JP2005243397A - Gas shut-off device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a more economical gas shut-off device which assures safety when power supply capacity of a battery power supply part becomes exhausted. <P>SOLUTION: A battery use time judging part 12 clocks the time period of battery use that has elapsed from the start of supply from the battery power supply part 9 by using a battery use time measuring part 10, and outputs a clocking signal when the value is over the time limit for use determined by a battery use time limit setting part 11. A voltage drop detecting part 13 outputs a shut-off valve operating signal in a predetermined time period before input of the clocking signal, and outputs the operating signal in a time period shorter than the predetermined time period after the input of the clocking signal. It is thereby possible to solve the problem associated with an internal resistance value of the battery, and this eliminates the necessity for increasing the battery capacity to solve such a problem. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas cutoff device that ensures safety when the power capacity of a battery power supply unit is consumed, for example, in a cutoff device that monitors the usage state of a gas appliance that uses city gas, LP gas, or the like.

  This type of conventional shut-off device, for example, is configured as shown in FIG. 2 in a gas shut-off device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). FIG. 2 shows a control 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. Reference numeral 4 denotes a voltage drop detection unit, which detects a battery voltage taking into account a predetermined time that goes back from the operation guarantee voltage in which the capacity of the battery power supply unit 2 capable of operating the gas shut-off device 1 remains. Signal A is 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 stopper request signal C is output. A timer unit 6 counts a predetermined operation guarantee time from when the voltage drop signal A is input, and outputs a plug opening completion signal D. Reference numeral 7 denotes an opening function stop unit which outputs a closing stop signal E for stopping the opening according to the opening request signal C when the opening end signal D is input. Reference numeral 8 denotes a gas shut-off control unit, which shuts off the shut-off valve 3 when the battery voltage drop signal A or the closure stop signal E is inputted, and when the opening request signal C is inputted before the input signal of the closure stop signal E. The shut-off valve 3 is opened.

  Next, the operation of the configuration of the conventional example will be described. When the voltage drop detection unit 4 checking the consumption level of the battery power supply unit 2 detects the battery consumption voltage, the battery voltage drop signal A is output to the unplugging reception 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 to operate the cutoff valve 3 and close 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 section 6 finishes counting, the plug opening end signal D is output, so the plug opening function stop section 7 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 through which the medium gas such as city gas or LP gas flows, the voltage drop detection unit 4 measures the voltage of the battery power supply unit 2 at a predetermined time interval and monitors the degree of battery consumption. ing. 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 at the time of consumption. That is, after the battery consumption voltage is detected for the required number of days, the shutoff valve 3 can be opened only during the period when the voltage of the battery power supply unit 2 drops to the operation guarantee voltage, and a grace period is provided until the gas shutoff device 1 is replaced. It is a thing.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-103546

  However, the conventional configuration has the following problems. When the voltage drop detection unit monitors the battery voltage at every predetermined time interval and determines the battery voltage drop at the time of exhaustion, the voltage drop detection unit determines the current value that can operate the shut-off valve previously obtained by calculation or experiment. The voltage drop determination current is supplied from the battery power supply unit, and the voltage of the battery power supply unit at that time is compared with the battery consumption voltage. The reason is described below. The battery constituting the battery voltage unit has an internal resistance, and the equivalent circuit of the battery is represented by connecting the internal resistance and an ideal battery that retains the original voltage in series. The internal resistance value has a characteristic of gradually increasing with time. If current is taken out from the battery power supply unit, the internal resistance causes only the product of the resistance value and the extracted current to be a voltage loss as an IR drop, and the voltage of the battery power supply unit is reduced by that amount.

  On the other hand, the operating current of the shut-off valve is remarkably larger than the operating currents of the other parts, and is therefore most affected by the internal resistance. Therefore, the maximum IR drop is caused by flowing a battery voltage decrease determination current when determining the battery voltage decrease, and it is determined whether or not the present apparatus is operable with the voltage of the battery power source at that time.

  However, when the internal resistance of the battery of the battery power supply unit exceeds a certain usage capacity, it rapidly increases with the passage of time, and the increased amount greatly varies due to individual variations of the batteries and differences in usage environments. For this reason, in the worst case, the battery voltage decreases more than the predetermined battery consumption voltage after detecting the battery voltage decrease, and it may be impossible to operate the shutoff valve after a predetermined time from the detection of the battery voltage decrease. It is done.

