DE19533760A1 - Camera case for recharge of rechargeable battery used for camera - Google Patents

Abstract

A case (10) contains a camera (40) with a rechargeable battery. The case has a pivoted lid (20) and a number of inserts (11) made of insulating material to take up the space between the camera and the walls of the case. In the lid is a solar cell (30) and a number of electrical connectors feed the solar power into the camera whilst in the case and into the battery. The lid can be positioned at any angle to catch the sun's rays. The battery has the same shape as a normal battery but with additional poles on the side of the same polarity as the one on the bottom. The poles are of light metal and the electrolyte is non-aqueous.

Description

The invention relates to a camera housing for charging a Battery used for a camera, one not aqueous electrolytic battery with a positive pole Aktivma material, a negative pole active material such as one light metal and a non-aqueous electrolyte, which can be charged under a predetermined condition (hereinafter referred to as a reusable battery) and a device such as a camera, which with a Function for charging the reusable battery verse hen is.

Conventionally, a camera body is used to protect a camera suggested which a camera secondary battery on can charge using a solar battery provided in it (Ni-Cd battery, silver cell, etc. are in Ausforfor used). (Japanese utility model, disclosure No. 56-79126). In the Japanese utility model, Offenle supply no. 56-79126) it is disclosed that the solar battery in the camera body is provided so that the secondary battery The camera is charging while a user is using the camera housing carries, and it gets a lot more time to charge Lich than in the case where the solar battery in the camera is provided. It is also disclosed that the solar battery  the camera housing generates a voltage of approximately 3 volts, which is sufficient, the secondary battery under direct sun rays to charge.

Japanese PA, Disclosure No. 63-91641 before, a lithium secondary battery as a power source for one Apply camera and the lithium secondary battery using to charge a solar battery. The solar battery is like this formed to be of adequate size for storage in the camera, so he uses very little electrical energy testifies. To sufficiently charge the secondary battery (esp especially a non-charged new secondary battery) must the camera body that houses the camera, one be put in the sun for a long time. Here it is in that Japanese utility model, disclosure no. 56-79126 open bache camera body a soft case to protect one Camera, that is, it is not for protecting the camera against Heat constructed.

If the camera body of the Japanese utility model, Of fencing no. 56-79126, placed in the sun for a long time the temperature of the camera rises accordingly Camera housing. As a result, there is a problem that Circuits, a film and the like in the camera Lich influenced.

It is also contemplated that a so-called lithium battery is ideal for a camera that should be portable, and which consumes a large amount of electrical energy. If a lithium secondary battery is used, is however, a leakage current of the lithium secondary battery is large. As a result, there is a problem that the lithium second därbatterie is not sufficiently charged by the electri energy that a solar battery can generate. Ande on the other hand, a fault current of the lithium primary battery is very high small. However, a dangerous knot occurs called dendrite when the lithium primary battery (lithium  or one of its alloys) is charged. Do this gently serious accidents such as explosion and fire as well as a low oxidation-reduction-reversibility of the Electrolyte manganese black, which is a positive pole active material is. Accordingly, it is conventionally understood that the Lithium primary battery cannot be charged.

The invention is in view of the circumstances described above has been developed, and one goal is to create a cameo ragehäuses which charge a battery of a camera and can protect the camera against light and heat.

Another object of the invention is to create a like the usable battery such as a lithium Primary battery and the like, which under a vorbe agreed condition can be safely charged and their charged quantity and energy level are known exactly.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device tes with a function for charging a reusable Battery, in which the reusable battery and a conventional battery can be used, only the re reversible battery is safely charged and the conventional one Battery is not charging.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned goals, a camera is included housing for charging a housing main body for housing a camera that is equipped with a battery, which can be recharged, one in the housing main body the lid, which can be opened and closed, in the Ge main body and inlet provided inside the cover to form a predetermined space between the housing main body and the cover and that in the main body of the housing via a stored camera, a solar provided in the lid battery and a plurality of power source output terminals to supply electrical energy through the Solar battery is generated to that in the case main body  housed camera, and the camera body for charging is exposed to sunlight for a predetermined time during the time of charging so that it can be used leaves.

In addition, the lid is designed so that its opening win is adjustable and the inserts made of insulating materials are manufactured.

According to the invention, the cover is in the housing main body provided so that it can be opened and closed, and the Solar battery is provided in the lid. If the camera is stored in the housing, it is electrically connected with a power source output terminal of the case main body pers, and the electrical generated by the solar battery Power is applied to the camera through the power source output concluded. For those stored in the main body of the case Camera is a predetermined distance between the housing main body, the lid and the camera by means of inserts educated. As a result, the temperature rise of the camera may be trolled. The insoles are from the insulating material lien manufactured so that heat is prevented in the Transfer the main body of the housing and the cover to the camera becomes. Furthermore, the lid is constructed such that its opening angle is adjustable. If at the time of the Charging in the sunlight is open, the tempera increase in the housing can be controlled, and the solar battery can be directed towards the sun.

The reusable battery according to the invention has the same external shape as that of a cylindrical norma len battery and includes a side pole on its side. Au Also, there is an upper or lower pole, which is the same Polarity as the side pole has, isolated to the like to form the usable battery.  

