KR102659968B1 - Safety gas shut-off device in order to use multi power sources and method of controlling the same safely - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of controlling a gas shutoff device for using multiple power sources, including a driving unit for driving a gas valve and a control unit for controlling the driving unit, includes maintaining the internal power unit and the external power terminal, receiving a valve opening command. measuring the battery voltage, comparing the battery voltage with the battery limit voltage, opening the gas valve if the battery voltage is greater than the battery limit voltage, measuring the supply voltage formed by the internal power unit and the external power terminal. The step may include maintaining the gas valve open when the supply voltage is greater than the battery limit voltage.

Description

Safety gas shut-off device for using multiple power sources and its control method {SAFETY GAS SHUT-OFF DEVICE IN ORDER TO USE MULTI POWER SOURCES AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME SAFELY}

The present invention relates to a gas shutoff device, and more specifically, to a safety gas shutoff device that can safely perform a gas cutoff function while using various power sources other than batteries and a control method thereof.

Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-2009-0008224 relates to a gas shutoff valve assembly and discloses a gas cutoff device that operates using a battery such as a dry cell. In addition, Korea Patent No. 10-2440744, Korea Registered Utility Model No. 20-0349446, and Korea Registered Utility Model No. 20-0362940 disclose a gas blocking device using a household power source rather than a battery.

Gas blocking devices using batteries, such as batteries, can be used independently because they are not connected to the outside, but their use period is limited because they require battery replacement, and normal operation is not possible if the batteries run out of power during use. There is a downside.

To solve this problem of batteries, a gas shutoff device using a household power source may be considered. However, a gas shutoff device that uses an external power source has the advantage of not needing replacement as long as it is connected to an external power source. However, if the power is cut off due to a power outage or disaster, it can immediately lead to a safety accident, so it is not a complete solution. I can't.

The present invention provides a gas shutoff device and a control method thereof that can be used safely while using power sources other than batteries.

The present invention provides a gas shutoff device and a control method that can provide safety by using multiple power sources but clarifying their priorities.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the gas shutoff device according to this embodiment includes a driving unit for driving a gas valve and a control unit for controlling the driving unit, and the gas shutoff device for using multiple power sources. The control method is (a) maintaining an internal power source using a battery and an external power terminal for external power, (b) the control part receiving a valve opening command, (c) the control part using a battery voltage measuring part to Measuring the battery voltage (BV) from the power supply, (d) comparing the measured battery voltage (BV) with the battery limit voltage (BLV), (e) measuring the measured battery voltage (BV) with the battery limit voltage ( BLV), opening the gas valve, (f) the control unit recognizes the power supply from the external power terminal through the external power recognition unit, (g) the control unit recognizes the supply voltage formed by the internal power unit and the external power terminal ( (h) comparing the measured supply voltage (SV) to the battery limit voltage (BLV), (i) if the measured supply voltage (SV) is greater than the battery limit voltage (BLV), the gas valve maintaining open, (j) comparing the measured supply voltage (SV) to the battery alert voltage (BAV), (k) the measured supply voltage (SV) is equal to or less than the battery alert voltage (BAV). may include the step of displaying a warning message, and (l) the control unit checking whether the operation time of the gas shutoff device has expired, and closing the gas valve when the operation time has expired.

According to the control method according to this embodiment, even when an external power source is connected, the battery voltage (BV) can be measured first, and whether the battery voltage (BV) is greater than the battery limit voltage (BLV) (ex. about 4.3V) is compared. It may include the process of:

If the battery voltage (BV) measured in step (d) is equal to or less than the battery limit voltage (BLV), the control unit maintains the gas valve closed or closes the gas valve regardless of whether external power is applied. You can.

For reference, in this embodiment, when expressing a range, the meaning of being equal to or less than a specific value can be understood as meaning that the specific value is a reference 'boundary', and is not strictly limited to the concept of 'less than' and is not strictly limited to the concept of 'less than'. It may also include the concept of '. Likewise, the meaning of being greater than a specific value can be understood as meaning that the specific value is a reference 'boundary', and is not strictly limited to the concept of 'exceeding' and can also include the concept of 'ideal'.