  Moreover, as a preventive measure, it is possible to set the battery consumption voltage for performing the battery voltage drop determination to a high value taking into account the increase in the internal resistance value of all the batteries, but the battery is not sufficiently consumed. Nevertheless, it may be determined that the battery voltage has dropped, and there is a problem that it is not economical because it is necessary to increase the battery capacity of the battery power supply unit if the expiration date of the gas cutoff device is to be observed. Was.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described conventional problems, and to provide a more economical gas shut-off device while ensuring safety when the power capacity of a battery power supply unit is consumed.

  In order to solve the conventional problem, the gas shut-off device according to the present invention is configured such that the battery usage time determination unit measures the usage time from the start of supply of the battery power supply unit by the battery usage time measurement unit, and sets the battery usage time limit set in advance. When the expiration date of the setting part is exceeded, a time signal is output. Here, the set value for the expiry date is the amount of increase in the internal resistance of the battery and the capacity of the battery power supply unit that causes a large variation in the time based on the battery consumption used by the gas shutoff device per unit time. It is the value converted into. The voltage drop detection unit determines the battery voltage drop of the battery power supply unit when it falls below the battery consumption voltage set in consideration of battery consumption for a predetermined time that goes back from the operation guarantee voltage that is the lower limit value that can operate the shut-off valve However, the time from when the battery voltage drop is determined until the shut-off valve operation signal is output is based on the time signal before the time signal is input, and after the time signal is input, the internal resistance of the battery increases. In consideration of the minutes, the time is set shorter than the predetermined time before the time signal is input.

  Thus, before the battery power supply unit exceeds a certain usage capacity, the time from the battery voltage drop determination to the output of the shut-off valve operation signal becomes the lower limit value at which the shut-off valve can be operated after the battery voltage drop determination. Since it is performed in a predetermined time set in consideration of battery consumption that goes back from the operation guarantee voltage, a conventional shut-off operation that ensures safety can be performed.

  In addition, after the battery power supply exceeds a certain usage capacity, set it to be shorter than the predetermined time before inputting the time signal, taking into account the increase in the internal resistance of the battery, before outputting the shut-off valve operation signal. Further, the battery voltage decreases more than the battery consumption voltage, and the problem that the shutoff valve cannot be operated after a predetermined time from the battery voltage decrease determination can be reduced.

  In order to prevent this, it is possible to set the battery consumption voltage for determining battery decrease to a high value that takes into account the increase in internal resistance of all batteries, but the battery is not fully consumed. Regardless of this, it may be determined that the battery voltage has been lowered, and the economic problem that the battery capacity of the battery power supply section needs to be increased can be reduced if the expiration date of the gas shut-off device is to be observed.

  The gas shut-off device of the present invention is set in consideration of battery consumption that goes back from the operation guarantee voltage that is the lower limit value that can operate the shut-off valve after the battery voltage drop determination after the battery power supply unit exceeds a certain usage capacity Battery time is set to be shorter than the predetermined time before inputting the time signal, taking into account the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery. It is possible to reduce the problem that the shut-off valve cannot be operated after a predetermined time from the determination of decrease.

  In order to prevent this, it is possible to set the battery consumption voltage for determining the battery drop to a high value taking into account the increase in the internal resistance value of all the batteries, but the battery is not fully consumed. Nevertheless, it can be determined that the battery voltage has dropped, and if you try to meet the expiration date of the gas shut-off device, you can reduce the economic problem of having to increase the battery capacity of the battery power supply unit .

  A first aspect of the present invention is a gas shutoff device comprising a shutoff valve that shuts off a gas passage in the event of an abnormality and a battery power supply unit that supplies operating power to a device including the shutoff valve. A battery usage time measurement unit that measures time, a battery usage time limit setting unit that sets a usage time limit of the battery power supply unit, a battery usage time measurement unit, and the battery usage time limit setting unit are compared. When it is determined that the expiration date has been reached, a battery usage time determination unit that outputs a time signal and a lower limit value at which the voltage of the battery power supply unit can be monitored at predetermined intervals and the shutoff valve can be operated. The battery voltage drop is determined when the battery consumption voltage is lower than the battery consumption voltage set in consideration of battery consumption for a predetermined time that goes back from the guaranteed operating voltage, and the time before the timing signal is input is the predetermined time. By using a voltage drop detection unit that outputs a shut-off valve operation signal in a time that is less than the predetermined time before the timing signal is input, the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery is increased after the battery power supply unit exceeds a certain usage capacity. In consideration of this, the shutoff operation is performed for a set time shorter than the predetermined time before the timing signal is input. Therefore, the battery voltage decreases more than the battery consumption voltage before the shutoff valve operation signal is output. The problem of not being able to operate the shut-off valve later can be reduced.

