JP4140215B2

JP4140215B2 - Shut-off device

Info

Publication number: JP4140215B2
Application number: JP2001198168A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 浩一植木; 薫大西
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2001-06-29
Filing date: 2001-06-29
Publication date: 2008-08-27
Anticipated expiration: 2021-06-29
Also published as: JP2003014227A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、例えば都市ガスやＬＰガス等を利用するガス器具の使用状態を監視するような遮断装置において、電池電源の電源容量消耗時の安全性を確保する遮断装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来のこの種の遮断装置は、例えばガス遮断装置では特開平１０−１０３５４６号公報に示されるように図４の構成になっていた。図４は従来のガス遮断装置のブロック図を示す。
【０００３】
図４のガス遮断装置１において、２は電池電源で、ガス遮断装置全体に電源を供給する。３は遮断弁で、流路でのガスの供給を停止したり、供給したりする。
【０００４】
４は電圧低下検出部で、所定の動作保証時間内でガス遮断装置１の動作が可能な電池電源２の容量が残されている消耗状態の電池電圧検知して電圧低下信号Ａを出力する。５は開栓受付部で、電圧低下信号Ａが入力された時から遮断弁の開栓受付を行って、開栓要求（開栓要求スイッチ又は通信による開栓信号の入力）があった時に開栓要求信号Ｃを出力する。６はタイマ部で、電圧低下信号Ａが入力された時から所定の動作保証時間をカウントして開栓終了信号Ｄを出力する。
【０００５】
７は開栓機能停止部で、開栓終了信号Ｄが入力されたときに開栓要求信号Ｃによる開栓を停止する閉栓停止信号Ｅを出力する。８はガス遮断制御部で、電池電圧低下信号Ａ又は閉栓停止信号Ｅが入力された時遮断弁３を閉栓動作させ、閉栓停止信号Ｅの入力信号以前に開栓要求信号Ｃが入力された時には遮断弁３を開栓させる。
【０００６】
次に従来例の構成の動作を説明する。電池電源２の消耗度をチェックしている電圧低下検出部４が電池消耗電圧を検出したとき、電圧低下信号Ａを開栓受付部５とタイマ部６とガス遮断制御部８に出力する。電圧低下信号Ａが入力されたガス遮断制御部８は、第一の遮断命令信号Ｂ１を出力して遮断弁３を動作させ、ガス通路の閉栓を実行する。タイマ部６は電圧低下信号Ａが入力されるとカウント開始し、このタイマ部６により所定時間のカウント終了する迄の間に、開栓受付部５に開栓要求があり、開栓要求信号Ｃが出力された時には、ガス遮断制御部８は遮断弁３を開栓する。タイマ部６でカウント終了したとき、開栓終了信号Ｄが出力されるので、開栓機能停止部５は閉栓停止信号Ｅを出力して開栓要求の受付を停止する。閉栓停止信号Ｅが入力されたガス遮断装置１は第二の遮断命令信号Ｂ２を出力して遮断弁３を閉栓する。
【０００７】
都市ガス、ＬＰガス等の媒体ガスの流れる流路に取り付けられたガス遮断装置１において、電圧低下検出部４は所定時間間隔毎に電池電源２の電圧を測定し電池の消耗度を監視している。予めガス遮断装置１を動作させ得る下限値の電圧を動作保証電圧として設定しておき、ここから所要の日数分逆上った時の電圧値を電池消耗電圧として設定する。電圧低下検出部４は、電池電圧を監視してこの消耗時の電池電圧を検出する。即ち所要日数分だけ電池消耗電圧が検出されてから電池電源２の電圧が動作保証電圧迄低下する期間だけ遮断弁３の開栓が可能としてガス遮断装置１を交換するまでの猶予期間を設けたものである。
【０００８】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら上記従来の構成では下記問題点があった。ガス遮断装置はガス流量を計測する機能を有するが計量部は使用期間制限があるが、使用年限経過時点で電圧低下検出部４が所定の消耗状態の電池電圧を検知するとは限らず、使用年限経過時点で充分使用可能な場合があり、そのまま交換せずに使用された場合ガス遮断装置の電子回路の保証期限を経過してしまい、その後電池低下状態が発生した時に回路部品が電池より先に寿命に達していた場合遮断できないことが想定され、結果ガス器具の異常な使用状態が発生した場合遮断することができず、ガス漏れ等の危険警告表示が出ていないため交換し忘れてしまったり、結果前述のトラブルにつながったりする等の問題点があり、この内容について開示されていない。
【０００９】
本発明は上記課題を解決するもので、例え電池電圧が低下状態に至ってなくとも電池使用期間を計測しその使用期限の経過を検出すると警告表示を行うと共に更に交換通知期間を経過すると遮断しガス等の需要家が安全にガス器具を使用しかつその状態を監視できる安全性や信頼性の高い遮断装置を提供することを目的としたものである。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
この課題を解決するために本発明は、電源を供給する電池電源手段と、ガス等の媒体の供給や遮断を行う遮断手段と、電池電源手段の供給開始よりの使用時間を計測する電池使用時間計測手段と、電池電源手段の使用期間を設定する電池使用期限設定手段と、電池使用時間計測手段と電池使用期限設定手段とを比較し電池使用時間が電池使用期限に到達していると判定すると警告信号を出力する電圧警告判定手段と、電圧警告判定段で電池使用期間経過を検出すると更に所定時間計測する時間計測手段と、遮断手段をガス等の供給可能状態に復帰させる信号を出力する復帰手段と、時間計測手段で所定時間経過した時復帰信号を入力禁止とし前記遮断手段に遮断出力を行う復帰禁止手段からなる構成にしている。
【００１１】
このことにより、電池使用時間計測手段により電池電源の使用開始からの経過時間を計測し、電圧警告判定手段で電池使用時間が電池使用期限設定手段の使用期限に達したかを監視し到達したのを検出すると時間計測手段での時間計測をスタートさせると共に、まず電圧警告判定手段で電池使用期限異常の出力を行い、報知手段で異常表示を行い需要家に電池電圧異常通知を行うことにより、遮断装置の交換の必要性を通知でき、かつガス等の事業者等がうっかり交換を忘れても時間計測手段により所定時間経過すると遮断し、２度とガス等を使用できないように遮断することにより事業者や需要家に強く交換を促せることができる。また、電池使用期限が過ぎているのに冬場の気温の急激な低下等の要因により電池電圧が低下し警告表示しても所定期間過ぎて遮断できないという不具合をなくすことができ、電池電源の消耗による安全監視機能が正常に動作しなくなるのを防ぎ安全性や信頼性を向上させている。
【００１２】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明は上記目的を達成するため、電源を供給する電池電源手段と、ガス等の媒体の供給や遮断を行う遮断手段と、前記電池電源手段の供給開始よりの使用時間を計測する電池使用時間計測手段と、前記電池電源手段の使用期間を設定する電池使用期限設定手段と、前記電池使用時間計測手段と前記電池使用期限設定手段とを比較し電池使用時間が電池使用期限に到達しているのと判定すると警告信号を出力する電圧警告判定手段と、前記電圧警告判定手段で電池使用期間経過を検出すると更に所定時間計測すると共に所定時間経過時遮断信号を出力する時間計測手段と、前記遮断手段をガス等の供給可能状態に復帰させる信号を出力する復帰手段と、前記時間計測手段で所定時間経過した時復帰信号を入力禁止とし前記遮断手段を遮断状態に保持する復帰禁止手段とからなる。
【００１３】
そして、電池使用時間計測手段により電池電源の使用開始からの経過時間を計測し、比較手段で電池使用時間が電池使用期限設定手段の使用期限に達したかを監視し到達したのを検出すると時間計測手段での時間計測をスタートさせると共に、まず電圧警告判定手段で電池使用期限異常の出力を行い、異常表示を行い需要家に電池電圧異常通知を行うことにより、ガス等の遮断装置の交換の必要性を通知でき、かつガス等の事業者等がうっかり交換を忘れても時間計測手段により所定時間経過すると遮断し、２度とガス等を使用できないように遮断することにより事業者や需要家に強く交換を促している。
【００１４】
また電池使用期限が過ぎているのに冬場の気温の急激な低下等の要因により電池電圧が低下し警告表示しても所定期間過ぎて遮断できないという不具合をなくすことができる。例えば電池使用期限経過後、需要家宅でガス器具等を使用している場合、冬場においてガスストーブ等の暖房装置を使用中、寒波等による急激な温度低下発生時に、電池電圧の消耗度合いが電池容量が充分ある場合に比較して急激に低下することがあり、ガスストーブ等を異常な長時間使用した場合使用時間遮断する必要があるのに、電池消耗により遮断できないという不具合がなくなり、ガス需要家は安心してガス器具等の使用を行える。
【００１５】
