JP2002244772A - Attachment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an attachment with simple ejecting securing a driving battery for an electronic device and being capable of miniaturization. SOLUTION: This attachment is provided with a base storing equipments for expanding the function of the electronic device, mounting the electronic device, and electrically connected thereto, an AC adapter 61 connected to a commercial power supply, a charging part 118 provided in the base, and the driving battery 8 detachably stored in the base. The charging part 118 connected to the AC adapter 61 charges the driving battery 8.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an accessory for electronic equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of apparatus is disclosed in, for example,
No. 265333. According to this publication, an auxiliary device is mounted on an extension device, and an electronic device (for example, a notebook personal computer) is mounted thereon. The expansion device incorporates a function expansion device (such as a CD-ROM driver) for the electronic device, and a PCMCIA card or the like is inserted into the accessory device. Then, the user can remove the electronic device from the attached device, carry the electronic device, and operate it using a built-in battery even in a place where there is no AC power supply.

[0003]

However, when the electronic device is A
When used for a long time in a place where there is no C power source, there is a first disadvantage that the voltage of the built-in battery drops and the electronic device does not operate. In order to solve this, the present inventor tried to charge a spare battery (driving battery) for an electronic device in the accessory device. However, the electronic device is placed on the accessory device, and the commercial power supply charges the spare battery via the electronic device and the charging unit in the accessory device. Therefore, there is a second disadvantage that the spare battery cannot be charged when the electronic device is detached from the attached device. Further, the above-described apparatus has a third disadvantage that a plurality of eject mechanisms and eject buttons are required when both the function expansion device and the driving battery are stored.

Further, the inventor has electrically connected electronic equipment to the output side of the AC adapter. However, when charging the battery in the electronic device and the driving battery at the same time, a large current flows, so the AC adapter has a large capacity (larger size).
There is a fourth disadvantage. The present invention considers such conventional drawbacks, secures a driving battery for an electronic device, can be charged even when the electronic device is removed, and has a simple eject operation.
Provided is an accessory device that does not require a large-capacity AC adapter.

[0005]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the present invention, there is provided a base for accommodating a device for expanding the function of an electronic device, mounting the electronic device thereon, and electrically connecting the device. A base, an AC adapter connected to a commercial power supply, a charging unit provided in the base, and a driving battery detachably stored in the base, and connected to the AC adapter. The charging unit charges the driving battery.

According to the present invention, the charging unit charges the driving battery even when the electronic device is not electrically connected to the base.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a storage portion is provided on the base, and the storage portion is provided to arbitrarily store either the first device for expanding the function of the electronic device or the driving battery. Is composed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a base on which an electronic device is mounted, and a base for accommodating both a second device for expanding the function of the electronic device and a driving battery;
The second device or the driving battery is ejected according to an operation state of the switching operation unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a base on which a function expansion device of an electronic device is housed and on which the electronic device is mounted, an AC adapter connected to a commercial power supply, and a detachable base inside the base. A drive battery housed in the battery pack, and a charging unit for charging the drive battery. The output side of the AC adapter is electrically connected to an electric component of an attached device. Are detachably connected electrically.

According to the present invention, when the current flowing through the output side of the AC adapter becomes a predetermined value or more, the charging section stops charging the driving battery.

According to the present invention, a charging circuit for charging the driving battery, a detection circuit for detecting the current,
A control unit, and when the detection circuit outputs to the control unit that the current has become equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit stops energizing the charging circuit.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An attachment according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Figure 1
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present system 2 using the attached device 1, and FIG.
3 is a perspective view of the attachment device 1 and the function expansion device 3, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the attachment device 1 with the mounting portion 4 removed.

In these figures, the electronic device 5 is, for example,
It is a portable (notebook) personal computer, on which an electronic device 5 is mounted on a base 6 constituting the accessory device 1. A drive battery 8 of the electronic device 5 is housed in a window 7 formed on a side surface of the base 6. A locking portion 9 is fixed behind the base 6, and a key 10 is inserted into the locking portion 9.

A PCMCIA card or the like is inserted into the function expansion device 3, a USB terminal or a LAN connection terminal is provided at an appropriate position, and a projection (not shown) is formed at the front. The auxiliary device 1 is placed on the function expansion device 3 by inserting a protrusion (not shown) into a hole formed in the base 6. The front bottom surface of the attachment device 1 is placed, for example, on the surface of a desk (not shown).

