JP2914841B2 - Electromagnetic safety valve maintenance system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electromagnetic safety valve maintenance system capable of confirming the function of a semiconductor switch element for driving the electromagnetic safety valve.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a transistor having a collector connected to the positive side of a power supply, an electromagnetic safety valve having one end connected to the emitter of the transistor and the other end connected to the negative side of the power supply, and a high level 2. Description of the Related Art A drive circuit for an electromagnetic safety valve including a controller that supplies a signal to open the electromagnetic safety valve is known.

In this electromagnetic safety valve drive circuit, if a transistor fails, the controller cannot control the electromagnetic safety valve. Since the electromagnetic safety valve has a safety function of closing the valve when an abnormality occurs and stopping the combustion of gas appliances and the like, it is dangerous if control becomes impossible. Therefore, it is conceivable to improve the reliability by connecting, for example, two transistors in series, and providing a drive circuit for closing the electromagnetic safety valve and stopping combustion by the other transistor which is normal even if one of the transistors fails. Can be

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a drive circuit for an electromagnetic safety valve provided with the above-mentioned dual transistor, one of the transistors fails and the on / off control can be performed by the other transistor even if the transistor is always in a conductive state. However, there is no problem in actual use of gas equipment, and therefore, the transistor is continuously used without detecting a failure of one transistor. However, if the remaining transistors fail, control of the solenoid valve becomes impossible, which is dangerous.

An object of the present invention is to provide a maintenance system for an electromagnetic safety valve in which a plurality of semiconductor switches are provided to drive an electromagnetic safety valve in order to improve reliability, and in which the functions of all the semiconductor switch elements can be inspected. .

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems,
The present invention employs the following configuration. (1) An electromagnetic safety valve that opens when energized and a plurality of semiconductor switch elements are connected in series between both poles of an operating power supply,
A microcomputer having a level detecting means for detecting a level and a signal transmitting means for transmitting an operation signal to the semiconductor switch element, and transmitting an operation signal to all other semiconductor switch elements except one semiconductor switch element Then, the level detecting means can confirm that the voltage at the predetermined position between the two poles of the operating power supply is the predetermined voltage corresponding to the closed state of the electromagnetic safety valve, and perform the same operation as above. When it is confirmed that all of the semiconductor switches have the predetermined voltage at the predetermined position, the microcomputer determines that the functions of all the semiconductor switch elements are normal.

(2) A load-side semiconductor switch element is connected in series with an electromagnetic safety valve which is opened by energization, and a predetermined number of valve drive circuits having one circuit end connected to one pole of an operating power supply are connected in parallel. A power-supply-side semiconductor switch element having one end connected to the other pole side of the actuation power supply and the other end connected to the other circuit end of the valve drive circuit group; A signal transmission means for transmitting an operation signal to a number of load-side semiconductor switch elements, and a microcomputer having level detection means for detecting a level at a predetermined position of the valve drive circuit, Only when the activation signal is sent,
The level detecting means can confirm that the voltage at a predetermined position of the valve drive circuit is a predetermined voltage corresponding to the valve closing state of the electromagnetic safety valve, and operates only for a predetermined number of load-side semiconductor switch elements. When it is confirmed that the voltage at the predetermined position is the predetermined voltage when the signal is transmitted, the microcomputer determines that all the semiconductor switch elements have normal functions.

[0008]

[Action]

[Claim 1] When a microcomputer sends an operation signal to all the other semiconductor switch elements except for one semiconductor switch element, all the other semiconductor switch elements become conductive and the one semiconductor switch element becomes conductive. If the functions of the two semiconductor switch elements are normal (unless they are conductive and have not failed), the voltage at a predetermined position between the two poles of the operating power supply becomes a predetermined voltage corresponding to the closed state of the electromagnetic safety valve. . As a result of performing the same operation for each of the other semiconductor switches, if it is confirmed that the voltages are all at the predetermined voltage at the predetermined positions, the microcomputer determines that all the semiconductor switch elements have normal functions. judge.

When the microcomputer sends an operation signal from the signal sending means only to the power supply side semiconductor switch element, the level of the predetermined position of the valve drive circuit corresponds to the closed state of the electromagnetic safety valve. It is possible to confirm that the level at the predetermined position is the predetermined voltage when the operation signal is transmitted only to a predetermined number of load-side semiconductor switch elements. It is assumed that the function of the semiconductor switch element is normal.

[0010]

【The invention's effect】

[Claim 1] The function of each semiconductor switch element connected in series is checked individually. If at least one of the semiconductor switch elements has failed, the electromagnetic safety valve does not open, so that the semiconductor switch element fails. It is possible to prevent a problem that the device is continuously used without being found, and it is excellent in safety. Even if one of the semiconductor switch elements breaks down during use and is short-circuited, the electromagnetic safety valve can be closed by another normal semiconductor switch element.