更に時間計測手段により電池低下後の経過時間をカウントしており、その間にガス等の遮断装置が何らかの理由で交換されなかった場合に電池電圧の更なる消耗により低下が予想され、継続してガス器具等の使用状態を安全監視するには危険である。そこで、所定時間経過後遮断手段で遮断すると共に、以降需要家がガス器具等を誤って使用出来ないようにガス等の供給のため遮断手段の復帰受付を禁止して遮断状態を維持することにより、電池電源の消耗による安全監視機能が正常に動作しなくなるのを防ぎ安全性や信頼性が向上する。
【００１６】
更に本発明は上記目的を達成するため、ガス等の流量を検出する流量検出手段と、ガス等の漏れ等を検出する外部機器手段と、電源を供給する電池電源手段と、ガス媒体の供給や遮断を行う遮断手段と、前記電池電源手段の供給開始よりの使用時間を計測する電池使用時間計測手段と、前記電池電源手段の使用期間を設定する電池使用期限設定手段と、前記電池使用時間計測手段と前記電池使用期限設定手段と比較し電池使用時間が電池使用期限に到達しているのと判定すると警告信号を出力する電圧警告判定手段と、前記電圧警告判定手段で電池使用期間経過を検出すると更に所定時間計測すると共に所定時間経過時遮断信号を出力する時間計測手段と、前記流量検出手段で検出した観測値が異常使用量か否かを判定し異常判定時或いは前記外部機器手段でガス漏れ等の異常検出時前記遮断手段を駆動する異常判定手段と、前記遮断手段をガス等の供給可能状態に復帰させる信号を出力する復帰手段と、前記時間計測手段で所定時間経過した場合或いは前記時間計測手段で所定時間計測中に前記異常判定手段により異常検知時復帰信号を入力禁止とし前記遮断手段を遮断状態に保持する復帰禁止手段とからなる。
【００１７】
そして、電池使用時間計測手段により電池電源の使用開始からの経過時間を計測し、比較手段で電池使用時間が電池使用期限設定手段の使用期限に達したかを監視し到達したのを検出すると時間計測手段での時間計測をスタートさせると共に、直ちに電圧警告判定手段により電池使用期限異常として需要家、或いはガス等の事業者に通知し電池使用期限異常状態であることを報知するが、時間計測中にガス器具等を異常使用を流量検出手段や異常判定手段で検出時遮断しかつ復帰できないようにすることにより、冬場においてガスストーブ等の暖房装置を使用中、寒波等による急激な温度低下発生時かつ電池使用期限をはるかに経過している場合、何度も電池容量を消耗するような遮断を繰返し電池電圧の消耗を加速し急激に電圧低下したりする。このような状況下で仮にガスストーブ等を異常な長時間使用した場合、使用時間遮断できないことが想定されるが、そのようなトラブルがなく、使用期限設定値は電池容量を充分確保した状態での設定であり需要家は安心してガス器具等の使用を行える。
【００１８】
また、時間計測手段により電池使用期限経過後の遮断装置交換迄の経過時間をカウントしているがその間に需要家宅においてガス器具等の異常な使用をされた場合、例えば誤ってガス器具等を長時間使用し続けた場合に異常判定手段により検知し遮断手段によりガス等の供給停止するが、電池使用期限経過以降の状態で遮断手段を度々駆動すると、例え交換迄の電池容量を確保していると言っても電池電圧の更なる消耗により電圧低下が加速され継続してガス器具の使用状態を安全監視するには課題がある。そこで、以降需要家がガス器具等を誤って使用出来ないようにガス等の供給のため遮断手段の復帰受付を禁止して遮断状態を維持することにより安全性や信頼性が向上する。
【００１９】
更に本発明は上記目的を達成するため、ガス等の流量を検出する流量検出手段と、ガス等の媒体の供給や遮断を行う遮断手段と、電源を供給する電池電源手段と、前記電池電源手段の供給開始よりの使用時間を計測する電池使用時間計測手段と、前記電池電源手段の使用期間を設定する電池使用期限設定手段と、前記電池使用時間計測手段と前記電池使用期限設定手段とを比較し電池使用時間が電池使用期限に到達しているのと判定すると警告信号を出力する電圧警告判定手段と、前記電圧警告判定手段で電池使用期間経過を検出すると更に所定時間計測し所定時間経過すると前記遮断手段に遮断信号を出力する時間計測手段と、前記流量検出手段で検出した観測値が異常使用量か否かを判定し異常判定時或いは前記外部機器手段でガス漏れ等の異常検出時に前記遮断手段を駆動する異常判定手段と、前記時間計測手段より出力された遮断信号を前記流量検出手段の出力信号より流量が所定値以下を検出する迄遅延させる遮断信号遅延手段と、前記遮断手段をガス等の供給可能状態に復帰させる信号を出力する復帰手段と、前記時間計測手段で所定時間経過した場合或いは前記時間計測手段で所定時間計測中に前記異常判定手段により異常検知時復帰信号を入力禁止とし前記遮断手段に遮断状態に保持する復帰禁止手段とからなる。
【００２０】
そして、電池使用時間計測手段により電池電源の使用開始からの経過時間を計測し、電圧警告判定手段で電池使用時間が電池使用期限設定手段の使用期限に達したかを監視し到達したのを検出すると時間計測手段での時間計測をスタートさせると共に、直ちに警告信号を出力し電池使用期限状態であることを需要家あるいはガス等の事業者に早く通知するため電池使用期限の警告表示を行ったり通信手段により電話回線等を利用しガス等の事業者の保安センターへ通報を行い、ガス等の供給遮断による電池使用期限切れ状態の認識をさせることにより、いち早く事業者に遮断装置の交換などの対応を行わせると共に、更に復帰禁止手段に電池使用期限状態信号を出力し、時間計測手段が所定時間経過すると遮断信号が出力され、この時需要家宅でガス器具等を使用しているかどうかを流量検出手段で流量信号を検出し、その結果遮断信号遅延手段で流量信号が所定値以上あると判定した場合、需要家がガス器具等を使用中として遮断信号の出力を遅延させ、即ちシャワー等のガス器具を使用している途中突然ガス停止による冷水を浴びたりすることのないように使用停止したときを検出するまで遅延させることにより、電池使用期限経過時の使い勝手や安全性や信頼性が向上する。
【００２１】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の実施例をガス遮断装置で説明するが、本発明はガスに限らず水道や電力、燃焼燃料などの遮断装置であってもよい。本発明の第１、第２、及び第３の実施例を図１、図２、及び図３を参照して説明する。図１、図２、図３において、図４と同一機能を有する構成要素に関しては同一番号を付した。
【００２２】
（実施例１）
図１は本発明の実施例１のガス遮断装置で、９はガス遮断装置の制御装置で、１０は電池使用時間計測手段で、電池電源手段２の電源供給開始以降の使用時間を計測、監視する。１１は電池使用期限設定手段で、ガス遮断装置の制御装置９に搭載する電池の使用期限を設定する。通常ガス遮断装置制御装置９は計測部が計量法等により１０年と指定されており、少なくとも１０年超の信頼耐久性を確保しており１０年超の時間設定をできるようにしている。１２は電圧警告判定手段で、電池使用時間計測手段１０の計測時間と電池使用期限設定手段１１の期限設定値とを比較し、電池の使用時間が設定された使用期限値に達したかどうかを判定し、電池電源手段２の使用期限に到達した判定すると電池使用期限警告の報知信号を出力し電池使用期限切れ状態であることを通報する。
【００２３】
又、電圧警告判定手段１２は、電池電源手段２の電圧監視も行っており、正常電圧が供給されているか、低下状態かを監視している。１３は時間計測手段で、電圧警告判定手段１２より電池使用期限経過信号が出力されたのを入力すると、電池使用期限切れ以降のガス遮断装置が使用可能な時間のカウントを開始する。即ち、ガス器具の使用状態の安全監視を正常な電圧範囲で行える時間のカウントを行う。１４は復帰手段で、操作されると遮断手段３にガス供給開始するため遮断手段３の復帰信号を出力する。１５は復帰禁止手段で、復帰手段１４からの復帰信号を遮断手段３に出力するか否か判定し、復帰禁止状態でなければ復帰信号を出力し遮断手段３を開放状態にしガス供給可能とする。時間計測手段１３で使用可能時間を計測完了すると、即ち所定時間が経過すると復帰禁止手段１５に復帰手段１４からの復帰指示信号を入力を禁止し、遮断手段３が遮断状態のままであるのを維持する。１６は報知手段で、電池使用期限警告状態などを表示する、例えばＬＣＤ素子やＬＥＤ素子からなる表示手段であったり、又通信機能を有し（図示せず）公衆電話回線などを利用しガス事業者の保安センターに電池使用期限異常の通報を行う。
【００２４】
次に上記構成の動作を説明する。ガス遮断装置が設置されガス需要家のガス器具使用状態を監視するが、通常１０年使用可能な電池容量設計になっている。又制御装置９は１０年動作可能な信頼性の高い電子回路部品で構成されている。従って最低１０年信頼性の能力を有しており、誤って信頼性のない異常な長期にわたる使用をされることがないように、電池電源手段２よりの電源供給が開始されると電池使用時間計測手段１０で供給開始以来の使用時間（経過時間）を計測する。
【００２５】
一方、電池使用期限設定手段１１ではガス遮断装置の制御装置９の電池電源としての使用期限を通信などの手段（図示せず）で設定する。電圧警告判定手段１２は電池使用時間計測手段１０の計測時間と電池使用期限設定手段１１の設定期間値とを比較し、使用開始以来の経過時間が設定値に到達したかどうかを監視している。
【００２６】
