Cassette combustion apparatus

Abstract

To provide a cassette combustion apparatus which can charge a communication mobile in a disaster.SOLUTION: A gas fan heater 10 is a cassette combustion apparatus which is used by attaching a cassette gas cylinder 21. The gas fan heater 10 comprises a power generation unit 40. The power generation unit 40 comprises: a thermoelectric conversion body 42 as a Peltier element; and a control board unit 70. The control board unit 70 comprises: a control IC 73; a power supply IC 74; a secondary battery 75; and a USB connector 72. The thermoelectric conversion body 42 outputs DC current when the gas fan heater 10 is used. The secondary battery 75 is charged by DC current output by the thermoelectric conversion body 42. DC current output by the secondary battery 75 is output from the USB connector 72. A communication mobile 34 or a mobile battery is charged through a charge cable 76 connected with the USB connector 72.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure of a cassette-type combustion apparatus which is used by mounting a cassette-type gas cylinder thereon. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known cassette type combustion devices that are used by attaching a cassette type gas cylinder, such as a cassette type gas fan heater, a cassette type gas stove, and a cassette type gas stove (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A cassette type combustion device does not require an external gas supply and can be used as a stand-alone device. For example, a cassette type combustion device is used in evacuation shelters or at home during a disaster. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-168217 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] During disasters, mobile communication devices such as smartphones (registered trademark) and tablets are used to check the safety of people, to communicate, and to gather information. However, there is a problem that mobile communication devices cannot be fully charged due to a lack of charging equipment at evacuation sites or power outages.

[0005] The present invention has been made under such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cassette type combustion apparatus capable of charging a communication mobile device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The cassette-type combustion device of the present invention comprises a main body having an attachment portion for attaching a cassette-type gas cylinder, a burner provided in the main body, an operation portion provided in the main body for adjusting the flow rate of LP gas supplied and sending it to the burner and igniting the LP gas, a gas delivery portion provided in the main body for delivering LP gas to the operation portion, a thermoelectric converter attached to the main body, having a first piece and a second piece heated by the burner, and generating a direct current corresponding to the temperature difference between the first piece and the second piece, and a mobile charging connector for outputting the direct current generated by the thermoelectric converter.

[0007] LP gas is supplied from the cassette-type gas cylinder to the burner through the gas supply unit, and the LP gas is burned in the burner. The first piece is heated by the combustion, causing the thermoelectric converter to generate a direct current. The generated direct current is output from the mobile charging connector to charge the mobile communication device. Therefore, the user can charge the mobile communication device using the cassette-type combustion device to be used in the event of a disaster.

[0008] (2) The cassette-type combustion device according to the present invention may further include a secondary battery that is charged by the current generated by the thermoelectric converter and discharges to the mobile charging connector.

[0009] The current generated by the thermoelectric converter is stored in a secondary battery, so mobile communication devices can be charged not only while the cassette-type combustion device is in use, but also after it has been used.

[0010] (3) The cassette-type combustion device of the present invention may further include a case having a main body side connection connector electrically connected to the thermoelectric conversion element and a case side connection connector connected to the main body side connection connector, the case holding the mobile charging connector and the secondary battery, and being detachable from the main body.

[0011] After the secondary battery is charged, the case can be removed from the main body and the communication mobile or mobile battery can be charged in a location other than where the cassette-type combustion device is placed.

[0012] (4) The charging capacity of the secondary battery may be between 3000mAh and 7000mAh.

[0013] The charging capacity of a small-sized mobile communication device is generally 3000mAh to 3500mAh. By setting the charging capacity of the secondary battery to 3000mAh or more and 7000mAh or less, the small-sized mobile communication device can be fully charged at least once or twice.

[0014] (5) The cassette-type combustion device according to the present invention may further include a fan motor that is driven by a current generated by the thermoelectric converter and sends air to the burner. The second piece is disposed upstream of the burner in an air flow path formed by the fan motor.

[0015] By disposing the second piece of the thermoelectric converter in the airflow passage, the temperature difference between the first piece and the second piece can be increased, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric converter.

[0016] (6) The main body may further include a mounting portion on which a communication mobile or a mobile battery is placed.

[0017] A user can place a communication mobile device or a mobile battery on the placement section.

[0018] (7) The cassette-type combustion device according to the present invention may further include a case that holds the thermoelectric converter and the mobile charging connector and is detachable from the main body.

[0019] By removing the case from the main body and heating the first piece of the thermoelectric converter with a heat source such as a hand warmer or hot water, the mobile communication device can be charged without combustion.

[0020] (8) The cassette-type combustion device according to the present invention may further include a thermal conductor that thermally connects the second piece of the thermoelectric converter and the cassette-type gas cylinder mounted on the mounting portion.

[0021] The second piece is cooled by the thermal conductor, which results in a large temperature difference between the first piece and the second piece, improving the efficiency of generating direct current in the thermoelectric converter.

[0022] (9) The gas delivery unit includes a socket exposed on the outer surface of the main body and detachably connected to an LP gas pipe for supplying LP gas from the outside, a governor for stably delivering LP gas at a predetermined pressure from a cassette-type gas cylinder attached to the attachment unit, a flow path switching valve having a first port, a second port, and a third port for selectively forming a first flow path communicating the first port with the third port or a second flow path communicating the second port with the third port, a first pipe connecting the socket and the first port, a second pipe connecting the governor and the second port, and a third pipe connecting the third port and the operation unit. The operation unit includes a single delivery pipe for delivering the supplied LP gas to the burner.

[0023] The first or second flow path is selectively formed by switching the flow path switching valve. When the first flow path is formed, LP gas is supplied from the outside to the operation unit through the socket, the first pipe, and the third pipe. An external LP gas pipe is connected to the socket, and this LP gas pipe can be connected to a small container related to so-called mass sales, as well as to a supply piping facility related to so-called volume sales. On the other hand, when the second flow path is formed, LP gas is supplied to the operation unit from a cassette-type gas cylinder attached to the cylinder attachment unit through the cylinder attachment unit, the governor, and the third pipe. That is, in this invention, LP gas is supplied from three systems, and these can be easily switched by operating the flow path switching valve. In addition, the operation unit has a single supply pipe and supplies LP gas to the burner through a single route. Effect of the Invention

[0024] The cassette type combustion apparatus according to the present invention can charge mobile communication devices in the event of a disaster. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gas fan heater 10 according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining attachment and detachment of the power generation unit 40 of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gas fan heater 11 according to the first modification. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining attachment and detachment of the battery unit 80 of the first modification. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway plan view of a gas stove 12 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the power generation unit 100 detached from the main body 90. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partially cutaway plan view of a gas stove 13 according to the second modification. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partially cutaway plan view of a gas stove 14 according to the third modification. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway plan view of a gas stove 15 according to the fourth modification. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway plan view of a gas stove 18 according to the fifth modification. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a gas stove 16 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a gas stove 17 according to the sixth modification. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that this embodiment is merely one aspect of the cassette type combustion device according to the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiment may be changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0027] Below, a cassette-type gas fan heater 10 (see FIG. 1), a cassette-type gas stove 12 (see FIG. 5), and a cassette-type gas stove 16 (see FIG. 12), which are examples of cassette-type combustion devices, will be described in a first embodiment, a second embodiment, and a third embodiment, respectively.

[0028] The cassette type combustion apparatus is an apparatus that burns LP gas supplied from an attached cassette type gas cylinder 21 (see Figs. 1, 5, and 13). In other words, the cassette type combustion apparatus is an apparatus that can be used as a stand-alone apparatus without receiving gas supply from an outside source. The cassette type combustion apparatus is used, for example, in evacuation shelters or at home during disasters. Alternatively, the cassette type combustion apparatus is used outdoors or in a tent at a campsite or the like.

[0029] [First embodiment]

[0030] Fig. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a cassette-type gas fan heater 10, which is an example of a cassette-type combustion device. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining attachment and detachment of a power generation unit 40. The solid arrows shown in Fig. 1 indicate the flow of air (wind) generated by the fan motor 26. The dashed arrows shown in Fig. 1 indicate the flow of air heated by the burner 25.

[0031] The gas fan heater 10 is a so-called heating device that exhausts air heated by the heat generated by burning gas.

[0032] The gas fan heater 10 is placed on the floor, for example, when used. In the following description, the vertical direction of the gas fan heater 10 when in use is defined as the up-down direction 7, the depth direction of the gas fan heater 10 is defined as the front-rear direction 8, and the width direction of the gas fan heater 10 is defined as the left-right direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1).