As described above, the electronic system 5, the accessory device 1, and the function expansion device 3 constitute the present system 2. As described above, the accessory device 1 and the function expansion device 3 include components for expanding the function of the electronic device 5. And
The system 2 is configured so that the user places the electronic device 5 on the accessory device 1, performs an operation with expanded functions, separates the electronic device 5 from the accessory device 1, and can carry the electronic device 5. Also, the combination of the electronic device 5 and the accessory device 1 alone plays a sufficient role as a system. Further, the accessory device 1 and the function expansion device 3 may be integrated into one accessory device.

Further, the configuration of the attachment device 1 will be described in detail with reference to these drawings. The base 6 constituting the attachment device 1 mainly includes a base 13 and a mounting portion (lid) 4. Base 13
Is made of plastic, for example, and is formed in a concave shape with an open top. A window 7 is formed on the right side surface of the base 13, and a driving battery 8 is stored through the window 7.
A window 14 is formed on the left side surface of the second device 15 (a device for expanding the function of the electronic device 5, for example, C
D-ROM driver, etc.). As described above, the driving battery 8 and the second device 15 are stored in the base 6.

As shown in FIG. 2, the mounting portion 4 is made of, for example, plastic, and guide portions 16, 17, and 18 and mounting surfaces 19 and 20 which are formed higher than the center portion are formed on the periphery thereof. Protrusions 21 and 22 are formed. Windows 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, etc. are formed at appropriate places of the mounting portion 4,
Hook portions 28 and 29 are formed on the front side. Mounting part 4
Is mounted on the base 13, and is fixed to the base 13 in place by a small screw (not shown).

The equipment operating section 30 is made of, for example, plastic, and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from a plane, and in a substantially T-shape that projects downward when viewed from a side. The equipment operating section 30 is guided by the window 27 and is configured to be movable in the vertical direction (a direction). Similarly, the equipment operation section 31 is made of, for example, plastic, and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from a plane, and in a substantially T-shape that projects downward when viewed from a side. The equipment operating section 31 is guided by the window 26 and is configured to be movable in the vertical direction (b direction) (see FIG. 2).

As shown in FIG. 3, the locking portion drive plate 32 is configured to be rotatable about a shaft 33 formed on the base 13. The protrusion formed below the equipment operating section 30 is provided so as to abut on an appropriate position of the locking section drive plate 32. The locking portion 34 is a flat plate whose lower portion is formed obliquely, and is guided by a guide portion formed on the base 13. Pin fixed to locking portion drive plate 32 (shown by broken line)
Are inserted into holes formed in the locking portion 34.

With this configuration, when the user moves the equipment operating section 30 in the direction a, the locking section driving plate 3
2 slightly rotates, and the rotation causes the locking portion 34 to move in the direction a. For example, when the user moves the equipment operation unit 30 upward, the locking unit 34 also moves upward, and the lower end of the locking unit 34 is provided with a guide hole (not shown) for the driving battery 8. Get off. As a result, the driving battery 8 is
And the driving battery 8 can be taken out of the attached device 1. Thus, the driving battery 8 is
It is removably stored in the base 6.

When the user moves the equipment operation section 30 downward, the locking section 34 also moves downward, and the lower end of the locking section 34 is inserted into the guide hole of the driving battery 8. Is done. As a result, the driving battery 8 is locked by the locking portion 34, and the driving battery 8 cannot be taken out of the attached device 1.

As described above, depending on the operating state of the equipment operating sections 30 and 31 (for example, whether the operating sections are in the lower position or the upper position), the locking portions 34 and 35 are connected to the driving battery 8 and the second battery. Lock or release each of the two devices.

As shown in FIG. 2, a connection terminal (for example, a female connector) 36 is provided on the base 13, and is provided so as to protrude from a window 23 formed in the mounting portion 4. When the electronic device 5 is placed on the attachment device 1, the connection terminal 36a (for example, a male connector) provided on the electronic device 5 is inserted into the connection terminal 36, and the two terminals are electrically connected.

As shown in FIG. 3, the operation lever 37R is made of, for example, plastic, is disposed on the right side of the base 13, and is configured to be rotatable around a shaft 38 formed on the base 13. The lever 39 is made of, for example, metal, and is provided so as to be rotatable about a shaft 38 in conjunction with the operation lever 37R.

The hook driving plate 40 is made of, for example, plastic, and a pin 41 fixed to the lever 39 is inserted into a hole (not shown) formed in the hook driving plate 40. The hook portion 42 is made of, for example, plastic,
The tip is formed in a hook shape, and the root is connected to the hook drive plate 40.

When the user pulls the operation lever 37 in the direction C, the lever 39 linked to the operation lever 37R rotates clockwise. The hook driving plate 40 linked to the pin 41 fixed to the lever 39 moves upward d, and the hook 42 linked to the hook driving plate 40 moves upward d. As a result, the hook portion 42 is released from the receiving portion (not shown) of the electronic device 5 locked on the hook portion 42, and the hook portion 42 releases the lock of the electronic device 5.