電圧警告判定手段１２により使用制限時間に達したのを検出すると時間計測手段１３や復帰禁止手段１５に電池使用期限経過信号を出力する。又、電圧警告判定手段１２は電池使用期限経過状態を検出すると報知手段１６に警告信号を出力する。報知手段１６により電池期限経過状態の表示をＬＣＤ素子やＬＥＤ素子等で行う。更にガス供給事業者に電話回線などを通じて電池期限経過異常状態を通報する。
【００２７】
一方、時間計測手段１３は電池期限経過状態を検出するとガス遮断装置の交換される迄の猶予期間の時間カウントを行う。即ち電池使用期間切れ以降のガス遮断装置の使用可能時間を計測する。所定時間カウントすると復帰禁止手段１５に復帰手段１４からの信号受付を禁止状態にすると共に、以降ガス器具の異常使用により遮断手段３によりガス供給停止状態になった場合、復帰手段１４により遮断手段３の駆動禁止となる。
【００２８】
即ち、このことにより以後ガス供給停止を図ることによりガス遮断装置の安全使用可能時間を経過したことを通知し交換措置を促す。電池電源手段２は電池警告判定手段１２でも電圧監視されているが、所定年限経過しても電圧低下状態に至らず充分容量が残っている場合があるが、電池使用期間が経過したら電池電圧判定に優先して期間経過警告を発する。
【００２９】
このようにしてガス遮断装置の電池電源が電池使用時間計測手段１０により所定時間経過したのを電圧警告判定手段１２で検出すると電池使用期間異常と判定し、即座にガス需要家、ガス供給事業者に電池使用期間切れ異常として通知するので、異常発生時需要家が例えガス器具を使用していた場合でも、例えばガスストーブ等の暖房器具を使用していた場合突然遮断すると、再度ガスを使用するため一度ガスストーブのガスバルブを閉栓して復帰手段１４を操作しガス供給されねばならないが、まず即座に通報することによりガス器具使用中の遮断によるトラブルを防止すると共に、ガス遮断装置の交換を警報通知できる。
【００３０】
その後、ガス遮断装置が交換されず継続して使用されても時間計測手段１３により所定時間経過したのを検出すると強制的に遮断しガス供給を停止するので電池使用期限がはるかに経過されて使用された結果、電池容量の消耗が進み、特に冬場の寒波等による低温状態が発生し、利用者が異常なガス器具使用を行った結果遮断せねばならない状況が発生した時、例えば長時間使用による使用時間遮断等に至った場合、低温状態と電池の異常な長期の使用による電池寿命末期の突然の電圧低下状態に直面し、遮断することが出来なくならないように充分電池寿命末期の挙動を把握できる使用期間かどうかを監視するので安全性や信頼性、及び使い勝手が向上する。
【００３１】
（実施例２）
図２は本発明の実施例２のガス遮断装置である。図２において、図１、図３及び図４と同一機能を有する構成要素には同一番号を付し説明は省略する。
【００３２】
図２は本発明の実施例２のガス遮断装置で、１７は流量検出手段で、使用ガス量の検出を行う。流量検出手段は例えば超音波素子を用いて伝搬時間計測を行うことによる流量計測の方式であったり、コアンダ効果を利用した流量発振を計測することによる流量計測の方式であったり、又膜式計量部によるガス量計測を行う方式もある。１８は外部機器手段で、例えばガス漏れ検出を行うガス漏れ警報器であったり、地震を検出する感震手段であったり、又ガス圧力を検出する圧力検出手段であり、ガス漏れや地震を検出したりガス圧力を検出すると信号を出力する。１９は異常判定手段で、流量検出手段１７で検出したガスの使用状態より、例えば一つのガス器具を異常な程長時間したのを検出したり、或いは外部機器手段１８でガス漏れを検出したり、地震を検出すると所定強度以上か判定し所定強度以上の地震と判定すると遮断手段３にガス供給停止するための遮断信号を出力する。
【００３３】
次に上記構成の動作を説明する。ガス遮断装置が設置され電池電源手段２より電源供給開始され電池使用時間計測手段１０で使用時間を計測すると共に、流量検出手段１７や外部機器手段１８でガス需要家のガス器具使用状態を監視する。
【００３４】
その使用途中で異常な使用を異常判定手段１９で検出すると、例えばガスストーブを異常な長時間使用しているのを検出すると遮断手段３に遮断信号を出力しガス供給を停止する。このようにガス器具の使用状態等を監視しつつ電池使用時間計測手段１０で計測している経過時間が、電池使用時間設定手段１１に設定された到達すると、電圧警告判定手段１２は電池電源手段２の電池容量が余裕をもって遮断手段３を駆動できる限界に近づいたとして電池使用期限経過信号を出力する。電池使用期限経過信号は時間計測手段１３や復帰禁止手段１５に入力される。更に電圧警告判定手段１２は電池使用期限経過状態を検出すると報知手段１６に警告信号を出力する。報知手段１６により電池使用期限経過状態の警告表示をＬＣＤ素子やＬＥＤ素子等で行う。更にガス供給事業者に電話回線などを通じて電池使用期限経過異常状態を通報し、ガス遮断装置交換要求を行う。
【００３５】
更に、時間計測手段１３は電池使用時間経過信号状態を検出すると時間カウントを行い電池使用期限以降のガス遮断装置の使用可能時間、即ち交換する迄の猶予期間の時間を計測する。所定時間カウントすると復帰禁止手段１５に復帰手段１４からの信号受付を禁止状態にすると共に遮断手段３に遮断出力を行う。このことにより以降ガス供給停止を図ることによりガス遮断装置の安全使用可能時間を経過したことを通知する。
【００３６】
ここで、電池使用期限経過信号を受けた後、時間計測手段１３で時間カウント中に、流量検出手段１７や外部機器手段１８により需要家のガス器具の使用状態を検出し、その使用状態を異常判定手段１９で監視しているが、異常状態を検出するとその時点で時間計測手段１３の時間カウントを停止し、かつガス使用禁止状態にする。即ち電池使用期間経過信号を受けた後時間計測手段１３で時間カウント中に、例えばガスストーブ等を異常な長時間使用したり、或いはガスホースが何らかの原因ではずれた場合異常な高流量が流れるがこの様な状態を異常判定手段１９で検出すると遮断出力を遮断手段３に出力すると共に、復帰禁止手段１５に遮断通知を行う。
【００３７】
以降、復帰手段１４より遮断手段３の復帰出力を入力しても遮断状態を保持する共に復帰信号入力を禁止する。報知手段１６を介して以降ガス遮断装置自体を交換しない限りガス供給できない旨を需要家並びにガス供給事業者に通知する。電池電源手段２は電池警告判定手段１２でも電圧監視されているが、所定年限経過しても電圧低下状態に至らず充分容量が残っている場合があるが、電池使用期間が経過したら電池電圧判定に優先して期間経過警告を発する。
【００３８】
このようにしてガス遮断装置の制御装置９の電池電源が供給開始以来電池使用時間計測手段１０で使用時間を計測し、電池使用期限設定手段１１に設定された使用期限に達したかどうかを電圧警告判定手段１２で監視し経過したのを検出すると、電池使用時間経過異常と判定し即座にガス需要家、ガス供給事業者に電池使用期間経過異常を通知するので、電池使用期間経過異常発生時需要家が例えガス器具を使用していた場合でも、例えばガスストーブ等の暖房器具を使用していた場合突然遮断すると、再度ガスを使用するため一度ガスストーブのガスバルブを閉栓して復帰手段１４を操作しガス供給されねばならないが、まず即座に通報することによりガス器具使用中の遮断によるトラブルを防止できる。
【００３９】
その後、電池使用期限が来ているのに、ガス遮断装置が交換されず継続して使用されても、時間計測手段１３により所定時間カウントしている最中に、流量検出手段１７によりガス器具の異常な使用状態を検出した時、或いは外部機器手段１８によりガス漏れやＣＯ漏れを検出した時、或いは感震センサーにより強い地震を検出した時、遮断手段３を駆動しガス供給を停止し、時間計測手段時間１３のカウントを停止し、且つ遮断信号を復帰禁止手段１５に通知し２度とガス使用できないように復帰禁止とする。
【００４０】
このような場合、遮断手段３を駆動すると電池電源の容量を多量に消費するため、ガス器具の使用状態監視を正確に行いにくくなるので、復帰禁止手段１５に遮断通知し、以後ガス使用するために復帰手段１４を介して遮断手段３の開操作を禁止し遮断状態を保持する。従って、電池使用期限切れ状態で正常に安全監視を出来なくなるのを防止でき、特にガス遮断装置が交換されず、電池容量のほとんどが消費される程消費が進行すると、特に冬場に急激な低温状態が発生した時、ガス器具のガスホースはずれ等の異常使用状態を検知した場合の合計流量遮断するが、このとき電池容量が寿命末期だった場合に急激な電圧低下となり遮断不可状態になることが考え得る。しかし、使用時間計測手段１０で電池の使用時間を計測し電池容量が充分に確保された時点で、かつ急激な温度変化が発生しても電池低下に至る挙動を把握できる状態で電池使用期限を設定しているので遮断不可状態になることがなく、かつせっかく電池使用期限を警告通知してもその後何度も異常なガス器具の使われ方をされ、電池容量の異常な消耗をできないように、異常検知による遮断事象発生時即座に遮断し、２度と復帰できないようにしガス遮断装置の交換促進を促すので極めて安全性や使い勝手が向上する。
【００４１】
（実施例３）
図３は本発明の実施例３のガス遮断装置である。図３において、図１、図２及び図４と同一機能を有する構成要素には同一番号を付し説明は省略する。
【００４２】