A position sensor provided adjacent to the gas valve can be used to control the gas shutoff device. The position sensor can be located adjacent to the gas valve or knob, and can detect the correct opening of the gas valve by placing a magnetic sensor, optical sensor, ultrasonic sensor, etc., that is, whether the valve has completed moving to the correct position for opening. there is. If the signal from the position sensor is negative, it can be determined that the valve has not moved to the correct position to open, and the control unit can close the gas valve to prevent malfunction or other accidents.

According to this embodiment, both the battery voltage (BV) and the supply voltage (SV) can be defined. Battery voltage (BV) is supplied through an internal power supply using an independent power storage member such as a dry cell or other battery, and may include one that can be reused through charging. The supply voltage (SV) can be defined as being supplied by integrating, combining, or selecting power supplied from the internal power unit and external power terminals.

The supply voltage (SV) can be defined even when power is supplied only from the internal power supply without external power, and the supply voltage (SV) can be defined even when power is supplied from both external power and the internal power supply.

According to this embodiment, even after comparing the battery voltage (BV) with the battery limit voltage (BLV), the supply voltage (SV) and the battery limit voltage (BLV) can be compared. If the supply voltage (SV) measured in step (g) is equal to or less than the battery limit voltage (BLV), the control unit may maintain the gas valve closed or close the gas valve through the driving unit.

The control unit can measure and update the supply voltage (SV) at regular inspection time intervals, and even if external power is supplied, steps (j) and (k) are performed to ensure that the supply voltage (SV) is equal to the battery warning voltage (BAV). You can compare.

In this embodiment, the external power terminal may be a connection terminal that can be connected to an external power device, adapter, charger, auxiliary battery, etc. For example, it may be provided as a C-type terminal, micro 5-pin terminal, round DC socket, etc., These terminals may be provided to be exposed on one side of the case.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the gas shutoff device according to this embodiment includes a driving unit for driving a gas valve and a control unit for controlling the driving unit, and the gas shutoff device for using multiple power sources. The control method includes maintaining an internal power supply using a battery and an external power terminal for external power, recognizing the power supply from the battery voltage measuring unit and the external power terminal to measure the battery voltage (BV) from the internal power supply. A step of separately maintaining an external power recognition unit for the control unit, a step of the control unit measuring the supply voltage (SV) formed by the internal power unit and the external power terminal, and the control unit determining that the measured battery voltage (BV) is equal to the battery limit voltage (BLV) or If it is small, the gas valve can be kept closed or the gas valve can be closed through the driving unit even if the supply voltage (SV) is greater than the battery limit voltage (BLV).

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the gas shutoff device according to this embodiment includes a driving unit for driving the gas valve, a control unit for controlling the driving unit, an internal power unit using a battery, and an external power terminal for external power. The control unit includes a battery voltage measuring unit for measuring the battery voltage (BV) from the internal power supply unit, an external power recognition unit for recognizing power supply from an external power terminal, and a valve control unit for controlling the driving unit. Can measure the supply voltage (SV) formed by the internal power unit and external power terminal.

Additionally, the control unit compares the battery voltage (BV) with the battery limit voltage (BLV), and if the battery voltage (BV) is equal to or less than the battery limit voltage (BLV), the supply voltage (SV) is lower than the battery limit voltage (BLV). Even if it is large, the gas valve can be kept closed or the gas valve can be closed through the driving part.

The control unit compares the supply voltage (SV) with the battery limit voltage (BLV), and if the supply voltage (SV) is equal to or less than the battery limit voltage (BLV), the control unit maintains the gas valve closed or closes the gas valve through the driving unit. You can.

The control unit may further compare the supply voltage (SV) with the battery warning voltage (BAV) and display a warning message if the supply voltage (SV) is equal to or less than the battery warning voltage (BAV). Here, warning messages or other messages may include voices, beeps, lighting or flashing lamps, text display through a display, and transmission of signals or messages to other devices.

It further includes a position sensor provided adjacent to the gas valve, wherein the control unit detects the positional opening of the gas valve using the position sensor, and when the signal from the position sensor is negative, the control unit may close the gas valve.

The gas shutoff device of the present invention uses multiple power sources, but has clear priorities according to power source type, allowing sufficient response even if an unexpected accident occurs.

