JP2003028421A - Gas cutoff system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure safety even in case of lowering of capacity of battery power supply. SOLUTION: When detecting voltage drop in a battery power supply means 2 by a voltage detecting means 16, a measurement period is delayed by a period delay means 17. The voltage detecting means 16 is driven in the period after a modification and whether a battery voltage drops within a predetermined number of times is determined. If the battery voltage is normal, the previous detection of the voltage drop is regarded as a misjudgment.

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gas shut-off device for monitoring the use state of a gas appliance using city gas, LP gas, etc., when the power capacity of the battery power source is exhausted. The present invention relates to a gas shut-off device that ensures safety. A conventional gas shut-off device of this type is shown in FIG. 2 as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-103546.
It was the composition of. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a conventional gas shut-off device. In the gas shut-off device 1 shown in FIG. 2, reference numeral 2 denotes a battery power source, which supplies power to the entire gas shut-off device. Reference numeral 3 denotes a shut-off valve, which stops or supplies gas in the flow path. A voltage drop detection unit 4 detects a battery voltage in a depleted state in which the capacity of the battery power source 2 capable of operating the gas shutoff device 1 within a predetermined operation guarantee time is detected, and generates a voltage drop signal A. Output. 5 is an opening acceptance unit that accepts opening of the shut-off valve from the time when the voltage drop signal A is input, and opens when there is an opening request (opening request switch or input of an opening signal by communication). A plug request signal is output. A timer unit 6 counts a predetermined operation guarantee time from when the voltage drop signal A is input, and outputs a plug opening completion signal D. Reference numeral 7 denotes an opening function stop unit, which outputs a closing stop signal E for stopping opening according to the opening request signal C when an opening end signal D is input. Reference numeral 8 denotes a gas shut-off control unit which, when the battery voltage drop signal A or the plug stop signal E is input, closes the shut-off valve 3, and when the plug request signal C is input before the input signal of the plug stop signal E The shut-off valve 3 is opened. Next, the operation of the conventional configuration will be described. When the voltage drop detection unit 4 checking the consumption level of the battery power supply 2 detects the battery consumption voltage, the voltage drop signal A is output to the unplug accepting unit 5, the timer unit 6, and the gas cutoff control unit 8.
The gas cutoff control unit 8 to which the voltage drop signal A has been input outputs the first cutoff command signal B1, operates the cutoff valve 3, and executes the opening of the gas passage. When the voltage drop signal A is input, the timer unit 6 starts counting, and until the timer unit 6 finishes counting for a predetermined time, there is an opening request to the opening acceptance unit 5, and the opening request signal C Is output, the gas cutoff control unit 8 opens the cutoff valve 3. When the timer unit 6 finishes counting, since the plug opening end signal D is output, the plug opening function stop unit 5 outputs the plug opening stop signal E and stops accepting the plug opening request. The gas cutoff device 1 to which the closing stop signal E is inputted outputs the second cutoff command signal B2 to close the cutoff valve 3. In the gas shut-off device 1 attached to the flow path of the medium gas such as city gas or LP gas, the voltage drop detection unit 4 measures the voltage of the battery power source 2 at a predetermined time interval and monitors the degree of battery consumption. doing. A lower limit voltage at which the gas shut-off device 1 can be operated is set in advance as an operation guarantee voltage, and a voltage value when the voltage is reversed for a required number of days from here is set as a battery consumption voltage. The voltage drop detection unit 4 monitors the battery voltage and detects the battery voltage when the battery is consumed. That is, the battery power supply 2 is detected after the battery consumption voltage is detected for the required days.