[Claim 2] A predetermined number of load-side semiconductor switch elements used in each valve drive circuit for individually controlling the opening and closing of a predetermined number of electromagnetic safety valves, and these load-side semiconductor switch elements are short-circuited. The function of the power supply side semiconductor switch element to secure the safety by stopping the power supply to the valve drive circuit group can be checked, and the problem that each semiconductor switch element is used continuously without being found out of failure can be prevented. Excellent safety.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment (corresponding to claim 1) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2, the maintenance system A of the safety valve drive circuit includes transistors 1 and 2 corresponding to semiconductor switch elements, a safety valve 3 corresponding to an electromagnetic safety valve, and a microcomputer 4, and FIG. The gas table B shown in FIG.

The transistor 1 has a power supply circuit (not shown)
Has a collector 11, an emitter 12, and a base 13 connected to a terminal 44 described later.

The transistor 2 has a collector 21 connected to the emitter 12 of the transistor 1, an emitter 22, and a base 23 connected to a terminal 45 described later.

The safety valve 3 is connected to the emitter 22 of the transistor 2 and the negative pole 53 of the power supply circuit.

The microcomputer 4 includes a terminal 41 connected to a connection point between the resistor 52 and the collector 11 of the transistor 1 and to which a potential of the collector 11 is input, and a base 13.
Terminal 44 for supplying a high-level signal to the
3 has a terminal 45 for supplying a high-level signal.

In the gas table B, 6 is a right stove,
Reference numeral 61 denotes an H burner having a gas consumption of 4100 kcal / h, 62 denotes an ignition electrode which faces the gas ejection flame of the H burner 61 and performs ignition discharge, and 63 denotes an ignition electrode which faces the gas ejection flame of the H burner 61. A thermocouple 65, which generates an electromotive force by a combustion flame 64, is disposed in a gas line 66 downstream of the safety valve 3 and is a main valve which opens in conjunction with the pressing of a point / fire button (not shown). It is. Further, 71 is a safety valve driving circuit maintenance system A.
Is a control unit that incorporates 2300 kcal /
h stove with M burner with gas consumption h
Reference numeral 3 denotes a grill having a grill burner having a gas consumption of 1950 kcal / h, a left cooking stove 72, and a grill 7
The safety of the third safety valves 721 and 731 is also maintained by the same maintenance system as the maintenance system A of the safety valve drive circuit.

Next, the operation of the safety valve driving circuit maintenance system A will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the point / fire button is pressed and the switch 74 is closed, a DC voltage is applied to the plus side 51-the minus side 53. In step S1, the microcomputer 4
Sends a high level signal from the terminal 45 to the transistor 2, and proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the microcomputer 4 determines whether the terminal 41 is at the high level because the collector 11 side is at the high level, and when the terminal 41 is at the high level (Yes).
Proceeds to step S3, and if not (No), proceeds to step S8. The transistor 2 is in a conductive state, and the collector 11 of the transistor 1 is connected to the emitter 1
If the two are not short-circuited (always on failure), the collector 11 side becomes high level, and the terminal 41 becomes high level. In step S3, the microcomputer 4 stops sending the high-level signal to the transistor 2, and proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the microcomputer 4
Sends a high-level signal from the terminal 44 to the transistor 1, and proceeds to step S5. In step S5, since the collector 21 is at the high level, the microcomputer 4 determines whether the terminal 41 is at the high level. If the terminal 41 is at the high level (Yes), the microcomputer 4 proceeds to step S6. If not (No), step S8
Proceed to. Note that the transistor 1 is in a conductive state, and
When the collector 21 and the emitter 22 of the transistor 2 are not short-circuited (always on failure), the collector 21 is at a high level, and the terminal 41 is at a high level. Thus, it is determined that the functions of the transistors 1 and 2 are normal.
5 also sends a high level signal to transistor 2
In step S7, the safety valve 3 is energized to open the valve (because both the transistors 1 and 2 become conductive), and the ignition operation of the H burner 61 is performed. In step S8, it is determined that the transistor 1 or 2 is short-circuited (always on), and an abnormality is notified by a buzzer or the like. During the use of the gas table B in which the safety valve 3 is energized to keep the valve open and continue the combustion, the microcomputer 4 sends the high level signal to the transistors 1 and 2 while the It monitors whether the potential is maintained at a low level, and if a high level is detected, it is determined that one of the transistors has failed (always-off failure that does not turn on), and the buzzer sounds and the operation is stopped.