The push-up driving plate 43 is made of, for example, plastic, and one end thereof is inserted with a pin 44 fixed to the lever 39. The push-up drive plate 43 is formed such that the height increases as the position approaches the pin 44. The push-up portion 45 is made of, for example, plastic and formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, guided by members around the push-up portion 45, and the bottom surface thereof is in contact with the vicinity of the tip of the push-up drive plate 43.

When the user pulls the operation lever 37R in the direction C (open state), the lever 39 rotates clockwise, and the push-up drive plate 43 moves upward. Push-up drive plate 43
The height increases as the position approaches the pin 44, and when the operation lever 37R is in the open state, the distance between the push-up portion 45 and the pin 44 becomes short, so that the push-up portion 45 protrudes.

As described above, when the operation lever 37R is operated in the direction C (open state), the hook portion 42 is unlocked,
The push-up portion 45 projects, pushes up and ejects the electronic device 5.

The operation section 46 is made of, for example, plastic, is guided by a window formed on the bottom surface of the base 13, and is provided so as to be movable in the lateral (e) direction. The user operates the back side of the operation unit 46. As described above, the operation unit 46 is provided on the back side of the base 6. The operation portion 46 has a projection 47 projecting downward.

The driving plate 48 is made of metal, for example, and has a bent portion 49 formed at one portion of the flat portion, and holes 50, 5
1, 52 are formed. A pin fixed to the base 13 is inserted into the holes 50 and 51 and guided, and the driving plate 48 is provided movably in the f direction. Hole 5
2, the protrusion 47 is inserted. Three concave portions g, h, and i are formed at appropriate positions of the driving plate 48.

The moving plate 53 is made of, for example, metal, and includes a contact portion 54 and a moving portion 55 connected thereto. A pin 56 is fixed in place on the moving part 55, and the pin 56 protrudes toward the rear surface of the moving part 55.

The locking portion 9 is, for example, a Kensington type, having a projection 57 formed on the outer surface of the cylinder, one end of a chain (not shown) being fixed, and the other end of the chain being, for example, a desk or drawer. It is fixed to a fixing device (not shown) provided. When the user inserts the key 10 into the lock unit 9, the state before turning the key 10 (see FIG. 3) is the time when the lock 10 is unlocked.
The locking section 9 can be removed without fixing the base and the base 13. At this time, the tip portion 58 of the locking portion 9 is in contact with the contact portion 54 but is not pushed.

Next, when the user turns the key 10 to a predetermined angle (at the time of locking), the locking portion 9 is fixed (locked) to the base 13 (base 6), and the locking portion 9 does not move. At this time, the locking portion 9 is fixed to a fixture such as a desk by a chain. Therefore, at the time of the above-mentioned locking, a third party other than the user may use the attached device 1.
Cannot be moved, and theft is prevented. Also,
In this manner, when the key 10 is turned to a predetermined angle, the distal end portion 58 of the locking section 9 advances downward (j direction), and the movable plate 53
Is depressed. Thereafter, the user enters the key 10
Even if it is removed, the locked state is maintained.

As described above, according to FIG. 3 and the like, the accessory device 1 is composed of a mounting portion 4 on which the electronic device 5 is mounted, and a mounting portion 4.
And a base 13 disposed below the base 13. The storage unit 101 is provided between the mounting unit 4 and the base 13 so as to store the driving battery 8 of the electronic device 5. As described above, by mounting the electronic device 5 on the accessory device 1 containing the driving battery 8 and the second device 15,
The user can perform operations with expanded functions.

Next, the charging device 60 used in the accessory device 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 4, the driving battery 8 is removably housed in the housing 101 provided on the base 6 as described above.

The AC adapter 61 comprises, for example, a diode bridge, a transformer, a smoothing circuit and the like (both not shown). The input side of the AC adapter 61 is connected to a commercial power supply (for example, AC 100 volt) and outputs, for example, DC 16 volt.

The output side of the AC adapter 61 is connected to one side of the resistor 62, and the other side of the resistor 62 is connected to the first side of the charging circuit 63.
Connected to input side. The output side of the charging circuit 63 is connected to the drain of a switching unit (for example, composed of a MOSFET or the like) 64.

A first input side of the operational amplifier 65 includes a resistor 62
And the second input side of the operational amplifier 65 is connected to the other side of the resistor 62. The output side of the operational amplifier 65 is connected to the input side of the control unit 66.

