JP4046097B2 - Gas shut-off device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas cutoff device that ensures safety when the power capacity of a battery power supply unit is consumed, for example, in a cutoff device that monitors the usage state of a gas appliance that uses city gas, LP gas, or the like.

  This type of conventional shut-off device, for example, is configured as shown in FIG. 2 in a gas shut-off device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). FIG. 2 shows a control block diagram of a conventional gas shut-off device.

  In the gas shut-off device 1 shown in FIG. Reference numeral 3 denotes a shut-off valve, which stops or supplies gas in the flow path. Reference numeral 4 denotes a voltage drop detection unit, which detects a battery voltage taking into account a predetermined time that goes back from the operation guarantee voltage in which the capacity of the battery power supply unit 2 capable of operating the gas shut-off device 1 remains. Signal A is output. 5 is an opening acceptance unit that accepts opening of the shut-off valve from the time when the voltage drop signal A is input, and opens when there is an opening request (opening request switch or input of an opening signal by communication). A stopper request signal C is output. A timer unit 6 counts a predetermined operation guarantee time from when the voltage drop signal A is input, and outputs a plug opening completion signal D. Reference numeral 7 denotes an opening function stop unit which outputs a closing stop signal E for stopping the opening according to the opening request signal C when the opening end signal D is input. Reference numeral 8 denotes a gas shut-off control unit, which shuts off the shut-off valve 3 when the battery voltage drop signal A or the closure stop signal E is inputted, and when the opening request signal C is inputted before the input signal of the closure stop signal E. The shut-off valve 3 is opened.

  Next, the operation of the configuration of the conventional example will be described. When the voltage drop detection unit 4 checking the consumption level of the battery power supply unit 2 detects the battery consumption voltage, the battery voltage drop signal A is output to the unplugging reception unit 5, the timer unit 6 and the gas cutoff control unit 8. . The gas cutoff control unit 8 to which the voltage drop signal A has been input outputs the first cutoff command signal B1 to operate the cutoff valve 3 and close the gas passage. When the voltage drop signal A is input, the timer unit 6 starts counting, and until the timer unit 6 finishes counting for a predetermined time, there is an opening request to the opening acceptance unit 5, and the opening request signal C Is output, the gas cutoff control unit 8 opens the cutoff valve 3. When the timer section 6 finishes counting, the plug opening end signal D is output, so the plug opening function stop section 7 outputs the plug opening stop signal E and stops accepting the plug opening request. The gas cutoff device 1 to which the closing stop signal E is inputted outputs the second cutoff command signal B2 to close the cutoff valve 3.

In the gas shut-off device 1 attached to the flow path through which medium gas such as city gas and LP gas flows, the voltage drop detection unit 4 measures the voltage of the battery power supply unit 2 at a predetermined time interval and monitors the degree of battery consumption. ing. A lower limit voltage at which the gas shut-off device 1 can be operated is set in advance as an operation guarantee voltage, and a voltage value when the voltage is reversed for a required number of days from here is set as a battery consumption voltage. The voltage drop detection unit 4 monitors the battery voltage and detects the battery voltage when the battery is consumed. That is, after the battery consumption voltage is detected for the required number of days, the shutoff valve 3 can be opened only during the period when the voltage of the battery power supply unit 2 drops to the operation guarantee voltage, and a grace period is provided until the gas shutoff device 1 is replaced. It is a thing.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-103546

  However, the conventional configuration has the following problems. When the voltage drop detection unit monitors the battery voltage at predetermined time intervals and determines the battery voltage drop at the time of exhaustion, the voltage drop detection unit calculates the current value that can operate the shut-off valve that has been obtained by calculation or experiment in advance as the battery voltage. This is done by supplying the battery power supply unit as a decrease determination current and comparing the voltage of the battery power supply unit at that time with the battery consumption voltage. The reason is described below. The battery constituting the battery voltage unit has an internal resistance, and the equivalent circuit of the battery is represented by connecting the internal resistance and an ideal battery that retains the original voltage in series. The internal resistance value has a characteristic of gradually increasing with time. If the current is taken out from the battery power supply unit, the internal resistance results in a voltage loss as an IR drop by the product of the resistance value and the extracted current, and the voltage of the battery power supply unit is reduced accordingly.

