JP3620438B2 - Gas shut-off device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gas shut-off device that monitors the usage state of a gas appliance that uses city gas, LP gas, or the like, and more particularly to a gas shut-off device that ensures safety when the power capacity of a battery power source used therein is consumed. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional gas shut-off device of this type has a configuration shown in FIG. 4 as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-103546. FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a conventional gas shut-off device.
[0003]
In the gas shut-off device 1 of FIG. 4, 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 means such as a shut-off valve, which stops or supplies gas in the flow path. Reference numeral 4 denotes a voltage drop detection unit that detects a battery voltage in a consumed state in which the capacity of the battery power source 2 capable of operating the gas shut-off device 1 within a predetermined operation guarantee time is detected, and outputs a voltage drop signal A.
[0004]
Reference numeral 5 denotes an opening acceptance unit that accepts opening of the shut-off means 3 from when the voltage drop signal A is input, and when there is an opening request (opening request switch or input of an opening signal by communication). An opening request signal C is output.
[0005]
A timer unit 6 counts a predetermined operation guarantee time from the time 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.
[0006]
Reference numeral 8 denotes a gas shut-off control unit which shuts off the shut-off means 3 when the battery voltage drop signal A or the plug-stop signal E is input, and when the plug-open request signal C is input before the input signal of the plug-stop signal E. The shut-off valve 3 is opened.
[0007]
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 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 to operate the cutoff means 3 and close the gas passage.
[0008]
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 means 3.
[0009]
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 shut-off device 1 to which the closing stop signal E is inputted outputs the second shut-off command signal B2 to close the shut-off means 3.
[0010]
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 2 every predetermined time interval and monitors the degree of battery consumption. . 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, after the battery depletion voltage has been detected for the required number of days, the shutoff means 3 can be opened only during the period when the voltage of the battery power supply 2 drops to the operation guarantee voltage, and a grace period is provided until the gas shutoff device 1 is replaced. Is.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional configuration has the following problems. Although the gas shut-off device has a function of measuring the gas flow rate, the metering unit has a usage limit of 10 years, but the voltage drop detection unit 4 does not always detect the battery voltage in a predetermined consumption state when 10 years have passed, There are cases where it can be used sufficiently after 10 years have passed, and if it is used without being replaced as it is, the warranty period of the electronic circuit of the gas shut-off device has passed, and then when the battery drop state occurs, If it has reached the end of its service life, it is assumed that it cannot be shut off. As a result, it cannot be shut off if an abnormal use of the gas appliance occurs, resulting in poisoning accidents due to gas leaks, worst gas explosions, fires, etc. There has been a problem that the gas company has forgotten to replace the battery because the warning message indicating that the battery is low has not been issued, or the above-mentioned trouble has occurred.
[0012]
The present invention solves the above-mentioned problem. For example, even if the battery voltage does not reach a lowered state, the battery usage period is measured, and when the expiration date of the battery is detected, a warning is notified, and when the replacement notification period elapses, the battery is shut off. It is an object of the present invention to provide a safe and reliable gas cutoff device that allows a consumer to safely use a gas appliance and monitor its state.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides battery power supply means for supplying power,GasBlocking means for supplying and blocking; andA flow rate detection means for detecting the flow rate of the gas to the gas appliance;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 a usage period of the battery power supply means, battery usage time measurement means, and battery expiration date setting And a warning determination means for outputting a warning signal when it is determined that the battery usage time has reached the battery usage time limit, and when the battery determination period is detected by the warning determination means, a predetermined time is further measured. A time measuring means for outputting a shut-off signal to the shut-off means when the predetermined time has elapsed, a return means for outputting a signal for returning the shut-off means to a gas supply enabled state before the predetermined time has elapsed, and a warning from the warning determining means An informing means that operates in response to a signal,While the signal from the flow rate detection means is output, the cutoff signal output from the time measurement means is delayed.Is.