The gas shutoff device of the present invention gives priority to the internal power supply using a dry cell or other battery, and if the battery voltage of the internal power supply is below the threshold voltage, normal operation may not be permitted even if external power of sufficient voltage is supplied. Therefore, it is possible to provide user convenience and create conditions that allow sufficient response even if a power outage or disaster occurs during gas supply.

1 is a diagram for explaining a gas blocking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining a control method of a gas blocking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining a control method of a gas blocking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited or limited by the embodiments. For reference, in this description, the same numbers refer to substantially the same elements, and under these rules, the description can be made by citing the content shown in other drawings, and content that is judged to be obvious to those skilled in the art or that is repeated can be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a gas blocking device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a control method of the gas blocking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the gas blocking device according to this embodiment may be installed in addition to the gas valve 20 installed in the gas pipe 10 through which gas flows, or may be installed integrally with the gas valve. To this end, the gas shutoff device may include a control unit 110 and a driving unit 130 capable of driving the knob 25 of the gas valve 20 according to instructions from the control unit 110.

For reference, the gas blocking device of this embodiment may include a housing for accommodating components, an operation button, a display for displaying necessary information, etc. in addition to the control unit 110 and the driving unit 130, but these components are omitted and these components are omitted. For the configuration, reference may be made to the technology described in the background or other prior art.

The control unit 110 includes a valve control unit 110 for the driving unit 130, a battery voltage measurement unit 140 for the internal power unit 145, an external power recognition unit 150 for the external power terminal 155, and a position sensor. It may include unit 160.

The valve control unit 110 may operate the driving unit 130 according to a command signal, such as a central processing unit of the control unit 110, and the gas valve 20 may be opened or closed by the driving unit 130. The driving unit 130 can generally use a driving motor, and can also use a reduction gear or the like.

The battery voltage measurement unit 140 may transmit direct current power supplied from a battery stored in the internal power unit 145 or measure the supplied battery voltage (BV).

The external power recognition unit 150 is connected to the external power terminal 155, and the external power terminal 155 may be exposed to the outside through the housing. The power cable 30 can be connected to the external power terminal 155, and the external power recognition unit 150 can recognize whether power is supplied from the outside, and the supplied external power (ev. 5V) is connected to the control unit (ev. 5V). 110) can be supplied in different configurations.

While the battery voltage measurement unit 140 can measure the presence of a battery, the voltage generated by the battery, etc. through the battery voltage (BV), it may be sufficient for the external power recognition unit 150 to simply recognize the presence of an external power source. .

Electrical energy supplied to the battery voltage measurement unit 140 and the external power recognition unit 150 may be supplied to the central processing unit of the control unit 110, and may be supplied in combination, for example, in series or parallel. Voltage (SV) can be formed.

The position sensor unit 160 can receive signals about whether the knob 25 is rotated, whether it is in the correct position, etc. from one or two or more position sensors 165 arranged around the knob 25 of the gas valve 20. there is. In the drawing, only one position sensor 165 is shown on one side of the knob 25, but two or more position sensors may be located around the knob 25 at various angles such as 45 degrees, 90 degrees, and 120 degrees. In addition, various types of position sensors can be used, such as sensors using magnet-Hall sensors, sensors using photo interrupters, ultrasonic sensors, and optical cameras that read the scale around the knob.

Referring to Figure 2, the gas blocking device can maintain an internal power source 145 using a battery and an external power terminal 155 for receiving external power. The power cable 30 may be connected to the external power terminal 155 from the beginning, or the power cable 30 may be connected to the external power terminal 155 during the operation of the gas shutoff device after pressing the power button. .

In response to pressing the power button, etc., the control unit 110 can receive a valve opening command, and the control unit 110 uses the battery voltage measurement unit 140 to determine the internal power supply unit 145 before opening the gas valve 20. The battery voltage (BV) formed in can be measured.

The control unit 110 may compare the measured battery voltage (BV) with the battery limit voltage (BLV) (ex. 4.3V). If the measured battery voltage (BV) is greater than the battery limit voltage (BLV), the gas valve 20 can be opened, but if the battery voltage (BV) is less than the battery limit voltage (BLV), a rejection message is expressed and the gas valve 20 is opened. The valve 20 can be kept closed without opening it.