The shut-off valve 3 can be opened only during the period when the voltage of the voltage drops to the operation guarantee voltage, and a grace period is provided until the gas shut-off device 1 is replaced. However, the above-described conventional configuration has the following problems. The voltage drop detection unit 4 detects a battery voltage in a predetermined consumption state, outputs a voltage drop signal A, the timer unit 6 starts counting, and when the timer unit 6 elapses a predetermined time, the gas cutoff control unit 8 cuts off the cutoff signal. Although it is output to the valve, it is not disclosed how to drive the voltage drop detection unit 4 to detect the battery voltage, and there is a problem that, for example, a misjudgment is made in a cold environment in winter even though the battery capacity is sufficient Had. The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a safe and reliable gas cutoff device that can monitor battery voltage without erroneous determination. In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides a battery power supply means for supplying power, a shutoff means for supplying and shutting off gas, and a cycle setting set at a predetermined cycle. The voltage detection means is driven by the means, the supply voltage of the battery power supply means is monitored and it is determined whether or not it is lower than the predetermined voltage, and it is determined that there is an abnormality at the time of detection of the drop. The cycle of the means is delayed by a predetermined value, and it is determined again whether or not the voltage drop is abnormal by the voltage detecting means, the voltage drop number is counted by the voltage abnormality counting means, and the voltage is monitored by delaying within the predetermined number of times. . As a result, even if it is detected by the voltage detection means that the supply voltage of the battery power supply is lower than the predetermined voltage, for example, an abnormal cold wave may hit in winter and the battery voltage may be confirmed at a very low temperature. In that case, the period delay means delays the confirmation time so that the battery voltage is confirmed in a different time zone instead of the interval set by the conventional period setting means, and the delayed period is set in the period setting means to monitor the voltage. The voltage abnormality count means measures the number of voltage drops, but repeats the delay time a predetermined number of times, and if it detects that the voltage value is normal within that range, the first detected voltage drop is determined as an erroneous determination. For example, a gas shutoff device that does not erroneously determine that the battery is low due to the coldest transient cryogenic temperature in the winter and that the gas cannot be used after a predetermined time as a result of the misjudgment. To enhance the safety and reliability. In order to achieve the above object, the present invention monitors battery power supply means for supplying power, shutoff means for supplying and shutting off a gas medium, and supply voltage of the battery power supply means. A voltage detection means for determining that an abnormality is detected when the voltage is below a predetermined voltage, a period setting means for setting a period for driving the voltage detection means, and a cycle delay time of the period setting means when a voltage drop is detected by the voltage detection means A period delay means for setting, a voltage abnormality count means for measuring the number of times that the voltage detection means determines that the voltage drop is abnormal, a time measurement means for measuring a predetermined number of times or more at the time of detection by the voltage abnormality count means, A return means for outputting a signal for returning the shut-off means to a gas supply enabled state, and a input of the return signal is prohibited when a predetermined time has passed by the time measuring means, and a shut-off output is given to the shut-off means. It consists of return prohibition means. When detecting that the supply voltage of the battery power source is lower than the predetermined voltage by the voltage detecting means driven intermittently at a predetermined cycle by the period setting means, the cycle delay means changes the voltage detection time zone. The voltage detection means is driven by changing the period of the period setting means to check the battery voltage, but the voltage drop count is measured by the voltage abnormality counting means, but the delay time is repeated a predetermined number of times, and the voltage value is within that range. If it is detected that the battery voltage is normal, the voltage drop detected first is determined to be an erroneous determination. The time measurement is started, and the notification means is notified of the abnormal display and the interruption means is driven after counting by the time measurement means. Inconvenience such that erroneous determination and to cut off the battery decreases because due to normal weather to enhance the usability and reliability of the gas cutoff apparatus without. Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the same reference numerals are given to components having the same functions as those in FIG. 3. FIG. 1 shows a gas shut-off device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein 9 is a control means for the gas shut-off device, and 10 is a flow rate detecting means for detecting the amount of gas used. For example, the flow rate detection means is a flow rate measurement method by measuring propagation time using an ultrasonic element, a flow rate measurement method by measuring flow oscillation utilizing the Coanda effect, or a membrane type measurement. There is also a method of measuring the gas amount by the unit. 11 is an external device means, for example, a gas leak alarm for detecting gas leaks, an earthquake sensing means for detecting earthquakes,
It is a pressure detection means for detecting the gas pressure, and outputs a signal when a gas leak or earthquake is detected or a gas pressure drop is detected. Reference numeral 12 denotes an abnormality determining means, which is a flow rate detecting means 10.
Based on the gas usage state detected in step 1, for example, it is determined whether one gas appliance has been abnormally long, or if a gas leak is detected by the external device means 11 or an earthquake is detected, it is determined whether or not the predetermined strength is exceeded. When it is determined that the earthquake has a predetermined strength or higher, a cutoff signal for stopping gas supply is output to the cutoff means 3. Reference numeral 13 denotes a return means, which outputs a return signal from the shut-off means 3 to start gas supply to the shut-off means 3 when operated. 1
Reference numeral 4 denotes a return prohibiting means, which determines whether or not to output a return signal from the return means 13 to the shutting means 3. Reference numeral 15 denotes a period setting means for setting a time for monitoring the battery voltage and outputting a battery voltage monitoring drive signal when a predetermined time has elapsed. Reference numeral 16 denotes voltage detection means. When a drive signal is received from the period setting means 15, the output voltage of the battery power supply means 2 is monitored, and it is determined whether or not the voltage has dropped below a predetermined value. Is output. Reference numeral 17 denotes a period delay means, which is a voltage drop means 16.