[0014]
As a result, the necessity of replacement of the gas shut-off device can be notified in advance, and even if the gas company forgets to replace it, it is shut down after a predetermined time by the time measuring means so that the gas cannot be used again. By shutting off, it is possible to strongly encourage business operators and customers to replace the battery. Even though the battery expiration date has passed, the battery voltage drops due to factors such as a sudden drop in the temperature in winter, and a warning is displayed. It is possible to eliminate the problem that it cannot be shut off after a period of time and to prevent the safety monitoring function from malfunctioning due to battery power consumption and to improve safety and reliability.In addition, the usability, safety and reliability of gas appliances have been improved.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides battery power supply means for supplying power,GasBlocking means for supplying and blocking; andA flow rate detection means for detecting the flow rate of the gas to the gas appliance;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 a usage period of the battery power supply means, battery usage time measurement means, and battery expiration date setting And a warning determination means for outputting a warning signal when it is determined that the battery usage time has reached the battery usage time limit, and when the battery determination period is detected by the warning determination means, a predetermined time is further measured. A time measuring means for outputting a shut-off signal to the shut-off means when the predetermined time has elapsed, a return means for outputting a signal for returning the shut-off means to a gas supply enabled state before the predetermined time has elapsed, and a warning from the warning determining means An informing means that operates in response to a signal,While the signal from the flow rate detection means is output, the cutoff signal output from the time measurement means is delayed.Is.
[0016]
As a result, the necessity of replacement of the gas shut-off device can be notified in advance, and even if the gas company forgets to replace it, it is shut down after a predetermined time by the time measuring means so that the gas cannot be used again. By shutting off, it is possible to strongly encourage business operators and customers to replace the battery. Even though the battery expiration date has passed, the battery voltage drops due to factors such as a sudden drop in the temperature in winter, and a warning is displayed. It is possible to eliminate the problem that it cannot be shut off after a period of time and to prevent the safety monitoring function from malfunctioning due to battery power consumption and to improve safety and reliability.
[0017]
The warning judgment means first outputs an abnormal battery expiration date and activates the notification means to notify the necessity of replacement of the gas shut-off device, and even if the gas company forgets to replace it, it measures the time. It shuts off when a predetermined time has passed by the means, and strongly urges businesses and consumers to exchange by shutting off the gas so that it cannot be used again. Even though the battery expiration date has passed, 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 and the notification means cannot be operated and shut off after a predetermined period.
[0018]
For example, when using gas appliances at the customer's home after the expiration date of the battery, when using a heating device such as a gas stove in winter, and when the battery expiration date has far exceeded when a sudden temperature drop occurs due to cold waves, etc. Since the battery voltage consumption is drastically reduced compared to when the battery capacity is sufficient, it is necessary to cut off the operating time when the gas stove is used for an abnormal long time, but it cannot be cut off due to battery consumption. If the gas consumer can use the gas appliance with confidence and the elapsed time after the battery drops is counted by the time measurement means, and the gas shut-off device is not replaced for any reason during that time, the battery Decreasing due to further consumption of voltage is expected, and it is dangerous to continue to safely monitor the usage status of gas appliances. In addition, the safety monitoring function due to battery power consumption operates normally by prohibiting the return receipt of the shut-off means for gas supply and maintaining the shut-off state so that customers can not use gas appliances by mistake. Prevents it from being lost and improves safety and reliability.
[0019]
Further, while the signal from the flow rate detection means is being output, the interruption signal output from the time measurement means is delayed, so that, for example, the gas is suddenly generated while using a gas appliance such as a shower. Usability, safety, and reliability without being exposed to cold water Will improve.
[0020]
Further, the return prohibiting means prohibits the input of the return signal from the returning means even when at least one of the flow rate detecting means for detecting the gas flow rate and the external device means for detecting gas leakage or the like is determined to be abnormal.
[0021]
If the gas appliance is used abnormally at the gas customer's home, for example, if the gas appliance is accidentally used for a long time, the gas supply is stopped, but if the shut-off means is driven frequently after the battery expiration date Even if the battery capacity until replacement is secured, it is dangerous to continue to safely monitor the usage status of gas appliances because the voltage drop is accelerated due to further consumption of the battery voltage, and customers are Safety and reliability are improved because return of the shut-off means is prohibited for gas supply so that gas appliances cannot be used accidentally.
[0022]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, components having the same function will be described with the same reference numerals.
[0023]
Example 1
1 is a gas shut-off device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, 9 is a control device for the gas shut-off device, 10 is a battery usage time measuring means, and measures and monitors the usage time after the start of power supply of the battery power means 2 To do. Reference numeral 11 denotes a battery expiration date setting means for setting the expiration date of a battery mounted on the control device 9 of the gas cutoff device.