Accordingly, only a special device with a ver binding connector with a connector on the side of the again Connect usable battery. Consequently, the rest of the reusable battery controlled by specifi adorn the device which is the reusable battery can use.

Furthermore, include a device that has a function for Charging a reusable battery is provided, and a camera of the invention a battery chamber for shooting a normal battery or a reusable battery rie, a load to which the power source is supplied by the stored reusable battery or the normal one Battery in the battery chamber, a charging device to open loading the reusable stored in the battery chamber Battery, first and second connection terminals using an upper pole and a lower pole one in the battery chamber-mounted battery are connected, third and fourth Connection terminals with the side pole of the in battery chamber stored reusable battery connected are, a first connection circuit for connecting the he most, second and third connection terminals with the load and a second connection circuit for connecting the four th connection port and the first connection port circuit or the second connection, which a polar other than the fourth connection terminal act with the charger. Consequently, the reusable battery as well as the existing battery, which are stored in the battery chamber can be used (the power source can be fed to the load), and the La deeinrichtung can only recharge the reusable battery the.

In the following the invention with reference to one in the drawing shown embodiment described in more detail, the Reference symbols in all figures are identical or similar parts describe. The drawing shows:  

Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a Ka meragehäuses for charging.

Fig. 2 is a top view of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a detail of a power source output terminal of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an example of a reusable battery;

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of an essential part of a camera which is stored in the camera housing for charging in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a detailed circuit diagram of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a timing chart of a circuit shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of another example of a reusable battery;

Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an essential part of a camera, which is stored in the camera housing for charging in Fig. 1;

FIG. 10 is a side view of another embodiment of the camera body for charging; and

Fig. 11 is a plan view of Fig. 10.

The preferred embodiment of a camera housing for opening charge a reusable battery and a device a function for charging a reusable battery according to the invention are described in detail with reference to the figures described.

Fig. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a camera housing for charging, which includes a device (in this embodiment from a camera) with a function for charging a reusable battery. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the above-mentioned camera body with the lid closed.

As shown in the figures, the camera body for charging includes a main body 10 , a lid 20 and a solar battery 30 . The main body 10 and the lid 20 are made of a metal such as aluminum, etc., or a plastic with light-shielding ability. A camera chamber 12 for accommodating a camera 40 and a battery chamber 14 for accommodating a reusable battery 50 are arranged in the housing main body 10 . A solar battery of 40 mm × 80 mm is arranged in the cover 20 .

The cover 20 is provided in the main body 10 such that it pivots about an axis 22 . An opening angle of Dec kels 20 is adjustable so that the solar battery can be directed 20 to the sun.

A circuit board 16 is provided in the battery chamber 14 of the main body 10 , and the circuit board 16 and the solar battery 30 are electrically connected to each other. A charging circuit, etc. (not shown in the figure) are included in the circuit board 16 to charge the reusable battery 50 stored in the battery chamber 14 .

The circuit board 16 is also provided with power source output terminals 18 and 18 so as to supply the camera 40 with electrical energy from the solar battery.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a detail of the above-mentioned power source output terminal.

As shown in the figure, the connecting pins 18 and 18 are arranged such that they can be inserted into and withdrawn from the camera chamber 12 . The pins 18 A and 18 A are pressed into the camera chamber 12 by the coil springs 18 B and 18 B, which are provided between the terminals 16 A and 16 A of the circuit board and the pins 18 A and 18 A.

Accordingly, when the camera 40 is mounted in the camera chamber 12 of the main body 10 , the power source input terminals 40 A and 40 A of the camera push the connecting pins 18 A and 18 A against the spring force into the battery chamber 14 . As a result, the pins 18 A and 18 A securely contact the power source input terminals 40 A and 40 A of the camera and are electrically connected to them.

Deposits 11 A, 11 B, 11 C, 11 D, 11 E and 21 are provided on the camera chamber 12 and the inner surface of the cover 20 . These deposits 11 A, 11 B, 11 C, 11 D, 11 E and 21 consist of an elastic thermal insulation material and fix the camera 40 in the camera chamber 12 . These deposits prevent the heat in the main body 10 and in the cover 20 from being transferred to the camera 40 stored in the camera chamber 12 . A space is formed between the camera 40 and the main body and the cover 20 by the inserts 11 A, 11 B, 11 C, 11 D, 11 E and 21 , so that the temperature rise in the camera 40 is limited.

Next is the reusable battery in more detail explains which is stored in the camera housing for charging is.

Charging a primary battery is generally prohibited The following reasons for this prohibition are given. For example, an alkaline battery can leak its contents let or burst. A dangerous knot also appears ten, called dendrite when the lithium primary battery (Lithium or a lithium alloy) is charged. This causes serious accidents such as an explosion and fire as well as a low oxidation-reduction-reversible manganese black, which is a positive pole battery is active material. There is a leakage current from the lithium primary battery very small, so the lithium primary battery is preferable for a camera in which a battery for a relative remains unused for a long time. As mentioned above, appears  however, dendrite when the lithium primary battery is charged so it can burn. Accordingly, it is understood conventional that the lithium primary battery is not charged can be.