The control section 66 comprises, for example, a microcomputer. The output side of the control unit 66 is connected to the second input side of the charging circuit 63.

The source of the switching unit 64 is a battery 67
And the cathode of the battery 67 is grounded.

The terminal a of the protection circuit 68 is connected to the output side of the charging circuit 63, and the terminal b is connected to the gate of the switching unit 64. The terminal c of the protection circuit 68 is connected to the battery 6
The terminal d is grounded together with the cathode of the battery 67.

Thus, the resistance 62, the charging circuit 63,
The charging unit 118 is operated by the operational amplifier 65 and the control unit 66.
Is configured. Switching section 64 and battery 67
The drive battery (battery pack) 8 is constituted by the protection circuit 68 and the like. In addition, the charging device 60 includes the AC adapter 61, the charging unit 118, the driving battery 8, and the like.

As described above, the input side of the AC adapter 61 is connected to the commercial power supply, and the output side is connected to the input side of the charging unit 118. The output side of the charging unit 118 is connected to the driving battery 8. With the above configuration, the charging unit 118 connected to the AC adapter 61 charges the driving battery 8.

Next, the operation of the charging device 60 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the user inserts the plug 69 connected to the AC adapter 61 into an outlet (not shown) provided at an appropriate position. At this time, the battery 67 is not fully charged.

The AC adapter 61 is connected to the input AC 10
0 volts is converted to DC 16 volts and output to resistor 62. The operational amplifier 65 detects a current flowing through the resistor 62 and outputs the detected current to the control unit 66.

The control section 66 outputs a control signal (composed of a Hi level signal and a Lo level signal) to the charging circuit 63 in accordance with the detected current. As a result, the charging circuit 63
Outputs a constant charging current to the driving battery 8.

The protection circuit 68 is connected to the battery 6 via the terminal c.
7, the detected voltage is equal to or lower than the first threshold value, so that the protection circuit 68 outputs a Hi level signal to the terminal b.

As a result, the switching section 64 is turned on,
The charging current is supplied to the battery 67. Then, battery 6
7 is charged and when the voltage of the battery 67 detected by the protection circuit 68 becomes equal to or higher than the second threshold value (slightly larger than the first threshold value), the protection circuit 68 outputs a Lo level signal to the terminal b. .

As a result, the switching section 64 is turned off, and the charging current is not supplied to the battery 67. By operating in this manner, the driving battery 8 is charged such that the voltage of the battery 67 is maintained in a predetermined range (that is, between the first threshold value and the second threshold value).

When the switching unit 64 is turned off,
Since no current flows through the resistor 62, the operational amplifier 65 detects zero current, and the control unit 66 causes the charging circuit 63 to stop outputting the charging current.

As described above, the present invention is different from the prior art in that the AC adapter 61 is provided, and the charging section 118 and the driving battery 8 are provided in the base 6. Can be charged.

In other words, the charging unit 118 charges the driving battery 8 even when the electronic device 5 is not placed on the base 6 and is not electrically connected.

Next, the operation of housing the driving battery 8 of the electronic device 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 (a)
FIG. 5B is a plan view of the attachment device 1 in which the lid is removed and the driving battery 8 is stored. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. First, the user removes the lid 102 provided above the storage unit 101 (see FIG. 2). Then, the user operates the equipment operation unit 30.
Is moved upward of a. As a result, the locking between the driving battery 8 and the locking portion 34 is released, and the driving battery 8 can be removed to the outside through the window 7 (see FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 5, convex portions 103 and 104 projecting upward are formed on the base 13. Convex part 10
3 and 104 are both formed to extend in the left-right direction when viewed from a plane. The driving battery 8 is placed on the bottom surface of the base 13 and placed so as to be sandwiched between the convex portions 103 and 104, but is removed at the present time (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 5). ).

An opening 105 is formed at an appropriate position of the mounting portion 4, and the flanges 106, 1, and 1 are partially formed around the opening 105.
07 is formed. The flanges 106 and 107 are formed slightly lower than their surroundings, and are provided so that the lid 102 is disposed on the flanges 106 and 107. A vertical portion 108 is formed above the opening 105, and a vertical portion 109 is formed below the opening 105.

A step portion 110 is formed so as to be connected to the vertical portion 108, and a step portion 111 is formed so as to be connected to the vertical portion 109. The step portions 110 and 111 are both formed to extend left and right when viewed from the plane of FIG. Also, vertical portions 113 and 114 are formed at portions A and B, respectively, so as to connect the flat portion 112 and the step portion 110. Vertical portions 115 and 116 are formed at C and P portions, respectively, so as to connect the flat portion 112 and the step portion 111.