[0024]
Normally, the gas shut-off device control device 9 has a measuring unit designated as 10 years by the measurement method or the like, and has ensured reliability durability of at least 10 years so that the time setting of 10 years can be set. A warning determination unit 12 compares the battery usage time measurement unit 10 with the battery usage limit setting unit 11 to determine whether or not the battery usage time has reached the set usage limit value. If it is determined that the expiry date has been reached, a battery expiry warning notification signal is output to notify that the battery has expired.
[0025]
Reference numeral 13 denotes a time measuring means, and when a battery expiration date signal is output from the warning determination means 12, counting of the time that the gas shut-off device after the battery expiration date can be used is started.
[0026]
That is, the time during which the safety monitoring of the use state of the gas appliance can be normally performed is performed. Reference numeral 14 denotes a return means which, when operated, outputs a return signal from the shut-off means 3 to start gas supply to the shut-off means 3. Reference numeral 15 denotes a return prohibiting means, which determines whether or not to output a return signal from the return means 14 to the shut-off means 3, and if not in a return-prohibited state, outputs a return signal to open the shut-off means 3 to enable gas supply. .
[0027]
When the measurement of the usable time is completed by the time measuring means 13, that is, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the input of the return instruction signal from the return means 14 to the return prohibiting means 15 is prohibited, and the cutoff means 3 remains in the cutoff state. maintain.
[0028]
16 is a notification means for displaying a battery expiration date warning state, for example, a display means comprising an LCD element or an LED element, or having a communication function (not shown) using a public telephone line or the like. The battery's expiration date is reported to the person's security center.
[0029]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. A gas shut-off device is installed to monitor the use of gas appliances by gas consumers, but the battery capacity is usually designed for 10 years. The control device 9 is composed of highly reliable electronic circuit components that can operate for 10 years.
[0030]
Therefore, when the power supply from the battery power supply means 2 is started, the battery usage time is such that it has a capability of reliability of at least 10 years and is not erroneously used for an unreliable and abnormal long period. The measuring means 10 measures 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 cutoff device by means such as communication (not shown).
[0031]
The warning determination unit 12 compares the measurement time of the battery usage time measurement unit 10 with the set period value of the battery usage time limit setting unit 11 and monitors whether the elapsed time since the start of use has reached the set value. When the warning determination means 12 detects that the use limit time has been reached, a battery expiration date signal is output to the time measurement means 13 and the return prohibition means 15.
[0032]
Further, the warning determination unit 12 outputs a warning signal to the notification unit 16 when it detects the battery expiration date. The notification means 16 displays the battery expiration date on the LCD element or LED element. In addition, inform the gas supply company of abnormal battery expiration status via a telephone line.
[0033]
On the other hand, when the time measuring means 13 detects the battery expiry state, the time measuring means 13 counts the time until the gas shut-off device is replaced. That is, the usable time of the gas shut-off device after the battery usage period expires is measured. When the predetermined time is counted, the return prohibiting means 15 is prohibited from accepting a signal from the returning means 14 and when the gas supply is stopped by the shutting means 3 due to abnormal use of the gas appliance, the shutting means 3 is shut off by the returning means 14. Driving is prohibited. That is, by this, the gas supply is stopped thereafter to notify that the safe useable time of the gas shut-off device has passed and to promote the replacement measure.
[0034]
In this way, when the warning determination means 12 detects that the battery power supply of the gas shut-off device has passed a predetermined time by the battery usage time measuring means 10, it is determined that the battery usage period is abnormal, and immediately to the gas customer and gas supply company. Notify as abnormal battery expiration.
[0035]
Even if a customer uses a gas appliance when an abnormality occurs, for example, if a heater such as a gas stove is used, if it is suddenly shut off, the gas valve of the gas stove is once closed and returned to use gas again. The gas must be supplied by operating the means 14, but if the gas valve is opened with the gas valve opened by mistake, the raw gas will be exhausted, causing gas poisoning, troubles such as CO gas leakage, or the worst gas fire. There is a danger that can cause it.
[0036]
Therefore, it is possible to prevent troubles caused by shut-off during use of gas appliances by reporting immediately, and to notify the alarm of replacement of the gas shut-off device. When it is detected by 13 that a predetermined time has elapsed, the gas supply is forcibly shut off and the gas supply is stopped.
[0037]
Especially when a low temperature condition occurs due to a cold wave in winter, etc., and the user must shut off as a result of using abnormal gas appliances, for example, when the usage time is cut off due to prolonged use, etc. In the face of a sudden voltage drop at the end of the battery life due to abnormal long-term use of the battery, it is possible to grasp the behavior at the end of the battery life enough so that it can not be shut off and a fire due to the worst gas leak does not occur Since the period is monitored, safety, reliability, and usability are improved.
