JP4077176B2 - BATTERY LOW REDUCTION DETECTING DEVICE AND RECORDING MEDIUM CONTAINING BATTERY LOW REDUCTION DETECTING PROGRAM - Google Patents

BATTERY LOW REDUCTION DETECTING DEVICE AND RECORDING MEDIUM CONTAINING BATTERY LOW REDUCTION DETECTING PROGRAM Download PDF

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JP4077176B2
JP4077176B2 JP2001204641A JP2001204641A JP4077176B2 JP 4077176 B2 JP4077176 B2 JP 4077176B2 JP 2001204641 A JP2001204641 A JP 2001204641A JP 2001204641 A JP2001204641 A JP 2001204641A JP 4077176 B2 JP4077176 B2 JP 4077176B2
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定 川島
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Yazaki Corp
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    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
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Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、電池残量減少検出装置及び電池残量減少検出用プログラムを記録した記録媒体に係わり、特に、所定負荷に電源を供給する電池の残量減少を検出する電池残量減少検出装置及び電池残量減少検出用プログラムを記録した記録媒体に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
電池は、商用電源への接続が困難な負荷に電源を供給する場合や、商用電源とは異なる電圧・電流を負荷に供給する場合などに広く用いられており、その一例として、各家庭等に設けられてガスの使用量を計測するガスメータがある。
【０００３】
このガスメータでは、内部のガス供給路を流れるガスの流量をガスの使用量として計測する流量計や、この流量計の計測結果乃至計測結果の時系列変化に基づいてガスの漏洩が発生しているか否かを判定するガス漏洩検出手段、並びに、ガスの漏洩が発生しているとガス漏洩検出手段が判定した際に駆動されて内部のガス供給路を強制的に遮断する強制遮断弁等を有しており、これら流量計、ガス漏洩検出手段、強制遮断弁等は、ガスメータに内蔵されたリチウム電池により駆動される。
【０００４】
また、このガスメータには、ガス漏洩検出手段が判定した際に内部のガス供給路の強制的な遮断が確実に行われるように、強制遮断弁による弁閉動作に必要な電圧がリチウム電池に残存しているか否かを定期的に検査して、この検査結果に基づき、電池の残量減少を検出する電池残量減少検出装置が、流量計、ガス漏洩検出手段、強制遮断弁等と共に設けられている。なお、上述した検査は、強制遮断弁を駆動する駆動負荷と同一の抵抗値を持つ検査用負荷に、リチウム電池の電源を供給し、そのとき検査用負荷の両端電圧に応じた検出電圧が、予め定めた基準値より下回るか否かに基づいて行われている。
【０００５】
そして、上述したガスメータでは、電池残量減少検出装置により、電池の残量減少が検出されたとき、ガス漏洩の有無に拘わらず強制遮断弁が強制的に弁閉されるとともに、その旨の警告が発生される。
【０００６】
したがって、強制遮断弁による弁閉動作に必要な電圧が十分に残存しているにも拘わらず、電池残量減少検出装置による検出に基づいて強制遮断弁が強制的に弁閉されてしまったり、反対に、強制遮断弁による弁閉動作に必要な電圧が残存していないにも拘わらず、電池残量減少検出装置による検出に基づいた強制遮断弁による弁閉動作が行われない、という事態が発生しないように、電池残量減少検出装置によるリチウム電池の残量低下の検出は、かなりの高精度で行う必要がある。
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来の電池残量減少検出装置は、５０時間に１回、２０ｍｓに渡って検査用負荷にリチウム電池から電源を供給して、強制遮断弁による弁閉動作に必要な電圧がリチウム電池に残存しているか否かの検査を行っている。
【０００７】
しかし、強制遮断弁の動作が半年に１回という少ない回数であった場合、５０時間に１回、２０ｍｓに渡る電池電圧チェックだけでは実際の弁動作よりも作動時間が短く、消費電流が小さいことから、当然ではあるが、強制遮断弁を長時間に渡って動作させない状態となる。
【０００８】
このような低消費電流でリチウム電池が使用されるとリチウム電池は、好ましくない特性でもある不活性状態になる傾向にある。不活性状態とは、電池残量は十分あるが、化学反応が鈍くなり、電池電圧が低下する現象である。特に、例えば、−２５度以下の低温でリチウム電池を使用すると、リチウム電池の不活性状態はさらに進み、一層、電池電圧が低下する。
この結果、本来は、１０年の仕様を見越して設定した基準値と不活性状態における電池電圧が一致して、結果として、電池容量の消耗による電池残量減少を誤検出してしまうという問題があった。
【０００９】
特に、日本において、上述した−２５度になるような環境は、放射冷却によるところが大きい。放射冷却が発生した後は、天候が良くなり、温度がかなりの確率で上昇することが見込める。このため、−２５度以下の低温時に電池の電圧低下の検査をして、電池電圧が低下していると判断された場合であっても、その後、温度が上昇すれば、電池電圧が低下していると判断されなくなる確率が高い。
【００１０】
そこで、例えば、外気温度を検出する温度検出手段を設け、電池の不活性状態を促進するような低温時での検査を避けることも考えられるが、新たに、温度検出手段を設ける必要があり、コスト高になるという問題があった。
【００１１】
そこで、本発明は、上記のような問題点に着目し、安価に、かつ、正確に、電池の残量減少を検出することができる電池残量減少検出装置及び電池残量減少検出用プログラムを記録した記録媒体を提供することを課題とする。
【００１２】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するためになされた請求項１記載の発明は、図１の基本構成図に示すように、所定負荷５に電源を供給する電池３と、該電池の電池電圧を検出する電池電圧検出手段９と、前記電池電圧、及び、予め定めた前記電池電圧の基準値、の比較を行う比較手段１３と、第１検査周期毎に前記比較結果に基づいた前記電池の電圧低下検査を行う第１周期検査手段１ａ−１、前記第１検査周期とは異なる第２検査周期毎に前記検査を行う第２周期検査手段１ａ−２、及び、前記第１周期検査手段により前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたときに前記第１周期検査手段から前記第２周期検査手段による検査に切り替える第１切替手段１ａ−３、を有する前記電池電圧低下検査手段１ａと、前記検査結果に基づいて前記電池の残量減少を検出する電池残量減少検出手段１ｂとを備えた電池残量減少検出装置において、前記電池電圧低下検査手段は、予め定めた第１所定回数、前記第２周期検査手段による前記検査が行われた結果、予め定めた第２所定回数以上、前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られなかったとき、前記第２周期検査手段から前記第１周期検査手段による検査に切り替える第２切替手段１ａ−４を有することを特徴とする電池残量減少検出装置に存する。
【００１３】
請求項２記載の発明は、図１の基本構成図に示すように、所定負荷５に電源を供給する電池３と、該電池の電池電圧を検出する電池電圧検出手段９と、前記電池電圧、及び、予め定めた前記電池電圧の基準値、の比較を行う比較手段１３と、第１検査周期毎に前記比較結果に基づいた前記電池の電圧低下検査を行う第１周期検査手段１ａ−１、前記第１検査周期とは異なる第２検査周期毎に前記検査を行う第２周期検査手段１ａ−２、及び、前記第１周期検査手段により前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたときに前記第１周期検査手段から前記第２周期検査手段による検査に切り替える第１切替手段１ａ−３、を有する前記電池電圧低下検査手段１ａと、前記検査結果に基づいて前記電池の残量減少を検出する電池残量減少検出手段１ｂとを備えた電池残量減少検出装置において、前記電池残量減少検出手段は、予め設定した第１所定回数、前記第２周期検査手段による前記検査が行われた結果、予め設定した第２所定回数以上、前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたとき、前記電池の残量減少を検出することを特徴とする電池残量減少検出装置に存する。
【００１４】
請求項３記載の発明は、図１の基本構成図に示すように、ガス供給路の開閉を行う弁本体の駆動負荷を含む所定負荷５に電源を供給する電池３と、前記所定負荷と並列に接続された前記検査時にオン制御されるスイッチＴＲ２、及び、該スイッチがオンしたとき両端に前記電池電圧に応じた電圧が発生する前記駆動負荷と同一抵抗値の検査用負荷Ｒ１、からなる直列回路を有していて、前記検査用負荷の両端電圧から前記電池の電池電圧を検出する電池電圧検出手段９と、前記電池電圧、及び、予め定めた前記電池電圧の基準値、の比較を行う比較手段１３と、第１検査周期毎に前記比較結果に基づいた前記電池の電圧低下検査を行う第１周期検査手段１ａ−１、前記第１検査周期とは異なる第２検査周期毎に前記検査を行う第２周期検査手段１ａ−２、及び、前記第１周期検査手段により前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたときに前記第１周期検査手段から前記第２周期検査手段による検査に切り替える第１切替手段１ａ−３、を有する前記電池電圧低下検査手段１ａと、前記検査結果に基づいて前記電池の残量減少を検出する電池残量減少検出手段１ｂとを備えた電池残量減少検出装置において、前記第１周期検査手段により前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたことに応じて予め定めた所定時間、前記スイッチを閉制御するスイッチ制御手段１ｃを備え、そして、前記所定時間が、前記駆動負荷に電源を供給したときに前記弁本体を駆動するのに要する時間に設定されていることを特徴とする電池残量減少検出装置に存する。
【００１５】
請求項４記載の発明は、コンピュータに、電池電圧検出手段により検出された所定負荷に電源を供給する電池の電池電圧、及び、予め定めた前記電池電圧の基準値、の比較結果に基づいた前記電池の電圧低下検査を第１検査周期毎に行う第１周期検査手段、前記第１検査周期とは異なる第２検査周期毎に前記検査を行う第２周期検査手段、及び、前記第１周期検査手段により前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたときに前記第１周期検査手段から前記第２周期検査手段による検査に切り替える第１切替手段、を有する前記電池電圧低下検査手段と、前記検査結果に基づいて前記電池の残量減少を検出する電池残量減少検出手段として機能させるプログラムを記録した記録媒体であって、前記電池電圧低下検査手段は、予め定めた第１所定回数、前記第２周期検査手段による前記検査が行われた結果、予め定めた第２所定回数以上、前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られなかったとき、前記第２周期検査手段から前記第１周期検査手段による検査に切り替える第２切替手段を有し、前記プログラムは、前記コンピュータに前記第２切替手段として機能させることを特徴とする電池残量減少検出用プログラムを記録した記録媒体に存する。
【００１６】
請求項５記載の発明は、コンピュータに、電池電圧検出手段により検出された所定負荷に電源を供給する電池の電池電圧、及び、予め定めた前記電池電圧の基準値、の比較結果に基づいた前記電池の電圧低下検査を第１検査周期毎に行う第１周期検査手段、前記第１検査周期とは異なる第２検査周期毎に前記検査を行う第２周期検査手段、及び、前記第１周期検査手段により前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたときに前記第１周期検査手段から前記第２周期検査手段による検査に切り替える第１切替手段、を有する前記電池電圧低下検査手段と、前記検査結果に基づいて前記電池の残量減少を検出する電池残量減少検出手段として機能させるプログラムを記録した記録媒体であって、前記プログラムは、前記コンピュータに、予め設定した第１所定回数、前記第２周期検査手段による前記検査が行われた結果、予め設定した第２所定回数以上、前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたとき、前記電池の残量減少を検出する前記電池残量減少検出手段として機能させることを特徴とする電池残量減少検出用プログラムを記録した記録媒体に存する。
【００１７】
請求項６記載の発明は、前記コンピュータに、ガス供給路の開閉を行う弁本体の駆動負荷を含む所定負荷と並列に接続された前記検査時にオン制御されるスイッチ、及び、該スイッチがオンしたとき両端に前記電池電圧に応じた電圧が発生する前記駆動負荷と同一抵抗値の検査用負荷、からなる直列回路を有する電池電圧検出手段が前記検査用負荷の両端電圧に基づいて検出した前記電池電圧、及び、予め定めた前記電池電圧の基準値、の比較結果に基づいた前記電池の電圧低下検査を第１検査周期毎に行う第１周期検査手段、前記第１検査周期とは異なる第２検査周期毎に前記検査を行う第２周期検査手段、及び、前記第１周期検査手段により前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたときに前記第１周期検査手段から前記第２周期検査手段による検査に切り替える第１切替手段、を有する前記電池電圧低下検査手段と、前記検査結果に基づいて前記電池の残量減少を検出する電池残量減少検出手段として機能させるプログラムを記録した記録媒体であって、
前記プログラムは、前記コンピュータに、前記第１周期検査手段により前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたことに応じて予め設定した所定時間、前記スイッチを閉制御するスイッチ制御手段としてさらに機能させ、前記所定時間が、前記駆動負荷に電源を供給したときに前記弁本体を駆動するのに要する時間に設定されていることを特徴とする電池残量減少検出用プログラムを記録した記録媒体に存する。
【００１８】