  On the other hand, the operating current of the shut-off valve is significantly larger than the operating currents of the other parts, so that it is most affected by the internal resistance. Therefore, the maximum IR drop is caused by flowing a battery voltage decrease determination current when determining the battery voltage decrease, and it is determined whether or not the present apparatus is operable with the voltage of the battery power source at that time.

  However, when the internal resistance of the battery of the battery power supply unit exceeds a certain usage capacity, it rapidly increases with an increase in the usage capacity thereafter, and the increase is greatly varied due to individual variations of the batteries and differences in usage environments. For this reason, in the worst case, the battery voltage decreases more than the predetermined battery consumption voltage after detecting the battery voltage decrease, and it may be impossible to operate the shutoff valve after a predetermined time from the detection of the battery voltage decrease. It is done.

  Moreover, as a preventive measure, it is possible to set the battery consumption voltage for performing the battery voltage drop determination to a high value taking into account the increase in the internal resistance value of all the batteries, but the battery is not sufficiently consumed. Nevertheless, it may be determined that the battery voltage has dropped, and there is a problem that it is not economical because it is necessary to increase the battery capacity of the battery power supply unit if the expiration date of the gas cutoff device is to be observed. Was.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described conventional problems, and to provide a more economical gas shut-off device while ensuring safety when the power capacity of a battery power supply unit is consumed.

  In order to solve the conventional problem, the gas shut-off device according to the present invention is configured such that the battery usage time determination unit measures the usage time from the start of supply of the battery power supply unit by the battery usage time measurement unit, and sets the battery usage time limit set in advance. When the expiration date of the setting part is exceeded, a time signal is output. Here, the set value for the expiry date is the amount of increase in the internal resistance of the battery and the capacity of the battery power supply unit that causes a large variation in the time based on the battery consumption used by the gas shutoff device per unit time. It is the value converted into. Based on the time signal, the voltage drop detection unit is below the battery consumption voltage set in consideration of battery consumption for a predetermined time that goes back from the guaranteed operating voltage that is the lower limit value that allows the shut-off valve to operate before inputting the time signal. Therefore, the battery voltage drop of the battery power source is determined, and a shut-off valve operation signal is output after a predetermined time. In addition, after the time signal is input, the shut-off valve operation signal is output when the battery voltage difference is greater than or equal to the battery voltage difference set in consideration of the sudden voltage drop of the battery power supply unit.

  As a result, before the battery power supply exceeds a certain usage capacity, the operation guarantees the lower limit value that allows the shut-off valve to operate after the battery voltage drop judgment until the shut-off valve operation signal is output after the battery voltage drop judgment. Since the operation is performed for a predetermined time set in consideration of battery consumption that goes back from the voltage, a conventional shut-off operation that ensures safety can be performed.

  In addition, after the battery power supply exceeds the specified operating capacity, the battery power supply is shut off because the battery voltage difference is less than the set voltage considering the sudden voltage drop caused by the increase in the internal resistance of the battery. Since the valve operation signal is output, it is possible to reduce the problem that the battery voltage is lowered before the shutoff valve operation signal is output and the shutoff valve cannot be operated.

  In addition, to prevent the conventional problem, it is possible to set the battery consumption voltage for performing the battery drop determination to a high value taking into account the increase in the internal resistance of all the batteries, but the battery is sufficiently consumed. Although it may be determined that the battery voltage has dropped despite the absence of the battery, it is possible to reduce the economic problem that it is necessary to increase the battery capacity of the battery power supply unit if the expiration date of the gas shut-off device is to be observed. I can do it.

