CN111578325B

CN111578325B - Thermodynamic device

Info

Publication number: CN111578325B
Application number: CN201911288562.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 铃木圭; 佐藤雅也; 广田和也
Original assignee: Rinnai Corp
Current assignee: Rinnai Corp
Priority date: 2019-02-15
Filing date: 2019-12-12
Publication date: 2024-05-17
Anticipated expiration: 2039-12-12
Also published as: CN111578325A; JP7182492B2; JP2020133967A

Abstract

The invention provides a thermodynamic device. The thermodynamic device is provided with a main control part, a communication module and a switching part, wherein the main control part is connected with the power supply part and controls the action of the thermodynamic device; the communication module is connected with the power supply part and can perform communication with external equipment; the switching unit is arranged between the main control unit and the power supply unit, and is capable of switching between a supply state and a cut-off state, wherein the supply state is a supply state in which the power supply unit supplies power to the main control unit; the off state is a state in which the supply of electric power from the power supply unit to the main control unit is stopped. The power supply unit always supplies power to the communication module. According to the present invention, the thermal device can suppress power consumption while maintaining communication with an external device using a communication module.

Description

Thermodynamic device

Technical Field

The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a thermodynamic device.

Background

Patent document 1 discloses a thermal device having a main control unit, a communication module (Communication Module), and a switching unit, wherein the main control unit is connected to the power supply unit and is configured to control the operation of the thermal device; the communication module is connected with the power supply part; the switching unit is disposed between the power supply unit and the main control unit and between the power supply unit and the communication module. The switching part can switch between a supply state and a cut-off state, wherein the supply state is a state that the power supply part supplies power to the main control part and the communication module; the off state is a state in which the power supply unit stops supplying power to the main control unit and the communication module.

[ Prior Art literature ]

[ Patent literature ]

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2018-40515

Disclosure of Invention

[ Problem ] to be solved by the invention ]

In the case of the thermal device of patent document 1, when the supply of electric power from the power supply unit to the main control unit is stopped and the switching unit is switched from the supply state to the cut-off state, the supply of electric power to the communication module is also stopped. Therefore, when the switching unit is in the off state, the thermal device cannot perform communication with the external device using the communication module. In such a thermal device, it is desirable to continuously maintain a state in which communication with an external device can be performed. In the case of the thermal device of patent document 1, in order to maintain a state in which communication with an external device can be performed, it is necessary to keep the switching unit in a supply state. In this case, since the power is always supplied from the power supply unit to the main control unit and the communication module, the power consumption increases.

In the present specification, a technique is provided that can suppress power consumption while maintaining a state in which communication with an external device is performed using a communication module.

[ Solution to the technical problem ]

The thermodynamic device disclosed in the specification is provided with a main control part, a communication module and a switching part, wherein the main control part is connected with the power supply part and is used for controlling the action of the thermodynamic device; a communication module connected to the power supply unit and capable of performing communication with an external device; a switching unit that is disposed between the main control unit and the power supply unit and is capable of switching between a supply state in which the power supply unit supplies power to the main control unit and a shut-off state; the off state is a state in which the power supply unit stops supplying power to the main control unit, and the power supply unit always supplies power to the communication module.

According to the above configuration, the power supply unit supplies power to the communication module regardless of whether the switching unit is in the supply state or the cut-off state. That is, the communication module is maintained in a state in which communication with the external device can be performed even in a state in which power supply from the power supply unit to the main control unit is stopped. Therefore, even in a state in which the supply of electric power from the power supply section to the main control section is stopped, the thermal device can perform communication with the external device using the communication module. In addition, the power consumption of the communication module is small when the communication module operates. Therefore, the power consumption of the thermal device can be suppressed while communication with the external device is being performed using the communication module.

In the above thermodynamic device, it may be: the communication module transmits thermodynamic device information related to the thermodynamic device to an external device.

According to the above configuration, the communication module can transmit the thermal device information to the external device regardless of the state of the switching section. Therefore, even if the switching section is in the off state, the user of the thermal device can learn the state of the thermal device by confirming the thermal device information sent to the external device.

In the above thermodynamic device, it may be: the communication module transmits the thermal device information to the plurality of external devices at predetermined intervals when the switching unit is in the supply state, and transmits the thermal device information to a part of specific external devices among the plurality of external devices at predetermined intervals when the switching unit is in the shut-off state.