The bottom surface of the base 13 and the projections 103 and 104
, Opening 105, vertical parts 108 and 109, 113,
The storage section 101 is constituted by 114, 115, and 116 and the step sections 110 and 111. And base 1
The storage unit 101 is configured to store the driving battery 8 in the space E regulated by the bottom surface of the third unit 3 and the projections 103 and 104. Also, the vertical parts 108, 109, 113,
The storage unit 101 is configured to store the first equipment 117 in the space F regulated by the steps 114, 115, and 116 and the steps 110 and 111.

As described above, one of the member for expanding the function of the electronic device 5 (which is a first device and is composed of, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk driver) 117 or the driving battery 8 of the electronic device 5 The storage unit 101 is provided to arbitrarily store. That is, the user can store the first device 117 in the storage unit 101 when the user wants to expand the function. When the user wants to store the driving battery 8, the user can remove the first device 117 and store the driving battery 8 in the storage unit 101. However, the user cannot simultaneously store the driving battery 8 and the first device 8 in the storage unit 101.

As described above, the driving battery 8 is stored on the base 13 (that is, the space E), and the first equipment 117 is
0, 111 (that is, space F). As described above, the storage section 101 is configured by the space E and the space F. However, if necessary, the driving battery 8 can be
0, 111, and the first equipment 117 is
It may be stored on top. That is, in order to store either the driving battery 8 or the first device 117 on the steps 110 and 111 formed on the mounting section 4 and store the other on the base 13, It is configured.

With this configuration, the storage unit 101
Can store any one of the driving battery 8 and the first device 117 arbitrarily, so that the space is smaller than in the prior art, and the accessory device 1 can be downsized. By storing the first device 117, the user can perform an extended operation. By storing the driving battery 8, the user can secure a spare battery for the electronic device 5. As a result, when the voltage of the battery built in the electronic device 5 drops, the electronic device 5 starts operating immediately by taking out and replacing the driving battery 8, thereby improving the convenience.

Further, a circuit board (not shown) is provided on the base 13, a charging section 118 is provided on the circuit board, and the charging section 118 and the electrode of the driving battery 8 are connected. Then, the AC adapter 61 provided in the accessory device 1
Is connected to an AC power source (outlet), the charging unit 11
Reference numeral 8 is configured to charge the driving battery 8.

With this configuration, when the user stores the driving battery 8 built in the electronic device 5 and having a reduced voltage in the storage portion 101 of the accessory device 1, the driving battery 8
Is charged. As a result, if the user uses the electronic device 5 for a long time in a place where there is no AC power and the battery voltage drops,
It is possible to return to the place where the attachment device 1 is located and replace it with the charged driving battery 8, thereby further improving convenience.

Next, the operation of ejecting the driving battery 8 and the second device 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7.
FIG. 6 shows the attached device 1 when the drive battery 8 is ejected.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of the attachment device 1 (the mounting portion 4 is removed) when the second device 15 is ejected.

First, as shown in FIG.
Is a button made of, for example, plastic, which is located approximately in the middle between the driving battery 8 and the second device 15, and is arranged in a window formed in the mounting portion 4. The lever 120 is made of, for example, a metal plate, and one end thereof is fixed to the switching operation unit 119,
The other end is supported by a shaft 121. As described above, the switching operation unit 119 and the lever 120 are configured to be movable in the G direction.

A projection 122 is provided at an intermediate position of the lever 120. In FIG. 5, the central portion of the switching operation section 119 is set at an intermediate position H. At this time, the protrusion 122
Is in contact with the rear surface of the driving battery 8, and the left side surface of the projection 122 is in contact with the rear surface of the second device 15. In this state, the driving battery 8 and the second device 15 are at the locking position.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, when the user wants to remove the driving battery 8, the user operates the equipment operation section 30 by a.
Move upward. As a result, the locking portion 34 also moves upward, and the driving battery 8 is released from being locked by the locking portion 34. Then, the user moves the switching operation unit 119 to the right, and the center of the switching operation unit 119 is set to the right position I.

As a result, the lever 120 moves to one side (the right side), and the driving battery 8 in contact with the right side of the projection 122 of the lever 120 is ejected. At this time, the male connector 123 provided on the driving battery 8 and the female connector 124 provided on the base 6 are separated. In this way, the driving battery 8 is detached.

In summary, one end of the lever 120 is fixed to the switching operation section 119, and the other end of the lever 120 is connected to the shaft 1
21. Then, when the switching operation unit 119 is operated to one side (for example, right side) by the user, the driving battery 8 that is in contact with the lever 120 that moves to one side (right side) is ejected.