When the voltage drop signal is received, the drive signal output time of the period setting means 15 is delayed every predetermined time. For example, in order to set a different time zone, such as 4 hours after the time when the battery voltage drop is detected, the period setting unit 15 is output including the delay time, and when that time elapses, the voltage detection unit 16 is driven.
The voltage detection means 16 is driven in different time zones to make a voltage determination. Reference numeral 18 denotes a voltage abnormality counting means. After detecting a voltage drop by the voltage detecting means 16, the periodic delay means 17 shifts and confirms the voltage monitoring time zone for each predetermined delay time, and measures the number of voltage abnormalities each time. If normal voltage is detected by the number of cycle delays, it is determined that the malfunction is due to temperature drop due to temporary weather factors such as cold waves. Is determined. Reference numeral 19 denotes time measuring means. When a voltage drop state is detected by the voltage abnormality counting means 18, counting of the usable time of the gas cutoff device after the battery voltage drop detection is started by the drop signal. That is, the elapsed time of the time during which the safety monitoring of the usage state of the gas appliance can be performed in a normal voltage range is performed. When measurement of the usable time is completed by the time measuring means 19, that is, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the input of the return instruction signal from the return means 13 to the return prohibiting means 14 is prohibited, and the shutoff output to the shutting means 3 is output and the gas supply stop state is maintained. Then, an abnormality display for replacing the gas shut-off device is displayed on the notification means 19. A battery voltage drop signal is output to the time measuring means 19 and before the time measuring means 19 reaches a predetermined time,
That is, when an abnormal use state of a gas appliance by a consumer is detected by the abnormality determination means 12 during time measurement, a cutoff signal is output to the cutoff means 3 and a cutoff notification signal for detecting an abnormal state is input to the return prohibition means 14. The return prohibiting means 14 does not accept the return signal of the shutting means 3 from the returning means 13 and keeps it in the shut off state. Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. A gas shut-off device is installed, and the gas appliance usage state of the gas consumer is monitored by the flow rate detection means 10 and the external equipment means 11. When abnormal use is detected by the abnormality determination means 12 during the use, for example, when it is detected that the gas stove has been used for an abnormal long time, a cutoff signal is output to the cutoff means 3 and the gas supply is stopped. Under such a monitoring situation, when an abnormal cold wave in winter strikes, the battery power supply means 2 is exposed to a low temperature state, and a record abnormal low temperature continues, the voltage detection means 16 is turned on at the period set by the period setting means 15. Although it is driven and the voltage of the battery power supply means 2 is monitored, when it is measured at the lowest temperature around dawn, it may be temporarily detected that the battery is low, even though the battery capacity remains sufficiently. In such a case, when the voltage delay signal is inputted to the cycle delay means 17, the delay time is added to the set time of the current cycle setting means 15 every predetermined time, for example, every 2 to 4 hours, and the measurement cycle is shifted. Voltage detection means 1 with a delayed period
6 is driven to monitor the voltage. The voltage abnormality counting means 18 drives the voltage detecting means 16 with a delay period by the period delay means 17 after detecting the voltage drop, and measures the number of voltage abnormalities at that time.
Voltage drop due to extremely low temperature due to abnormal weather is shifted by a predetermined time by detection time delay means 17 to drive voltage detection means 16 to measure the battery voltage. At this time, even if the voltage drops, the voltage is monitored by delaying the measurement cycle by the cycle delay means 17 a predetermined number of times.