According to the above configuration, the communication module transmits the thermal device information to a part of the specific external devices among the plurality of external devices when the switching section is in the off state. Therefore, when the switching unit is in the off state, the power consumption of the thermal device can be suppressed as compared with a configuration in which the thermal device information is transmitted to all of the plurality of external devices.

The method comprises the following steps: the above-described thermal device further has a first voltage measuring section for measuring a voltage value supplied to the main control section, and the thermal device information includes first voltage-related information that is measured by the first voltage measuring section and is related to the voltage value supplied to the main control section.

According to the above configuration, the user of the thermal device can recognize whether or not the supply of electric power to the main control unit is stopped by confirming the first voltage-related information transmitted to the external device.

The method comprises the following steps: the thermal device further includes a power supply unit having a battery.

In the above configuration, when the power supplied from the battery to the main control unit and the communication module is insufficient, the battery needs to be replaced. When the frequency of replacement of the battery is high, it is troublesome for the user. As described above, the power consumption of the communication module is small when the communication module operates. Therefore, the battery consumption can be suppressed when the switching unit is in the off state. Therefore, the frequency of replacement of the battery can be reduced, and the convenience of the user can be improved.

The method comprises the following steps: the above-described thermal device further has a second voltage measuring section for measuring a voltage value of the battery, and the thermal device information includes second voltage-related information related to the voltage value of the battery measured by the second voltage measuring section.

According to the above configuration, the user of the thermal device can determine whether or not the battery mounted on the thermal device should be replaced by confirming the second voltage related information transmitted to the external device. Therefore, the user of the thermal device can replace the battery before the power supplied from the battery to the main control unit and the communication module is insufficient. As a result, the occurrence of a situation in which the thermal device is not operated due to a shortage of electric power supplied from the battery to the main control unit and the communication module can be suppressed.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a heating cooking system according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a circuit configuration of the heating cooker according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart of the cooker information transmission process of the present embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of the server (server) process of the present embodiment.

Fig. 5 is an example of each screen displayed on the mobile terminal in the present embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing transmission of cooker information from the heating cooker in the present embodiment.

[ Reference numerals description ]

2: A heating cooking system; 4: the Internet (Internet); 6: a repeater; 10: a heating cooker; 12: a stove burner (stove burner); 14: an oven burner (grill burner); 16: a power switch; 20: a main control substrate; 22: a main control circuit; 24: a CPU;26: a power supply cut-off circuit; 28: a communication circuit; 30: a BT module; 32: a BT control circuit; 34: a CPU;36: a main voltage measurement circuit; 38: a battery voltage measurement circuit; 40: a communication circuit; 42: a BT communication circuit; 50: a battery mounting portion; 52: a battery; 90: an alarm; 92: a notification mechanism; 100: a mobile terminal; 102: a display unit; 104: an operation unit; 106: a BT communication circuit; 108: wi-Fi communication circuitry; 110: a terminal control circuit; 112: a CPU;114: a memory; 116: a cooker application; 200: and a management server.

Detailed Description

(Structure of heating cooking System 2, FIG. 1)

The heating and cooking system 2 shown in fig. 1 includes a heating and cooking device 10, an alarm 90, a mobile terminal 100, a management server 200, and a relay 6. The heating cooker 10, the alarm 90 and the relay 6 are provided in the same house. In fig. 1, a BT connection for performing Bluetooth (hereinafter referred to as "BT") communication according to Bluetooth (registered trademark) is shown by a one-dot chain line, and a Wi-Fi connection for performing Wi-Fi communication according to Wi-Fi is shown by a two-dot chain line.

The heating cooker 10 and the alarm 90 can communicate with each other through BT communication. In addition, the heating cooker 10 and the relay 6 can communicate with each other through BT communication. In addition, the heating cooker 10 and the mobile terminal 100 can communicate with each other through BT communication. The mobile terminal 100 and the repeater 6 are capable of performing Wi-Fi communication in a Wi-Fi manner, respectively, while being connected to the internet 4. The management server 200 is connected to the internet 4. The heating cooker 10 can access the internet 4 through the relay 6.

(Structure of heating cooker 10, FIGS. 1 and 2)

The structure of the heating cooker 10 will be described with reference to fig. 1 and 2. Fig. 2 shows a schematic circuit configuration of the heating cooker 10. As shown in fig. 1, the heating cooker 10 has a range burner 12, an oven burner 14, a power switch 16, a main control substrate 20, a BT module 30, and a battery mounting portion 50. A battery 52 is mounted on the battery mounting portion 50. The battery 52 is, for example, a dry battery or a rechargeable battery, and supplies electric power to each electronic component of the heating cooker 10.

