening operation of the shutoff means 3 is prohibited via the and the shutoff state is maintained. Therefore, it is possible to prevent normal safety monitoring from becoming impossible when the battery has expired, especially when the gas shutoff device is not replaced and the battery capacity is consumed to the extent that most of the battery capacity is consumed, a sudden low temperature condition occurs especially in winter. When it occurs, the total flow rate is shut off when an abnormal use state such as disconnection of the gas hose of the gas appliance is detected, but at this time, if the battery capacity is at the end of its life, it is possible that the voltage suddenly drops and it becomes impossible to shut off. . However, when the usage time of the battery is measured by the usage time measuring means 10 and the battery capacity is sufficiently secured,
And even if a sudden temperature change occurs, the battery expiration date is set in a state where the behavior leading to the battery drop can be grasped, so it will not become impossible to shut off, and even if the battery expiration date is warned To prevent abnormal consumption of battery capacity due to repeated usage of abnormal gas appliances, to immediately shut off when a shutdown event occurs due to an abnormal detection, and to prevent recovery again, promote replacement of the gas shutoff device The safety and usability are greatly improved because it promotes

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 3 shows a gas shutoff device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 3, FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG.
The components having the same function as are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 20 is a cutoff signal delay means, which outputs a battery expiration date signal from the voltage warning determination means 12, and the time measurement means 13 further counts the grace period until the gas cutoff device is replaced, and determines it. Although the cutoff signal is output after a lapse of time, the flow rate detection means 17 determines whether or not the flow rate signal for gas appliance use is output. If the flow rate signal is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the cutoff output is delayed and the flow rate signal is output. If it disappears, cutoff output is performed.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. A gas shutoff device is installed to measure the usage time of the battery power supply means 2 since the start of power supply, and the flow rate detection means 17 and the external equipment means 18 monitor the gas appliance usage state of the gas consumer.
When the abnormal determination means 19 detects an abnormal use during the use of the gas appliance, for example, when it detects that the gas stove is used for an abnormally long time, it outputs a cutoff signal to the cutoff means 3 to stop the gas supply. When the usage time of the battery power supply means 2 reaches the set value of the battery usage deadline setting means 11 under such a usage status monitoring condition of the gas appliance, the voltage warning determination means 12
When detected by, the battery expiration date elapse signal is output.

The battery expiration date signal output from the voltage warning determining means 12 is used as the time measuring means 13 and the recovery inhibiting means 1.
5 and the notification means 16. Time measuring means 13
When the battery expiration date has been entered, will count the grace period until the gas cutoff device is replaced. When the gas utility or the like forgets to replace it accidentally and the time measuring means 13 has passed a predetermined time, a cutoff signal is output. The cutoff signal is output to the cutoff means 3 through the cutoff signal delay means 20.
The cutoff signal delay means 20 determines the output signal of the flow rate detection means 17, and if the flow rate signal is input, determines that the consumer is using the gas appliance and delays the output of the cutoff signal. After that, when the gas consumer stops the gas appliance and the flow rate detecting means 17 detects that the flow rate signal is below a predetermined value or has disappeared, it is determined that the gas appliance is not in use, and a shutoff signal is output to the shutoff means 3 to output the gas flow path. Shut off and stop the gas supply. This notifies the fact that the grace period during which the gas cutoff device can be replaced has elapsed by stopping the gas supply thereafter.

When it is determined that there is an abnormality, the cutoff signal is output to the cutoff means 3 and the recovery prohibition means 16 is notified of the cutoff.
After that, even if the return output of the cutoff unit 3 is input from the return unit 15, the cutoff state is maintained and the input of the return signal is prohibited.
The notification means 17 notifies the consumer and the gas supplier that the gas cannot be supplied unless the gas shutoff device itself is replaced thereafter.

Further, the time measuring means 13 counts the grace period until the replacement of the gas shutoff device, and when the predetermined time is counted, the recovery prohibiting means 15 prohibits the signal reception from the returning means 14 and the shutoff means 3 is executed. If a gas consumer uses a gas appliance such as a shower by suddenly outputting a cutoff signal, discomfort such as taking cold water may occur, but until the gas appliance is stopped. Since it waits and shuts down after detecting that the device has stopped being used, it improves usability when the battery expiration date has expired.

When the voltage warning judging means 12 outputs the battery expiration date passage signal, the notifying means 16 displays the battery expiration date passage abnormality on the LCD element or the LED element.
In addition, the gas supplier will be notified of the abnormal state of battery expiration date over a telephone line.

As a result, a warning is displayed by the notification means 16 or an abnormality is notified to the security center of the gas utility by using a public telephone line by communication means (not shown). It is possible to take measures such as replacement of the gas shutoff device immediately after noticing an abnormality in the expiration date. The voltage of the battery power source unit 2 is also monitored by the battery warning determination unit 12, but there is a case where the battery voltage does not reach a voltage drop state and a sufficient capacity remains even after a predetermined period has passed. Priority warning is given to the warning.

In this way, the battery usage time measuring means measures the elapsed time from the start of use of the battery power source, and the voltage warning judging means monitors whether the battery usage time has reached the usage deadline of the battery usage deadline setting means. When the arrival is detected, the time measurement means starts the time measurement, and the voltage warning judgment means immediately informs the customer or the gas company that the battery is due to expire, and the notification means notifies the battery expiration date. By displaying the information or notifying the safety center of the gas utility by using a telephone line etc. by communication means and letting the gas operator recognize the expired state of the battery due to the gas supply interruption, the gas operator can quickly replace the gas interruption device, etc. It is possible to take action.

