JP4014333B2

JP4014333B2 - Power storage control device

Info

Publication number: JP4014333B2
Application number: JP11562199A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 秀峰村端
Original assignee: パロマ工業株式会社
Priority date: 1999-04-23
Filing date: 1999-04-23
Publication date: 2007-11-28
Anticipated expiration: 2019-04-23
Also published as: JP2000308270A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は蓄電池（二次電池）の電力により機器を駆動させる蓄電制御装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来から、バーナの燃焼熱を利用して発電し、電気的負荷を作動させるガス炊飯器等の燃焼機器が知られている。こうした燃焼機器では、燃焼中は発電素子の電力で電気的負荷の駆動を賄えるが、点火開始時においては所定の電力（エネルギー）が得られないため蓄電池を搭載し、燃焼中に発生した電力を蓄電池に充電しておき、点火動作に必要な電力を賄うよう構成されている。
【０００３】
長期にわたり機器を使用しないと、蓄電池は、自己放電や暗電流により起動に必要な充電量（残容量）以下に低下する。
そこで、一次電池から機器の負荷へ電源を供給する方法が知られており、例えば、特開平８−１１４３２２に示されるようなガスコンロは、バーナの燃焼熱を利用して発電した電力を蓄電池に蓄電し、この電力により電気的負荷を作動させ、蓄電池の充電量が少ない場合には、一次電池から負荷へのバックアップと共に蓄電池の充電を行うように構成している。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、こうした機器においては、蓄電池の充電量を検知する手段を備えていないため、一次電池は放電し続け、蓄電池を過充電してしまい、液漏れによる電解液の枯渇（ドライアウト）や内部短絡（ショート）が生じ、蓄電池を破壊に導いて、電池寿命を短くする可能性があった。
また、蓄電池の充電量が不十分であると、蓄電池の充電効率が低下するため、所定量以上の充電量が必要であった。
【０００５】
例えばニッケル・カドミウム蓄電池は、図８に示すように、充電初期▲１▼（充電量が充電容量Ｃの２０％未満）と充電終期▲３▼（１００％以上）とにおいて充電効率（充電量に対する放電量の割合）が悪い。
これは、充電初期▲１▼では、入力エネルギーの殆どが活物質（蓄電池の電極の電気化学反応物質）を充電され易い形態に変換するのに費やされるためであり、また、充電終期▲３▼では、入力エネルギーが正極からの酸素ガス発生のエネルギーとして費やされるためである。
従って、蓄電池の充電量が２０％未満にまで一旦下回ってしまうと、充電するのに非常に時間がかかるという問題があった。
このため、ニッケル・カドミウム蓄電池の充電量を所定範囲内（２０〜１００％、望ましくは、２０〜８０％）に制御することが望ましかった。
本発明の蓄電制御装置は上記課題を解決し、蓄電手段の充電量を適切に制御して、蓄電手段の寿命を延ばすことを目的とする。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決する本発明の請求項１記載の蓄電制御装置は、
機器を使用して発生した熱、光、水力、風力等のエネルギーを電力に変換する発電手段と、
発電された電力を蓄電する蓄電手段と、
上記蓄電手段へ電力を供給する一次電池と、
上記蓄電手段により蓄電された電力を電源として作動する電気的負荷を駆動制御する負荷制御手段と
を備えた蓄電制御装置において、
上記一次電池から上記蓄電手段への充電路を開閉するスイッチング手段と、
上記一次電池が接続されていることを検知する接続検知手段と、
上記接続検知手段により上記一次電池が接続されたことを検知した時点から計時を開始する計時手段と、
上記計時手段の計時開始から所定時間経過後、上記スイッチング手段を開いて上記一次電池からの充電を停止する充電制御手段とを備え、
上記一次電池の電圧が所定電圧以下の場合には、上記スイッチング手段を開いた状態に維持し、上記接続検知手段により該一次電池が外されたことを検知した後、該スイッチング手段を閉じて該一次電池から該蓄電手段への充電を再開できる状態に戻すことを要旨とする。
【０００７】
また、本発明の請求項２記載の蓄電制御装置は、上記請求項１記載の蓄電制御装置において、
上記蓄電手段の充電量を検出する手段を備え、
上記充電量が所定量未満と検出された時、上記スイッチング手段を閉じることを要旨とする。
【０００９】
また、本発明の請求項３記載の蓄電制御装置は、
機器を使用して発生した熱、光、水力、風力等のエネルギーを電力に変換する発電手段と、
発電された電力を蓄電する蓄電手段と、
上記蓄電手段へ電力を供給する一次電池と、
上記蓄電手段により蓄電された電力を電源として作動する電気的負荷を駆動制御する負荷制御手段と
を備えた蓄電制御装置において、
上記一次電池から上記蓄電手段への充電路を開閉するスイッチング手段と、
上記蓄電手段の充電量を検出する充電量検出手段と、
上記一次電池から上記蓄電手段への充電中において、該蓄電手段が所定の充電量になったことを上記充電量検出手段により検出した場合には、上記スイッチング手段を開いて上記一次電池からの充電を停止する充電制御手段と、
上記一次電池が接続されていることを検知する接続検知手段を備え、
上記一次電池の電圧が所定電圧以下の場合には、上記スイッチング手段を開いた状態に維持し、上記接続検知手段により該一次電池が外されたことを検知した後、該スイッチング手段を閉じて該一次電池から該蓄電手段への充電を再開できる状態に戻すことを要旨とする。
【００１０】
また、本発明の請求項４記載の蓄電制御装置は、上記請求項３記載の蓄電制御装置において、
上記充電量検出手段によって上記蓄電手段の充電量が所定量未満と検出された時、上記スイッチング手段を閉じることを要旨とする。
【００１２】
また、本発明の請求項５記載の蓄電制御装置は、上記請求項１〜４の何れかに記載の蓄電制御装置において、
上記一次電池から上記蓄電手段への充電中に、該一次電池が外されたことを上記接続検知手段により検出した場合には、その旨を報知する警告手段を設けることを要旨とする。
【００１３】
また、本発明の請求項６記載の蓄電制御装置は、上記請求項１〜５の何れかに記載の蓄電制御装置において、
上記一次電池から上記蓄電手段への充電中に、該一次電池より電源供給を得て該一次電池からの充電中であることを報知する充電報知手段を設けることを要旨とする。
【００１４】
また、本発明の請求項７記載の蓄電制御装置は、上記請求項１〜６の何れかに記載の蓄電制御装置において、
上記一次電池から上記蓄電手段への充電中に、該蓄電手段の電圧が所定値を越えた場合には、異常処理を行うことを要旨とする。
【００１５】
また、本発明の請求項８記載の蓄電制御装置は、上記請求項１〜７の何れかに記載の蓄電制御装置において、
ガス燃焼機器に用いられ、バーナの燃焼熱により発電する熱発電素子を備え、蓄電した電力によりバーナの燃焼制御を行うことを要旨とする。
【００１６】
上記構成を有する本発明の請求項１記載の蓄電制御装置は、機器を使用して発生したエネルギーを電力に変換して発電し、発電された電力を蓄電手段に充電し、この電力で電気的負荷を駆動する。
蓄電手段には、スイッチング手段を介して一次電池からの充電路が設けられ、スイッチング手段を閉じた状態で一次電池が接続されると、一次電池の電力により蓄電手段への充電を開始すると共に計時も開始して、その計時開始時点から所定時間（例えば、充電中期と同程度の充電量まで増加したとみなすことができる充電時間）経過後、スイッチング手段を開き、充電路を遮断して一次電池からの充電を停止する。
従って、蓄電手段への過充電を防止でき、蓄電手段の熱暴走と内部短絡と電解液枯渇とを防止して、蓄電手段の寿命を延ばす。
また、一次電池の電圧が所定電圧以下の場合には、スイッチング手段を開いた状態に維持し、一次電池から蓄電手段への充電を停止させ、接続検知手段により一次電池が外されたことを検知した後、スイッチング手段を閉じて一次電池から蓄電手段への充電を再開できる状態に戻す。
その後、使用者が新しい一次電池を接続すると、その一次電池から蓄電手段への充電が開始される。
つまり、一次電池の電圧が所定電圧以下に低下した場合には、一次電池の電流は蓄電手段以外の回路へ流れ続けてしまい過放電となり、一次電池が液漏れをしてしまうが、それを対処するため、スイッチング手段を開いて一次電池から蓄電手段以外の回路へ流れるのを抑制し、一次電池が外された時スイッチング手段を閉じて一次電池からの充電のスタンバイ状態に入るのである。
