JP4674008B2

JP4674008B2 - Gas shut-off device

Info

Publication number: JP4674008B2
Application number: JP2001219488A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 浩一植木; 薫大西; 二郎水越; 昇磯野; 幸治牧
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2001-07-19
Filing date: 2001-07-19
Publication date: 2011-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 2021-07-19
Also published as: JP2003028400A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、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ガス遮断装置において、電池電源の電池容量消耗時の安全性を確保するガス遮断装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
ガス遮断装置における供給電源として電池が使用されており、この電池の残容量が低下した状態にあると、異常時のガス遮断が行えなくなり、安全性を確保できない。そこで、所定値以下の低電圧を検出したときに遮断動作を行い開栓機能を停止する遮断制御機能を持つものがある。この種の従来のガス遮断装置は、例えば特開平１０−１０３５４６号公報に示されるようなものが知られている。図５はこのガス遮断装置の機能ブロック図である。
【０００３】
図５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１全体に電源を供給する。３は遮断弁で、流路でのガス媒体の供給を停止（遮断）したり、遮断状態から復帰したりする。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を検出して電圧低下信号Ａを出力する。５は開栓受付部で、電圧低下信号Ａが入力されたときから遮断弁３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）があったときに開栓要求信号Ｃを出力する。６はタイマ部で、電圧低下信号Ａが入力されたとき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。
【０００４】
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開栓停止信号Ｅを出力する。８はガス遮断制御部で、電圧低下信号Ａまたは開栓停止信号Ｅが入力されたときに遮断弁３を閉栓動作させ、開栓停止信号Ｅの入力依然に開栓要求信号Ｃが入力されたときには、遮断弁３を開栓させる。
【０００５】
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１の遮断命令信号Ｂ₁を出力して遮断弁３を閉栓動作させ、ガス通路を遮断する。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が終了する迄の間に、開栓受付部５に開栓要求があり、開栓要求信号Ｃが出力されたときには、ガス遮断制御部８は遮断弁３を開栓する。タイマ部６でカウントが終了したとき、開栓終了信号Ｄが出力されるので、開栓機能停止部７は開栓停止信号Ｅを出力して開栓要求の受付を停止する。開栓停止信号Ｅが入力されたガス遮断装置１は、第２の遮断命令信号Ｂ₂を出力して遮断弁３を閉栓動作させ、ガス通路を遮断する。
【０００６】
都市ガス、ＬＰガス等のガス媒体の通路に取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の電圧を測定して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とき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低電圧を検出する。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までに低下する期間だけ遮断弁３の開栓を可能にし、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。
【０００７】
【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のような問題点があった。
【０００８】
冬季に入りガス遮断装置１が氷点下等の低温環境となり、さらに寒波等による異常低温状態になったときに電圧低下検出部４により電池電源２の電圧値を測定すると、昼間の気温の高いときに測定した場合に比較して電圧値が低くなっている場合がある。その場合、実際の電池消費量が少ないのに電圧低下検出部４で検出された電圧を消耗状態の電池電圧と誤判定して電圧低下信号Ａを出力し、タイマ部６がカウント開始すると共に、ガス遮断制御部８により遮断弁３を駆動しガス供給停止を行うということが想定される。この誤判定のために例えば需要家が、煮炊き等の調理でガス器具を使用している場合に第１の遮断命令信号Ｂ₁によって突然遮断されたり、またタイマカウント中には動作保証電圧までは回線要求信号Ｃの出力によって遮断弁３を開栓することで使用再開できても、タイマが経過してしまうと第２の遮断命令信号Ｂ₂によって遮断されてしまい、ガス遮断装置１を交換するまでは使用できないので、使い勝手が悪いという問題点がある。
【０００９】
本発明は上記問題点を解決するもので、電池電源の電圧低下異常と判定されても、再確認により電池消耗による電圧低下か誤判定による電圧低下かを判定し、誤判定時には異常解除により使用再開できるようにし、安全を確保しつつ使い勝手を向上させて信頼性の高いガス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】
上記目的を達成するために本発明は、電池電源手段の供給電圧を電圧検出手段で監視し、所定値以下の低電圧を検出したときに電圧低下異常と判定し、その判定後に時間計測手段で所定時間を計測して所定時間が経過すれば、復帰禁止手段が復帰手段からの復帰信号を入力禁止として遮断手段に遮断出力を行うが、操作入力手段や通信手段により電圧検出手段を再駆動し、電圧検出手段が正常電圧を検出すると時間計測手段で時間計測中ならば時間計測を停止すると共に、時間経過して復帰禁止手段の復帰禁止状態ならばそれを解除する電圧異常解除手段とからなる構成にしている。
【００１１】
このことにより、冬季一時的な異常低温気象等の影響で、電圧検出手段により電池電源の供給電圧が所定値以下の低電圧であるのを検出し電圧低下異常と判定されても、ガス事業者等が操作入力手段を操作したり、あるいは通信手段がガス事業者の保安センタ等からの電池電圧確認電文を受信すると、電圧検出手段を駆動して電池電源手段の電圧を再確認できる。そして正常電圧が検出された場合には、電池容量は充分あると再判定し、電圧異常解除手段によって、時間計測手段での時間計測を停止させると共に、所定時間が経過して遮断手段により遮断状態になっている場合には復帰禁止手段の復帰禁止状態を解除して復帰可能つまりガス使用可能状態にするので、需要家がガス器具で調理中に誤判定により時間経過しガス停止されガス使用不可能状態になっていても、再確認によりそれが正常電圧であれば、遮断状態からの復帰が可能となるためガス使用再開でき使い勝手が向上する。
【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、ガス媒体の遮断や復帰を行う遮断手段と、前記電池電源手段の供給電圧を監視し所定値以下の低電圧を検出すると電圧低下異常と判定する電圧検出手段と、前記電圧検出手段で電圧低下異常と判定したときから所定時間を計測し、所定時間が経過すると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供給可能状態に復帰させる復帰信号を出力する復帰手段と、前記時間計測手段で前記所定時間が経過すれば前記復帰信号を入力禁止とすると共に、入力禁止でない場合には前記復帰信号を出力する復帰禁止手段と、外部操作により電圧検出手段に駆動信号を出力する操作入力手段と、前記操作入力手段からの駆動信号により電圧検出手段が駆動され、正常電圧を検出すると時間計測手段の時間計測を停止させると共に、復帰禁止手段の復帰禁止状態を解除する電圧異常解除手段とを備えている。
【００１３】
上記構成により、冬季一時的な異常低温気象等の影響で、電圧検出手段により電池電源の供給電圧が所定値以下の低電圧であるのを検出し電圧低下異常と判定され、時間計測手段で所定時間が経過すれば、以降は復帰禁止手段により復帰禁止状態となっているが、ガス遮断装置上のスイッチ操作等によってガス事業者等が電池電源手段の電圧確認操作を行うと、操作入力手段でのスイッチ操作指示により電圧検出手段を駆動して電池電源手段の電圧を、環境要因による電圧低下か電池消耗による本来の電圧低下かを再確認できる。そして特に電池容量が少ない期間ならば再確認時に正常電圧が検出されるが、正常電圧が検出された場合には、電池容量は充分あると再判定し、電圧異常解除手段によって時間計測手段での時間計測を停止させると共に、所定時間が経過して遮断手段により遮断状態になっている場合には復帰禁止手段の復帰禁止状態を解除して復帰可能つまりガス使用可能状態にするので、需要家がガス器具で調理中に誤判定により時間経過しガス停止されガス使用不可能状態になっていても、再確認によりそれが正常電圧であれば、遮断状態からの復帰が可能となるためガス使用再開でき使い勝手が向上する。
【００１４】
更に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、ガス媒体の遮断や復帰を行う遮断手段と、前記電池電源手段の供給電圧を監視し所定値以下の低電圧を検出すると電圧低下異常と判定する電圧検出手段と、前記電圧検出手段で電圧低下異常と判定したときから所定時間を計測し、所定時間が経過すると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供給可能状態に復帰させる復帰信号を出力する復帰手段と、前記時間計測手段で前記所定時間が経過すれば前記復帰信号を入力禁止とすると共に、入力禁止でない場合には前記復帰信号を出力する復帰禁止手段と、通信等の外部指示信号の入力により電圧検出手段に駆動信号を出力する通信手段と、前記通信手段からの駆動信号により電圧検出手段が駆動され、正常電圧を検出したときに時間計測手段の時間計測を停止させると共に、復帰禁止手段の復帰禁止状態を解除する電圧異常解除手段とを備えている。
【００１５】
上記構成により、冬季一時的な異常低温気象等の影響で、電圧検出手段により電池電源の供給電圧が所定値以下の低電圧であるのを検出し電圧低下異常と判定され、時間計測手段で所定時間が経過すれば、以降は復帰禁止手段により復帰禁止状態となっているが、外部からの設定手段やガス事業者の保安センタより電池電圧確認電文（外部指示信号）を通信手段が受信すると、電圧検出手段を駆動して電池電源手段の電圧を、環境要因による電圧低下か電池消耗による本来の電圧低下かを再確認できる。そして特に電池容量が少ない期間ならば再確認時に正常電圧が検出されるが、正常電圧が検出された場合には、電池容量は充分あると再判定し、電圧異常解除手段によって時間計測手段での時間計測を停止させると共に、所定時間が経過して遮断手段により遮断状態になっている場合には復帰禁止手段の復帰禁止状態を解除して復帰可能つまりガス使用可能状態にするので、需要家がガス器具で調理中に誤判定により時間経過しガス停止されガス使用不可能状態になっていても、再確認によりそれが正常電圧であれば、遮断状態からの復帰が可能となるためガス使用再開でき、かつ遠隔より上記再確認動作を行いガス事業者は出動回数を減らすことができ使い勝手がより向上する。
【００１６】