Hereinafter, advantages of this embodiment will be described. The transistors 1 and 2 that control the energization of the safety valve 3 are connected as shown in FIG. 2 and a function check is performed one by one. After confirming that both functions are normal, the energization of the safety valve 3 is performed. ing. Therefore, when the safety valve 3 is energized and opened to start combustion, the transistors 1 and 2 always function normally. Therefore, even if one transistor fails during combustion, the other transistor is used. Abnormality control can be performed to stop combustion, and safety can always be improved and a highly reliable state can be achieved.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention (corresponding to claim 2) will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 4, the safety valve drive circuit maintenance system C
Are pnp-type transistors 8 corresponding to power supply-side semiconductor switch elements, pnp-type transistors 91, 92, 93 corresponding to load-side semiconductor switch elements, safety valves 911, 921 corresponding to electromagnetic safety valves,
931 and a valve drive circuit group 90 having resistors 912, 922, 932, and signal transmission ports 461, 462, 46
3, 464, and the microcomputer 4 having answer input ports 471, 472, 473 (corresponding to level input ports) connected to the connection points between the collectors of the transistors 91, 92, 93 and the resistors 912, 922, 932. The gas table D shown in FIG.

The transistor 8 has an emitter 81 on the positive pole side 51 (the other pole side) of the DC power supply line (operating power supply).
(One end) and the collector 82 (the other end) is connected to the other circuit end 901 of the valve drive circuit group 90. When a low-level signal {0 V with respect to the ground} is input to the base 83 from the signal transmission port 461, the emitter 8
When the high level signal {voltage of +5 V with respect to the ground} is input, the connection between the emitter 81 and the collector 82 becomes non-conductive.

The valve drive circuits 910, 920, and 930 apply low-level signals {0 V with respect to ground} from the signal transmission ports 462, 463, and 464 to the bases 91a and 92.
a, 93a, the emitters and collectors become conductive, and when a high-level signal {voltage of +5 V with respect to the ground} is input, the transistors 91, 92, 93 become nonconductive between the emitters and collectors. And the resistor 91
2, 922, 932 and safety valves 911, 921, 931 which are opened by energization are connected in series as shown in the figure, and each valve side circuit end and each emitter side circuit end are respectively connected to form a valve drive circuit. One end 902 and the other end 901 of the group 90 are connected to the negative pole side (the other pole side) of the DC power supply line and the collector 82.

When checking the function of the transistor, the microcomputer 4 sends a high-level signal {+5 V with respect to the ground} from the signal sending port 461 to the base 83 of the transistor 8, and the transistor 9
A low-level signal {0 V voltage with respect to the ground} is sent to the bases 91a, 92a, 93a of 1, 92, 93,
The input levels of the answer input ports 471, 472, and 473 are detected, and a high-level signal (a voltage of +5 V with respect to the ground) is sent to the bases 91a, 92a, and 93a of the transistors 91, 92, and 93. A low level signal at the base 83
V is sent out, and the answer input ports 471, 47
2, 473 input levels are detected. In any case, when the input levels of the answer input ports 471, 472, and 473 are low, it is determined that all the transistors are normal.

Next, the operation of the safety valve driving circuit maintenance system C will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step s1, when a power switch (not shown) is turned on, a DC voltage is applied to the plus side 51-the minus side, and the transistor enters a check mode. In step s2, the microcomputer 4 sends a high-level signal {voltage of +5 V with respect to the ground} from the signal sending port 461 to the base 83 of the transistor 8, and outputs the transistor 9 from the signal sending ports 462, 463, and 464.
A low-level signal {0 V voltage with respect to the ground} is sent to the bases 91a, 92a, 93a of 1, 92, 93.
In step s3, the microcomputer 4 determines whether all of the answer input ports 471, 472, and 473 are at a low level. If all are at a low level (Yes), the microcomputer 4 proceeds to step s4. Is determined. In step s4, the microcomputer 4 sets the base 9 of the transistors 91, 92, 93
High level signals are sent to 1a, 92a and 93a.
The transmission of the high-level signal to the base 83 of the transistor 8 continues. In step s5, the microcomputer 4 sets the bases 91 of the transistors 91, 92, 93
A high level signal is transmitted to a, 92a and 93a, and a low level signal is transmitted to the base 83 of the transistor 8. In step s6, the microcomputer 4 determines whether all of the answer input ports 471, 472, and 473 are at a low level, and if all are at a low level (Yes), determines that all transistors are normal, and proceeds to step s7. If at least one is at a high level, the transistors 91 and 9
It is determined that at least one of 2, 93 has an abnormality. In step s7, the microcomputer 4 determines the bases 83, 91a, 92 of the transistors 8, 91, 92, 93.
A high level signal is sent out to a and 93a to exit the transistor check mode.