この結果、一次電池の過放電および液漏れを防止する。
【００１７】
上記構成を有する本発明の請求項２記載の蓄電制御装置は、充電量検出手段により蓄電手段の充電量を検出し、充電量が所定量（例えば、充電初期と同程度の充電量）未満に低下したことを検出した時、スイッチング手段を閉じて一次電池の電力により蓄電手段への充電を開始する。
この結果、充電効率が悪くなってしまう充電量にまで低下する前に、一次電池により充電することができる。
尚、充電量検出手段は、例えば、機器の使用回数または使用時間または蓄電手段の端子電圧等により蓄電手段の充電量の低下を推定して検出とみなすことができる。
【００１９】
上記構成を有する本発明の請求項３記載の蓄電制御装置は、機器を使用して発生したエネルギーを電力に変換して発電し、発電された電力を蓄電手段に充電し、この電力で電気的負荷を駆動する。
蓄電手段には、スイッチング手段を介して一次電池からの充電路が設けられ、スイッチング手段を閉じた状態で、一次電池の電力により蓄電手段への充電を開始する。
蓄電手段が所定の充電量（過充電にならない程度の充電量）になったことを充電量検出手段により検出し、スイッチング手段を開き、充電路を遮断して一次電池からの充電を停止する。
従って、蓄電手段への過充電を防止でき、蓄電手段の熱暴走と内部短絡と電解液枯渇とを防止して、蓄電手段の寿命を延ばす。
尚、充電量の検出は、例えば、蓄電手段の端子電圧の変化やその温度変化により充電量を推定することができる。
また、一次電池の電圧が所定電圧以下の場合には、スイッチング手段を開いた状態に維持し、一次電池から蓄電手段への充電を停止させ、一次電池の過放電および液漏れを防止する。
接続検知手段により一次電池が外されたことを検知した後、スイッチング手段を閉じて一次電池から蓄電手段への充電を再開できる状態に戻す。
その後、使用者が新しい一次電池を接続すると、その一次電池から蓄電手段への充電が開始される。
【００２０】
上記構成を有する本発明の請求項４記載の蓄電制御装置は、充電量検出手段により蓄電手段の充電量が所定量未満に低下したことを検出した時、スイッチング手段を閉じて、一次電池の電力により蓄電手段への充電を開始する。
この結果、充電効率が悪くなってしまう充電量にまで低下する前に、一次電池により充電することができる。
【００２２】
上記構成を有する本発明の請求項５記載の蓄電制御装置は、一次電池から蓄電手段への充電中に、一次電池が外されたことを接続検知手段が検知した場合には、その旨を警告手段により使用者に報知する。
この結果、充電中に一次電池を外してはいけないことを使用者に認識させることができ、以降、充電中に一次電池が外される可能性を減少させ、蓄電手段が所定充電量になるまで充電を行う。
【００２３】
上記構成を有する本発明の請求項６記載の蓄電制御装置は、一次電池から蓄電手段への充電中に一次電池より電源供給を得て、一次電池からの充電中であることを充電報知手段により報知する。
この結果、使用者に（一次電池からの）充電中であることを認識させ、一次電池からの充電中に一次電池や蓄電手段が外されることを抑制し、蓄電手段が所定の充電量になるまで充電を行う。
また、充電報知手段の電源は一次電池により供給されるため、蓄電手段の電力を消費しないで済む。
【００２４】
上記構成を有する本発明の請求項７記載の蓄電制御装置は、蓄電手段の測定電圧が所定値を越えた場合には、その旨を報知したり充電動作を停止する等の異常処理をして、蓄電手段に異常がある可能性を知らせ、修理時の目安となって修理の手間を減少させる。
通常、一次電池から蓄電手段への充電中は、一次電池の電圧は蓄電手段の電圧より高いが、例えば、蓄電手段が断線している場合や蓄電手段が接続されていない場合には、蓄電手段の測定電圧は一次電池の電圧に近くなるため、正常時の蓄電手段の最大電圧よりも高くなる。こうした現象を捉えて蓄電手段の異常の可能性を知らせる。
【００２５】
上記構成を有する本発明の請求項８記載の蓄電制御装置は、ガス燃焼機器に用いられ、熱発電素子によりバーナの燃焼熱から発電し、充電制御手段により発電された電力を蓄電手段により蓄電する。負荷制御手段は蓄電手段の電力を使用してバーナの燃焼制御を行う。
【００２６】
【発明の実施の形態】
以上説明した本発明の構成・作用を一層明らかにするために、以下本発明の蓄電制御装置の好適な実施形態について説明する。
【００２７】
本発明の一実施形態としての蓄電制御装置を備えたガス炊飯器について図１を用いて説明する。
ガス炊飯器は大別して燃焼部１０とコントローラ２０とから構成される。
【００２８】
燃焼部１０は、ガスを燃焼して内釜１８を加熱するバーナ１１と、バーナ１１へガスを供給するガス導管１２と、点火、消火操作により開閉する自己保持型電磁弁１３と、点火操作によりプッシュソレノイドの押動で開弁し後述する熱電対１７の起電力により吸着用コイル１４ａに通電して吸着開弁状態を保持するマグネット電磁弁１４と、点火スパーク用高電圧を発生するイグナイタ２４と、高電圧が印加されることでスパークする電極１５と、燃焼炎に加熱されることにより熱起電力を発生する複数の熱電対を直列接続した熱発電素子１６と、バーナ１１の燃焼中に熱起電力を発生してマグネット電磁弁１４を開弁保持する熱電対１７と、内釜１８の釜底の温度を検出する釜底センサ１９とを備える。
【００２９】
コントローラ２０は、熱発電素子１６から発生した熱起電力を充電し脱着可能な蓄電池２２と、蓄電池２２へ電力を供給し脱着可能な乾電池２３と、乾電池２３から蓄電池２２への充電を制御する充電制御回路２１と、乾電池２３が接続されたことを検知する接続検知回路２８と、燃焼制御および充電制御を司るマイコン２５と、自己保持型電磁弁１３，マグネット電磁弁１４，イグナイタ２４を駆動する負荷駆動回路２６と、乾電池２３から蓄電池２２への充電中に点灯する発光ダイオードＬＥＤと、マイコン２５によりオンし発光ダイオードＬＥＤを点灯させるトランジスタＴｒ２と、乾電池２３の電圧Ｖｐを検出するために設けられた調整抵抗Ｒ５，Ｒ６と、蓄電池２２の電圧Ｖｓを検出するために設けられた調整抵抗Ｒ８とを備える。
【００３０】
充電制御回路２１は、乾電池２３から制限抵抗Ｒ１を介してゲート−ソース間に電圧が印加されるＦＥＴと、ＦＥＴのオン動作によりオンし乾電池２３からの電流を蓄電池２２へ流すトランジスタＴｒ１と、トランジスタＴｒ１から蓄電池２２方向にのみ電流を流すショットキーダイオードＳＤと、蓄電池２２への充電電流を調整する調整抵抗Ｒ２，Ｒ３とにより構成される。このＦＥＴはマイコン２５の出力ポートＯＵＴからのオープン出力によりオンしＬｏｗ出力によりオフする。また、制限抵抗Ｒ１は数百ｋΩの大きな抵抗値を持つ。
【００３１】
また、接続検知回路２８は、乾電池２３が接続されている時にオンするトランジスタＴｒ３を備え、トランジスタＴｒ３がオフの場合には、蓄電池２２による電源ＶＣＣ１からの電圧が制限抵抗Ｒ４を介してマイコン２５の入力ポートＩＮに印加されて、乾電池２３が接続されていないことを検知する。
【００３２】
蓄電池２２には、ニッケル・カドミウム蓄電池を２個直列に用いる。尚、蓄電池２２の電圧ＶｓはＴｙｐ．約２．８Ｖ、充電容量Ｃは６００ｍＡｈである。
また、乾電池２３には、マンガン乾電池を３個直列に用い、その電圧ＶｐはＴｙｐ．５．１Ｖである。
【００３３】
次に、このガス炊飯器の動作について説明する。
図示しない操作部の炊飯スイッチの入力操作により、蓄電池２２から負荷駆動回路２６に電力が供給される。マイコン２５は、常時蓄電池２２から電源供給されており、炊飯操作に基づいて負荷駆動回路２６に制御信号を出力して自己保持型電磁弁１３とマグネット電磁弁１４とを開弁させてガスをガス導管１２からバーナ１１へ供給すると共に、イグナイタ２４を所定時間駆動して、電極１５のスパークによりバーナ１１に点火する。
【００３４】
バーナ１１の燃焼中に、熱発電素子１６が発電し蓄電池２２へ充電すると共に、内釜１８内の米が加熱されて炊飯が行われる。内釜１８の水分が無くなり、釜底センサ１９が所定の炊き上げ温度を検出した時、マイコン２５により、炊飯が完了したと判断して、自己保持型電磁弁１３を閉弁して、バーナ１１の燃焼を停止し、熱発電素子１６から蓄電池２２への充電も停止する。
【００３５】
炊飯中においては、ガス炊飯器の負荷が小さい場合には、発電された熱起電力は、調整抵抗Ｒ３を介して蓄電池２２に充電されると共に、マイコン２５と負荷駆動回路２６とへ供給されてガス炊飯器の負荷を駆動する。
また、負荷が大きい場合には、駆動電流がより多く必要なので、蓄電池２２からも負荷駆動回路２６へ電力を供給する。
【００３６】
ところで、工場出荷から使用者に届くまでの期間が長かったり、使用開始後の未使用期間が長かったりすると、蓄電池２２の自己放電等の消費により、蓄電池２２の充電量は低下する。
そこで、以下に示す充電制御処理を行う。
図２は、マイコン２５の実行する充電制御処理を表すもので、蓄電池２２より電源供給を得て起動する。
【００３７】