また上記発明において、通信手段が外部指示信号を入力したとき電圧正常時の場合には、指示不要信号を外部指示信号の出力先である外部通信手段等に返送する確認不要返送手段を備えるように構成すれば、電圧検出手段より電圧低下信号が出力されていないつまり電池電源手段が正常電圧のときに、誤って通信手段で電池電圧確認の通信電文を受信した場合には、確認不要の指示不要電文を外部通信手段に返送するので、ガス事業者のうっかりミスを防止して無駄に電池容量を消耗しないようにすることができ、使い勝手をより向上する。
【００１７】
更に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、ガス媒体の遮断や復帰を行う遮断手段と、前記電池電源手段の供給電圧を監視し所定値以下の低電圧を検出すると電圧低下信号を出力する電圧検出手段と、前記遮断手段の駆動回数および電源投入時からの経過時間より前記電池電源手段の電池消費量を算出して電池容量を推定する電池容量推定手段と、前記電池容量推定手段で算出した電池消費量が所定値以内の場合には、前記電圧検出手段が電圧低下信号を検出していても誤信号と判定し、電圧検出手段が電圧低下信号を検出し且つ電池消費量が所定値以上の場合のみ電圧低下異常と判定する電圧異常判定手段と、前記電圧異常判定手段で電圧低下異常と判定したときから所定時間を計測し、所定時間が経過すると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供給可能状態に復帰させる復帰信号を出力する復帰手段と、前記時間計測手段で前記所定時間が経過すれば前記復帰信号を入力禁止とすると共に、入力禁止でない場合には前記復帰信号を出力する復帰禁止手段とを備えている。
【００１８】
上記構成により、冬季一時的な異常低温気象等の影響で、電圧検出手段により電池電源の供給電圧が所定値以下の低電圧であるのを検出する場合があるが、電池容量推定手段で電池消費量を算出することにより電池容量を推定しており、電池消費量と電圧検出手段からの電圧低下信号との両方から電圧異常判定手段が判定し、電池消費量が少ないのに電圧低下信号を検出すると一過性の誤信号と判定できる。よって本来は正常電圧であるのに誤信号で時間計測手段を作動させ所定時間経過後には遮断して復帰禁止状態となってしまう不具合を防ぎ、電池電源手段投入後の時間や最も電池容量を消費する遮断手段の遮断・復帰回数等より電池容量推定手段で電池消費量を算出し、電池消費量が所定値以内の場合には、電圧検出手段が電圧低下信号を検出しても、その信号を時間計測手段に出力せずに遮断手段を駆動しないようにすることにより、誤判定により電圧低下異常状態になること自体を防ぎ、誤判定による誤遮断でガス使用不可能状態になることがなく、信頼性が高まり使い勝手が向上する。
【００１９】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の第１〜第４実施例を図１〜図４を参照して説明する。図１〜図４において、図５と同一機能を有する構成要素に関しては同一符号を付した。
【００２０】
（第１実施例）
図１は本発明の第１実施例におけるガス遮断装置を示す。図１において、２はガス遮断装置全体に電源を供給する電池電源手段であり、９はガス遮断装置の制御手段である。制御手段９において、１０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１０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や、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や、膜式計量部によるガス量計測を行う方式を用いる。１１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や、地震を検出する感震手段や、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、ガス圧力を検出すると信号を出力する。１２は異常判定手段で、流量検出手段１０で検出したガス使用量より、例えば１つのガス器具を異常なほど長時間使用したのを検出したときや、外部機器手段１１でガス漏れを検出したときや、地震を検出して所定強度以上の地震と判定したときに、遮断手段３にガス供給を停止するための遮断信号を出力する。１３は復帰手段で、外部操作により遮断手段３に遮断状態から復帰させてガス供給開始するための復帰信号を出力する。１４は復帰禁止手段で、復帰手段１３からの復帰信号を遮断手段３に出力するか否かを判定し、復帰禁止状態でなければ復帰信号を出力して遮断手段３を開放状態にしてガス供給可能とする。
【００２１】
１５は電圧検出手段で、電池電源手段２の供給電圧を監視し、所定値以下の低電圧を検出すると電圧低下異常と判定して電圧低下信号を出力する。１６は時間計測手段で、電圧検出手段１５より電圧低下信号を入力すると、電圧低下以降のガス遮断装置の使用可能な所定時間のカウントを開始する。所定時間とは、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である。時間計測手段１６は所定時間をカウントすると、復帰禁止手段１４に復帰手段１３からの復帰信号入力を禁止し、遮断手段３に遮断信号を出力する。一方、電圧低下信号が時間計測手段１６に出力され、時間計測手段１６で所定時間に達する前に、異常判定手段１２より遮断手段３に遮断信号が出力されると共に復帰禁止手段１４に遮断信号が出力されると、復帰禁止手段１４ではそれ以降の復帰手段１３からの復帰信号を受け付けず、遮断状態を維持する。
【００２２】
１７は報知手段で、電圧検出手段１５が電圧低下異常と判定して警告表示をしたり、また時間計測手段１６が所定時間カウントして遮断出力したり、異常判定手段１２でガス器具使用の異常検知により遮断出力した場合、その遮断事象の表示（ＬＣＤやＬＥＤ素子等）を行い、ガス利用者がガス事業者に通知したり、通信回線等を用いてガス保安センターなどに通知する。
【００２３】
１９は操作入力手段で、例えばガス遮断装置にある各種スイッチ等（例えば、容器リセットスイッチや復帰手段等）を利用し、ガス事業者等が電圧確認の操作モードに入るようにスイッチ操作（外部操作）を行い、電圧検出手段１５に駆動信号を出力する。
【００２４】
１８は電圧異常解除手段で、電圧検出手段１５で電池電源手段２の低電圧が検出され時間計測手段１６が計測動作をしていたり、また所定時間が経過して遮断手段３が作動されて復帰禁止状態になっているときに、操作入力手段１９が外部操作されて電圧検出手段１５を駆動して電圧再確認を行い、その結果、正常電圧を検出すれば時間計測手段１６のカウントを停止させると共に報知手段１７の電圧低下警告を解除し、また復帰禁止手段１４で復帰禁止状態になっていれば、復帰受付禁止を解除して遮断手段３の復帰を可能とする。
【００２５】
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流量検出手段１０や外部機器手段１１でガス需要家のガス器具使用状態を監視する。その使用途中で、例えばガスストーブを異常な長時間使用しているのを異常判定手段１２で検出すると、遮断手段３に遮断信号を出力してガス供給を停止する。このような監視状況下で何らかの原因で異常に電池電源手段２の電池を消費し電池電圧が低下し、その状態を電圧検出手段１５が低電圧として検出すると電圧低下異常と判定して復帰禁止手段１４、報知手段１７、時間計測手段１６に電圧低下信号を出力する。報知手段１７では電圧低下状態の警告表示を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等を通じて電圧低下異常状態を通報する。
【００２６】
時間計測手段１６では電圧低下信号の入力により時間カウントを行い、電圧低下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１４に復帰手段１３からの復帰信号を入力禁止状態にすると共に、遮断手段３に遮断出力を行う。このように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が経過したことを通知する。ここで、電圧低下信号が入力されて時間計測手段１６で時間カウント中に、流量検出手段１０や外部機器手段１１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１２で監視しているが、異常状態を検出するとその時点で即座に復帰禁止手段１４の復帰信号の入力を禁止して遮断状態にする。即ち電圧低下信号を検出した後に時間計測手段１６で時間カウント中に、例えばガスホースが何らかの原因で外れると異常な高流量が流れるがその状態を、異常判定手段１２で異常と判定されると遮断手段３に遮断出力すると共に、復帰禁止手段１４にも遮断通知を行う。よって復帰手段１３より復帰信号を入力しても復帰禁止となり遮断状態が維持されるので、報知手段１７を介してガス遮断装置自体を交換しない限りはガス供給できない旨を需要家ならびにガス供給事業者に通知する。
【００２７】
この際、電池電源手段２の電圧を一過性の異常低温等の気象環境下で電圧検出手段１５が電圧低下異常と判定した場合、それが電池容量が充分あるにもかかわらず電圧低下と誤判定している場合がある。誤判定されると時間計測手段１６で計測開始したり、その間放置して所定時間が経過すると遮断手段３に遮断信号が出力され、電池低下遮断状態となり復帰禁止となるが、操作入力手段１９で、例えば復帰手段１３やガス残量カウンタ値等をクリアする容器リセットスイッチ等を操作し、電池電圧の確認モードに設定すると、電池電源手段２の電圧を再度確認する。その結果、正常電圧を検出すれば誤判定による電圧低下異常を、電圧異常解除手段１８で解除する。つまり上記のような電圧低下異常状態で、操作入力手段１９による電圧確認操作指示を受けると、電圧検出手段１５を再駆動して電圧確認を行い、正常電圧を検出すると、誤判定で時間計測手段１６のカウントしているのを停止し、報知手段１７による電圧低下警告を解除し、電圧低下異常による復帰禁止状態ならば復帰受付禁止を解除して復帰可能とし、ガス使用許可状態とする。即ち、操作入力手段１９により任意に電圧確認指示を出力することで、異常低温下で電圧検出した場合に対し通常の平均的な環境温度下で任意の時間帯で電圧判定を再度行え、一過性の誤判定を防止できる。
【００２８】
このようにして、電池容量が充分あるにもかかわらず、異常低温等の環境要因によりガス遮断装置の電池電源手段２の供給電圧が電圧検出手段１５により所定値以下の低電圧として誤検出され電圧低下異常と誤判定された場合、電圧異常として警告表示され、時間計測手段１６で所定時間カウント後には遮断されガス需要家、ガス供給事業者に電圧低下異常による交換通知をするが、ガス事業者などにより操作入力手段１９による電圧確認が可能になる。電圧確認指示が出力されると電圧検出手段１５を駆動し、低電圧か否かを判定して正常電圧を検出したならば、環境要因などによる誤判定と再判定し、報知手段１７の電圧低下警告の表示リセットを行い、時間計測手段１６の作動を停止させ、カウント完了して遮断手段３が作動している場合には、復帰禁止手段１４の復帰禁止状態を解除させ、需要家やガス事業者が復帰操作すると再度ガス器具が使用可能となるため、環境要因による電圧低下の誤判定か、何らかの要因による電池消耗による本来の電圧低下かを再確認して、誤判定の場合には復帰操作によりガス器具の使用を再開できるので、電池容量が充分あるガス遮断装置を無駄に交換することを防ぎ、信頼性や使い勝手が極めて向上する。
【００２９】
（第２実施例）
図２は本発明の第２実施例におけるガス遮断装置を示す。図２において、図１及び図５と同一機能を有する構成要素には同一符号を付して説明は省略する。２０は外部通信手段であり、例えば設定器あるいはガス事業者の保安センターの通信装置であり、ガス遮断装置に通信により制御指示等を送信する。２１は通信手段で、外部通信手段２０からの通信電文を受信し解読し、電圧検出手段１５への駆動信号を含めた各種制御信号を出力する。
【００３０】
第１実施例で述べたように、電圧検出手段１５で電池電源手段２の低電圧を検出して時間計測手段１６を起動開始したり、時間計測が経過して遮断手段３を作動して復帰禁止状態になっている状態で、通信手段２１が電圧確認電文を受信すると、電圧検出手段１５を駆動して電圧の再確認を行い、その結果、正常電圧を検出すると、電圧異常解除手段１８が時間計測手段１６のカウントを停止させると共に報知手段１７による電圧低下警告を解除し、電圧低下により遮断されて復帰禁止状態ならば復帰禁止状態を解除し復帰可能とする。
