Heating cooker

Abstract

A heating cooker is provided with a battery mounting unit, a voltage detection unit that detects a battery voltage, which is an output voltage of a battery mounted on the battery mounting unit, a notification unit, and a control unit. The control unit is configured so as to be able to execute a voltage drop determination process in which it is determined whether or not the battery voltage is equal to or less than a specific voltage drop determination threshold value, and a notification process. When it is determined that the battery voltage is equal to or less than the voltage drop determination threshold value, the notification unit is caused to notify information relating to a drop in the battery voltage during notification processing. When the battery voltage is the battery voltage adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit and when the battery voltage is not the battery voltage adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit, the control unit sets the voltage reduction determination threshold value to different values. Therefore, under the condition that the battery voltage is adjusted through the constant voltage output circuit or is not adjusted through the constant voltage output circuit, the voltage reduction information can be informed in time.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202511418030.9 (22) Application Date 2025.09.30 (30) Priority Data 2025-005041 2025.01.14 JP (71) Applicant: Hayashi Corporation Address: Aichi Prefecture, Japan (72) Inventor: Motoki Adachi (74) Patent Agency: Beijing Huaxia Zhenghe Intellectual Property Agency (General Partnership) 11017 Patent Attorney: Han Dengying, Li Tao (51) Int.Cl. F24C 3 / 12 (2006.01) F24C 3 / 08 (2006.01) (54) Invention Title: Heating Cooker (57) Abstract: This invention provides a heating cooker comprising a battery mounting section, a voltage detection section for detecting the output voltage (i.e., battery voltage) of a battery mounted in the battery mounting section, a notification section, and a control section. The control section is configured to perform voltage drop determination processing and notification processing. In the voltage drop determination processing, it determines whether the battery voltage is below a specific voltage drop determination threshold. If it is determined that the battery voltage is below the voltage drop determination threshold, the notification section provides information related to the battery voltage drop in the notification processing. The control section sets different values ​​for the battery voltage determination threshold depending on whether the battery voltage is regulated by a constant voltage output circuit or not. Accordingly, voltage drop information can be promptly provided in either case where the battery voltage is regulated by a constant voltage output circuit or not. Claims 2 pages, Description 15 pages, Drawings 11 pages, CN 122384116 A 2026.07.14 CN 1 22 38 41 16 A 1. A heating cooker that heats and cooks by burning fuel gas, characterized in that it has a battery mounting part, a voltage detection part, a notification part, and a control part, wherein a battery for supplying power to the heating cooker is detachably mounted in the battery mounting part; the voltage detection part detects the output voltage of the battery mounted in the battery mounting part, i.e., the battery voltage; the control part is configured to perform voltage drop determination processing and notification processing; in the voltage drop determination processing, it is determined whether the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection part is below a specific voltage drop determination threshold; if the voltage drop determination processing determines that the battery voltage is below the voltage drop determination threshold, in the notification processing, the notification part provides information related to the battery voltage drop; and if the battery voltage is the battery voltage after being regulated by a constant voltage output circuit and the battery voltage is not...1. When the battery voltage is adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit, the control unit sets the voltage reduction determination threshold to different values. 2. The heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets the voltage reduction determination threshold when the battery voltage is adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit to a value larger than the voltage reduction determination threshold when the battery voltage is not adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit. 3. The heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has a storage unit that stores historical records of the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection unit, i.e., voltage history records, and the control unit determines whether the battery voltage is adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit based on the voltage history records stored in the storage unit as a battery type determination process. 4. The heating cooker according to claim 3, wherein the control unit stores the battery voltage during a predetermined period from the start of powering the heating cooker by the battery to the end of the power-on period as the voltage history records in the storage unit. 5. The heating cooker according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the control unit performs the following processing in the battery type determination process: determining a voltage drop amount, the voltage drop amount being obtained by subtracting the battery voltage at a second time point from the battery voltage at a predetermined first time point, wherein the second time point is the time point at which the number of times the battery powers the heating cooker after the first time point reaches a predetermined number; if the voltage drop amount is less than the predetermined amount, determining that the battery voltage is the battery voltage after being regulated by the constant voltage output circuit; if the voltage drop amount is greater than the predetermined amount, determining that the battery voltage is not the battery voltage after being regulated by the constant voltage output circuit. 6. The heating cooker according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the control unit performs the following processing in the battery type determination process: determining a voltage drop amount, the voltage drop amount being obtained by subtracting the battery voltage at a second time point from the battery voltage at a predetermined first time point, wherein the second time point is the time point after the first time point when the power supply time from the battery to the heating cooker reaches a predetermined time; if the voltage drop amount is less than the predetermined amount, determining that the battery voltage is the battery voltage regulated by the constant voltage output circuit; if the voltage drop amount is greater than the predetermined amount, determining that the battery voltage is not the battery voltage regulated by the constant voltage output circuit. 7. The heating cooker according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that...After determining that the battery voltage is below the voltage drop determination threshold through the voltage drop determination process, and if it is determined that the battery voltage is greater than a reset threshold larger than the voltage drop determination threshold, the control unit deletes the voltage history stored in the storage unit. Claims 2 / 2 Page 3 CN 122384116 A Heating Cooker Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a heating cooker. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heating cooker that heats and cooks by burning fuel gas. The heating cooker has a battery mounting part, a voltage detection part, a notification part, and a control part, wherein a battery for supplying power to the heating cooker can be detachably installed in the battery mounting part; the voltage detection part detects the output voltage of the battery installed in the battery mounting part, i.e., the battery voltage. The control unit is configured to perform voltage drop determination processing and notification processing. In the voltage drop determination processing, it is determined whether the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection unit is below a specific voltage drop determination threshold. In the notification processing, if the voltage drop determination processing determines that the battery voltage is below the voltage drop determination threshold, the notification unit provides information related to the battery voltage drop. Patent Document 1's heating cooker provides information (also called voltage drop information) related to the battery voltage drop to the user and reminds them to replace the battery when the output voltage of the dry cell battery (i.e., the battery voltage not regulated by the constant voltage output circuit) drops, thereby suppressing the heating cooker from failing to work due to battery depletion. Prior Art Documents Patent Document

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-018136 Summary of the Invention [Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In recent years, in addition to dry cell batteries, portable batteries are becoming increasingly popular. Therefore, it is considered to replace dry cell batteries with portable batteries as the power source for heating cookers. Normally, the output voltage of a portable battery is 5V. For use as a power source for a hypothetical dry-cell battery-powered heating cooker, this voltage is relatively high. Therefore, it is regulated to a voltage equivalent to that of a dry-cell battery via a constant voltage output circuit. As a result, the battery voltage detected by the heating cooker may be a mixture of two types: the battery voltage regulated by the constant voltage output circuit and the battery voltage not regulated by the constant voltage output circuit. Here, the "constant voltage output circuit" refers to a circuit that regulates the battery's output voltage to a specified voltage.