まず、ステップ１０において、マイコン２５の出力ポートＯＵＴからオープン出力することによりＦＥＴをオンし、このオン動作によりトランジスタＴｒ１がオンして、乾電池２３から蓄電池２２への充電路が形成されてステップ２０へ進む。
【００３８】
次に、乾電池２３が接続中であるか否かを判断する。
乾電池２３がセットされている場合には、乾電池２３の電圧Ｖｐにより接続検知回路２８のトランジスタＴｒ３がオンし、乾電池２３が接続されていると判断する。
逆に、乾電池２３が未接続の場合には、トランジスタＴｒ３はオフし、乾電池２３が接続されていないと判断する。
【００３９】
新品購入時においては乾電池２３が機器から外された状態で梱包されているため、蓄電池２２への充電は使用者が乾電池２３を装着した時点で開始される。
乾電池２３が接続されたと判断した場合には、マイコン２５内の図示しないタイマにより計時を開始する（Ｓ３０）。トランジスタＴｒ１はオンして充電路が形成されているため、乾電池２３が接続されると、その電力はトランジスタＴｒ１、ショットキーダイオードＳＤ、調整抵抗Ｒ２，Ｒ３を経由して蓄電池２２に充電され始める。
充電が行われている間、マイコン２５によりトランジスタＴｒ２をオンさせ、乾電池２３からの電源ＶＣＣ２により発光ダイオードＬＥＤに通電して点灯させ、使用者に充電の最中であることを認識させる。
この場合、発光ダイオードＬＥＤの電源は乾電池２３により供給されるため、蓄電池２２の電力を消費しないで済む。
【００４０】
続いて、後述する液漏れ防止制御、乾電池取り外し警告制御、蓄電池異常制御（Ｓ４０、５０、６０）を順次行った後、ステップ７０で、充電開始から所定時間（６時間）が経過したか否かを判断し、６時間が経過するまでステップ４０〜６０を繰り返して充電を継続する。
【００４１】
６時間が経過したと判断した場合には、ステップ８０へ進み、出力ポートＯＵＴからＬｏｗ出力することにより、ＦＥＴ及びトランジスタＴｒ１をオフして充電路を遮断し、充電を終了してステップ９０へ進む。この際、トランジスタＴｒ２をオフし、発光ダイオードＬＥＤを消灯させ、使用者に充電終了を報知する。
尚、充電時間が６時間という設定は、図６に示すように、０．１ＣｍＡ充電を充電量が２０％から開始して８０％に達するのに要する時間である。
【００４２】
充電終了後、ステップ９０において、未使用期間が３ヵ月を経過したか否かをタイマにより判断する。
通常、炊飯操作を行えば熱発電素子１６による起電力で充電されるため、蓄電池２２の充電量が減少することはないが、未使用期間が長いと蓄電池２２の自己放電や回路の暗電流により充電量が減少し、未使用期間が３ヵ月を経過すると充電量が２０％（１２０ｍＡｈ）程度まで低下すると推定される。
３ヵ月が経過したと判断した場合には、ステップ１００へ進み、タイマの計時を終了してステップ１０に戻る。
【００４３】
再び、出力ポートＯＵＴからオープン出力して、ＦＥＴ，トランジスタＴｒ１をオンし充電路を形成して、乾電池２３が接続中であるか否かを判断する（Ｓ２０）。通常、乾電池２３は接続されたままなので、ステップ１０の時点で充電が開始される。ステップ２０において、乾電池２３が接続中であると判断すると、ステップ３０へ進み、以降同様に制御処理を行い、蓄電池２２の充電量を２０〜８０％の範囲に制御する。
ところで、使用者に機器が届いた時の蓄電池２２の充電量を推定できないので、充電量が２０％以上の場合でも、６時間充電するため過充電する可能性があるが、初回だけのことなので蓄電池２２に不具合は生じない。
このように蓄電池２２の充電量が８０％と推定される時間経過で充電を停止するため、過充電を防止し、蓄電池２２の熱暴走、内部短絡、電解液枯渇といった不具合を生じさせない。この結果、タイマを使用するという簡単な構成で、蓄電池２２の電池寿命を延ばすことができる。
また、蓄電池２２の充電量が２０〜８０％になるように計時して充電制御をしているため、充電効率が良い。
【００４４】
次に充電中の乾電池２３の液漏れ防止制御を図３を用いて説明するが、その前に液漏れする要因について説明する。
トランジスタＴｒ１及びショットキーダイオードＳＤでの電圧降下は合計０．６Ｖで、蓄電池２２の電圧Ｖｓは２．８Ｖであるので、乾電池２３の電圧Ｖｐがその和の３．４Ｖ程度にまで低下すると充電電圧は２．８Ｖになり、充電不能となる。このため、乾電池２３の電流はトランジスタＴｒ１を介してＦＥＴへ流れ、これが続くと乾電池２３は過放電になり、液漏れを生じる可能性がある。
そこで、ＦＥＴをオフすることにより、乾電池２３の電流を大きな抵抗値を持つ制限抵抗Ｒ１を経由してＦＥＴへ流す。この電流は１００〜２００μＡと微少なため、乾電池２３が液漏れする心配はない。
【００４５】
液漏れ防止制御は、まずステップ４１へ進み、乾電池２３の電圧Ｖｐを調整抵抗Ｒ５を介して検出し、所定電圧値（３．４Ｖに余裕を持たせて）３．５Ｖ以下であるか否かを判断する。
３．５Ｖより高いと判断した場合、そのまま図４のステップ５０へ進み、逆に３．５Ｖ以下であると判断した場合、蓄電池２２への充電が行えないとみなして、ステップ４２へ進み、出力ポートＯＵＴからＬｏｗ出力をしてＦＥＴ，トランジスタＴｒ１をオフし充電路を遮断し、充電動作を停止させると共に、トランジスタＴｒ２もオフし、発光ダイオードＬＥＤを消灯してステップ４３へ進む。
【００４６】
ステップ４３では、接続検知回路２８により乾電池２３が外されたか否かを判断する。使用者が（容量の少ない）乾電池２３を外した場合、或いは乾電池２３が外れている場合、ステップ４４へ進み、出力ポートＯＵＴからオープン出力して、ＦＥＴ，トランジスタＴｒ１をオンし充電路を形成して、乾電池２３が接続されたら充電を再開できるように待機して図２のステップ２０に戻る。
このようにして、乾電池２３の電圧Ｖｐが所定電圧値以下になると充電を停止するため、充電継続による乾電池２３の過放電を防止でき乾電池２３の寿命を延ばすことができて経済的である。また、過放電による液漏れも防止できるため、使用者にとって安全で使い易い。
【００４７】
次に、充電中に乾電池２３が外された場合の警告制御を図４を用いて説明する。
ステップ５１において、接続検知回路２８により乾電池２３が接続中であるか否かを判断する。
乾電池２３が接続中であればステップ５３へ進み、発光ダイオードＬＥＤは点灯のままで図５のステップ６０へ進む。
乾電池２３が外されたと判断した場合には、ステップ５２へ進み、トランジスタＴｒ２をオンオフさせ、発光ダイオードＬＥＤを低速点滅させてステップ５１に戻り、接続確認を継続する。
この途中で、使用者により乾電池２３が接続され、乾電池２３が接続中であると判断した場合には、トランジスタＴｒ２を常時オンし、発光ダイオードＬＥＤの表示を点滅から点灯に切り替えて（Ｓ５３）警告制御を終了し、図５のステップ６０へ進む。
このように発光ダイオードＬＥＤを低速点滅させることにより、使用者に充電の最中は乾電池２３を外してはいけないことを気付かせる。
この結果、充電中に乾電池２３が外されることを抑制し、蓄電池２２の充電を完遂することができる。
【００４８】
次に蓄電池２２が異常時の制御を図５を用いて説明する。
通常、充電制御回路２１が作動中は乾電池２３の電圧Ｖｐは蓄電池２２の電圧Ｖｓより高いが、蓄電池２２が接続されていない場合や蓄電池２２が断線している場合には、蓄電池２２の電圧Ｖｓ（測定値）は乾電池２３の電圧Ｖｐに近くなるため、正常時の蓄電池２２の最大電圧（２．８Ｖ）よりも高くなる。
そこで蓄電池２２の電圧Ｖｓが所定値（２．８Ｖ）を越えた場合には、異常とみなし、使用者や修理者に知らせる。
【００４９】
異常制御は、まずステップ６１へ進み、蓄電池２２の電圧Ｖｓを調整抵抗Ｒ８を介して検出し、２．８Ｖを越えたか否かを判断する。
蓄電池２２の電圧Ｖｓが２．８Ｖ以下と判断した場合には、ステップ６３へ進み、発光ダイオードＬＥＤは点灯のままで、オープン出力のまま（ＦＥＴ，トランジスタＴｒ１はオン）で図２のステップ７０へ進む。
２．８Ｖを越えたと判断した場合には、異常とみなし異常処理を行い（Ｓ６２）、ステップ６１に戻る。この異常処理とは、トランジスタＴｒ２をオンオフし、発光ダイオードＬＥＤの高速点滅により報知すると共に、出力ポートＯＵＴからＬｏｗ出力し、ＦＥＴ，トランジスタＴｒ１をオフし充電路を遮断して充電動作を停止することである。
こうして蓄電池２２に異常がある可能性を知らせることにより修理時の目安となって修理の手間を減少させる。
【００５０】
ステップ６１において、蓄電池２２の電圧Ｖｓが２．８Ｖ以下と判断した場合には、ステップ６３へ進み、トランジスタＴｒ２を常時オンし、発光ダイオードＬＥＤの表示を点滅から点灯に切り替えて、また、Ｌｏｗ出力しているため充電再開に向けて出力ポートＯＵＴからオープン出力し、ＦＥＴ，トランジスタＴｒ１をオンし充電路を形成して異常制御を終了し、図２のステップ７０へ進む。
【００５１】