請求項１〜６記載の発明によれば、電池が所定負荷に電源を供給する。電池電圧検出手段が、電池の電池電圧を検出する。電池電圧低下検査手段において、第１周期検査手段が、第１検査周期毎に、電池電圧、及び、基準値との比較結果に基づき、電池の電圧低下を検査する。第１切替手段が、第１周期検査手段により、電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたとき、第１周期検査手段から第２周期検査手段による検査に切り替える。第２周期検査手段が、第１検査周期とは異なる第２検査周期毎に、検査を行う。電池残量減少検出手段が、電池電圧低下検査手段による検査結果に基づき、電池の残量減少を検出する。
【００１９】
従って、通常は、第１周期検査手段が、消費電力と電池の残量減少検出精度との関係から定めた第１検査周期毎に、検査を行う。そして、電池の不活性状態を促進させる程、外気温度が低い時間帯に検査を行った結果、第１周期検査手段から、電池電圧が低下したとの検査結果が得られると、第２周期検査手段が、第１検査周期に近い時間内で、温度が上昇する時間帯に検査が行えるように定めた、第１検査周期とは異なる第２検査周期毎に、検査を行う。
【００２０】
このため、第２周期検査手段の検査結果に応じて、電池の残量減少の検出を行えば、外気温度の低下に起因して、第１周期検査手段により、電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られても、その後、外気温度が上昇している時間帯で行われた検査結果に基づき、電池の残量減少の検出を行うことができ、温度センサなどを用いることなく、温度の影響を除去した検出を行うことができる。
【００２１】
請求項１及び４記載の発明によれば、予め定めた第１所定回数、第２周期検査手段による検査が行われた結果、予め定めた第２所定回数以上、電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られなかったとき、第２切替手段が、第２周期検査手段から第１周期検査手段による検査に切り替える。従って、第２周期検査手段による検査結果に基づき、電池の残量が減少していないと判断できると、再び、消費電力と電池の残量減少検出精度とを考慮した第１検査周期毎の検査を行うことができる。
【００２２】
請求項２及び５記載の発明によれば、電池残量減少検出手段が、予め設定した第１所定回数、第２周期検査手段による検査が行われた結果、予め設定した第２所定回数以上、電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたとき、電池の残量の減少を検出する。従って、第２周期検査手段の検査結果に応じて、正確に、電池の減少を検出することができる。
【００２３】
請求項３及び６記載の発明によれば、スイッチ制御手段が、第１周期検査手段により、電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたことに応じて、予め定めた所定時間、スイッチを閉制御する。従って、電池の電圧が低下して、電池が不活性状態となった可能性があるとき、スイッチ制御手段が、スイッチを閉制御して、電池から検査用負荷に電流を流すことにより、電池を活性状態に保つことができる。また、所定負荷が、ガス供給路の開閉を行う弁本体の駆動負荷を含む。検査用負荷が、駆動負荷と同一の抵抗値を有する。所定時間が、駆動負荷に電源を供給したとき、弁本体を駆動するのに要する時間に設定されている。従って、弁本体を駆動させるための信号と同等の信号を用いて、電池の不活性状態を解消することができる。
【００４４】
【発明の実施の形態】
第１実施形態
以下、本発明による電池残量減少検出用プログラムを記録した記録媒体及び電池残量減少検出装置の第１実施形態を、図面を参照して説明する。
図２は、本発明の第１実施形態における電池残量減少検出用プログラムを記録した記録媒体及び電池残量減少検出装置を採用したガスメータの要部を示す電気回路図である。同図に示すようにガスメータは、ＲＡＭ１１１及びＲＯＭ１１２を内蔵するワンチップマイコン（以下、μＣＯＭと略記する。）１と、このμＣＯＭ１に電源を供給するリチウム電池３（請求項中の電池に相当。）と、不図示のガス供給路に介設された弁本体及びこの弁本体を弁閉駆動させる駆動負荷（いずれも図示せず。）からなる強制遮断弁５（請求項中の所定負荷に相当。）とを備えている。
【００４５】
尚、μＣＯＭ１のＲＡＭ１１１は、各種データ記憶用のデータエリア及び各種処理作業に用いるワークエリアを有しており、ＲＯＭ１１２には、請求項中の電池残量減少検出用プログラムを含む、μＣＯＭ１に各種処理動作を行わせるための制御プログラムが格納されている。このことから、ＲＯＭ１１２が、請求項中の電池残量減少検出用プログラムを記録した記録媒体に相当することが明らかである。
【００４６】
また、ガスメータは、リチウム電池３の電力をμＣＯＭ１や強制遮断弁５などに供給するための駆動回路７と、リチウム電池３及び強制遮断弁５間の駆動回路７箇所にコレクタ−エミッタが接続された第１スイッチングトランジスタ（以下、ＳＷトランジスタと略記する）ＴＲ１とを備えている。
【００４７】
さらに、ガスメータは、強制遮断弁５と並列に接続された、第２ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ２（また、請求項中のスイッチに相当。）及び疑似抵抗Ｒ１（請求項中の検査用負荷に相当。）から構成される直列回路を備えている。上述した、疑似抵抗Ｒ１は、強制遮断弁５の駆動負荷と同一の抵抗値を有している。
【００４８】
さらに、ガスメータは、強制遮断弁５と並列に接続された、第２ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ２（また、請求項中のスイッチに相当。）及び疑似抵抗Ｒ１（請求項中の検査用負荷に相当。）から構成される直列回路と、疑似抵抗Ｒ１と並列に接続された、第３ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ３、抵抗Ｒ３及びＲ５の直列回路とからなる電池電圧検出回路９（請求項中の電池電圧検出手段に相当。）を備えている。上述した、疑似抵抗Ｒ１は、強制遮断弁５の駆動負荷と同一の抵抗値を有している。
【００４９】
尚、第１乃至第３の各ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ１、ＴＲ２、ＴＲ３のベースは、いずれもμＣＯＭ１に接続されている。
【００５０】
さらに、ガスメータは、抵抗Ｒ３及びＲ５と並列に、第３ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ３のエミッタ−アース間に接続された、抵抗Ｒ７及びツェナーダイオードＺＤの直列回路からなる基準電圧発生回路１１と、電池電圧検出回路９で検出される後述の検出電圧Ｖｓと基準電圧発生回路１１で発生する後述の基準電圧Ｖｏとを比較する比較器１３（請求項中の比較手段に相当。）とを備えている。
【００５１】
前記電池電圧検出回路９では、抵抗Ｒ３、Ｒ５の接続点に、疑似抵抗Ｒ１の両端電圧、即ち、リチウム電池３の電池電圧に応じた検出電圧Ｖｓが生成され、前記基準電圧発生回路１１では、ツェナーダイオードＺＤのツェナー電圧に相当する一定電圧の基準電圧Ｖｏが、検出電圧Ｖｓの基準値として生成される。
【００５２】
また、ガスメータでは、μＣＯＭ１により第２ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ２が閉制御されると、リチウム電池３から第２ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ２のエミッタ−コレクタを介して供給される電力により疑似抵抗Ｒ１の通電が行われ、この疑似抵抗Ｒ１への通電により強制遮断弁５の駆動状態が擬似的に再現される。
【００５３】
そして、前記電池電圧検出回路９及び前記基準電圧発生回路１１は、疑似抵抗Ｒ１への通電により強制遮断弁５の駆動状態が擬似的に再現された状態で、強制遮断弁５を駆動させるのに必要な最低電圧値の近傍まで、リチウム電池３の電池電圧が低下すると、それまで基準電圧Ｖｏ以上あった検出電圧Ｖｓが基準電圧Ｖｏを下回るようになって比較器１３の出力が反転するように設計されており、この比較器１３の出力はμＣＯＭ１に入力される。さらに、このガスメータでは、比較器１３により比較された検出電圧Ｖｓと基準電圧Ｖｏの大小関係に応じた比較結果がμＣＯＭ１に入力される。
【００５４】
尚、μＣＯＭ１による第１、第２及び第３の各ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ１、ＴＲ２、ＴＲ３の閉制御は、各ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ１、ＴＲ２、ＴＲ３のベースにマイナスのバイアス信号を出力することにより行われる。
【００５５】
次に、前記ＲＯＭ１１２に格納された制御プログラムに従いμＣＯＭ１が行う処理のうち、特に、リチウム電池３の電池残量減少検出に関する処理を、図３及び図４のフローチャートを参照して説明する。
【００５６】
リチウム電池３が接続されてμＣＯＭ１が起動し、プログラムがスタートすると、μＣＯＭ１は、まず、ＲＡＭ１１１のワークエリア内に設けられた各種フラグエリアのフラグやタイマエリアのタイマ値のリセット、及び、バッファエリアのクリア等を行う初期設定を実行する（ステップＳ１）。
【００５７】
そして、ステップＳ１の初期設定が済んだならば、次に、第１検査周期Ｔ１毎に、リチウム電池３の電圧低下の検査を行うために、ＲＡＭ１１１の周期タイマエリアにおけるタイムカウントを開始する（ステップＳ２）。続いて、周期タイマエリアにおけるタイムカウントのタイマ値Ｔａが第１検査周期Ｔ１に達したか否かを判断する（ステップＳ３）。
【００５８】
タイマ値Ｔａが第１検査周期Ｔ１に達していない場合は（ステップＳ３でＮ）、達するまでステップＳ３をリピートし、達している場合は（ステップＳ３でＹ）、検査前処理を行う（ステップＳ４）。
【００５９】
ステップＳ４の検査前処理においてμＣＯＭ１は、第２ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ２を閉制御して、疑似抵抗Ｒ１の通電状態を継続させたまま、第３ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ３を閉制御する。このとき、比較器１３は、この第２及び第３ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ２及びＴＲ３の閉制御に応じて、電池電圧検出回路９で生成される検出電圧Ｖｓと、基準電圧発生回路１１で生成される基準電圧Ｖｏとの大小関係に応じた比較結果を出力する。従って、検査前処理においてμＣＯＭ１は、さらに、その比較結果の取り込みを行う。
【００６０】
尚、このステップＳ４の検査前処理における、第２及び第３ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ２、ＴＲ３の閉制御は、例えば、２０ｍｓに亘って行われ、その最中に、比較器１３の比較結果の取り込みが行われる。
【００６１】
ステップＳ４の検査前処理が済んだならば、続いて、μＣＯＭ１は、電池電圧低下検査手段として機能し、検出電圧Ｖｓが、基準電圧Ｖｏより下回っていることを示す比較結果が比較器１３から得られたか否かを判断する（ステップＳ５）。下回っていることを示す比較結果でない場合（ステップＳ５でＮ）、μＣＯＭ１は、リチウム電池３の電圧が低下していないと判断して、周期タイマエリアのタイマ値Ｔａをゼロリセットした後（ステップＳ６）、ステップＳ２にリターンする。
【００６２】
従って、基準電圧Ｖｏが、検出電圧Ｖｓを下回っていない間、μＣＯＭ１は、第１検査周期Ｔ１毎に、第２及び第３ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ２、ＴＲ３を２０ｍｓに亘って閉制御して、電池の電圧低下の検査を行う。
【００６３】
なお、第１検査周期Ｔ１は、短いほど、細かく検査を行うことができ、いち早くリチウム電池３の残量減少を検出することができるが、その分、検査にかかる消費電力が増大してしまう。そこで、第１検査周期Ｔ１は、残量減少の検出が行われる前に、リチウム電池３の残量がなくなってしまうことがないような検出精度内で、最も長い時間である例えば、５０時間に設定される。しかも、５０時間（２日＋２時間）毎に検査を行えば、検査時刻が２時間づつずれるため、同一の時間帯で繰り返し、電池電圧の低下検査が行われることがない。
【００６４】
一方、検出電圧Ｖｓが、基準電圧Ｖｏを下回っていることを示す内容である場合は（ステップＳ５でＹ）、μＣＯＭ１は、この検出電圧Ｖｓの低下が、リチウム電池３の残量減少によるものなのか、外気温度の低下に起因して、リチウム電池３が不活性状態になったことによるものかは区別できないが、リチウム電池３が不活性状態になって、電池電圧が低下している可能性があるとして、不活性解消処理を行う（ステップＳ７）。
【００６５】
不活性解消処理において、μＣＯＭ１は、スイッチ制御手段として機能し、第２ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ２を所定時間、閉制御して、リチウム電池３から疑似抵抗Ｒ１に電流を流す。この不活性解消処理により、リチウム電池３が活性化され、リチウム電池３の電池電圧の低下を防止することができる。尚、第３所定時間としては、第１ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ１を閉制御して、強制遮断弁５内の駆動負荷に電源を供給したとき、弁本体を駆動させるのに要する時間（１〜２秒）に設定されている。
【００６６】
このため、第１ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ１を閉制御するためにバイアス信号（弁本体を駆動させるための信号）と同等のバイアス信号を用いて、第２ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ２を閉制御して、リチウム電池３の不活性状態を解消することができる。従って、上記所定時間を、弁本体を駆動させるためのバイアス信号の出力時間と別途に定めたり、記憶させる必要がないので、構成が簡単となり、コストダウンを図ることができる。
【００６７】
次に、μＣＯＭ１は、第１検査周期Ｔ１より短い第２検査周期Ｔ２（請求項１０の検査周期に相当。）毎の検査を、予め定めた検査回数Ｍ回（請求項中の第１所定回数に相当。）、繰り返して行うため、ＲＡＭ１１１の第２周期タイムカウントエリアにおけるタイムカウントを開始し（ステップＳ８）、続いて、ＲＡＭ１１１の検査回数カウントエリアにおける検査回数カウント値ｍをインクリメントする（ステップＳ９）。
【００６８】
その後、μＣＯＭ１は、第２周期タイムカウントエリアにおけるタイムカウントのタイマ値Ｔｂが第２検査周期Ｔ２に達したか否かを判断する（ステップＳ１０）。タイマ値Ｔｂが第２検査周期Ｔ２に達していない場合は（ステップＳ１０でＮ）、達するまでステップＳ１０をリピートし、達している場合は（ステップＳ１０でＹ）、タイマ値Ｔｂをゼロリセットした後（ステップＳ１１）、検査前処理を行う（ステップＳ１２）。尚、ステップＳ１２の検査前処理において、μＣＯＭ１は、上述したステップＳ４の検査前処理と同様の動作を行う。