[0005] The battery voltage not regulated by the constant voltage output circuit changes gradually both under normal conditions and towards the end of the battery's lifespan; therefore, it does not decrease drastically towards the end of the battery's lifespan. On the other hand, the constant voltage output circuit...The regulated battery voltage changes approximately constant under normal circumstances, but drops sharply towards the end of its lifespan. Therefore, for both types of battery voltages, if the voltage drop information is communicated at the same time, the timing of the notification may be untimely. For example, in the case where the battery voltage is regulated by a constant voltage output circuit, the voltage drop information may be communicated too late, and the battery may be depleted before the user notices the notification. This specification provides a technique that enables timely notification of voltage drop information in both cases where the battery voltage is regulated by a constant voltage output circuit and cases where the battery voltage is not regulated by a constant voltage output circuit. Specification 1 / 15 page 4 CN 122384116 A [Technical Solution for Solving the Technical Problem]

[0006] In a first aspect of this technology, a heating cooker is disclosed that heats and cooks by burning fuel gas. Alternatively, the heating cooker may have a battery mounting section, a voltage detection section, a notification section, and a control section, wherein a battery for supplying power to the heating cooker is detachably mounted in the battery mounting section; the voltage detection section detects the output voltage of the battery mounted in the battery mounting section, i.e., the battery voltage. Alternatively, the control section may be configured to perform voltage drop determination processing and notification processing. In the voltage drop determination processing, it is determined whether the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection section is below a specific voltage drop determination threshold. If the voltage drop determination processing determines that the battery voltage is below the voltage drop determination threshold, in the notification processing, the notification section provides information related to the battery voltage drop. Alternatively, the control section may set the voltage drop determination threshold to different values ​​depending on whether the battery voltage is regulated by a constant voltage output circuit or not.

[0007] According to the above structure, different voltage drop determination threshold values ​​can be set depending on whether the battery voltage is regulated by a constant voltage output circuit or not. Accordingly, in either the case where the battery voltage is regulated by the constant voltage output circuit or the case where the battery voltage is not regulated by the constant voltage output circuit, the voltage drop information can be promptly notified.

[0008] In the second aspect of this technology, in the first aspect described above, the control unit may set the voltage drop determination threshold when the battery voltage is regulated by the constant voltage output circuit to a value larger than the voltage drop determination threshold when the battery voltage is not regulated by the constant voltage output circuit.

[0009] According to the above structure, when the battery voltage is adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit, a voltage drop information is provided when the battery voltage is relatively high. This suppresses the delay in providing the voltage drop information, thus preventing the battery from running out of power before the user notices the notification. Furthermore, according to the above structure, when the battery voltage is not adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit, a voltage drop information is not provided until the battery voltage becomes relatively low. This suppresses premature notification of the voltage drop information, thus preventing the battery from being replaced by the user while it is still usable.

[0010] In the third aspect of this technology, in the first or second aspect described above, the control unit may have a storage unit that stores historical records of the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection unit, i.e., voltage history records. Alternatively, the control unit may determine whether the battery voltage is adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit based on the voltage history records stored in the storage unit as a battery type determination process.

[0011] Based on the above structure, considering the difference in changes between the battery voltage after adjustment by the constant voltage output circuit and the battery voltage before adjustment by the constant voltage output circuit, the type of battery installed in the battery mounting section can be determined based on the voltage history record indicating the change in battery voltage. Furthermore, based on the above structure, the heating cooker can automatically determine the type of battery without any special operation by the user (e.g., inputting the type of battery).

[0012] In the fourth aspect of this technology, in the third aspect described above, the control unit may store the battery voltage as the voltage history record in the storage section during a predetermined period from the start of powering the heating cooker from the battery to the end of the power-on period.

[0013] During the power-on process from the battery to the heating cooker, when the electrical load (e.g., solenoid valve, motor) included in the heating cooker is operating, a phenomenon occurs where the battery voltage decreases due to the internal resistance of the electrical load (also referred to as voltage drop). No voltage drop occurs during periods when the electrical load is off. Therefore, if there are discrepancies in the periods when battery voltage is stored as a voltage history record, the voltage history record will contain a mixture of battery voltages when voltage drops occur and battery voltages when no voltage drops occur. This can lead to decreased accuracy in battery type determination processing. According to the above structure, the battery voltage can be stored as a voltage history record for a predetermined period (e.g., the period from the start of powering on the heating appliance to the end of powering on) within the timeframe described above. This prevents the voltage history record from containing a mixture of battery voltages when voltage drops occur and battery voltages when no voltage drops occur.The battery voltage drops. Therefore, the accuracy of the battery type determination process can be improved.

[0014] In the fifth aspect of this technology, in the third or fourth aspect described above, the control unit may perform the following process in the battery type determination process: determine the voltage drop amount, which is obtained by subtracting the battery voltage at the second time point from the battery voltage at a predetermined first time point, wherein the second time point is the time point after the first time point when the number of times the battery is powered to the heating cooker reaches a predetermined number; if the voltage drop amount is less than the predetermined amount, it is determined that the battery voltage is the battery voltage after being regulated by the constant voltage output circuit; if the voltage drop amount is greater than the predetermined amount, it is determined that the battery voltage is not the battery voltage after being regulated by the constant voltage output circuit.

[0015] The battery voltage regulated by the constant voltage output circuit changes approximately constant under normal circumstances, therefore, the voltage drop amount from the first time point to the second time point is small. On the other hand, the battery voltage, even without regulation by the constant voltage output circuit, also changes gradually, resulting in a larger voltage drop from the first time point to the second time point. Based on this structure, by noting the difference in voltage drop between the battery voltage regulated by the constant voltage output circuit and the battery voltage without regulation from the first time point to the second time point, the type of battery installed in the battery mounting section can be determined. Furthermore, according to this structure, the heating cooker can automatically determine the battery type without requiring special user operation (e.g., inputting the battery type).

[0016] In the sixth aspect of this technology, in the third or fourth aspect described above, the control unit may perform the following processing in the battery type determination process: determining the voltage drop amount, which is obtained by subtracting the battery voltage at the second time point from the battery voltage at a predetermined first time point, wherein the second time point is the time point after the first time point when the power supply time from the battery to the heating cooker reaches a predetermined time; if the voltage drop amount is less than the predetermined amount, it is determined that the battery voltage is the battery voltage after being regulated by the constant voltage output circuit; if the voltage drop amount is greater than the predetermined amount, it is determined that the battery voltage is not the battery voltage after being regulated by the constant voltage output circuit.

[0017] The battery voltage regulated by the constant voltage output circuit changes approximately constant under normal circumstances, therefore, the voltage drop amount from the first time point to the second time point is small. On the other hand, the battery voltage not regulated by the constant voltage output circuit also changes gradually under normal circumstances, therefore, the voltage drop amount from the first time point to the second time point is small.The voltage drop is greater. Based on the above structure, considering that the voltage drop from the first time point to the second time point is different between the battery voltage regulated by the constant voltage output circuit and the battery voltage not regulated by the constant voltage output circuit, the type of battery installed in the battery mounting section can be determined. Furthermore, based on the above structure, the heating cooker can automatically determine the type of battery without special operation by the user (e.g., inputting the type of battery).

[0018] In the seventh aspect of this technology, in any of the third to sixth aspects described above, after the voltage drop determination process determines that the battery voltage is below the voltage drop determination threshold, if the battery voltage is determined to be greater than a reset threshold larger than the voltage drop determination threshold, the control unit deletes the voltage history stored in the storage unit. Specification 3 / 15 pages 6 CN 122384116 A

[0019] Based on the above structure, when the battery with a reduced output voltage is replaced with another battery (e.g., a new battery, a recharged battery), the voltage history up to the present can be deleted. Therefore, the voltage history record of the replaced battery can be obtained again to determine the type of battery.