【００３１】
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流量検出手段１０や外部機器手段１１でガス需要家のガス器具使用状態を監視する。その使用途中で、例えばガスストーブを異常な長時間使用しているのを異常判定手段１２で検出すると、遮断手段３に遮断信号を出力してガス供給を停止する。このような監視状況下で何らかの原因で異常に電池電源手段２の電池を消費し電池電圧が低下し、その状態を電圧検出手段１５が低電圧として検出すると電圧低下異常と判定して復帰禁止手段１４、報知手段１７、時間計測手段１６に電圧低下信号を出力する。報知手段１７では電圧低下状態の警告表示を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等を通じて電圧低下異常状態を通報する。
【００３２】
時間計測手段１６では電圧低下信号の入力により時間カウントを行い、電圧低下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１４に復帰手段１３からの復帰信号を入力禁止状態にすると共に、遮断手段３に遮断出力を行う。このように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が経過したことを通知する。ここで、電圧低下信号が入力されて時間計測手段１６で時間カウント中に、流量検出手段１０や外部機器手段１１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１２で監視しているが、異常状態を検出するとその時点で即座に復帰禁止手段１４の復帰信号の入力を禁止して遮断状態にする。即ち電圧低下信号を検出した後に時間計測手段１６で時間カウント中に異常判定手段１２で、例えば何らかの原因のガスホース抜け等による異常な高流量により異常と判定されると遮断手段３に遮断出力すると共に、復帰禁止手段１４にも遮断通知を行う。よって復帰手段１３より復帰信号を入力しても復帰禁止となり遮断状態が維持されるので、報知手段１７を介してガス遮断装置自体を交換しない限りはガス供給できない旨を需要家ならびにガス供給事業者に通知する。
【００３３】
この際、電池電源手段２の電圧を一過性の異常低温等の気象環境下で電圧検出手段１５が電圧低下異常と判定した場合、それが電池容量が充分あるにもかかわらず電圧低下と誤判定している場合がある。誤判定されると時間計測手段１６に計測開始したり、その間放置して所定時間が経過すると遮断手段３に遮断信号が出力され遮断状態となり復帰禁止となるが、通信手段２１が外部通信手段２０より電圧確認電文を受信すると、電圧検出手段１５を駆動して電圧を再確認する。その結果、正常電圧を検出すれば誤判定による電圧低下異常を、電圧異常解除手段１８で解除する。つまり上記のような電圧低下異常状態で、通信手段２１が外部通信手段２０より電圧確認指示を受けると、電圧検出手段１５を再駆動して電圧確認を行い、前記誤判定であれば、時間計測手段１６のカウントを停止し、報知手段１７による電圧低下警告を解除し、電圧低下異常による復帰禁止状態ならば復帰受付禁止を解除して復帰可能とし、ガス使用許可状態とする。即ち、通信手段２１を通じて任意に電圧確認指示を出力することで、異常低温下で電圧検出した場合に対し通常の平均的な環境温度下で任意の時間帯で電圧判定を再度行え、一過性の誤判定を防止できる。
【００３４】
このようにして、電池容量が充分あるにもかかわらず、異常低温等の環境要因によりガス遮断装置の電池電源手段２の供給電圧が電圧検出手段１５により所定値以下の低電圧として誤検出され電圧低下異常と誤判定された場合、電圧異常として警告表示され、時間計測手段１６で所定時間カウント後には遮断されガス需要家、ガス供給事業者に電圧低下異常による交換通知をするが、ガス事業者等により外部通信手段２０による電圧確認が可能になる。電圧確認要求を通信手段２１で受信し解読すると電圧検出手段１５を駆動し、低電圧か否かを判定して正常電圧を検出したならば、環境要因などによる誤判定と再判定し、報知手段１７の電圧低下警告の表示リセットを行い、時間計測手段１６の作動を停止させ、カウント完了して遮断手段３が作動している場合には、復帰禁止手段１４の復帰禁止状態を解除させ、需要家やガス事業者が復帰操作すると再度ガス器具が使用可能となるため、環境要因による電圧低下の誤判定か、何らかの要因による電池消耗による本来の電圧低下かを、遠隔地よりあるいは現場において再確認して、誤判定の場合には復帰操作によりガス器具の使用を再開できるので、電池容量が充分にあるガス遮断装置を無駄に交換することを防ぐことができる。また、遠隔より電圧再確認動作が可能であるため、ガス事業者は出動回数を減らすこともできるので、信頼性や使い勝手が極めて向上する。
【００３５】
（第３実施例）
図３は本発明の第３実施例におけるガス遮断装置を示す。図３において、図１、図２及び図５と同一機能を有する構成要素には同一符号を付し説明は省略する。２２は確認不要返送手段で、第２実施例で述べた設定器あるいはガス事業者の保安センターの通信装置等の外部通信手段２０からの通信により、ガス遮断装置に制御指示等を送信して通信手段２１で受信して解読し電圧確認するが、正常電圧検出時には電圧確認通信電文を通信手段２１で受信しても、未定義応答等の通信確認不要電文を返送する。
【００３６】
上記構成の動作はほぼ第２実施例と同様であり、上記のような電圧低下異常状態で、通信手段２１が外部通信手段２０より電圧確認通信電文を受信すると、電圧検出手段１５を再駆動して電圧確認を行い、前記誤判定であれば、時間計測手段１６のカウントを停止し、報知手段１７による電圧低下警告を解除し、電圧低下異常による復帰禁止状態ならば復帰受付禁止を解除して復帰可能とし、ガス使用許可状態とする。即ち、通信手段２１を通じて電圧確認指示を出力することで、異常低温下で電圧検出した場合に対し通常の平均的な環境温度下で任意の時間帯で電圧判定を再度行える。
【００３７】
しかし、電池電源手段２の電圧検出が正常であるときに外部通信手段２０より通信手段２１へ電圧確認電文を送信しても、電圧検出手段１５を何度も駆動することは電池電源手段２の電池容量を無駄に消耗するので、確認不要電文を外部通信手段２０に返送し電圧検出手段１５を駆動しない。確認不要電文は、例えば未定義応答電文等の設定不可時の返送電文であっても問題はない。
【００３８】
このようにして、電池容量が充分あり電圧検出手段１５より電圧低下信号が出力されていないとき、つまり正常電圧と判定しているときに電圧確認用電文を通信手段２１が受信しても、正常電圧であれば確認不要電文を返送して電圧検出手段１５を駆動しないようにし、ガス事業者のうっかりミス等を防止して不要な電池容量を消耗しないようにすることができ、信頼性や使い勝手が極めて向上する。
【００３９】
（第４実施例）
図４は本発明の第４実施例におけるガス遮断装置を示す。図４において、図１〜図３及び図５と同一機能を有する構成要素には同一符号を付し説明は省略する。２３は電池容量推定手段で、電池電源手段２の電源投入時からの経過時間や、遮断手段３の遮断回数や復帰回数と遮断手段３の消費電流とから電池消耗量を算出して電池容量を推定する。第４実施例の電圧検出手段１５Ａは、電池電源手段２の供給電圧を監視し所定値以下の低電圧を検出すると電圧低下信号を出力するものであり、電圧低下異常の判定は電圧異常判定手段２４が行う。つまり、電池容量推定手段２３で算出した電池消費量が所定値以内の場合には、電圧検出手段１５Ａが電圧低下信号を検出していてもそれを誤信号と判定して時間計測手段１６に出力せず、電圧検出手段１５Ａが電圧低下信号を検出し且つ電池消費量が所定値以上の場合のみ、電圧異常判定手段２４が電圧低下異常と判定し、時間計測手段１６に電圧低下信号を出力させる。
【００４０】
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流量検出手段１０や外部機器手段１１でガス需要家のガス器具使用状態を監視する。その使用途中で、例えばガスストーブを異常な長時間使用しているのを異常判定手段１２で検出すると、遮断手段３に遮断信号を出力してガス供給を停止する。このような監視状況下で何らかの原因で異常に電池電源手段２の電池を消費し電池電圧が低下し、その状態を電圧検出手段１５Ａが低電圧として検出し且つ電池容量が所定値以上と電圧以上判定手段２４が判定すると、復帰禁止手段１４に通知すると共に電圧検出手段１５Ａから時間計測手段１６に電圧低下信号を出力させる。報知手段１７では電圧低下状態の警告表示を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等を通じて電圧低下異常状態を通報する。
【００４１】
時間計測手段１６では電圧低下信号の入力により時間カウントを行い、電圧低下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１４に復帰手段１３からの復帰信号を入力禁止状態にすると共に、遮断手段３に遮断出力を行う。このように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が経過したことを通知する。ここで、電圧低下信号が入力されて時間計測手段１６で時間カウント中に、流量検出手段１０や外部機器手段１１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１２で監視しているが、異常状態を検出するとその時点で即座に復帰禁止手段１４の復帰信号の入力を禁止して遮断状態にする。即ち電圧低下信号を検出した後に時間計測手段１６で時間カウント中に異常判定手段１２で、例えば何らかの原因のガスホース抜け等の異常な高流量により異常と判定されると遮断手段３に遮断出力すると共に、復帰禁止手段１４にも遮断通知を行う。よって復帰手段１３より復帰信号を入力しても復帰禁止となり遮断状態が維持されるので、報知手段１７を介してガス遮断装置自体を交換しない限りはガス供給できない旨を需要家ならびにガス供給事業者に通知する。
【００４２】
この際、電池電源手段２の電圧を一過性の異常低温等の気象環境下で電圧検出手段１５が電圧低下を検出した場合、本来の電池容量は充分ある場合がある。そこで第４実施例では、電池容量推定手段２３で電池電源手段２の投入開始からの経過時間や遮断手段３の遮断回数や復帰回数等と遮断手段３の消費電流とから電池消費量を算出して電池の残存容量を推定し、電池消費量が所定値以内の場合には電圧検出手段１５Ａからの電圧低下信号を誤信号と判定して時間計測手段１６に出力させない。従って、誤信号で時間計測手段１６が時間カウントをしたり電圧低下警告が表示されたり、電圧低下遮断されて復帰禁止状態になることはない。
【００４３】
このようにして、常時あるいは電圧低下信号出力時に、電池容量が充分あるのを電池容量推定手段２３で推定しており、電圧検出手段１５Ａが環境温度の異常な変化による電圧低下と検出してもそれを誤信号として時間計測手段１６に出力させず、電圧異常判定手段２４は、電圧低下信号と電池容量の両方から電圧異常を判定したときのみ電圧低下信号を出力させる。従って、電池容量が充分あるのに、誤判定で時間計測手段１６を作動させ、時間経過後に遮断されるといった誤遮断等の不要遮断を防止することができ、需要家がガスストープ等のガス器具を使用し暖房中に遮断されてガス使用不可能状態になることがなく、信頼性が高まり使い勝手が向上している。
【００４４】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように本発明の請求項１によれば、電源を供給する電池電源手段と、ガス媒体の遮断や復帰を行う遮断手段と、前記電池電源手段の供給電圧を監視し所定値以下の低電圧を検出すると電圧低下異常と判定する電圧検出手段と、前記電圧検出手段で電圧低下異常と判定したときから所定時間を計測し、所定時間が経過すると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供給可能状態に復帰させる復帰信号を出力する復帰手段と、前記時間計測手段で前記所定時間が経過すれば前記復帰信号を入力禁止とすると共に、入力禁止でない場合には前記復帰信号を出力する復帰禁止手段と、外部操作により電圧検出手段に駆動信号を出力する操作入力手段と、前記操作入力手段からの駆動信号により電圧検出手段が駆動され、正常電圧を検出すると時間計測手段の時間計測を停止させると共に、復帰禁止手段の復帰禁止状態を解除する電圧異常解除手段とを備えることにより、冬季一時的な異常低温気象等の影響で、電池電源の供給電圧が所定値以下の低電圧であるのを検出し電圧低下異常と判定され、所定時間の経過以降は復帰禁止状態となっているが、ガス遮断装置上のスイッチ操作等によってガス事業者等が電圧確認操作を行うと、スイッチ操作指示により電圧検出手段を駆動して環境要因による電圧低下か電池消耗による本来の電圧低下かを再確認し、正常電圧が検出された場合には電池容量は充分あると再判定し、時間計測手段での時間計測を停止させると共に、所定時間が経過して遮断状態になっていれば復帰禁止状態を解除して復帰可能つまりガス使用可能状態にするので、需要家がガス器具で調理中に誤判定により時間経過しガス停止されガス使用不可能状態になっていても、再確認によりそれが正常電圧であれば、遮断状態からの復帰が可能となるためガス使用再開でき使い勝手が向上する。