以上説明したように本実施形態のガス炊飯器によれば、充電時間（６時間）の経過により充電を停止させ、未使用期間（３ヵ月）が経過して充電を再開するというようにタイマのみで充電制御を行うため、製品コストが低く経済的である。また、蓄電池２２の充電量が８０％と推定される時間経過で充電を停止するため、蓄電池２２を過充電することが無く、熱暴走、内部短絡、電解液枯渇等を防止し、蓄電池２２の電池寿命を延ばすことができて経済的である。
また、蓄電池２２の充電量が２０％と推定される時間経過で充電を開始するため、熱発電素子１６の電力による蓄電池２２への充電が効率良く行うことができる。
また、乾電池２３の電圧Ｖｐが所定値（３．５Ｖ）以下になると、充電を停止するため、充電継続による乾電池２３の過放電を防止でき、乾電池２３の寿命を延ばすことができて経済的である。しかも、過放電による液漏れも防止できるため、使用者にとって安全で使い易い。
【００５２】
また、充電中は発光ダイオードＬＥＤを点灯させて報知し、充電中に乾電池２３が外されると、発光ダイオードＬＥＤが低速点滅して警告するため、使用者は充電中に乾電池２３や蓄電池２２を外さないようになり、充電の阻害を抑制できる。しかも、発光ダイオードＬＥＤの電源は乾電池２３により供給されるため、蓄電池２２の電力を消費しないで済む。
また、蓄電池２２の電圧Ｖｓが所定値（２．８Ｖ）を越えた場合には、発光ダイオードＬＥＤを高速点滅し、充電動作を停止するといった異常処理をして、蓄電池２２に異常がある可能性を知らせることにより、修理時に故障の原因の目安となって修理の手間を減少させることができる。
【００５３】
以上本発明の実施形態について説明したが、本発明はこうした実施形態に何等限定されるものではなく、例えばガス炊飯器以外の蓄電制御装置にも適用することができ、本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲において、種々なる態様で実施し得ることは勿論である。
例えば、ステップ９０において蓄電池２２の充電量が２０％未満か否かを判断する別の方法として、炊飯回数が所定回数（例えば１００回）以上になったか否かによる判断方法や、炊飯使用時間の累計が所定時間（例えば２５時間、これは１５分×１００回）以上になったか否かによる判断方法や、蓄電池２２の充電量に応じて変動する電圧Ｖｓ等の物理量を直接検出して所定値未満か否かによる判断方法を用いてもよい。
【００５４】
また、ステップ７０における充電を終了する条件として、満充電を検出したか否かを判断してもよく、この方法によれば、蓄電池２２の充電開始時の充電量が多くても確実に過充電を防止できる。
この満充電を検出する方法は、蓄電池２２の電圧Ｖｓを検出し、図７に示すように、この電圧Ｖｓ変化の勾配が正から負に変わったことにより検出する。または、単位時間当たりの電圧上昇の変化をとらえてもよいし、または、蓄電池２２の近傍にサーミスタを設けて、単位時間当たりの蓄電池２２の温度上昇の変化をとらえてもよい。
【００５５】
或いは、ステップ７０における充電を終了する条件として、満充電検出と所定時間経過による検出とを組合わせてもよい。
つまり、充電量が２０％の状態から充電を開始して８０％に達したとみなすことができる所定時間（６時間）が経過する前に満充電が検出された場合には、充電を停止する。この結果、蓄電池２２の充電開始時の充電量が多くても確実に過充電を防止できる。しかも、蓄電池２２の充電開始時の充電量が充電開始想定量（２０％）程度であれば、所定時間経過後、充電を停止するため充電量は８０％になり、満充電と比べて蓄電池２２が過充電状態に近づく時に生じる負担が減少し、蓄電池２２の寿命が延びる。
【００５６】
また、充電中の乾電池２３の液漏れ防止制御のステップ４１において、乾電池２３の電圧Ｖｐと蓄電池２２の電圧Ｖｓとの差（Ｖｐ−Ｖｓ）が（ロス分の０．６Ｖに余裕を持たせた）０．７Ｖ以下となった場合に、充電が不可能だと判断してステップ４２へ進んでもよい。
また、充電中の報知や、充電中に乾電池２３が外された場合の警告報知や、蓄電池２２の異常の報知は、ブザー音の周期や高低の違いによって報知してもよいし、また、異常用ランプ、充電用ランプとして発光ダイオードを複数設けてもよいし、またブザーとランプとの組合わせによって報知してもよい。
また、蓄電手段として、ポリアセン系有機半導体コンデンサ等の有機半導体コンデンサを用いても構わないし、また、ニッケル・水素蓄電池、リチウムイオン蓄電池等の蓄電池を用いてもよい。
また、スイッチング素子には、リレーを用いてもよい。
また、太陽光による発電を用いてもよいし、給湯器に適用した場合には、通水による発電やファンの風力による発電を用いてもよい。
【００５７】
【発明の効果】
以上詳述したように、本発明の請求項１記載の蓄電制御装置によれば、一次電池による蓄電手段への充電を充電時間により制御するため、蓄電手段を過充電することが無く、熱暴走、内部短絡、電解液枯渇等を防止し、蓄電手段の電池寿命を延ばすことができ、経済的である。
また、充電時間を調整することにより簡単な構成で適切な充電を行うことができる。
更に、一次電池の電圧が所定電圧以下の場合には、スイッチング手段を開くため、充電継続による一次電池の過放電を防止でき、蓄電手段の寿命を延ばすことができて経済的である。しかも、過放電による液漏れも防止できるため、使用者にとって安全になり使い易い。
また、計時により充電を停止するため、所望の充電量まで制御できる。
【００５８】
更に、本発明の請求項２記載の蓄電制御装置によれば、蓄電手段の充電量が所定量未満に低下したことを検出した時には、一次電池により充電を開始し、発電量が少ない場合でも自動的に蓄電手段に補充することができる。
【００６０】
また、本発明の請求項３記載の蓄電制御装置によれば、蓄電手段が所定の充電量になったことを検出して一次電池からの充電を停止するため、蓄電手段を過充電することが無く、熱暴走、内部短絡、電解液枯渇等を確実に防止し、蓄電手段の電池寿命を延ばすことができて経済的である。
更に、一次電池の電圧が所定電圧以下の場合には、スイッチング手段を開くため、充電継続による一次電池の過放電を防止でき、蓄電手段の寿命を延ばすことができて経済的である。しかも、過放電による液漏れも防止できるため、使用者にとって安全になり使い易い。
また、蓄電手段が所定の充電量を検出して充電を停止するため、過充電を確実に防止できる。
【００６１】
更に、本発明の請求項４記載の蓄電制御装置によれば、蓄電手段の充電量が所定量未満に低下したことを検出した時には、一次電池により充電を開始し、発電量が少ない場合でも自動的に蓄電手段に補充することができる。
また、蓄電手段が所定の充電量を検出して充電を停止するため、過充電を確実に防止できる。
【００６３】
更に、本発明の請求項５記載の蓄電制御装置によれば、充電中に一次電池が外されたことを報知する警告手段を設けるため、充電中に一次電池を外してはいけないことを使用者に認識させて、一次電池からの充電の阻害を抑制できる。
【００６４】
更に、本発明の請求項６記載の蓄電制御装置によれば、充電中を報知する充電報知手段を設けるため、使用者に充電中であることを認識させ、充電中に一次電池や蓄電手段が外されることを抑制し、一次電池からの充電の阻害を抑制できる。
しかも、充電報知手段の電源は一次電池により供給されるため、蓄電手段の電力を消費しないで済む。
【００６５】
更に、本発明の請求項７記載の蓄電制御装置によれば、蓄電手段の電圧が所定値以上になった場合には、異常処理して蓄電手段に異常がある可能性を知らせることにより、修理時の目安となって修理の手間を減少させることができる。
【００６６】
更に、本発明の請求項８記載の蓄電制御装置によれば、ガス燃焼機器に用いられ、熱発電素子によりバーナの燃焼熱から発電して、その発電された電力を蓄電手段により蓄電して、蓄電手段の電力を使用してバーナの燃焼制御を行うので、制御のための電力をガス燃焼機器自身で補い、エネルギーを有効に使うことができて経済的である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施形態としてのガス炊飯器の概略構成図である。
【図２】コントローラの制御を表すフローチャートである。
【図３】コントローラの制御を表すフローチャートである。
【図４】コントローラの制御を表すフローチャートである。
【図５】コントローラの制御を表すフローチャートである。
【図６】蓄電池の充電量変化を表すグラフである。
【図７】充電時の蓄電池の電圧を表すグラフである。
【図８】蓄電池の充電効率を表すグラフである。
【符号の説明】
１０…燃焼部、１６…熱発電素子、２０…コントローラ、
２１…充電制御回路、２２…蓄電池、２３…乾電池、２５…マイコン、
２６…負荷駆動回路、２８…接続検知回路。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a power storage control device that drives a device with electric power of a storage battery (secondary battery).