[0020] FIG1 is a view of the heating cooker 2 according to Embodiment 1 from the upper left front. FIG2 is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the heating cooker 2 according to Embodiment 1. FIG3 is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the heating cooker 2 according to Embodiment 1. FIG4 is a flowchart of the battery monitoring process executed by the microcomputer 38 of the heating cooker 2 according to Embodiment 1. FIG5 is a flowchart of the battery replacement determination process executed by the microcomputer 38 of the heating cooker 2 according to Embodiment 1. FIG6 is a schematic diagram showing the mechanism for determining the voltage drop amount based on the voltage history record in the heating cooker 2 according to Embodiment 1. FIG7 is a diagram showing the battery voltage change of the heating cooker 2 according to Embodiment 1 when the power battery B is a dry cell battery DB and when the power battery B is a portable battery MB. FIG8 is a schematic diagram showing the mechanism for determining the voltage drop amount based on the voltage history record in the heating cooker 2 according to the modified example. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the heating cooker 202 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the heating cooker 202 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 11 is a flowchart of the battery monitoring process executed by the microcomputer 66 of the heating cooker 202 according to Embodiment 2. Detailed Description

[0021] (Embodiment 1: Heating Cooker 2) As shown in Figure 1, the heating cooker 2 is a gas-fired built-in stove that is assembled in an integrated kitchen for use. The heating cooker 2 has a body 4 and a top plate 6, wherein the front surface 4a of the body 4 is exposed on the near-front side of the integrated kitchen.The top plate 6 is located on the upper part of the main body 4 and protrudes from the countertop of the overall kitchen. Three supports 8a, 8b, and 8c, three stove burners 10a, 10b, and 10c, and stove temperature sensors 12a, 12b, and 12c are installed on the top plate 6. The three supports 8a, 8b, and 8c support cooking containers such as pots and frying pans, which are the objects to be heated. The three stove burners 10a, 10b, and 10c are respectively positioned corresponding to the supports 8a, 8b, and 8c to heat the objects supported on the supports. The stove temperature sensors 12a, 12b, and 12c are respectively positioned corresponding to the stove burners 10a, 10b, and 10c. A gas supply passage (not shown) is connected to the stove burner 10a. A flow regulating valve (not shown) is installed on the gas supply passage to adjust the amount of gas supplied to the stove burner 10a. The stove burner 10a is ignited by operating the igniter (not shown) while gas is being supplied to it. During ignition, the heating capacity of the stove burner 10a can be adjusted by regulating the amount of gas supplied to it using a flow regulating valve. The stove burner 10a is extinguished when the gas supply is stopped. Stove burners 10b and 10c have the same structure as stove burner 10a. Stove temperature sensors 12a, 12b, and 12c detect the presence of the object to be heated, supported by brackets 8a, 8b, and 8c, and detect the temperature of the bottom of the object. In Figure 1, the front side of the integrated kitchen is designated as the front, and the inner side of the integrated kitchen is designated as the rear. Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to the front-back direction, i.e., along the top plate 6, is designated as the left-right direction, and the direction orthogonal to the top plate 6 is designated as the up-down direction. Instruction manual, page 4 / 15, CN 122384116 A

[0022] The main body 4 has an oven 14 and an oven door 16, wherein the oven 14 is disposed inside the main body 4 for containing food; the oven door 16 is disposed on the front surface 4a of the main body 4 for opening and closing the oven 14. Inside the oven 14 are an oven burner (not shown) for heating the food contained in the oven 14 and an oven temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the temperature inside the oven 14.

[0023] The main body 4 has four operation buttons 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, two operation panels 22a, 22b, and a battery replacement light 24. The operation buttons 20a, 20d and the operation panel 22a are disposed on the right side of the oven door 16. The operation buttons 20b, 20c, the operation panel 22b and the battery replacement light 24 are disposed on the left side of the oven door 16.

[0024] Operation buttons 20a, 20b, and 20c correspond to stove burners 10a, 10b, and 10c, respectively. Operation buttons 20a, 20b,20c functions as a switch for switching the ignition / extinguishing of stove burners 10a, 10b, and 10c. During the ignition of stove burners 10a, 10b, and 10c, operation buttons 20a, 20b, and 20c also function as adjustment knobs for adjusting the heating amount of stove burners 10a, 10b, and 10c. Additionally, operation button 20d functions as a switch for switching the ignition / extinguishing of oven burners. During the ignition of oven burners, operation button 20d also functions as an adjustment knob for adjusting the heating amount of oven burners.

[0025] The operation panels 22a and 22b allow for setting the temperature of the object being heated by stove burners 10a, 10b, 10c and oven burners, setting automatic cooking, etc. The operation panels 22a and 22b each have operation keys for user operation and displays showing the settings displayed on the operation panels 22a and 22b. The control panels 22a and 22b are movable between an unfolded position (as shown in FIG. 1) and a position housed in the main body 4. Therefore, when not using the control panels 22a and 22b, the user can house them in the main body 4.

[0026] The battery replacement light 24 has an LED, and the illumination / flashing of the LED indicates a decrease in the output voltage of the power battery B (see FIG. 2), which functions as the power source for the heating cooker 2.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the heating cooker 2 also has a battery compartment 32 and an electronic unit 34.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, dry cell batteries DB can be installed and removed from the battery compartment 32. Although details are not shown, two size D dry cell batteries DB (i.e., dry cell batteries DB with a nominal voltage of 1.5V) can be installed in the battery compartment 32 in series. The dry cell batteries DB can be non-rechargeable primary batteries.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, a portable battery MB can also be installed and removed from the battery case 32 via a dry cell type adapter 35. The output voltage of the portable battery MB is regulated to a constant voltage (e.g., 5.0V). The adapter 35 has a USB port 58 for connecting a USB cable 56, and is connected to the portable battery MB via the USB cable 56. Furthermore, the adapter 35 has a constant voltage output circuit 36 ​​that regulates the output voltage (e.g., 5.0V) of the portable battery MB to a voltage equal to the output voltage of the two size D dry cell batteries DB2 (3.2V in this embodiment). Additionally, although the nominal voltage of the dry cell batteries DB is 1.5V, the output voltage of a new dry cell battery DB is considered to be higher than the nominal voltage (e.g., 1.6V). Based on this, the voltage regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36 ​​becomes a value higher than the nominal voltage (i.e., 3.0V) of the two dry cell batteries DB. Furthermore, the portable battery...MB can also have a constant voltage output circuit 36, which adjusts the output voltage of the mobile battery MB to a voltage equal to the output voltage of the two No. 1 dry cell batteries DB2.

[0030] Dry cell batteries DB and mobile batteries MB are selectively installed in the battery box 32. When the battery box 32 is equipped with dry cell batteries DB (as shown in FIG. 2), dry cell batteries DB function as the power source for the heating cooker 2. When the battery box 32 is equipped with mobile batteries MB (as shown in FIG. 3), mobile batteries MB function as the power source for the heating cooker 2. In this embodiment, the battery that functions as the power source for the heating cooker 2 is also referred to as "power battery B".

[0031] The electronic unit 34 includes a microcomputer 38, a non-volatile memory 40, a power switch 42, an ignition switch circuit 44, a voltage detection circuit 46, and a boost circuit 48. Specification 5 / 15 pages 8 CN 122384116 A

[0032] The microcomputer 38 is composed of a CPU, etc., and controls the operation of each part of the heating cooker 2. The non-volatile memory 40, for example, is an EEPROM, capable of storing various information related to the heating cooker 2.

[0033] The power switch 42 is, for example, a FET. The power switch 42 is provided in the power path from the power battery B to the microcomputer 38 and the electrical loads 52, 54. When the power switch 42 is turned on, it connects the power battery B to the microcomputer 38 and the electrical loads 52, 54, and when it is turned off, it disconnects the power battery B from the microcomputer 38 and the electrical loads 52, 54.

[0034] The ignition switch circuit 44 is electrically connected to the ignition switches 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d corresponding to the operation buttons 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d (see Figure 1), respectively. When ignition operations (i.e., operations for igniting the burner) are performed on operation buttons 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, the corresponding ignition switches 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d are turned on. With the power switch 42 off, when any of the ignition switches 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d are turned on, power is supplied from the power battery B to the ignition switch circuit 44. In this case, the ignition switch circuit 44 switches the power switch 42 on. Thus, power is supplied from the power battery B to the microcomputer 38 and the electrical loads 52 and 54. Furthermore, the electrical loads 52 and 54 are distinguished as a first electrical load 52, which receives power from the power battery B via the boost circuit 48, and a second electrical load 54, which receives power from the power battery B without receiving power via the boost circuit 48. The boost circuit 48 regulates the output voltage of the power supply battery B to a specified operating voltage (e.g., 3.3V) and outputs it to the microcomputer 38 and the first electrical load 52. The first electrical load 52 includes stove temperature sensors 12a, 12b, and 12c (see Figure 1) and oven temperature sensors.Sensors (not shown) and battery replacement light 24 (see Figure 1), etc. The second electrical load 54 includes an igniter (not shown) for igniting the burner, a flow regulating valve (not shown) for regulating the amount of gas supplied to the burner, etc.