When the user wants to remove the second device 15 as shown in FIG.
Move upward. As a result, the locking portion 35 also moves upward, and the second device 15 is released from being locked by the locking portion 35. Then, the user moves the switching operation unit 119 to the left, and the center of the switching operation unit 119 is set to the left position J.

As a result, the lever 120 moves to the other side (for example, the left side), and the second device 15 abutting on the left side surface of the projection 122 of the lever 120 is ejected. At this time, the second
The female connector 125 provided on the equipment 15 and the male connector 126 provided on the base 6 are separated. In this way, the second device 15 is removed to the outside.

In summary, in the accessory device 1, the electronic device 5 is mounted on the base 6, and the driving battery 8 and the second device 15 are stored in the base 6. Then, a switching operation unit 119 is provided, and the second device 15 is made of a device for expanding the function of the electronic device 5. The driving battery 8 or the second device 15 is ejected according to the operation state of the switching operation unit 119. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the switching operation unit 119 is operated to the other side (for example, the left side), the second device 15 that contacts the lever 120 that moves to the other side is ejected. The accessory device 1 is configured by the above components.

Next, an attachment device 1a according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The accessory device 1a has the same mechanical configuration as the accessory device 1, and differs only in the electrical configuration. Therefore, FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 also apply to the attachment device 1a.

As described above, the base 6 constituting the accessory device 1a accommodates the function expansion equipment 15 for the electronic equipment 5 and the like. The electronic device 5 is mounted on the mounting portion 4 of the base 6. The driving battery 8a is detachably housed in a housing 101 provided on the base 6.

In FIG. 8, the AC adapter 61a comprises, for example, a diode bridge, a transformer, a smoothing circuit and the like (both not shown). The input side of the AC adapter 61a is connected to a commercial power supply (for example, 100 VAC, but not shown) and outputs, for example, 16 VDC.

The output side of the AC adapter 61 a
a, and the other side of the resistor 62a is connected to the lead 13
0, it is connected to the input side of the charging circuit 63a. The output side of the charging circuit 63a is connected to the driving battery 8a.

The first input side of the operational amplifier 65a is connected to a resistor 6
The second input side of the operational amplifier 65a is connected to one side of the resistor 62a. Operational amplifier 6
The output side of 5a is connected to the first input side of the detection circuit 131. A power supply terminal (not shown) of the detection circuit 131
It is connected to the lead wire 130.

The control section 66a includes, for example, a PWM controller and controls the pulse width of the output signal. A power terminal (not shown) of the control unit 66a
It is connected to the. The output side of the control unit 66a is connected to the charging circuit 63a, and the control unit 66a is also connected to the detection circuit 131.

The charging circuit 63a is, for example, a MOSFET 1
32, a MOSFET 133, a coil 135, a capacitor 136 and the like. MOSFET1
32 has a drain connected to the lead wire 130, a source connected to one side of the coil 135, and a gate connected to the control unit 66.
a is connected to the first output side.

The drain of the MOSFET 133 is connected to one side of the coil 135, the source is grounded, and the gate is connected to the second output side of the control section 66a. Coil 1
The other side of 35 is connected to the input side of the driving battery 8a.

One side of the capacitor 136 is connected to the coil 135
, And the other side of the capacitor 136 is grounded. These MOSFETs 132 and 133, a coil 135 and a capacitor 136 form a charging circuit 63a.
Is composed.

The output side of the charging circuit 63a is connected to the lead 13
7 is connected to the second input side of the detection circuit 131. As described above, the charging unit 118 includes the resistor 62a, the detection circuit 131, the control unit 66a, the charging circuit 63a, and the like.
a is configured.

The driving battery 8a is, for example, a protection circuit 68a
, A battery 67a, and MOSFETs 138 and 139. The terminal a of the protection circuit 68a is connected to the output side of the charging circuit 63a and is a power supply terminal of the protection circuit 68a.

The terminal b of the protection circuit 68a is connected to the anode of the battery 67a, and the terminal c is connected to the cathode of the battery 67a. The drain of the MOSFET 138 is connected to the battery 67a.
And the gate is connected to the terminal d of the protection circuit 68a.

The source of MOSFET 138 is MOSF
ET139 is connected to the drain, and the gate is connected to the protection circuit 6
8a, the source is connected to the terminal f of the protection circuit 68a, and both are grounded. These components constitute a protection circuit 68a.

The AC adapter 61a and the charging section 1
The charging device 60a includes the battery 18a, the driving battery 8a, and the like. In the charging device 60a, a charging circuit 63a for charging the driving battery 8a and an AC adapter 61
a detection circuit 131 for detecting the output current of
a etc. are provided.