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, combustion equipment such as a gas rice cooker that generates electric power using the combustion heat of a burner and operates an electrical load is known. In such a combustion device, the electric load can be driven by the power of the power generation element during combustion, but since a predetermined power (energy) cannot be obtained at the start of ignition, a storage battery is mounted and the power generated during combustion is reduced. The storage battery is charged in advance to cover the power required for the ignition operation.
[0003]
If the device is not used for a long period of time, the storage battery falls below the charge amount (remaining capacity) required for startup due to self-discharge and dark current.
Therefore, a method of supplying power from a primary battery to a load of an apparatus is known. For example, a gas stove as disclosed in JP-A-8-114322 stores electric power generated using combustion heat of a burner in a storage battery. However, when the electric load is operated by this electric power and the charge amount of the storage battery is small, the storage battery is charged together with the backup from the primary battery to the load.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such devices, since there is no means for detecting the amount of charge of the storage battery, the primary battery continues to discharge, overcharging the storage battery, electrolyte depletion (dry out) due to liquid leakage, and internal short circuit (Short) may occur, leading to destruction of the storage battery and shortening the battery life.
Moreover, since the charging efficiency of a storage battery falls when the charge amount of a storage battery is inadequate, the charge amount more than predetermined amount was required.
[0005]
For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the nickel-cadmium storage battery has a charging efficiency (with respect to the charge amount) at the initial charge (1) (charge amount is less than 20% of the charge capacity C) and at the end of charge (3) (100% or more). Discharge rate ratio is bad.
This is because most of the input energy is consumed to convert the active material (electrochemical reaction material of the electrode of the storage battery) into a form that can be easily charged in the initial charge (1), and the end of charge (3). This is because the input energy is consumed as energy for generating oxygen gas from the positive electrode.
Therefore, once the charge amount of the storage battery has fallen below 20%, there is a problem that it takes a very long time to charge.
For this reason, it has been desired to control the charge amount of the nickel-cadmium storage battery within a predetermined range (20 to 100%, preferably 20 to 80%).
The power storage control device of the present invention has an object to solve the above problems and to appropriately control the amount of charge of the power storage means to extend the life of the power storage means.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The power storage control device according to claim 1 of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is provided.
  Power generation means for converting energy, such as heat, light, hydraulic power, wind power, etc. generated using the equipment into electric power;
  Power storage means for storing the generated power;
  A primary battery for supplying power to the power storage means;
  Load control means for driving and controlling an electrical load that operates using the power stored by the power storage means as a power source;
In a power storage control device comprising:
  Switching means for opening and closing a charging path from the primary battery to the power storage means;
  Connection detecting means for detecting that the primary battery is connected;
  Timing means for starting timing from the time when the connection detection means detects that the primary battery is connected;
  Charge control means for opening the switching means and stopping charging from the primary battery after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of timing by the time measuring means.,
When the voltage of the primary battery is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage, the switching means is kept open, and after detecting that the primary battery has been removed by the connection detecting means, the switching means is closed and the switching means is closed. Return to a state where charging from the primary battery to the power storage means can be resumedThis is the gist.
[0007]
The power storage control device according to claim 2 of the present invention is the power storage control device according to claim 1,
Means for detecting a charge amount of the power storage means,
The gist is to close the switching means when the charge amount is detected to be less than a predetermined amount.
[0009]
  Further, the claims of the present invention3The power storage control device described is
  Power generation means for converting energy, such as heat, light, hydraulic power, wind power, etc. generated using the equipment into electric power;
  Power storage means for storing the generated power;
  A primary battery for supplying power to the power storage means;
  Load control means for driving and controlling an electrical load that operates using the power stored by the power storage means as a power source;
  In a power storage control device comprising:
  Switching means for opening and closing a charging path from the primary battery to the power storage means;
  Charge amount detection means for detecting the charge amount of the power storage means;
  During charging from the primary battery to the power storage means, when the charge amount detection means detects that the power storage means has reached a predetermined charge amount, the switching means is opened to charge from the primary battery. Charge control means to stop,
Connection detecting means for detecting that the primary battery is connectedWith,
When the voltage of the primary battery is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage, the switching means is kept open, and after detecting that the primary battery has been removed by the connection detecting means, the switching means is closed and the switching means is closed. Return to a state where charging from the primary battery to the power storage means can be resumedThis is the gist.
[0010]
  Further, the claims of the present invention4The power storage control device described in the above claim3In the power storage control device described,
  The gist is to close the switching means when the charge amount detection means detects that the charge amount of the power storage means is less than a predetermined amount.
[0012]
  Further, the claims of the present invention5The power storage control device described above is the above claim 1.~ 4In the power storage control device according to any one of
  When charging from the primary battery to the power storage means is detected by the connection detection means when the primary battery is removed, the gist is to provide a warning means for notifying that effect.
[0013]
  Further, the claims of the present invention6The power storage control device described above is the above claim 1.~ 5In the power storage control device according to any one of
  The gist is to provide a charging notification means for notifying that charging is being performed from the primary battery by obtaining a power supply from the primary battery during charging from the primary battery to the power storage means.
[0014]
  Further, the claims of the present invention7The power storage control device described above is the above claim 1.~ 6In the power storage control device according to any one of
  The gist is to perform an abnormality process when the voltage of the power storage means exceeds a predetermined value during charging from the primary battery to the power storage means.
[0015]
  Further, the claims of the present invention8The power storage control device described above is the above claim 1.~ 7In the power storage control device according to any one of
  The gist of the present invention is to provide a thermoelectric power generation element that is used in a gas combustion device and generates power by the combustion heat of the burner, and performs burner combustion control by the stored electric power.
[0016]
  The power storage control device according to claim 1 of the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration converts the energy generated using the device into electric power to generate electric power, charges the generated electric power to the electric storage means, and uses the electric power to electrically Drive the load.
  The power storage means is provided with a charging path from the primary battery via the switching means. When the primary battery is connected with the switching means closed, charging of the power storage means with the power of the primary battery is started and the time is measured. After a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, a charging time that can be considered to have increased to the same amount of charge as in the middle of charging) from the start of timing, the switching means is opened, the charging path is shut off, and the primary battery Stop charging from.
  Therefore, overcharging of the power storage means can be prevented, and thermal runaway of the power storage means, internal short circuit, and electrolyte depletion can be prevented, thereby extending the life of the power storage means.
  When the voltage of the primary battery is lower than the predetermined voltage, the switching means is kept open, the charging from the primary battery to the power storage means is stopped, and the connection detection means detects that the primary battery has been removed. After that, the switching means is closed to return to a state where charging from the primary battery to the power storage means can be resumed.
Thereafter, when the user connects a new primary battery, charging from the primary battery to the power storage means is started.
In other words, when the voltage of the primary battery drops below the specified voltage, the primary battery current continues to flow to circuits other than the power storage means, resulting in overdischarge and the primary battery leaking liquid. Therefore, the switching means is opened to suppress the flow from the primary battery to a circuit other than the storage means, and when the primary battery is removed, the switching means is closed and the standby state for charging from the primary battery is entered.
As a result, the primary battery is prevented from being overdischarged and leaked.
[0017]
In the power storage control device according to claim 2 of the present invention having the above-described configuration, the charge amount of the power storage means is detected by the charge amount detection means, and the charge amount is less than a predetermined amount (for example, a charge amount similar to the initial charge level). When it is detected that the voltage has dropped, the switching means is closed and charging of the power storage means is started by the power of the primary battery.
As a result, the battery can be charged by the primary battery before the charging amount is lowered to a charging amount that deteriorates the charging efficiency.
The charge amount detection means can be regarded as detection by estimating a decrease in the charge amount of the power storage means based on, for example, the number of times the device is used or used, or the terminal voltage of the power storage means.
[0019]
  Claims of the present invention having the above configuration3The described power storage control device generates energy by converting energy generated using the device into electric power, charges the generated electric power to the electric storage means, and drives the electric load with this electric power.
  The power storage means is provided with a charging path from the primary battery via the switching means, and charging of the power storage means is started by the power of the primary battery with the switching means closed.
  The charge amount detection means detects that the power storage means has reached a predetermined charge amount (a charge amount that does not cause overcharging), opens the switching means, interrupts the charging path, and stops charging from the primary battery.
  Therefore, overcharging of the power storage means can be prevented, and thermal runaway of the power storage means, internal short circuit, and electrolyte depletion can be prevented, thereby extending the life of the power storage means.
  The amount of charge can be detected by estimating the amount of charge based on, for example, a change in the terminal voltage of the power storage means or a change in temperature thereof.
  Further, when the voltage of the primary battery is equal to or lower than the predetermined voltage, the switching means is maintained in an open state, charging from the primary battery to the power storage means is stopped, and the primary battery is prevented from being overdischarged and leaking.
After detecting that the primary battery has been removed by the connection detecting means, the switching means is closed to return to a state where charging from the primary battery to the power storage means can be resumed.
Thereafter, when the user connects a new primary battery, charging from the primary battery to the power storage means is started.