[0035] In addition, the ignition switch circuit 44 inputs ignition information to the microcomputer 38 indicating which ignition switches 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d are turned on, that is, which operation button 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d has been ignited. In this case, the microcomputer 38 ignites the burner corresponding to the ignition switches 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d that have been turned on, that is, the burner corresponding to the operation button 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d that has been ignited, based on the ignition information.

[0036] When an operation button 20a, 20b, 20c, or 20d is used to extinguish the flame (i.e., to extinguish the burner), the ignition switches 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d that were on switch off switch off. In this case, the ignition switch circuit 44 inputs extinguishing information to the microcomputer 38 indicating that the ignition switches 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d have been extinguished. In this case, the microcomputer 38, based on the extinguishing information, extinguishes the burner corresponding to the ignition switches 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d that have been extinguished, i.e., the burner corresponding to the operation buttons 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that have been used to extinguish the flame.

[0037] When the power switch 42 is turned on, the voltage detection circuit 46 detects the output voltage of the power supply battery B (specifically, the voltage on the input side of the boost circuit 48) and inputs the detection result to the microcomputer 38. When the power supply battery B is a dry cell battery DB, the voltage detection circuit 46 detects the output voltage of the dry cell battery DB. When the power supply battery B is a portable battery MB, the voltage detection circuit 46 detects the output voltage of the portable battery MB after it has been regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36. In this embodiment, the voltage value detected by the voltage detection circuit 46 is also referred to as the "battery voltage".

[0038] (Battery monitoring process: FIG4) When power is supplied from the power supply battery B to the microcomputer 38, the microcomputer 38 begins the battery monitoring process shown in FIG4.

[0039] In S2, the microcomputer 38 performs a battery replacement determination process (see FIG5), which determines whether the power supply battery B has been replaced with another battery since the last power supply. The battery replacement determination process will be described later. After S2, the process proceeds to S4.

[0040] In S4, the microcomputer 38 stores the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 46 as a voltage history record in the non-volatile memory 40 when power is first supplied from the power battery B to the microcomputer 38 (i.e., immediately after the power switch 42 switches from off to on). Thereafter, whenever power is first supplied from the power battery B to the microcomputer 38, the battery voltage is stored as a voltage history record.Voltage history record. Accordingly, the voltage history record is accumulated. After S4, the process proceeds to S6. Specification 6 / 15 page 9 CN 122384116 A

[0041] In S6, the microcomputer 38 determines whether sufficient voltage history record has been accumulated to perform subsequent processing. Specifically, the microcomputer 38 determines whether the number of times the power supply battery B has been powered to the microcomputer 38 since the start of voltage history record accumulation is more than a first predetermined number (e.g., 200 times). If sufficient voltage history record has been accumulated (if yes), the process proceeds to S8. If sufficient voltage history record has not been accumulated (if no), the process proceeds to S14, and the microcomputer 38 temporarily determines that the power supply battery B is a dry cell battery DB.

[0042] In S8, the microcomputer 38 determines the voltage drop amount based on the voltage history record. The mechanism for determining the voltage drop amount based on the voltage history record is shown in FIG6. First, the microcomputer 38 determines two time points prior to S8. These two time points are the time points during which the number of times the power supply battery B supplies power to the microcomputer 38 reaches a second predetermined number (e.g., 200 times). Here, the earlier of the two time points is referred to as the first time point, and the later of the two time points is referred to as the second time point. The first time point can be fixed as the time point at which the accumulation of the voltage history record begins. Next, the microcomputer 38 determines the voltage drop amount by subtracting the battery voltage at the second time point from the battery voltage at the first time point. After S8 as shown in FIG4, the process proceeds to S10.

[0043] In S10, the microcomputer 38 determines whether the voltage drop amount determined in S8 is below a predetermined amount (e.g., 0.1V). As shown in FIG7, when the power supply battery B is a mobile battery MB, the battery voltage typically varies approximately constant (around 3.2V). Therefore, when the power supply battery B is a portable battery MB, the voltage drop determined in S8 shown in FIG4 decreases as it falls below a predetermined amount. Therefore, if it is determined in S10 that the voltage drop is below the predetermined amount (in the case of yes), the process proceeds to S12, and the microcomputer 38 determines that the power supply battery B is a portable battery MB. On the other hand, when the power supply battery B is a dry cell battery DB, the battery voltage usually changes in a gradually decreasing manner (refer to FIG7). Therefore, when the power supply battery B is a dry cell battery DB, the voltage drop determined in S8 increases as it exceeds a predetermined amount. Therefore, if it is determined in S10 that the voltage drop is greater than the predetermined amount (in the case of no), the process proceeds to S14, and the microcomputer 38 determines that the power supply battery B is a dry cell battery DB. In addition, the point in time when the voltage drop exceeds the predetermined amount before the number of power-on cycles reaches the first predetermined number can also be used to determine that the power supply battery B is a dry cell battery DB.

[0044] After S12 (i.e., after determining that the power battery B is the portable battery MB), the process proceeds to S16. In S16, the microcomputer 38 determines whether the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 46 is below a predetermined first voltage drop determination threshold (e.g., 2.8V). The first voltage drop determination threshold is set as a value used to determine whether to remind the user to replace / recharge the portable battery MB.

[0045] After S14 (i.e., after determining that the power battery B is the dry cell battery DB), the process proceeds to S18. In S18, the microcomputer 38 determines whether the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 46 is below a predetermined second voltage drop determination threshold (e.g., 2.2V). The second voltage drop determination threshold is set as a value smaller than the first voltage drop determination threshold. The second voltage drop determination threshold is set as a value used to determine whether to remind the user to replace the dry cell battery DB.

[0046] If it is determined in S16 that the battery voltage is below the first voltage drop determination threshold (if not), the process proceeds to S20. In S20, the microcomputer 38 determines whether the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 46 is below a predetermined first non-operation determination threshold (e.g., 2.5V). The first non-operation determination threshold is set to a value smaller than the first voltage drop determination threshold. The first non-operation determination threshold is set to a value used to determine whether the mobile battery MB is close to being depleted.

[0047] If it is determined in S18 that the battery voltage is below the second voltage drop determination threshold (if yes), the process proceeds to S22. In S22, the microcomputer 38 determines whether the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 46 is below a predetermined second non-operation determination threshold (e.g., 2.0V). The second non-operation determination threshold is set to a value smaller than the second voltage drop determination threshold and smaller than the first non-operation determination threshold. The second non-operation determination threshold is set to a value used to determine whether the dry cell battery DB is close to being depleted.

[0048] If in S20 it is determined that the battery voltage is below the first non-operation determination threshold (if yes), or in S22 it is determined that the battery voltage is below the second non-operation determination threshold (if yes), the process proceeds to S24. In S24, the microcomputer 38 notifies the heating cooker 2 of a non-operation message via the battery replacement light 24 (see Figure 1), indicating that the cooker 2 has become non-operational due to the depletion of the power supply battery B. Specifically, the microcomputer 38 illuminates the LED of the battery replacement light 24. The notification of the non-operational message, which begins in S24, continues until the power supply from the power supply battery B to the microcomputer 38 is subsequently cut off.