  In order to prevent this, it is possible to set the battery consumption voltage for determining the battery drop to a high value taking into account the increase in the internal resistance value of all the batteries, but the battery is not fully consumed. Nevertheless, it can be determined that the battery voltage has dropped, and if you try to meet the expiration date of the gas shut-off device, you can reduce the economic problem of having to increase the battery capacity of the battery power supply unit .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery expiration date setting unit having a plurality of expiration dates for the battery power supply unit, a battery usage time determination unit for outputting a time signal every time the battery usage time reaches a plurality of battery expiration dates, The battery power consumption voltage set below in consideration of the battery consumption for a predetermined time that goes back from the operation guarantee voltage that becomes the lower limit value that can monitor the voltage of the battery power supply unit at predetermined intervals and operate the shut-off valve It is determined that the battery voltage has fallen, and the value corresponding to the set value of the battery expiration date is subtracted from the predetermined time before the time signal is input and from the predetermined time before the time signal is input after the time signal is input. By using a voltage drop detection unit that outputs a shut-off valve operation signal in a certain amount of time, even if the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery increases over time, the battery has a plurality of expiration dates. Capacity used for power supply Correspondingly, after the clock signal is input, the shut-off valve operation signal can be output in a time set shorter than the predetermined time before the clock signal is input, and the shut-off valve according to the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery more reliably. Operation is possible.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery expiration date setting unit that includes a plurality of expiration dates for the battery power supply unit, and the expiration date can be switched from outside the apparatus. The time until the operation signal is output can be switched from the outside of the device, and even after the device is manufactured, the region where the device is shipped (for example, the region where the temperature change is more severe has an increase in the internal resistance value of the battery and variations in the increase. It can be switched according to (large). As a result, it is possible to set an expiration date that takes into account the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery after the power supply voltage exceeds a certain usage capacity depending on the usage environment and the variation in the increase. The shut-off valve operation according to the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery and the variation of the increase becomes possible.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is a memory of the time from when the battery voltage decrease is determined to when the shut-off valve operation signal is output when the battery voltage decrease is determined. It is possible to analyze whether or not the battery voltage drop determination has been performed in a proper state, and based on the analysis, it can be determined whether or not the expiration date of the battery expiration date setting unit is a value that complies with actual use. By setting the expiration date based on this determination, it is possible to more reliably determine the battery voltage according to the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery and the variation of the increase.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, by displaying the time from when the battery voltage drop is determined to when the shut-off valve operation signal is output, when the battery voltage drop is determined, the usage capacity of the battery power supply unit can be determined only by looking at the device. Therefore, it is possible to more easily analyze whether the expiration date of the battery expiration date setting unit is a value that conforms to the actual usage.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when the battery voltage drop is determined, the time from the battery voltage drop determination until the shut-off valve operation signal is output is displayed, and thereafter, the remaining time until the shut-off operation signal is output as time passes is displayed. It is possible to notify a person (for example, a gas supplier or a general user) related to the apparatus that the battery power supply unit of the apparatus is near the end of its life.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the usage capacity of the battery power supply unit of the device is a constant value by outputting to the outside information on the time from when the battery voltage drop determination is made until the shut-off valve operation signal is output. It is possible to know in real time that the battery has exceeded the limit, and more accurately recognize that the battery power supply is nearing the end of its service life.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Further, although the embodiment of the present invention will be described using a gas shut-off device, the present invention is not limited to gas, and may be a battery voltage determination device such as water supply, electric power, or combustion fuel.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a control block diagram of the gas shutoff device in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, 9 is a power supply voltage unit. Reference numeral 10 denotes a battery usage time measurement unit, which measures the usage time from the start of supply of the battery power supply unit 9. A battery expiration date setting unit 11 sets the expiration date. A battery usage time determination unit 12 compares the battery usage time with the battery usage time limit, and outputs a timing signal to the next stage when the battery usage time exceeds the battery usage time limit. Reference numeral 13 denotes a voltage drop detection unit that monitors the battery voltage of the battery power supply unit 9 at regular time intervals. Reference numeral 14 denotes a display unit which is configured to display a time signal if it is present.