図３で、２０は遮断信号遅延手段で、電圧警告判定手段１２より電池使用期限経過信号が出力され、時間計測手段１３で更にガス遮断装置交換迄の猶予期間の時間をカウントし所定時間経過すると遮断信号が出力されるが、流量検出手段１７でガス器具使用の流量信号が出力されているか否かを判定し、流量信号が所定値以上あれば遮断出力を遅延し、流量信号がなくなれば遮断出力を行う。
【００４３】
次に上記構成の動作を説明する。ガス遮断装置が設置され電池電源手段２の電源供給開始以来の使用時間を計測すると共に、流量検出手段１７や外部機器手段１８でガス需要家のガス器具使用状態を監視する。ガス器具の使用途中で異常な使用を異常判定手段１９で検出すると、例えばガスストーブを異常な長時間使用しているのを検出すると遮断手段３に遮断信号を出力しガス供給を停止する。このようなガス器具の使用実態監視状況下で電池電源手段２の使用時間が電池使用期限設定手段１１の設定値に到達したのを電圧警告判定手段１２で検出すると、電池使用期限経過信号が出力される。
【００４４】
電圧警告判定手段１２より出力された電池期限経過信号は、時間計測手段１３、復帰禁止手段１５、及び報知手段１６に入力される。時間計測手段１３は電池使用期限経過状態を入力するとガス遮断装置交換迄の猶予期間の時間カウントを行う。ガス事業者等がうっかり交換を忘れ、時間計測手段１３で所定時間が経過すると、遮断信号が出力される。遮断信号は遮断信号遅延手段２０を介して遮断手段３に遮断信号を出力する。遮断信号遅延手段２０では、流量検出手段１７の出力信号を判定し、流量信号が入力されれば需要家がガス器具を使用中と判定し遮断信号の出力を遅延させる。その後ガス需要家がガス器具を停止し、流量検出手段１７より流量信号が所定値以下もしくは無くなったのを検知するとガス器具の使用停止と判定し、遮断手段３に遮断信号を出力しガス流路を遮断しガスの供給を停止する。このことにより以降ガス供給停止を図ることによりガス遮断装置の交換可能な猶予期間の時間を経過したことを通知する。
【００４５】
異常と判定すると遮断信号を遮断手段３に出力すると共に、復帰禁止手段１６に遮断通知を行う。以降、復帰手段１５より遮断手段３の復帰出力を入力しても遮断状態を保持する共に復帰信号入力を禁止する。報知手段１７を介して以降ガス遮断装置自体を交換しない限りガス供給できない旨を需要家並びにガス供給事業者に通知する。
【００４６】
又、時間計測手段１３でガス遮断装置の交換迄の猶予期間の時間カウントを行い、所定時間カウントすると復帰禁止手段１５に復帰手段１４からの信号受付を禁止状態にすると共に遮断手段３に遮断出力を行うが、突然遮断信号を出力することによりガス需要家がシャワー等のガス器具を使用していた場合、冷水を浴びたり等の不快感が生ずるが、ガス器具を使用停止するまで待ち、器具使用停止を検出後遮断するので、電池使用期限満了時の使い勝手がよくなる。
【００４７】
又、電圧警告判定手段１２が電池使用期限経過信号を出力すると、報知手段１６により電池使用期限経過異常の表示をＬＣＤ素子やＬＥＤ素子等で行う。更にガス供給事業者に電話回線などを通じて電池使用期限経過異常状態を通報する。
【００４８】
このことにより報知手段１６により警告表示されたり又通信手段（図示せず）により公衆電話回線を利用しガス事業者の保安センターに異常通報するので、ガス需要家或いはガス事業者が電池使用期限経過異常に気付き即座にガス遮断装置交換などの対応を行える。電池電源手段２は電池警告判定手段１２でも電圧監視されているが、所定年限経過しても電圧低下状態に至らず充分容量が残っている場合があるが、電池使用期間が経過したら電池電圧判定に優先して期間経過警告を発する。
【００４９】
このようにして電池使用時間計測手段により電池電源の使用開始からの経過時間を計測し、電圧警告判定手段で電池使用時間が電池使用期限設定手段の使用期限に達したかを監視し到達したのを検出すると時間計測手段での時間計測をスタートさせると共に、直ちに電圧警告判定手段により電池使用期限状態であることを需要家あるいはガス事業者に早く通知するため報知手段により電池使用期限警告表示を行ったり通信手段により電話回線等を利用しガス事業者の保安センターへ通報を行い、ガス供給遮断による電池使用期限切れ状態の認識をさせることにより、いち早くガス事業者にガス遮断装置の交換などの対応を行わせることができる。
【００５０】
加えて、更に復帰禁止手段に電池使用期限状態信号を出力し、時間計測手段が所定時間経過すると遮断信号が出力され、この時需要家宅でガス器具を使用しているかどうかを流量検出手段で流量信号を検出し、その結果、遮断信号遅延手段で流量信号が所定値以上あると判定した場合、需要家がガス器具を使用中として遮断信号の出力を遅延させ、即ちシャワー等のガス器具を使用している途中突然ガス停止による冷水を浴びたりすることのないように使用停止したときを検出するまで遅延させることにより、電池使用期限経過時の使い勝手や安全性や信頼性が向上する。
【００５１】
なお、図示しないが、電池使用期限設定手段で設定する使用期限の設定、時間計測手段で時間カウントする所定時間の設定、はガス供給事業者等から電話回線などを通じて設定してもよい。例えば、地域の気候や使用者の実態に応じておのおの設定する。
【００５２】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように本発明によれば、電源を供給する電池電源手段と、ガス等の媒体の供給や遮断を行う遮断手段と、前記電池電源手段の供給開始よりの使用時間を計測する電池使用時間計測手段と、前記電池電源手段の使用期間を設定する電池使用期限設定手段と、前記電池使用時間計測手段と前記電池使用期限設定手段とを比較し電池使用時間が電池使用期限に到達しているのと判定すると警告信号を出力する電圧警告判定手段と、前記電圧警告判定手段で電池使用期間経過を検出すると更に所定時間計測すると共に所定時間経過時遮断信号を出力する時間計測手段と、前記遮断手段をガス等の供給可能状態に復帰させる信号を出力する復帰手段と、前記時間計測手段で所定時間経過した時復帰信号を入力禁止とし前記遮断手段を遮断状態に保持する復帰禁止手段と、前記電圧警告手段により電池使用期間満了と判定すると表示通知する報知手段とを設けている。
【００５３】
これにより、ガス等の遮断装置の電池電源が電池使用時間計測手段により所定時間経過したのを電圧警告判定手段で検出すると電池使用期間異常と判定し、即座にガス等の需要家、ガス等の供給事業者に電池使用期間切れ異常として通知するので、異常発生時需要家が例えガス器具を使用していた場合でも、例えばガスストーブ等の暖房器具を使用していた場合突然遮断すると、再度ガスを使用するため一度ガスストーブのガスバルブを閉栓して復帰手段を操作しガス供給されねばならないが（誤ってガスバルブを開栓したまま復帰されると生ガスが排出される）、まず即座に通報することによりガス器具使用中の遮断によるトラブルを防止することができる。
【００５４】
さらに、遮断装置の交換を警報通知でき、その後、遮断装置が交換されず継続して使用されても時間計測手段により所定時間経過したのを検出すると強制的に遮断しガス等の供給を停止するので電池使用期限がはるかに経過されて使用された結果、電池容量の消耗が進み、特に冬場の寒波等による低温状態が発生し、利用者が異常なガス器具等の使用を行った結果、遮断せねばならない状況が発生した時、例えば長時間使用による使用時間遮断等に至った場合、低温状態と電池の異常な長期の使用による電池寿命末期の突然の電圧低下状態に直面し、遮断することが出来ならないように充分電池寿命末期の挙動を把握できる使用期間かどうかを監視するので安全性や信頼性、及び使い勝手が向上する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施例１の遮断装置の制御ブロック図
【図２】本発明の実施例２の遮断装置の制御ブロック図
【図３】本発明の実施例３の遮断装置の制御ブロック図
【図４】従来の遮断装置の制御ブロック図
【符号の説明】
２電池電源手段
３遮断手段
１０電池使用時間計測手段
１１電池使用期限設定手段
１２電圧警告判定手段
１３時間計測手段
１４復帰手段
１５復帰禁止手段
１６報知手段
１７流量検出手段
１８外部機器手段
１９異常判定手段
２０遮断信号遅延手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a shut-off device that ensures the safety when the power capacity of a battery power source is consumed, for example, in a shut-off device that monitors the usage state of a gas appliance that uses city gas, LP gas, or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
This type of conventional shut-off device has, for example, a gas shut-off device configured as shown in FIG. 4 as disclosed in JP-A-10-103546. FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a conventional gas shut-off device.
