JP3794054B2 - Gas shut-off device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gas shut-off device that opens and closes a gas passage for ensuring safety when using gas downstream from a gas meter.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, gas has been widely used, but ensuring safety in use is always an important issue.
[0003]
Hereinafter, a conventional gas cutoff device will be described. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an example of a conventional gas cutoff device. Conventionally, a gas shut-off device that shuts off a gas passage when an abnormal state occurs during use of gas, for example, when gas is leaking, is used. In this type of gas shut-off device, as shown in FIG. 12, the open / close valve instruction section 11 outputs the open / close valve permission signal A, and the open / close valve drive section 12 receives the open / close valve permission signal A and passes through the gas passage. The opening / closing plug driving unit 12 is configured to open and close, and the opening / closing valve driving unit 12 has an opening / closing plug output signal having a constant output width, that is, an opening / closing plug in which the energization time for driving the bidirectional shut-off valve that shuts off the gas passage is set to a constant value. An output signal was output.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In such a conventional gas shut-off device, the opening / closing plug drive unit 12 cannot arbitrarily set the energization time of the bidirectional shut-off valve, and always outputs an open / close plug output signal with a constant energization time. The opening / closing operation of the opening / closing valve must be ensured by outputting an opening / closing plug output signal in which an excessive energizing time is considered in consideration of the consumption time of the internal battery for driving the opening / closing plug, for example. There was a problem that the gas shut-off device could not be miniaturized by shortening the life of the built-in battery and using a large-capacity built-in battery.
[0005]
The present invention solves the above problems, and provides a gas shut-off device that can variably set an appropriate energization time corresponding to the state of the battery at the time of opening and closing the plug and the state of gas pressure, and can extend the life of the battery. Objective.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an open / close plug indicating section for indicating an open / close plug, an open / close plug signal generating section for generating an open / close plug output signal for opening / closing a gas passage, and the open / close plug output signal. And an open / close plug drive unit for driving the open / close plug of the gas passage, wherein the open / close plug signal generation unit variably sets the energization time for driving the open / close plug in accordance with the voltage and gas pressure of the built-in battery. This is a gas cutoff device that outputs an output signal.
[0007]
As a result, the switch can be operated with the minimum energization time according to the state of the battery and gas at the time of the switch, extending the battery life by reducing battery consumption and downsizing the gas shut-off device can do.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As a means for setting the energization time in response to the voltage of the battery by the switch signal generator, the total use time after the start of the operation of the gas shut-off device is related to the degree of battery consumption, that is, the voltage of the battery. Means to set according to the total usage time, and as the battery voltage is related to the number of opening and closing of the stopper after the start of operation of the gas shut-off device, the energization time is set according to the number of opening and closing of the stopper after the start of operation Means for directly measuring the battery voltage and setting the energization time corresponding to the measured voltage, updating and storing the necessary and sufficient energization time, setting the energization time to a stored value, and opening and closing If there is an abnormality in the plug state, means for extending and storing the energization time, and means for setting the energization time corresponding to the gas pressure difference between the downstream and the upstream of the opening / closing plug are used.
[0009]
As a means for the open / close state detection unit to detect an abnormal state of the open / close plug, the open / close plug drive unit closes when opening the open / closed plug according to the open / closed plug drive signal output when the open / close plug drive is completed. If it is in the open state at the time of closing, the means for determining that the opening / closing plug is abnormal is used.
[0010]
A bidirectional shutoff valve or a bidirectional shutoff valve provided with a sub valve can be used as the opening / closing plug.
[0011]
Examples will be described below.
Example 1
Hereinafter, Example 1 of the gas cutoff device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0012]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an opening / closing stopper instruction signal for outputting an opening / closing stopper permission signal A for opening / closing the gas passage, and reference numeral 2 denotes a built-in battery (not shown) upon receipt of the opening / closing valve permission signal A from the opening / closing valve instruction portion 1. The opening / closing plug signal generator B that outputs an opening / closing plug output signal B having an output width corresponding to the voltage of 3) When the opening / closing plug output signal B is received from the opening / closing plug signal generator 2, the bidirectional shut-off valve is driven to gas It is an opening / closing stopper driving part for opening / closing the passage.