【００６９】
ステップＳ１５の検査前処理が済んだならば、続いて、μＣＯＭ１は、電池電圧低下検査手段として機能し、検出電圧Ｖｓが、基準電圧Ｖｏを下回っていることを示す比較結果が、比較手段１３から得られたか否かを判断する（ステップＳ１３）。下回っていることを示す比較結果である場合（ステップＳ１３でＹ）、μＣＯＭ１は、リチウム電池３の電池電圧が低下していると判断して、その旨の検査結果をカウントするために、ＲＡＭ１１１の電圧低下カウントエリアにおける電圧低下回数カウント値ｎをインクリメントした後（ステップＳ１４）、ステップＳ１５に進む。
【００７０】
これに対して、下回っていることを示す比較結果でない場合（ステップＳ１３でＮ）、μＣＯＭ１は、リチウム電池３の電池電圧が低下していないと判断して、直ちにステップＳ１５に進む。ステップＳ１５において、μＣＯＭ１は、検査回数カウント値ｍが検査回数Ｍに達したか否かを判断する（ステップＳ１５）。
【００７１】
検査回数カウント値ｍが検査回数Ｍに達していない場合は（ステップＳ１５でＮ）、ステップＳ８をリピートし、達している場合は（ステップＳ１５でＹ）、次のステップＳ１６に進む。
【００７２】
以上の動作により、第１検査周期Ｔ１毎の検査時に、リチウム電池３の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られた後、第１検査周期Ｔ１より短い第２検査周期毎に、検査回数Ｍ回繰り返し、検査を行うことができる。なお、本実施の形態において、第２検査周期Ｔ２は、８時間以下の例えば７時間に、検査回数Ｍは、７回に設定されている。従って、図５に示すように、１日（２４時間）のうち、少なくとも３回は検査を行うことができるため、電池電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られた後、第１検査周期Ｔ１に近い、４９時間（７時間×７回）以内に、確実に、リチウム電池３の不活性状態が解消される、外気温度が上昇する昼の時間帯に、検査を行うことができる。
【００７３】
また、ここで、第２検査周期Ｔ２を、２４時間の約数である８時間としなかったのは、８時間にすると、検査時刻が、毎日同じ時刻になってしまうからである。これに対して、７時間にすると１日のうちの検査時刻が、１日毎に３時間づつずれ、同じ時刻に繰り返し検査が行われることがない。
【００７４】
その後、ステップＳ１６において、μＣＯＭ１は、電池残量減少検出手段として機能し、電圧低下回数カウント値ｎが予め定めた電圧低下回数Ｎ（請求項中の第２所定回数に相当。）に達したか否かを判断する（ステップＳ１６）。
【００７５】
電圧低下回数カウント値ｎが電圧低下回数Ｎに達していれば（ステップＳ１６でＹ）、μＣＯＭ１は、外気温度が上昇する昼の時間帯でも、電池電圧が低下していると判断すると共に、リチウム電池３の残量減少に起因して、電池電圧が低下していると判断して、警報発生・強制遮断処理を行う（ステップＳ１７）。
【００７６】
警報発生処理は、電池の残量減少の旨を示す表示や、通報を行う処理である。また、強制遮断処理は、第１ＳＷトランジスタＴＲ１を閉制御して、強制遮断弁５の駆動負荷により弁本体を弁閉駆動させることで行われる。
【００７７】
一方、電圧低下回数カウント値ｎが電圧低下回数Ｎに達していなければ（ステップＳ１６でＮ）、μＣＯＭ１は、外気温度が上昇する昼の時間帯では、電池電圧は低下していないと判断すると共に、リチウム電池３の残量は減少しておらず、リチウム電圧３が不活性状態になったことに起因して、ステップＳ５で電池電圧低下の検査結果が得られたと判断して、ステップＳ１８に進む。ステップＳ１８において、μＣＯＭ１は、検査回数カウント値ｍ及び電池低下回数カウント値ｎをリセットした後、図３のステップＳ２にリターンする。
【００７８】
以上のガスメータによれば、通常、μＣＯＭ１は、第１周期検査手段として機能し、消費電力及び電池残量減少検出精度を考慮して定めた、例えば、５０時間の第１検査周期Ｔ１毎に、電池電圧の低下検査を行う。その後、リチウム電池３の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたとき、μＣＯＭ１は、第１切替手段として機能し、第１検査周期Ｔ１より短い第２検査周期Ｔ２毎の検査に切り替える。
【００７９】
以降、μＣＯＭ１は、第２周期検査手段として機能し、第１検査周期Ｔ１に近い時間内で、温度が上昇する時間帯に検査が行えるように定めた、例えば、８時間の第２検査周期Ｔ２毎に、電池電圧の低下検査手段を行う。このため、第２検査周期Ｔ２毎の検査結果に応じて、電池の残量減少の検出を行えば、外気温度の低下に起因して、第１検査周期Ｔ１毎の検査により、リチウム電池３の電池電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られた場合であっても、その後、外気温度が上昇している時間帯での検査結果に基づき、電池の残量減少の検出を行うことができ、温度センサなどを用いることなく、温度の影響を除去した検出を行うことができる。
【００８０】
従って、本発明によれば、温度センサを用いる必要がなくなるため、部品点数が削減されると共に、μＣＯＭ１のロジックを変えるだけで済み、コストダウンを図ることができる。
【００８１】
第２実施形態
なお、第１実施形態においては、第２検査周期Ｔ２を第１検査周期Ｔ１より短い時間に設定して、温度の影響を除去した、電池の残量減少の検出を行っていた。しかしながら、例えば、以下説明するように定めた第２検査周期Ｔ２を用いて検査を行うことも考えられる。
【００８２】
図６及び図７に示すように、外気温度は、夜間に低温となり、昼間に高温となりうる変動を２４時間ごとに繰り返している。今、図６（ａ）〜（ｃ）に示すように、リチウム電池３の不活性状態が促進される、外気温度が所定温度Ｔｃ以下となる２１時〜９時の間で検査が行われ、電池電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたとする。このとき、第１検査周期Ｔ１が５０時間で検査を行い続けると、次の検査時刻は、図６（ｄ）に示すように２３時〜１１時の間であり、外気温度が所定温度Ｔｃ以下である可能性が高い時間帯で検査が行われてしまう。
【００８３】
ところで、上述したように、外気温度は、１日を周期として上下動を繰り返している。従って、リチウム電池３の不活性状態を促進する低温の時間帯から何時間経過すれば、温度が上昇する時間帯になるのかがだいたいわかる。そこで、第２実施形態では、外気温度が所定温度Ｔｃ以下の時間帯（２３時〜１１時）に検査が行われたとき、次の検査が、外気温度が所定温度Ｔｃを越えている時間帯（１１時〜２３時）に行われるように第２検査周期Ｔ２を設定する。
【００８４】
このように第２検査周期Ｔ２を定めれば、第１検査周期Ｔ１毎の検査により、外気温度の低下に起因して、リチウム電池３の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られても、それから第２検査周期Ｔ２後に検査を行えば、確実に温度が上昇している時間帯で検査を行うことができる。そして、この温度が上昇している時間帯で行った検査結果に基づき、リチウム電池３の残量減少の検出を行えば、温度の影響を除去した検出を行うことができる。
【００８５】
本発明の実施形態において、第２検査周期Ｔ２は、例えば、５９時間又は３７時間に設定されている。上記値に第２検査周期Ｔ２を設定すれば、２１時〜９時の間で検査が行われると、次の検査時刻は、図６（ｅ）又は（ｆ）に示すように、８時〜２０時又は１０時〜２３時の間で行われ、外気温度が所定温度Ｔｃを越える可能性が高い時間帯で検査が行われる。
【００８６】
また、比較的暖かい地域であれば、１日のうち、不活性状態が促進されるような低温になるのは、図７に示すように、約２２時〜約８時の間となる。今、図７（ａ）〜（ｃ）に示すように、２２時〜８時の間で検査が行われ、電池電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたとする。このとき、第１検査周期Ｔ１の５０時間毎の検査を行い続けると、次の検査時刻は、図７（ｄ）に示すように２３時〜９時の間であり、外気温度が所定温度Ｔｃ以下である可能性が高い時間帯で検査が行われてしまう。
【００８７】
これに対して、第２検査周期Ｔ２が５９時間又は３７時間であれば、２２時〜８時の間で検査が行われると、次の検査時刻は、図７（ｅ）又は（ｆ）に示すように、９時〜１９時又は１１〜２１時の間で行われ、外気温度が所定温度Ｔｃを越える可能性が高い時間帯で検査が行われる。
【００８８】
また、ここで、第２検査周期Ｔ２を、２４時間×ｚ（ｚは整数）＋２４の約数である６０時間や３８時間としなかったのは、６０時間や３８時間にすると、検査時刻が、毎日同じ時刻になってしまうからである。これに対して、６０時間や３８時間にすると１日のうちの検査時刻がずれ、同じ時刻に繰り返し検査が行われることがない。
【００８９】
第３実施形態
さらに、上述した第１及び第２実施形態では、通常、第１検査周期Ｔ１毎に検査を行い、一旦、電池電圧低下の検査結果が得られると、第１検査周期Ｔ１とは異なる第２検査周期Ｔ２毎の検査を行うようにしていた。しかしながら、例えば、第２実施形態のように定めた第２検査周期Ｔ２であれば、検査周期を変えることなく、常に、第２検査周期Ｔ２毎に検査を行うようにすることも考えられる。
【００９０】
この場合、ガスメータの構成は、第１及び第２実施形態と同様であるが、μＣＯＭ１の処理手順が図８に示すようになる。
即ち、リチウム電池３が接続されてμＣＯＭ１が起動し、プログラムがスタートすると、μＣＯＭ１は、まず、ＲＡＭ１１１のワークエリア内に設けられた各種フラグエリアのフラグやタイマエリアのタイマ値のリセット、及び、バッファエリアのクリア等を行う初期設定を実行する（ステップＳ２０）。
【００９１】
そして、ステップＳ２０の初期設定が済んだならば、次に、第２検査周期Ｔ２毎に、リチウム電池３の電圧低下の検査を行うために、ＲＡＭ１１１の周期タイマエリアにおけるタイムカウントを開始する（ステップＳ２１）。続いて、周期タイマエリアにおけるタイムカウントのタイマ値Ｔｂが第２検査周期Ｔ２に達したか否かを判断する（ステップＳ２２）。
【００９２】
タイマ値Ｔｂが第２検査周期Ｔ２に達していない場合は（ステップＳ２２でＮ）、達するまでステップＳ２２をリピートし、達している場合は（ステップＳ２２でＹ）、タイマ値Ｔｂをリセットした後（ステップＳ２３）、電圧低下回数カウント値ｎが１であるか否かを判断する（ステップＳ２４）。
【００９３】
電圧低下回数カウント値ｎが０であれば（ステップＳ２４でＮ）、μＣＯＭ１は、検査前処理を行った後（ステップＳ２５）、ステップＳ２７に進む。検査前処理においてμＣＯＭ１は、図３のステップＳ４で説明した動作と同様の動作を行う。これに対して、電圧低下回数カウント値ｎが１であれば（ステップＳ２４でＹ）、μＣＯＭ１は、前回行われた検査で、電池電圧が低下したとの検査結果が得られたと判断し、不活性解消・検査前処理を行う（ステップＳ２６）。
【００９４】
不活性解消・検査前処理においてμＣＯＭ１は、第２及び第３ＳＷトランジスタを、第３所定時間、弁閉制御している間に、比較器１３の比較結果の取り込みを行う。この不活性解消・検出前処理により、リチウム電池３の不活性状態を解消すると共に、比較器１３の比較結果を取り込むことができる。
【００９５】
次に、μＣＯＭ１は、電池電圧低下検査手段として働き、検出電圧Ｖｓが、基準電圧Ｖｏより下回っていることを示す比較結果が比較器１３から得られたか否かを判断する（ステップＳ２７）。下回っていることを示す比較結果でない場合（ステップＳ２７でＮ）、μＣＯＭ１は、リチウム電池３の電圧が低下していないと判断して、電圧低下回数カウント値ｎをゼロリセットした後（ステップＳ２９）、ステップＳ２１にリターンする。
【００９６】
一方、検出電圧Ｖｓが、基準電圧Ｖｏを下回っていることを示す内容である場合は（ステップＳ２７でＹ）、μＣＯＭ１は、電池電圧が低下していると判断して、電圧低下回数カウント値ｎをインクリメントした後（ステップＳ２８）、この結果、電圧低下回数カウント値ｎが２になったか否かの判断を行う（ステップＳ３０）。電圧低下回数カウント値ｎが１であれば（ステップＳ３０でＮ）、μＣＯＭ１は、外気温度の低下に起因して電池電圧が低下した可能性があると判断して、ステップＳ２１にリピートする。
【００９７】
これに対して、電圧低下回数カウント値ｎが２であれば（ステップＳ３０でＹ）、μＣＯＭ１は、２回連続して、電池電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたと判断すると共に、リチウム電池３の残量が減少していると判断して、警報発生・強制遮断処理を行う（ステップＳ３１）。警報発生・強制遮断処理においてμＣＯＭ１は、第１実施形態で説明した図４のステップＳ１７と同様の処理を行う。
【００９８】
上述したように、第２検査周期Ｔ２を定めれば、たとえ、温度が低い時間帯に検査が行われ、一時的に電池電圧が低下しても、次の検査は温度が上昇している時刻に行われるため、２回連続して電池電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られることはない。これに対して、電池残量が減少しているときは、温度に関係なく電池電圧が低下するため、２回連続して電池電圧が低下する。従って、以上のように、第２検査周期Ｔ２毎に検査を行った結果、２回連続して電池電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたとき、リチウム電池３の残量減少を検出すれば、正確に残量減少の検出を行うことができる。
【００９９】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、請求項１〜６記載の発明によれば、第２周期検査手段の検査結果に応じて、電池の残量減少の検出を行えば、外気温度の低下に起因して、第１周期検査手段により、電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られても、その後、外気温度が上昇している時間帯で行われた検査結果に基づき、電池の残量減少の検出を行うことができ、温度センサなどを用いることなく、温度の影響を除去した検出を行うことができるので、安価に、かつ、正確に、電池の残量減少を検出することができる電池残量減少検出装置及び電池残量減少検出用プログラムを記録した記録媒体を得ることができる。
【０１００】
また、請求項１及び４記載の発明によれば、第２周期検査手段による検査結果に基づき、電池の残量が減少していないと判断できると、再び、消費電力と電池の残量減少検出精度とを考慮した第１検査周期毎の検査を行うことができるので、消費電力の低減を図りつつ、正確に電池の残量の減少を検出することができる電池残量減少検出装置及び電池残量減少検出用プログラムを記録した記録媒体を得ることができる。
【０１０１】
また、請求項２及び５記載の発明によれば、第２周期検査手段の検査結果に応じて、正確に、電池の減少を検出することができる電池残量減少検出装置及び電池残量減少検出用プログラムを記録した記録媒体を得ることができる。
【０１０２】