[0003]
In the gas shut-off device 1 of FIG. 4, reference numeral 2 denotes a battery power source, which supplies power to the entire gas shut-off device. Reference numeral 3 denotes a shut-off valve, which stops or supplies gas in the flow path.
[0004]
Reference numeral 4 denotes a voltage drop detection unit that detects a battery voltage in a consumed state in which the capacity of the battery power source 2 capable of operating the gas shut-off device 1 within a predetermined operation guarantee time is detected, and outputs a voltage drop signal A. 5 is an opening acceptance unit that accepts opening of the shut-off valve from the time when the voltage drop signal A is input, and opens when there is an opening request (opening request switch or input of an opening signal by communication). A stopper request signal C is output. A timer unit 6 counts a predetermined operation guarantee time from when the voltage drop signal A is input, and outputs a plug opening completion signal D.
[0005]
Reference numeral 7 denotes an opening function stop unit which outputs a closing stop signal E for stopping the opening according to the opening request signal C when the opening end signal D is input. Reference numeral 8 denotes a gas shut-off control unit which, when the battery voltage drop signal A or the plug stop signal E is input, closes the shut-off valve 3 and when the plug request signal C is input before the input signal of the plug stop signal E. The shut-off valve 3 is opened.
[0006]
Next, the operation of the configuration of the conventional example will be described. When the voltage drop detection unit 4 checking the consumption level of the battery power supply 2 detects the battery consumption voltage, the voltage drop signal A is output to the unplug accepting unit 5, the timer unit 6, and the gas cutoff control unit 8. The gas cutoff control unit 8 to which the voltage drop signal A has been input outputs the first cutoff command signal B1 to operate the cutoff valve 3 and close the gas passage. When the voltage drop signal A is input, the timer unit 6 starts counting, and until the timer unit 6 finishes counting for a predetermined time, there is an opening request to the opening acceptance unit 5, and the opening request signal C Is output, the gas cutoff control unit 8 opens the cutoff valve 3. When the timer unit 6 finishes counting, the plug opening end signal D is output, so the plug opening function stop unit 5 outputs the plug opening stop signal E and stops accepting the plug opening request. The gas cutoff device 1 to which the closing stop signal E is inputted outputs the second cutoff command signal B2 to close the cutoff valve 3.
[0007]
In the gas shut-off device 1 attached to the flow path through which the medium gas such as city gas or LP gas flows, the voltage drop detection unit 4 measures the voltage of the battery power source 2 at predetermined time intervals and monitors the degree of battery consumption. Yes. A lower limit voltage at which the gas shut-off device 1 can be operated is set in advance as an operation guarantee voltage, and a voltage value when the voltage is reversed for a required number of days from here is set as a battery consumption voltage. The voltage drop detection unit 4 monitors the battery voltage and detects the battery voltage when the battery is consumed. That is, after the battery consumption voltage is detected for the required number of days, the shutoff valve 3 can be opened only during the period when the voltage of the battery power supply 2 drops to the operation guarantee voltage, and a grace period is provided until the gas shutoff device 1 is replaced. Is.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional configuration has the following problems. Although the gas shut-off device has a function of measuring the gas flow rate, the measuring unit has a usage period limitation, but the voltage drop detection unit 4 does not always detect the battery voltage in a predetermined consumption state when the usage period expires. If it is used without replacement, the electronic circuit of the gas shut-off device has expired, and when a low battery condition occurs after that, the circuit components are placed before the battery. If it has reached the end of its life, it is assumed that it cannot be shut off. As a result, if an abnormal use of the gas appliance occurs, it cannot be shut off, and there is no danger warning indication such as gas leakage, so you may forget to replace it. As a result, there are problems such as leading to the above-mentioned troubles, and this content is not disclosed.
[0009]
The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems. For example, even if the battery voltage does not reach a lowered state, the battery usage period is measured, and when the expiration date of the battery is detected, a warning is displayed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a safety and highly reliable shut-off device that can safely use gas appliances and monitor their condition.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides a battery power supply means for supplying power, a shutoff means for supplying or shutting off a medium such as gas, and a battery usage time for measuring a usage time since the start of supply of the battery power supply means. When the measurement means, the battery expiration date setting means for setting the usage period of the battery power supply means, the battery usage time measurement means and the battery expiration date setting means are compared, and it is determined that the battery usage time has reached the battery expiration date Voltage warning determination means for outputting a warning signal, time measurement means for measuring a predetermined time when the battery warning period has been detected in the voltage warning determination stage, and a return for outputting a signal for returning the shut-off means to a gas supplyable state. And a return prohibiting means for prohibiting the input of a return signal when a predetermined time has passed by the time measuring means and performing a shutoff output to the shutoff means.
[0011]
As a result, the battery usage time measurement means measures the elapsed time from the start of use of the battery power supply, and the voltage warning determination means monitors whether the battery usage time has reached the expiration date of the battery expiration date setting means. When the time is detected, the time measurement means starts measuring the time, and the voltage warning determination means first outputs an abnormal battery expiration date. It is possible to notify the necessity of replacement of the equipment, and even if a business operator such as gas forgets to replace it, it will be shut down after a predetermined time by the time measuring means, and it will be shut down so that gas etc. can not be used again Can strongly encourage exchanges to consumers and consumers. In addition, even if the battery expiration date has passed, the battery voltage drops due to factors such as a sudden drop in the temperature in winter, and even if a warning is displayed, the problem that it cannot be shut off after a predetermined period can be eliminated. This prevents the safety monitoring function from operating normally and improves safety and reliability.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention achieves the above-described object by using battery power supply means for supplying power, shut-off means for supplying and shutting off a medium such as gas, and battery use time for measuring the use time from the start of supply of the battery power supply means. The battery use time has reached the battery use time by comparing the measurement means, the battery use time setting means for setting the use period of the battery power supply means, and the battery use time measurement means and the battery use time setting means. A voltage warning determination unit that outputs a warning signal when it is determined, a time measurement unit that further measures a predetermined time when the battery warning period has been detected by the voltage warning determination unit, and outputs a cutoff signal when the predetermined time has elapsed, and the cutoff A return means for outputting a signal for returning the means to a supplyable state of gas, etc., and input of the return signal when a predetermined time has elapsed by the time measuring means and prohibiting the input of the shut-off means Consisting of a return inhibition means for holding.
[0013]
Then, the elapsed time from the start of use of the battery power source is measured by the battery usage time measuring means, and the battery usage time is monitored by the comparison means to determine whether the battery usage time limit setting means has been reached. In addition to starting the time measurement by the measuring means, first the battery warning expiration means is output by the voltage warning determining means, the abnormality is displayed, and the battery voltage abnormality notification is given to the consumer, so that the gas or other shut-off device can be replaced. Even if a gas business operator forgets to replace it, it can be shut down after a predetermined time has passed by the time measuring means, and it can be shut down so that it cannot be used again. The exchange is strongly encouraged.
[0014]
Moreover, even if the battery expiration date has passed, the battery voltage drops due to factors such as a sudden drop in the temperature in winter, and even if a warning is displayed, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that the battery cannot be shut off after a predetermined period. For example, when gas appliances are used at the customer's house after the expiration date of the battery, when using a heating device such as a gas stove in the winter, when the temperature drops suddenly due to cold waves, etc., the degree of battery voltage consumption is the battery capacity. May be drastically reduced compared to when there is a sufficient amount of gas, and when the gas stove is used for an abnormally long period of time, it is necessary to cut off the operating time, but there is no problem that it cannot be cut off due to battery consumption. Can safely use gas appliances.
[0015]
Furthermore, the elapsed time after the battery drops is counted by the time measuring means, and if the shut-off device such as gas is not replaced for any reason during that time, it is expected that the battery voltage will be further reduced, and the gas will continue It is dangerous to safely monitor the usage status of equipment. Therefore, by shutting off with the shut-off means after the lapse of a predetermined time, and prohibiting the return receipt of the shut-off means for the supply of gas etc. so that the customer can not use the gas appliances etc. by mistake, and maintaining the shut-off state This prevents the safety monitoring function from malfunctioning due to battery power consumption and improves safety and reliability.