In addition, a battery expiration date signal is further output to the recovery prohibiting means, and a cutoff signal is output when the time measuring means has passed a predetermined time. At this time, it is detected whether or not the gas appliance is being used at the customer's home. By means of detecting the flow signal,
As a result, if the cutoff signal delay means determines that the flow rate signal is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the consumer delays the output of the cutoff signal because the gas appliance is in use, that is, suddenly while using the gas appliance such as a shower. By delaying until the time of use stop is detected so as not to be exposed to cold water due to gas stop, the usability, safety and reliability after the expiration date of the battery are improved.

Although not shown, the expiration date set by the battery expiration date setting means and the predetermined time for counting the time by the time measuring means may be set by a gas supplier or the like through a telephone line or the like. . For example, it is set according to the local climate and the actual conditions of users.

[0052]

As described above, according to the present invention, the battery power supply means for supplying power, the shutoff means for supplying and shutting off the medium such as gas, and the usage time from the start of supply of the battery power supply means. The battery usage time measuring means for measuring the battery usage time, the battery usage time limit setting means for setting the usage period of the battery power supply means, and the battery usage time measurement means and the battery usage time limit setting means are compared to determine the battery usage time. A voltage warning determination unit that outputs a warning signal when it is determined that the deadline has been reached, and a time when the battery warning period is detected by the voltage warning determination unit and a predetermined time is measured and a cutoff signal is output when the predetermined time has elapsed. The measuring means, the returning means for outputting a signal for returning the shut-off means to the state where gas or the like can be supplied, and the return signal when the predetermined time has elapsed in the time measuring means are prohibited from being input and A return inhibiting means for holding the means to cut-off state is provided with a notification means for notifying displayed is determined that the battery service life expires by the voltage warning means.

As a result, when the voltage warning determination means detects that the battery power source of the gas cutoff device has passed the predetermined time by the battery usage time measurement means, it is determined that the battery usage period is abnormal, and a consumer such as gas immediately Since it notifies the gas supplier that the battery has expired, it will be suddenly shut off even if the customer is using a gas appliance when an abnormality occurs, for example, if a heating appliance such as a gas stove is used. , To use the gas again, it is necessary to close the gas valve of the gas stove once and operate the resetting means to supply gas (raw gas will be discharged if the gas valve is accidentally restored with the gas valve opened), but immediately immediately It is possible to prevent troubles due to interruption during use of the gas appliance by reporting to.

Furthermore, an alarm can be issued to notify the replacement of the interruption device,
After that, even if the circuit breaker is used without being replaced, when the time measuring means detects that the predetermined time has elapsed, it shuts down forcibly and stops the supply of gas, etc. As a result, the battery capacity is depleted, especially when a low temperature condition occurs due to a cold wave in the winter, and when a user uses an abnormal gas appliance, etc. When the usage time is cut off due to long-term use, the behavior at the end of the battery life is sufficient so that it cannot be cut off due to a low voltage condition and a sudden voltage drop at the end of the battery life due to abnormal long-term use of the battery. Since it is monitored whether the usage period can be grasped, safety, reliability, and usability are improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a circuit breaker according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a circuit breaker according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of a circuit breaker according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of a conventional circuit breaker.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 Battery power supply means 3 blocking means 10 Battery usage time measurement means 11 Battery expiration date setting means 12 Voltage warning judgment means 13 hours measuring means 14 Returning means 15 Return prohibition means 16 Notification means 17 Flow rate detection means 18 External device means 19 Abnormality determination means 20 Cutoff signal delay means

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F term (reference) 3J071 AA02 BB11 CC11 DD36 EE07                       EE25 EE35 EE37                 5H209 AA11 BB04 DD05 DD13 GG05                       GG13 HH04 HH26

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A battery power supply means for supplying power, a shutoff means for supplying and shutting off a medium, a battery usage time measuring means for measuring a usage time from the start of supply of the battery power supply means, and the battery power supply means. A battery expiration date setting means for setting the expiration date of the battery is compared with the battery usage time measuring means and the battery expiration date setting means, and when it is determined that the battery usage time has reached the battery expiration date, a warning signal is output. Voltage warning determining means, and time measuring means for starting the measurement of a predetermined time when the battery warning period has been detected by the voltage warning determining means and outputting a cutoff signal when the predetermined time has elapsed,
A return means for outputting a return signal for returning the cutoff means to the supply possible state; and a return prohibition means for prohibiting the input of the return signal when the predetermined time has elapsed in the time measuring means and for holding the cutoff means in the cutoff state. A breaker equipped. 2. A flow rate detecting means for detecting a flow rate, an external device means for detecting a leak or the like, and whether or not the observed value detected by the flow rate detecting means is an abnormal usage amount, and when the abnormality is determined, or the external device. An abnormality determining means for driving the shutoff means when an abnormality such as a leak is detected by the device means, and the recovery inhibiting means is the abnormality determining means when the time measuring means has elapsed a predetermined time or while the time measuring means measures the predetermined time. 2. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein a return signal when an abnormality is detected is prohibited by the input, and the circuit breaking means is held in the circuit breaking state. 3. A flow rate detecting means for detecting a flow rate, a cutoff signal delaying means for delaying a cutoff signal outputted from the time measuring means until the flow rate detected by the output signal of the flow rate detecting means is below a predetermined value, and It is equipped with an abnormality determination means for driving the shutoff means when it judges whether the observed value detected by the flow rate detection means is an abnormal usage amount or when an abnormality is detected or when an abnormality such as a leak is detected by the external device means, and recovery is prohibited. The means for prohibiting input of a return signal when a predetermined time has elapsed by the time measuring means or when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality determining means while the time measuring means is measuring the predetermined time, and holds the cutoff means in a cutoff state. Circuit breaker.