The control unit 110 can use the position sensor unit 160 to check whether the gas valve 20 is opened to the correct position. In this embodiment, the position sensor 165 disposed around the knob 25 of the gas valve 20 can be used, and it can be confirmed whether the gas valve 20 is completely opened by the driving unit 130 according to the opening command.

If the knob 25 of the gas valve 20 is not opened to the correct position, the control unit 110 may close the valve using the valve control unit 110 and the driving unit 130. If the signal from position sensor 165 is negative, it may mean that gas valve 20 has not moved into position for opening or is not fully open, which may indicate that gas valve 20 has not moved into position for opening. It may mean that you are interrupted or stopped midway. Accordingly, the control unit 110 can forcibly close the gas valve 20 to prevent malfunction or other accidents.

Of course, even in the case of valve closing, the control unit 110 can use the position sensor unit 160 and other position sensors to check whether the gas valve 20 is closed in the correct position. If it is determined that the drive unit 130 is not completely closed according to the closing signal, a warning sound, etc. may be generated.

The control unit 110 can recognize power supply from the external power terminal 155 through the external power recognition unit 150. Here, recognizing an external power source can be distinguished from measuring the voltage of an external power source.

The control unit 110 can measure the supply voltage (SV) formed by the internal power unit 145 and the external power terminal 155. The supply voltage SV may be formed by external power supplied from the internal power unit 145 and the external power terminal 155, and may be formed by combining both power sources, for example, in series or parallel. there is.

The supply voltage (SV) can be compared to the battery limit voltage (BLV), and if the supply voltage (SV) is greater than the battery limit voltage (BLV), the gas valve can be kept open. However, if the supply voltage (SV) is less than the battery limit voltage (BLV), a rejection message may be expressed and the gas valve 20 may be kept closed without opening or the open valve may be closed.

Additionally, if the supply voltage (SV) is greater than the battery limit voltage (BLV) but less than the battery warning voltage (BAV), a warning message may be displayed. At this time, you can use “Replace the battery” or other set voices, sounds, lamp emission, text display, etc.

The control unit 110 may check whether the operation time set from the start of the gas shutoff device or set as default has ended. If the operating time ends, the gas valve 20 can be closed and the entire gas supply process can be ended.

In this embodiment, the supply voltage (SV) can be defined even when power is supplied only from the internal power supply unit 145 without external power, and the supply voltage (SV) can be defined even when power is supplied from both the external power source and the internal power supply unit. This can be defined.

Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining a control method of a gas blocking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the control unit 110 may omit the process of comparing the supply voltage (SV) with the battery limit voltage (BLV). However, until the operation time ends, the control unit 110 measures and updates the supply voltage (SV) in units of a certain inspection time (ex. 5 minutes), and the supply voltage (SV) is lower than the battery warning voltage (BAV). If it is small, a warning message can be displayed.

The external power supply may be interrupted in the middle, or even if it is continuously supplied, the power of the external power source may decrease and the measured value of the supply voltage (SV) may drop. In preparation for this, the control unit 110 may measure the supply voltage (SV) at certain inspection time units and suggest battery replacement.

As described above, although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and changes to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. You will understand that you can do it.

10: gas pipe 20: gas valve
30: power cable 110: control unit
120: valve control unit 130: driving unit
140: battery voltage measurement unit 145: internal power unit
150: external power recognition unit 155: external power terminal
160: Position sensor unit 165: Position sensor

Claims (13)