[0049] If in S20 it is determined that the battery voltage is greater than the first non-operation determination threshold (if no),Alternatively, if it is determined in S22 that the battery voltage is greater than the second non-operation determination threshold (if not), the process proceeds to S26. In S26, the microcomputer 38 notifies the user of voltage drop information via the battery replacement light 24, reminding them to replace / recharge the power battery B. Specifically, the microcomputer 38 causes the LED of the battery replacement light 24 to flash. The notification of voltage drop information, which begins in S26, continues until the power supply from the power battery B to the microcomputer 38 is subsequently cut off.

[0050] After S24 or after S26, the process proceeds to S28. In S28, the microcomputer 38 stores a voltage drop flag indicating a decrease in battery voltage in the non-volatile memory 40. Thereafter, even if the power supply from the power battery B to the microcomputer 38 is cut off, the voltage drop flag is still stored in the non-volatile memory 40.

[0051] If it is determined in S16 that the battery voltage is greater than the first voltage drop determination threshold (if not), if it is determined in S18 that the battery voltage is greater than the second voltage drop determination threshold (if not), or after S28, the process shown in FIG4 ends.

[0052] (Battery replacement determination process: FIG5) The battery replacement determination process is performed in S2 of the battery monitoring process (refer to FIG4).

[0053] In S52, the microcomputer 38 determines whether a voltage drop flag is stored in the non-volatile memory 40. If a voltage drop flag is stored in the non-volatile memory 40 (if not), the process proceeds to S54.

[0054] In S54, the microcomputer 38 determines whether the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 46 is greater than a predetermined replacement determination threshold (e.g., 3.0V). The replacement determination threshold is set to a value greater than the first voltage drop determination threshold, the second voltage drop determination threshold, the first inoperability determination threshold, and the second inoperability determination threshold. The replacement determination threshold is set to a value used to determine whether the power battery B has been replaced with another battery (e.g., a charged mobile battery MB, a new dry cell battery DB). If the battery voltage is greater than the replacement determination threshold (if yes), the process proceeds to S56.

[0055] In S56, the microcomputer 38 determines that the power battery B has been replaced with another battery (e.g., a charged mobile battery MB, a new dry cell battery DB). After S56, the process proceeds to S58.

[0056] In S58, the microcomputer 38 deletes the voltage drop flag and voltage history stored in the non-volatile memory 40. Thus, in S4 of the battery monitoring process (see Figure 4) executed immediately thereafter, the accumulation of the voltage history is restarted.

[0057] If it is determined in S52 that the voltage drop flag is not stored in the non-volatile memory 40 (if no), or in S54 that the battery voltage is below the replacement determination threshold (if no), orAfter S58, the process shown in FIG5 ends.

[0058] (Modification) In S6 of the battery monitoring process (refer to FIG4), the microcomputer 38 may also determine whether the cumulative power supply time from the power supply battery B to the microcomputer 38 since the start of the accumulation of the voltage history record is more than a first predetermined time (e.g., 20 hours). In this case, in S8 of the battery monitoring process, the microcomputer 38 may also determine the voltage drop amount according to the voltage history record on page 8 / 15 of the voltage history specification 11 CN 122384116 A through the mechanism shown in FIG8. First, the microcomputer 38 may also determine the two time points before S8 as the first time point and the second time point. These two time points are the time points during which the power supply time from the power supply battery B to the microcomputer 38 reaches the second predetermined time (e.g., 20 hours). Then, the microcomputer 38 may also determine the voltage drop amount as the value obtained by subtracting the battery voltage at the second time point from the battery voltage at the first time point.

[0059] At least a portion of the stove burners 10a, 10b, and 10c (see Figure 1) may also be replaced with IH coils. In this case, the IH coils may be configured to operate using power from a commercial power source, while the electrical loads 52 and 54 other than the IH coils may operate using power from the power supply battery B.

[0060] The microcomputer 38 may also cause a notification device other than the battery replacement lamp 24 (see Figure 1) to perform notifications for battery monitoring processing (see Figure 4) in steps S24 and S26. For example, the microcomputer 38 may also cause a mobile terminal carried by the user to perform notifications for steps S24 and S26. If the heating cooker 2 has a voice notification unit, the microcomputer 38 may also cause the voice notification unit to perform notifications for steps S24 and S26.

[0061] The microcomputer 38 may also store the battery voltage for periods other than the period when power is first supplied from the power supply battery B to the microcomputer 38 as a voltage history record in the non-volatile memory 40. For example, the microcomputer 38 may store the battery voltage as a voltage history record in the non-volatile memory 40 just before the power supply from the power battery B to the microcomputer 38 ends (i.e., just before the power switch 42 is about to switch from on to off). Alternatively, the microcomputer 38 may store the battery voltage at any time during the power supply from the power battery B to the microcomputer 38 as a voltage history record in the non-volatile memory 40.

[0062] The battery monitoring process (see FIG4) S2 (i.e., the battery replacement determination process shown in FIG5) may also be omitted. That is, the microcomputer 38 may also be configured not to delete the voltage history record when the power battery B is replaced with another battery. Even with this structure, when the power battery B is replaced with another battery, the battery voltage of the replaced power battery B will accumulate to the most recent voltage history record. Therefore, as long as the microcomputer 38 refers to the most recent voltage history record,The change in battery voltage (i.e., voltage drop) of the replaced power battery B can be determined, thereby identifying the type of the replaced power battery B.

[0063] As a battery whose output voltage is regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36, the mobile battery MB may not be used. For example, a single dry cell battery may be used as a battery whose output voltage is regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36. In this case, the constant voltage output circuit 36 ​​may also function as a boost circuit that adjusts the output voltage of the single dry cell battery to a voltage equal to the output voltage of the two corresponding dry cell batteries. Alternatively, a battery in which three or more dry cell batteries are connected in series may also be used. In this case, the constant voltage output circuit 36 ​​may also function as a buck circuit that adjusts the output voltage of the three or more dry cell batteries to a voltage equal to the output voltage of the two corresponding dry cell batteries. In addition, the dry cell battery used here may also be a rechargeable secondary battery.

[0064] The microcomputer 38 may also determine whether the power battery B is a mobile battery MB or a dry cell battery DB (i.e., whether the battery voltage is the battery voltage regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36) without referring to the voltage drop from the first time point to the second time point. For example, the microcomputer 38 may refer to the battery voltage at the second time point instead of the voltage drop. In this case, the microcomputer 38 may determine that the power battery B is a mobile battery MB (i.e., the battery voltage is the battery voltage after being adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit 36) if the battery voltage at the second time point is above the specified voltage, and determine that the power battery B is a dry cell battery DB (i.e., the battery voltage is not the battery voltage after being adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit 36) if the battery voltage at the second time point is below the specified voltage.

[0065] (Features of Embodiment 1) In one or more embodiments, the heating cooker 2 has a battery box 32 (example of a battery mounting part), a voltage detection circuit 46 (example of a voltage detection part), a battery replacement light 24 (example of an information part) and a microcomputer 38 (example of a control part, page 9 / 15, CN 122384116 A), wherein a power battery B for supplying power to the heating cooker 2 is detachably installed in the battery box 32; the voltage detection circuit 46 detects the output voltage, i.e., the battery voltage, of the power battery B installed in the battery box 32. The microcomputer 38 is configured to perform voltage drop determination processing (i.e., the processing of S16, S18, S20, and S22 shown in FIG4) and notification processing (i.e., the processing of S24 and S26 shown in FIG4). In the voltage drop determination processing, it is determined whether the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 46 is below a specific voltage drop determination threshold. If the voltage drop determination processing determines that the battery voltage is below the voltage drop determination threshold, the battery replacement light 24 is activated in the notification processing to indicate that the battery is being replaced.Information related to battery voltage reduction. The microcomputer 38 sets different voltage reduction determination threshold values ​​depending on whether the battery voltage is regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36 ​​or not.