In the invention, however, a method is developed for si charging a non-aqueous electrolytic battery such as a lithium primary battery (rec reversible battery) with a positive pole active material, a Negative active material such as a light metal and a non-aqueous electrolyte below a predetermined one condition. According to this procedure the Aufla only with an hourly current of 2 µC to 5 mC performed when a rest of the positive pole active material in the reusable battery in the range of 5 to 95% a capacity C of the positive pole active material. The above mentioned method is preferable in the case of charging a so-called lithium primary battery, in which a Positive pole active material is a manganese black and the negative pole Active material is a lithium or a lithium alloy.

If the rest of the positive pole active material in the rever reversible battery reaches almost 0%, charging becomes almost impossible. If the rest of the positive pole active material almost Is 100%, the electrolyte can be decomposed. Dement speaking the rest of the invention is strictly regulated so that it is in a range of 5% to 95%. Especially charging is preferably carried out internally with the rest half a range of 10 to 90% of capacity C. How to is noted, only the positive pole active material is observed, since a capacity of the negative pole active material in general is much larger than that of the positive pole active material in the reusable battery which is a lightweight metal uses the negative pole active material.

The appearance of the dendrite is considered by some  the inventors performed examples through the current La speed affected. When charging is done is with an hourly amount of electricity of 10 mC, is almost no dendrite present. When charging is done with an hourly amount of current of 20 mA, is a small one Occurrence of dendrite confirmed. Therefore, in the invention perform the charging with an hourly amount of electricity of maximum 5 mC, half of 10 mC, at which little Dendrite appears so that charging is carried out safely can be. The minimum speed does not need to be defi to be renated considering the appearance of the dendrite however, full charging could not be done be at an extremely slow loading speed, therefore the minimum level is set at 5 µC in the invention. For the same reason as the maximum speed case speed, the charging speed is preferably hourly amounts from 10 µC to 1 mC and even better from 20 µC to 0.5 mC.

The manganese dioxide is recommended as the positive pole active material len, and it is even more preferable to electrolyzed or use synthetic manganese dioxide. The electrolytic Manganese dioxide is obtained through electrolytic oxidation an acid solution of manganese sulfate, manganese carbonate, manganni stepped, manganese phosphate, manganese acetate, manganese fluoride, manganese chloride, manganese bromide and manganese iodide. Of these, most are manganese sulfate or manganese chloride is preferable. So he Manganese dioxide kept at 1 to 48 hours Temperature of 300 ° to 600 ° C can be processed. The synthe Table manganese dioxide can be obtained by introducing Permanganic acid alkali solution in a boiling solution of new tralem manganese sulfate.

The average particle size of the positive pole active material as according to the invention is not limited but is preferably from 0.03 to 50 µm. The surface area of the  Plus pole active material, which in a so-called BET process ren checked, is preferably in a range of 1 up to 100 m² / g. Control of particle size and upper area can be carried out using a well known pulverizer and a classifying machine for Example of a mortar, a ball mill, a vibrating kiss gel mill, a satellite ball mill or a rotary puller jet mill (turning draft jet mill).

An applicable material for the negative pole active material is preferably lithium metal or an alloy of lithium and a metal such as Al, Mn, Sn, Mg, Cd and In. Incidentally, an alloy of lithium and Al is the best in the invention.

A conductive agent, a binder, a filler and the like can be added to a depolarizing mixture for the cell the. The conductive means could be made of electrical conductive material with no chemical reaction when a batte rie is used. We recommend one of the following Include fabrics or a blend of natural gra phite (lepid graphite, squama (scale) graphite, Erd (soil) graphite, etc.), artificial graphite, soot, acetylene carbon black, carbon black, carbon fiber, metal powder [copper, nickel, Aluminum, silver (see Japanese patent application, Offenle supply no. 63-148554)] and metal textile. By the way, it is before to use the graphite and the acetylene black together the.

An additional amount is not specified in detail, but is preferably from 1 to 50% by weight and especially special from 2 to 30% by weight.

The binder is any of the following or a mixture of polysaccharide, thermoplastic resin and elastic polymer, for example starch, polyvinyl alcohol, Carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, regenerated  Cellulose, diacethyl cellulose, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyfluoride vinylidene, Po polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-diene polymer (EPDM), sulfonation EPDM, styrene butadiene rubber, polybuta dien, fluorine-containing rubber, polyacrylic acid or polyethy lenoxide. An additional amount of the binder is not required particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 50 Ge % by weight and even better at 2 to 30% by weight.

The filler should consist of fiber material, which in battery does not react chemically. Usually will an olefin polymer such as polypropylene and polyethylene len, glass or carbon used. An additional amount of the filler is not limited, but is preferably at 0 to 30% by weight.