[0038]
(Example 2)
FIG. 2 shows a gas cutoff device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 2, components having the same functions as those in FIG.
[0039]
FIG. 2 shows a gas shut-off device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 17 denotes 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.
[0040]
18 is an external device means, for example, a gas leak alarm for detecting a gas leak, a seismic sensing means for detecting an earthquake, or a pressure detecting means for detecting a gas pressure to detect a gas leak or an earthquake. When a gas pressure is detected, a signal is output.
[0041]
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 a gas leak with the external device means 18. When an earthquake is detected, it is determined whether or not the earthquake has a predetermined intensity or higher, and when it is determined that the earthquake has a predetermined intensity or higher, a cutoff signal for stopping gas supply is output to the cutoff means 3.
[0042]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. A gas shut-off device is installed, power supply is started from the battery power supply means 2, the usage time is measured by the battery usage time measurement means 10, and the gas appliance usage state of the gas consumer is monitored by the flow rate detection means 17 and the external device means 18. . When abnormal use is detected by the abnormality determination means 19 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 to stop the gas supply.
[0043]
In this way, when the elapsed time measured by the battery usage time measuring means 10 while monitoring the usage state of the gas appliance, etc. reaches the battery usage time setting means 11, the warning determination means 12 is connected to the battery power supply means 2. The battery expiration date signal is output on the assumption that the battery capacity is approaching the limit at which the shut-off means 3 can be driven with sufficient margin.
[0044]
The battery expiration date signal is input to the time measuring means 13 and the return prohibiting means 15. Further, the warning determination means 12 outputs a warning signal to the notification means 16 when detecting the battery expiration date. The warning means 16 displays a warning message indicating that the battery expiration date has elapsed, using an LCD element, an LED element, or the like. Furthermore, it notifies the gas supply company of the abnormal condition of the battery expiration date via a telephone line, etc., and makes a request to replace the gas shutoff device.
[0045]
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 shut-off device after the battery usage time limit, that is, the grace period until the replacement. When the predetermined time is counted, the signal reception from the return means 14 is prohibited to the return prohibiting means 15 and a shutoff output is given to the shutting means 3.
[0046]
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. Here, after receiving the battery expiration date signal, during the time counting by the time measuring means 13, the use state of the gas appliance of the consumer is detected by the flow rate detecting means 17 or the external device means 18, and the use state is abnormal. Although it is monitored by the judging means 19, when an abnormal state is detected, the time counting of the time measuring means 13 is stopped at that time and the gas use prohibited state is set.
[0047]
That is, after receiving the battery usage period lapse signal, during the time counting by the time measuring means 13, for example, an abnormally high flow rate flows when the gas stove or the like is used for an abnormal long time or the gas hose is displaced for some reason. When such a state is detected by the abnormality determination means 19, a cutoff output is output to the cutoff means 3 and a cutoff notice is sent to the return prohibition means 15.
[0048]
Thereafter, even if the return output of the shut-off means 3 is input from the return means 14, the shut-off state is maintained and the return signal input is prohibited. The customer and the gas supplier are notified via the notification means 16 that the gas cannot be supplied unless the gas shut-off device itself is replaced thereafter.
[0049]
Thus, since the battery power source of the control device 9 of the gas shut-off device starts supplying, the battery usage time measuring means 10 measures the usage time, and warns whether or not the usage time set in the battery usage time limit setting means 11 has been reached. When it is detected by the determination means 12 that it has passed, it is determined that the battery usage time has elapsed abnormally and immediately notifies the gas customer and gas supply company of the battery usage period elapsed abnormality. Even if the house was using gas appliances, for example, if a heater such as a gas stove was used, and suddenly shuts off, the gas valve of the gas stove is once closed and the return means 14 is operated to use the gas again. However, if the gas valve is accidentally restored with the gas valve opened, the raw gas will be discharged, causing gas poisoning, troubles such as CO gas leakage, or There is a risk that could lead to fire by the worst gas, troubles due to blocking of the gas appliance used can be prevented by Problem First immediately.