[0016]
Furthermore, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention achieves the above-mentioned object, such as flow rate detection means for detecting the flow rate of gas, etc., external device means for detecting leakage of gas, etc., battery power supply means for supplying power, supply of gas medium, Blocking means for cutting off, battery usage time measuring means for measuring usage time from the start of supply of the battery power supply means, battery expiration date setting means for setting a usage period of the battery power supply means, and battery usage time measurement Voltage warning determination means that outputs a warning signal when it is determined that the battery usage time has reached the battery expiration date, and the battery warning period has been detected by the voltage warning determination means. Then, a time measuring means for measuring a predetermined time and outputting a cut-off signal when the predetermined time has elapsed, and determining whether or not the observation value detected by the flow rate detecting means is an abnormal usage amount is determined. When an abnormality such as a gas leak is detected by an external device means, an abnormality determination means for driving the shut-off means, a return means for outputting a signal for returning the shut-off means to a gas supplyable state, and the time measuring means for a predetermined time When the time elapses or during the predetermined time measurement by the time measuring means, the abnormality determining means prohibits input of a return signal at the time of abnormality detection, and comprises return prohibiting means for holding the shut-off means in a shut-off state.
[0017]
Then, the elapsed time from the start of use of the battery power source is measured by the battery usage time measuring means, and the battery usage time is monitored by the comparison means to determine whether the battery usage time limit setting means has been reached. While the time measurement by the measuring means is started, the battery warning expiration means is immediately notified by the voltage warning determination means to notify the consumer or the operator such as gas, and the battery expiration date abnormal state is notified, but the time is being measured. When abnormal use of gas appliances is detected by the flow rate detection means or abnormality determination means, and when a heating device such as a gas stove is used in winter, a sudden temperature drop occurs due to cold waves, etc. And if the battery expiration date has passed far, the battery voltage consumption will be repeated many times to accelerate the battery voltage consumption and the voltage will drop suddenly. That. Under such circumstances, if the gas stove is used abnormally for a long time, it is assumed that the usage time cannot be cut off, but there is no such trouble, and the expiration date set value is in a state where the battery capacity is sufficiently secured. Therefore, consumers can use gas appliances with peace of mind.
[0018]
In addition, if the time measurement means counts the elapsed time from the battery expiration date to the replacement of the shut-off device, but the gas appliances are used abnormally at the customer's house during that time, for example, the gas appliances etc. When the battery is used for a long time, it is detected by the abnormality determination means and the supply of gas or the like is stopped by the shut-off means. However, if the shut-off means is driven frequently after the battery expiration date, the battery capacity until replacement is secured. That said, there is a problem in safety monitoring of the use state of the gas appliance by continuously accelerating the voltage drop due to further consumption of the battery voltage. Therefore, safety and reliability are improved by prohibiting the return acceptance of the shut-off means for supplying gas etc. and maintaining the shut-off state so that the customer cannot use gas appliances etc. by mistake.
[0019]
Furthermore, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention achieves the above-described object by providing a flow rate detecting means for detecting a flow rate of gas or the like, a blocking means for supplying or blocking a medium such as gas, a battery power supply means for supplying power, and the battery power supply means. The battery usage time measuring means for measuring the usage time from the start of supply of the battery, the battery usage time limit setting means for setting the usage period of the battery power supply means, the battery usage time measurement means and the battery usage time limit setting means are compared. When it is determined that the battery usage time has reached the battery expiration date, a voltage warning determination unit that outputs a warning signal, and when the battery warning period has been detected by the voltage warning determination unit, a predetermined time is measured and a predetermined time has elapsed. A time measuring means for outputting a shut-off signal to the shut-off means, and determining whether or not the observation value detected by the flow rate detecting means is an abnormal usage amount. An abnormality determining means for driving the shut-off means when an abnormality is detected, and a shut-off signal delay means for delaying the shut-off signal output from the time measuring means until the flow rate is detected below a predetermined value from the output signal of the flow rate detecting means; , A return means for outputting a signal for returning the shutoff means to a gas supplyable state, and an abnormality detection by the abnormality determination means when a predetermined time has passed by the time measurement means or during a predetermined time measurement by the time measurement means It is composed of return prohibiting means for prohibiting input of the time return signal and holding the shutting means in a shut-off state.
[0020]
The battery usage time measurement means measures the elapsed time from the start of battery power use, and the voltage warning determination means monitors whether the battery usage time has reached the battery expiration date setting means and detects that it has reached Then, time measurement is started by the time measurement means, and a warning signal is immediately output and a battery expiration date warning is displayed or communication is made to quickly notify the consumer or gas business operator that the battery has expired. By using a telephone line, etc., by means of reporting to the safety center of the gas business operator, etc., and by recognizing that the battery has expired by shutting off the supply of gas, etc., the business operator can quickly respond to the replacement of the shutdown device. In addition, a battery expiration date signal is output to the return prohibiting means, and a shut-off signal is output when the time measuring means has passed a predetermined time. If the flow rate signal is detected by the flow rate detection means and the flow rate signal is determined to be greater than or equal to the predetermined value by the cutoff signal delay means, the customer is using the gas appliance etc. The battery expiration date is delayed by delaying the output of the shut-off signal, that is, by delaying the detection until the time when the use is stopped so as not to be exposed to cold water due to gas stoppage while using a gas appliance such as a shower. Usability, safety and reliability at the time are improved.
[0021]
【Example】
Hereinafter, although the Example of this invention is described with a gas interruption | blocking apparatus, this invention may be interruption | blocking apparatuses, such as not only gas but water supply, electric power, and combustion fuel. The first, second, and third embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. FIG. 1, 2, and 3, the same reference numerals are given to components having the same functions as those in FIG. 4.
[0022]
(Example 1)
1 is a gas shut-off device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, 9 is a control device for the gas shut-off device, 10 is a battery usage time measuring means, and measures and monitors the usage time after the start of power supply of the battery power means 2 To do. Reference numeral 11 denotes a battery expiration date setting means for setting the expiration date of a battery mounted on the control device 9 of the gas cutoff device. Normally, the gas shut-off device control device 9 has a measuring unit designated as 10 years by the measurement method or the like, and has ensured reliability durability of at least 10 years so that the time setting of 10 years can be set. Reference numeral 12 denotes voltage warning determination means, which compares the measured time of the battery usage time measuring means 10 with the expiration date set value of the battery expiration date setting means 11 to determine whether or not the battery usage time has reached the set expiration date value. If it is determined and it is determined that the expiration date of the battery power supply means 2 has been reached, a notification signal of a battery expiration date warning is output to notify that the battery has expired.
[0023]
The voltage warning determination means 12 also monitors the voltage of the battery power supply means 2 and monitors whether the normal voltage is supplied or is in a lowered state. Reference numeral 13 denotes time measurement means. When the battery warning expiration signal is output from the voltage warning determination means 12, it starts counting the time that the gas shut-off device can be used after the battery expiration date. That is, the time during which the safety monitoring of the usage state of the gas appliance can be performed in a normal voltage range is performed. Reference numeral 14 denotes a return means which, when operated, outputs a return signal from the shut-off means 3 to start gas supply to the shut-off means 3. Reference numeral 15 denotes a return prohibiting means, which determines whether or not to output a return signal from the return means 14 to the shut-off means 3, and if not in a return-prohibited state, outputs a return signal to open the shut-off means 3 to enable gas supply. . When the measurement of the usable time is completed by the time measuring means 13, that is, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the input of the return instruction signal from the return means 14 to the return prohibiting means 15 is prohibited, and the cutoff means 3 remains in the cutoff state. maintain. 16 is a notification means for displaying a battery expiration date warning state, for example, a display means comprising an LCD element or an LED element, or having a communication function (not shown) using a public telephone line or the like. The battery's expiration date is reported to the person's security center.
[0024]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. A gas shut-off device is installed to monitor the use of gas appliances by gas consumers, but the battery capacity is usually designed for 10 years. The control device 9 is composed of highly reliable electronic circuit components that can operate for 10 years. Therefore, when the power supply from the battery power supply means 2 is started, the battery usage time is such that it has a capability of reliability of at least 10 years and is not erroneously used for an unreliable and abnormal long period. The measuring means 10 measures the usage time (elapsed time) since the start of supply.
[0025]
On the other hand, the battery expiration date setting means 11 sets the expiration date as the battery power source of the control device 9 of the gas cutoff device by means such as communication (not shown). The voltage warning determination unit 12 compares the measurement time of the battery usage time measurement unit 10 with the set period value of the battery usage time limit setting unit 11 and monitors whether the elapsed time since the start of use has reached the set value. .
[0026]
When the voltage warning determination means 12 detects that the use limit time has been reached, it outputs a battery expiration date signal to the time measurement means 13 and the return prohibition means 15. In addition, the voltage warning determination unit 12 outputs a warning signal to the notification unit 16 when detecting the battery expiration date. The notification means 16 displays the battery expiration date on the LCD element or LED element. In addition, inform the gas supply company of abnormal battery expiration status via a telephone line.
[0027]
On the other hand, when the time measuring means 13 detects the battery expiry state, the time measuring means 13 counts the time until the gas shut-off device is replaced. That is, the usable time of the gas shut-off device after the battery usage period expires is measured. When the predetermined time is counted, the return prohibiting means 15 is prohibited from accepting a signal from the returning means 14 and when the gas supply is stopped by the shutting means 3 due to abnormal use of the gas appliance, the shutting means 3 is shut off by the returning means 14. Driving is prohibited.