[0066] According to the above structure, different voltage reduction determination threshold values ​​can be set depending on whether the battery voltage is regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36 ​​or not. Therefore, voltage reduction information can be promptly communicated in either case.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the microcomputer 38 sets the voltage reduction determination threshold (i.e., the first voltage reduction determination threshold and the first inoperability determination threshold) when the battery voltage is regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36 ​​to a value larger than the voltage reduction determination threshold (i.e., the second voltage reduction determination threshold and the second inoperability determination threshold) when the battery voltage is not regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36.

[0068] According to the above structure, when the battery voltage is regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36, voltage reduction information is provided when the battery voltage is relatively high. Therefore, the timing delay of providing voltage reduction information can be suppressed, and thus, the battery power of the power battery B can be prevented from being depleted before the user notices the notification. Furthermore, according to the above structure, when the battery voltage is not regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36, voltage reduction information is not provided until the battery voltage becomes relatively low. Therefore, the timing of providing voltage reduction information can be prevented from being premature, and thus, the power battery B can be prevented from being replaced by the user while it is still usable.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, the microcomputer 38 has a non-volatile memory 40 (an example of a storage unit) that stores historical records of the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 46, i.e., voltage history records. The microcomputer 38 determines whether the battery voltage is the battery voltage after being regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36 ​​based on the voltage history records stored in the non-volatile memory 40, and performs battery type determination processing accordingly.

[0070] Based on the above structure, considering that the changes in battery voltage after being regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36 ​​and battery voltage after not being regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36 ​​are different, the type of power battery B installed in the battery compartment 32 can be determined based on the voltage history records indicating the changes in battery voltage. Furthermore, based on the above structure, the heating cooker 2 can automatically determine the type of power battery B without any special operation by the user (e.g., inputting the type of power battery B).

[0071] In one or more embodiments, the microcomputer 38 stores the battery voltage at the time when power is first supplied from the power battery B to the heating cooker 2 (an example of a predetermined period) as a voltage history record in the non-volatile memory 40.

[0072] During the power supply from the power battery B to the heating cooker 2, when the electrical loads 52 and 54 (e.g., solenoid valves, motors) included in the heating cooker 2 are operating, a phenomenon occurs where the battery voltage decreases due to the internal resistance of the electrical loads 52 and 54 (also referred to as voltage drop). No voltage drop occurs when the electrical loads 52 and 54 are in a stopped state. Therefore, if there is a difference in the period when the battery voltage is stored as a voltage history record, the voltage history record contains both the battery voltage at which a voltage drop occurs and the battery voltage at which a voltage drop does not occur. As a result, the accuracy of the battery type determination process deteriorates. According to the above structure, the battery voltage at the time when power is first supplied to the heating cooker 2 can be stored as a voltage history record. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the mixing of battery voltages when voltage drop occurs and battery voltages when no voltage drop occurs in the voltage history record. Therefore, it is possible to improve the determination accuracy of the battery type determination process.

[0073] In one or more embodiments, the microcomputer 38 performs the following processing in the battery type determination process: determining the voltage drop amount, which is obtained by subtracting the battery voltage at the second time point from the battery voltage at a predetermined first time point, wherein the second time point is the time point at which the number of times the power supply battery B supplies power to the heating cooker 2 after the first time point reaches a predetermined number; if the voltage drop amount is less than the predetermined amount, it is determined that the battery voltage is the output voltage after being regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36; if the voltage drop amount is greater than the predetermined amount, it is determined that the battery voltage is not the battery voltage after being regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36.

[0074] The battery voltage after being regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36 ​​changes approximately constant under normal circumstances, therefore, the voltage drop amount from the first time point to the second time point is small. On the other hand, the battery voltage, even without adjustment by the constant voltage output circuit 36, also changes gradually, resulting in a larger voltage drop from the first time point to the second time point. Based on the above structure, considering the difference in voltage drop between the battery voltage adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit 36 ​​and the battery voltage without adjustment by the constant voltage output circuit 36 ​​from the first time point to the second time point, the type of power battery B installed in the battery compartment 32 can be determined. Furthermore, based on the above structure, the heating cooker 2 can automatically determine the type of power battery B without requiring special user operation (e.g., inputting the type of power battery B).

[0075] In one or more embodiments, the microcomputer 38 performs the following processing in the battery type determination process: determining the voltage drop amount, which is obtained by subtracting the battery voltage at the second time point from the battery voltage at a predetermined first time point, wherein the second time point is the time point after the first time point when the power supply time from the power battery B to the heating cooker 2 reaches a predetermined time; if the voltage drop amount is less than the predetermined amount, it is determined that the battery voltage is the battery voltage after being regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36; if the voltage drop amount is greater than the predetermined amount, it is determined that the battery voltage is not the battery voltage after being regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36.

[0076] The battery voltage regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36 ​​changes approximately constant under normal circumstances, therefore, the voltage drop amount from the first time point to the second time point is small. On the other hand, the battery voltage not regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36 ​​also changes gradually under normal circumstances, therefore, the voltage drop amount from the first time point to the second time point is large. Based on the above structure, considering the difference in voltage drop between the battery voltage regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36 ​​and the battery voltage not regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 36 ​​from the first time point to the second time point, the type of power battery B installed in the battery box 32 can be determined. Furthermore, based on the above structure, the heating cooker 2 can automatically determine the type of power battery B without requiring special user operation (e.g., inputting the type of power battery B).

[0077] In one or more embodiments, after determining that the battery voltage is below the voltage drop determination threshold through the voltage drop determination process, if it is determined that the battery voltage is greater than a replacement determination threshold (an example of a reset threshold) larger than the voltage drop determination threshold, the microcomputer 38 deletes the voltage history stored in the non-volatile memory 40.

[0078] Based on the above structure, if the power battery B with a reduced output voltage is replaced with another power battery B (e.g., a new power battery B, a recharged power battery B), the voltage history up to this point can be deleted. Therefore, the voltage history can be retrieved again for the replaced power battery B to determine the type of that power battery B.

[0079] (Example 2: Heating Cooker 202) As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the heating cooker 202 is equivalent to a heating cooker 2 (see Figure 2) with an added USB port (see page 11 / 15 of the instruction manual, 14 CN 122384116 A 62), and the electronic unit 34 (see Figure 2) is replaced with the electronic unit 64. The differences between the heating cooker 202 and the heating cooker 2 will be explained below.

[0080] As shown in Figure 9, the portable battery MB can be installed and removed via a USB cable 63 at the USB port 62.

[0081] The electronic unit 64 includes a microcomputer 66, a non-volatile memory 68, a power-on circuit 70, an ignition switch circuit 72, a voltage detection circuit 74, and a mobile battery detection circuit 76.

[0082] The microcomputer 66, composed of a CPU, controls the operation of various parts of the heating cooker 202. The non-volatile memory 68, for example, is an EEPROM, capable of storing various information related to the heating cooker 202.

[0083] The power-on circuit 70 includes conductive paths 78a, 78b, 78c, a first power-on switch 80, a constant voltage output circuit 82, a second power-on switch 84, a boost circuit 86, and a switch switching circuit 90. Conductive paths 78a, 78b, and 78c are electrically connected to each other at connection point 88. Conductive path 78a electrically connects the battery compartment 32 to connection point 88. Conductive path 78b electrically connects the USB port 62 to connection point 88. Conductive path 78c electrically connects the microcomputer 66 and electrical loads 52, 54 to connection point 88.