[0013]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. The gas shutoff device of this embodiment is entirely driven by a built-in battery. Therefore, the built-in battery is consumed with the total use time after the operation of the gas shut-off device is started. FIG. 3 is a characteristic diagram showing the consumption status of the internal battery in terms of voltage and time. FIG. 4 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the energization time and the voltage required for the bidirectional shutoff valve to open and close the gas passage. As shown in FIG. 3, the voltage of the built-in battery supplied to the gas shutoff device changes with the total usage time. In this embodiment, the open / close plug signal generator 2 responds to this voltage change, As shown in FIG. 4, the output width of the open / close valve output signal B is optimized and output so that the energization time of the bidirectional shutoff valve is changed and supplied.
[0014]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of this embodiment. Now, from the start of processing to the end of processing, processing is periodically performed by an interval calendar or the like. In FIG. 2 (a), in the process T1, the opening / closing tap instructing unit 1 counts up a timer counter indicating the total usage time of the gas shut-off device and proceeds to the process T2. In process T2, the open / close instruction unit 1 determines whether or not to give an instruction for an open / close plug. If no open / close instruction is given, the process ends. If an open / close instruction is given, the process goes to process T3. Transition. In process T3, the open / close signal generating unit 2 has a timer counter value indicating the total use time of a predetermined value, for example, a value that is half the use time as the product life of the gas shut-off device, or a product whose voltage drops suddenly. It is determined whether or not the value is equal to or greater than 80% of the lifetime. If the value is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to process T4. If the value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to process T5.
[0015]
In the process T4, since the total use time of the gas shut-off device is less than the predetermined value, it is assumed that the battery voltage is sufficient. For example, the short energization time indicated by a in FIG. 4 is set and the process proceeds to the process T6. On the other hand, in the process T5, assuming that the total use time of the gas shut-off device is equal to or greater than the predetermined value and the voltage of the battery is decreasing, the long energization time indicated by b in FIG. . In the process T6, the opening / closing stopper driving unit 3 opens and closes the gas passage by the bidirectional shutoff valve, and the process is completed.
[0016]
In the energization time control shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2A, the determination based on the total use time is performed from one predetermined value in the process T3 to the process T5. The energization time can be controlled more finely. Further, instead of the determination by a plurality of predetermined values, the voltage characteristic curve equation shown in FIG. 3 can be calculated corresponding to the total usage time, and the energization time can be controlled by the voltage value.
[0017]
FIG. 2B is a flowchart showing the operation of another energization time control process. In FIG. 2 (b), the open / close plug instructing unit 1 determines whether or not an open / close plug instruction is given in process T2. If no open / close instruction is given, the process is terminated. Goes to process T7. In process T7, the open / close signal generator 2 counts up the number of open / close counters that counts the total number of open / closed plugs up to now, and proceeds to process T8, where the number of open / close plugs is a predetermined value. For example, whether or not the value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, such as a value that is half of the number of open / close taps that is limited in the design of the gas shut-off device, or a value that is 80% of the number of open / close taps in the design in which the battery voltage is low If it is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to process 10, and if it is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to process T9.
[0018]
In process T9, since the number of opening / closing plugs is less than the predetermined value, it is assumed that the battery voltage is sufficient, and the energization time is set to the short energization time indicated by a in FIG. On the other hand, in process 10, since the number of open / close plugs is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the battery voltage is lowered, and the long energization time shown in FIG. In the process T6, the opening / closing stopper drive unit 3 opens and closes the gas passage with the bidirectional shutoff valve based on the set energization time, and the process ends.
[0019]
In the processes T8 to T10, the determination by the open / close stopper number counter is performed based on one predetermined value, but it goes without saying that the energization time can be controlled more finely by using a plurality of predetermined values.
[0020]
(Example 2)
Hereinafter, Example 2 of the gas cutoff device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0021]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected to the same component as the component shown in FIG. 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted. The difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment is that the battery voltage detector 4 is provided to measure the voltage of the built-in battery and output the voltage signal C. The open / close signal generator 2 In other words, when the opening / closing plug permission signal A is received, the voltage signal C of the battery voltage detector 4 is received, and the opening / closing plug output signal B having an output width corresponding to the voltage is output.
[0022]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of this embodiment. In process T2, the open / close plug instructing unit 1 determines whether or not to give an instruction for an open / close plug. If no instruction is given, the process ends. If an instruction is given, the process proceeds to process T11. In process T11, the battery voltage detector 4 measures and detects the voltage of the battery, outputs the voltage signal C to the opening / closing plug signal generator 2, and proceeds to process T12. In process T12, the switch signal generator 2 determines whether the voltage of the battery is equal to or less than a predetermined value, for example, an intermediate voltage value between the initial voltage value and the designed minimum operating voltage value based on the voltage signal C. If it is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to process T14, and if it exceeds the predetermined value, the process proceeds to process T13.