[0033] The gas fan heater 10 includes a main body 22, a governor 23, an operating unit 24, a burner 25, a fan motor 26, and a power generation unit 40.

[0034] The main body 22 is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped, and is formed, for example, by attaching a plurality of synthetic resin molded products or metal members to a metal housing.

[0035] The main body 22 has a recess (not shown) for a user to hook his / her fingers on, for example, the upper part of the side or the top surface. Alternatively, a handle for carrying is attached to the main body 22. In other words, the gas fan heater 10 can be carried by a person (user).

[0036] An air flow passage 27 through which the air generated by the fan motor 26 passes is formed inside the main body 22. The air flow passage 27 extends from a rear surface 28 of the main body 22, to an upper portion of the main body 22, and to an upper portion of a front surface 29 of the main body 22. The rear surface 28 and the upper portion of the front surface 29 are each provided with an air vent (not shown) through which air flows in or out. The air that flows into the main body 22 from the rear surface 28, together with air heated by the burner 25, is discharged from the upper portion of the front surface 29 as hot air.

[0037] The main body 22 has a mounting portion 30 to which the gas cylinder 21 is attached. The mounting portion 30 is, for example, a semi-cylindrical fitting member into which the gas cylinder 21 fits. Alternatively, the mounting portion 30 is a so-called snap-fit ​​engagement claw that engages with the gas cylinder 21. The mounting portion 30 may be formed of any material and means as long as the gas cylinder 21 can be attached and detached.

[0038] The mounting section 30 is provided at the lower part on the rear surface 28 side of the main body 22. Although not shown in Fig. 1, the rear surface 28 of the main body 22 has an opening at the lower part. An opening / closing door is attached to the opening. The user opens the opening by opening the opening, and replaces the gas cylinder 21 through the opening.

[0039] The main body 22 is provided with a placement section 35 on which the communication mobile 34 or a mobile battery (not shown) is placed. The placement section 35 is located at the rear and upper part of the main body 22. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the placement section 35 is a slit 36 ​​that opens upward. The rectangular plate-shaped communication mobile 34 is inserted into the slit 36 ​​from above in a standing state. The placement section 35 may have any shape other than the slit 36, such as a shape having a top surface on which the communication mobile 34 is placed, as long as the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery can be placed thereon. The placement section 35 may also be provided in a location other than the rear and upper part of the main body 22.

[0040] The main body 22 has an accommodation space 52 (see FIG. 2) having an opening 51 provided on the rear surface 28, and a support member 53 (see FIG. 2) that partitions the accommodation space 52 and supports the power generation unit 40 so that the power generation unit 40 can slide along the front-rear direction 8. The opening 51 is located below the fan motor 26 located at the center of the main body 22 in the up-down direction 7. The support member 53 is, for example, a slit, groove, or rail along the front-rear direction 8. Meanwhile, the case 41 of the power generation unit 40 has a rail that fits into a slit or groove provided in the support member 53, or a slit or groove that fits into a rail provided in the support member 53. The power generation unit 40 is pulled out by a user to the rear of the main body 22 through the opening 51, or pushed into the accommodation space 52 from the rear through the opening 51. That is, the power generation unit 40 is freely attached to and detached from the main body 22 through the opening 51.

[0041] The main body 22 further includes a pair of terminals 54. The terminals 54 are leaf springs made of conductive metal. The pair of terminals 54 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, for example. The pair of terminals 54 are electrically connected to the DC motor 32 of the fan motor 26 by a pair of cables 65. The pair of terminals 54 abut against a pair of terminals 39 of the power generation unit 40 attached to the main body 22. The DC motor 32 is driven by DC power supplied from the power generation unit 40 through the terminals 54, 39.

[0042] The governor 23 is attached to the main body 22 adjacent to the mounting part 30 so as to be connectable to the gas outlet of the gas cylinder 21 mounted on the mounting part 30. The governor 23 has a pressure regulating valve (not shown) that adjusts the pressure of the LP gas flowing out from the gas cylinder 21. The governor 23 causes the LP gas to flow out from the gas cylinder 21 at a predetermined constant pressure (e.g., 280 mmAq). For example, a commercially available product (ready-made product) is used as the governor 23. The governor 23 corresponds to the "gas delivery section" recited in the claims.

[0043] The operating unit 24 includes a knob 31, an ignition plug, a flow rate control valve, a gas pipe, and a connector, all of which are not shown.

[0044] The ignition plug is attached to the body 22 adjacent to the burner 25. The ignition plug and the knob 31 are connected by a connector. The knob 31 is attached to the front surface 29 of the body 22.

[0045] The flow control valve is a so-called gas cock. The inlet of the flow control valve is connected to the governor 23. The outlet of the flow control valve is connected to one end of a gas pipe. The other end of the gas pipe is connected to a burner 25. The ignition plug, the flow control valve, the gas pipe, and the connector may be, for example, commercially available products (ready-made products).

[0046] When the knob 31 is rotated, the flow rate control valve opens in conjunction with the rotation, and LP gas is supplied from the gas cylinder 21 through the governor 23, the flow rate control valve, and the gas pipe to the burner 25. When the knob 31 is rotated, the ignition plug generates a spark through the connecting member, and the LP gas burns in the burner 25. The connecting member is, for example, a reed and a protective cover that protects the reed.

[0047] Burner 25 is located in the lower part of main body 22 and in the center of main body 22 in the front-rear direction 8. For example, a so-called Bunsen burner using a Bunsen combustion method is used as burner 25. However, burners using other combustion methods may also be used. A commercially available product (ready-made product) is used as burner 25.

[0048] A safety device may be provided that closes the flow rate control valve when combustion is not detected in burner 25 and knob 31 is not in a predetermined position (closed position).

[0049] The fan motor 26 is located at the rear of the main body 22 and at the center of the main body 22 in the up-down direction 7. The fan motor 26 includes a DC motor 32 and a fan 33 fixed to a shaft of the DC motor 32. The DC motor 32 rotates the shaft by a DC current supplied from the power generation unit 40.

[0050] The power generating unit 40 generates power by burning LP gas. The power generating unit 40 is accommodated in the accommodation space 52 of the main body 22, and is located below the fan motor 26, above the gas cylinder 21, and diagonally above and rearward of the burner 25.

[0051] The power generating unit 40 includes a case 41 , a thermoelectric converter 42 , a control board unit 70 , and a pair of terminals 39 .

[0052] Terminal 39 is a leaf spring made of conductive metal. Terminal 39 is attached to the top surface of case 41. However, terminal 39 may be attached to the left side surface, right side surface, or bottom surface of case 41 as long as terminal 39 can come into contact with terminal 54 provided on main body 22.

[0053] The case 41 has a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape. The case 41 is, for example, a synthetic resin molded product. The case 41 has rails that fit into slits or grooves provided in the support member 53 of the main body 22, or slits or grooves that fit into rails provided in the support member 53. The power generation unit 40 is slid backward by the user to be pulled out of the main body 22, and is attached to the main body 22 by sliding it forward. In other words, the power generation unit 40 is detachable from the main body 22. The rails that fit into slits or grooves provided in the support member 53, or the slits or grooves that fit into rails provided in the support member 53 may be provided on the left and right side surfaces of the case 41. In addition, the configuration that supports the power generation unit 40 slidably in the front-rear direction 8 may be something other than rails or slits.

[0054] The case 41 has a first partition plate 44 and a second partition plate 45 that divide the internal space. The first partition plate 44 divides the internal space of the case 41 into a lower space 60 and an upper space. The second partition plate 45 divides the upper space into an upper first space 61 and an upper second space 62.

[0055] The case 41 has a terminal opening 46 in the lower part of the rear wall that defines the lower space 60. The terminal opening 46 exposes a USB connector 72, which will be described later, to the outside.

[0056] The case 41 has an intake opening 47 at the top of the rear wall through which air flows into the upper first space 61. The case 41 also has an outlet opening 48 in the top wall through which the air that has flowed into the upper first space 61 flows out. Due to the air flow (negative pressure) generated by the fan motor 26, air flows into the upper first space 61 from the intake opening 47 and flows out from the outlet opening 48. That is, air passes through the upper first space 61. The air passing through the upper first space 61 cools the second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42.

[0057] The case 41 has a front opening 49 in the front wall through which the first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42 is exposed. In addition, the second partition plate 45 of the case 41 has an exposure opening 50 through which the second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42 is exposed to the upper first space. The first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42 is heated by the flame of the burner 25 through the front opening 49, and the second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42 is cooled through the exposure opening 50.

[0058] The control board unit 70 is disposed in the lower space 60. That is, the control board unit 70 is held in the case 41. The control board unit 70 is electrically connected to the thermoelectric converter 42 by a first cable 78, and is electrically connected to the terminal 39 by a second cable 79.