The range burner 12 is a burner for heating a heating object (e.g., a cooking container). A gas supply passage (not shown) is connected to the stove burner 12. The gas supply passage is provided with a range adjustment valve (not shown) for adjusting the amount of gas supplied to the range burner 12. The stove burner 12 is ignited by operating an igniter (igniter) (not shown) in a state where gas is supplied to the stove burner 12. In this embodiment, the heating cooker 10 has three range burners 12. The oven burner 14 is a burner for heating food materials contained in an oven (not shown). The power switch 16 is a switch for switching between power ON (ON) and power OFF (OFF) of the heating cooker 10.

The main control board 20 has a main control circuit 22, a power supply cut-off circuit 26, and a communication circuit 28. The main control circuit 22 includes a CPU24 and a Memory (not shown). The main control circuit 22 controls the operation of each component of the heating cooker 10 by executing processing by the CPU24 based on the information stored in the memory.

As shown in fig. 2, the power supply cut-off circuit 26 is a switching circuit for switching between a state in which power is supplied from the battery 52 to the main control circuit 22 (hereinafter referred to as a "supply state") and a state in which power is stopped from being supplied from the battery 52 to the main control circuit 22 (hereinafter referred to as a "cut-off state"). The power cut-off circuit 26 is disposed between the main control circuit 22 and the battery 52. The power cut-off circuit 26 operates in association with the power switch 16. That is, the state of the power supply cutoff circuit 26 is switched every time the power supply switch 16 is operated. The communication circuit 28 is a circuit for performing communication with the BT module 30 (specifically, the BT control circuit 32).

As shown in fig. 1, the BT module 30 has a BT control circuit 32, a main voltage measurement circuit 36, a battery voltage measurement circuit 38, a communication circuit 40, and a BT communication circuit 42. Note that the BT communication circuit 42 is not described in fig. 2.

As shown in fig. 2, the BT module 30 is disposed in parallel with the main control substrate 20. Therefore, even if the power cut-off circuit 26 is in the cut-off state, electric power is supplied from the battery 52 to the BT module 30. That is, the battery 52 always supplies electric power to the BT module 30. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the power supply of the heating cooker 10 being in the ON state means a state in which power is supplied to the main control substrate 20 and the BT module 30. The power supply of the heating cooker 10 being in the OFF (OFF) state means a state in which the supply of electric power to the main control substrate 20 is stopped and the electric power to the BT module 30 is supplied.

The BT control circuit 32 includes a CPU34 and a memory (not shown). The BT control circuit 32 executes processing based on the information stored in the memory by the CPU34, thereby controlling the operations of the respective constituent elements of the BT module 30.

The main voltage measurement circuit 36 is a circuit for measuring a main voltage MV, which is a voltage value supplied to the main control substrate 20 (specifically, the main control circuit 22). The battery voltage measurement circuit 38 is a circuit for measuring the voltage value of the battery 52, that is, the battery voltage BV. The communication circuit 40 is a circuit for performing communication with the main control board 20 (specifically, the main control circuit 22).

The BT communication circuit 42 of fig. 1 is a wireless communication circuit for performing BT communication with an external device.

(Construction of alarm 90, FIG. 1)

The alarm 90 is a device that notifies the surrounding of an abnormality in the presence of an abnormality in the carbon monoxide (CO) concentration in the room. The alarm 90 includes a notification means 92 such as a buzzer (buzzer), a speaker (speaker), and a lamp (lamp).

(Structure of mobile terminal 100, FIG. 1)