  The gas shut-off device of the present invention is less than a battery voltage difference set in consideration of a sudden voltage drop caused by an increase in the internal resistance value of the battery of the battery power supply unit after the battery power supply unit exceeds a certain usage capacity. Therefore, since the shutoff valve operation signal is output, it is possible to reduce the problem that the battery voltage is lowered before the shutoff operation and the shutoff valve cannot be operated.

  A first aspect of the present invention is a gas shutoff device comprising a shutoff valve that shuts off a gas passage in the event of an abnormality and a battery power supply unit that supplies operating power to a device including the shutoff valve. A battery usage time measuring unit for measuring time, a battery usage time setting unit for setting a usage time limit of the battery power supply unit, a time measured by the battery usage time measuring unit, and a time set by the battery usage time setting unit Comparing the expiration date and determining that the battery usage time has reached the battery expiration date, a battery usage time determination unit that outputs a timing signal, and monitoring the voltage of the battery power supply unit at predetermined time intervals, Before the signal is input, the battery voltage drop is determined because the battery consumption voltage is lower than the battery consumption voltage set in consideration of the battery consumption for a predetermined time that goes back from the operation guarantee voltage, which is the lower limit value at which the shut-off valve can be operated. The interruption signal is output at the predetermined time after the time signal is input, and after the timing signal is input, the difference between the previous voltage and the current voltage obtained by monitoring the battery power supply unit is taken into account the sudden voltage drop of the battery power supply unit. The battery internal resistance value of the battery power supply section that occurs after the battery power supply section exceeds a certain usage capacity by providing a voltage drop detection section that outputs a cut-off signal when the battery voltage difference exceeds the preset battery voltage difference Since the shutoff valve operation is performed when the battery voltage difference is less than the set voltage difference considering the sudden voltage drop due to the increase in the battery voltage, let the battery voltage drop before the shutoff valve operation signal is output and let the shutoff valve operate. The problem of not being able to be reduced can be reduced.

  In addition, to prevent the conventional problem, it is possible to set the battery consumption voltage for performing the battery drop determination to a high value taking into account the increase in the internal resistance value of all the batteries, but the battery is sufficiently consumed. It is possible that it is determined that the battery voltage has dropped despite the fact that it has not, and reducing the economic problem that it is necessary to increase the battery capacity of the battery power supply section if the expiration date of the gas shut-off device is to be observed be able to.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, in particular, in the first aspect of the invention, the voltage drop detection unit has a rapid difference between the previous voltage and the current voltage obtained by monitoring the battery power supply unit after the timing signal is input. The battery power supply is used for a certain amount of time because it has been configured to output a cut-off signal when the battery voltage difference exceeds the set voltage considering the voltage drop or when the current voltage falls below the battery consumption voltage. After exceeding the capacity, in addition to being less than the battery voltage difference set considering the sudden voltage drop caused by the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery in the battery power supply section, the internal resistance value of the battery in the battery power supply section Even when there is a small increase in voltage and the voltage drops gradually, the shut-off valve operation is performed when the battery consumption voltage becomes lower than the above, so the shut-off valve operation according to the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery can be performed more reliably. It becomes.

  According to a third aspect of the invention, in particular, in the first aspect of the invention, the battery usage time limit setting unit includes a plurality of usage time limits, and the battery usage time determination unit counts a time signal every time the battery usage time reaches the plurality of usage time limits. The voltage drop detection unit outputs an abrupt voltage in which the difference between the previous time and the current voltage obtained by monitoring the battery power supply unit after the time signal is input changes over time of use of the battery power supply unit. Considering the decrease, it is configured to output a cut-off signal when the battery voltage difference set for each of a plurality of expiration dates is exceeded. Even when the increase in the internal resistance of the battery changes, it is possible to set the battery voltage difference considering that because there are multiple expiration dates, so that the internal resistance of the battery can be increased more reliably. The corresponding shut-off valve operation becomes possible.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the first aspect of the invention, the battery expiration date setting unit includes a plurality of expiration dates, and the expiration date can be selected from outside the apparatus. Can be switched from the outside of the device, and even after the device is manufactured, it can be switched according to the region to be shipped (for example, the region where the temperature change is more drastic, the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery and the variation in the increase are larger). I can do it. As a result, it is possible to set an expiration date that takes into account the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery after the power supply voltage exceeds a certain usage capacity depending on the usage environment and the variation in the increase. The shut-off valve operation according to the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery and the variation of the increase becomes possible.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in particular, in the first aspect of the invention, the battery expiration date setting unit is configured so that the expiration date can be arbitrarily set from the outside, so that the battery voltage difference after the timing signal is input can be set from outside the device. Since the same effect as that of the fifth invention can be obtained and any value can be set, a more suitable expiration date can be set according to the environment after installation. Moreover, it becomes possible to set from the center which manages gas by communication, and the convenience is further enhanced.