A control method of a gas shutoff device for using multiple power sources, comprising a driving unit for driving a gas valve and a control unit for controlling the driving unit,
(a) maintaining an internal power source using a battery and an external power terminal for external power;
(b) the control unit receiving a valve opening command;
(c) the control unit measuring the battery voltage from the internal power source using a battery voltage measurement unit;
(d) comparing the measured battery voltage (BV) with a battery limit voltage (BLV);
(e) opening the gas valve when the measured battery voltage (BV) is greater than the battery limit voltage (BLV);
(f) the control unit recognizing power supply from the external power terminal through an external power recognition unit;
(g) the control unit measuring a supply voltage (SV) formed by the internal power unit and the external power terminal;
(h) comparing the measured supply voltage (SV) to the battery limit voltage (BLV);
(i) maintaining the gas valve open when the measured supply voltage (SV) is greater than the battery limit voltage (BLV);
(j) comparing the measured supply voltage (SV) to a battery alert voltage (BAV);
(k) displaying a warning message when the measured supply voltage (SV) is equal to or less than the battery warning voltage (BAV);
(l) the control unit confirming whether the operating time of the gas shutoff device has expired, and closing the gas valve when the operating time has expired.
According to paragraph 1,
If the battery voltage (BV) measured in step (d) is equal to or less than the battery limit voltage (BLV), the control unit maintains the gas valve closed or closes the gas valve through the driving unit. Characterized by a control method of a gas blocking device.
According to paragraph 1,
A gas shutoff device characterized in that the correct position opening of the gas valve is detected using a position sensor provided adjacent to the gas valve, and if the signal from the position sensor is negative, the control unit closes the gas valve. Control method.
According to paragraph 1,
If the supply voltage (SV) measured in step (g) is equal to or less than the battery limit voltage (BLV), the control unit maintains the gas valve closed or closes the gas valve through the driving unit. Control method of a gas blocking device characterized by:
According to paragraph 1,
The control unit measures and updates the supply voltage (SV) at a certain inspection time unit, and performs steps (j) and (k).
According to paragraph 1,
A method of controlling a gas shutoff device, wherein the external power terminal uses at least one of a C-type terminal, a micro 5-pin terminal, and a circular DC socket.

A control method of a gas shutoff device for using multiple power sources, comprising a driving unit for driving a gas valve and a control unit for controlling the driving unit,
Maintaining an internal power source using a battery and an external power terminal for external power;
Separately maintaining a battery voltage measuring unit for measuring the battery voltage from the internal power supply unit and an external power recognition unit for recognizing power supply from the external power terminal;
The control unit measuring a supply voltage (SV) formed by the internal power unit and the external power terminal;
If the measured battery voltage (BV) is equal to or smaller than the battery limit voltage (BLV), the control unit closes the gas valve through the driving unit even if the supply voltage (SV) is greater than the battery limit voltage (BLV). A control method of a gas shutoff device, characterized in that maintaining or closing the gas valve.
A gas shutoff device for using multiple power sources, comprising a driving unit for driving a gas valve and a control unit for controlling the driving unit,
Includes an internal power source using a battery and an external power terminal for external power,
The control unit includes a battery voltage measuring unit for measuring the battery voltage (BV) from the internal power supply unit, an external power recognition unit for recognizing power supply from the external power terminal, and a valve control unit for controlling the driving unit. ,
The control unit measures a supply voltage (SV) formed by the internal power unit and the external power terminal,
The control unit compares the battery voltage (BV) with the battery limit voltage (BLV), and if the battery voltage (BV) is equal to or less than the battery limit voltage (BLV), the supply voltage (SV) is set to the battery limit voltage (BLV). A gas blocking device characterized in that it maintains the gas valve closed or closes the gas valve through the driving unit even if it is greater than (BLV).
delete According to clause 8,
The control unit compares the supply voltage (SV) with the battery limit voltage (BLV), and if the supply voltage (SV) is equal to or less than the battery limit voltage (BLV), closes the gas valve through the driving unit. A gas shutoff device characterized in that it maintains or closes the gas valve.
A gas shutoff device for using multiple power sources, comprising a driving unit for driving a gas valve and a control unit for controlling the driving unit,
Includes an internal power source using a battery and an external power terminal for external power,
The control unit includes a battery voltage measuring unit for measuring the battery voltage (BV) from the internal power supply unit, an external power recognition unit for recognizing power supply from the external power terminal, and a valve control unit for controlling the driving unit. ,
The control unit measures a supply voltage (SV) formed by the internal power unit and the external power terminal,
The control unit compares the supply voltage (SV) with a battery warning voltage (BAV), and displays a warning message if the supply voltage (SV) is equal to or less than the battery warning voltage (BAV). Device.
According to claim 8 or 11,
It further includes a position sensor provided adjacent to the gas valve, wherein the control unit detects the correct position opening of the gas valve using the position sensor, and when the signal from the position sensor is negative, the control unit detects the gas valve. A gas blocking device characterized in that it closes.
According to claim 8 or 11,
A gas shutoff device, characterized in that the external power terminal uses at least one of a C-type terminal, a micro 5-pin terminal, and a circular DC socket.