[0020]
  Claims of the present invention having the above configuration4When the charge amount detection unit detects that the charge amount of the power storage unit has dropped below a predetermined amount, the power storage control device described closes the switching unit and starts charging the power storage unit with the power of the primary battery.
  As a result, the battery can be charged by the primary battery before the charging amount is lowered to a charging amount that deteriorates the charging efficiency.
[0022]
  Claims of the present invention having the above configuration5When the connection detection unit detects that the primary battery has been removed during charging from the primary battery to the power storage unit, the described power storage control device notifies the user of the fact by a warning unit.
  As a result, it is possible to make the user recognize that the primary battery should not be removed during charging, and thereafter reduce the possibility that the primary battery will be removed during charging until the power storage means reaches a predetermined charge amount. Charge the battery.
[0023]
  Claims of the present invention having the above configuration6The described power storage control device obtains power supply from the primary battery during charging from the primary battery to the power storage means, and notifies the charging notification means that charging from the primary battery is in progress.
  As a result, the user is made aware that charging (from the primary battery) is in progress, the primary battery and the storage means are prevented from being removed during charging from the primary battery, and the storage means reaches a predetermined charge amount. Charge until
  Moreover, since the power of the charging notification means is supplied by the primary battery, it is not necessary to consume the power of the power storage means.
[0024]
  Claims of the present invention having the above configuration7When the measured voltage of the power storage means exceeds a predetermined value, the described power storage control device performs abnormality processing such as notifying that fact or stopping the charging operation, and confirms that the power storage means may be abnormal. Notify and reduce repair effort as a guideline for repairs.
  Usually, during the charging from the primary battery to the power storage means, the voltage of the primary battery is higher than the voltage of the power storage means. For example, when the power storage means is disconnected or the power storage means is not connected, the power storage means Since the measured voltage becomes close to the voltage of the primary battery, it becomes higher than the maximum voltage of the power storage means at normal time. By catching such a phenomenon, the possibility of abnormality of the power storage means is notified.
[0025]
  Claims of the present invention having the above configuration8The power storage control device described is used in a gas combustion device, generates power from the combustion heat of the burner by a thermoelectric generator, and stores the electric power generated by the charge control means by the power storage means. The load control means performs burner combustion control using the electric power of the power storage means.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In order to further clarify the configuration and operation of the present invention described above, a preferred embodiment of the power storage control device of the present invention will be described below.
[0027]
The gas rice cooker provided with the electrical storage control apparatus as one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated using FIG.
The gas cooker is roughly divided into a combustion unit 10 and a controller 20.
[0028]
The combustion unit 10 includes a burner 11 that burns gas and heats the inner pot 18, a gas conduit 12 that supplies gas to the burner 11, a self-holding solenoid valve 13 that opens and closes by ignition and fire extinguishing operations, and an ignition operation. A magnet solenoid valve 14 that opens when the push solenoid is actuated and energizes the adsorption coil 14a by an electromotive force of a thermocouple 17 described later to maintain the adsorption valve open state; and an igniter 24 that generates a high voltage for ignition spark; The electrode 15 that sparks when a high voltage is applied, the thermoelectric generator 16 that is connected in series with a plurality of thermocouples that generate thermoelectromotive force when heated by the combustion flame, and heat during combustion of the burner 11 A thermocouple 17 that generates electromotive force and holds the magnet electromagnetic valve 14 open, and a bottom sensor 19 that detects the temperature of the bottom of the inner hook 18 are provided.
[0029]
The controller 20 charges a thermoelectromotive force generated from the thermoelectric generator 16 and can be detached, a dry battery 23 that supplies electric power to the storage battery 22 and can be detached, and charging that controls charging from the dry battery 23 to the storage battery 22. A load for driving the control circuit 21, a connection detection circuit 28 for detecting that the dry battery 23 is connected, a microcomputer 25 for controlling combustion control and charge control, a self-holding solenoid valve 13, a magnet solenoid valve 14, and an igniter 24 Provided for detecting the voltage Vp of the drive circuit 26, the light emitting diode LED that is lit during charging from the dry battery 23 to the storage battery 22, the transistor Tr2 that is turned on by the microcomputer 25 and that turns on the light emitting diode LED. Adjustment resistors R5 and R6 and an adjustment resistor R8 provided for detecting the voltage Vs of the storage battery 22 are provided.
[0030]
The charge control circuit 21 includes an FET to which a voltage is applied between the gate and the source from the dry battery 23 via the limiting resistor R1, a transistor Tr1 that is turned on when the FET is turned on and flows current from the dry battery 23 to the storage battery 22, and a transistor A Schottky diode SD that allows current to flow only from Tr1 toward the storage battery 22 and adjustment resistors R2 and R3 that adjust the charging current to the storage battery 22 are configured. This FET is turned on by an open output from the output port OUT of the microcomputer 25 and turned off by a Low output. The limiting resistor R1 has a large resistance value of several hundred kΩ.
[0031]
The connection detection circuit 28 includes a transistor Tr3 that is turned on when the dry battery 23 is connected. When the transistor Tr3 is off, the voltage from the power supply VCC1 by the storage battery 22 is supplied to the microcomputer 25 via the limiting resistor R4. It is applied to the input port IN to detect that the dry battery 23 is not connected.
[0032]
For the storage battery 22, two nickel-cadmium storage batteries are used in series. The voltage Vs of the storage battery 22 is Typ. About 2.8V and the charging capacity C are 600 mAh.
Further, as the dry battery 23, three manganese dry batteries are used in series, and the voltage Vp thereof is Typ. 5.1V.
[0033]
Next, operation | movement of this gas rice cooker is demonstrated.
Electric power is supplied from the storage battery 22 to the load drive circuit 26 by an input operation of a rice cooking switch of an operation unit (not shown). The microcomputer 25 is always supplied with power from the storage battery 22 and outputs a control signal to the load drive circuit 26 based on the rice cooking operation to open the self-holding electromagnetic valve 13 and the magnet electromagnetic valve 14 to generate gas. While supplying the burner 11 from the conduit 12, the igniter 24 is driven for a predetermined time, and the burner 11 is ignited by the spark of the electrode 15.
[0034]
During combustion of the burner 11, the thermoelectric generator 16 generates electricity and charges the storage battery 22, and the rice in the inner pot 18 is heated to cook rice. When the water in the inner pot 18 is exhausted and the bottom sensor 19 detects a predetermined cooking temperature, the microcomputer 25 determines that the cooking has been completed, closes the self-holding solenoid valve 13, and burner 11. And the charging from the thermoelectric generator 16 to the storage battery 22 is also stopped.
[0035]
During rice cooking, when the load of the gas rice cooker is small, the generated thermoelectromotive force is charged to the storage battery 22 via the adjustment resistor R3 and supplied to the microcomputer 25 and the load drive circuit 26. Drive the gas cooker load.
Further, when the load is large, more drive current is required, so that power is also supplied from the storage battery 22 to the load drive circuit 26.
[0036]
By the way, if the period until it reaches a user from factory shipment is long, or the unused period after a use start is long, the charge amount of the storage battery 22 will fall by consumption, such as self-discharge of the storage battery 22. FIG.
Therefore, the following charging control process is performed.
FIG. 2 shows a charge control process executed by the microcomputer 25, and starts by obtaining power supply from the storage battery 22.
[0037]
First, in step 10, the FET is turned on by making an open output from the output port OUT of the microcomputer 25, the transistor Tr 1 is turned on by this on operation, and a charging path from the dry battery 23 to the storage battery 22 is formed, and the process goes to step 20. move on.
[0038]
Next, it is determined whether or not the dry battery 23 is being connected.
When the dry battery 23 is set, the transistor Tr3 of the connection detection circuit 28 is turned on by the voltage Vp of the dry battery 23, and it is determined that the dry battery 23 is connected.
Conversely, when the dry battery 23 is not connected, the transistor Tr3 is turned off, and it is determined that the dry battery 23 is not connected.
[0039]
When a new product is purchased, since the dry battery 23 is packed in a state where it is removed from the device, charging of the storage battery 22 is started when the user attaches the dry battery 23.
When it is determined that the dry battery 23 is connected, the time is started by a timer (not shown) in the microcomputer 25 (S30). Since the transistor Tr1 is turned on and a charging path is formed, when the dry battery 23 is connected, the power starts to be charged into the storage battery 22 via the transistor Tr1, the Schottky diode SD, and the adjustment resistors R2 and R3.
While charging is in progress, the microcomputer 25 turns on the transistor Tr2 and energizes the light-emitting diode LED by the power source VCC2 from the dry battery 23 to light it, thereby allowing the user to recognize that charging is in progress.
In this case, since the power of the light emitting diode LED is supplied by the dry battery 23, it is not necessary to consume the power of the storage battery 22.
[0040]
Subsequently, after sequentially performing liquid leakage prevention control, dry battery removal warning control, and storage battery abnormality control (S40, 50, 60), which will be described later, whether or not a predetermined time (6 hours) has elapsed from the start of charging in step 70 And repeat steps 40 to 60 until 6 hours elapse to continue charging.
[0041]
If it is determined that 6 hours have elapsed, the process proceeds to step 80, and by outputting Low from the output port OUT, the FET and the transistor Tr1 are turned off, the charging path is shut off, charging is terminated, and the process proceeds to step 90. . At this time, the transistor Tr2 is turned off, the light emitting diode LED is turned off, and the user is notified of the end of charging.