The non-aqueous electrolyte generally consists of Lö solvent and lithium acid (anion and lithium cation, which in the solvent are included. The solvent can be ir be one of the following or a combination of Propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, butylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, gamma-butyrolactone, formic acid methyl, methyl acetate, 1,2-dimetoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran, 2- Methyl tetrahydrofuran, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,3-dioxolane, For mamide, dimethylformamide, dioxolane, acetonitrile, nitromethane, Äthhymonoglime, Triester-phosphoric acid, trimethoxyethane, Di oxolane derivative, sulfolane, 3-methyl-2-oxazolidine, propylene car bonate derivative, tetrahydrofuran derivative, ethyl ether and non-flo clay organic solvent such as 1,3-propane sul volume. A cation of lithium salt mentioned in the above Solving solvent is one or a combination of the following: C10₄, -BF₄-PF₆-, CF₃SO₃-, CF₃CO₂-AsF₆-, SbF₆-, CF₃CO₂) 2N-, lower aliphatic carboxylic acid ion (japani cal patent application, disclosure no. 60-41773), AlCl₄, C1-, Br- and I- (Japanese PA, Disclosure No. 60-247625). Of the  preferred electrolyte consists of a mixture of a propy carbonate and / or butylene carbonate and a 1,2-dimeth oxaethane and / or diethyl carbonate with LiCF₃SO₃, LiClO₄, LiBF₄ and / or LiPF₆. An additional amount of the electrolyte in the battery is not limited but should probably run out be weighed considering the amount of positive and negative pole Active materials and the size of the battery.

The volume ratio of the solvent is not be limits, but is preferably for a mixture solution of propylene carbonate and / or buthylene carbonate and 1,2-di methoxyethane in a range of 0.4 / 0.6 to 0.6 / 0.4.

The density of the supporting electrolyte is not limits, but it is recommended that they be 0.2 to 3 moles each Liter of electrolyte solution.

The electrolyte can be replaced by the following Festelek trolyte. There are two types of solid electrolytes, one of them is an inorganic solid electrolyte and the other is an orga is a solid electrolyte. The well-known inorganic festival electrolytes are Li nitride, halide chloride and oxygen chloride rid. To take a few examples, there are Li₃N, LiI, Li₅Ni₂, Li₃N-Nil-LiOH, LiSiO₄, LiSiO₄-Nil-LiOH (Japanese PA, Disclosure No. 49-81899), xLi₃PO₄- (1-x) Li₄SiO₄ (Japanese PA, Laid-Open No. 60-501731), and Phosphorsul fidverbindung (Japanese PA, Disclosure No. 62-82665).

There is a polymer of poly as organic solid electrolytes ethylene oxide derivative or a polymer which is the derivative contains (Japanese PA, Disclosure No. 63-135447), a Po lymer of polypropylene oxide derivative or a polymer which containing the derivative, a polymer containing ionic disso ciative base (Japanese PA, Disclosure No. 62-254302, 62- 254303 and 63-193954), a blend of a polymer tend ionic dissociative base and the non-proton electroly ten (US-P, Serial No. 4,792,504 and 4,830,939 and Japanese  PA, Disclosure No. 62-22375, 62-22376, 63-22776 and 1- 95117), a phosphate ester polymer (Japanese PA, Offenle supply no. 61-256573) and a high molecular matrix material including nonflotonic polar solvents (US-P, series No. 4,822,70, 4,830,939, Japanese PA, disclosure no. 63- 239779, Japanese PA, No. 2-30318 and 2-78531). Furthermore, Polyacrylonitrile are added to the electrolyte (Japanese PA, Disclosure No. 62-278774). Furthermore, the inorganic cal and the organic solid electrolyte used together (Japanese PA, Disclosure No. 60-1768).

An electrically insulating membrane is included as a separator excellent permeability and a predetermined me mechanical strength is provided. Considering antiorgani shear solution properties and hydrophobic properties Foil or a non-woven fabric made of olefin polymer such as, for example Polypropylene and polyethylene or glass fiber. The clear expanse the separator is in one for a general battery suitable range, for example from 0.1 to 10 µm. The fat the separator is also in a general Battery suitable range, for example at 5 to 300 microns.

The current collector of the electrode active material can be of electronic conductivity, which no chemi reaction in the battery. To give an example name, for the positive pole it is recommended stainless Steel, nickel, aluminum, titanium or fuel carbon to use, otherwise aluminum or stainless steel, Surface treated with carbon, nickel, titanium or sil ber, and for the negative pole it is recommended to rustproof Steel, nickel, copper, titanium, aluminum or Brenn-Koh oil, otherwise copper or stainless Steel, surface treated with carbon, nickel, titanium or silver. If necessary, surfaces of this Oxidized materials. The shape can be a film, a film Otherwise, sheet, mesh, or die-cut condition strip-shaped, porous, foaming or fibrous substances.  

The positive pole is preferably made of titanium or rust free steel in a mesh or punched out condition. The Thickness of the positive pole is not limited, but it will recommended that it be in the range of 1 to 50 µm.

Fig. 4 is an external view of the above-mentioned reusable battery. For example, as shown in the figure, the usable battery 50 has a CR-123A type outer shape. The reusable battery has a positive pole 50 A on its upper end and a negative pole 50 B on its side surface. A bottom end 50 C of the reusable battery 50 is insulated.