[0050]
Even if the battery expiration date has come after that, even if the gas shut-off device is used continuously without being replaced, the flow rate detection means 17 causes an abnormality of the gas appliance while the time measurement means 13 is counting for a predetermined time. When an abnormal use condition is detected, when a gas leak or CO leak is detected by the external device means 18, or when a strong earthquake is detected by the seismic sensor, the shut-off means 3 is driven to stop the gas supply and measure the time. The counting of the means time 13 is stopped, and a shutoff signal is notified to the return prohibiting means 15 to prohibit the return so that the gas cannot be used again.
[0051]
In such a case, driving the shut-off means 3 consumes a large amount of battery power, making it difficult to accurately monitor the usage state of the gas appliance. The opening operation of the blocking means 3 is prohibited via the return means 14 and the blocked state is maintained.
[0052]
Therefore, it is possible to prevent normal safety monitoring from being performed when the battery has expired, and particularly when the gas shut-off device is not replaced and the consumption progresses to the extent that most of the battery capacity is consumed. When it occurs, the total flow is cut off when an abnormal usage state such as a gas hose disconnection of the gas appliance is detected, but at this time, if the battery capacity is at the end of its life, there is a high possibility that the voltage will drop rapidly and the worst case will not be possible.
[0053]
However, when the battery usage time is measured by the usage time measuring means 10 and the battery capacity is sufficiently secured, the battery expiration date can be determined in a state where the behavior leading to the battery drop can be grasped even if a sudden temperature change occurs. Since it is set, it will not be in a state that can not be shut off, and even if a warning is given about the battery expiration date, abnormal gas appliances will be used many times afterwards, so that the battery capacity will not be consumed abnormally When a shut-off event due to an abnormality is detected, the shut-off is immediately performed, and it is not possible to return again, and the replacement of the gas shut-off device is promoted, so the safety and usability are greatly improved.
[0054]
(Example 3)
FIG. 3 shows a gas shut-off device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. 3, components having the same functions as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0055]
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 20 denotes a cutoff signal delay means, which outputs a battery expiration date signal from the warning determination means 12. The time measurement means 13 further counts the grace period until the replacement of the gas cutoff device, and shuts off when a predetermined time elapses. Although a signal is output, the flow rate detection means 17 determines whether or not a flow signal for using the gas appliance is output. If there is a flow rate signal, the cutoff output is delayed, and if there is no flow rate signal, the cutoff output is performed.
[0056]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. The gas shut-off device is installed and the usage time since the start of power supply of the battery power supply means 2 is measured, and the gas appliance usage state of the gas consumer is monitored by the flow rate detection means 17 and the external device means 18.
[0057]
When abnormal use is detected by the abnormality determining means 19 during the use of the gas appliance, 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. When the warning determination means 12 detects that the usage time of the battery power supply means 2 has reached the set value of the battery expiration date setting means 11 under such usage monitoring conditions of the gas appliance, a battery expiration date signal is output. The
[0058]
The battery expiry signal output from the warning determination unit 12 is input to the time measurement unit 13, the return prohibition unit 15, and the notification unit 16. The time measuring means 13 counts the time between the grace period until the replacement of the gas shut-off device when the battery expiration date is input. When a gas company inadvertently forgets to replace it and a predetermined time elapses in the time measuring means 13, a shut-off signal is output. The cutoff signal is output to the cutoff means 3 via the cutoff signal delay means 20.
[0059]
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, the consumer determines that the gas appliance is in use and delays the output of the cutoff signal. Thereafter, when the gas consumer stops the gas appliance and detects that the flow rate signal is lost from the flow rate detection means 17, it is determined that the gas appliance is no longer used, and a cutoff signal is output to the cutoff means 3 to shut off the gas flow path and gas. Stop supplying.
[0060]
As a result, the gas supply is stopped thereafter to notify that the exchangeable grace period has elapsed. When it is determined that there is an abnormality, a cutoff signal is output to the cutoff unit 3 and a cutoff notification is sent to the return prohibition unit 16. Thereafter, even if the return output of the shut-off means 3 is input from the return means 15, the shut-off state is maintained and the return signal input is prohibited. It notifies the customer and the gas supplier that the gas cannot be supplied unless the gas shut-off device itself is replaced thereafter through the notification means 17.
[0061]
Further, the time measuring means 13 counts the time until the replacement of the gas shut-off device, and when the predetermined time is counted, the return prohibiting means 15 is prohibited from accepting the signal from the returning means 14 and the shut-off means 3 is shut off. However, if a gas consumer uses a gas appliance such as a shower by suddenly outputting a cut-off signal, discomfort such as bathing in cold water will occur, but wait until the gas appliance is stopped. Since it shuts off after detecting the suspension of use, it is easy to use when the battery expiration date expires.