[0059] The control board unit 70 includes a circuit board 71 and various electronic components mounted on the circuit board 71. The various electronic components include a USB connector 72, a control IC 73, a power supply IC 74, and a socket (not shown) to which a secondary battery 75 is attached. The various electronic components may also include resistors, coils, capacitors, switching elements, and the like. The capacitor may be a charging capacitor that supplies power for initial drive of the control IC 73. The switching element is controlled by, for example, the control IC 73 to turn on and off the supply of direct current from the secondary battery 75 or the thermoelectric converter 42 to the fan motor 26. For example, based on detection that the burner 25 has been ignited, the control IC 73 turns on the switching element to drive the fan motor 26. Based on detection that the supply of LP gas to the burner 25 has been stopped, the control IC 73 turns off the switching element to stop the drive of the fan motor 26.

[0060] The secondary battery 75 has a charging capacity of 3000mAh or more and 7000mAh or less. Note that the typical charging capacity of a smartphone (registered trademark) is 3000mAh to 3500mAh. In other words, the secondary battery 75 can fully charge the communication mobile 34 about one to two times.

[0061] The circuit board 71 has a rectangular plate shape, and is disposed in the lower space 60 with, for example, the mounting surface facing up.

[0062] USB connector 72 is mounted on the upper surface of the rear part of circuit board 71, and is exposed to the outside through terminal opening 46 of case 41. A user inserts USB terminal 77 of charging cable 76 into USB connector 72 through terminal opening 46. USB connector 72 corresponds to a "mobile charging connector" recited in the claims.

[0063] The power supply IC 74 is a circuit that boosts and stabilizes the DC voltage output by the thermoelectric converter 42. In other words, the power supply IC 74 is a so-called DC / DC converter.

[0064] The control IC 73 is a circuit that drives the power supply IC 74, charges the secondary battery 75 with the DC current output by the power supply IC 74, and supplies (discharges) the DC current from the secondary battery 75 to the DC motor 32 and the USB connector 72. In other words, the control IC 73 is a so-called driver IC.

[0065] The control board unit 70 charges the secondary battery 75 with the DC current output by the thermoelectric converter 42, supplies DC current to the DC motor 32 to drive it, and supplies DC current to the USB connector 72 to charge the communication mobile 34 or a mobile battery.

[0066] The thermoelectric converter 42 is disposed in the upper second space 62 and fixed to the case 41. In other words, the thermoelectric converter 42 is held in the case 41. The thermoelectric converter 42 is a so-called Peltier element, and includes a first piece 63 and a second piece 64, and an output terminal (not shown). The first piece 63 and the second piece 64 are arranged in the front-rear direction 8 with the first piece 63 at the front and the second piece 64 at the rear.

[0067] The front surface of first piece 63 is located above burner 25 and behind the flame generated by burner 25. In addition, the front surface of first piece 63 is exposed to the outside through front opening 49 of case 41. First piece 63 is heated by the flame of burner 25.

[0068] The rear surface of the second piece 64 faces the upper first space 61 through which air flows, and is located upstream of the burner 25 in the air flow passage formed by the fan motor 26. The second piece 64 is cooled by the air passing through the upper first space 61.

[0069] Thermoelectric converter 42 generates an electromotive force (DC voltage) according to the temperature difference between first piece 63 and second piece 64, and outputs a DC current. The DC current output by thermoelectric converter 42 is input to control board unit 70 through first cable 78.

[0070] The use of the gas fan heater 10 will now be described.

[0071] The gas fan heater 10 is used in evacuation sites or at home, for example, during disasters. Alternatively, the gas fan heater 10 is used outdoors or in a tent at a campsite or the like. After the user attaches the gas cylinder 21 to the gas fan heater 10, the user operates the knob 31 to ignite the LP gas flowing out of the burner 25. The first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42 is heated by the flame generated by the burner 25, and the thermoelectric converter 42 outputs a direct current. The fan motor 26 is driven by the direct current output by the thermoelectric converter 42, and wind is generated. The generated wind exhausts hot air from the gas fan heater 10, and cools the second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42. The cooling of the second piece 64 increases the output efficiency of the direct current in the thermoelectric converter 42. Then, the secondary battery 75 is charged by the direct current output by the thermoelectric converter 42.

[0072] When the gas fan heater 10 is in use or after the gas fan heater 10 has been used, if the USB terminal 77 is attached to the USB connector 72, a direct current is supplied from the secondary battery 75 to the communication mobile device 34 or the mobile battery through the charging cable 76. In other words, the communication mobile device 34 or the mobile battery is charged by the gas fan heater 10.

[0073] Furthermore, when the gas fan heater 10 is not in use, after the power generating unit 40 is pulled out from the main body 22 by the user, the USB terminal 77 of the charging cable 76 is attached to the USB connector 72. Direct current is supplied from the secondary battery 75 to the communication mobile device 34 or the mobile battery through the charging cable 76.

[0074] [Effects of the first embodiment]

[0075] In this embodiment, the gas fan heater 10 can be used to charge the communication mobile 34 or a mobile battery in an evacuation shelter, at home when a power outage occurs, outdoors, or the like.

[0076] In this embodiment, the power generation unit 40 includes a secondary battery 75. Therefore, even when the gas fan heater 10 is not in use, the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery can be charged.

[0077] In this embodiment, the charge capacity of the secondary battery 75 is 3000 mAh or more and 7000 mAh or less. Therefore, the secondary battery 75 can charge a general communication mobile phone 34 about one or two times even when the gas fan heater 10 is not in use.

[0078] In this embodiment, the second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42 is disposed in the air flow path of the air generated by the fan motor 26, and is cooled by the air. Therefore, the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric converter 42 is higher than when the second piece 64 is not cooled by the air.

[0079] In this embodiment, a placement section 35 on which the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery is placed is provided on the main body 22. A user can place the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery on the placement section 35 to charge the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery. This improves the usability of the gas fan heater 10.

[0080] In this embodiment, the thermoelectric converter 42 can be removed from the main body 22 together with the control board unit 70. Therefore, by heating the first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42 with a heat source such as a hand warmer or hot water, the thermoelectric converter 42 can generate electricity to charge the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery.

[0081] In this embodiment, the case 41 of the power generation unit 40 is located above the gas cylinder 21. Therefore, the case 41 is cooled by the gas cylinder 21 whose temperature has decreased due to use. As a result, the second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42 is cooled through the case 41, and the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric converter 42 is further increased.

[0082] [Variation 1]

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which both the control board unit 70 (see FIG. 1 ) including the secondary battery 75 and the USB connector 72, and the thermoelectric converter 42 (see FIG. 1 ) are removable from the main body 22. In the present modified example, an example will be described in which the thermoelectric converter 42 is fixed to the main body 22, and only the control board unit 70 is removable from the main body 22.

[0084] In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the components other than those described below are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0085] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the gas fan heater 11 according to this modification. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining attachment and detachment of the battery unit 80 according to this modification. The solid arrows shown in Fig. 3 indicate the flow of air (wind) generated by the fan motor 26. The dashed arrows shown in Fig. 3 indicate the flow of air heated by the burner 25.

[0086] The gas fan heater 11 includes a power generation unit 55 and a battery unit 80 instead of the power generation unit 40 (see FIG. 1).

[0087] The power generating unit 55 includes a mounting member 56 , a connector 84 , and a thermoelectric converter 42 .

[0088] The mounting member 56 is a member that fixes the thermoelectric converter 42 to the main body 22. The mounting member 56 is, for example, a synthetic resin molded product. The mounting member 56 is disposed in a position that is in front of the fan motor 26 and behind the flame generated by the burner 25. The mounting member 56 is fixed to the main body 22 using fasteners such as screws.

[0089] The mounting member 56 is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped, and houses the thermoelectric converter 42 therein. The front wall of the mounting member 56 has a first opening 57, and the rear wall of the mounting member 56 has a second opening 58. The first opening 57 exposes the first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42 to the outside, and the second opening 58 exposes the second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42 to the outside. The first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42 is heated by a flame generated by the burner 25 through the first opening 57. The second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42 is cooled by wind generated by the fan motor 26 through the second opening 58. The thermoelectric converter 42 generates a direct current due to a temperature difference generated between the first piece 63 and the second piece 64.

[0090] The mounting member 56 has an extension piece 59 extending downward from the bottom surface. A connector 84 is attached to the rear surface of the extension piece 59. The connector 84 is connected to the output terminal of the thermoelectric converter 42 by a cable 65. The connector 84 corresponds to the "main body side connector" recited in the claims.