Hereinafter, advantages of this embodiment will be described. Transistors 91, 92, and 93 used for valve drive circuits 910, 920, and 930 that individually control opening and closing of the safety valves 911, 921, and 931;
If short-circuits occur in 92 and 93, the function of the transistor 8 for stopping the energization of the valve drive circuit group 90 and ensuring safety can be checked when the power switch is turned on, and no failure of each transistor is found. It is possible to prevent the trouble of continuous use as it is, and it is excellent in safety.

Since the valve drive circuits 910, 920, and 930 are connected in parallel to the collector 82 of the transistor 8, only four signal transmission ports and three answer input ports are required, and the microcomputer 4 Excellent port usage efficiency.

The present invention includes the following embodiments in addition to the above embodiment. a. (Power supply side, load side) The semiconductor switch element may be a MOS / FET or the like in addition to the transistor. b. (Power supply side, load side) The function check of the semiconductor switch element may be performed first. c. In the first embodiment, two transistors are used, but three or more transistors may be used. d. In the first embodiment, the terminal 41 serving as a level detecting means is used.
To the collector 11 of the highest potential side semiconductor switch element.
To determine whether a high-level signal has been detected.
The terminal 41 may be connected to the emitter 22 of the semiconductor switching element on the lowest potential side to determine whether a low level signal has been detected. e. In the first embodiment, the safety valve 3, which is an electromagnetic safety valve, may be connected to any position as long as it is located in series between the two poles of the operating power supply. That is, it may be arranged on any of the high potential side and the low potential side of each semiconductor switch element. f. The operating power supply may be a dry cell.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of gas tables B and D employing safety valve driving circuit maintenance systems A and C according to first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the principle of a maintenance system A for a safety valve drive circuit.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the safety valve driving circuit maintenance system A;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the principle of a maintenance system C for a safety valve drive circuit.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the maintenance system C of the safety valve drive circuit.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Transistor (semiconductor switch element) 2 Transistor (semiconductor switch element) 3 Safety valve (electromagnetic safety valve) 4 Microcomputer 8 Transistor (power supply side semiconductor switch element) 41 Terminals (level detection means) 44, 45 Terminals (signal transmission means) 51 Positive pole side (other pole side) 81 Emitter (one end) 82 Collector (other end) 90 Valve drive circuit group 91, 92, 93 Transistor (load side semiconductor switch element) 461, 462, 463, 464 Signal transmission port (signal transmission Means) 471, 472, 473 Answer input port (level detection means) 901 Other circuit end 902 One circuit end 910, 920, 930 Valve drive circuit 911, 921, 931 Safety valve (electromagnetic safety valve) A, C Safety valve drive circuit Maintenance system (electronic Magnetic safety valve maintenance system)

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-58-190620 (JP, A) JP-A-58-190621 (JP, A) JP-A-60-101374 (JP, A) JP-A-60-109677 (JP) JP-A-61-105378 (JP, A) JP-A-2-116556 (JP, A) JP-A-3-164912 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB Name) F16K 31/06 380 F16K 31/06 320

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] An electromagnetic safety valve, which is opened by energization, and a plurality of semiconductor switch elements are connected in series between both poles of an operating power supply, and level detecting means for detecting a level, and an operation signal is supplied to the semiconductor switch elements. A microcomputer having signal transmitting means for transmitting, when an operation signal is transmitted to all the semiconductor switch elements except for one semiconductor switch element, the level detecting means detects a voltage between both poles of the operating power supply; Can be confirmed to be a predetermined voltage corresponding to the closed state of the electromagnetic safety valve, and as a result of performing the same operation for each of the other semiconductor switches, If it can be confirmed that the voltage is the predetermined voltage, the microcomputer determines that the functions of all the semiconductor switch elements are normal. Conservation system of the valve. 2. A predetermined number of valve drive circuits having a load-side semiconductor switch element and an electromagnetic safety valve which is opened by energization connected in series and one circuit end of which is connected to one pole of an operating power supply. A valve drive circuit group, a power supply-side semiconductor switch element having one end connected to the other pole side of the operating power supply and the other end connected to the other circuit end of the valve drive circuit group; A signal transmission means for transmitting an operation signal to the load-side semiconductor switch element; and a microcomputer having a level detection means for detecting a level at a predetermined position of the valve drive circuit. Only when the operation signal is transmitted, the level detecting means can confirm that the voltage at the predetermined position of the valve drive circuit is the predetermined voltage corresponding to the closed state of the electromagnetic safety valve, and On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the voltage at the predetermined position is the predetermined voltage when an operation signal is transmitted to only a predetermined number of load-side semiconductor switch elements, the microcomputer switches all the semiconductor switch elements. The safety system of the electromagnetic safety valve which assumes that the function is normal.