また、請求項３及び６記載の発明によれば、電池の電圧が低下して、電池が不活性状態となった可能性があるとき、スイッチ制御手段が、スイッチを閉制御して、電池から検査用負荷に電流を流すことにより、電池を活性状態に保つことができるので、より一層正確に、電池の電圧低下の検査を行うことができる。また、弁本体を駆動させるための信号と同等の信号を用いて、電池の不活性状態を解消することができるので、構成が簡単となり、コストダウンを図った電池残量減少検出装置及び電池残量減少検出用プログラムを記録した記録媒体を得ることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の電池残量減少検出装置の基本構成図である。
【図２】本発明の電池残量減少検出用プログラムを記録した記録媒体を組み込んだ電池残量減少検出装置の一実施の形態を示す回路図である。
【図３】図２の電池残量減少検出装置を構成するμＣＯＭ１の処理手順を示すフローチャートである。
【図４】図２の電池残量減少検出装置を構成するμＣＯＭ１の処理手順を示すフローチャートである。
【図５】第１実施形態における第２検査周期Ｔ２毎の検査タイミングを示すグラフである。
【図６】第２実施形態における第２検査周期Ｔ２毎の検査タイミングを説明するためのグラフである。
【図７】第２実施形態における第２検査周期Ｔ２毎の検査タイミングを説明するためのグラフである。
【図８】第３実施形態におけるμＣＯＭ１の処理手順を示すフローチャートである。
【符号の説明】
５ 所定負荷（強制遮断弁）
３ 電池（リチウム電池）
９ 電池電圧検出手段（電池電圧検出回路）
１ａ 電池電圧低下検査手段（μＣＯＭ）
１ａ−１ 第１周期検査手段（μＣＯＭ）
１ａ−２ 第２周期検査手段（μＣＯＭ）
１ａ−３ 第１切替手段（μＣＯＭ）
１ａ−４ 第２切替手段（μＣＯＭ）
１ｂ 電池残量減少検出手段（μＣＯＭ）
１ｃ スイッチ制御手段（μＣＯＭ）
ＴＲ２ スイッチ（第２スイッチングトランジスタ）
Ｒ１ 検査用負荷（疑似抵抗）[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a battery remaining amount detection device and a recording medium recording a battery remaining amount detection program, and in particular, a battery remaining amount detection device for detecting a remaining amount of a battery that supplies power to a predetermined load, and The present invention relates to a recording medium on which a battery remaining amount detection program is recorded.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Batteries are widely used when supplying power to loads that are difficult to connect to commercial power sources, or when supplying voltages and currents to loads that are different from commercial power sources. There is a gas meter that is provided and measures the amount of gas used.
[0003]
In this gas meter, whether there is a gas leak based on a flow meter that measures the flow rate of the gas flowing through the internal gas supply path as the amount of gas used, or a measurement result of this flow meter or a time-series change in the measurement result A gas leakage detection means for determining whether there is a gas leakage, a forced cutoff valve that is driven when the gas leakage detection means determines that gas leakage has occurred and forcibly shuts off the internal gas supply path. These flow meters, gas leak detection means, forced shut-off valves, and the like are driven by a lithium battery built in the gas meter.
[0004]
Also, in this gas meter, the voltage necessary for the valve closing operation by the forced shutoff valve remains in the lithium battery so that the forced shutoff of the internal gas supply path is reliably performed when the gas leak detection means determines. A battery level reduction detection device that periodically checks whether or not the battery level is low and detects a decrease in the battery level based on the result of the test is provided together with a flow meter, gas leak detection means, forced shut-off valve, etc. ing. In the above-described inspection, the power of the lithium battery is supplied to the inspection load having the same resistance value as the driving load for driving the forced shut-off valve, and the detection voltage corresponding to the voltage across the inspection load is This is performed based on whether or not the value is below a predetermined reference value.
[0005]
In the gas meter described above, when a decrease in the remaining battery level is detected by the remaining battery level detecting device, the forced shut-off valve is forcibly closed regardless of the presence or absence of gas leakage, and a warning to that effect. Is generated.
[0006]
Therefore, although the voltage necessary for the valve closing operation by the forced shut-off valve remains sufficiently, the forced shut-off valve is forcibly closed based on the detection by the battery remaining amount reduction detection device, On the contrary, there is a situation in which the valve closing operation by the forced cutoff valve based on the detection by the battery remaining amount reduction detection device is not performed even though the voltage necessary for the valve closing operation by the forced cutoff valve does not remain. In order not to occur, it is necessary to detect the decrease in the remaining amount of the lithium battery by the remaining battery level detecting device with a considerably high accuracy.
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional battery remaining amount detection device supplies power from the lithium battery to the inspection load once every 50 hours for 20 ms, and the voltage necessary for the valve closing operation by the forced shut-off valve remains in the lithium battery. It is inspected whether or not.
[0007]
However, if the operation of the forced shut-off valve is as small as once every six months, the operating time is shorter and the current consumption is smaller than the actual valve operation only by checking the battery voltage once every 50 hours for 20 ms. Therefore, as a matter of course, the forced cutoff valve is not operated for a long time.
[0008]
When a lithium battery is used at such a low current consumption, the lithium battery tends to be in an inactive state, which is also an undesirable characteristic. The inactive state is a phenomenon in which the battery voltage is sufficient, but the chemical reaction becomes dull and the battery voltage decreases. In particular, for example, when a lithium battery is used at a low temperature of −25 degrees or less, the inactive state of the lithium battery further proceeds, and the battery voltage further decreases.
As a result, the reference value originally set in anticipation of the specification for 10 years and the battery voltage in the inactive state coincide with each other, and as a result, there is a problem that a decrease in the remaining battery level due to battery capacity consumption is erroneously detected. there were.
[0009]
In particular, in Japan, the environment of −25 degrees described above is largely due to radiation cooling. After radiative cooling has occurred, the weather will improve and the temperature can be expected to rise with considerable probability. For this reason, even if the battery voltage is inspected at a low temperature of −25 ° C. or less and it is determined that the battery voltage is decreasing, the battery voltage decreases if the temperature subsequently increases. There is a high probability that it will not be judged.
[0010]
Therefore, for example, it is conceivable to provide a temperature detection means for detecting the outside air temperature and avoid a test at a low temperature that promotes the inactive state of the battery, but it is necessary to newly provide a temperature detection means, There was a problem of high costs.