The number of times is counted by the voltage abnormality counting means 18. If it is determined that the battery voltage is normal by delaying the measurement cycle within the predetermined number of times, it is determined that the battery voltage is erroneously determined due to weather factors such as abnormal cryogenic temperature, and the number of times of voltage abnormality counting means 18 is reset, and the initial cycle is determined. Monitor the voltage with the set value. On the other hand, if the battery voltage of the battery power supply means 2 is abnormally consumed for some reason and the battery voltage decreases, the voltage detection means 16 detects the battery low state. The state continues. Voltage abnormality counting means 1
When the number 8 exceeds a predetermined number of times, a decrease state signal is output to the return prohibiting means 14 and the time measuring means 19. At the same time, the notification means 20 displays the battery low state display on the LCD element or LE
Performed with a D element or the like. Further, the battery supply company is notified of an abnormal battery low state through a telephone line or the like. Furthermore, time measuring means 1
When the battery low signal state is detected, time 9 is counted to measure the usable time of the gas shut-off device after the battery voltage drop, and when the predetermined time is counted, the return prohibiting means 14 is prohibited from accepting the signal from the returning means 13. At the same time, a cutoff output is given to the cutoff means 3. As a result, by stopping the gas supply thereafter, it is notified that the safe useable time of the gas shut-off device has elapsed. In addition, during the time counting by the time measuring means 19 after receiving the battery low signal, the flow rate detecting means 10 and the external equipment means 11 detect the use state of the gas appliance of the consumer,
When an abnormal state is detected, the time counting of the time measuring means 19 is stopped at that time, and the gas use prohibited state is set. The customer and the gas supplier are notified through the notification means 20 that the gas cannot be supplied unless the gas shut-off device itself is replaced thereafter. In this way, when the battery power supply of the gas shut-off device detects a voltage below the predetermined value by the voltage detection means 16, it does not immediately determine that there is an abnormality, but outputs a predetermined delay time from the period delay means 17 by the decrease signal. The voltage detection cycle of the cycle setting means 17 is shifted to monitor the voltage of the battery power supply means 2, and the temporary voltage drop of the battery power supply due to the extremely low temperature caused by the abnormal cold wave in winter is a permanent battery due to real battery capacity consumption. Since the determination is made by discriminating the decrease, it is possible to prevent the gas customer from using the gas appliance by shutting off after a predetermined time due to an erroneous determination due to a weather factor or the like, and to not cause the gas supply company to make an unnecessary dispatch. 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 gas medium, and the supply voltage of the battery power supply means are monitored. Voltage detection means for determining that a predetermined voltage or less is abnormal when detected;
A period setting means for setting a period for driving the voltage detection means; a period delay means for setting a period delay time of the period setting means when a voltage drop is detected by the voltage detection means; and a voltage drop abnormality by the voltage detection means Voltage abnormality counting means for measuring the number of times to determine, a time measuring means for measuring a predetermined number of times or more by the voltage abnormality counting means, and a return for outputting a signal for returning the shutoff means to a gas supply enabled state And a return prohibiting means for prohibiting input of a return signal when a predetermined time elapses in the time measuring means and performing a shut-off output to the shut-off means. The voltage detection means is driven and monitored periodically, and when the voltage detection means detects a predetermined value or less, it is not immediately judged abnormal, but a drop detection signal is input to the period delay means. If this is done, the set time of the period setting means is delayed by a predetermined time, that is, the time period in which the voltage detecting means is driven is monitored by the predetermined time delay to the time zone in which the previous voltage drop was detected, If the voltage detection means is driven within a predetermined number of delays from the detection of the voltage drop and the voltage value can be determined to be normal as a result, it is determined as an erroneous determination.For example, the battery capacity is reduced due to a temporary decrease in temperature due to the invasion of winter cold waves, etc. Although it is still sufficient, it may be erroneously determined as a voltage drop, and it must be identified as a voltage drop due to battery consumption. Since it is possible to prevent erroneous determinations by driving the voltage detection means by changing the time period so as to select an unaffected time period and determining whether or not there is an abnormality, the time measurement means is activated by erroneous determination. Interrupting means is operated to stop the gas supply gas user to improve the reliability and usability of the gas cutoff apparatus without disadvantageously unavailable gas.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a gas shut-off device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a conventional gas shut-off device. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Flow rate detection means 11 External apparatus means 12 Abnormality determination means 13 Restoration means 14 Restoration prohibition means 15 Period setting means 16 Voltage detection means 17 Period delay means 18 Voltage abnormality count means 19 Time measurement means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme code (reference) H02J 7/00 H02J 7/00 X F-term (reference) 3K068 AA01 BB14 BB20 BB22 DA01 DA14 MB06 5G003 BA01 DA02 DA13 EA05 GC04 5H209 AA11 BB04 DD14 GG14 HH04 HH24 HH26

Claims (1)

What is claimed is: 1. A battery power supply means for supplying power; a shutoff means for shutting off gas supply; a voltage detection means for monitoring a supply voltage of the battery power supply means; Counts the period setting means for setting the driving period, the period delay means for delaying the period of the period setting means when the voltage detecting means detects a voltage drop, and the number of times that the voltage detecting means determines that the voltage drop is abnormal. Voltage abnormality counting means, time measuring means for measuring time when the voltage abnormality counting means detects a predetermined number of times or more, return means for returning the shut-off means to a gas supply enabled state, and time measuring means for a predetermined time A gas shut-off device comprising return prohibiting means for prohibiting input of a return signal when the time has elapsed.