The mobile terminal 100 is a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone or a smart phone. The mobile terminal 100 has a display section 102, an operation section 104, a BT communication circuit 106, a Wi-Fi communication circuit 108, and a terminal control circuit 110. The display unit 102 is a display (display) for displaying various information. The display unit 102 may function as a so-called touch panel (i.e., the operation unit 104). The operation unit 104 has a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the mobile terminal 100 by operating the operation unit 104. The BT communication circuit 106 is a wireless communication circuit for performing BT communication with an external device. The mobile terminal 100 can perform BT communication with the heating cooker 10 through the BT communication circuit 106. Wi-Fi communication circuitry 108 is wireless communication circuitry for performing Wi-Fi communication with an external device. The mobile terminal 100 is able to access the internet 4 through the Wi-Fi communication circuit 108. The terminal control circuit 110 has a CPU112 and a memory 114. The memory 114 is composed of a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, and the like. The terminal control circuit 110 controls the operations of the respective constituent elements of the mobile terminal 100 by executing processing by the CPU112 based on the information stored in the memory 114. A cooker application 116 is stored in the memory 114. The cooker application 116 is a program provided by a vendor (vendor) of the heating cooker 10, and is a program for causing the heating cooker 10 to perform automatic cooking. The cooker application 116 is also a program for confirming the operation state of the heating cooker 10.

(Structure of management Server 200, FIG. 1)

The management server 200 is a server provided by a provider of the heating cooker 10. In the server process of fig. 4 described later, the management server 200 periodically receives cooking device information from the heating cooker 10, which includes information (state information, "OFF" or the like described later), battery voltage BV or the like, regarding the operation state of the heating cooker 10, and stores the information. In addition, the management server 200 transmits the cooker information to the mobile terminal 100 in response to receiving the request signal from the mobile terminal 100.

(Cooker information transmitting process, FIG. 3)

Referring to fig. 3, a description will be given of a cooker information transmission process executed by the BT control circuit 32 of the BT module 30 of the heating cooker 10. When the battery 52 is assembled to the battery mounting portion 50 of the heating cooker 10, that is, when the supply of electric power from the battery 52 to the BT module 30 is started, the BT control circuit 32 starts the process of fig. 3. In the following processing, a description will be given assuming a case where BT connection is established between the heating cooker 10 and the relay 6 and between the heating cooker 10 and the alarm 90.

In step S10, the BT control circuit 32 monitors that the elapsed time after the power supply of the heating cooker 10 is switched from OFF (OFF) to ON (ON) has elapsed a first predetermined time (for example, 10S). When the first predetermined time elapses after the power supply of the heating cooker 10 is switched from OFF (OFF) to ON (ON), the BT control circuit 32 determines YES in step S10, and the process proceeds to step S20.

In step S20, the BT control circuit 32 determines whether or not to supply electric power to the main control substrate 20. Specifically, the BT control circuit 32 determines whether the main voltage MV measured by the main voltage measurement circuit 36 is equal to or higher than a first predetermined voltage (for example, 2.5V). When the main voltage MV is equal to or higher than the first predetermined voltage, the BT control circuit 32 determines "YES" in step S20, and the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, when the main voltage MV is smaller than the first predetermined voltage, the BT control circuit 32 determines NO in step S20, and the process proceeds to step S30.

In step S22, the BT control circuit 32 acquires state information of the heating cooker 10 from the main control circuit 22. Specifically, the BT control circuit 32 supplies a status information request to the main control circuit 22 via the communication circuits 28, 40. The main control circuit 22 determines the operational status of the stove burner 12 and the oven burner 14 after acquiring the status information request. Then, the main control circuit 22 supplies state information including the determined operation state to the BT control circuit 32 through the communication circuit 40. For example, in the case where at least one stove burner 12 of the three stove burners 12 is in an active state, the state information includes "stove ON (ON)". In addition, in the case where the oven burner 14 is in an active state, the state information includes "oven ON (ON)". In addition, in the case where the operations of the stove burner 12 and the oven burner 14 are stopped, the state information includes "power ON (ON)".

In step S24, the BT control circuit 32 transmits cooker information including the state information acquired from the main control circuit 22 to the relay 6 and the alarm 90. Further, when the BT control circuit 32 establishes a BT connection with the mobile terminal 100, the BT control circuit also transmits cooker information to the mobile terminal 100. When step S24 ends, the process returns to step S10. In step S10 after the lapse of step S24, the BT control circuit 32 monitors the lapse of time after the transmission of the cooker information for the first predetermined time.

On the other hand, when the main voltage MV is smaller than the first predetermined voltage, the BT control circuit 32 determines NO in step S20, and transmits the cooker information to the relay 6 in step S30. The cooker information in step S30 includes "power OFF (OFF)" indicating that the power of the heating cooker 10 is "OFF", and the battery voltage BV measured by the battery voltage measuring circuit 38. Further, the relay 6 receives the cooker information from the heating cooker 10, and then transmits the cooker information to the management server 200 via the internet 4. In this way, when the main voltage MV is smaller than the first predetermined voltage (NO in step S20), the BT control circuit 32 does not transmit the cooker information to the alarm 90 and the mobile terminal 100. When step S30 ends, the process returns to step S10. In step S10 after the lapse of step S30, the BT control circuit 32 monitors the lapse of time after the transmission of the cooker information for the first predetermined time.