The accessory device system section 140 includes the accessory device 1
an IC (integrated circuit element) for controlling the second device 15 (a device for expanding the function of the electronic device 5, for example, a CD-ROM driver);
DC / DC for supplying power for operating the equipment 15
And a converter.

As described above, the input side of the electric component of the accessory device 1a is connected to the output side of the AC adapter 61a (that is, the lead wire 1).
30). The connection terminal 36 provided on the attachment device 1a is connected to the lead wire 130. These charging devices 60a, the accessory device system unit 140,
The attachment device 1a is constituted by the connection terminal 36 and the like.

The electronic equipment 5 is, for example, a PC system unit 14
1, a built-in battery 142, a connection terminal 36a, and the like. The PC system section 141 includes the electronic device 5
, For example, a CPU, a storage unit, a display unit, and the like.

The built-in battery 142 is the PC system unit 1
41, and the PC system unit 14
1 is connected to the input side. The connection terminal 36a is connected to the built-in battery 142 and the PC system section 141. The connection terminals 36a and 36 are provided detachably. That is, the electronic device 5 is detachably electrically connected to the output side of the AC adapter 61a.

Next, referring mainly to FIG. 8, the attachment device 1a
Will be described. First, the user uses the AC adapter 61a.
Is inserted into an outlet (not shown) provided at an appropriate position. At this time, the electronic device 5 is placed on the attachment device 1a (the connection terminals 36 and 36a are electrically connected), the built-in battery 142 is fully charged, and the battery 67a is not fully charged.

The AC adapter 61a is connected to the input AC 1
00 volts is converted to DC 16 volts and output to resistor 62a. About 16 volts of DC (because the voltage drop due to the resistor 62 a is several hundred mV) is supplied to the accessory device system unit 140 and the electronic device 5.

With the above voltage supply, the accessory device system section 140 operates and controls the second device 15. By the supply of the voltage, the electronic device 5 operates the CPU, the storage unit, and the display unit. At this time, since the built-in battery 142 is fully charged, no charging operation is performed.

The operational amplifier 65a is connected to an AC adapter 61a.
(I is the resistance value of the resistor 62a) due to the current I flowing through the output side of the resistor 62 (that is, the current flowing through the resistor 62a).
Is output to the detection circuit 131.

The detection circuit 131 determines whether the voltage drop IR is equal to or greater than a predetermined value K (K = JR). In the above setting, the built-in battery 142 is not charged, so the current I is smaller than the predetermined value J. That is, the detection circuit 13
1 determines that the drop voltage IR is smaller than the constant value K.

Based on the above determination, the detection circuit 131 outputs a Hi level signal to the control unit 66a. As a result, the control unit 66a outputs a first pulse (having an ON waveform and an OFF waveform) to the MOSFET 132,
The second pulse is output to the FET 133. The second pulse is obtained by inverting the first pulse.

As described above, the charging circuit 63a is composed of, for example, a synchronous rectifier circuit, and outputs, for example, 10.8 volts DC at its output side 143. The output side 14
The output voltage of No. 3 is fed back to the control unit (PWM controller) 66a via the lead 137 and the detection circuit 131. The control unit 66a controls the ON widths of the first pulse and the second pulse according to the feedback voltage, and supplies a charging current of a constant voltage (10.8 volts) and a constant current at the output side of the charging circuit 63a.

The protection circuit 68a is connected via terminals b and c to
Since the voltage of the battery 67a is detected and the detected voltage is equal to or lower than the first threshold value (because the battery 67a is not fully charged),
The protection circuit 68a outputs a Hi level signal to the terminals d and e.

As a result, both the MOSFETs 138 and 139 are turned on, and the charging current is supplied to the battery 67a. Thereafter, the battery 67a is charged. When the voltage of the battery 67a detected by the protection circuit 68a becomes equal to or higher than a second threshold value (slightly larger than the first threshold value), the protection circuit 68a
Outputs a Lo level signal to terminals d and e.

As a result, MOSFETs 138 and 139 are turned off, and no charging current is supplied to battery 67a. By operating in this manner, the driving battery 8a is charged such that the voltage of the battery 67a is maintained in a predetermined range (that is, between the first threshold values).

As described above, the electric component 140 of the accessory device 1a is connected to the output side of the AC adapter 61a, and the electronic device 5 is detachably electrically connected to the output side. As a result, the driving battery 8a in the attachment device 1a is charged, and the function of the attachment device 1a (for example, the second function expansion device 15 is operated) is executed, and the functions of the electronic device 5 (CPU, storage unit) are performed. , Operating the display unit, etc.).