Because of the above-mentioned structure of the poles, the reusable battery 50 can only use one device (in this embodiment, a camera) which has connections to be connected to the positive pole 50 A and the negative pole 50 B. This is because a remainder of the positive pole active material in the reusable battery 50 must be monitored closely. Therefore, only one device with the monitoring function can be used. Next, the camera will be explained in detail, which is housed in the camera housing for charging, which is shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of essential portions of an embodiment of the above-mentioned camera. The camera 40 can use both the reusable battery 50 and the conventional battery and has a charging device only for charging the reusable battery.

As shown in FIG. 5, the charging device in the camera 40 mainly comprises a battery chamber 52 for receiving the reusable battery 50 , a charging energy control part 60 , a central processing unit (CPU) 70 and a consumption energy control part 80 .

Four connection connections 52 A, 52 B, 52 C and 52 D are provided in the battery chamber 52 . The connection terminal 52 A is connected to the charge energy control part 60 and the consumption energy control part 80 . The connection terminal 52 B is connected to the charging energy control part 60 . The connection terminals 52 C and 52 D are connected to the consumption energy control part 80 .

In the case where the reusable battery 50 is charged in the camera 40 , the camera 40 is stored in the camera housing for charging (see FIG. 1). Then the camera housing is preferably placed in front of the window so that continuous sunlight can enter through the window into a solar battery 30 which is provided in the camera housing for charging. In addition, the angle of a lid 20 is set so that the sunlight can enter the solar battery 30 almost vertically.

When the light illuminates the solar battery 30 , a weak electric current is generated. The current enters the charging energy control part 60 via a diode 31 for preventing the reverse current and via a current source output terminal 18 . The electricity generated by the electricity is accumulated in the charging energy control part 60 .

The electricity stored in the charge energy control part 60 is monitored by the CPU 70 . The CPU 70 monitors the number of times that the electricity is transferred from the charging energy control section 60 to the reusable battery 50 , and also monitors the electricity passing through the consumption energy control section 80 . If predetermined electricity is stored in the charging energy control part 60 and the CPU 70 confirms that the rest of the electricity in the reusable battery 50 is 5 to 95%, the electricity in the charging energy control part 60 becomes the reusable battery 50 transferred so that it can be charged. The transmission of the electricity is carried out at an electrical current of less than 5 mC, the unit C being a capacity of the positive pole active material in the reusable battery 50 .

The originally stored and recharged electrical energy in the reusable battery 50 is fed to a load 90 via the consumption energy control part 80 . The load 90 consists of a shutter circuit, an automatic focusing circuit, a flash circuit, etc. in the camera. The electricity of two joules is consumed per shot when photographing without flash, and the electricity of 14 joules is consumed per shot when photographing with flash. Accordingly, the CPU 70 monitors the application of flash and the number of shots so as to measure the amount of electricity discharged from the reusable battery 50 . As described above, the CPU 70 monitors the number of times that the electricity is transferred from the charging power control part 60 to the reusable battery 50 . In view of the amount of electricity that is constant during transmission, the amount of electricity charged into the reusable battery 50 can be determined. The electricity (capacity C) originally stored in the reusable battery 50 is already known, the rest of the electricity in the reusable battery 50 can be measured by the CPU 70 .

FIG. 6 is a detailed circuit diagram of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a timing chart of FIG. 6. The preferred embodiment is described in detail below with reference to the figures.

The charging energy control part 60 is provided with a capacitor 61 to store therein the electricity generated by the solar battery 30 via the diode 31 . In this state, there is an S_ENABLE signal at L level, and an NPN transistor 62 and a PNP transistor 63 are in the OFF state. When a terminal voltage of the capacitor 61 exceeds that of the reusable battery 50 , free transfer of electricity from the capacitor 61 to the reusable battery 50 is prevented.

A SENSE signal is usually kept in an open collector state. For example, it reaches L level once an hour, forming a current path through pnp transistor 64 . Then, a terminal voltage TANK_V (see FIG. 7) of the capacitor 61 is monitored, and when the terminal voltage TANK_V of the capacitor 61 reaches a predetermined level, a CHARGE_UP signal reaches the H level as shown in FIG. 7. The electricity generated by the solar battery 30 is too weak to constantly monitor the terminal voltage of the capacitor 31 due to the high consumption of electricity for monitoring. It is therefore practical to form the current path only when periodic monitoring is performed so that the electricity generated by the solar battery 30 can be effectively saved. A first control part 70 A receives information regarding the CHARGE_UP signal that reaches the H level. When the first control section 70 A confirms that the energy level of the reusable battery 50 will be 5 to 95%, the S_ENABLE signal is made to go high to shift the pnp transistor 63 to an ON state. At the same time, a SCOOP signal of pulses, as shown in FIG. 7, is applied from the first control part 70 A to a base of the npn transistor 65 to quickly switch it to the ON or OFF state. When the npn transistor 65 is in the ON state, the elec tricity stored in the capacitor 61 is shifted to a coil 66 , and when the npn transistor 65 is in the OFF state, that in the coil 66 stored electricity is stored in the reusable battery 50 via the diode 67 .