Note that the setting of the charging time of 6 hours is the time required for the 0.1 CmA charging to start from 20% and reach 80%, as shown in FIG.
[0042]
After completion of charging, in step 90, it is determined by a timer whether or not the unused period has passed three months.
Normally, if the rice cooking operation is performed, it is charged by the electromotive force generated by the thermoelectric generator 16, so the charge amount of the storage battery 22 does not decrease. However, if the unused period is long, the storage battery 22 is self-discharged or dark current of the circuit. It is estimated that the amount of charge decreases to about 20% (120 mAh) when the amount of charge decreases and the unused period elapses for 3 months.
If it is determined that three months have elapsed, the process proceeds to step 100, the timer is stopped, and the process returns to step 10.
[0043]
Again, an output is output from the output port OUT, the FET and the transistor Tr1 are turned on to form a charging path, and it is determined whether or not the dry battery 23 is being connected (S20). Usually, since the dry battery 23 remains connected, charging is started at the time of step 10. If it is determined in step 20 that the dry battery 23 is being connected, the process proceeds to step 30 and the control process is similarly performed thereafter to control the charge amount of the storage battery 22 within a range of 20 to 80%.
By the way, since the charge amount of the storage battery 22 when the device arrives at the user cannot be estimated, even if the charge amount is 20% or more, it may be overcharged because it is charged for 6 hours, but it is only the first time. There is no problem with the storage battery 22.
As described above, since the charging is stopped after the time when the charging amount of the storage battery 22 is estimated to be 80%, overcharging is prevented, and problems such as thermal runaway, internal short circuit, and electrolyte depletion of the storage battery 22 are not caused. As a result, the battery life of the storage battery 22 can be extended with a simple configuration using a timer.
Moreover, since the charge control of the storage battery 22 is performed so that the charge amount is 20 to 80%, the charging efficiency is good.
[0044]
Next, liquid leakage prevention control of the dry battery 23 during charging will be described with reference to FIG.
Since the total voltage drop at the transistor Tr1 and the Schottky diode SD is 0.6V and the voltage Vs of the storage battery 22 is 2.8V, the charging voltage is reduced when the voltage Vp of the dry battery 23 is reduced to about 3.4V of the sum. Becomes 2.8V, and charging becomes impossible. For this reason, the current of the dry battery 23 flows to the FET through the transistor Tr1, and if this continues, the dry battery 23 may be over-discharged and liquid leakage may occur.
Therefore, by turning off the FET, the current of the dry battery 23 is caused to flow to the FET via the limiting resistor R1 having a large resistance value. Since this current is as small as 100 to 200 μA, there is no fear of the battery 23 leaking.
[0045]
The liquid leakage prevention control first proceeds to step 41, where the voltage Vp of the dry battery 23 is detected via the adjustment resistor R5, and whether or not the voltage is 3.5 V or less (with a margin of 3.4 V). Judging.
If it is determined that the voltage is higher than 3.5 V, the process proceeds to step 50 in FIG. 4 as it is. If it is determined that the voltage is 3.5 V or less, the storage battery 22 is considered to be unable to be charged, and the process proceeds to step 42 for output. A low output is output from the port OUT to turn off the FET and the transistor Tr1 to cut off the charging path, stop the charging operation, and also turn off the transistor Tr2, turn off the light emitting diode LED, and proceed to Step 43.
[0046]
In step 43, the connection detection circuit 28 determines whether or not the dry battery 23 has been removed. When the user removes the dry battery 23 (with a small capacity), or when the dry battery 23 is detached, the process proceeds to step 44, the output is output from the output port OUT, the FET and the transistor Tr1 are turned on, and the charging path is formed. When the dry battery 23 is connected, the process waits so that charging can be resumed, and the process returns to step 20 in FIG.
In this way, since charging is stopped when the voltage Vp of the dry battery 23 becomes a predetermined voltage value or less, overdischarge of the dry battery 23 due to continued charging can be prevented and the life of the dry battery 23 can be extended, which is economical. In addition, since liquid leakage due to overdischarge can be prevented, it is safe and easy for the user to use.
[0047]
Next, warning control when the dry battery 23 is removed during charging will be described with reference to FIG.
In step 51, the connection detection circuit 28 determines whether or not the dry battery 23 is being connected.
If the dry battery 23 is being connected, the process proceeds to step 53, and the process proceeds to step 60 in FIG.
If it is determined that the dry battery 23 has been removed, the process proceeds to step 52, the transistor Tr2 is turned on / off, the light emitting diode LED is blinked at a low speed, the process returns to step 51, and the connection confirmation is continued.
In the middle of this, when the user determines that the dry battery 23 is connected and the dry battery 23 is being connected, the transistor Tr2 is always turned on, and the display of the light emitting diode LED is switched from blinking to lighting (S53). The control is terminated and the process proceeds to step 60 in FIG.
In this way, the light emitting diode LED is blinked at a low speed to make the user aware that the dry battery 23 should not be removed during charging.
As a result, it is possible to suppress the removal of the dry battery 23 during charging and complete the charging of the storage battery 22.
[0048]
Next, control when the storage battery 22 is abnormal will be described with reference to FIG.
Normally, when the charge control circuit 21 is in operation, the voltage Vp of the dry battery 23 is higher than the voltage Vs of the storage battery 22, but when the storage battery 22 is not connected or when the storage battery 22 is disconnected, the voltage Vs of the storage battery 22. Since (measured value) is close to the voltage Vp of the dry battery 23, it becomes higher than the maximum voltage (2.8V) of the storage battery 22 at the normal time.
Therefore, when the voltage Vs of the storage battery 22 exceeds a predetermined value (2.8 V), it is regarded as abnormal and is notified to the user and the repairer.
[0049]
The abnormality control first proceeds to step 61, where the voltage Vs of the storage battery 22 is detected via the adjustment resistor R8, and it is determined whether or not it exceeds 2.8V.
If it is determined that the voltage Vs of the storage battery 22 is 2.8 V or less, the process proceeds to step 63 where the light-emitting diode LED remains on and remains open (FET and transistor Tr1 are on), and the process proceeds to step 70 in FIG. move on.
If it is determined that the voltage exceeds 2.8 V, it is regarded as abnormal and an abnormality process is performed (S62), and the process returns to step 61. This abnormal processing is to turn on / off the transistor Tr2 and notify by the high-speed blinking of the light emitting diode LED, and output Low from the output port OUT, turn off the FET and the transistor Tr1, cut off the charging path, and stop the charging operation. It is.
By notifying the possibility of abnormality in the storage battery 22 in this way, it becomes a guideline for repair, and the labor of repair is reduced.
[0050]
In step 61, when it is determined that the voltage Vs of the storage battery 22 is 2.8 V or less, the process proceeds to step 63, the transistor Tr2 is always turned on, the display of the light emitting diode LED is switched from blinking to lighting, and the Low output is performed. Therefore, an open output is output from the output port OUT to resume charging, the FET and the transistor Tr1 are turned on to form a charging path, the abnormal control is terminated, and the process proceeds to Step 70 in FIG.
[0051]
As described above, according to the gas rice cooker of the present embodiment, only the timer is used so that charging is stopped after the charging time (6 hours) has elapsed, and charging is resumed after the unused period (3 months) has elapsed. Since the charging control is performed at a low cost, the product cost is low and economical. In addition, since the charging is stopped after the time when the charging amount of the storage battery 22 is estimated to be 80%, the storage battery 22 is not overcharged, preventing thermal runaway, internal short circuit, electrolyte depletion, etc. Battery life can be extended and it is economical.
In addition, since the charging is started after the time when the charging amount of the storage battery 22 is estimated to be 20%, the storage battery 22 can be efficiently charged with the electric power of the thermoelectric generator 16.
In addition, when the voltage Vp of the dry battery 23 becomes a predetermined value (3.5 V) or less, the charging is stopped. Therefore, overdischarge of the dry battery 23 due to continued charging can be prevented, and the life of the dry battery 23 can be extended. is there. In addition, since liquid leakage due to overdischarge can be prevented, it is safe and easy for the user to use.
[0052]
Further, during charging, the light emitting diode LED is turned on for notification, and when the dry battery 23 is removed during charging, the light emitting diode LED flashes at a low speed to warn the user, so that the user can connect the dry battery 23 or the storage battery 22 during charging. This prevents the battery from being removed and inhibits charging. In addition, since the power of the light emitting diode LED is supplied by the dry battery 23, it is not necessary to consume the power of the storage battery 22.
Further, when the voltage Vs of the storage battery 22 exceeds a predetermined value (2.8 V), there is a possibility that the storage battery 22 may be abnormal by performing an abnormal process such as blinking the light emitting diode LED at high speed and stopping the charging operation. By notifying, it is possible to reduce the trouble of repairing as an indication of the cause of failure during repair.
[0053]
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the present invention can be applied to a power storage control device other than a gas rice cooker, and does not depart from the gist of the present invention. Needless to say, the present invention can be implemented in various modes within the scope.