【００４５】
また説明したように本発明の請求項２によれば、電源を供給する電池電源手段と、ガス媒体の遮断や復帰を行う遮断手段と、前記電池電源手段の供給電圧を監視し所定値以下の低電圧を検出すると電圧低下異常と判定する電圧検出手段と、前記電圧検出手段で電圧低下異常と判定したときから所定時間を計測し、所定時間が経過すると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供給可能状態に復帰させる復帰信号を出力する復帰手段と、前記時間計測手段で前記所定時間が経過すれば前記復帰信号を入力禁止とすると共に、入力禁止でない場合には前記復帰信号を出力する復帰禁止手段と、通信等の外部指示信号の入力により電圧検出手段に駆動信号を出力する通信手段と、前記通信手段からの駆動信号により電圧検出手段が駆動され、正常電圧を検出したときに時間計測手段の時間計測を停止させると共に、復帰禁止手段の復帰禁止状態を解除する電圧異常解除手段とを備えることにより、冬季一時的な異常低温気象等の影響で、電池電源の供給電圧が所定値以下の低電圧であるのを検出し電圧低下異常と判定され、所定時間の経過以降は復帰禁止状態となっているが、通信等の外部指示信号を受信した通信手段が電圧検出手段を駆動し、環境要因による電圧低下か電池消耗による本来の電圧低下かを再確認し、正常電圧が検出された場合には電池容量は充分あると再判定し、時間計測手段での時間計測を停止させると共に、所定時間が経過して遮断状態になっていれば復帰禁止状態を解除して復帰可能つまりガス使用可能状態にするので、需要家がガス器具で調理中に誤判定により時間経過しガス停止されガス使用不可能状態になっていても、再確認によりそれが正常電圧であれば、遮断状態からの復帰が可能となりガス使用再開でき、かつ遠隔より上記再確認動作を行いガス事業者は出動回数を減らすことができるため使い勝手がより向上する。
【００４６】
また説明したように本発明の請求項３によれば、前記請求項２において、通信手段が外部指示信号を入力したときに電圧正常時の場合には、指示不要信号を外部指示信号の出力先である外部通信手段等に返送する確認不要返送手段を備えることにより、電池電源手段が正常電圧のときに、誤って通信手段で電池電圧確認の通信電文を受信した場合には、確認不要の指示不要電文を外部通信手段に返送するので、ガス事業者のうっかりミスを防止して無駄に電池容量を消耗しないようにすることができ、使い勝手がより向上する。
【００４７】
また説明したように本発明の請求項４によれば、電源を供給する電池電源手段と、ガス媒体の遮断や復帰を行う遮断手段と、前記電池電源手段の供給電圧を監視し所定値以下の低電圧を検出すると電圧低下信号を出力する電圧検出手段と、前記遮断手段の駆動回数および電源投入時からの経過時間より前記電池電源手段の電池消費量を算出して電池容量を推定する電池容量推定手段と、前記電池容量推定手段で算出した電池消費量が所定値以内の場合には、前記電圧検出手段が電圧低下信号を検出していても誤信号と判定し、電圧検出手段が電圧低下信号を検出し且つ電池消費量が所定値以上の場合のみ電圧低下異常と判定する電圧異常判定手段と、前記電圧異常判定手段で電圧低下異常と判定したときから所定時間を計測し、所定時間が経過すると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供給可能状態に復帰させる復帰信号を出力する復帰手段と、前記時間計測手段で前記所定時間が経過すれば前記復帰信号を入力禁止とすると共に、入力禁止でない場合には前記復帰信号を出力する復帰禁止手段とを備えることにより、冬季一時的な異常低温気象等の影響で電池電源の供給電圧が所定値以下の低電圧であるのを検出する場合があるが、電池容量推定手段からの電池消費量と電圧検出手段からの電圧低下信号との両方から電圧異常判定手段が電圧低下異常を判定し、電池消費量が少ないのに電圧低下信号を検出すると一過性の誤信号と判定し、電圧検出手段が電圧低下信号を検出してもその信号を時間計測手段に出力せずに遮断手段を駆動しないようにすることにより、誤判定により電圧低下異常状態になること自体を防ぎ、誤判定による誤遮断でガス使用不可能状態になることがなく、信頼性が高まり使い勝手が向上する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施例におけるガス遮断装置の制御ブロック図。
【図２】本発明の第２実施例におけるガス遮断装置の制御ブロック図。
【図３】本発明の第３実施例におけるガス遮断装置の制御ブロック図。
【図４】本発明の第４実施例におけるガス遮断装置の制御ブロック図。
【図５】従来例のガス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
１３復帰手段
１４復帰禁止手段
１５、１５Ａ電圧検出手段
１６時間計測手段
１８電圧異常解除手段
１９操作入力手段
２０外部通信手段
２１通信手段
２２確認不要返送手段
２３電池容量推定手段
２４電圧異常判定手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gas shut-off device that monitors the usage state of a gas appliance using city gas, LP gas, or the like, and relates to a gas shut-off device that ensures safety when the battery capacity of a battery power source is consumed.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A battery is used as a power supply in the gas shut-off device. If the remaining capacity of the battery is reduced, the gas cannot be shut off at the time of abnormality, and safety cannot be ensured. Therefore, there are some devices that have a shut-off control function that shuts off the plug opening function when a low voltage of a predetermined value or less is detected. A conventional gas shut-off device of this type is known, for example, as disclosed in JP-A-10-103546. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of this gas shut-off device.
[0003]
In the gas shut-off device 1 of FIG. 5, reference numeral 2 denotes a battery power source that supplies power to the entire gas shut-off device 1. 3 is a shut-off valve, which stops (shuts off) the supply of the gas medium in the flow path or returns from the shut-off state. Reference numeral 4 denotes a voltage drop detection unit, which detects a consumed battery voltage 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 remains and outputs a voltage drop signal A. . 5 is an opening acceptance unit, which accepts opening of the shut-off valve 3 from when the voltage drop signal A is inputted and there is an opening request (opening request switch or input of an opening signal by communication). The opening 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.
[0004]
7 is an opening function stop unit, which outputs an opening 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 a voltage drop signal A or an opening stop signal E is input, closes the shut-off valve 3 and the opening request signal C is input as it is the input of the opening stop signal E. Sometimes the shut-off valve 3 is opened.
[0005]
Next, the operation of the conventional configuration 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 shut-off control unit 8 to which the voltage drop signal A has been input receives the first shut-off command signal B ₁ Is output to close the shut-off valve 3 to shut off 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 When C is output, the gas cutoff control unit 8 opens the cutoff valve 3. When the timer unit 6 finishes counting, since the plug opening end signal D is output, the plug opening function stop unit 7 outputs the plug opening stop signal E and stops accepting the opening request. The gas shut-off device 1 to which the opening stop signal E is inputted is supplied with the second shut-off command signal B ₂ Is output to close the shut-off valve 3 to shut off the gas passage.