[0028]
That is, by this, the gas supply is stopped thereafter to notify that the safe useable time of the gas shut-off device has elapsed and to prompt the replacement measure. Although the battery power supply means 2 is also monitored for voltage by the battery warning determination means 12, there may be a case where a sufficient capacity remains even after a predetermined period of time has passed. Issue a period elapse warning in preference to.
[0029]
In this way, when the voltage warning determination means 12 detects that the battery power source of the gas shut-off device has passed a predetermined time by the battery usage time measurement means 10, it is determined that the battery usage period is abnormal, and the gas customer or gas supply company immediately If the customer is using a gas appliance, for example, when using a heater such as a gas stove, the gas will be used again if it is suddenly shut off. Therefore, once the gas valve of the gas stove is closed and the return means 14 is operated, the gas must be supplied. First, an immediate notification is made to prevent troubles caused by shut-off during use of the gas appliance, and the replacement of the gas shut-off device is warned. Can be notified.
[0030]
After that, even if the gas shut-off device is used continuously without being replaced, if the time measuring means 13 detects that a predetermined time has elapsed, it is forcibly shut off and the gas supply is stopped, so that the battery expiration date has passed far and it is used. As a result, the battery capacity is exhausted, especially when a low temperature condition occurs due to cold waves in winter, etc., and there is a situation that the user must shut off as a result of using abnormal gas appliances, for example, due to long-term use Understand the behavior at the end of the battery life so that it will not be possible to shut down due to sudden low voltage conditions at the end of the battery life due to low temperature conditions and abnormal long-term use of the battery when the usage time is cut off Since it is monitored whether it can be used, the safety, reliability, and usability are improved.
[0031]
(Example 2)
FIG. 2 shows a gas cutoff device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 2, components having the same functions as those in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG.
[0032]
FIG. 2 shows a gas shut-off device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 17 denotes a flow rate detecting means for detecting the amount of gas used. For example, the flow rate detection means is a flow rate measurement method by measuring propagation time using an ultrasonic element, a flow rate measurement method by measuring flow oscillation utilizing the Coanda effect, or a membrane type measurement. There is also a method of measuring the gas amount by the unit. 18 is an external device means, for example, a gas leak alarm for detecting a gas leak, a seismic sensing means for detecting an earthquake, or a pressure detecting means for detecting a gas pressure to detect a gas leak or an earthquake. When a gas pressure is detected, a signal is output. Reference numeral 19 denotes an abnormality determination means, which detects, for example, that one gas appliance has been used for an abnormally long time from the gas usage state detected by the flow rate detection means 17, or detects a gas leak with the external device means 18. When an earthquake is detected, it is determined whether or not the earthquake has a predetermined intensity or higher, and when it is determined that the earthquake has a predetermined intensity or higher, a cutoff signal for stopping gas supply is output to the cutoff means 3.
[0033]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. A gas shut-off device is installed, power supply is started from the battery power supply means 2, the usage time is measured by the battery usage time measurement means 10, and the gas appliance usage state of the gas consumer is monitored by the flow rate detection means 17 and the external device means 18. .
[0034]
When abnormal use is detected by the abnormality determination means 19 during the use, for example, when it is detected that the gas stove has been used for an abnormal long time, a cutoff signal is output to the cutoff means 3 to stop the gas supply. In this way, when the elapsed time measured by the battery usage time measuring means 10 while monitoring the usage state of the gas appliance, etc. reaches the battery usage time setting means 11, the voltage warning determination means 12 becomes the battery power supply means. The battery expiration date signal is output assuming that the battery capacity of 2 approaches the limit at which the shut-off means 3 can be driven with a margin. The battery expiration date signal is input to the time measuring means 13 and the return prohibiting means 15. Further, the voltage warning determination unit 12 outputs a warning signal to the notification unit 16 when detecting the battery expiration date. The warning means 16 displays a warning message indicating that the battery expiration date has elapsed, using an LCD element, an LED element, or the like. Furthermore, it notifies the gas supply company of the abnormal condition of the battery expiration date via a telephone line, etc., and makes a request to replace the gas shutoff device.
[0035]
Further, the time measuring means 13 counts the time when the battery usage time elapsed signal state is detected, and measures the usable time of the gas shut-off device after the battery usage time limit, that is, the grace period until the replacement. When the predetermined time is counted, the signal reception from the return means 14 is prohibited to the return prohibiting means 15 and a shutoff output is given to the shutting means 3. As a result, by stopping the gas supply thereafter, it is notified that the safe useable time of the gas shut-off device has elapsed.
[0036]
Here, after receiving the battery expiration date signal, during the time counting by the time measuring means 13, the use state of the gas appliance of the consumer is detected by the flow rate detecting means 17 or the external device means 18, and the use state is abnormal. Although it is monitored by the judging means 19, when an abnormal state is detected, the time counting of the time measuring means 13 is stopped at that time and the gas use prohibited state is set. That is, after receiving the battery usage period elapsed signal, during the time counting by the time measuring means 13, for example, if a gas stove or the like is used for an abnormally long time or the gas hose is displaced for some reason, an abnormally high flow rate flows. When such a state is detected by the abnormality determination means 19, a cutoff output is output to the cutoff means 3 and a cutoff notification is sent to the return prohibition means 15.
[0037]
Thereafter, even if the return output of the shut-off means 3 is input from the return means 14, the shut-off state is maintained and the return signal input is prohibited. The customer and the gas supplier are notified via the notification means 16 that the gas cannot be supplied unless the gas shut-off device itself is replaced thereafter. Although the battery power supply means 2 is also monitored for voltage by the battery warning determination means 12, there may be a case where a sufficient capacity remains even after a predetermined period of time has passed. Issue a period elapse warning in preference to.
[0038]
In this way, since the battery power supply of the control device 9 of the gas shut-off device measures the usage time by the battery usage time measuring means 10 since the start of supply, the voltage indicating whether or not the usage expiration date set in the battery expiration date setting means 11 has been reached. When it is detected by the warning determination means 12 that the battery has passed, it is determined that the battery usage time has elapsed abnormally and immediately notifies the gas consumer and the gas supplier of the battery usage period elapsed abnormality. Even if a customer uses a gas appliance, for example, if a heater such as a gas stove is used, and suddenly shuts off, the gas stove's gas valve is once closed to use the gas again, and the return means 14 is The gas must be operated and supplied, but troubles due to shut-off while using gas appliances can be prevented by reporting immediately.
[0039]
After that, even if the battery expiration date has come and the gas shut-off device is used continuously without being replaced, the flow rate detection means 17 is used to count the gas appliance while the time measurement means 13 is counting for a predetermined time. When an abnormal use state is detected, or when a gas leak or CO leak is detected by the external device means 18 or a strong earthquake is detected by the seismic sensor, the shut-off means 3 is driven to stop the gas supply, and the time The counting of the measuring means time 13 is stopped, and a shutoff signal is notified to the return prohibiting means 15 to prohibit the return so that the gas cannot be used again.
[0040]
In such a case, driving the shut-off means 3 consumes a large amount of battery power, making it difficult to accurately monitor the use state of the gas appliance. Then, the opening operation of the shut-off means 3 is prohibited via the return means 14 and the shut-off state is maintained. Therefore, it is possible to prevent normal safety monitoring from being performed when the battery has expired, and particularly when the gas shut-off device is not replaced and the consumption progresses to the extent that most of the battery capacity is consumed. When it occurs, the total flow rate is shut off when an abnormal usage state such as gas hose disconnection is detected, but if the battery capacity is at the end of its life, it can be considered that the voltage suddenly drops and it can not be shut off . However, when the battery usage time is measured by the usage time measuring means 10 and the battery capacity is sufficiently secured, the battery expiration date can be determined in a state where the behavior leading to the battery drop can be grasped even if a sudden temperature change occurs. Since it is set, it will not be in a state that can not be shut off, and even if a warning is given about the battery expiration date, abnormal gas appliances will be used many times afterwards, so that the battery capacity will not be consumed abnormally When a shut-off event due to an abnormality is detected, the shut-off is immediately performed, and it is not possible to return again, and the replacement of the gas shut-off device is promoted, so the safety and usability are greatly improved.
[0041]
(Example 3)
FIG. 3 shows a gas shut-off device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. 3, components having the same functions as those in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG.
[0042]
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 20 denotes a cutoff signal delay means, which outputs a battery expiration date signal from the voltage warning determination means 12. When the time measurement means 13 further counts the grace period until the gas cutoff device is replaced, a predetermined time elapses. Although a shut-off signal is output, the flow rate detection means 17 determines whether or not a flow signal for use of a gas appliance is output. Output.