(Server processing, FIG. 4)

Next, with reference to fig. 4, a process performed by the management server 200 will be described. In step S110, the management server 200 monitors the reception of the cooker information from the heating cooker 10. When the cooker information is received from the heating cooker 10, the management server 200 determines YES in step S110, and the process advances to step S112. In step S112, the management server 200 stores the cooker information received in step S110 in a memory (not shown) of the management server 200. When step S112 ends, the process returns to step S110.

In addition, at the same time as the monitoring in step S110, the management server 200 monitors the reception of the request signal from the mobile terminal 100 in step S120. The request signal is a signal requesting transmission of cooker information stored in the memory of the management server 200. For example, when a user of the heating cooker 10 wants to know the operation state of the heating cooker 10 at an exit or the like, the cooker application 116 in the mobile terminal 100 is started. Then, when the user causes the operation unit 104 of the mobile terminal 100 to perform an operation for confirming the operation state of the heating cooker 10, a request signal is transmitted from the mobile terminal 100 to the management server 200. When receiving the request signal from the mobile terminal 100, the management server 200 determines YES in step S120, and the process advances to step S122.

In step S122, the management server 200 determines whether or not a connection is currently established with the repeater 6 through the internet 4. In the present embodiment, the management server 200 transmits a confirmation signal for confirming that the connection with the repeater 6 is established through the internet 4 to the repeater 6. The repeater 6, upon receiving the acknowledgement signal from the management server 200, transmits a response signal to the acknowledgement signal to the management server 200. When receiving the response signal from the relay 6, the management server 200 determines "YES" in step S122, and the process advances to step S124. On the other hand, in the case where the response signal is not received from the repeater 6, the management server 200 determines NO in step S122, and the process advances to step S132. In the modification, the management server 200 may be configured to periodically transmit an acknowledgement signal to the relay 6.

In step S124, the management server 200 determines whether the BT connection between the relay 6 and the heating cooker 10 is currently established. In the present embodiment, the management server 200 determines whether or not the BT connection between the relay 6 and the heating cooker 10 is currently established based on whether or not the elapsed time since the latest cooker information was received is the second predetermined time or longer. The second predetermined time may be longer than the first predetermined time. When the elapsed time after receiving the latest cooker information is smaller than the second predetermined time, the management server 200 determines YES in step S124, and the process proceeds to step S130. On the other hand, when the elapsed time after receiving the latest cooker information is equal to or longer than the second predetermined time, the management server 200 determines NO in step S124, and the process proceeds to step S132. In the modification, the management server 200 may receive information indicating whether or not the BT connection between the relay 6 and the heating cooker 10 is established from the relay 6.

In step S130, the management server 200 transmits the cooker information in the memory of the management server 200 to the mobile terminal 100. Upon receiving the cooker information from the management server 200, the mobile terminal 100 causes the display unit 102 to display a screen corresponding to the information in the cooker information. When the cooker information includes "OFF (OFF) and the battery voltage BV, a power OFF (OFF) screen D1 (see fig. 5 a) is displayed on the display unit 102. In the power OFF (OFF) screen D1, a message indicating the power OFF (OFF) of the heating cooker 10 and the battery voltage BV are displayed on the display unit 102. When the cooker information includes "power ON" (ON), a stop screen D2 is displayed (see fig. 5 b). A message indicating that the operation of the stove burner 12 and the oven burner 14 is in a stopped state is displayed on the stop-in-progress screen D2. When the cooker information includes "ON burner of Oven (ON)" or "ON Oven (ON)", the screen D3 during combustion (see fig. 5 (c)) is displayed ON the display unit 102. A message indicating that the stove burner 12 or the oven burner 14 is in an operating state is displayed on the in-combustion screen D3. In this way, the user of the heating cooker 10 can know the current operation state of the heating cooker 10. When step S130 ends, the process returns to step S110.