[0006]
In the gas shut-off device 1 attached to the passage of a gas medium such as city gas or LP gas, the voltage drop detection unit 4 measures the voltage of the battery power supply 2 at a predetermined time interval to monitor the degree of battery consumption. . A lower limit voltage at which the gas shut-off device 1 can be operated is set in advance as an operation guarantee voltage, and a voltage value when the voltage is reversed for a required number of days from here is set as a battery consumption voltage. The voltage drop detection unit 4 monitors the battery voltage and detects a low voltage at the time of consumption. 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 the grace period until the gas shutoff device 1 is replaced. Is provided.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional configuration has the following problems.
[0008]
When the temperature of the battery power source 2 is measured by the voltage drop detection unit 4 when the gas shut-off device 1 enters a low temperature environment such as below freezing and enters an abnormally low temperature due to a cold wave or the like in winter, the temperature of the daytime is high. The voltage value may be lower than when measured. In that case, although the actual battery consumption is small, the voltage detected by the voltage drop detection unit 4 is erroneously determined as a consumed battery voltage, and the voltage drop signal A is output, and the timer unit 6 starts counting, It is assumed that the gas cutoff control unit 8 drives the cutoff valve 3 to stop the gas supply. For this misjudgment, for example, when the customer uses a gas appliance for cooking such as cooking, the first shut-off command signal B ₁ Even if the operation is resumed by opening the shut-off valve 3 by the output of the line request signal C up to the operation guarantee voltage during the timer count, the second shut-off occurs when the timer elapses. Command signal B ₂ Since it cannot be used until the gas shut-off device 1 is replaced, there is a problem that the usability is poor.
[0009]
The present invention solves the above problem, and even if it is determined that the battery power supply voltage drop is abnormal, it is determined by reconfirmation whether it is a voltage drop due to battery consumption or a voltage drop due to an erroneous determination. The object is to provide a highly reliable gas shut-off device that can be restarted, improved in usability while ensuring safety.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention monitors the supply voltage of the battery power supply means with the voltage detection means, determines that the voltage drop is abnormal when detecting a low voltage below a predetermined value, and after that determination, the time measurement means When the predetermined time has elapsed after the predetermined time has elapsed, the return prohibiting means prohibits the input of the return signal from the return means and outputs a cutoff output to the cutoff means, but the voltage detection means is redriven by the operation input means or the communication means. When the voltage detection means detects a normal voltage, the time measurement means stops the time measurement if the time measurement is in progress, and the voltage abnormality release means cancels if the time is elapsed and the return prohibition means is in the return prohibition state. It has a configuration.
[0011]
As a result, even if it is detected that the supply voltage of the battery power source is a low voltage below a predetermined value by the voltage detection means due to the temporary abnormal low-temperature weather in winter, etc. Can operate the operation input means, or when the communication means receives a battery voltage confirmation message from a gas company's security center or the like, the voltage detection means can be driven to reconfirm the voltage of the battery power supply means. When a normal voltage is detected, it is determined again that the battery capacity is sufficient, and the voltage abnormality canceling means stops the time measurement by the time measuring means, and after the predetermined time has passed, the shutting means is in a shut-off state. In this case, the return prohibition state of the return prohibition means is canceled and the return is enabled, that is, the gas can be used. Even if it is in a possible state, if it is a normal voltage by reconfirmation, it is possible to recover from the shut-off state, so that the gas use can be resumed and the usability is improved.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention monitors battery power supply means for supplying power, shut-off means for shutting off and returning the gas medium, and monitoring the supply voltage of the battery power supply means to detect a low voltage below a predetermined value. A voltage detecting means for determining a voltage drop abnormality, a time measuring means for measuring a predetermined time from when the voltage detecting means determines that the voltage drop is abnormal, and outputting a cut-off signal when the predetermined time has elapsed; and A return means for outputting a return signal for returning to a supply enabled state, and a return for outputting the return signal if the input is not prohibited while the input of the return signal is prohibited when the predetermined time has passed by the time measuring means. The prohibition means, the operation input means for outputting a drive signal to the voltage detection means by an external operation, and the voltage detection means is driven by the drive signal from the operation input means to detect a normal voltage. Then it stops the time measurement time measuring means, and a voltage abnormality canceling means for canceling the return inhibition state of return inhibition unit.
[0013]
With the above configuration, the voltage detection means detects that the supply voltage of the battery power supply is a low voltage below a predetermined value due to the temporary abnormal low-temperature weather in winter, etc., and it is determined that the voltage drop is abnormal. If the time elapses, the return prohibition means thereafter causes the return prohibition state. However, when the gas operator performs a voltage check operation of the battery power supply means by operating a switch on the gas shut-off device, the operation input means It is possible to reconfirm whether the voltage of the battery power supply means is driven by the switch operation instruction, whether it is a voltage drop due to environmental factors or an original voltage drop due to battery consumption. When the battery capacity is low, the normal voltage is detected at the time of reconfirmation. However, when the normal voltage is detected, it is determined again that the battery capacity is sufficient, and the voltage abnormality canceling means uses the time measuring means. The time measurement is stopped, and when the predetermined time has elapsed and the shut-off means is in the shut-off state, the return prohibiting means is released and the return-prohibited state is released so that the gas can be used. Even when the gas appliance has been cooked with a gas appliance and the gas has stopped due to a misjudgment and the gas cannot be used, if it is normal voltage by reconfirmation, it can be restored from the shut-off state, so the gas can be used again. Usability is improved.
[0014]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention further provides a battery power supply means for supplying power, a shut-off means for shutting off and returning the gas medium, and monitoring a supply voltage of the battery power supply means to detect a low voltage below a predetermined value. Then, a voltage detecting means for determining that the voltage drop is abnormal, a time measuring means for measuring a predetermined time from when the voltage detecting means determines that the voltage drop is abnormal, and outputting a cut-off signal when the predetermined time has passed, and the cut-off means A return means for outputting a return signal for returning to a gas supply enabled state; and input of the return signal is prohibited when the predetermined time elapses by the time measuring means, and when the input is not prohibited, the return signal is output. The return prohibiting means, the communication means for outputting a drive signal to the voltage detecting means by the input of an external instruction signal such as communication, and the voltage detecting means is driven by the drive signal from the communication means. It stops the time measurement of the time measuring means upon detection of a normal voltage, and a voltage abnormality canceling means for canceling the return inhibition state of return inhibition unit.
[0015]
With the above configuration, the voltage detection means detects that the supply voltage of the battery power supply is a low voltage below a predetermined value due to the temporary abnormal low-temperature weather in winter, etc., and it is determined that the voltage drop is abnormal. If the time has passed, the return prohibition means will be in the return prohibition state thereafter, but when the communication means receives a battery voltage confirmation message (external instruction signal) from the external setting means or the gas company's security center, By driving the voltage detection means, it is possible to reconfirm the voltage of the battery power supply means as to whether the voltage drop due to environmental factors or the original voltage drop due to battery consumption. When the battery capacity is low, the normal voltage is detected at the time of reconfirmation. However, when the normal voltage is detected, it is determined again that the battery capacity is sufficient, and the voltage abnormality canceling means uses the time measuring means. The time measurement is stopped, and when the predetermined time has elapsed and the shut-off means is in the shut-off state, the return prohibiting means is released and the return-prohibited state is released so that the gas can be used. Even when the gas appliance has been cooked with a gas appliance and the gas has stopped due to a misjudgment and the gas cannot be used, if it is normal voltage by reconfirmation, it can be restored from the shut-off state, so the gas can be used again. In addition, the above-mentioned reconfirmation operation can be performed remotely, so that the gas company can reduce the number of dispatches and the usability is further improved.
[0016]
In the above invention, when the communication means inputs an external instruction signal and the voltage is normal, it is provided with a confirmation-unnecessary return means for returning the instruction unnecessary signal to the external communication means to which the external instruction signal is output. If configured, if no voltage drop signal is output from the voltage detection means, that is, when the battery power supply means is at a normal voltage, and if a communication message for battery voltage confirmation is erroneously received by the communication means, no confirmation instruction is required Since the message is sent back to the external communication means, it is possible to prevent the gas company from inadvertently making mistakes so that the battery capacity is not consumed unnecessarily, and the usability is further improved.
[0017]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention further provides a battery power supply means for supplying power, a shut-off means for shutting off and returning the gas medium, and monitoring a supply voltage of the battery power supply means to detect a low voltage below a predetermined value. Then, a voltage detection means for outputting a voltage drop signal, a battery capacity estimation means for estimating the battery capacity by calculating the battery consumption of the battery power supply means from the number of driving times of the shut-off means and the elapsed time from power-on, When the battery consumption calculated by the battery capacity estimation means is within a predetermined value, it is determined that the voltage detection means detects a voltage drop signal even if the voltage detection means detects a voltage drop signal, and the voltage detection means detects the voltage drop signal. In addition, the voltage abnormality determination means that determines that the voltage drop is abnormal only when the battery consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the predetermined time is measured from when the voltage abnormality determination means determines that the voltage drop is abnormal, and the predetermined time has elapsed. A time measuring means for outputting a disconnection signal, a return means for outputting a return signal for returning the shutoff means to a gas supply enabled state, and prohibiting the input of the return signal when the predetermined time has elapsed in the time measuring means. In addition, there is provided a return prohibiting means for outputting the return signal when the input is not prohibited.
[0018]
With the above configuration, the voltage detection means may detect that the supply voltage of the battery power supply is a low voltage lower than a predetermined value due to the temporary abnormal low temperature weather in winter, etc., but the battery capacity estimation means The battery capacity is estimated by calculating the amount, and the voltage abnormality determination means determines from both the battery consumption and the voltage drop signal from the voltage detection means, and the voltage drop signal is detected even though the battery consumption is low Then, it can be determined as a transient error signal. Therefore, even though it is normally a normal voltage, the time measuring means is activated by an error signal and shuts off after a predetermined time to prevent it from returning to a disabled state. The battery consumption is calculated by the battery capacity estimation means from the number of interruptions / returns of the interruption means to be performed, and if the battery consumption is within a predetermined value, the signal is detected even if the voltage detection means detects the voltage drop signal. By not driving the shut-off means without outputting to the time measuring means, it prevents the voltage drop abnormal state itself due to erroneous determination, and does not cause a gas unusable state due to erroneous shut-off due to erroneous determination, Reliability increases and usability improves.