[0011]
Accordingly, the present invention pays attention to the above-described problems, and provides a battery remaining amount decrease detection device and a battery remaining amount decrease detection program capable of detecting a decrease in the remaining amount of the battery accurately and inexpensively. It is an object to provide a recorded recording medium.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 includes a battery 3 for supplying power to a predetermined load 5 and a battery voltage for detecting the battery voltage of the battery, as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. Detection means 9, the battery voltage, and a predetermined reference value of the battery voltage,ofA comparison means 13 for performing a comparison;First cycle inspection means 1a-1 that performs a voltage drop inspection of the battery based on the comparison result every first inspection cycle, and a second cycle that performs the inspection every second inspection cycle different from the first inspection cycle When the inspection means 1a-2 and the first period inspection means obtain the inspection result that the voltage of the battery is reduced, the first period inspection means performs the inspection by the second period inspection means. First switching means 1a-3 for switchingBased on the battery voltage drop inspection means 1a and the inspection resultAccordingA battery remaining amount decrease detecting device comprising a battery remaining amount decrease detecting means 1b for detecting a decrease in the remaining amount of the battery;The battery voltage drop inspecting means has a predetermined first predetermined number of times, and as a result of the inspection performed by the second period inspection means, the battery voltage has decreased a predetermined second predetermined number of times or more. The second switching means 1a-4 for switching from the second period inspection means to the inspection by the first period inspection means when the inspection result is not obtained.The present invention resides in a remaining battery level reduction detecting device.
[0013]
  As shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. 1, the invention described in claim 2 is a battery 3 that supplies power to a predetermined load 5, battery voltage detection means 9 that detects a battery voltage of the battery, the battery voltage, And a predetermined reference value of the battery voltage.,ofA comparison means 13 for performing a comparison;First cycle inspection means 1a-1 that performs a voltage drop inspection of the battery based on the comparison result every first inspection cycle, and a second cycle that performs the inspection every second inspection cycle different from the first inspection cycle When the inspection means 1a-2 and the first period inspection means obtain the inspection result that the voltage of the battery is reduced, the first period inspection means performs the inspection by the second period inspection means. First switching means 1a-3 for switchingBased on the battery voltage drop inspection means 1a and the inspection resultAccordingA battery remaining amount decrease detecting device comprising a battery remaining amount decrease detecting means 1b for detecting a decrease in the remaining amount of the battery;The battery remaining amount reduction detecting means is configured to reduce the voltage of the battery more than a preset second predetermined number of times as a result of performing the inspection by the first predetermined number of times set in advance and the second period checking means. When the test result is obtained, a decrease in the remaining battery level is detected.The present invention resides in a remaining battery level reduction detecting device.
[0014]
  As shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG.Includes valve body drive load that opens and closes the gas supply pathA battery 3 for supplying power to a predetermined load 5;A switch TR2 connected in parallel with the predetermined load and controlled to be turned on at the time of the test, and a test load having the same resistance value as the driving load that generates a voltage corresponding to the battery voltage at both ends when the switch is turned on R1 has a series circuit, and the battery voltage of the battery is detected from the voltage across the test load.Battery voltage detection means 9, the battery voltage, and a predetermined reference value of the battery voltage,ofA comparison means 13 for performing a comparison;First cycle inspection means 1a-1 that performs a voltage drop inspection of the battery based on the comparison result every first inspection cycle, and a second cycle that performs the inspection every second inspection cycle different from the first inspection cycle When the inspection means 1a-2 and the first period inspection means obtain the inspection result that the voltage of the battery is reduced, the first period inspection means performs the inspection by the second period inspection means. First switching means 1a-3 for switchingBased on the battery voltage drop inspection means 1a and the inspection resultAccordingA battery remaining amount decrease detecting device comprising a battery remaining amount decrease detecting means 1b for detecting a decrease in the remaining amount of the battery;And a switch control means 1c for closing the switch for a predetermined time in accordance with the result of the inspection that the battery voltage is reduced by the first cycle inspection means, and The predetermined time is set to the time required to drive the valve body when power is supplied to the driving load.The present invention resides in a remaining battery level reduction detecting device.
[0015]
  Claim4The invention described is provided with a battery voltage detecting means in a computer.BydetectionWasBattery voltage of a battery that supplies power to a predetermined load, and a predetermined reference value of the battery voltage,ofComparisonFirst period inspection means for performing a voltage drop inspection of the battery based on a result for each first inspection period, second period inspection means for performing the inspection at a second inspection period different from the first inspection period, and First switching means for switching from the first period inspection means to the inspection by the second period inspection means when an inspection result indicating that the voltage of the battery is reduced is obtained by the first period inspection means;Based on the battery voltage drop inspection means and the inspection resultAccordingA recording medium on which a program for functioning as a battery remaining amount decrease detecting means for detecting a decrease in the remaining amount of the battery is recorded,The battery voltage drop inspecting means has a predetermined first predetermined number of times, and as a result of the inspection performed by the second period inspection means, the battery voltage has decreased a predetermined second predetermined number of times or more. When the inspection result is not obtained, there is provided second switching means for switching from the second period inspection means to the inspection by the first period inspection means, and the program causes the computer to function as the second switching means.The present invention resides in a recording medium on which is recorded a battery remaining amount decrease detection program.
[0016]
  Claim5The invention described is provided with a battery voltage detecting means in a computer.BydetectionWasBattery voltage of a battery that supplies power to a predetermined load, and a predetermined reference value of the battery voltage,ofComparisonFirst period inspection means for performing a voltage drop inspection of the battery based on a result for each first inspection period, second period inspection means for performing the inspection at a second inspection period different from the first inspection period, and First switching means for switching from the first period inspection means to the inspection by the second period inspection means when an inspection result indicating that the voltage of the battery is reduced is obtained by the first period inspection means;Based on the battery voltage drop inspection means and the inspection resultAccordingA recording medium storing a program for functioning as a remaining battery level reduction detecting means for detecting a decrease in the remaining battery level, wherein the program is stored in the computer,When a test result indicating that the voltage of the battery has decreased is obtained by a predetermined second predetermined number of times or more as a result of performing the test by the second predetermined number of times set in advance. And functioning as the remaining battery charge detecting means for detecting the remaining battery charge.The present invention resides in a recording medium on which is recorded a battery remaining amount decrease detection program.
[0017]
  Claim6The invention described is in the computer,Includes valve body drive load that opens and closes the gas supply pathPredetermined loadA switch connected in parallel with the control unit, which is controlled to be turned on at the time of the test, and a test load having the same resistance value as the driving load that generates a voltage corresponding to the battery voltage at both ends when the switch is turned on. The battery voltage detecting means having a circuit detects the battery voltage based on the both-ends voltage of the test load; andThe reference value of the battery voltage determined in advance,ofComparisonFirst period inspection means for performing a voltage drop inspection of the battery based on a result for each first inspection period, second period inspection means for performing the inspection at a second inspection period different from the first inspection period, and First switching means for switching from the first period inspection means to the inspection by the second period inspection means when an inspection result indicating that the voltage of the battery is reduced is obtained by the first period inspection means;Based on the battery voltage drop inspection means and the inspection resultAccordingA recording medium on which a program for functioning as a battery remaining amount decrease detecting means for detecting a decrease in the remaining amount of the battery is recorded,
  The program closes the switch for a predetermined time set in advance in response to a test result that the voltage of the battery is reduced by the first cycle inspection means.Further functioning as switch control means, the predetermined time is set to a time required to drive the valve body when power is supplied to the driving load.The present invention resides in a recording medium on which is recorded a battery remaining amount decrease detection program.
[0018]
  Invention of Claims 1-6The battery supplies power to a predetermined load. The battery voltage detection means detects the battery voltage of the battery. In the battery voltage drop inspecting means, the first period inspecting means inspects the battery voltage drop for each first inspection period based on the comparison result with the battery voltage and the reference value. The first switching means switches from the first period inspecting means to the inspection by the second period inspecting means when the first period inspecting means obtains the inspection result that the battery voltage is lowered. The second cycle inspection means performs the inspection every second inspection cycle different from the first inspection cycle. The battery remaining amount decrease detecting unit detects a decrease in the remaining amount of the battery based on the inspection result by the battery voltage decrease inspecting unit.
[0019]
  ThereforeNormally, the first cycle inspection means performs the inspection every first inspection cycle determined from the relationship between the power consumption and the battery remaining amount decrease detection accuracy. Then, as a result of performing the inspection in a time zone in which the outside air temperature is low enough to promote the inactive state of the battery, if the inspection result that the battery voltage is reduced is obtained from the first period inspection means, the second period inspection is performed. The inspection is performed at each second inspection cycle different from the first inspection cycle, which is determined so that the inspection can be performed in a time zone in which the temperature rises within a time close to the first inspection cycle.
[0020]
  For this reasonAccording to the inspection result of the second period inspection means, if the battery remaining amount decrease is detected, the battery voltage is decreased by the first period inspection means due to the decrease in the outside air temperature. Even if the test result is obtained, it is possible to detect the decrease in the remaining battery level based on the test result performed during the time when the outside air temperature is rising, and the temperature can be detected without using a temperature sensor. It is possible to perform detection with the influence of the above removed.
[0021]
  According to invention of Claim 1 and 4,As a result of the inspection performed by the second periodic inspection means for a predetermined first predetermined number of times, when the inspection result indicating that the battery voltage has decreased is not less than the predetermined second predetermined number of times, 2 switching means switches from the second period inspection means to the inspection by the first period inspection means. Therefore, if it can be determined that the remaining amount of the battery has not decreased based on the inspection result by the second period inspection unit, the inspection for each first inspection period in consideration of the power consumption and the remaining amount decrease detection accuracy of the battery is performed again. It can be performed.
[0022]
  According to invention of Claim 2 and 5,As a result of the first predetermined number of times set by the battery remaining amount detection means being inspected by the second periodic inspection means, the result of the inspection that the battery voltage has decreased more than the second predetermined number of times set in advance. Is obtained, a decrease in the remaining battery level is detected. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect a decrease in the battery according to the inspection result of the second period inspection means.
[0023]
  According to invention of Claim 3 and 6,The switch control means closes the switch for a predetermined time in response to a test result that the battery voltage is reduced by the first cycle inspection means. Therefore, when there is a possibility that the battery voltage is lowered and the battery is in an inactive state, the switch control means controls the switch to be closed and causes the current to flow from the battery to the test load. It can be kept active. Further, the predetermined load includes a driving load of the valve body that opens and closes the gas supply path. The inspection load has the same resistance value as that of the driving load. The predetermined time is set to the time required to drive the valve body when power is supplied to the drive load. Therefore, the inactive state of the battery can be eliminated by using a signal equivalent to the signal for driving the valve body.
[0044]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
First embodiment
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of a recording medium recording a battery remaining amount decrease detection program and a battery remaining amount decrease detection apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is an electric circuit diagram showing a main part of a gas meter adopting a recording medium recording a battery remaining amount decrease detection program and a battery remaining amount decrease detecting device in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the gas meter includes a one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter abbreviated as μCOM) 1 having a RAM 111 and a ROM 112, and a lithium battery 3 for supplying power to the μCOM 1 (corresponding to a battery in claims). And a forced shut-off valve 5 (corresponding to a predetermined load in the claims) consisting of a valve main body interposed in a gas supply path (not shown) and a driving load for driving the valve main body to be closed (none is shown). ).
[0045]
The RAM 111 of the μCOM 1 has a data area for storing various data and a work area used for various processing operations, and the ROM 112 includes various programs for the μCOM 1 including the battery remaining amount detection program in the claims. A control program for performing the operation is stored. From this, it is clear that the ROM 112 corresponds to a recording medium in which the battery remaining amount decrease detection program is recorded.
[0046]
In the gas meter, the collector-emitter is connected to the drive circuit 7 for supplying the power of the lithium battery 3 to the μCOM 1 and the forced cutoff valve 5 and the drive circuit 7 between the lithium battery 3 and the forced cutoff valve 5. A first switching transistor (hereinafter abbreviated as SW transistor) TR1 is provided.
[0047]
Further, the gas meter includes a second SW transistor TR2 (also corresponding to a switch in the claims) and a pseudo resistor R1 (corresponding to a test load in the claims) connected in parallel with the forced cutoff valve 5. A series circuit is provided. The pseudo resistance R1 described above has the same resistance value as the driving load of the forced cutoff valve 5.