[0084] A first power switch 80 is provided in conductive path 78a. The first power switch 80 is, for example, a FET. The first power switch 80 conducts between the battery compartment 32 and connection point 88 when it is on, and deconducts between the battery compartment 32 and connection point 88 when it is off. When the portable battery MB is installed in the USB port 62, power is supplied from the portable battery MB to the switch switching circuit 90. In this case, the switch switching circuit 90 prevents power from the dry cell battery DB to the microcomputer 66 and electrical loads 52, 54 by turning off the first power switch 80. In this state, even if the dry cell battery DB is installed in the battery compartment 32, the portable battery MB functions as a power source for the heating cooker 202 (i.e., power battery B). As shown in FIG10, when the portable battery MB is removed from the USB port 62, power is no longer supplied from the portable battery MB to the switch switching circuit 90. In this state, the first power switch 80 is turned on, thereby allowing power to be supplied from the dry cell battery DB to the microcomputer 66 and the electrical loads 52, 54. In this state, the dry cell battery DB functions as the power source for the heating cooker 202 (i.e., the power battery B).

[0085] A constant voltage output circuit 82 is provided in the conductive path 78b. The constant voltage output circuit 82 regulates the output voltage (e.g., 5.0V) of the mobile battery MB supplied to the USB port 62 to a voltage equal to the output voltage corresponding to the two No. 1 dry cell batteries DB (3.2V in this embodiment).

[0086] A second power switch 84 is provided in the conductive path 78c. The second power switch 84 is, for example, a FET. When the second power switch 84 is turned on, it connects the microcomputer 66 and the electrical loads 52, 54 to the connection point 88; when it is turned off, it disconnects the microcomputer 66 and the electrical loads 52, 54 from the connection point 88.

[0087] A boost circuit 86 is disposed downstream of the second energized switch 84 in a conductive path 78c. The boost circuit 86 regulates the output voltage of the power battery B to a specified operating voltage (e.g., 3.3V). Electrical loads 52 and 54 are distinguished as a first electrical load 52 electrically connected to the conductive path 78c downstream of the boost circuit 86, and a second electrical load 54 electrically connected to the conductive path 78c between the second energized switch 84 and the boost circuit 86. Power from the power battery B is supplied to the first electrical load 52 through the boost circuit 86. Power from the power battery B is not supplied to the second electrical load 54 through the boost circuit 86.

[0088] The ignition switch circuit 72 is electrically connected to the ignition switches 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d corresponding to the operation buttons 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d (see Figure 1), respectively. When ignition is performed on operation buttons 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d (i.e., ignition of the burner), the corresponding ignition switches 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d are turned on. With the second power switch 84 off, when any of the ignition switches 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d is turned on, power is supplied from the power battery B to the ignition switch circuit 72. In this case, the ignition switch circuit 72 switches the second power switch 84 on. This initiates power supply from the power battery B to the microcomputer 66 and the electrical loads 52 and 54. Furthermore, the ignition switch circuit 72 inputs ignition information to the microcomputer 66, indicating which ignition switch 30a, 30b, 30c, or 30d is turned on, i.e., which operation button 20a, 20b, 20c, or 20d is used for ignition. In this case, the microcomputer 66 ignites the burners corresponding to the ignition switches 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d that are turned on, i.e., the burners corresponding to the operation buttons 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d used for ignition operation, based on the ignition information. Furthermore, when an extinguishing operation is performed on operation buttons 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d (i.e., an operation to extinguish the burner), the ignition switches 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d that were turned on are switched off. In this case, the ignition switch circuit 72 inputs extinguishing information indicating that the ignition switches 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d have been switched off to the microcomputer 66. In this case, the microcomputer 66 shuts down the burners corresponding to the ignition switches 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d that have been switched off, i.e., the burners corresponding to the operation buttons 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that perform the shutdown operation, based on the shutdown information.

[0089] When the second power switch 84 is turned on, the voltage detection circuit 74 measures the output voltage of the power supply battery B.(Specifically, the voltage on the input side of the boost circuit 86) is detected, and the detection result is input to the microcomputer 66. When the power battery B is a dry cell battery DB, the voltage detection circuit 74 detects the output voltage of the dry cell battery DB. When the power battery B is a portable battery MB, the voltage detection circuit 74 detects the output voltage of the portable battery MB after it is regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 82. In this embodiment, the voltage value detected by the voltage detection circuit 74 is also referred to as "battery voltage".

[0090] The portable battery detection circuit 76 detects whether a portable battery MB is installed in the USB port 62, and inputs the detection result to the microcomputer 66.

[0091] (Battery monitoring process: FIG11) When the power battery B starts to supply power to the microcomputer 66, the microcomputer 66 starts the battery monitoring process shown in FIG11.

[0092] In S70, the microcomputer 66 determines whether a portable battery MB is installed in the USB port 62 based on the detection result detected by the portable battery detection circuit 76. If a portable battery MB is installed in the USB port 62 (in the case of "yes"), the process proceeds to S72, and the microcomputer 66 determines that the power battery B is the portable battery MB. This is because when the portable battery MB is installed in the USB port 62, the portable battery MB functions as the power source for the heating cooker 202. On the other hand, if the portable battery MB is not installed in the USB port 62 (in the case of "no"), the process proceeds to S74, and the microcomputer 66 determines that the power battery B is the dry cell battery DB. This is because when the portable battery MB is not installed in the USB port 62, the dry cell battery DB functions as the power source for the heating cooker 202.

[0093] After S72 (i.e., after determining that the power battery B is the portable battery MB), the process proceeds to S76. In S76, the microcomputer 66 determines whether the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 74 is below a predetermined first voltage drop determination threshold (e.g., 2.8V). The first voltage drop determination threshold is the same as that described in Embodiment 1.

[0094] After S74 (i.e., after determining that the power battery B is a dry cell battery DB), the process proceeds to S78. In S78, the microcomputer 66 determines whether the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 74 is below a predetermined second voltage drop determination threshold (e.g., 2.2V). The second voltage drop determination threshold is the same as that described in Example 1.

[0095] If it is determined in S76 that the battery voltage is below the first voltage drop determination threshold (if yes), the process proceeds to S80. In S80, the microcomputer 66 determines whether the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 74 is below a predetermined first inoperability determination threshold (e.g., 2.5V). The first inoperability determination threshold is the same as that described in Example 1.

[0096] If, in S78, it is determined that the battery voltage is below the second voltage reduction determination threshold (if yes), the process proceeds to S82. In S82, the microcomputer 66 determines whether the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 74 is below a predetermined second non-operation determination threshold (e.g., 2.0V). The second non-operation determination threshold is the same as that described in Example 1.

[0097] If, in S80, it is determined that the battery voltage is below the first non-operation determination threshold (if yes), or if, in S82, it is determined that the battery voltage is below the second non-operation determination threshold (if yes), the process proceeds to S84. In S84, the microcomputer 66 informs the user via the battery replacement light 24 (refer to Figure 1) that the heating cooker 202 manual page 13 / 15 16 CN 122384116 A has become inoperable due to the depletion of the power battery B. Specifically, the microcomputer 66 illuminates the LED of the battery replacement light 24. The notification of the non-operational information that begins in S84 continues until the power supply from the power battery B to the microcomputer 66 is subsequently cut off.

[0098] If it is determined in S80 that the battery voltage is greater than the first non-operational determination threshold (if not), or if it is determined in S82 that the battery voltage is greater than the second non-operational determination threshold (if not), the process proceeds to S86. In S86, the microcomputer 66 notifies the user of voltage drop information via the battery replacement light 24 to remind the user to replace / recharge the power battery B. Specifically, the microcomputer 66 causes the LED of the battery replacement light 24 to flash. The notification of the voltage drop information that begins in S86 continues until the power supply from the power battery B to the microcomputer 66 is subsequently cut off.

[0099] If it is determined in S76 that the battery voltage is greater than the first voltage drop determination threshold (if not), or in S78 that the battery voltage is greater than the second voltage drop determination threshold (if not), or after S84, or after S86, the process shown in FIG11 ends.