[0019]
【Example】
Hereinafter, first to fourth embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1-4, the same code | symbol was attached | subjected about the component which has the same function as FIG.
[0020]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a gas shut-off device in a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 2 is battery power supply means for supplying power to the entire gas shut-off device, and 9 is control means for the gas shut-off device. In the control means 9, 10 is a flow rate detection means for detecting the amount of gas used. The flow rate detection means 10 is, for example, a flow rate measurement method by measuring propagation time using an ultrasonic element, a flow rate measurement method by measuring flow rate oscillation using the Coanda effect, or a gas by a membrane metering unit. A method of measuring quantity is used. 11 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. When a gas leak, earthquake or gas pressure is detected, a signal Is output. Reference numeral 12 denotes an abnormality determination unit, for example, when detecting that a gas appliance has been used abnormally for a long time from the amount of gas used detected by the flow rate detection unit 10 or when a gas leak is detected by the external device unit 11 Or, when an earthquake is detected and determined as an earthquake of a predetermined intensity or higher, a cutoff signal for stopping gas supply is output to the cutoff means 3. Reference numeral 13 denotes a return means for outputting a return signal for causing the shut-off means 3 to return from the shut-off state by an external operation and starting gas supply. Reference numeral 14 denotes a return prohibiting means, which determines whether or not to output a return signal from the return means 13 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 and supply gas. Make it possible.
[0021]
Reference numeral 15 denotes a voltage detection means that monitors the supply voltage of the battery power supply means 2 and determines that the voltage drop is abnormal when a low voltage below a predetermined value is detected, and outputs a voltage drop signal. Reference numeral 16 denotes time measuring means. When a voltage drop signal is input from the voltage detecting means 15, counting of a predetermined time in which the gas shut-off device can be used after the voltage drop is started. The predetermined time is a time during which safety monitoring of the usage state of the gas appliance can be performed in a normal voltage range. When the time measuring unit 16 counts the predetermined time, the return prohibiting unit 14 prohibits the input of the return signal from the return unit 13 and outputs a blocking signal to the blocking unit 3. On the other hand, a voltage drop signal is output to the time measuring means 16, and before the time measuring means 16 reaches a predetermined time, a shutoff signal is output from the abnormality determining means 12 to the shutting means 3 and a shutoff signal is output to the return prohibiting means 14. When it is output, the return prohibiting means 14 does not accept a return signal from the subsequent return means 13 and maintains the shut-off state.
[0022]
17 is a notification means, and the voltage detection means 15 determines that the voltage drop is abnormal and displays a warning. The time measurement means 16 counts for a predetermined time and outputs a cut-off. When shut-off is output by detection, the shut-off event is displayed (LCD, LED element, etc.), and the gas user notifies the gas company or notifies the gas security center or the like using a communication line or the like.
[0023]
Reference numeral 19 denotes an operation input means, for example, using various switches or the like (for example, a container reset switch, a return means, etc.) in the gas shut-off device, so that the gas operator enters the voltage confirmation operation mode (external operation). ) To output a drive signal to the voltage detection means 15.
[0024]
Reference numeral 18 denotes a voltage abnormality canceling means. The voltage detecting means 15 detects a low voltage of the battery power supply means 2 and the time measuring means 16 performs a measuring operation, or when a predetermined time elapses, the shutting means 3 is activated to return. In the prohibited state, the operation input means 19 is externally operated to drive the voltage detection means 15 to reconfirm the voltage. As a result, if the normal voltage is detected, the time measurement means 16 stops counting. At the same time, the voltage drop warning of the notification means 17 is canceled, and if the return prohibiting means 14 is in the return prohibiting state, the return acceptance prohibition is canceled and the shutting means 3 can be returned.
[0025]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. A gas shut-off device is installed, and the gas appliance usage state of the gas consumer is monitored by the flow rate detection means 10 and the external equipment means 11. During the use, for example, when the abnormality determining means 12 detects that the gas stove has been used abnormally for a long time, a cutoff signal is output to the cutoff means 3 to stop the gas supply. Under such monitoring conditions, if the battery of the battery power supply means 2 is abnormally consumed for some reason and the battery voltage drops, and the voltage detection means 15 detects the state as a low voltage, it is determined that the voltage drop is abnormal and the return prohibition means 14. Output the voltage drop signal to the notification means 17 and the time measurement means 16. The notifying means 17 performs a warning display of a voltage drop state with an LCD element, an LED element or the like. In addition, notify the gas supply company of abnormal voltage drop via a telephone line.
[0026]
The time measuring means 16 counts the time by inputting the voltage drop signal, and measures the usable time of the gas cutoff device after the voltage drop. When a predetermined time is counted, the return prohibiting means 14 is disabled from inputting the return signal from the return means 13 and the shutoff means 3 is shut off. In this way, by stopping the gas supply, it is notified that the safe usable time of the gas cutoff device has elapsed. Here, when the voltage drop signal is inputted and the time measuring means 16 is counting the time, the flow rate detecting means 10 or the external device means 11 detects the use state of the gas appliance of the consumer, and the use state is determined as the abnormality determining means 12. However, when an abnormal state is detected, the input of the return signal of the return prohibiting means 14 is immediately prohibited at that time, and the state is cut off. That is, during the time counting by the time measuring means 16 after detecting the voltage drop signal, for example, if the gas hose is disconnected for some reason, an abnormally high flow rate flows, but if the state is judged abnormal by the abnormality judging means 12, the shutting means 3 is also cut off, and a cut-off notification is also sent to the return prohibiting means 14. Therefore, even if a return signal is input from the return means 13, the return is prohibited and the shut-off state is maintained. Therefore, the customer and the gas supply company indicate that the gas cannot be supplied unless the gas shut-off device itself is replaced via the notification means 17. Notify
[0027]
At this time, if the voltage detection means 15 determines that the voltage of the battery power supply means 2 is abnormal in a weather environment such as a temporary abnormally low temperature, it is erroneously detected as a voltage drop even though the battery capacity is sufficient. Judgment may occur. If an erroneous determination is made, measurement is started by the time measuring means 16, or if a predetermined time elapses after being left in the meantime, a cutoff signal is output to the cutoff means 3, and the battery lowering cutoff state is entered and the return is prohibited, but the operation input means 19 For example, when the resetting means 13 or a container reset switch for clearing the remaining gas counter value or the like is operated to set the battery voltage confirmation mode, the voltage of the battery power supply means 2 is confirmed again. As a result, if a normal voltage is detected, a voltage drop abnormality due to an erroneous determination is canceled by the voltage abnormality canceling means 18. That is, when a voltage check operation instruction is received from the operation input means 19 in the voltage drop abnormal state as described above, the voltage detection means 15 is redriven to check the voltage, and when a normal voltage is detected, a time measurement means is erroneously determined. 16 is stopped, the voltage drop warning by the notification means 17 is released, and if the return is prohibited due to a voltage drop abnormality, the return acceptance prohibition is canceled and the return is enabled, and the gas use is allowed. That is, by arbitrarily outputting a voltage confirmation instruction from the operation input means 19, it is possible to perform voltage determination again at an arbitrary time zone under a normal average environmental temperature as compared with the case where the voltage is detected at an abnormally low temperature. Misjudgment of sex can be prevented.
[0028]
In this way, although the battery capacity is sufficient, the supply voltage of the battery power supply means 2 of the gas cutoff device is erroneously detected as a low voltage below a predetermined value by the voltage detection means 15 due to environmental factors such as abnormally low temperature. If it is erroneously determined as a drop abnormality, a warning is displayed as a voltage abnormality, and after a predetermined time is counted by the time measuring means 16, the gas customer and the gas supplier are notified of replacement due to a voltage drop abnormality. Thus, the voltage can be confirmed by the operation input means 19. When a voltage confirmation instruction is output, the voltage detection means 15 is driven, and if it is determined whether or not the voltage is low and a normal voltage is detected, it is re-determined as an erroneous determination due to environmental factors, etc. The warning display is reset, the operation of the time measuring means 16 is stopped, and when the counting is completed and the shutting means 3 is operating, the return prohibiting state of the return prohibiting means 14 is released, and the consumer or gas business Since the gas appliance can be used again when the user performs a return operation, reconfirm whether the voltage drop due to environmental factors is incorrect or the original voltage drop due to battery consumption due to some reason. Since the use of the gas appliance can be resumed by this, it is possible to prevent unnecessary replacement of a gas shut-off device having a sufficient battery capacity, and the reliability and usability are greatly improved.
[0029]
(Second embodiment)
FIG. 2 shows a gas shut-off device in a second embodiment of the present invention. 2, components having the same functions as those in FIGS. 1 and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Reference numeral 20 denotes an external communication means, for example, a setting device or a communication device of a gas company's security center, which transmits a control instruction or the like to the gas cutoff device by communication. A communication unit 21 receives and decodes a communication message from the external communication unit 20 and outputs various control signals including a drive signal to the voltage detection unit 15.
[0030]
As described in the first embodiment, the voltage detection means 15 detects the low voltage of the battery power supply means 2 and starts to start the time measurement means 16 or the time measurement has elapsed and the shut-off means 3 is activated to return. When the communication means 21 receives the voltage confirmation message in the prohibited state, the voltage detection means 15 is driven to reconfirm the voltage. As a result, when the normal voltage is detected, the voltage abnormality release means 18 The count of the time measuring means 16 is stopped and the voltage drop warning by the notifying means 17 is released. If it is interrupted by the voltage drop and the return is prohibited, the return prohibited state is canceled and the return is enabled.