For example, as another method for determining whether or not the charge amount of the storage battery 22 is less than 20% in step 90, a determination method based on whether or not the number of times of rice cooking is a predetermined number (for example, 100 times) or more, Judgment method based on whether or not the cumulative time has exceeded a predetermined time (for example, 25 hours, which is 15 minutes × 100 times) or a physical value such as voltage Vs that varies according to the amount of charge of the storage battery 22 is directly detected to a predetermined value You may use the judgment method by whether it is less than.
[0054]
Further, as a condition for terminating the charging in step 70, it may be determined whether or not a full charge is detected. According to this method, even if the charge amount at the start of charging of the storage battery 22 is large, it is surely overcharged. Can be prevented.
As a method for detecting this full charge, the voltage Vs of the storage battery 22 is detected and, as shown in FIG. 7, this is detected when the slope of the change in the voltage Vs changes from positive to negative. Alternatively, a change in voltage increase per unit time may be detected, or a thermistor may be provided in the vicinity of the storage battery 22 to detect a change in temperature increase of the storage battery 22 per unit time.
[0055]
Alternatively, as a condition for ending charging in step 70, detection of full charge and detection due to the elapse of a predetermined time may be combined.
That is, when full charge is detected before a predetermined time (6 hours) that can be considered to have reached 80% after starting charging from a state where the charge amount is 20%, charging is stopped. . As a result, overcharging can be reliably prevented even when the amount of charge at the start of charging of the storage battery 22 is large. In addition, if the charge amount at the start of charging of the storage battery 22 is about the estimated charge start amount (20%), the charge amount is 80% because the charge is stopped after a predetermined time, and the storage battery 22 is compared with the full charge. Is reduced when the battery approaches an overcharged state, and the life of the storage battery 22 is extended.
[0056]
Further, in step 41 of the liquid leakage prevention control of the dry battery 23 during charging, the difference (Vp−Vs) between the voltage Vp of the dry battery 23 and the voltage Vs of the storage battery 22 has a margin of 0.6 V for the loss. ) When the voltage is 0.7 V or less, it may be determined that charging is impossible and the process may proceed to step 42.
In addition, a notification during charging, a warning notification when the dry battery 23 is removed during charging, or a notification of abnormality of the storage battery 22 may be notified by a difference in the cycle or height of the buzzer sound, A plurality of light-emitting diodes may be provided as a lamp for use and a charge lamp, or notification may be provided by a combination of a buzzer and a lamp.
Moreover, an organic semiconductor capacitor such as a polyacene organic semiconductor capacitor may be used as the power storage means, or a storage battery such as a nickel-hydrogen storage battery or a lithium ion storage battery may be used.
Moreover, you may use a relay for a switching element.
Moreover, you may use the electric power generation by sunlight, and when applied to a water heater, you may use the electric power generation by water flow, or the electric power generation by the wind of a fan.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above in detail, according to the power storage control device according to claim 1 of the present invention, the charging of the power storage means by the primary battery is controlled by the charging time, so that the power storage means is not overcharged and thermal runaway occurs. It is economical because it prevents internal short circuit, electrolyte depletion, etc., and extends the battery life of the storage means.
  Moreover, appropriate charging can be performed with a simple configuration by adjusting the charging time.
  Further, when the voltage of the primary battery is equal to or lower than the predetermined voltage, the switching means is opened, so that overdischarge of the primary battery due to continued charging can be prevented and the life of the power storage means can be extended, which is economical. Moreover, since liquid leakage due to overdischarge can be prevented, it is safe for the user and easy to use.
Moreover, since charging is stopped by counting time, it is possible to control to a desired charge amount.
[0058]
Furthermore, according to the power storage control device of the second aspect of the present invention, when it is detected that the charge amount of the power storage means has decreased below a predetermined amount, charging is started by the primary battery, and even if the power generation amount is small, automatic It is possible to supplement the power storage means.
[0060]
  Further, the claims of the present invention3According to the power storage control device described, in order to detect that the power storage means has reached a predetermined charge amount and stop charging from the primary battery, without overcharging the power storage means, thermal runaway, internal short circuit, It is economical because it is possible to reliably prevent electrolyte depletion and to extend the battery life of the power storage means.
  Further, when the voltage of the primary battery is equal to or lower than the predetermined voltage, the switching means is opened, so that overdischarge of the primary battery due to continued charging can be prevented and the life of the power storage means can be extended, which is economical. Moreover, since liquid leakage due to overdischarge can be prevented, it is safe for the user and easy to use.
In addition, since the power storage means detects a predetermined amount of charge and stops charging, overcharging can be reliably prevented.
[0061]
  Further claims of the present invention4According to the described power storage control device, when it is detected that the charge amount of the power storage means has decreased below a predetermined amount, charging is started by the primary battery, and the power storage means is automatically replenished even when the power generation amount is small. Can do.
  In addition, since the power storage means detects a predetermined amount of charge and stops charging, overcharging can be reliably prevented.
[0063]
  Further claims of the present invention5According to the described power storage control device, since the warning means for notifying that the primary battery has been removed during charging is provided, the user is made aware that the primary battery must not be removed during charging, Inhibition of charging can be suppressed.
[0064]
  Further claims of the present invention6According to the described power storage control device, since the charging notification means for notifying charging is provided, the user is made aware that charging is in progress, and the primary battery and the power storage means are prevented from being removed during charging. Inhibition of charging from the primary battery can be suppressed.
  In addition, since the power of the charging notification means is supplied by the primary battery, it is not necessary to consume the power of the power storage means.
[0065]
  Further claims of the present invention7According to the power storage control device described above, when the voltage of the power storage means becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value, an abnormal process is performed to notify the possibility of abnormality in the power storage means, thereby providing a guideline for repair. Time and effort can be reduced.
[0066]
  Further claims of the present invention8According to the described power storage control device, it is used in a gas combustion device, generates power from the combustion heat of the burner by a thermoelectric generator, stores the generated power by the power storage means, and uses the power of the power storage means. Since burner combustion control is performed, it is economical that the power for control can be supplemented by the gas combustion device itself and energy can be used effectively.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a gas rice cooker as one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing control of a controller.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing control of a controller.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing control of a controller.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing control of a controller.
FIG. 6 is a graph showing a change in charge amount of a storage battery.
FIG. 7 is a graph showing the voltage of the storage battery during charging.
FIG. 8 is a graph showing the charging efficiency of the storage battery.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 ... Combustion section, 16 ... Thermoelectric generator, 20 ... Controller,
21 ... Charge control circuit, 22 ... Storage battery, 23 ... Dry battery, 25 ... Microcomputer,
26 ... Load drive circuit, 28 ... Connection detection circuit.

Claims

Power generation means for converting energy, such as heat, light, hydraulic power, wind power, etc. generated using the equipment into electric power;
Power storage means for storing the generated power;
A primary battery for supplying power to the power storage means;
A power storage control device comprising: load control means for driving and controlling an electrical load that operates using the power stored by the power storage means as a power source;
Switching means for opening and closing a charging path from the primary battery to the power storage means;
Connection detecting means for detecting that the primary battery is connected;
Timing means for starting timing from the time when the connection detection means detects that the primary battery is connected;
Charge control means for opening the switching means and stopping charging from the primary battery after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of timing by the time measuring means ,
When the voltage of the primary battery is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage, the switching means is kept open, and after detecting that the primary battery has been removed by the connection detecting means, the switching means is closed and the switching means is closed. A power storage control device which returns to a state where charging from the primary battery to the power storage means can be resumed .

Means for detecting a charge amount of the power storage means,
2. The power storage control device according to claim 1, wherein when the amount of charge is detected to be less than a predetermined amount, the switching means is closed.

Power generation means for converting energy, such as heat, light, hydraulic power, wind power, etc. generated using the equipment into electric power;
Power storage means for storing the generated power;
A primary battery for supplying power to the power storage means;
A power storage control device comprising: load control means for driving and controlling an electrical load that operates using the power stored by the power storage means as a power source;
Switching means for opening and closing a charging path from the primary battery to the power storage means;
Charge amount detection means for detecting the charge amount of the power storage means;
During charging from the primary battery to the power storage means, when the charge amount detection means detects that the power storage means has reached a predetermined charge amount, the switching means is opened to charge from the primary battery. and charging control means for stopping,
Comprising a connection detecting means for detecting that the primary battery is connected ;
When the voltage of the primary battery is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage, the switching means is kept open, and after detecting that the primary battery has been removed by the connection detecting means, the switching means is closed and the switching means is closed. A power storage control device which returns to a state where charging from the primary battery to the power storage means can be resumed .

4. The power storage control device according to claim 3 , wherein when the charge amount detection means detects that the charge amount of the power storage means is less than a predetermined amount, the switching means is closed.

2. A warning means for notifying that when the connection detecting means detects that the primary battery has been removed during charging from the primary battery to the power storage means. power storage control apparatus according to any one of to 4.

During charging of the electricity storage means from said primary battery, according to claim 1-5 which obtains power supply from the primary battery and providing a charging informing means for informing that the charging from the primary battery The power storage control device according to any one of the above.

The power storage control according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein when the voltage of the power storage means exceeds a predetermined value during charging from the primary battery to the power storage means, an abnormality process is performed. apparatus.

The power storage control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , further comprising: a thermoelectric power generation element that is used in a gas combustion device and generates electric power using combustion heat of the burner, and performs burner combustion control using stored electric power.