[0062]
When the warning determination means 12 outputs a battery expiration date signal, the notification means 16 displays an abnormal battery expiration date on the LCD element, LED element, or the like. In addition, inform the gas supply company of abnormal battery usage expiration status via a telephone line. As a result, a warning is displayed by the notification means 16 or a communication means (not shown) uses a public telephone line to report an abnormality to the gas company's security center. Immediately when you notice an abnormality, you can take measures such as replacing the gas shut-off device.
[0063]
In this way, the elapsed time from the start of use of the battery power source is measured by the battery usage time measuring means, and the warning judgment means monitors whether the battery usage time has reached the expiration date of the battery expiration date setting means. Upon detection, the time measurement means starts time measurement, and the warning determination means promptly notifies the consumer or gas company that the battery has expired. By using a telephone line, etc., by means of reporting to the gas company's security center, the gas company can promptly take measures such as replacing the gas cutoff device by recognizing that the battery has expired by shutting off the gas supply. At the same time, a battery expiration date signal is output to the return prohibiting means, and a shut-off signal is output when the predetermined time has elapsed by the time measuring means.
[0064]
At this time, if the gas appliance is used at the customer's house, the flow rate detection means detects the flow signal, and if the interruption signal delay means determines that the flow signal is above a predetermined value, the consumer uses the gas appliance. By delaying the output of the shut-off signal as inside, that is, delaying until detecting when the use is stopped so as not to take cold water due to gas stop suddenly while using a gas appliance such as a shower, etc. Usability, safety and reliability when the expiration date has passed are improved.
[0065]
As described above, according to each embodiment, when the warning determination means detects that the battery power source of the gas shut-off device has passed the battery usage time measurement means, it is determined that the battery usage period is abnormal, and the gas consumer immediately In addition to notifying the gas supply company that the battery usage period has expired, and monitoring whether or not the usage period is sufficient to grasp the behavior at the end of the battery life, safety, reliability, and usability are improved.
[0066]
Further, if it is detected that the gas flow rate or the like is abnormal, it is immediately shut off, and it is impossible to restore it again, and the exchange of the gas shut-off device is promoted, so that safety and usability are improved.
[0067]
In addition, for example, when using a gas appliance such as a shower, a delay is made until the time when the use is stopped so as not to be exposed to cold water due to a gas stop suddenly. And reliability are improved.
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, gas safety is ensured by time management, and reliability is remarkably enhanced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a gas cutoff device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a gas shutoff device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of a gas cutoff device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of a conventional gas shut-off device.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Battery power supply means
3 Blocking means
10 Battery usage time measurement means
11 Battery expiration date setting means
12 Warning judgment means
13 Time measurement means
14 Return means
15 Return prohibition means
16 Notification means
17 Flow rate detection means
18 External equipment means
19 Abnormality determination means
20 Blocking signal delay means

Claims (3)

A battery power source means for supplying power, a battery to measure a blocking means for supplying or interrupting the gas, and the flow rate detecting means for detecting the flow rate of the gas leading to the gas appliance, the use time from the start of supply of the battery power supply unit The battery usage time reaches the battery expiration date by comparing the usage time measurement means, the battery expiration date setting means for setting the usage period of the battery power supply means, the battery usage time measurement means and the battery expiration date setting means. A warning determination unit that outputs a warning signal when the warning determination unit detects that a battery usage period has elapsed, and a time for outputting a blocking signal to the blocking unit when the predetermined time has elapsed. It operates in response to a warning signal from a measuring means, a return means for outputting a signal for returning the shut-off means to a gas supply ready state before the predetermined time elapses, and the warning determination means And a notification means, the flow rate while the signal from the detecting means is output, the gas cutoff apparatus that delays the shut-off signal outputted from the time measuring means. 2. The gas cutoff device according to claim 1, wherein when a predetermined time measured by the time measuring means has elapsed, a return signal from the return means is prohibited from being input via the return prohibiting means. 3. The return prohibiting means prohibits input of a return signal from the returning means even when at least one of the flow rate detecting means for detecting the gas flow rate and the external device means for detecting gas leakage or the like is determined to be abnormal. Gas shut-off device.

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