[0100] (Modification) The heating cooker 202 may also be configured such that the user inputs whether a portable battery MB is installed in the USB port 62. Alternatively, the microcomputer 66 may determine whether a portable battery MB is installed in the USB port 62 based on the input result in the battery monitoring process (see FIG11) S70.

[0101] Alternatively, the heating cooker 202 may not have a constant voltage output circuit 82, while the portable battery MB has a constant voltage output circuit 82.

[0102] (Features of Embodiment 2) In one or more embodiments, the heating cooker 202 includes a battery compartment 32 (example of a battery mounting section), a voltage detection circuit 74 (example of a voltage detection section), a battery replacement light 24 (example of an indicator section), and a microcomputer 66 (controller).(Example of a component), wherein a power battery B for supplying power to the heating cooker 202 is detachably installed in the battery box 32; the voltage detection circuit 74 detects the output voltage, i.e., the battery voltage, of the power battery B installed in the battery box 32. The microcomputer 66 is configured to perform voltage drop determination processing (i.e., the processing of S76 and S78 shown in FIG. 11) and notification processing (i.e., the processing of S84 and S86 shown in FIG. 11). In the voltage drop determination processing, it is determined whether the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 74 is below a specific voltage drop determination threshold. If the voltage drop determination processing determines that the battery voltage is below the voltage drop determination threshold, in the notification processing, the battery replacement light 24 is activated to provide information related to the battery voltage drop. The microcomputer 66 sets the voltage drop determination threshold to different values ​​depending on whether the battery voltage is regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 82 or not.

[0103] According to the above structure, different voltage reduction determination thresholds can be set for the case where the battery voltage is regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 82 and the case where the battery voltage is not regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 82. Accordingly, voltage reduction information can be promptly notified in either the case where the battery voltage is regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 82 or the case where the battery voltage is not regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 82.

[0104] In one or more embodiments, the microcomputer 66 sets the voltage reduction determination threshold (i.e., the first voltage reduction determination threshold and the first inoperability determination threshold) for the case where the battery voltage is regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 82 to a value larger than the voltage reduction determination threshold (i.e., the second voltage reduction determination threshold and the second inoperability determination threshold) for the case where the battery voltage is not regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 82.

[0105] According to the above structure, when the battery voltage is the battery voltage after being regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 82, the voltage drop information is notified when the battery voltage is relatively high. Therefore, the timing delay of notifying the voltage drop information can be suppressed, and thus, it is possible to prevent the power battery B from being depleted before the user notices the notification. Furthermore, according to the above structure, when the battery voltage is not the battery voltage after being regulated by the constant voltage output circuit 82, the voltage drop information is not notified until the battery voltage becomes a relatively low value. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the premature notification of the voltage drop information, and thus, it is possible to prevent the power battery B from being replaced by the user while it is still usable.

[0106] The technical elements described in this specification or the accompanying drawings, individually or in various combinations, contribute to the technical usability of the technology.This is not limited to the combination of technical solutions described in the present invention at the time of application. Furthermore, the technical solutions illustrated in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives is technically feasible in itself. Instruction manual, page 15 / 15, 18 CN 122384116 A, Figure 1; Instruction manual, Figure 1 / 11, page 19 CN 122384116 A, Figure 2; Instruction manual, Figure 2 / 11, page 20 CN 122384116 A, Figure 3; Instruction manual, Figure 3 / 11, page 21 CN 122384116 A, Figure 4; Instruction manual, Figure 4 / 11, page 22 CN 122384116 A, Figure 5; Instruction manual, Figure 5 / 11, page 23 CN 122384116 A, Figure 6; Instruction manual, Figure 6 / 11, page 24 CN 122384116 A, Figure 7; Instruction manual, Figure 7 / 11, page 25 CN 122384116 A, Figure 8; Instruction manual, Figure 8 / 11, page 26 CN 122384116 A, Figure 9; Instruction manual, Figure 9 / 11, page 27 CN 122384116 A, Figure 10 Figure 10 / 11 of the specification, page 28 CN 122384116 A Figure 11 Figure 11 / 11 of the specification, page 29 CN 122384116 A Abstract The present invention provides a heating cooker, which has a battery installation part, a voltage detection part that detects an output voltage, ie, a battery voltage, of a battery installed in the battery installation part, a notification part, and a control part. The control part is configured to be capable of performing a voltage reduction determination processing in which it is determined whether the battery voltage is below a specific voltage reductiondetermination threshold, and a notification processing in which the notification part is caused to notify information on reduction of the battery voltage on the condition that it is determined that the battery voltage is below the voltage reduction determination threshold. On the condition that the battery voltage is a battery voltage regulated by a constant-voltage output circuit and on the condition that the battery voltage is not a battery voltage regulated by the constant-voltage output circuit, the control part sets the voltage reduction determination threshold to different values. Thus, in either case where the battery voltage is regulated by the constant- voltage output circuit or where the battery voltage is not regulated by the constant- voltage output circuit, information on the reduction of the voltage can be promptly notified.

Claims

1. A heating cooker that heats and cooks by burning fuel gas, characterized in that, It has a battery mounting section, a voltage detection section, a notification section, and a control section, among which, A battery for supplying power to the heating cooker is detachably installed in the battery mounting section; The voltage detection unit detects the output voltage, i.e., the battery voltage, of the battery installed in the battery mounting unit. The control unit is configured to perform voltage drop determination and notification processing. In the voltage drop determination process, it is determined whether the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection unit is below a specific voltage drop determination threshold. If the voltage drop determination process determines that the battery voltage is below the voltage drop determination threshold, the notification process then instructs the notification unit to provide information related to the battery voltage drop. When the battery voltage is adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit and when the battery voltage is not adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit, the control unit sets the voltage reduction determination threshold to different values.

2. The heating cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit sets the voltage reduction determination threshold when the battery voltage is adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit to a value larger than the voltage reduction determination threshold when the battery voltage is not adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit.

3. The heating cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit has a storage unit that stores historical records of the battery voltage detected by the voltage detection unit, i.e., the voltage history record. The control unit determines whether the battery voltage is the battery voltage after being adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit based on the voltage history stored in the storage unit, and uses this as the basis for battery type determination.

4. The heating cooker according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit stores the battery voltage as a voltage history record in the storage unit during a predetermined period from the start of powering the heating cooker by the battery to the end of the power supply.

5. The heating cooker according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The control unit performs the following processing in the battery type determination process: The voltage drop is determined by subtracting the battery voltage at a second time point from the battery voltage at a predetermined first time point, wherein the second time point is the time point after the first time point when the number of times the battery supplies power to the heating cooker reaches a predetermined number. If the voltage drop is below a specified amount, it is determined that the battery voltage is the battery voltage regulated by the constant voltage output circuit. If the voltage drop exceeds the specified amount, it is determined that the battery voltage is not the battery voltage adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit.

6. The heating cooker according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The control unit performs the following processing in the battery type determination process: The voltage drop is determined by subtracting the battery voltage at a second time point from the battery voltage at a predetermined first time point, wherein the second time point is the point in time after the first time point when the power supply time from the battery to the heating cooker reaches a predetermined time. If the voltage drop is below a specified amount, it is determined that the battery voltage is the battery voltage regulated by the constant voltage output circuit. If the voltage drop exceeds the specified amount, it is determined that the battery voltage is not the battery voltage adjusted by the constant voltage output circuit.

7. The heating cooker according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, After determining that the battery voltage is below the voltage drop determination threshold through the voltage drop determination process, if the battery voltage is determined to be greater than a reset threshold that is greater than the voltage drop determination threshold, the control unit deletes the voltage history stored in the storage unit.

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