[0043]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. The gas shut-off device is installed and the usage time since the start of power supply of the battery power supply means 2 is measured, and the gas appliance usage state of the gas consumer is monitored by the flow rate detection means 17 and the external device means 18. When abnormal use is detected by the abnormality determining means 19 during the use of the gas appliance, for example, when it is detected that the gas stove has been used for an abnormal long time, a cutoff signal is output to the cutoff means 3 and the gas supply is stopped. When the voltage warning determination means 12 detects that the usage time of the battery power supply means 2 has reached the set value of the battery expiration date setting means 11 under such usage monitoring conditions of the gas appliance, a battery expiration date signal is output. Is done.
[0044]
The battery expiration date signal output from the voltage warning determination unit 12 is input to the time measurement unit 13, the return prohibition unit 15, and the notification unit 16. The time measuring means 13 counts the time between the grace period until the replacement of the gas shut-off device when the battery expiration date is input. When a gas company inadvertently forgets to replace it and a predetermined time elapses in the time measuring means 13, a shut-off signal is output. The cutoff signal is output to the cutoff means 3 via the cutoff signal delay means 20. The cutoff signal delay means 20 determines the output signal of the flow rate detection means 17, and if the flow rate signal is input, the consumer determines that the gas appliance is in use and delays the output of the cutoff signal. Thereafter, when the gas consumer stops the gas appliance and detects from the flow rate detection means 17 that the flow rate signal is less than or equal to a predetermined value, it determines that the use of the gas appliance is stopped, and outputs a cutoff signal to the cutoff means 3 to output the gas flow path. Shut off the gas supply. In this way, the gas supply is stopped thereafter to notify that the exchangeable grace period has elapsed.
[0045]
When it is determined that there is an abnormality, a cutoff signal is output to the cutoff unit 3 and a cutoff notification is sent to the return prohibition unit 16. Thereafter, even if the return output of the shut-off means 3 is input from the return means 15, the shut-off state is maintained and the return signal input is prohibited. The customer and the gas supplier are notified through the notification means 17 that the gas cannot be supplied unless the gas shut-off device itself is replaced thereafter.
[0046]
Further, the time measuring means 13 counts the time until the replacement of the gas shut-off device, and when the predetermined time is counted, the return prohibiting means 15 is prohibited from accepting the signal from the returning means 14 and the shut-off means 3 is shut off. However, if a gas customer uses a gas appliance such as a shower by suddenly outputting a cut-off signal, discomfort such as bathing in cold water will occur, but wait until the gas appliance is stopped. Since it shuts off after detecting the stop of use, it is easy to use when the battery expiration date expires.
[0047]
When the voltage warning determination means 12 outputs a battery expiration date signal, the notification means 16 displays an abnormal battery expiration date on the LCD element or LED element. In addition, inform the gas supply company of abnormal battery usage expiration status via a telephone line.
[0048]
As a result, a warning is displayed by the notification means 16 or a communication means (not shown) uses a public telephone line to report an abnormality to the gas company's security center. Immediately when you notice an abnormality, you can take measures such as replacing the gas shut-off device. Although the battery power supply means 2 is also monitored for voltage by the battery warning determination means 12, there may be a case where a sufficient capacity remains even after a predetermined period of time has passed. Issue a period elapse warning in preference to.
[0049]
In this way, the elapsed time from the start of use of the battery power source is measured by the battery usage time measurement means, and the battery warning time is monitored by the voltage warning determination means to determine whether or not the expiration date of the battery expiration date setting means has been reached. When the time is detected, the time measurement means starts measuring the time, and the voltage warning determination means immediately displays the battery expiration date warning by the notification means so as to quickly notify the consumer or the gas company that the battery has expired. By using a telephone line, etc., or a communication means to notify the gas company's safety center and let the gas company recognize the expiration date of the battery due to cut off of the gas supply, and promptly replace the gas cutoff device. Can be done.
[0050]
In addition, a battery expiration date signal is output to the return prohibiting means, and a shut-off signal is output when the time measuring means has passed a predetermined time. At this time, the flow rate detecting means determines whether the gas appliance is being used at the customer's house. When the signal is detected and, as a result, the shutoff signal delay means determines that the flow rate signal is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the consumer delays the output of the shutoff signal while using the gas appliance, that is, uses a gas appliance such as a shower. By delaying until the time of use stoppage is detected so as not to be exposed to cold water due to sudden gas stoppage during operation, usability, safety and reliability when the battery expiration date has passed are improved.
[0051]
Although not shown, the setting of the expiration date set by the battery expiration date setting means and the setting of the predetermined time for counting the time by the time measurement means may be set from a gas supply company through a telephone line. For example, each setting is made according to the local climate and the actual situation of the user.
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the battery power supply means for supplying power, the shut-off means for supplying and shutting off a medium such as gas, and the battery use for measuring the usage time from the start of supply of the battery power supply means The time measurement means, the battery use time limit setting means for setting the use period of the battery power supply means, the battery use time measurement means and the battery use time limit setting means are compared, and the battery use time has reached the battery use time limit. A voltage warning determination means for outputting a warning signal when it is determined that there is a time measurement means for further measuring a predetermined time when the battery warning period has been detected by the voltage warning determination means and outputting a cutoff signal when the predetermined time has elapsed; A return means for outputting a signal for returning the shut-off means to a gas supplyable state, and the input of the return signal when a predetermined time has passed by the time measuring means is prohibited and the shut-off means is shut off. Are provided with notification means for notifying displayed is determined that the battery service life expires by return inhibition unit and the voltage warning means for holding the.
[0053]
As a result, when the voltage warning determination means detects that the battery power source of the shut-off device for gas or the like has passed a predetermined time by the battery usage time measurement means, it is determined that the battery usage period is abnormal, Since the battery provider is notified of an abnormal battery life, even if the customer is using a gas appliance even when the abnormality occurs, for example, if a heater such as a gas stove is used, suddenly shut off the gas, In order to use the gas stove, the gas valve of the gas stove must be closed once and the return means must be operated to supply gas (if the gas valve is opened with the gas valve opened by mistake, the raw gas will be exhausted), but immediately report it. Therefore, it is possible to prevent troubles caused by interruption during use of the gas appliance.
[0054]
Furthermore, it is possible to notify the replacement of the shut-off device, and then forcibly shut off and stop the supply of gas etc. when it is detected that a predetermined time has elapsed by the time measuring means even if the shut-off device is not replaced and continues to be used. As a result, the battery has been used for a long time, and as a result, the battery capacity has been depleted. In particular, a low temperature condition has occurred due to cold waves in the winter and the user has used abnormal gas appliances. When there is a situation that must be done, for example, when the usage time is cut off due to long-term use, etc., facing a sudden voltage drop at the end of the battery life due to low temperature and abnormal long-term use of the battery, shut off Therefore, safety, reliability, and usability are improved because it is monitored whether the usage period is sufficient to grasp the behavior at the end of the battery life.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a shutoff device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a shutoff device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of a cutoff device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of a conventional shut-off device
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Battery power supply means
3 Blocking means
10 Battery usage time measurement means
11 Battery expiration date setting means
12 Voltage warning judgment means
13 Time measurement means
14 Return means
15 Return prohibition means
16 Notification means
17 Flow rate detection means
18 External equipment means
19 Abnormality determination means
20 Blocking signal delay means

Claims

Battery power supply means for supplying power, shut-off means for supplying and shutting off the medium, battery usage time measuring means for measuring usage time from the start of supply of the battery power supply means, and expiration date of the battery power supply means are set The battery expiration date setting means, the battery usage time measurement means, and the battery expiration date setting means are compared, and when it is determined that the battery usage time has reached the battery expiration date, a voltage warning determination means that outputs a warning signal And a time measurement unit that starts measuring a predetermined time when the battery warning period has been detected by the voltage warning determination unit and outputs a cut-off signal when the predetermined time has passed, and a return signal for returning the cut-off unit to a supplyable state And a return prohibiting means for prohibiting input of the return signal and maintaining the shut-off means in a shut-off state when a predetermined time elapses by the time measuring means. The shut-off device.

A flow rate detection means for detecting a flow rate, an external device means for detecting leakage, etc., and whether or not the observation value detected by the flow rate detection means is an abnormal usage amount and determining an abnormality, or leakage by the external device means, etc. An abnormality determining means for driving the shut-off means when an abnormality is detected, and the return prohibiting means is detected by the abnormality determining means when the predetermined time has elapsed by the time measuring means or during the predetermined time measurement by the time measuring means. 2. The shut-off device according to claim 1, wherein the return signal is prohibited from being input and the shut-off means is held in the shut-off state.

Detected by the flow rate detection means for detecting the flow rate, the cutoff signal delay means for delaying the cutoff signal output from the time measuring means until the flow rate is detected below the predetermined value from the output signal of the flow rate detection means, and the flow rate detection means And determining whether or not the observed value is an abnormal usage amount, and when determining the abnormality or detecting an abnormality such as leakage with the external device means, the abnormality determining means for driving the shut-off means, the return prohibiting means is a time measuring means 2. The shutoff device according to claim 1, wherein when the predetermined time elapses or when the abnormality determination means detects an abnormality during the predetermined time measurement by the time measurement means, the input of the return signal is prohibited and the shutoff means is held in the shutoff state.