  6th invention has the memory | storage of the battery voltage difference at the time of outputting the interruption | blocking signal, and based on this memory | storage, it analyzes in what state the use capacity of the battery power supply part performed the battery voltage fall determination Based on the analysis, it can be determined whether or not the expiration date of the battery expiration date setting unit is a value that complies with the actual usage. By setting the expiration date based on this determination, it is possible to more reliably determine the battery voltage according to the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery and the variation of the increase.

  7th invention displays the information of the battery voltage difference at the time of outputting the shut-off signal or outputs it to the outside to determine in what state the used capacity of the battery power supply unit of the device has made the battery voltage drop determination. It becomes possible to know in real time. In addition, since the information can be easily collected, the amount of information can be increased, so that accurate analysis can be performed based on the amount of information.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Further, although the embodiment of the present invention will be described using a gas shut-off device, the present invention is not limited to gas, and may be a battery voltage determination device such as water supply, electric power, or combustion fuel.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a control block diagram of the gas shut-off device in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, 9 is a battery power supply part. Reference numeral 10 denotes a battery usage time measurement unit, which measures the usage time from the start of supply of the battery power supply unit 9. A battery expiration date setting unit 11 sets the expiration date. A battery usage time determination unit 12 compares the battery usage time with the battery usage time limit, and outputs a timing signal to the next stage when the battery usage time exceeds the battery usage time limit. Reference numeral 13 denotes a voltage drop detection unit that monitors the battery voltage of the battery power supply unit 9 at regular time intervals. Reference numeral 14 denotes a display unit which is configured to display a time signal if it is present.

  The operation and action of the gas shut-off device configured as described above will be described below.

  First, the battery usage time determination unit 12 measures the usage time from the start of supply of the battery power supply unit 9 by the battery usage time measurement unit 12, and outputs a timing signal when the preset usage date of the battery usage time limit setting unit 11 is exceeded. To do. Here, the installation value for the expiry date is the amount of battery consumption used by the device per unit time (generally the value is almost constant since the operation pattern of the device is constant. If there is variation, it is the worst for safety. The battery internal resistance increases, and the battery capacity of the battery power supply unit 9 causes a large variation in the increase (depending on the type of battery, tens of percent of the battery capacity is a guide) Is a value converted to time. The voltage drop detection unit 13 monitors the voltage of the battery power supply unit 9 at predetermined time intervals, and before the time signal is input, a predetermined time that goes back from the operation guarantee voltage that is the lower limit value at which the shutoff valve 15 can be operated. The battery voltage drop is determined when the battery consumption voltage becomes lower than the set battery consumption voltage in consideration of the battery consumption, and a shut-off valve operation signal is output at the predetermined time thereafter. In addition, after the timing signal is input, the difference between the previous voltage and the current voltage obtained by monitoring the battery power supply unit 9 is less than the battery voltage difference set in consideration of the sudden voltage drop of the battery power supply unit 9. The shut-off valve operation signal is output.

  As a result, after the battery power supply unit 9 exceeds a certain usage capacity, the battery voltage difference becomes less than the battery voltage difference set in consideration of the sudden voltage drop caused by the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery of the battery power supply unit 9 Since the shut-off valve operation is performed, it is possible to reduce the problem that the battery voltage is lowered before the shut-off valve operation signal is output and the shut-off valve 15 cannot be operated.