  The operation and action of the gas shut-off device configured as described above will be described below.

  First, the battery usage time determination unit 12 counts the usage time from the start of supply of the battery power supply unit 9 by the battery usage time measurement unit 10, and outputs a timing signal when the preset usage date of the battery usage time limit setting unit 11 is exceeded. To do. Here, the installation value for the expiry date is the amount of battery consumption used by the device per unit time (generally the value is almost constant since the operation pattern of the device is constant. If there is variation, it is the worst for safety. The battery's internal resistance increases, and the battery capacity of the battery power supply 9 that causes a large variation in the increase (depending on the type of battery, tens of percent of the battery capacity is a guideline) ) Is converted into time. Based on the timing signal described above, the battery operating time determination unit 12 operates as a lower limit value at which the shut-off valve 15 can be operated at predetermined time intervals for determining the voltage / voltage drop of the battery power source unit before the timing signal is input. The battery voltage drop is determined when the battery consumption voltage is lower than the battery consumption voltage set in consideration of battery consumption for a predetermined time that goes back from the guaranteed voltage, and the time before the time signal is input is the predetermined time. By using the voltage drop detection unit 13 that outputs the shut-off valve operation signal in a time less than the predetermined time, after the battery power supply unit 9 exceeds a certain usage capacity, the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery is taken into account. Since the shut-off valve operation signal is output at a set time shorter than the predetermined time before the timing signal is input, after the battery voltage decrease determination, the battery voltage decrease proceeds more than the predetermined battery consumption voltage, and the battery voltage decrease determination is performed for a predetermined time from the battery voltage decrease determination. later It is possible to reduce the problem of not even trying to operate the Danben 15.

  In order to prevent this, it is possible to set the battery consumption voltage for determining the battery drop to a high value taking into account the increase in the internal resistance value of all the batteries, but the battery is not fully consumed. Nevertheless, it may be determined that the battery voltage has decreased, and reducing the economic problem that it is necessary to increase the battery capacity of the battery power supply unit 9 if the expiration date of the gas cutoff device is to be observed. it can.

  The battery expiration date setting unit 11 includes a plurality of expiration dates for the battery power supply unit 9, and the battery usage time determination unit 12 outputs a timing signal each time the battery usage time reaches a plurality of battery expiration dates. Before the time signal is input, a predetermined time set in consideration of battery consumption that goes back from the operation guarantee voltage, which is the lower limit value at which the shut-off valve 15 can be operated. Correspondingly, the shut-off valve operation signal may be output at a time set shorter than a predetermined time before inputting the time signal.

  As a result, since a plurality of expiration dates are provided, even when the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery and the variation of the increase increase over time, the time corresponding to the usage capacity of the battery power supply unit 9 can be obtained. A shut-off operation signal can be output, and a shut-off valve operation according to the speed at which the internal resistance value of the battery increases more reliably becomes possible.

  The battery expiration date setting unit 11 may include a plurality of expiration dates for the battery power supply unit 9 so that the expiration date can be switched from outside the apparatus.

  As a result, the battery consumption voltage after the timing signal is input can be switched from outside the device, so that the region where the device is shipped even after the device is manufactured (for example, the region where the temperature change is more severe is the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery, It is possible to switch the expiration date according to the large variation of the increase. As a result, it is possible to set an expiration date that takes into account the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery after the power supply voltage exceeds a certain usage capacity depending on the usage environment and the variation in the increase. The shut-off valve operation according to the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery and the variation of the increase becomes possible.

  Further, the time from when the battery voltage drop determination is made until when the shut-off valve operation signal is output may be stored.

  As a result, it is possible to analyze in what state the usage capacity of the battery power supply unit 9 has made the battery voltage drop determination based on this storage, and based on the analysis, the expiration date of the battery expiration date setting unit 11 It is possible to determine whether or not is a value that conforms to actual use. By setting the expiration date based on this determination, it is possible to more reliably determine the battery voltage according to the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery and the variation of the increase.

  Further, the time from when the battery voltage drop determination is made until the shut-off valve operation signal is output may be displayed.

  As a result, it is possible to know in what state the usage capacity of the battery power supply unit has made the battery voltage drop determination just by looking at the device, so the expiration date of the battery expiration date setting unit more easily conforms to actual use. It is possible to analyze whether it is a value.