[0091] The battery unit 80 includes a case 81, a control board unit 70, and a pair of terminals 39.

[0092] The terminal 39 is electrically connected to the control board unit 70 by a second cable 79 .

[0093] The case 81 is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped. The case 81 is, for example, a synthetic resin molded product. The case 81 has rails that fit into slits or grooves provided in the support member 53 of the main body 22, or slits or grooves that fit into rails provided in the support member 53. The battery unit 80 is slid backward by the user to be pulled out of the main body 22, and is attached to the main body 22 by sliding it forward. That is, the battery unit 80 is detachable from the main body 22. The rails that fit into slits or grooves provided in the support member 53, or the slits or grooves that fit into rails provided in the support member 53 may be provided on the left and right side surfaces of the case 81. In addition, the configuration that supports the battery unit 80 slidably in the front-rear direction 8 may be other than rails or slits.

[0094] The front wall of the case 81 has a front opening 83 that exposes the connector 82 to the outside. The rear wall of the case 81 has a terminal opening 46.

[0095] The control board unit 70 is disposed inside a case 81. The control board unit 70 has a connector 82 in addition to sockets on which the circuit board 71, USB connector 72, control IC 73, power supply IC 74, and secondary battery 75 are attached. The connector 82 is located at the front of the circuit board 71. The connector 82 is connected to a connector 84 of the main body 22 through a front opening 83. In other words, the control board unit 70 is electrically connected to the thermoelectric converter 42 through the connectors 82, 84. The connector 82 corresponds to a "case-side connector" recited in the claims.

[0096] When the gas fan heater 11 is in use or after the gas fan heater 11 is used, if the USB terminal 77 is attached to the USB connector 72, a direct current is supplied from the secondary battery 75 to the communication mobile device 34 or the mobile battery through the charging cable 76. In other words, the communication mobile device 34 or the mobile battery is charged by the gas fan heater 11.

[0097] When the gas fan heater 11 is not in use, the battery unit 80 is removed from the main body 22 by the user, and then the USB terminal 77 of the charging cable 76 is attached to the USB connector 72. Direct current is supplied from the secondary battery 75 to the communication mobile device 34 or the mobile battery through the charging cable 76.

[0098] [Effects of Modification Example 1]

[0099] In this modified example, the user can carry the battery unit 80, so that when the gas fan heater 11 is not being used, the user can charge the communication mobile 34 in a location other than where the gas fan heater 11 is placed.

[0100] [Second embodiment]

[0101] In this embodiment, a cassette-type gas stove 12 (see FIG. 5) will be described as an example of a cassette-type combustion device. The gas stove 12 is a device for heating cooking utensils such as pots and frying pans.

[0102] In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the components other than those described below are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0103] Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of a cassette-type gas stove 12, which is an example of a cassette-type combustion device. In Fig. 5, the power generation unit 100 is shown in a cutaway state. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining attachment and detachment of the power generation unit 40.

[0104] Gas stove 12 is used, for example, by placing it on a table. In the following description, the vertical direction of gas stove 12 when in use is defined as up-down direction 7 (see FIG. 6), the depth direction of gas stove 12 is defined as front-back direction 8 (see FIG. 5), and the width direction of gas stove 12 is defined as left-right direction 9 (see FIG. 5).

[0105] As shown in FIG. 5, the gas stove 12 includes a main body 90, a governor 23, an operating unit 24, a burner 25, and a power generation unit 100.

[0106] The main body 90 has a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape. The main body 90 is formed, for example, by attaching a plurality of synthetic resin moldings or metal members to a metal housing. The length (depth) of the main body 90 in the front-rear direction 8 and the length (width) of the main body 90 in the left-right direction 9 are longer than the length (height) of the main body 90 in the up-down direction 7. In other words, the main body 90 has a flat shape.

[0107] The main body 90 has therein an attachment portion 30 to which the gas cylinder 21 is attached. The attachment portion 30 is, for example, a semi-cylindrical fitting member into which the gas cylinder 21 fits. Alternatively, the attachment portion 30 is a so-called snap-fit ​​engagement claw that engages with the gas cylinder 21. The attachment portion 30 may be formed of any material and means as long as the gas cylinder 21 can be attached and detached.

[0108] The mounting unit 30 is provided at one end (the right end in FIG. 5 ) of the main body 90 in the left-right direction 9. An opening / closing door 91 is disposed above the mounting unit 30. The opening / closing door 91 is supported on the main body 90 so as to be rotatable or detachable. A user opens the opening / closing door 91 to replace the gas cylinder 21.

[0109] The main body 90 includes a placement section 35 on which the communication mobile 34 or a mobile battery (not shown) is placed. The placement section 35 is located at an end of the main body 90 in the left-right direction 9 (the left end in FIG. 5). In the example shown in FIG. 5, the placement section 35 has a slit 92 that opens to the left side. The rectangular plate-shaped communication mobile 34 is inserted into the slit 92 from the left side. The placement section 35 may have any shape, such as a shape having a top surface on which the communication mobile 34 is placed, other than a shape having the slit 92, as long as the communication mobile 34 or a mobile battery can be placed thereon. The placement section 35 may also be provided at a location other than the left end of the main body 90 in the left-right direction 9.

[0110] As shown in Fig. 6, the main body 90 has a storage section 93 that stores the power generation unit 100. In the example shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the storage section 93 is a recess that is recessed from the upper surface of the main body 90. An engagement claw 94 that fixes the power generation unit 100 is provided on the bottom surface of the recess. The engagement claw 94 fixes the power generation unit 100 by a so-called snap fit. In other words, the power generation unit 100 is freely attachable to and detachable from the main body 90. The power generation unit 100 is attached to the main body 90 by being pressed against the engagement claw 94 of the storage section 93 from above (see Fig. 5), and is removed from the main body 90 by being pulled upward from the storage section 93 (see Fig. 7).

[0111] The governor 23 is attached to the main body 90 adjacent to the mounting part 30 so as to be connectable to the gas outlet of the gas cylinder 21 mounted on the mounting part 30. The governor 23 has a pressure regulating valve (not shown) that adjusts the pressure of the LP gas flowing out from the gas cylinder 21. For example, a commercially available product (ready-made product) is used as the governor 23.

[0112] The operating unit 24 includes an ignition plug 37 , a knob 31 , a connector 38 , a flow control valve 66 , and a supply pipe 67 .

[0113] The spark plug 37 is attached to the body 90 adjacent to the burner 25. The spark plug 37 and the knob 31 are connected by a connector 38. The knob 31 is attached to the front surface of the body 90. The connector 38 is, for example, a lead wire and a protective cover.

[0114] The flow rate control valve 66 is a so-called gas cock. The inlet of the flow rate control valve 66 is connected to the governor 23. The outlet of the flow rate control valve 66 is connected to one end of a supply pipe 67. The other end of the supply pipe 67 is connected to the burner 25. The ignition plug 37, the flow rate control valve 66, the supply pipe 67, and the connector 38 are, for example, commercially available products (ready-made products).

[0115] When the knob 31 is rotated, the flow rate control valve 66 opens in conjunction with the rotation, and LP gas is supplied from the gas cylinder 21 to the burner 25 through the governor 23, the flow rate control valve 66, and the supply pipe 67. In addition, when the knob 31 is rotated, the ignition plug 37 generates a spark through the connector 38.

[0116] Burner 25 is located on the left side of main body 90 in the left-right direction 9. For example, a so-called Bunsen burner using a Bunsen combustion method is used as burner 25. However, burners using other combustion methods may also be used. A commercially available product (ready-made product) is used as burner 25.

[0117] A safety device may be provided that closes the flow rate control valve 66 when combustion is not detected in the burner 25 and the knob 31 is not in a predetermined position (closed position).

[0118] The power generating unit 100 generates power by utilizing the combustion of LP gas. The power generating unit 100 is attached to the housing portion 93 of the main body 90 and is located to the left of the burner 25.

[0119] The power generating unit 100 includes a case 101, a thermoelectric converter 42, and a control board unit 70.

[0120] The case 101 is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped. The case 101 is, for example, a synthetic resin molded product. The case 101 is detachable from the housing portion 93 of the main body 90.

[0121] The case 101 has a partition plate 102 that divides the internal space. The partition plate 102 divides the internal space of the case 101 into a first space 103 and a second space 104. The first space 103 is a space that houses the thermoelectric converter 42. The second space 104 is a space that houses the control board unit 70. The first space 103 and the second space 104 are aligned along the front-rear direction 8. The first space 103 is located to the left of the burner 25. In other words, the thermoelectric converter 42 housed in the first space 103 is located to the left of the burner 25.