  In addition, to prevent the conventional problem, it is possible to set the battery consumption voltage for performing the battery drop determination to a high value taking into account the increase in the internal resistance value of all the batteries, but the battery is sufficiently consumed. However, it is considered that the battery voltage has decreased despite the fact that the battery power supply unit 9 needs to increase its battery capacity if the expiration date of the gas cutoff device is to be observed. Can be reduced.

  Further, the voltage drop detection unit 13 monitors the voltage of the battery power source unit 9 at predetermined time intervals, and before the time signal is input, the voltage drop detection unit 13 is a predetermined time that goes back from the operation guarantee voltage that is the lower limit value at which the cutoff valve 15 can be operated. The battery voltage drop is determined when the battery consumption voltage becomes lower than the set battery consumption voltage in consideration of the battery consumption, and then the shut-off valve output signal is output at the aforementioned predetermined time. After the time signal is input, the difference between the previous voltage and the current voltage obtained by monitoring the battery power supply unit 9 is less than the battery voltage difference set in consideration of the sudden voltage drop of the battery power supply unit 9, A shut-off operation signal is output when the battery consumption voltage becomes lower.

  As a result, after the battery power supply unit 9 exceeds a certain usage capacity, the battery voltage difference becomes equal to or less than the battery voltage difference set in consideration of a sudden voltage drop caused by an increase in the internal resistance value of the battery of the battery power supply unit 9. In addition, since the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery of the battery power supply unit 9 is small, the shut-off valve operation is performed when the battery voltage drops below the battery consumption voltage even when the voltage is gradually lowered. The shut-off valve operation according to the increase in resistance value becomes possible.

  The battery expiration date setting unit 11 includes a plurality of expiration dates for the battery power supply unit 9, and the battery usage time determination unit 12 outputs a timing signal each time the battery usage time reaches a plurality of battery expiration dates. Before the time signal is input, a predetermined time set in consideration of battery consumption that goes back from the operation guarantee voltage, which is the lower limit value at which the shut-off valve 15 can be operated. A shut-off valve operation signal may be output when the battery voltage difference is less than or equal to the corresponding value.

  Accordingly, since a plurality of expiration dates are provided, the battery voltage corresponding to the usage capacity of the battery power supply unit 9 even when the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery or the variation in the increase becomes larger with time. A shut-off operation signal can be output based on the difference, and a shut-off valve operation according to the speed at which the internal resistance value of the battery increases more reliably becomes possible.

  The battery expiration date setting unit 11 may include a plurality of expiration dates for the battery power supply unit 9 so that the expiration date can be switched from outside the apparatus, or can be arbitrarily set from the outside.

  This makes it possible to switch or set the battery voltage difference after inputting the timing signal from outside the device. Therefore, even after the device is manufactured, the region where the device is shipped (for example, the region where the temperature change is more severe is the battery internal resistance value). The expiration date can be switched or set in accordance with the increase or the variation of the increase. As a result, it is possible to set an expiration date that takes into account the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery after the power supply voltage exceeds a certain usage capacity depending on the usage environment and the variation in the increase. The shut-off valve operation according to the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery and the variation of the increase becomes possible.

  Further, if the battery voltage difference when the shut-off valve operation signal is output or the output of the shut-off valve operation signal is before the timing signal is input, that fact may be stored.

  As a result, it is possible to analyze in what state the capacity of the battery power supply unit 9 has output the shut-off valve operation signal based on this memory. Based on this analysis, the use of the battery expiration date setting unit 11 can be analyzed. It is possible to determine whether the deadline is a value that conforms to actual use. By setting the expiration date based on this determination, it is possible to more reliably determine the battery voltage according to the increase in the internal resistance value of the battery and the variation of the increase.

  Further, if the battery voltage difference when the shut-off valve operation signal is output or the output of the shut-off valve operation signal is before the timing signal is input, that fact may be displayed.