In addition, in step S132, the management server 200 transmits communication abnormality information to the mobile terminal 100. Upon receiving the communication abnormality information from the management server 200, the mobile terminal 100 displays a communication abnormality screen D4 (see fig. 5 (D)) on the display unit 102. A message indicating communication abnormality is displayed on the communication abnormality screen D4. When step S132 ends, the process returns to step S110.

(Specific example, FIG. 6)

Next, a specific example of the implementation by the processing of fig. 3 and 4 will be described. In the initial state of this example, the battery 52 is attached to the battery attachment portion 50 of the heating cooker 10, and the power supply of the heating cooker 10 is turned OFF (OFF). Accordingly, the BT module 30 is supplied with electric power from the battery 52, and the main control substrate 20 is stopped from being supplied with electric power from the battery 52.

In T10, an operation for putting the power of the heating cooker 10 in the ON state is performed by the user ON the power switch 16. In this case, the power supply cutoff circuit 26 of the main control board 20 is switched from the cutoff state to the supply state. Then, the supply of electric power from the battery 52 to the main control circuit 22 is started.

In T12, an ignition operation for igniting the range burner 12 is performed on the heating cooker 10 by the user. In this case, the main control circuit 22 ignites the stove burner 12.

When a first predetermined time elapses after the power supply of the heating cooker 10 is turned ON (ON) (YES in step S10 of fig. 3), the BT control circuit 32 determines that power is supplied to the main control board 20 in T20 (YES in step S20), and supplies a status information request to the main control circuit 22.

When the state information request is acquired from the BT control circuit 32 at T20, the main control circuit 22 determines that the range burner 12 is in the combustion state, and supplies the BT control circuit 32 with state information including "range burner ON (ON)".

After acquiring the status information from the main control circuit 22 at T22 (step S22 of fig. 3), the BT control circuit 32 transmits the cooker information to the management server 200 via the BT communication circuit 42 and the repeater 6 at T30. Further, the BT control circuit 32 transmits the cooker information to the alarm 90 at T32.

Upon receiving the cooker information from the heating cooker 10 at T30, the management server 200 stores the cooker information to the memory of the management server 200 at T34.

Then, in T40, an operation for putting the right stove burner in a closed (OFF) state is performed by the user. In this case, the main control circuit 22 extinguishes the stove burner 12 at T42. Then, in T44, an operation for putting the power of the heating cooker 10 in an OFF state is performed by the user on the power switch 16. In this case, the power supply cutoff circuit 26 of the main control board 20 is switched from the supply state to the cutoff state, and the supply of electric power from the battery 52 to the main control circuit 22 is stopped.

When the elapsed time after the transmission of the cooker information has elapsed for the first predetermined time (YES in step S10 of fig. 3), the BT control circuit 32 determines that electric power has not been supplied to the main control board 20 (NO in step S20), and determines the battery voltage BV. Then, at T50, the BT control circuit 32 transmits cooker information including "power OFF (OFF)" and the battery voltage BT to the management server 200 through the BT communication circuit 42 and the repeater 6.

After receiving the cooking device information from the heating cooker 10 at T50, the management server 200 causes the cooking device information to be stored in the memory of the management server 200 at T52.

As described above, the battery 52 supplies electric power to the BT module 30 regardless of whether the power cut-off circuit 26 of the main control substrate 20 is in the supply state or the cut-off state. That is, even in a state in which the supply of electric power from the battery 52 to the main control substrate 20 is stopped, the BT module 30 remains in a state in which communication with the external device can be performed. Therefore, even in a state in which the supply of electric power from the battery 52 to the main control substrate 20 is stopped, the heating cooker 10 can perform communication with the external device using the BT module 30. In addition, the BT module 30 consumes less power when operating. Therefore, the power consumption of the heating cooker 10 can be suppressed while communication with an external device using the BT module 30 is maintained.

In addition, the BT module 30 transmits the cooker information to the mobile terminal 100 regardless of the state of the power cut-off circuit 26 of the main control substrate 20. Therefore, even if the power supply cutoff circuit 26 is in the cutoff state, the user of the heating cooker 10 can know the state of the heating cooker 10 by confirming the cooker information transmitted to the mobile terminal 100.