[0122] Case 101 has a first opening 57 for exposing first piece 63 of thermoelectric converter 42 to the outside, on the right side wall that defines first space 103. First piece 63 is heated by a flame generated by burner 25 through first opening 57.

[0123] The case 101 has a second opening 58 for exposing the second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42 to the outside, in the left side wall that defines the first space 103. The second piece 64 is exposed to the outside air and is cooled to approximately the outside air temperature.

[0124] The case 101 has a terminal opening 46 in the left wall that defines the second space 104. The terminal opening 46 exposes the USB connector 72 to the outside.

[0125] The control board unit 70 is disposed in the second space 104. The control board unit 70 is electrically connected to the thermoelectric converter 42 by a cable (not shown).

[0126] The control board unit 70 includes a circuit board 71 and various electronic components mounted on the circuit board 71. The various electronic components include a USB connector 72, a control IC 73, a power supply IC 74, and a socket (not shown) to which a secondary battery 75 is attached. The various electronic components may also include resistors, coils, capacitors, and the like. The capacitor may be a charging capacitor that supplies power for initial operation of the control IC 73.

[0127] The secondary battery 75 has a charging capacity of 3000mAh or more and 7000mAh or less. Note that the typical charging capacity of a smartphone (registered trademark) is 3000mAh to 3500mAh. In other words, the secondary battery 75 can fully charge the communication mobile 34 about one to two times.

[0128] The circuit board 71 has a rectangular plate shape, and is disposed in the second space 104 with, for example, the mounting surface facing up.

[0129] The USB connector 72 is mounted on the upper surface of the rear part of the circuit board 71, and is exposed to the outside through the terminal opening 46 of the case 101. The user inserts the USB terminal 77 of the charging cable 76 into the USB connector 72 through the terminal opening 46.

[0130] The control board unit 70 charges the secondary battery 75 with the direct current output by the thermoelectric converter 42, and supplies the direct current to the USB connector 72 to charge the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery.

[0131] The use of the gas stove 12 will now be described.

[0132] Gas stove 12 is used in evacuation shelters or at home, for example, during disasters. Alternatively, gas stove 12 is used outdoors or in a tent at a campsite or the like. After attaching gas cylinder 21 to gas stove 12, a user operates knob 31 to ignite LP gas in burner 25. First piece 63 of thermoelectric converter 42 is heated by the flame generated by burner 25, and thermoelectric converter 42 outputs a direct current. Secondary battery 75 is charged by the direct current output by thermoelectric converter 42.

[0133] When the USB terminal 77 is attached to the USB connector 72 during or after the gas stove 12 is used, a direct current is supplied from the secondary battery 75 to the communication mobile device 34 or the mobile battery through the charging cable 76. In other words, the communication mobile device 34 or the mobile battery is charged by the gas stove 12.

[0134] Furthermore, when the gas stove 12 is not in use, after the power generating unit 100 is pulled out from the main body 90 by the user, the USB terminal 77 of the charging cable 76 is attached to the USB connector 72. A direct current is supplied from the secondary battery 75 to the communication mobile device 34 or the mobile battery through the charging cable 76.

[0135] [Effects of the second embodiment]

[0136] In this embodiment, the gas stove 12 can be used to charge the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery in an evacuation shelter or at home when a power outage occurs.

[0137] In this embodiment, the power generation unit 100 includes a secondary battery 75. Therefore, even when the gas stove 12 is not in use, the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery can be charged.

[0138] In this embodiment, the charge capacity of the secondary battery 75 is 3000 mAh or more and 7000 mAh or less. Therefore, the secondary battery 75 can charge a general communication mobile 34 about one or two times even when the gas stove 12 is not in use.

[0139] In this embodiment, a placement section 35 on which the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery is placed is provided on the main body 90. A user can place the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery on the placement section 35 to charge the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery. This improves the usability of the gas stove 12.

[0140] In this embodiment, the thermoelectric converter 42 can be removed from the main body 90 together with the control board unit 70. Therefore, by heating the first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42 with a heat source such as a hand warmer or hot water, the thermoelectric converter 42 can generate electricity to charge the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery.

[0141] [Variation 2]

[0142] In the above-described second embodiment, an example has been described in which the first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42 is directly heated by the flame of the burner 25. In the present modification, an example will be described in which the first thermal conductor 105 (see FIG. 8 ) heated by the flame of the burner 25 heats the first piece 63.

[0143] In the following, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first and second embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the components other than those described below are the same as those in the first and second embodiments.

[0144] Fig. 8 is a plan view of a gas stove 13 according to this modified example. In Fig. 8, the power generating unit 100 is shown in a cutaway view.

[0145] The slit 92 (the placement portion 35) has an opening on the front surface of the main body 90. The user inserts the communication mobile 34 into the slit 92 from the front surface side of the gas stove 13.

[0146] The power generation unit 100 is located in front of the main body 90, and on the left in the left-right direction 9. The USB connector 72 of the power generation unit 100 is exposed on the front side of the main body 90. In other words, the user can insert the USB terminal 77 of the charging cable 76 into the USB connector 72 from the front side of the gas stove 13.

[0147] The first piece 63 and the second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42 of the power generating unit 100 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction 8, with the first piece 63 at the rear and the second piece 64 at the front.

[0148] A first thermal conductor 105 is disposed between the first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42 and the burner 25. The first thermal conductor 105 is a metal plate such as a steel plate, and has good thermal conductivity. The first thermal conductor 105 is disposed above or below the top plate of the main body 90. The first thermal conductor 105 is a plate extending along the front-rear direction 8. The rear end of the first thermal conductor 105 in the front-rear direction 8 is located close to the flame generated by the burner 25, and the front end of the first thermal conductor 105 abuts against the first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42. That is, the first piece 63 is heated by the flame of the burner 25 through the first thermal conductor 105. By using the first thermal conductor 105, the second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42 can be separated from the burner 25. As a result, the temperature difference between the first piece 63 and the second piece 64 can be increased, and the power generation efficiency in the thermoelectric converter 42 can be improved.

[0149] [Effects of Modification Example 2]

[0150] In this modification, the use of the first thermal conductor 105 can improve the power generation efficiency in the thermoelectric converter 42. Furthermore, the use of the first thermal conductor 105 can increase the degree of freedom in the arrangement position of the power generation unit 100.

[0151] [Variation 3]

[0152] In this modification, an example will be described in which two thermal conductors are used: a first thermal conductor 105 and a second thermal conductor 106. The first thermal conductor 105 is for heating the first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42, and the second thermal conductor 106 is for cooling the second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42.

[0153] In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the modified example 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the modified example 2, and the description thereof will be omitted. The components other than those described below are the same as those in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the modified example 2.

[0154] Fig. 9 is a plan view of a gas stove 14 according to this modified example, in which the power generating unit 100 is shown in a cutaway state.

[0155] The slit 92 (the placement portion 35) has an opening on the rear surface of the main body 90. The user inserts the communication mobile 34 into the slit 92 from behind the gas stove 14.

[0156] The power generation unit 100 is located at the rear of the main body 90, between the burner 25 and the gas cylinder 21 in the left-right direction 9. The USB connector 72 of the power generation unit 100 is exposed on the rear side of the main body 90. The user inserts the USB terminal 77 of the charging cable 76 into the USB connector 72 from the rear of the gas stove 14.

[0157] The first piece 63 and the second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42 of the power generating unit 100 are arranged in the left-right direction 9 with the first piece 63 on the left (burner 25 side) and the second piece 64 on the right (gas cylinder 21 side).

[0158] A first thermal conductor 105 is disposed between the first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42 and the burner 25. The first thermal conductor 105 is disposed above or below the top plate of the main body 90. The first thermal conductor 105 is in the form of a plate extending along the left-right direction 9. The left end of the first thermal conductor 105 in the left-right direction 9 is located close to the flame generated by the burner 25, and the right end of the first thermal conductor 105 abuts against the first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42. In other words, the first piece 63 is heated by the flame of the burner 25 through the first thermal conductor 105.

[0159] A second thermal conductor 106 is disposed between the second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42 and the gas cylinder 21. The second thermal conductor 106 is disposed above or below the top plate of the main body 90. The second thermal conductor 106 is a metal plate such as a steel plate, and has good thermal conductivity. The second thermal conductor 106 is a plate extending along the left-right direction 9. The right end of the second thermal conductor 106 in the left-right direction 9 abuts against the gas cylinder 21, and the left end of the second thermal conductor 106 abuts against the second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42. That is, the second piece 64 is cooled by the gas cylinder 21 through the second thermal conductor 106.