  As a result, it is possible to determine in what state the usage capacity of the battery power supply unit outputs the shut-off valve operation signal just by looking at the device. It is possible to analyze whether or not the value is within the range.

  Further, if the battery voltage difference when the shut-off signal is output or the output of the shut-off valve operation signal is before the timing signal is input, information to that effect may be output to the outside. As a result, it is possible to know in real time in what state the used capacity of the battery power supply unit 9 of the apparatus has made the battery voltage drop determination. Moreover, since it becomes easy to collect information, the amount of information can be increased, so that the life of the battery power supply unit 9 can be analyzed more accurately based on this. You may notify outside of gas shut-off devices, such as a gas supplier's information device (not shown), via a communication line network, such as a telephone line.

  As described above, the gas shutoff device according to the present invention is set in consideration of a rapid voltage drop caused by an increase in the internal resistance value of the battery of the battery power supply unit after the battery power supply unit exceeds a certain usage capacity. Since the shutoff valve operation signal is output when the battery voltage difference falls below the specified battery voltage difference, it is possible to reduce the problem that the battery voltage declines before the shutoff operation and the shutoff valve cannot be operated. It can be applied to equipment that uses

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of the gas cutoff device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Control block diagram of a conventional gas shut-off device

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 Battery power supply part 10 Battery use time measurement part 11 Battery use time limit setting part 12 Battery use time determination part 13 Voltage drop detection part 15 Shut-off valve

Claims (7)

Use of a battery for measuring a usage time from the start of supply of the battery power supply unit in a gas shutoff device comprising a shutoff valve that shuts off a gas passage in the event of an abnormality and a battery power supply unit that supplies operating power to a device including the shutoff valve The time measurement unit, the battery expiration date setting unit for setting the expiration date of the battery power supply unit, the time measured by the battery usage time measurement unit and the expiration date set by the battery expiration date setting unit are compared. A battery usage time determination unit that outputs a timing signal when it is determined that the battery usage time has reached the battery expiration date, and the voltage of the battery power supply unit is monitored at predetermined intervals, and the interruption is performed before the timing signal is input. When the battery consumption voltage falls below the battery consumption voltage set in consideration of the battery consumption for a predetermined time that goes back from the operation guarantee voltage that is the lower limit value at which the valve can be operated, the battery voltage drop is determined and The battery voltage is set in consideration of a sudden voltage drop of the battery power supply unit, which outputs a cut-off signal in time, and after the timing signal is input, the difference between the previous voltage and the current voltage obtained by monitoring the battery power supply unit A gas shutoff device comprising a voltage drop detection unit that outputs a shutoff signal when the difference is exceeded. The voltage drop detection unit is configured such that the difference between the previous voltage and the current voltage obtained by monitoring the battery power supply unit after the timing signal is input is greater than or equal to the battery voltage difference set in consideration of the sudden voltage drop of the battery power supply unit. The gas shut-off device according to claim 1, wherein the shut-off signal is output when the current voltage becomes equal to or lower than the battery consumption voltage. The battery expiration date setting unit includes a plurality of expiration dates, the battery usage time determination unit outputs a timing signal each time the battery usage time reaches the plurality of expiration dates, and the voltage drop detection unit is configured to output the timing signal. After the input, the difference between the previous voltage and the current voltage obtained by monitoring the battery power supply unit is set for each of a plurality of expiration dates in consideration of a sudden voltage drop that changes with the passage of the usage time of the battery power supply unit. The gas shut-off device according to claim 1, wherein the shut-off signal is output when the battery voltage difference is greater than or equal to. The gas cutoff device according to claim 1, wherein the battery expiration date setting unit includes a plurality of expiration dates, and the expiration date can be selected from outside the device. The gas cutoff device according to claim 1, wherein the battery expiration date setting unit is configured such that the expiration date can be arbitrarily set from the outside. The gas cutoff device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which stores a battery voltage difference when a cutoff signal is output. The gas cutoff device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein information on a battery voltage difference when the cutoff signal is output is displayed or output to the outside.

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