In addition, in a case where the power supply cut-off circuit 26 of the main control substrate 20 is in a supplied state (YES in step S20 of fig. 3), the BT module 30 transmits the cooker information to a plurality of external devices (e.g., the relay 6, the alarm 90, the mobile terminal 100). On the other hand, in a case where the power cut-off circuit 26 is in the cut-off state (NO in step S20 of fig. 3), the BT module 30 transmits only the cooker information to the relay 6. Therefore, when the power supply cutoff circuit 26 is in the cutoff state, the power consumption of the heating cooker 10 can be suppressed as compared with a configuration in which the cooker information is transmitted to all of the plurality of external devices.

The heating cooker 10 is operated by electric power supplied from the battery 52. In this structure, when the electric power supplied from the battery 52 to the main control substrate 20 and the BT module 30 is insufficient, the battery 52 needs to be replaced. When the frequency of replacement of the battery 52 is high, it is troublesome for the user. As described above, the BT module 30 consumes less power when operating. Therefore, the consumption of the battery 52 when the power supply cutoff circuit 26 is in the cutoff state can be suppressed. Therefore, the frequency of replacement of the battery 52 can be reduced, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

In addition, in the case where the power supply cut-off circuit 26 of the main control substrate 20 is in the cut-off state (NO in step S20 of fig. 3), the BT module 30 transmits the cooker information including the battery voltage BV measured by the battery voltage measurement circuit 38 to the relay 6 (step S30). Then, the relay 6 transmits the cooker information to the management server 200. In this case, the user of the heating cooker 10 can operate the mobile terminal 100 to acquire the cooker information stored in the management server 200, and can confirm the battery voltage BV in the cooker information. Therefore, the user of the heating cooker 10 can determine whether or not the battery 52 attached to the heating cooker 10 should be replaced. Therefore, the user of the heating cooker 10 can replace the battery 52 before the electric power supplied from the battery 52 to the main control substrate 20 and the BT module 30 is insufficient. As a result, the heating cooker 10 can be prevented from being deactivated due to insufficient power supplied from the battery 52 to the main control substrate 20 and the BT module 30.

In addition, the power consumption by a module capable of performing communication according to the BT scheme is smaller than that by a module capable of performing communication according to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark), for example. Therefore, the power consumption of the heating cooker 10 can be suppressed while communication with the external device using the BT module 30 is being performed.

(Correspondence relation)

The heating cooker 10 is an example of a "thermal device". The main control circuit 22 and the BT module 30 are examples of "main control portion" and "communication module", respectively. The power supply cutoff circuit 26 is an example of a "switching unit". The first predetermined time is an example of a "predetermined period". The cooker information is an example of "thermodynamic equipment information". The repeater 6, the alarm 90, and the mobile terminal 100 are examples of "a plurality of external devices". The repeater 6 is an example of "a part of specific external devices". The main voltage measurement circuit 36 and the battery voltage measurement circuit 38 are examples of "first voltage measurement unit" and "second voltage measurement unit", respectively. The "power ON" (ON) and "power OFF" (OFF) in the cooker information are examples of the "first voltage related information". The battery voltage BV in the cooker information is an example of "second voltage related information".

The embodiments have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the claims. The technology described in the claims includes technology obtained by variously changing or modifying the specific examples described above.

The "thermal device" of the first modification is not limited to the heating cooker 10, and may be a dish washer, a clothes dryer, or the like.

The "communication mode" in the second modification is not limited to the BT module 30, and may be a wireless communication module such as a Wi-Fi module or a wired communication module.

(Third modification) the heating cooker 10 may operate using a commercial power supply as a power supply source without the battery mounting portion 50. In this modification, the commercial power supply is an example of a "power supply unit".

(Fourth modification) in step S30 of fig. 3, the BT control circuit 32 may transmit cooker information to the relay 6 and the alarm 90. In addition, the BT control circuit 32 may transmit the cooker information to the mobile terminal 100 when the BT connection with the mobile terminal 100 is established.

(Fifth modification) in step S30 of fig. 3, the BT control circuit 32 may transmit cooker information including the main voltage MV and the battery voltage BV to the relay 6. In the present modification, in step S112 of fig. 4, the management server 200 stores cooker information including the main voltage MV and the battery voltage BV. Then, the management server 200 transmits the cooker information including the main voltage MV and the battery voltage BV to the mobile terminal 100 after receiving the request signal from the mobile terminal 100 in a state where the cooker information is stored. In this case, the display section 102 of the mobile terminal 100 displays a screen including the main voltage MV and the battery voltage BV. With this configuration, the user can know that the power of heating cooker 100 is turned OFF (OFF). In the present modification, in step S24, the BT control circuit 32 may transmit cooker information including the main voltage MV and the state information to the relay 6 and the alarm 90. In the present modification, the main voltage MV is an example of "first voltage related information".