[0160] [Effects of Modification 3]

[0161] By using the first thermal conductor 105 and the second thermal conductor 106, it is possible to increase the temperature difference between the first piece 63 and the second piece 64. As a result, it is possible to increase the power generation efficiency in the thermoelectric converter 42.

[0162] [Variation 4]

[0163] In the above-described second embodiment, an example has been described in which the control board unit 70 and the thermoelectric converter 42 are detachable from the main body 90. In the present modified example, an example will be described in which the thermoelectric converter 42 is fixed to the main body 90, and only the control board unit 70 is detachable from the main body 90.

[0164] In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the modified example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the modified example 1, and the description thereof will be omitted. Also, the components other than those described below are the same as those in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the modified example 1.

[0165] FIG. 10 is a plan view of gas stove 15 according to this modified example, showing a state in which battery unit 85 is detached from main body 90. As shown in FIG.

[0166] The gas stove 15 includes a battery unit 85 and a power generation unit 86 instead of the power generation unit 100 (see FIG. 5).

[0167] The battery unit 85 includes a case 87 and a control board unit 70. The case 87 is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped, and houses the control board unit 70 therein. The case 87 has a terminal opening 46 on a side surface thereof, which exposes the USB connector 72 of the control board unit 70 to the outside.

[0168] The battery unit 85 is fixed by an engagement claw 94 provided in a housing portion of the main body 90. In other words, the battery unit 85 is detachable from the main body 90.

[0169] The control board unit 70 includes a circuit board 71, a USB connector 72, a control IC 73, a power supply IC 74, a socket (not shown) to which a secondary battery 75 is attached, and a connector 82 (see FIG. 3). The case 87 includes an opening (not shown) on the bottom surface thereof for exposing the connector 82 to the outside. That is, the connector 82 is exposed to the outside on the lower surface side of the battery unit 85. The main body 90 includes a connector 84 attached to the housing portion 93. When the battery unit 85 is attached to the housing portion 93, the connector 82 of the battery unit 85 and the connector 84 of the main body 90 are connected to each other. The connector 84 is connected to the output end of the thermoelectric converter 42 by a cable (not shown). That is, when the battery unit 85 is attached to the main body 90, the control board unit 70 of the battery unit 85 and the thermoelectric converter 42 are electrically connected to each other.

[0170] The power generation unit 86 includes a case 88 and a thermoelectric converter 42. The case 88 has a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape and accommodates the thermoelectric converter 42 therein. One side wall of the case 88 includes a first opening 57 that exposes a first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42 to the outside, and the other side wall of the case 88 includes a second opening 58 that exposes a second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42 to the outside. An output end of the thermoelectric converter 42 is electrically connected to the connector 84 by a cable (not shown).

[0171] [Effects of Modification Example 4]

[0172] In this modified example, the user can carry the battery unit 85, so that when the gas stove 15 is not in use, the user can charge the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery in a location other than where the gas stove 15 is placed.

[0173] [Variation 5]

[0174] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, a cassette-type gas stove 12 (see FIG. 5) is described, which is supplied with LP gas from a cassette-type gas cylinder 21. In this modification, a gas stove 18 (see FIG. 11) is described, which can receive LP gas not only from the gas cylinder 21 but also from an external source.

[0175] In the following, the same components as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the components other than those described below are the same as those in the second embodiment.

[0176] FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway plan view of a gas stove 18 according to the fifth modification.

[0177] 11, the gas stove 18 includes a gas supply unit 150 including a governor 23. The gas supply unit 150 further includes a socket 151, a flow path switching valve 152, a first pipe 153, a second pipe 154, and a third pipe 155.

[0178] The socket 151 is a member that is connected to an LP gas pipe 156 to which LP gas is supplied. For example, a general-purpose quick coupling (typically a coupling generally called a "click coupling") is used for the socket 151. However, a connection member other than a quick coupling may be used as the socket 151 as long as it can be connected to the LP gas pipe 156.

[0179] Socket 151 is attached to main body 90 and exposed to the outside at the rear surface (outer surface) of main body 90. However, socket 151 may also be exposed to the outside at the side surface (outer surface) of the main body.

[0180] The LP gas piping 156 is a facility that supplies LP gas, which is sold by mass or volume, to gas appliances, and is a facility attached to a house. The LP gas piping 156 has a small container 157 in which LP gas is sealed, a supply pipe 158, and a regulator 159 and a plug 160 provided on the supply pipe 158. That is, the LP gas piping 156 is a facility for when LP gas is sold by mass. However, the LP gas piping 156 may also be a facility for when LP gas is sold by volume. In that case, the LP gas piping 156 does not have the small container 157 in which LP gas is sealed, and the supply pipe 158 is connected to a gas pipe (not shown) that is drawn into the house.

[0181] Small container 157 contains, for example, about 2 kg to 20 kg of LP gas sealed at high pressure. Supply pipe 158 is typically a rubber hose. Regulator 159 reduces the pressure of the LP gas supplied from small container 157 and delivers it along supply pipe 158. Plug 160 can be connected to socket 151. In this embodiment, plug 160 is a part that connects to socket 151 (a general-purpose product) and can be attached to and detached from socket 151 with a single touch.

[0182] In this embodiment, the first pipe 153 is made of a steel pipe and has a predetermined size. One end of the first pipe 153 is connected to the socket 151, and the other end is connected to a first port of the flow path switching valve 152.

[0183] In this embodiment, the second pipe 154 is made of a steel pipe of a predetermined size. One end of the second pipe 154 is connected to the governor 23, and the other end is connected to the second port 162 of the flow path switching valve 152.

[0184] In this embodiment, the third pipe 155 is made of a steel pipe of a predetermined size. One end of the third pipe 155 is connected to the second port of the flow path switching valve 152, and the other end is connected to the flow rate adjustment valve 66.

[0185] The flow path switching valve 152 has a first port 161, a second port 162, and a third port 163. The flow path switching valve 152 selectively forms a first flow path that communicates the first port 161 with the third port 163, or a second flow path that communicates the second port 162 with the third port 163. In other words, the flow path switching valve 152 selectively forms either a flow path that guides the LP gas supplied from the LP gas pipe 156 through the socket 151 to the burner 25 through the flow rate control valve 66 (corresponding to the "first flow path" in the claims), or a flow path that guides the LP gas supplied from the gas cylinder 21 through the governor 23 to the burner 25 through the flow rate control valve 66 (corresponding to the "second flow path" in the claims). The flow path switching valve 152 has an operating part such as an operating knob that is manually operated by a user. However, the flow path switching valve 152 may connect the one having a higher pressure out of the first port 161 and the second port 162 to the third port 163 by the pressure of the LP gas flowing into the ports 161, 162. Alternatively, the flow path switching valve 152 may be an electromagnetic valve that is driven by receiving a power supply from the secondary battery 75. For example, a commercially available product (ready-made product) is used as the flow path switching valve 152.

[0186] In this embodiment, the LP gas pipe 156 for mass sales is connected to the socket 151, but when the LP gas is sold by volume, the LP gas pipe for volume sales is connected to the socket 151. In other words, the gas stove 18 according to this embodiment can accommodate gas supply from three systems: a gas supply mode when the LP gas is sold by mass, a gas supply mode when the LP gas is sold by volume, and a gas supply mode from the cassette-type gas cylinder 21.

[0187] The user operates the flow path switching valve 152 to communicate the first port 161 with the third port 163, and then connects the plug 160 of the LP gas pipe 156 to the socket 151. Alternatively, the user operates the flow path switching valve 152 to communicate the second port 162 with the third port 163, and then sets the gas cylinder 21 to the mounting part 30. The user turns the knob 31, and LP gas is supplied to the burner 25 from the LP gas pipe 156 or the gas cylinder 21 through the flow rate control valve 66 and the single supply pipe 67, and the ignition plug 37 is driven to ignite the LP gas supplied to the burner 25. The first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42 is heated by the flame generated in the burner 25, and the thermoelectric converter 42 outputs a direct current. The outputted direct current charges the secondary battery 75, or is outputted from the USB connector 72.

[0188] [Effects of Modification 5]

[0189] Gas stove 18 receives a supply of LP gas from gas cylinder 21 through governor 23, or receives a supply of LP gas sold by mass and a supply of LP gas sold by volume through socket 151. In other words, gas stove 18 can handle LP gas supply from three modes (three systems): a gas supply mode from cassette-type gas cylinder 21, a gas supply mode when sold by mass, and a gas supply mode when sold by volume. Therefore, gas stove 18 can be used in a home not only in an emergency (disaster) but also on a daily basis.