The above-mentioned operations are repeated so that the electricity of the capacitor 61 is supplied to the reusable battery 50 . Then the S-ENABLE signal reaches the L level after a predetermined time, consequently the current path between the capacitor 61 and the reusable battery 50 is interrupted, and the SCOOP signal is stopped. At this time, the supplied electrical energy p₁ can be obtained by the following theoretical equation (1), in which V represents the terminal voltage of the capacitor 61 before the supply of electrical energy and C₀ represents the capacitance of the capacitor 61 .

p₁ (1/2) / C₀V² (1)

Incidentally, the supply of the electric power should be performed with a limited electric current of 5 mC or less by controlling the ON / OFF pulse width of the npn transistor 65 .

When the electrical energy is transmitted, a counter (not shown), which is contained in the first control part 70 A, counts the number of transmissions. According to the number counted, it is known what amount of electrical energy is transferred from the capacitor 61 to the reusable battery 50 . That is, when the counted number obtained by the counter is n, the total amount of electric power P 1 transferred from the capacitor 61 to the usable battery 50 is calculated as follows:

P₁ = p₁ × n = (1/2) × C₀V² x n (2)

On the other hand, for example, a SWITCH signal reaches the H level when a cap covering a lens surface of the camera is removed. The second control part 70 B belonging to the CPU 70 receives information regarding the SWITCH signal reaching the H level, and then changes a D_ENABLE signal from the L level to the H level. The npn transistor 81 of the consumption energy control part 80 accordingly changes to the ON state, and the pnp transistor 62 also changes to the ON state. As a result, the reusable battery 50 can be electrically connected to the load 90 , and the electric current flows from the reusable battery 50 to the load 90 . Entered a SHUTTER signal, which indicates that the photographing is performed by by opening and closing the shutter, and a strobe signal, which indicates whether the photographing is carried out with or without the use of flash, be in the second control part 70 B . The second control part 70 B receives these signals to calculate the amount of electrical energy consumed in the load 90 , and the calculated amount is transmitted to the first control part 70 A. The first control part 70 A calculates the energy level of the reusable battery 50 based on the amount of electric energy charged in the reusable battery 50 , the amount of electrical energy consumed in the load 90 , which is transmitted from the second control part 70 B. that is, the amount of electric power discharged from the reusable battery 50 , and the preset capacity C of the reusable battery 50 .

It can be estimated how many additional shots of photography are possible without charging. The estimated number is displayed on an LCD display, for example, which is not shown in the figure. From this display, the user of the camera can find out whether charging of the solar battery is necessary or not, the desired number of shots being taken into account when taking photos in the future. However, when the energy level of the reusable battery 50 is 5% or less or 95% or more even though the terminal voltage TANK_V of the capacitor 61 has reached a predetermined level, the S_ENABLE signal is kept at the L level. On the other hand, the SENSE signal is kept at the L level when the opportunity requires, so that the electrical energy stored in the capacitor 61 is output through the pnp transistor 24 to the terminal voltage TANK_V of the capacitor at a predetermined voltage to keep.

In addition, the consumption of electrical energy in the reusable battery 50 is preferably controlled to prevent the rest of the reusable battery from being 5% or less. When the reusable battery 50 cannot be used, the normal battery is stored in the battery chamber 52 so that the camera 40 can be used continuously. That is, when the normal battery is stored in the battery chamber 52 , the positive pole at the upper end of the existing battery is connected to a connection terminal 52 A, and the negative pole at the lower end is connected to a connection terminal 52 D. As a result, the load is supplied through the consumption energy control part 80 . Incidentally, since there is no pole on the side of the normal battery, there is no possibility of charging the normal battery even if the camera 40 is stored in the camera housing for charging.

An example of an experiment is explained below. In the experiment, the solar battery 30 was replaced with one with different surface area, and the capacitor 61 was replaced with one with different capacity, and the charging speed in the reusable battery 50 was changed at an ON / OFF power ratio of the npn transistor 62 in the circuit described in FIG. 6. The reusable battery 50 was then replaced, and extraction of the dendrite and the degree of extraction were examined after charging the reusable battery with a microscope.

As a result, when the rest of the reusable battery 50 was in the range of 50 to 95% and charging was carried out at a charging speed of 10 mC or less until the energy level reached 95%, there was no presence of dendrite. When five samples were charged at 20 mC, a little Den third appeared in a sample that was charged after it was discharged up to 5%. However, when the reusable battery, which had been discharged to almost 0%, was charged, desired charging was impossible. If the reusable battery that has been charged to almost 100% or the unused reusable battery has been charged, it is obvious that lithium ion in the electrolyte is extracted first, and if there is no lithium ion in the electrolyte, that will Electrolyte decomposes itself. For example, charging was not performed in the reusable battery, which had been almost fully charged.

The camera case for charging is provided with a charging circuit (not shown) which charges the reusable battery 50 housed in the battery chamber 14 as shown in FIG. 2. The charging circuit has the same function as the charging energy control part 60 of FIG. 5, and a connection terminal connected to the reusable battery 50 is formed in the same manner as the connection terminals 52 A and 52 B of FIG. 5 normal battery cannot be charged. If the camera 40 is stored in the camera body for charging, priority is given to charging in the reusable battery of the camera.