[0031]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. A gas shut-off device is installed, and the gas appliance usage state of the gas consumer is monitored by the flow rate detection means 10 and the external equipment means 11. During the use, for example, when the abnormality determining means 12 detects that the gas stove has been used abnormally for a long time, a cutoff signal is output to the cutoff means 3 to stop the gas supply. Under such monitoring conditions, if the battery of the battery power supply means 2 is abnormally consumed for some reason and the battery voltage drops, and the voltage detection means 15 detects the state as a low voltage, it is determined that the voltage drop is abnormal and the return prohibition means 14. Output the voltage drop signal to the notification means 17 and the time measurement means 16. The notifying means 17 performs a warning display of a voltage drop state with an LCD element, an LED element or the like. In addition, notify the gas supply company of abnormal voltage drop via a telephone line.
[0032]
The time measuring means 16 counts the time by inputting the voltage drop signal, and measures the usable time of the gas cutoff device after the voltage drop. When a predetermined time is counted, the return prohibiting means 14 is disabled from inputting the return signal from the return means 13 and the shutoff means 3 is shut off. In this way, by stopping the gas supply, it is notified that the safe usable time of the gas cutoff device has elapsed. Here, when the voltage drop signal is inputted and the time measuring means 16 is counting the time, the flow rate detecting means 10 or the external device means 11 detects the use state of the gas appliance of the consumer, and the use state is determined as the abnormality determining means 12. However, when an abnormal state is detected, the input of the return signal of the return prohibiting means 14 is immediately prohibited at that time, and the state is cut off. In other words, after the voltage drop signal is detected, if the time determination means 12 determines that the abnormality determination means 12 is abnormal due to an abnormally high flow rate due to, for example, a gas hose disconnection for some reason, it outputs a cut-off to the interruption means 3. Then, the return prohibiting means 14 is also notified of the interruption. Therefore, even if a return signal is input from the return means 13, the return is prohibited and the shut-off state is maintained. Therefore, the customer and the gas supply company indicate that the gas cannot be supplied unless the gas shut-off device itself is replaced via the notification means 17. Notify
[0033]
At this time, if the voltage detection means 15 determines that the voltage of the battery power supply means 2 is abnormal in a weather environment such as a temporary abnormally low temperature, it is erroneously detected as a voltage drop even though the battery capacity is sufficient. Judgment may occur. If an erroneous determination is made, the time measurement means 16 starts measurement, or if it is left in the meantime and a predetermined time elapses, a cutoff signal is output to the cutoff means 3 to enter a cutoff state and return is prohibited. When a voltage confirmation message is received, the voltage detection means 15 is driven to reconfirm the voltage. As a result, if a normal voltage is detected, a voltage drop abnormality due to an erroneous determination is canceled by the voltage abnormality canceling means 18. That is, when the communication means 21 receives a voltage confirmation instruction from the external communication means 20 in the voltage drop abnormality state as described above, the voltage detection means 15 is re-driven to perform voltage confirmation. The count of the means 16 is stopped, the voltage drop warning by the notification means 17 is released, and if the return is prohibited due to the voltage drop abnormality, the return acceptance prohibition is released to enable the return, and the gas use permission state is set. That is, by arbitrarily outputting a voltage confirmation instruction through the communication means 21, it is possible to perform voltage determination again at an arbitrary time zone under a normal average environmental temperature when a voltage is detected at an abnormally low temperature. It is possible to prevent erroneous determination.
[0034]
In this way, although the battery capacity is sufficient, the supply voltage of the battery power supply means 2 of the gas cutoff device is erroneously detected as a low voltage below a predetermined value by the voltage detection means 15 due to environmental factors such as abnormally low temperature. If it is erroneously determined as a drop abnormality, a warning is displayed as a voltage abnormality, and after a predetermined time is counted by the time measuring means 16, the gas customer and the gas supplier are notified of replacement due to a voltage drop abnormality. Thus, the voltage can be confirmed by the external communication means 20. When the communication means 21 receives and decodes the voltage confirmation request, the voltage detection means 15 is driven, and if a normal voltage is detected by determining whether the voltage is low or not, it is re-determined as an erroneous determination due to environmental factors, etc., and notification means 17 resets the display of the voltage drop warning, stops the operation of the time measuring means 16, and when the counting is completed and the shut-off means 3 is operating, the return prohibiting state of the return prohibiting means 14 is released, and the demand Since the gas appliance can be used again when the house or gas operator returns, it is reconfirmed from a remote location or on-site whether the voltage drop due to environmental factors is erroneously judged or the original voltage drop due to battery consumption due to some reason. Then, in the case of erroneous determination, the use of the gas appliance can be resumed by the return operation, so that it is possible to prevent the gas shut-off device having a sufficient battery capacity from being exchanged wastefully. In addition, since the voltage reconfirmation operation is possible from a remote location, the gas company can also reduce the number of dispatches, which greatly improves reliability and usability.
[0035]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 3 shows a gas shut-off device in a third embodiment of the present invention. 3, components having the same functions as those in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Reference numeral 22 is a confirmation-free return means, which communicates by transmitting a control instruction or the like to the gas shut-off device by communication from the setting device described in the second embodiment or the external communication means 20 such as the communication device of the security company's security center. The means 21 receives and decodes and confirms the voltage, but when a normal voltage is detected, even if a voltage confirmation communication message is received by the communication means 21, a communication confirmation unnecessary message such as an undefined response is returned.
[0036]
The operation of the above configuration is almost the same as that of the second embodiment. When the communication means 21 receives a voltage confirmation communication message from the external communication means 20 in the voltage drop abnormality state as described above, the voltage detection means 15 is re-driven. If the erroneous determination is made, stop counting of the time measuring means 16, cancel the voltage drop warning by the notification means 17, and cancel the return acceptance prohibition if the return is prohibited due to a voltage drop abnormality. It is possible to recover and gas use is permitted. That is, by outputting a voltage confirmation instruction through the communication means 21, it is possible to perform voltage determination again at an arbitrary time zone under a normal average environmental temperature as compared with the case where the voltage is detected at an abnormally low temperature.
[0037]
However, even if a voltage confirmation message is transmitted from the external communication means 20 to the communication means 21 when the voltage detection of the battery power supply means 2 is normal, the voltage detection means 15 can be driven many times. Since the battery capacity is wasted, the confirmation unnecessary message is returned to the external communication means 20 and the voltage detection means 15 is not driven. There is no problem even if the confirmation-unnecessary message is a return transmission message when setting is impossible, such as an undefined response message.
[0038]
In this way, even when the communication means 21 receives the voltage confirmation message when the battery capacity is sufficient and the voltage drop signal is not output from the voltage detection means 15, that is, when it is determined to be a normal voltage, it is normal. If it is a voltage, a confirmation-unnecessary message is returned so that the voltage detection means 15 is not driven, and it is possible to prevent an accidental mistake of the gas company and prevent the unnecessary battery capacity from being consumed. Is greatly improved.
[0039]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 4 shows a gas shut-off device in a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 4, components having the same functions as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 23 is a battery capacity estimation means, which calculates the battery capacity by calculating the amount of battery consumption from the elapsed time since the battery power supply means 2 was turned on, the number of times the shut-off means 3 is shut off, the number of return times, and the current consumption of the shut-off means 3. presume. The voltage detection means 15A of the fourth embodiment monitors the supply voltage of the battery power supply means 2 and outputs a voltage drop signal when a low voltage below a predetermined value is detected. 24 does. That is, when the battery consumption calculated by the battery capacity estimation unit 23 is within a predetermined value, even if the voltage detection unit 15A detects the voltage drop signal, it is determined as an erroneous signal and output to the time measurement unit 16 Only when the voltage detection means 15A detects the voltage drop signal and the battery consumption is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the voltage abnormality determination means 24 determines that the voltage drop is abnormal and causes the time measurement means 16 to output the voltage drop signal. .
[0040]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. A gas shut-off device is installed, and the gas appliance usage state of the gas consumer is monitored by the flow rate detection means 10 and the external equipment means 11. During the use, for example, when the abnormality determining means 12 detects that the gas stove has been used abnormally for a long time, a cutoff signal is output to the cutoff means 3 to stop the gas supply. Under such monitoring conditions, the battery of the battery power supply means 2 is abnormally consumed for some reason, the battery voltage is lowered, the voltage detection means 15A detects the state as a low voltage, and the battery capacity is equal to or higher than a predetermined value and the voltage. When the determination unit 24 determines, the return prohibiting unit 14 is notified, and the voltage detecting unit 15A outputs a voltage drop signal to the time measuring unit 16. The notifying means 17 performs a warning display of a voltage drop state with an LCD element, an LED element or the like. In addition, notify the gas supply company of abnormal voltage drop via a telephone line.
[0041]
The time measuring means 16 counts the time by inputting the voltage drop signal, and measures the usable time of the gas cutoff device after the voltage drop. When a predetermined time is counted, the return prohibiting means 14 is disabled from inputting the return signal from the return means 13 and the shutoff means 3 is shut off. In this way, by stopping the gas supply, it is notified that the safe usable time of the gas cutoff device has elapsed. Here, when the voltage drop signal is inputted and the time measuring means 16 is counting the time, the flow rate detecting means 10 or the external device means 11 detects the use state of the gas appliance of the consumer, and the use state is determined as the abnormality determining means 12. However, when an abnormal state is detected, the input of the return signal of the return prohibiting means 14 is immediately prohibited at that time, and the state is cut off. That is, after detecting the voltage drop signal, if the abnormality determination means 12 determines that an abnormality is caused by an abnormally high flow rate such as a gas hose disconnection for some reason during the time counting by the time measuring means 16, a cutoff output is given to the cutoff means 3. Then, the return prohibiting means 14 is also notified of the interruption. Therefore, even if a return signal is input from the return means 13, the return is prohibited and the shut-off state is maintained. Therefore, the customer and the gas supply company indicate that the gas cannot be supplied unless the gas shut-off device itself is replaced via the notification means 17. Notify
[0042]
At this time, if the voltage detection means 15 detects a voltage drop in a weather environment such as a temporary abnormally low temperature of the battery power supply means 2, the original battery capacity may be sufficient. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the battery consumption estimation unit 23 calculates the battery consumption amount from the elapsed time from the start of the battery power supply unit 2, the number of times of interruption of the interruption unit 3, the number of return times, and the current consumption of the interruption unit 3. The remaining capacity of the battery is estimated, and when the battery consumption is within a predetermined value, the voltage drop signal from the voltage detection means 15A is determined as an erroneous signal and is not output to the time measurement means 16. Therefore, the time measuring means 16 does not count the time or display the voltage drop warning, or the voltage drop is cut off due to an erroneous signal, so that the recovery is not prohibited.