[0190] In addition, in the event of a disaster, in a home in which a small container 157 for mass sales is installed, the gas stove 18 can be used even if the stock of gas cylinders 21 runs out.

[0191] [Third embodiment]

[0192] In this embodiment, a cassette-type gas stove 16 (see FIG. 12) will be described as an example of a cassette-type combustion device. The gas stove 16 is a so-called heating device.

[0193] In the following, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first and second embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the components other than those described below are the same as those in the first or second embodiment.

[0194] Fig. 12 is a schematic plan view of a cassette-type gas stove 16, which is an example of the cassette-type combustion device. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in Fig. 12.

[0195] The gas stove 16 shown in Fig. 12 is used, for example, by placing it on a table. In the following description, the vertical direction of the gas stove 16 when in use is defined as the up-down direction 7, the depth direction of the gas stove 16 is defined as the front-rear direction 8, and the width direction of the gas stove 16 is defined as the left-right direction 9.

[0196] The gas stove 16 includes a main body 110, a protective cover 111, a governor 23 (see FIG. 1), an operating unit 24, a burner 25, and a power generation unit 120.

[0197] The main body 110 is in the shape of a hollow box. The main body 110 houses the governor 23 (see FIG. 1), the operating unit 24, the burner 25, and the mounting unit 30 (see FIG. 13). The mounting unit 30 and the governor 23 are located on the right side of the main body 110, and the burner 25 is located on the left side of the main body 110. The governor 23 and the mounting unit 30 are aligned in the front-rear direction 8, and the governor 23 is connected to the gas cylinder 21 (see FIG. 13) mounted on the mounting unit 30. The governor 23 is connected to the burner 25 through the supply piping 67 (see FIG. 5) of the operating unit 24. LP gas is supplied to the burner 25 from the gas cylinder 21 mounted on the mounting unit 30 through the governor 23 and the supply piping 67, and the LP gas is burned in the burner 25.

[0198] The main body 110 has an opening (not shown) at the upper right end portion, which opens up the mounting portion 30. The opening is closed by an opening / closing lid 113. The opening / closing lid 113 is detachable from the main body 110, or is supported by the main body 110 so as to be rotatable. The opening / closing lid 113 closes and opens the above-mentioned opening of the main body 110. By opening the opening / closing lid 113, the mounting portion 30 is exposed to the outside, and the gas cylinder 21 can be replaced by the user.

[0199] The main body 110 has an insertion recess 114 recessed from the top surface. The insertion recess 114 is located to the right of the burner 25 and to the left of the mounting portion 30 (see FIG. 13). The lower end of the power generation unit 120 is inserted into the insertion recess 114.

[0200] The main body 110 has a placement section 35 on which the communication mobile 34 is placed at the right end. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the placement section 35 is a slit 115. Note that the placement section 35 may have a shape other than the slit 115.

[0201] Protective cover 111 has a disk-shaped top plate 116 and a plurality of rods 117. The lower end of rod 117 is fixed to main body 110. The plurality of rods 117 are arranged around burner 25 and spaced apart from one another at equal intervals. Top plate 116 is fixed to the upper end of rod 117. Top plate 116 and the plurality of rods 117 surround burner 25 and prevent a user from touching burner 25.

[0202] As shown in FIG. 13, the power generating unit 120 includes a case 121, a thermoelectric converter 42, and a control board unit 70.

[0203] The case 121 is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped. The case 121 is, for example, a synthetic resin molded product. The case 121 can be freely attached to and detached from the slit 115 of the main body 110 (inserted and removed).

[0204] The case 121 has a partition plate 122 that divides the internal space into upper and lower spaces. The partition plate 122 divides the internal space of the case 121 into an upper first space 123 and a lower second space 124. The first space 123 is a space that houses the thermoelectric converter 42. The second space 124 is a space that houses the control board unit 70. The first space 123 is located to the right of the upper end of the burner 25. In other words, the thermoelectric converter 42 housed in the first space 123 is located to the right of the burner 25, and is heated by the flame generated by the burner 25.

[0205] Case 121 has a first opening 125 that exposes first piece 63 of thermoelectric converter 42 to the outside, in the left side wall that defines first space 123. First piece 63 is heated by a flame generated by burner 25 through first opening 125.

[0206] The case 121 has a second opening 126 for exposing the second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42 to the outside, in a right side wall that defines the first space 123. The second piece 64 is exposed to the outside air and is cooled to approximately the outside air temperature.

[0207] The case 121 has a terminal opening 46 on a right side wall that defines the second space 124. The terminal opening 46 exposes the USB connector 72 to the outside.

[0208] The control board unit 70 is disposed in the second space 124. The control board unit 70 is electrically connected to the thermoelectric converter 42 by a cable (not shown).

[0209] The control board unit 70 includes a circuit board 71 and various electronic components mounted on the circuit board 71. The various electronic components include a USB connector 72, a control IC 73, a power supply IC 74, and a socket (not shown) in which a secondary battery 75 is attached.

[0210] The secondary battery 75 has a charge capacity of 3000 mAh or more and 7000 mAh or less.

[0211] The circuit board 71 has a rectangular plate shape and is disposed in the second space 124 with, for example, the mounting surface facing to the right.

[0212] The USB connector 72 is mounted on the upper end of the circuit board 71, and is exposed to the outside through the terminal opening 46 of the case 121. As shown in Fig. 12, the user inserts the USB terminal 77 of the charging cable 76 into the USB connector 72 through the terminal opening 46.

[0213] The control board unit 70 charges the secondary battery 75 with the direct current output by the thermoelectric converter 42, and supplies the direct current to the USB connector 72 to charge the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery.

[0214] The use of the gas stove 16 will now be described.

[0215] The gas stove 16 is used in evacuation shelters or at home, for example, during disasters. Alternatively, the gas stove 16 is used outdoors or in a tent at a campsite or the like. After attaching the gas cylinder 21 to the gas stove 16, the user operates the knob 31 to ignite the LP gas in the burner 25. The first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42 is heated by the flame generated by the burner 25, and the thermoelectric converter 42 outputs a direct current. The secondary battery 75 is charged by the direct current output by the thermoelectric converter 42.

[0216] When the USB terminal 77 is attached to the USB connector 72 during or after the gas stove 16 is used, a direct current is supplied from the secondary battery 75 to the communication mobile device 34 or the mobile battery through the charging cable 76. In other words, the communication mobile device 34 or the mobile battery is charged by the gas stove 16.

[0217] Furthermore, when the gas stove 16 is not in use, after the power generation unit 120 is removed from the main body 110 by the user, the USB terminal 77 of the charging cable 76 is attached to the USB connector 72. Direct current is supplied from the secondary battery 75 to the communication mobile device 34 or the mobile battery through the charging cable 76.

[0218] [Effects of the third embodiment]

[0219] In this embodiment, the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery can be charged using the gas stove 16 in an evacuation shelter, at home when a power outage occurs, at a campsite, or the like.

[0220] In this embodiment, the power generation unit 120 includes a secondary battery 75. Therefore, even when the gas stove 16 is not in use, the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery can be charged.

[0221] In this embodiment, the charging capacity of the secondary battery 75 is 3000 mAh or more and 7000 mAh or less. Therefore, the secondary battery 75 can charge a general communication mobile 34 about one or two times even when the gas stove 16 is not in use.

[0222] In this embodiment, a placement section 35 on which the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery is placed is provided on the main body 110. A user can place the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery on the placement section 35 to charge the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery. This improves the usability of the gas stove 16.

[0223] In this embodiment, the thermoelectric converter 42 can be removed from the main body 110 together with the control board unit 70. Therefore, by heating the first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42 with a heat source such as a hand warmer or hot water, the thermoelectric converter 42 can generate electricity to charge the communication mobile 34 or the mobile battery.

[0224] [Variation 6]

[0225] In the above-described third embodiment, an example has been described in which the control board unit 70 and the thermoelectric converter 42 are detachably attached to the main body 110. In the present modification, an example will be described in which the thermoelectric converter 42 is fixed to the main body 110, and only the control board unit 70 is detachably attached to the main body 110.

[0226] In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and Modification 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and Modification 1, and the description thereof will be omitted. Moreover, the components other than those described below are the same as those in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, or Modification 1.

[0227] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the gas stove 17. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in Fig. 14.

[0228] As shown in FIG. 14, the gas stove 17 includes a main body 110, a protective cover 111, a governor 23 (see FIG. 1), an operating unit 24, a burner 25, a power generation unit 130, and a battery unit 140.