[0023]
In process T13, since the voltage of the battery is sufficient, the energization time is set to the short energization time indicated by a in FIG. 4 and the process proceeds to process T6. On the other hand, in the process T14, since the voltage of the battery has decreased, the long energization time shown in FIG. 4B is set and the process proceeds to the process T6. In process T6, the opening / closing plug driving unit 3 opens and closes the gas passage for the set energization time by the bidirectional shutoff valve, and ends the process.
[0024]
In the processes T11 to T14, the voltage is determined based on one predetermined value. However, the predetermined value is plural or the voltage is acquired as a series of continuous digital data via an A / D converter or the like. However, the energization time can be controlled more finely by making the determination steplessly.
[0025]
Example 3
Hereinafter, Example 3 of the gas cutoff device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0026]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected to the same component as FIG. 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it includes an energization time storage unit 5 that stores an energization time at the time of the previous opening and closing plug, and an opening and closing plug state detection unit 6 that detects the state of the opening and closing plug. When the plug signal generating unit 2 receives the opening / closing plug permission signal A of the opening / closing plug instruction unit 1, the plug signal generating unit 2 acquires the energizing time F stored in the energizing time storage unit 5 and outputs the opening / closing plug output signal B in which the energizing time F is set. In addition, the opening / closing state detecting unit 6 receives the opening / closing plug driven signal D from the opening / closing plug driving unit 3 and detects the state of the opening / closing plug in the gas passage. At this time, when the gas passage is opened, the plug is closed. When the gas passage is closed, the opening / closing plug abnormal state signal E is output because the opening / closing plug is abnormal. When the open / close plug abnormal state signal E of 6 is received, the energization time F of the open / close plug output signal B for opening / closing the open / close plug is extended and stored, and the optimum energization time is automatically updated. I am trying to do it.
[0027]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of this embodiment. In process T2, the open / close valve instructing unit 1 determines whether or not to give an instruction for an open / close plug. If no open / close valve instruction is given, the process ends. If an instruction is given, the process proceeds to process T15. In process T15, the opening / closing plug signal generating unit 2 acquires and sets the energization time F stored in the energization time storage unit 5, and proceeds to process T6. In process T6, the opening / closing stopper driving unit 3 opens and closes the gas passage using the bidirectional shutoff valve, and proceeds to process T16. In process T16, the open / close state detecting unit 6 detects the state of the open / close plug, and proceeds to process T17.
[0028]
In process T17, it is determined whether the state of the open / close plug is normal or abnormal. If it is normal, i.e., it is in the open state at the time of opening, and if it is in the closed state at the time of closing, the process is terminated, but if it is abnormal, i.e., it is in the closed state at the time of opening, the open state at the time of closing. If yes, the process proceeds to process T18. In the process T18, the energization time storage unit 5 extends the energization time, for example, newly stores a value obtained by adding 0.8 times the previous energization time as the energization time, and ends the process. This process addresses the occurrence of an abnormal state of the open / close plug due to insufficient open / close operation due to insufficient energization time.
[0029]
In addition, it is possible to extend the energization time in the energization time storage unit 5 and to output the open / close plug output signal B again by the open / close plug signal generation unit 2.
[0030]
(Example 4)
Hereinafter, Example 4 of the gas cutoff device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0031]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected to the same component as FIG. 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the pressure detection unit 7 is provided, and the pressure signal G is output by measuring and detecting the gas pressure downstream from the open / close plug to which the gas appliance is connected. When the signal generator 2 receives the open / close valve permission signal A from the open / close valve instruction section 1, it receives the pressure signal G of the pressure detector 7, and calculates the energization time based on the pressure difference between the downstream pressure and the upstream pressure. The output width of the opening / closing plug output signal B is changed.
[0032]
Further, the bidirectional shut-off valve used in this embodiment includes a sub-valve and operates so that the sub-valve portion is opened first when opening, and the main valve is opened after the pressure difference becomes small. FIG. 11 is a characteristic diagram showing the voltage of the bidirectional shut-off valve required at the time of opening and closing the plug corresponding to the pressure difference. As can be seen from the figure, the required voltage increases as the pressure difference increases, indicating that the energization time required to drive the bidirectional shut-off valve for opening and closing the plug increases.