[0043]
In this manner, the battery capacity estimation means 23 estimates that the battery capacity is sufficient at all times or when the voltage drop signal is output, and even if the voltage detection means 15A detects a voltage drop due to an abnormal change in the environmental temperature. The voltage abnormality determination unit 24 outputs the voltage drop signal only when the voltage abnormality is determined from both the voltage drop signal and the battery capacity, without causing the time measurement unit 16 to output it as an error signal. Therefore, even if the battery capacity is sufficient, the time measuring means 16 can be activated by erroneous determination, and unnecessary interruption such as erroneous interruption such as interruption after the passage of time can be prevented. It is not cut off during heating and is not used, and the reliability is improved and the usability is improved.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the battery power supply means for supplying power, the shutoff means for shutting off or returning the gas medium, and the supply voltage of the battery power supply means are monitored and are below a predetermined value. Voltage detection means for determining a voltage drop abnormality when a low voltage is detected, a time measurement means for measuring a predetermined time from the time when the voltage detection means has determined a voltage drop abnormality, and outputting a cut-off signal when the predetermined time has elapsed; A return means for outputting a return signal for returning the shut-off means to a gas supply enabled state; and input of the return signal is prohibited when the predetermined time has passed by the time measuring means; A return prohibiting means for outputting a signal, an operation input means for outputting a drive signal to the voltage detecting means by an external operation, and the voltage detecting means is driven by a drive signal from the operation input means, When the normal voltage is detected, the time measurement means stops the time measurement, and the voltage abnormality canceling means for canceling the return prohibition state of the return prohibiting means is provided. It is detected that the supply voltage of the battery is lower than the predetermined value, and it is determined that the voltage drop is abnormal. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the recovery is prohibited. When a voltage check operation is performed, the voltage detection means is driven by a switch operation instruction to reconfirm whether the voltage drop due to environmental factors or the original voltage drop due to battery consumption. If a normal voltage is detected, the battery capacity Is determined to be sufficient, the time measurement by the time measuring means is stopped, and if the predetermined time has elapsed and the shut-off state has been established, the return prohibition state is canceled and the recovery is possible, that is, the gas is used. Even if the consumer is in the gas utensil and the gas has stopped due to misjudgment during cooking with the gas appliance and the gas cannot be used, if it is normal voltage by reconfirmation, Since it is possible to return, gas use can be resumed, improving usability.
[0045]
As described above, according to claim 2 of the present invention, the battery power supply means for supplying power, the shut-off means for shutting off and returning the gas medium, and the supply voltage of the battery power supply means are monitored and less than a predetermined value. Voltage detection means for determining a voltage drop abnormality when a low voltage is detected, a time measurement means for measuring a predetermined time from the time when the voltage detection means has determined a voltage drop abnormality, and outputting a cut-off signal when the predetermined time has elapsed; A return means for outputting a return signal for returning the shut-off means to a gas supply enabled state; and input of the return signal is prohibited when the predetermined time has passed by the time measuring means; A return prohibiting means for outputting a signal, a communication means for outputting a drive signal to the voltage detecting means by input of an external instruction signal such as communication, and a voltage detecting means by the drive signal from the communication means. When the normal voltage is detected, the time measuring means stops the time measurement, and the voltage abnormality canceling means for canceling the return prohibiting state of the return prohibiting means is provided. As a result, it is detected that the supply voltage of the battery power supply is a low voltage lower than a predetermined value, and it is determined that the voltage drop is abnormal. The received communication means drives the voltage detection means, reconfirms whether the voltage drop due to environmental factors or the original voltage drop due to battery consumption, and re-determines that the battery capacity is sufficient when a normal voltage is detected, The time measurement by the time measuring means is stopped, and if it is in the shut-off state after a lapse of a predetermined time, the return prohibition state is canceled and the return is possible, that is, the gas can be used. Even if the gas has been stopped due to a misjudgment and the gas cannot be used, if it is normal voltage by reconfirmation, it can be recovered from the shut-off state and the gas can be used again. The reconfirmation operation is performed, and the gas company can reduce the number of dispatches, so the usability is further improved.
[0046]
As described above, according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, when the communication means receives the external instruction signal and the voltage is normal, the instruction unnecessary signal is output to the output destination of the external instruction signal. By providing a non-confirmation return means for returning to an external communication means, etc., when the battery power supply means is at a normal voltage and a communication message for confirming the battery voltage is erroneously received by the communication means, an instruction for no confirmation is required. Since unnecessary telegrams are sent back to the external communication means, it is possible to prevent accidental mistakes of the gas company and prevent the battery capacity from being consumed unnecessarily, thereby improving usability.
[0047]
As described above, according to claim 4 of the present invention, the battery power supply means for supplying power, the shut-off means for shutting off and returning the gas medium, and the supply voltage of the battery power supply means are monitored and less than a predetermined value. A battery capacity for estimating a battery capacity by calculating a battery consumption of the battery power supply means from a voltage detection means for outputting a voltage drop signal when a low voltage is detected, and the number of driving times of the shut-off means and an elapsed time from power-on. When the battery consumption calculated by the estimation means and the battery capacity estimation means is within a predetermined value, even if the voltage detection means detects a voltage drop signal, it is determined as an erroneous signal, and the voltage detection means decreases the voltage. A voltage abnormality determining means that detects a voltage drop abnormality only when a signal is detected and the battery consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; and a predetermined time is measured from when the voltage abnormality determining means determines that the voltage drop abnormality is Sutra Then, a time measuring means for outputting a shut-off signal, a return means for outputting a return signal for returning the shut-off means to a gas supply enabled state, and prohibiting the input of the return signal when the predetermined time elapses in the time measuring means. In addition, when the input is not prohibited, a return prohibiting means for outputting the return signal is provided, so that the supply voltage of the battery power supply is a low voltage below a predetermined value due to the influence of temporary abnormal low temperature weather in winter. However, the voltage abnormality determination means determines the voltage drop abnormality from both the battery consumption from the battery capacity estimation means and the voltage drop signal from the voltage detection means, and the voltage is low even though the battery consumption is low. When a drop signal is detected, it is determined as a transient error signal, and even if the voltage detection means detects a voltage drop signal, the signal is not output to the time measurement means and the cutoff means is not driven. More false prevents itself be a voltage drop abnormality state by determining, without become gas unusable in erroneous interruption due to erroneous determination, usability increased to improve reliability.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a gas cutoff device in a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a gas cutoff device in a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of a gas cutoff device in a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of a gas cutoff device in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of a conventional gas cutoff device.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Battery power supply means
3 Blocking means
13 Return means
14 Return prohibition means
15, 15A voltage detection means
16 Time measurement means
18 Voltage abnormality canceling means
19 Operation input means
20 External communication means
21 Communication means
22 Confirmation return means
23 Battery capacity estimation means
24 Voltage abnormality determination means

Claims

Battery power supply means for supplying power, shut-off means for shutting off and returning the gas medium, voltage detection means for monitoring the supply voltage of the battery power supply means and detecting a low voltage below a predetermined value, and determining a voltage drop abnormality; , A predetermined time is measured from when the voltage detection means determines that the voltage drop is abnormal, and when the predetermined time elapses, a time measuring means for outputting a shut-off signal and a return signal for returning the shut-off means to a gas supply enabled state are output. A return means for prohibiting the input of the return signal when the predetermined time elapses in the time measuring means, a return prohibiting means for outputting the return signal when the input is not prohibited, and a voltage detecting means by an external operation. The operation input means for outputting a drive signal to the voltage detection means, and the voltage detection means is driven by the drive signal from the operation input means. Causes sealed, gas shut-off device being characterized in that a voltage abnormality canceling means for canceling the return inhibition state of return inhibition unit.

Battery power supply means for supplying power, shut-off means for shutting off and returning the gas medium, voltage detection means for monitoring the supply voltage of the battery power supply means and detecting a low voltage below a predetermined value, and determining a voltage drop abnormality; , A predetermined time is measured from when the voltage detection means determines that the voltage drop is abnormal, and when the predetermined time elapses, a time measuring means for outputting a shut-off signal and a return signal for returning the shut-off means to a gas supply enabled state are output. A return means that prohibits input of the return signal when the predetermined time elapses, and a return prohibition means that outputs the return signal when the input is not prohibited, and an external instruction signal such as communication Communication means for outputting a drive signal to the voltage detection means by the input of the input, and the time detection means when the voltage detection means is driven by the drive signal from the communication means and a normal voltage is detected Of stops the time measurement, gas shut-off device being characterized in that a voltage abnormality canceling means for canceling the return inhibition state of return inhibition unit.

3. A non-confirmation return means for returning an instruction unnecessary signal to an external communication means to which the external instruction signal is output when the voltage is normal when the communication means inputs an external instruction signal. Gas shut-off device.

Battery power supply means for supplying power, shut-off means for shutting off and returning the gas medium, voltage detection means for monitoring the supply voltage of the battery power supply means and detecting a low voltage below a predetermined value, and outputting a voltage drop signal; A battery capacity estimating means for estimating the battery capacity by calculating the battery consumption of the battery power supply means from the number of times of driving of the shut-off means and the elapsed time from power-on, and the battery consumption calculated by the battery capacity estimating means Is within the predetermined value, it is determined that the voltage detection means detects an error signal even if the voltage drop signal is detected, and only when the voltage detection means detects the voltage drop signal and the battery consumption is greater than or equal to the predetermined value. A voltage abnormality determining means for determining a voltage drop abnormality; a time measuring means for measuring a predetermined time from when the voltage abnormality determining means determines that the voltage drop is abnormal; A return means for outputting a return signal for returning the shut-off means to a gas supply enabled state; and input of the return signal is prohibited when the predetermined time has passed by the time measuring means, and when the input is not prohibited, the return signal And a return prohibiting means for outputting the gas.