[0048]
Further, the gas meter includes a second SW transistor TR2 (also corresponding to a switch in the claims) and a pseudo resistor R1 (corresponding to a test load in the claims) connected in parallel with the forced cutoff valve 5. And a battery voltage detection circuit 9 (corresponding to the battery voltage detection means in the claims) comprising a series circuit of the third SW transistor TR3 and resistors R3 and R5 connected in parallel with the pseudo resistor R1. I have. The pseudo resistance R1 described above has the same resistance value as the driving load of the forced cutoff valve 5.
[0049]
The bases of the first to third SW transistors TR1, TR2, and TR3 are all connected to μCOM1.
[0050]
Further, the gas meter includes a reference voltage generation circuit 11 including a series circuit of a resistor R7 and a Zener diode ZD connected between the emitter and ground of the third SW transistor TR3 in parallel with the resistors R3 and R5, and a battery voltage detection circuit 9. And a comparator 13 (corresponding to the comparison means in the claims) for comparing a detection voltage Vs, which will be described later, and a reference voltage Vo, which will be described later, generated by the reference voltage generation circuit 11.
[0051]
In the battery voltage detection circuit 9, a voltage across the pseudo resistance R1, that is, a detection voltage Vs corresponding to the battery voltage of the lithium battery 3 is generated at the connection point of the resistors R3 and R5. In the reference voltage generation circuit 11, A constant voltage reference voltage Vo corresponding to the Zener voltage of the Zener diode ZD is generated as a reference value of the detection voltage Vs.
[0052]
In the gas meter, when the second SW transistor TR2 is closed and controlled by μCOM1, the pseudo resistor R1 is energized by the electric power supplied from the lithium battery 3 via the emitter-collector of the second SW transistor TR2, and this pseudo resistor The driving state of the forced shut-off valve 5 is reproduced in a pseudo manner by energizing R1.
[0053]
The battery voltage detection circuit 9 and the reference voltage generation circuit 11 drive the forced cutoff valve 5 in a state where the driving state of the forced cutoff valve 5 is simulated by energization of the pseudo resistor R1. When the battery voltage of the lithium battery 3 decreases to the vicinity of the required minimum voltage value, the detection voltage Vs that has been equal to or higher than the reference voltage Vo until then becomes lower than the reference voltage Vo, and the output of the comparator 13 is inverted. The output of the comparator 13 is input to μCOM1. Further, in this gas meter, a comparison result corresponding to the magnitude relationship between the detection voltage Vs and the reference voltage Vo compared by the comparator 13 is input to the μCOM 1.
[0054]
Incidentally, the closing control of the first, second and third SW transistors TR1, TR2 and TR3 by μCOM1 is performed by outputting a negative bias signal to the bases of the SW transistors TR1, TR2 and TR3.
[0055]
Next, among the processes performed by the μCOM 1 in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 112, particularly the process related to the detection of the remaining battery level of the lithium battery 3 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0056]
When the lithium battery 3 is connected and the μCOM 1 starts and the program starts, the μCOM 1 first resets flags in various flag areas and timer values in the timer area provided in the work area of the RAM 111, Initial setting for clearing or the like is executed (step S1).
[0057]
If the initial setting in step S1 has been completed, the time count in the period timer area of the RAM 111 is started in order to inspect the voltage drop of the lithium battery 3 every first inspection period T1 (step 1). S2). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the timer value Ta of the time count in the cycle timer area has reached the first inspection cycle T1 (step S3).
[0058]
If the timer value Ta has not reached the first inspection cycle T1 (N in step S3), step S3 is repeated until it reaches (Y in step S3), and pre-inspection processing is performed (step S4). ).
[0059]
In the pre-inspection process in step S4, μCOM1 controls the second SW transistor TR2 to be closed and controls the third SW transistor TR3 to be closed while continuing the energization state of the pseudo resistor R1. At this time, the comparator 13 detects the detection voltage Vs generated by the battery voltage detection circuit 9 and the reference voltage generated by the reference voltage generation circuit 11 in accordance with the closing control of the second and third SW transistors TR2 and TR3. A comparison result corresponding to the magnitude relationship with Vo is output. Therefore, in the pre-inspection process, μCOM1 further captures the comparison result.
[0060]
Note that the closing control of the second and third SW transistors TR2 and TR3 in the pre-inspection process in step S4 is performed for, for example, 20 ms, and the comparison result of the comparator 13 is captured during the control. .
[0061]
If the pre-inspection process in step S4 is completed, then μCOM1 functions as a battery voltage drop inspection unit, and a comparison result indicating that the detection voltage Vs is lower than the reference voltage Vo is obtained from the comparator 13. It is determined whether or not it has been (step S5). If it is not the comparison result indicating that it is below (N in step S5), μCOM1 determines that the voltage of the lithium battery 3 has not decreased, and resets the timer value Ta in the periodic timer area to zero (step S6). ), The process returns to step S2.
[0062]
Therefore, while the reference voltage Vo is not lower than the detection voltage Vs, the μCOM1 controls the second and third SW transistors TR2 and TR3 to be closed for 20 ms every first inspection cycle T1, thereby reducing the battery voltage. Perform the inspection.
[0063]
Note that, as the first inspection cycle T1 is shorter, the inspection can be performed more finely, and the decrease in the remaining amount of the lithium battery 3 can be detected quickly, but the power consumption for the inspection increases accordingly. Therefore, the first inspection cycle T1 is, for example, the longest time within the detection accuracy such that the remaining amount of the lithium battery 3 is not lost before the remaining amount is detected, for example, 50 hours. Is set. Moreover, if the inspection is performed every 50 hours (2 days + 2 hours), the inspection time is shifted by 2 hours, so that the battery voltage drop inspection is not repeated repeatedly in the same time zone.
[0064]
On the other hand, when the content indicates that the detection voltage Vs is lower than the reference voltage Vo (Y in step S5), μCOM1 indicates that the decrease in the detection voltage Vs is due to a decrease in the remaining amount of the lithium battery 3. It is not possible to distinguish whether the lithium battery 3 is in an inactive state due to a decrease in the outside air temperature, but the lithium battery 3 may be in an inactive state and the battery voltage may be reduced. If there is, the inactivation elimination process is performed (step S7).
[0065]
In the deactivation canceling process, the μCOM 1 functions as a switch control unit, controls the second SW transistor TR2 to be closed for a predetermined time, and causes a current to flow from the lithium battery 3 to the pseudo resistor R1. By this deactivation cancellation process, the lithium battery 3 is activated, and a decrease in the battery voltage of the lithium battery 3 can be prevented. The third predetermined time is the time (1-2 seconds) required to drive the valve body when the first SW transistor TR1 is closed and power is supplied to the driving load in the forced shut-off valve 5. Is set.
[0066]
For this reason, the second SW transistor TR2 is controlled to be closed by using a bias signal equivalent to a bias signal (a signal for driving the valve body) to control the first SW transistor TR1 to be closed, so that the lithium battery 3 is inactivated. The state can be resolved. Accordingly, since it is not necessary to set or store the predetermined time separately from the output time of the bias signal for driving the valve body, the configuration is simplified and the cost can be reduced.
[0067]
Next, μCOM1 performs an inspection for each second inspection cycle T2 (corresponding to the inspection cycle of claim 10) shorter than the first inspection cycle T1 for a predetermined number of inspections M times (the first predetermined number of times in the claims). In order to repeat, time counting in the second period time count area of the RAM 111 is started (step S8), and then the inspection count value m in the inspection count area of the RAM 111 is incremented (step S9). ).
[0068]
Thereafter, μCOM1 determines whether or not the timer value Tb of the time count in the second period time count area has reached the second inspection period T2 (step S10). If the timer value Tb has not reached the second inspection period T2 (N in Step S10), Step S10 is repeated until it reaches it, and if it has reached (Y in Step S10), the timer value Tb is reset to zero. (Step S11), pre-inspection processing is performed (Step S12). Note that in the pre-inspection process in step S12, μCOM1 performs the same operation as the above-described pre-inspection process in step S4.
[0069]
If the pre-inspection processing in step S15 is completed, then μCOM1 functions as a battery voltage drop inspection unit, and a comparison result indicating that the detection voltage Vs is lower than the reference voltage Vo is obtained from the comparison unit 13. It is determined whether or not it has been obtained (step S13). If the comparison result indicates that the battery voltage is lower (Y in step S13), the μCOM 1 determines that the battery voltage of the lithium battery 3 is decreasing, and counts the inspection result to that effect in the RAM 111. After incrementing the voltage drop count value n in the voltage drop count area (step S14), the process proceeds to step S15.
[0070]
On the other hand, if it is not the comparison result indicating that it is lower (N in step S13), μCOM1 determines that the battery voltage of the lithium battery 3 has not decreased, and immediately proceeds to step S15. In step S15, μCOM1 determines whether or not the inspection count value m has reached the inspection count M (step S15).
[0071]
If the inspection count value m has not reached the inspection count M (N in Step S15), Step S8 is repeated. If it has reached (Y in Step S15), the process proceeds to the next Step S16.
[0072]
Through the above operation, after an inspection result indicating that the voltage of the lithium battery 3 is reduced at the time of inspection every first inspection cycle T1, inspection is performed every second inspection cycle shorter than the first inspection cycle T1. The inspection can be performed by repeating M times. In the present embodiment, the second inspection cycle T2 is set to 8 hours or less, for example, 7 hours, and the number of inspections M is set to 7 times. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, since the inspection can be performed at least three times in one day (24 hours), after the inspection result that the battery voltage is lowered is obtained, the first inspection is performed. Within 49 hours (7 hours × 7 times) close to the cycle T1, the inspection can be surely performed during the daytime when the outside air temperature rises and the inactive state of the lithium battery 3 is eliminated.
[0073]
The reason why the second inspection cycle T2 is not set to 8 hours, which is a divisor of 24 hours, is that if the time is 8 hours, the inspection time becomes the same time every day. On the other hand, if the time is 7 hours, the inspection time in one day is shifted by 3 hours every day, and the inspection is not repeatedly performed at the same time.
[0074]
Thereafter, in step S16, μCOM1 functions as a battery remaining amount decrease detecting means, and whether the voltage decrease count value n has reached a predetermined voltage decrease count N (corresponding to a second predetermined count in the claims). It is determined whether or not (step S16).
[0075]
If the voltage drop count value n has reached the voltage drop count N (Y in step S16), the μCOM 1 determines that the battery voltage has dropped even during the daytime when the outside air temperature rises, and the lithium It is determined that the battery voltage has been reduced due to a decrease in the remaining amount of the battery 3, and an alarm generation / forced cutoff process is performed (step S17).
[0076]
The alarm generation process is a process for displaying or reporting that the remaining battery level is low. The forced cutoff process is performed by closing the first SW transistor TR1 and driving the valve body to be closed by the driving load of the forced cutoff valve 5.
[0077]
On the other hand, if the voltage drop count value n has not reached the voltage drop count N (N in step S16), μCOM1 determines that the battery voltage has not dropped during the daytime when the outside air temperature rises. Since the remaining amount of the lithium battery 3 has not decreased and the lithium voltage 3 is in an inactive state, it is determined in step S5 that the battery voltage drop test result has been obtained, and the process proceeds to step S18. move on. In step S18, μCOM1 resets the inspection count value m and the battery decrease count value n, and then returns to step S2 in FIG.
[0078]
According to the above gas meter, μCOM1 normally functions as the first cycle inspection means, and is determined in consideration of power consumption and battery remaining reduction detection accuracy, for example, every first inspection cycle T1 of 50 hours. Perform a battery voltage drop test. Thereafter, when a test result indicating that the voltage of the lithium battery 3 is reduced is obtained, the μCOM 1 functions as a first switching unit and switches to a test every second test cycle T2 shorter than the first test cycle T1. .
[0079]
Thereafter, μCOM1 functions as the second cycle inspection means, and is determined so that the test can be performed in the time zone in which the temperature rises within the time close to the first test cycle T1, for example, the second test cycle T2 of 8 hours. Every time, a battery voltage drop inspection means is performed. For this reason, if the remaining amount of the battery is detected according to the inspection result for each second inspection cycle T2, the lithium battery 3 is inspected by the inspection for each first inspection cycle T1 due to the decrease in the outside air temperature. Even if a test result indicating that the battery voltage has dropped is obtained, it is possible to detect a decrease in the remaining battery level based on the test result during the time when the outside air temperature is rising. In addition, detection without the influence of temperature can be performed without using a temperature sensor or the like.