  Further, at the time of battery voltage drop determination, the time from the battery voltage drop determination until the shut-off valve operation signal is output may be displayed, and thereafter the remaining time until the shut-off operation signal is output as time passes may be displayed.

  As a result, it is possible to recognize how much the remaining battery life of the battery power supply unit of the present apparatus is after the battery voltage drop determination. The display unit 14 displays that the time signal has been input and the remaining time until the shut-off valve 15 is operated to indicate that the battery power supply unit 9 is near the end of its life (for example, a gas supplier or general user). ).

  Further, information on the time from when the battery voltage drop determination is made until the shut-off valve operation signal is output may be output to the outside.

  Thereby, it becomes possible to know in real time that the used capacity of the battery power supply unit 9 of the apparatus has exceeded a certain value, and it is possible to more accurately recognize that the life of the battery power supply unit 9 is approaching. You may notify outside of gas shut-off devices, such as a gas supplier's information device (not shown), via a communication line network, such as a telephone line.

  As described above, the gas shut-off device according to the present invention is a battery that goes back from the operation guarantee voltage that is the lower limit value that allows the shut-off valve to operate after the battery voltage drop determination after the battery power supply unit exceeds a certain usage capacity. The predetermined time set in consideration of consumption is set to be shorter than the predetermined time before the timing signal is input in consideration of the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery. Since the decrease proceeds, it is possible to reduce the problem that it is impossible to operate the shutoff valve after a predetermined time from the battery voltage decrease determination, and therefore it can be applied to various uses using batteries.

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of the gas cutoff device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Control block diagram of a conventional gas shut-off device

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 Battery power supply part 15 Shut-off valve 10 Battery use time measurement part 11 Battery use time limit setting part 12 Battery use time determination part 13 Battery fall determination part

Claims (7)

Battery use for measuring the usage time from the start of supply of the battery power supply unit in a gas shutoff device comprising a shutoff valve that shuts off the gas passage in the event of an abnormality and a battery power supply unit that supplies operating power to the device including the shutoff valve The battery usage time has reached the battery expiration date by comparing the time measurement unit, the battery expiration date setting unit for setting the expiration date of the battery power supply unit, the battery usage time measurement unit, and the battery expiration date setting unit. A battery usage time determination unit that outputs a time measurement signal and a predetermined voltage traced back from an operation guarantee voltage that is a lower limit value that can monitor the voltage of the battery power supply unit at predetermined intervals and operate the shut-off valve It is determined that the battery voltage has dropped because the battery consumption voltage has become lower than the set battery consumption voltage in consideration of time consumption, and the predetermined time is before the time signal input, and before the time signal input after the time signal is input. Gas cutoff apparatus that includes a low voltage detection unit for outputting a shut-off valve operation signal in a time obtained by subtracting the predetermined time. A battery expiration date setting unit having a plurality of expiration dates for the battery power supply unit, a battery usage time determination unit for outputting a time signal every time the battery usage time reaches a plurality of battery expiration dates, and the battery power supply unit. The battery has been set to a value below the battery consumption voltage set in consideration of the battery consumption for a predetermined time that goes back from the operation guarantee voltage, which is the lower limit value at which the voltage can be monitored every predetermined time and the shut-off valve can be operated. A voltage drop is determined, and the shut-off valve operation is performed at the predetermined time before the timing signal is input, and after the timing signal is input, the value corresponding to the set value of the battery expiration date is subtracted from the predetermined time before the timing signal is input. The gas cutoff device according to claim 1, further comprising a voltage drop detection unit that outputs a signal. The gas shut-off device according to claim 1, further comprising a battery expiration date setting unit that includes a plurality of expiration dates for the battery power supply unit and is capable of switching the expiration date from outside the device. The gas shut-off device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which stores a time from when the battery voltage drop determination is made until the shut-off valve operation signal is output. The gas shut-off device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a time from when the battery voltage drop determination is made to when the shut-off valve operation signal is output is displayed. The time until the shut-off valve operation signal is output after the battery voltage drop is determined at the time of battery voltage drop determination, and the remaining time until the shut-off operation signal is output as time passes is displayed. The gas shut-off device according to 1. The gas shut-off device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein information on a time from when the battery voltage drop is determined to when the shut-off valve operation signal is output is output to the outside.

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