In order to fully charge the reusable battery which has been discharged up to 5% by means of the camera case for charging, the camera case for charging is also placed at the window so that the reusable battery can be fully charged in seven days under the assumption that the sunlight enters the solar battery 30 for about four hours a day.

There are also two types of metal for an outer case of a reusable battery, that is, metals of positive polarity and negative polarity. The positive polarity metal is, for example, an alkali manganese type. The reusable battery has a structure such that its upper end 51 A is insulated as shown in Fig. 8, and a positive pole 51 B is formed on the side surface, and a negative pole 51 C is formed on the bottom end.

As the camera 40 which uses the reusable battery 51 , the camera is used which has a construction as shown in Fig. 9. In Fig. 9, the same parts are given the same reference numerals as in Fig. 5, and their detailed explanation is omitted.

Four connection terminals 54 A, 54 B, 54 C and 54 D are provided in the battery chamber 54 of the camera 40 , as shown in FIG. 9. The connection terminal 54 A is connected to the consumption energy control part 80 , and the connection terminal 54 B is connected to the charging energy control part 60 . The connection connections 54 C and 54 D are connected to the charging energy control part and the consumption energy control part 80 . Since the terminals are constructed in the above-mentioned manner, the reusable battery 51 as well as the normal battery can be used, and only the reusable battery can be charged.

Incidentally, the poles on the side of the reusable battery 50 or 51 are formed on two parts of the side surface, but the invention is not limited to this. The poles may be formed around the entire side surface at predetermined intervals.

Fig. 10 is a side view illustrating the other embodiment of the camera body for charging. FIG. 11 is a top view of FIG. 10.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the camera housing for charging is the housing for an instant camera and is larger than the housing shown in FIG. 1 and others. In other points, it has the same structure as that shown in Fig. 1 and others.

That is, the camera housing for charging mainly includes a housing main body 110 , a lid 120 and six solar batteries 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 and 136 . A camera chamber 112 for accommodating the instant camera and a battery chamber 114 for accommodating the reusable battery, etc. are formed in the main body 110 . The Dec kel 120 is provided so that it pivots about an axis 122 , and an opening angle of the lid 120 can be adjusted. Incidentally, the six solar batteries 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 and 136 , which is provided in the cover 120 , are each 40 mm × 80 mm in size.

Deposits 111 A, 111 C, 111 D, 111 E, 111 F and 111 G and a layer 121 are provided in the camera chamber 112 of the housing main body 110 or on the inside of the cover 120 . A circuit board 116 is provided in the battery chamber 114 of the main body 110 , and the circuit board 116 is electrically connected to the solar batteries 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 and 136 . A charging circuit, etc. (not shown) for charging the reusable battery housed in the battery chamber 114 is attached to the circuit board 116 . Furthermore, power source output terminals 118 and 118 , which supply the electric power generated in the solar batteries 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 and 136 to the instant camera, are provided on the circuit board 116 .

Since the six solar batteries 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 and 136 are provided and cover a large space, the charging can be carried out even under ambient light, etc.

Incidentally, in the camera case for charging as shown in FIG. 1 and others, the solar battery can be formed with the possibility of folding and can be expanded when the camera case is used, so that a larger light receiving area than the lid 20 can be ensured. In addition, another solar battery is slidably stored in the lid 20 , and the stored solar battery is pulled out when the camera body is used, so that a larger light receiving area can be obtained.

In addition, a device in which the reusable Battery is used as the power source and the battery is on be applied to a device other than that Camera of this embodiment.

As described above, the camera body is for charging according to the invention so constructed that only one device with one special connection is to be used. Hence can be an energy control device that is provided in the device hen, the energy level of the reusable battery Taxes. Incidentally, charging can only be carried out safely when the energy level of the reusable battery in a range from 5 to 95% and the reusable bat terie is charged with an electric current of 2 µC up to 5 mC per charge.

In addition, in a device that has a function to open charging the reusable battery according to the invention is provided, the connections constructed so that the again usable battery as well as the existing battery used can be. Even if the energy level of the Reversible battery is too low to use, therefore the existing battery can be used. Furthermore, that  Charging can be done safely because the connections are so on are built that not the existing battery, but the reusable battery can be charged.

However, it is understood that there is no intention to Invention to be disclosed on the specific forms limit, but on the contrary, the invention is intended to all modes fications, alternative constructions and equivalents abdec ken, which are within the scope and spirit of the invention, as in expressed the claims.