[0080]
Therefore, according to the present invention, since it is not necessary to use a temperature sensor, the number of parts can be reduced, and only the logic of μCOM 1 needs to be changed, and the cost can be reduced.
[0081]
Second embodiment
In the first embodiment, the second inspection cycle T2 is set to a time shorter than the first inspection cycle T1 to detect the decrease in the remaining amount of the battery without the influence of temperature. However, for example, it is conceivable to perform inspection using the second inspection cycle T2 determined as described below.
[0082]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the outside air temperature is low at night and repeatedly fluctuates every 24 hours. Now, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the inactive state of the lithium battery 3 is promoted, and the inspection is performed between 21:00 to 9:00 when the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature Tc. Suppose that the test result is obtained to have decreased. At this time, if the first inspection cycle T1 continues to be inspected at 50 hours, the next inspection time is between 23:00 to 11:00 as shown in FIG. 6D, and the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature Tc. The test will be done at a time of high probability.
[0083]
By the way, as described above, the outside air temperature repeatedly moves up and down with a period of one day. Therefore, it can be generally understood how many hours have passed from the low temperature time zone that promotes the inactive state of the lithium battery 3 and the temperature rises. Therefore, in the second embodiment, when an inspection is performed in a time zone where the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature Tc (23:00 to 11:00), the next inspection is a time zone in which the outside air temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature Tc. The second inspection cycle T2 is set to be performed at (11:00 to 23:00).
[0084]
If the second inspection cycle T2 is determined in this way, an inspection result that the voltage of the lithium battery 3 is reduced due to the decrease in the outside air temperature is obtained by the inspection every first inspection cycle T1. However, if the inspection is performed after the second inspection period T2, the inspection can be performed in a time zone in which the temperature is surely rising. Then, if the remaining amount of the lithium battery 3 is detected based on the result of the inspection performed during the time period when the temperature is rising, the detection can be performed with the influence of the temperature removed.
[0085]
In the embodiment of the present invention, the second inspection period T2 is set to 59 hours or 37 hours, for example. If the second inspection cycle T2 is set to the above value, when the inspection is performed between 21:00 and 9:00, the next inspection time is from 8:00 to 20:00 as shown in FIG. 6 (e) or (f). Alternatively, the inspection is performed between 10 o'clock and 23 o'clock, and the inspection is performed in a time zone in which the outside air temperature is likely to exceed the predetermined temperature Tc.
[0086]
Also, in a relatively warm area, the low temperature at which the inactive state is promoted in one day is between about 22:00 and about 8:00, as shown in FIG. Now, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, it is assumed that an inspection is performed between 22:00 and 8:00, and an inspection result indicating that the battery voltage is reduced is obtained. At this time, if the inspection every 50 hours of the first inspection period T1 is continued, the next inspection time is between 23:00 to 9:00 as shown in FIG. 7D, and the outside air temperature is below the predetermined temperature Tc. The test will be performed at a time when there is a high possibility.
[0087]
On the other hand, if the second inspection cycle T2 is 59 hours or 37 hours, when the inspection is performed between 22:00 and 8:00, the next inspection time is as shown in FIG. 7 (e) or (f). In addition, the inspection is performed between 9 o'clock and 19 o'clock or 11 to 21 o'clock, and the inspection is performed in a time zone where the outside air temperature is likely to exceed the predetermined temperature Tc.
[0088]
Here, the second inspection cycle T2 is not a divisor of 24 hours × z (z is an integer) +24, which is 60 hours or 38 hours. Because it will be the same time every day. On the other hand, if the time is 60 hours or 38 hours, the inspection time in one day is shifted, and the inspection is not repeatedly performed at the same time.
[0089]
Third embodiment
Further, in the first and second embodiments described above, the inspection is normally performed every first inspection cycle T1, and once the inspection result of the battery voltage drop is obtained, the second inspection different from the first inspection cycle T1. Inspection was performed every period T2. However, for example, in the case of the second inspection cycle T2 defined as in the second embodiment, it is conceivable to always perform the inspection every second inspection cycle T2 without changing the inspection cycle.
[0090]
In this case, the configuration of the gas meter is the same as in the first and second embodiments, but the processing procedure of μCOM1 is as shown in FIG.
That is, when the lithium battery 3 is connected and the μCOM 1 is started and the program is started, the μCOM 1 first resets the flags in the various flag areas and the timer values in the timer area provided in the work area of the RAM 111, and the buffer Initial setting for clearing the area or the like is executed (step S20).
[0091]
When the initial setting in step S20 is completed, the time count in the cycle timer area of the RAM 111 is started in order to inspect the voltage drop of the lithium battery 3 every second inspection cycle T2 (step S20). S21). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the timer value Tb of the time count in the cycle timer area has reached the second inspection cycle T2 (step S22).
[0092]
If the timer value Tb has not reached the second inspection cycle T2 (N in step S22), step S22 is repeated until it reaches (Y in step S22), and after the timer value Tb is reset ( Step S23), it is determined whether or not the voltage drop count value n is 1 (Step S24).
[0093]
If the voltage drop count value n is 0 (N in step S24), μCOM1 performs the pre-inspection process (step S25), and then proceeds to step S27. In the pre-inspection process, μCOM 1 performs the same operation as that described in step S4 of FIG. On the other hand, if the voltage drop count value n is 1 (Y in step S24), μCOM1 determines that a test result indicating that the battery voltage has decreased is obtained in the previous test, and the result is not good. Activity cancellation / inspection pre-processing is performed (step S26).
[0094]
In the deactivation cancellation / inspection pre-processing, the μCOM 1 captures the comparison result of the comparator 13 while the second and third SW transistors are controlled to be closed for the third predetermined time. By this inactivation elimination / pre-detection process, the inactive state of the lithium battery 3 can be eliminated and the comparison result of the comparator 13 can be captured.
[0095]
Next, μCOM1 functions as a battery voltage drop inspection unit, and determines whether or not a comparison result indicating that the detection voltage Vs is lower than the reference voltage Vo is obtained from the comparator 13 (step S27). If it is not the comparison result indicating that the voltage is lower (N in step S27), μCOM1 determines that the voltage of the lithium battery 3 has not decreased and resets the voltage decrease count value n to zero (step S29). Return to step S21.
[0096]
On the other hand, if the detected voltage Vs has a content indicating that it is lower than the reference voltage Vo (Y in step S27), μCOM1 determines that the battery voltage is decreasing, and the voltage decrease count value n Is incremented (step S28), and as a result, it is determined whether or not the voltage drop count value n has become 2 (step S30). If the voltage decrease count value n is 1 (N in step S30), μCOM1 determines that the battery voltage may have decreased due to a decrease in the outside air temperature, and repeats step S21.
[0097]
On the other hand, if the voltage drop count value n is 2 (Y in step S30), μCOM1 determines that a test result indicating that the battery voltage has dropped is obtained twice in succession. Then, it is determined that the remaining amount of the lithium battery 3 is decreasing, and an alarm generation / forced shut-off process is performed (step S31). In the alarm generation / forced shut-off process, μCOM1 performs the same process as step S17 of FIG. 4 described in the first embodiment.
[0098]
As described above, if the second inspection cycle T2 is determined, even if the inspection is performed in a time zone where the temperature is low and the battery voltage temporarily decreases, the next inspection is the time when the temperature is rising. Therefore, the test result that the battery voltage has decreased continuously twice is not obtained. On the other hand, when the remaining battery level is decreasing, the battery voltage decreases regardless of the temperature, so the battery voltage decreases twice in succession. Accordingly, as described above, when the inspection is performed every second inspection cycle T2 and the inspection result that the battery voltage is decreased twice is obtained, the remaining amount of the lithium battery 3 is reduced. If detected, a decrease in the remaining amount can be accurately detected.
[0099]
【The invention's effect】
  As explained above, the claims1-6According to the described invention, if the decrease in the remaining amount of the battery is detected according to the inspection result of the second period inspection unit, the voltage of the battery is detected by the first period inspection unit due to the decrease in the outside air temperature. Even if a test result indicating that the battery temperature has dropped is obtained, it is possible to detect a decrease in the remaining battery level based on the test result performed during the time when the outside air temperature is rising. Because it is possible to perform detection with the influence of temperature removed without using a battery, it is possible to detect a decrease in the remaining amount of the battery accurately and accurately at a low cost and a decrease in the remaining amount of the battery. Can be obtained.
[0100]
  Moreover, according to invention of Claim 1 and 4,If it can be determined that the remaining amount of the battery has not decreased based on the inspection result by the second period inspection unit, the inspection is performed again for each first inspection period in consideration of the power consumption and the accuracy of detecting the remaining amount of the battery. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a recording medium storing a battery remaining amount reduction detecting device and a battery remaining amount reduction detecting program capable of accurately detecting a reduction in the remaining amount of the battery while reducing power consumption. it can.
[0101]
  Moreover, according to invention of Claim 2 and 5,In accordance with the inspection result of the second period inspection means, it is possible to obtain a battery remaining amount decrease detecting device capable of accurately detecting a battery decrease and a recording medium on which a battery remaining amount decrease detecting program is recorded.