(Sixth modification) the BT control circuit 32 may determine whether or not the battery voltage BV is equal to or lower than the second predetermined voltage when it determines NO in step S20 of fig. 3. The second prescribed voltage is a threshold value for determining whether the battery 52 needs to be replaced. In the present modification, when it is determined that the battery voltage BV is smaller than the second predetermined voltage, in step S30, the BT control circuit 32 transmits the cooker information including information indicating "power OFF" and that the battery voltage BV is smaller than the second predetermined voltage to the relay 6. When it is determined that the battery voltage BV is equal to or higher than the second predetermined voltage, in step S30, the BT control circuit 32 transmits the cooker information including information indicating "power OFF (OFF)" and that the battery voltage BV is equal to or higher than the second predetermined voltage to the relay 6. In this case, the display unit 102 of the mobile terminal 100 displays a screen including information indicating that the battery voltage BV is smaller than the second predetermined voltage or that the battery voltage BV is equal to or higher than the second predetermined voltage. With such a configuration, the user can know whether the battery 52 needs to be replaced. In the present modification, the information indicating that the battery voltage BV is smaller than the second predetermined voltage and the information indicating that the battery voltage BV is equal to or higher than the second predetermined voltage are examples of "second voltage related information".

(Sixth modification) the heating cooker 10 may not have at least one of the main voltage measurement circuit 36 and the battery voltage measurement circuit 38. In this modification, at least one of the "first voltage measuring unit" and the "second voltage measuring unit" may be omitted.

(Seventh modification) the management server 200 may be configured to transmit update program data for updating information (for example, a program) stored in the memory of the CPU24 of the main control circuit 22 to the heating cooker 10. In the present modification, the BT control circuit 32 determines whether or not to supply power to the main control board 20 when receiving the update program data from the management server 200 via the repeater 6. When the BT control circuit 32 determines to supply power to the main control substrate 20, it transmits the update program data to the main control circuit 22 via the communication circuits 28 and 40. The main control circuit 22 uses the received update program data to update the information in the memory of the CPU 24. On the other hand, when determining that power is not supplied to the main control substrate 20, the BT control circuit 32 monitors switching of the state of power supply to the main control substrate 20. Then, when determining that the state of not supplying power to the main control substrate 20 is switched to the state of supplying power to the main control substrate 20, the BT control circuit 32 transmits the update program data to the main control circuit 22 via the communication circuits 28 and 40. The main control circuit 22 uses the received update program data to update the information in the memory of the CPU 24. In this way, even in a state where electric power is not supplied to the main control board 20, the heating cooker 10 can receive update program data from the management server 200, and can update information in the memory of the CPU24 using the data.

The technical elements described in the present specification and the drawings are used to achieve technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of application. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings can achieve a plurality of objects at the same time, and achieving one of the objects itself is technically useful.

Claims

1. A thermodynamic device is characterized in that,

Comprises a main control part, a communication module and a switching part, wherein,

The main control part is connected with the power supply part and controls the action of the thermal equipment;

the communication module is connected with the power supply part and can perform communication with external equipment;

The switching unit is disposed between the main control unit and the power supply unit, and is capable of switching between a supply state in which the power supply unit supplies power to the main control unit and a shut-off state; the off state is a state in which the supply of electric power from the power supply unit to the main control unit is stopped,

The power supply unit always supplies power to the communication module,

The communication module transmits thermal device information related to the thermal device to the external device,

The communication module transmits the thermal device information to a plurality of the external devices at intervals of a predetermined period when the switching unit is in the supply state, and transmits the thermal device information to a part of specific external devices among the plurality of external devices at intervals of the predetermined period when the switching unit is in the shut-off state.

2. A thermodynamic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein,

The thermal device further has a first voltage measuring section for measuring a voltage value supplied to the main control section,

The thermal device information includes first voltage-related information measured by the first voltage measuring section and related to a voltage value supplied to the main control section.

3. A thermodynamic device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

The thermal device also has the power supply portion having a battery.

4.A thermodynamic apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein,

The thermal device further has a second voltage measuring section for measuring a voltage value of the battery,

The thermal device information includes second voltage-related information that is measured by the second voltage measuring section and is related to a voltage value of the battery.