[0229] The main body 110 has an insertion recess 114. The lower end of the power generation unit 130 is inserted into the insertion recess 114. The power generation unit 130 is fixed to the main body 110 using fasteners such as screws or adhesive.

[0230] 15, the main body 110 includes a connector 84 fixed to the bottom wall of the insertion recess 114. An upper portion of the connector 84 protrudes upward from the bottom surface of the insertion recess 114 and is exposed to the outside. The connector 84 is connected to one end of a cable 65. The other end of the cable 65 is connected to the thermoelectric converter 42. In other words, the connector 84 is electrically connected to the thermoelectric converter 42 through the cable 65.

[0231] The power generation unit 130 includes a case 131 and a thermoelectric converter 42. The case 131 has a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape and accommodates the thermoelectric converter 42 therein. The case 131 includes a first opening 57 (see FIG. 3) on one side wall through which a first piece 63 (see FIG. 3) of the thermoelectric converter 42 is exposed to the outside, and a second opening 58 on the other side wall through which a second piece 64 is exposed to the outside. An output end of the thermoelectric converter 42 is electrically connected to a connector 84 via a cable 65.

[0232] The battery unit 140 includes a case 141 and a control board unit 70. A lower portion of the case 141 is inserted into an insertion recess 114 of the main body 110. The case 141 is removed from the main body 110 by a user by pulling it upward from the insertion recess 114. In other words, the battery unit 140 is freely attachable to and detachable from the main body 110.

[0233] The case 141 has a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape and houses the control board unit 70 inside. The case 141 has a terminal opening 46 in a side wall that exposes the USB connector 72 to the outside. The case 141 also has a lower opening 142 in a bottom wall into which the connection connector 84 is inserted.

[0234] The control board unit 70 includes a circuit board 71, a USB connector 72, a control IC 73, a power supply IC 74, a socket (not shown) to which a secondary battery 75 is attached, and a connection connector 82. The circuit board 71 is accommodated in a case 141 and fixed to the case 141. The USB connector 72 is exposed to the outside through a terminal opening 46 of the case 141. The connection connector 82 is located at the lower end of the circuit board 71 and exposed to the outside through a lower opening 142 of the case 141.

[0235] When the user inserts the battery unit 140 into the insertion recess 114 of the main body 110, the connection connector 82 of the control board unit 70 and the connection connector 84 of the main body 110 are connected. The control board unit 70 and the thermoelectric converter 42 are electrically connected through the connection connectors 82, 84 and the cable 65.

[0236] [Effects of Modification Example 6]

[0237] In this modified example, the user can carry the battery unit 140, so that when the gas stove 17 is not being used, the user can charge the communication mobile phone 34 in a location other than where the gas stove 17 is placed.

[0238] [Other variations]

[0239] In each embodiment and each modified example, the power generation unit 40, 86, 100, 120, 130 or the battery unit 80, 85, 140 is detachably attached to the main body 22, 90, 110. However, the power generation unit 40, 86, 100, 120, 130 or the battery unit 80, 85, 140 may be fixed to the main body 22, 90, 110.

[0240] In each embodiment and each modification, a safety mechanism for limiting the operation of the knob 31, or a safety mechanism for limiting the supply of gas from the gas cylinder 21 to the burner 25, or a safety mechanism for limiting the ignition of the burner 25 when the power generation unit 40, 86, 100, 120, 130 or the battery unit 80, 85, 140 is detached from the main body 22, 90, 110 may be provided in the gas fan heaters 10, 11, the gas ranges 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, and the gas stoves 16, 17. The safety mechanism is composed of, for example, a first member whose posture changes when the power generation unit 40, 86, 100, 120, 130 or the battery unit 80, 85, 140 is attached or detached, a second member that limits the driving of the knob 31, the governor 23, or the burner 25, and a link member that links the first member and the second member. When a safety mechanism is provided, the gas fan heaters 10, 11 can be disabled by removing the power generation unit 40, 86, 100, 120, 130 or the battery unit 80, 85, 140 from the main body 22, 90, 110. For example, when a user temporarily leaves a shelter or a tent, the user removes the power generation unit 40 or the battery unit 80 from the main body 22.

[0241] In each of the embodiments and modifications, an example has been described in which one USB connector 72 is provided on the control board unit 70. However, two or more USB connectors 72 may be provided on the control board unit 70.

[0242] In the gas stove 13 according to the third modification, an example has been described in which the first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42 is heated by the flame of the burner 25 through the first thermal conductor 105. Similarly, in the gas fan heaters 10, 11 and the gas stoves 16, 17, the first piece 63 of the thermoelectric converter 42 may be heated by the flame of the burner 25 through the first thermal conductor 105.

[0243] In the gas stove 14 according to the third modification, an example has been described in which the second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42 is cooled by the gas cylinder 21 through the second thermal conductor 106. Similarly, in the gas fan heaters 10, 11 and the gas stoves 16, 17, the second piece 64 of the thermoelectric converter 42 and the gas cylinder 21 may be thermally coupled to each other through the second thermal conductor 106.

[0244] In each embodiment and each modified example, the USB connector 72 has been described as an example of a mobile charging connector. However, the mobile charging connector may be a connector other than a USB connector.

[0245] In the above-mentioned modified example 5, the gas supply unit 150 is provided in the gas range 18. However, the gas supply unit 150 may be provided in the gas fan heaters 10 and 11, the gas ranges 12, 13, 14 and 15, or the gas stoves 16 and 17. [Explanation of symbols]

[0246] 10, 11 Gas fan heater 12, 13, 14, 15, 18...Gas stove 16, 17 Gas stove 21 Gas cylinder 22, 90, 110...Main unit 23 Governor 24...Operation unit 25 Burner 26 Fan motor 30... Mounting part 34. Mobile Communications 35...Placement section 37...Spark plug 40, 55, 86, 100, 120, 130... Generating unit 42 Thermoelectric converter 63...1st piece 64...2nd piece 70 Control board unit 72...USB connector 75...Secondary battery 76...Charging cable 80, 85, 140... Battery unit 105...First heat conductor 106...Second heat conductor 114 Insertion recess 150 Gas supply section 151···Socket 152 Flow path switching valve 153···First pipe 154...Second piping 155···Third piping 156...LP gas piping 161... First port 162...Second port 163 Third port

Claims

1. A main body provided with a mounting portion for mounting a cassette type gas cylinder; A burner provided in the main body; an operating unit provided in the main body for adjusting the flow rate of the LP gas to be supplied to the burner and igniting the LP gas; A gas supply unit provided in the main body for supplying LP gas to the operating unit; a thermoelectric converter attached to the main body, having a first piece and a second piece heated by the burner, and generating a direct current in accordance with a temperature difference between the first piece and the second piece; and a mobile charging connector (USB) that outputs the direct current generated by the thermoelectric converter.

2. 2. The cassette type combustion apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a secondary battery that is charged by the current generated by the thermoelectric converter and discharges to the mobile charging connector.

3. a main body side connector electrically connected to the thermoelectric converter; 3. The cassette type combustion device according to claim 2, further comprising: a case having a case side connector that connects with the main body side connector, holding the mobile charging connector and the secondary battery, and being detachable from the main body.

4. 3. The cassette type combustion apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the charge capacity of the secondary battery is 3000 mAh or more and 7000 mAh or less.

5. The burner further includes a fan motor that is driven by a current generated by the thermoelectric converter and that blows air to the burner, 2. The cassette type combustion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second piece is disposed upstream of the burner in an air flow passage formed by the fan motor.

6. The cassette-type combustion device according to claim 1 , wherein the main body further comprises a mounting portion on which a communication mobile or a mobile battery is mounted.

7. 2. The cassette type combustion device according to claim 1, further comprising a case that holds the thermoelectric converter and the mobile charging connector and is detachable from the main body.

8. 2. The cassette type combustion apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a thermal conductor that thermally connects the second piece of the thermoelectric converter and a cassette type gas cylinder mounted on the mounting portion.

9. The gas supply unit includes: a socket exposed on the outer surface of the main body and detachably connected to an LP gas pipe for supplying LP gas from the outside; a governor that stably supplies LP gas at a predetermined pressure from a cassette-type gas cylinder attached to the attachment portion; a flow path switching valve having a first port, a second port, and a third port, and selectively forming a first flow path communicating between the first port and the third port or a second flow path communicating between the second port and the third port; a first pipe connecting the socket and the first port; a second pipe connecting the governor and the second port; and a third pipe connecting the third port and the operation unit, 9. The cassette type combustion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operating section includes a single supply pipe for supplying the supplied LP gas to the burner.

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