[0033]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of this embodiment. In the figure, in process T2, it is determined whether or not the opening / closing stopper instruction unit 1 gives an instruction for an opening / closing stopper. If no instruction for an opening / closing stopper is given, the process ends. If an instruction is given, the process proceeds to process T19. In process T19, the pressure detector 7 measures and detects the pressure of the gas downstream from the open / close plug to which the gas appliance is connected, and the process proceeds to process T20. In process T20, the opening / closing plug signal generator 2 determines whether or not the pressure is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. If the pressure is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the process proceeds to process T22. If the pressure is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to process T21. To do. When the pressure detector 7 is provided only on the downstream side of the opening / closing plug, the upstream gas pressure can be regarded as a constant value by assuming that the gas is stably supplied, and the pressure difference from the supply pressure can be used.
[0034]
In the process T21, since the pressure difference between the upstream side and the downstream side across the opening / closing plug is small, a short energization time is set and the process proceeds to the process T6. In process T22, since the pressure difference between the upstream side and the downstream side across the opening / closing plug is large, a long energization time is set and the process proceeds to process T6. In process T6, the opening / closing plug driving unit 3 opens and closes the gas passage using the bidirectional shutoff valve, and the process ends.
[0035]
Note that the energization time can be controlled more finely by providing the pressure detection unit 7 on the upstream side of the opening and closing plug and measuring and detecting a more accurate pressure difference.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, the present invention can cope with battery voltage, pressure difference, etc. by variably setting the energization time for driving the bidirectional shut-off valve that opens and closes the gas passage. Appropriate energization time can be set, wasteful consumption of the internal battery of the gas shut-off device can be reduced, the battery life can be extended, and the gas shut-off device can be downsized by designing with a small capacity battery.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of Embodiment 1 of a gas cutoff device of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment. FIG. 1B is a flowchart showing other operations of the embodiment. 3] Characteristic diagram showing battery consumption characteristics [FIG. 4] Characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the energization time required by the bidirectional shut-off valve for opening and closing the gas passage and the battery voltage [FIG. 5] Gas shut-off device of the present invention FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the third embodiment of the gas cutoff device of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a gas shutoff device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the gas shutoff device according to the present embodiment. Fig. 12 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between voltage and pressure difference. Block diagram showing the configuration of a come the gas cutoff apparatus [Description of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Opening / closing plug instruction | indication part 2 Opening / closing plug signal generation part 3 Opening / closing plug drive part 4 Battery voltage detection part 5 Energizing time memory | storage part 6 Opening / closing plug state detection part 7 Pressure detection part A Opening / closing plug permission signal B Opening / closing plug output signal C Voltage signal D Open / closed plug drive completed signal E Open / closed plug abnormal state signal F Energized time G stored in energized time storage unit Pressure signal

Claims (4)

An opening / closing plug instruction section for outputting an opening / closing plug permission signal for opening / closing the gas passage, an opening / closing plug signal generation section for inputting the opening / closing valve permission signal and outputting an opening / closing valve output signal, and the opening / closing valve output signal. An open / close plug drive unit that inputs and opens and closes the gas passage by the open / close plug, and the open / close signal generation unit outputs an open / close plug output signal that can arbitrarily set an energization time for driving the open / close plug. Gas shut-off device. A battery that drives the entire apparatus; and a battery voltage detector that measures the voltage of the battery and outputs a voltage signal. The battery voltage detector measures the voltage immediately before opening and closing the plug to open and close the voltage signal. 2. The gas shut-off device according to claim 1, wherein the gas shut-off device outputs to the signal generator, and the shut-off plug signal generator outputs an open / close plug output signal in which an energization time for driving the open / close plug is set corresponding to the voltage. An energizing time storage unit for storing the energizing time of the open / close plug and an open / closed plug state detecting unit for detecting whether the state of the open / closed plug is normal, and the open / closed plug signal generating unit is stored in the energized time storage unit. The opening / closing plug output signal is output by setting the energization time, and the opening / closing state of the opening / closing state of the opening / closing plug is abnormal when the opening / closing of the opening / closing plug is closed when the gas passage is opened, and when the gas passage is closed 2. The gas shut-off device according to claim 1, wherein the gas shut-off device outputs an open / close plug abnormal state signal by detecting a state, and the energization time storage unit updates and stores the energization time when the open / close plug abnormal state signal is input. . A pressure detection unit that detects the gas pressure downstream of the open / close plug connected to the gas appliance and outputs a pressure signal is provided, and the open / close plug signal generator corresponds to the pressure difference between the upstream and downstream sides of the open / close plug. The gas shut-off device according to claim 1, wherein a shut-off valve output signal in which an energization time of the shut-off cock is set is output.

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