Claims (11)

1. camera housing for charging, characterized by a housing main body ( 10 ) for receiving a camera ( 40 ) which is provided with a battery ( 50 ) which can be charged, a provided in the housing main body ( 10 ) cover ( 20 ), the can be opened and closed, a plurality of in the housing main body ( 10 ) and within the cover ( 20 ) provided inlays ( 11 A, 11 B, 11 C, 11 D, 11 E, 21 ) to form a predetermined space between the Housing main body ( 10 ) and the cover ( 20 ) and the camera ( 40 ) mounted in the housing main body ( 10 ), a solar battery ( 30 ) provided in the cover ( 20 ) and a plurality of power source output terminals ( 18 ) for supplying electrical Energy generated by the solar battery ( 30 ) to the camera ( 40 ) stored in the housing main body ( 10 ). 2. Camera housing for charging according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing main body ( 10 ) comprises a bearing part ( 14 ) for storing the battery ( 50 ) and a charging device ( 60 ) for charging the bearing in the bearing part ( 14 ) th Battery ( 50 ) by means of the electrical energy generated by the solar battery ( 30 ). 3. Camera housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover ( 20 ) is constructed such that its opening angle is adjustable so that the angle of the solar battery ( 30 ) is adjustable. 4. Camera housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the inserts ( 11 A ... 11 E, 21 ) are made of an insulating material. 5. A camera housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the solar battery ( 30 ) provided in the cover ( 20 ) comprises a solar battery which is folded or stored in the cover and is spread out for use or is pulled out. 6. Reusable battery, which has the same outer shape as a normal battery, characterized by
a side pole ( 50 B, 51 B) formed on a side surface of the reusable battery ( 50 , 51 ),
an upper pole ( 50 A, 51 A) provided at the upper end of the reusable battery,
and a lower pole ( 50 C, 51 C) provided at the lower end of the reusable battery, which has a polarity different from the upper pole ( 50 A, 51 A), the upper pole ( 51 A) or the lower pole ( 50 C), which has the same polarity as the side pole ( 50 B, 51 B), is isolated. 7. Reusable battery according to claim 6, characterized by a positive pole active material, a negative pole Active material made of light metal and a non-aqueous Electrolytes. 8. Reusable battery according to claim 7, characterized ge indicates that the positive pole active material is a manganese black  and the negative pole active material is a lithium or a Li is thium alloy. 9. Device, which is provided with a function for charging a reusable battery, characterized by
a battery chamber ( 52 ) for accommodating a normal battery or a reusable battery ( 50 ), which has the same outer shape as a normal battery, comprising a side pole ( 50 B), which is formed on a side surface of the reusable battery ( 50 ) , an upper pole ( 50 A) provided at the upper end of the reusable battery ( 50 ), and an lower pole ( 50 C) provided at the lower end of the reusable battery ( 50 ) which is one of the upper Pole ( 50 A) ver different polarity, the upper pole or the lower pole ( 50 C), which has the same polarity as the side pole ( 50 B), is isolated,
a load ( 90 ) to which the power source is supplied by the stored reusable battery ( 50 ) or the normal battery in the battery chamber ( 52 ),
a charging device ( 60 ) for charging the reusable battery ( 50 ) stored in the battery chamber ( 52 ),
first and second connection connections ( 52 A, 52 D) which are connected to an upper pole ( 50 A) and a lower pole ( 50 C) of a battery ( 50 ) stored in the battery chamber ( 52 ),
third and fourth connection terminals ( 52 B, 52 C) which are connected to the side pole ( 50 B) of the reusable battery ( 50 ) stored in the battery chamber ( 52 ),
a first connection circuit for connecting the first, second and third connection connections ( 52 A, 52 D, 52 C) to the load ( 90 ) and a second connection circuit for connecting the fourth connection connection ( 52 C) and the first connection connection ( 52 A) or the second connection terminal, which has a different polarity from the fourth connection terminal, with the charging device ( 60 ). 10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the charging device ( 60 ) only charges the reusable battery with an hourly amount of current of 2 µC to 5 mC when the rest of the positive pole active material in the reusable battery ( 5 ) in a range of 5 to 95% of a capacity C of the positive pole active material. 11. Camera, characterized by a battery chamber ( 52 ) for receiving a normal battery or a reusable battery ( 50 ), which has the same outer shape as a normal battery, comprising a side pole ( 50 B), which is on a side surface of the reusable Battery ( 50 ) is formed, an upper pole ( 50 A), which is provided at the upper end of the reusable battery ( 50 ), and a lower pole ( 50 C) provided at the lower end of the reusable battery ( 50 ) which has a different polarity from the upper pole ( 50 A), the upper pole or the lower pole ( 50 C), which has the same polarity as the side pole ( 50 B), being insulated,
a load ( 90 ) to which the power source is supplied by the stored reusable battery ( 50 ) or the normal battery in the battery chamber ( 52 ),
a charging device ( 60 ) for charging the reusable battery ( 50 ) stored in the battery chamber ( 52 ),
first and second connection connections ( 52 A, 52 D) which are connected to an upper pole ( 50 A) and a lower pole ( 50 C) of a battery ( 50 ) stored in the battery chamber ( 52 ),
third and fourth connection terminals ( 52 B, 52 C) which are connected to the side pole ( 50 B) of the reusable battery ( 50 ) stored in the battery chamber ( 52 ),
a first connection circuit for connecting the first, second and third connection connections ( 52 A, 52 D, 52 C) to the load ( 90 )
and a second connection circuit for connecting the fourth connection terminal ( 52 C) and the first connection terminal ( 52 A) or the second connection terminal, which has a different polarity from the fourth connection terminal, to the charging device ( 60 ).