[0102]
  Moreover, according to invention of Claim 3 and 6,When there is a possibility that the battery voltage is lowered and the battery is in an inactive state, the switch control means controls the switch to be closed and causes the current to flow from the battery to the test load. Therefore, the battery voltage drop can be inspected more accurately. In addition, since the inactive state of the battery can be eliminated by using a signal equivalent to the signal for driving the valve body, the configuration is simplified and the remaining battery level detecting device and the remaining battery level are reduced. A recording medium in which a program for detecting a decrease in amount is recorded can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram of a remaining battery level reduction detecting device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing an embodiment of a battery remaining amount reduction detecting apparatus incorporating a recording medium in which a battery remaining amount reduction detecting program of the present invention is recorded.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of μCOM 1 constituting the battery remaining amount decrease detection device of FIG. 2;
4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of μCOM 1 configuring the battery remaining amount decrease detection device of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a graph showing the inspection timing for each second inspection cycle T2 in the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a graph for explaining the inspection timing for each second inspection cycle T2 in the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a graph for explaining the inspection timing for each second inspection cycle T2 in the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of μCOM1 in the third embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
5 Predetermined load (forced shut-off valve)
3 batteries (lithium batteries)
9 Battery voltage detection means (battery voltage detection circuit)
1a Battery voltage drop inspection means (μCOM)
1a-1 First period inspection means (μCOM)
1a-2 Second period inspection means (μCOM)
1a-3 First switching means (μCOM)
1a-4 Second switching means (μCOM)
1b Battery remaining amount detection means (μCOM)
1c Switch control means (μCOM)
TR2 switch (second switching transistor)
R1 Inspection load (pseudo resistance)

Claims (6)

所定負荷に電源を供給する電池と、該電池の電池電圧を検出する電池電圧検出手段と、前記電池電圧、及び、予め定めた前記電池電圧の基準値、の比較を行う比較手段と、第１検査周期毎に前記比較結果に基づいた前記電池の電圧低下検査を行う第１周期検査手段、前記第１検査周期とは異なる第２検査周期毎に前記検査を行う第２周期検査手段、及び、前記第１周期検査手段により前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたときに前記第１周期検査手段から前記第２周期検査手段による検査に切り替える第１切替手段、を有する前記電池電圧低下検査手段と、前記検査結果に基づいて前記電池の残量減少を検出する電池残量減少検出手段とを備えた電池残量減少検出装置において、
前記電池電圧低下検査手段は、予め定めた第１所定回数、前記第２周期検査手段による前記検査が行われた結果、予め定めた第２所定回数以上、前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られなかったとき、前記第２周期検査手段から前記第１周期検査手段による検査に切り替える第２切替手段を有する
ことを特徴とする電池残量減少検出装置。A battery for supplying power to a predetermined load, a battery voltage detecting means for detecting a battery voltage of the battery, the battery voltage, and a comparison means for the reference value of the predetermined said battery voltage, a comparison of performing, the first First period inspection means for performing a voltage drop inspection of the battery based on the comparison result for each inspection period; second period inspection means for performing the inspection at a second inspection period different from the first inspection period; and First switching means for switching from the first period inspection means to the inspection by the second period inspection means when an inspection result indicating that the voltage of the battery is reduced is obtained by the first period inspection means; said low battery testing means, the battery remaining amount decreases detecting apparatus and a battery remaining amount decreases detecting means for detecting the remaining amount reduction of the battery based on the above test results,
The battery voltage drop inspecting means has a predetermined first predetermined number of times, and as a result of the inspection performed by the second period inspection means, the battery voltage has decreased a predetermined second predetermined number of times or more. And a second switching means for switching from the second period inspection means to the inspection by the first period inspection means when the inspection result is not obtained . 所定負荷に電源を供給する電池と、該電池の電池電圧を検出する電池電圧検出手段と、前記電池電圧、及び、予め定めた前記電池電圧の基準値、の比較を行う比較手段と、第１検査周期毎に前記比較結果に基づいた前記電池の電圧低下検査を行う第１周期検査手段、前記第１検査周期とは異なる第２検査周期毎に前記検査を行う第２周期検査手段、及び、前記第１周期検査手段により前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたときに前記第１周期検査手段から前記第２周期検査手段による検査に切り替える第１切替手段、を有する前記電池電圧低下検査手段と、前記検査結果に基づいて前記電池の残量減少を検出する電池残量減少検出手段とを備えた電池残量減少検出装置において、
前記電池残量減少検出手段は、予め設定した第１所定回数、前記第２周期検査手段による前記検査が行われた結果、予め設定した第２所定回数以上、前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたとき、前記電池の残量減少を検出する
ことを特徴とする電池残量減少検出装置。A battery for supplying power to a predetermined load, a battery voltage detecting means for detecting a battery voltage of the battery, the battery voltage, and a comparison means for the reference value of the predetermined said battery voltage, a comparison of performing, the first First period inspection means for performing a voltage drop inspection of the battery based on the comparison result for each inspection period; second period inspection means for performing the inspection at a second inspection period different from the first inspection period; and First switching means for switching from the first period inspection means to the inspection by the second period inspection means when an inspection result indicating that the voltage of the battery is reduced is obtained by the first period inspection means; said low battery testing means, the battery remaining amount decreases detecting apparatus and a battery remaining amount decreases detecting means for detecting the remaining amount reduction of the battery based on the above test results,
The battery remaining amount reduction detecting means is configured to reduce the voltage of the battery more than a preset second predetermined number of times as a result of performing the inspection by the first predetermined number of times set in advance and the second period checking means. When the result of the test is obtained, a decrease in the remaining amount of the battery is detected. ガス供給路の開閉を行う弁本体の駆動負荷を含む所定負荷に電源を供給する電池と、前記所定負荷と並列に接続された前記検査時にオン制御されるスイッチ、及び、該スイッチがオンしたとき両端に前記電池電圧に応じた電圧が発生する前記駆動負荷と同一抵抗値の検査用負荷、からなる直列回路を有していて、前記検査用負荷の両端電圧から前記電池の電池電圧を検出する電池電圧検出手段と、前記電池電圧、及び、予め定めた前記電池電圧の基準値、の比較を行う比較手段と、第１検査周期毎に前記比較結果に基づいた前記電池の電圧低下検査を行う第１周期検査手段、前記第１検査周期とは異なる第２検査周期毎に前記検査を行う第２周期検査手段、及び、前記第１周期検査手段により前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたときに前記第１周期検査手段から前記第２周期検査手段による検査に切り替える第１切替手段、を有する前記電池電圧低下検査手段と、前記検査結果に基づいて前記電池の残量減少を検出する電池残量減少検出手段とを備えた電池残量減少検出装置において、
前記第１周期検査手段により前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたことに応じて予め定めた所定時間、前記スイッチを閉制御するスイッチ制御手段を備え、そして、
前記所定時間が、前記駆動負荷に電源を供給したときに前記弁本体を駆動するのに要する時間に設定されている
ことを特徴とする電池残量減少検出装置。A battery that supplies power to a predetermined load including a driving load of a valve body that opens and closes a gas supply path, a switch that is connected in parallel to the predetermined load and that is on-controlled during the inspection, and when the switch is turned on It has a series circuit composed of an inspection load having the same resistance value as the driving load that generates a voltage corresponding to the battery voltage at both ends, and detects the battery voltage of the battery from the both-end voltage of the inspection load. A battery voltage detection means, a comparison means for comparing the battery voltage and a predetermined reference value of the battery voltage, and a voltage drop inspection of the battery based on the comparison result for each first inspection period The first period inspection means, the second period inspection means for performing the inspection every second inspection period different from the first inspection period, and the voltage of the battery being lowered by the first period inspection means Obtain test results Said low battery checking means having a first switching means, for switching to examination by the said the first period checking means second periodic inspection means when the remaining amount decreases the battery based on the above test results In a battery remaining amount reduction detecting device comprising a battery remaining amount reduction detecting means for detecting,
A switch control means for controlling the switch to be closed for a predetermined time in accordance with the result of the inspection that the battery voltage is reduced by the first cycle inspection means; and
The battery remaining amount decrease detecting device , wherein the predetermined time is set to a time required to drive the valve body when power is supplied to the driving load . コンピュータに、電池電圧検出手段により検出された所定負荷に電源を供給する電池の電池電圧、及び、予め定めた前記電池電圧の基準値、の比較結果に基づいた前記電池の電圧低下検査を第１検査周期毎に行う第１周期検査手段、前記第１検査周期とは異なる第２検査周期毎に前記検査を行う第２周期検査手段、及び、前記第１周期検 査手段により前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたときに前記第１周期検査手段から前記第２周期検査手段による検査に切り替える第１切替手段、を有する前記電池電圧低下検査手段と、前記検査結果に基づいて前記電池の残量減少を検出する電池残量減少検出手段として機能させるプログラムを記録した記録媒体であって、
前記電池電圧低下検査手段は、予め定めた第１所定回数、前記第２周期検査手段による前記検査が行われた結果、予め定めた第２所定回数以上、前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られなかったとき、前記第２周期検査手段から前記第１周期検査手段による検査に切り替える第２切替手段を有し、
前記プログラムは、前記コンピュータに前記第２切替手段として機能させる
ことを特徴とする電池残量減少検出用プログラムを記録した記録媒体。The computer, the battery voltage of the battery for supplying power to a predetermined load which is detected by the battery voltage detecting means and the reference value of the predetermined said battery voltage, the voltage drop test of the battery based on the comparison result of the first the first period checking means for performing for each inspection cycle, second cycle testing means for performing the inspection for different second test period and the first test cycle, and the voltage of the battery by the first periodic inspection means The battery voltage drop inspection means having a first switching means for switching from the first period inspection means to the inspection by the second period inspection means when an inspection result indicating that the battery voltage has dropped is obtained. a recording medium recording a program to be based functions as a battery remaining amount decreases detecting means for detecting the remaining amount reduction of the battery,
The battery voltage drop inspecting means has a predetermined first predetermined number of times, and as a result of the inspection performed by the second period inspection means, the battery voltage has decreased a predetermined second predetermined number of times or more. When the inspection result is not obtained, there is a second switching means for switching from the second period inspection means to the inspection by the first period inspection means,
A recording medium recording a battery remaining amount detection program, wherein the program causes the computer to function as the second switching unit . コンピュータに、電池電圧検出手段により検出された所定負荷に電源を供給する電池の電池電圧、及び、予め定めた前記電池電圧の基準値、の比較結果に基づいた前記電池の電圧低下検査を第１検査周期毎に行う第１周期検査手段、前記第１検査周期とは異なる第２検査周期毎に前記検査を行う第２周期検査手段、及び、前記第１周期検査手段により前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたときに前記第１周期検査手段から前記第２周期検査手段による検査に切り替える第１切替手段、を有する前記電池電圧低下検査手段と、前記検査結果に基づいて前記電池の残量減少を検出する電池残量減少検出手段として機能させるプログラムを記録した記録媒体であって、
前記プログラムは、前記コンピュータに、予め設定した第１所定回数、前記第２周期検査手段による前記検査が行われた結果、予め設定した第２所定回数以上、前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたとき、前記電池の残量減少を検出する前記電池残量減少検出手段として機能させる
ことを特徴とする電池残量減少検出用プログラムを記録した記録媒体。The computer, the battery voltage of the battery for supplying power to a predetermined load which is detected by the battery voltage detecting means and the reference value of the predetermined said battery voltage, the voltage drop test of the battery based on the comparison result of the first Voltage of the battery is reduced by a first period inspection unit that is performed every inspection period, a second period inspection unit that performs the inspection every second inspection period different from the first inspection period, and the first period inspection unit. The battery voltage drop inspection means having a first switching means for switching from the first period inspection means to the inspection by the second period inspection means when an inspection result is obtained , and based on the inspection result a recording medium recording a program to function as a battery remaining amount decreases detecting means for detecting the remaining amount reduction of the battery Zui,
The program is such that the voltage of the battery is decreased by a predetermined second predetermined number of times or more as a result of performing the inspection by the second period inspection means for a first predetermined number of times set in the computer . When the inspection result is obtained, a recording medium on which is recorded a battery remaining amount decrease detection program that functions as the remaining battery amount decrease detecting means for detecting a decrease in the remaining amount of the battery. 前記コンピュータに、ガス供給路の開閉を行う弁本体の駆動負荷を含む所定負荷と並列に接続された前記検査時にオン制御されるスイッチ、及び、該スイッチがオンしたとき両端に前記電池電圧に応じた電圧が発生する前記駆動負荷と同一抵抗値の検査用負荷、からなる直列回路を有する電池電圧検出手段が前記検査用負荷の両端電圧に基づいて検出した前記電池電圧、及び、予め定めた前記電池電圧の基準値、の比較結果に基づいた前記電池の電圧低下検査を第１検査周期毎に行う第１周期検査手段、前記第１検査周期とは異なる第２検査周期毎に前記検査を行う第２周期検査手段、及び、前記第１周期検査手段により前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたときに前記第１周期検査手段から前記第２周期検査手段による検査に切り替える第１切替手段、を有する前記電池電圧低下検査手段と、前記検査結果に基づいて前記電池の残量減少を検出する電池残量減少検出手段として機能させるプログラムを記録した記録媒体であって、
前記プログラムは、前記コンピュータに、前記第１周期検査手段により前記電池の電圧が低下しているとの検査結果が得られたことに応じて予め設定した所定時間、前記スイッチを閉制御するスイッチ制御手段としてさらに機能させ、
前記所定時間が、前記駆動負荷に電源を供給したときに前記弁本体を駆動するのに要する時間に設定されている
ことを特徴とする電池残量減少検出用プログラムを記録した記録媒体。 A switch connected to the computer in parallel with a predetermined load including a driving load of a valve body that opens and closes the gas supply path , and a switch that is turned on at the time of inspection, and the battery voltage at both ends when the switch is turned on The battery voltage detecting means having a series circuit comprising a test load having the same resistance value as the driving load that generates the detected voltage, the battery voltage detected based on the voltage across the test load, and the predetermined voltage A first cycle inspection means for performing a battery voltage drop inspection for each first inspection cycle based on a comparison result of the reference value of the battery voltage, and performing the inspection at a second inspection cycle different from the first inspection cycle. When the inspection result that the voltage of the battery is lowered is obtained by the second period inspection unit and the first period inspection unit, the second period inspection unit performs an inspection from the first period inspection unit. There by the battery and the voltage drop testing means, a recording medium recording a program to function as a battery remaining amount decreases detecting means for detecting the remaining amount reduction of the battery based on the inspection results having a first switching means, for switching the And
The program controls the switch to close the switch for a predetermined time in accordance with a result of an inspection that the battery voltage is lowered by the first period inspection unit. To further function as a means,
A recording medium recording a battery remaining amount detection program, wherein the predetermined time is set to a time required for driving the valve body when power is supplied to the driving load .
JP2001204641A 2001-07-05 2001-07-05 BATTERY LOW REDUCTION DETECTING DEVICE AND RECORDING MEDIUM CONTAINING BATTERY LOW REDUCTION DETECTING PROGRAM Expired - Fee Related JP4077176B2 (en)

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