Next, a case where the electronic device 5 is mounted on the attachment device 1a and the built-in battery 142 is not fully charged will be described mainly with reference to FIG.

The AC adapter 61a receives the input AC 1
00 volts is converted to DC 16 volts and output to resistor 62a. About 16 volts of DC is supplied to the accessory system 140 and the electronic device 5.

By the voltage supply, the accessory device system unit 140 operates and controls the second device 15. The CPU, the storage unit, and the display unit operate in the electronic device 5 by the supply of the voltage. At this time, the built-in battery 142 is not fully charged.
Is charged.

The operational amplifier 65a is connected to an AC adapter 61a.
Is output to the detection circuit 131 due to the current I flowing on the output side of the detection circuit 131. The detection circuit 131 determines whether or not the voltage drop IR is equal to or greater than a fixed value K (K = JR).

In the above description, since the built-in battery 142 is being charged, it is assumed that the current I is relatively large, for example, a predetermined value J or more. That is, the detection circuit 131
Determines that the drop voltage IR is equal to or higher than the constant value K.

According to the above determination, the detection circuit 131 outputs a Lo level signal to the control unit 66a. As a result, the control unit 66a outputs a Lo level signal to both the MOSFETs 132 and 133.

As a result, the lead 130 and the charging circuit 6
The electrical connection to 3a is cut off, and the power supply to charging circuit 63a is stopped. Therefore, since the charging circuit 63a does not supply a charging current to the driving battery 8a, the driving battery 8a is not charged.

The above operation will be summarized. Detection circuit 131
Outputs to the control unit 66a that the current I flowing on the output side of the AC adapter 61a has become equal to or greater than the predetermined value J. As a result, the control unit 66a turns off the MOSFETs 132 and 133 and stops energizing the charging circuit 63a.

In other words, when the current I flowing on the output side of the AC adapter 61a becomes equal to or more than the predetermined value J, the charging section 118a stops charging the driving battery 8a.

With this configuration, a current equal to or greater than the predetermined value J does not flow through the AC adapter 61a. As a result, it is possible to reduce the capacity of each component of the AC adapter 61a such as a diode bridge, a transformer, and a smoothing circuit (use a component having a small rated current value). As a result, the cost and the size of the AC adapter 61a can be reduced.

[0112]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a base for accommodating a device for expanding the function of an electronic device, on which the electronic device is placed and electrically connected, and an AC adapter connected to a commercial power supply are provided. A charging unit provided in the base, and a driving battery detachably housed in the base, wherein the charging unit connected to the AC adapter charges the driving battery. And

As described above, since the AC adapter is provided, and the charging section and the driving battery are provided in the base, the driving apparatus can be used only with the attached device regardless of whether the electronic device is mounted or not. Battery can be charged. That is, even when the electronic device is not placed on the base (when the electronic device is carried to another place), the charging unit charges the driving battery.
Therefore, at any time (whether the electronic device is mounted or not), the drive battery is charged and serves as a spare drive battery for the electronic device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the charging unit charges the driving battery even when the electronic device is not electrically connected to the base. Thus, even when the electronic device is not electrically connected to the base, that is, when the electronic device is carried to another place, the charging unit charges the driving battery. Therefore, the driving battery in the accessory device is charged at any time, and when the voltage of the battery of the electronic device decreases, the driving battery can be used, and the convenience is greatly improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, an accommodating portion is formed on the base to accommodate either the first member for function expansion or the driving battery. As a result, each space portion corresponding to each outer dimension of the first member for function expansion and the driving battery is obtained, and each member can be stored in each space portion without being reliably moved.

According to the present invention, the second member for function expansion and the drive battery are ejected in accordance with the operation state of the switching operation section. In this way, since two devices are ejected by one switching operation unit, the cost is reduced and the operation is facilitated.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a base on which electronic equipment function expansion equipment is housed and on which the electronic equipment is mounted, an AC adapter connected to a commercial power supply, and a detachable base inside the base. A drive battery housed in the battery pack, and a charging unit for charging the drive battery. An electrical component of an attached device is electrically connected to an output side of the AC adapter, and the electronic device is connected to the output side. Are detachably connected electrically. With the above configuration, the drive battery in the accessory device is charged, the function of the accessory device (such as the operation of a device for function expansion) is executed, and the function of the electronic device (CPU, storage unit, display unit, etc.) is operated. Thing) can be executed. As described above, since the three functions can be performed at the same time, the user can effectively use the time, and the usability is remarkably improved.

According to the present invention, when the current flowing through the output side of the AC adapter becomes a predetermined value or more, the charging unit stops charging the driving battery. With such a configuration, a current of a predetermined value or more does not flow through the AC adapter. As a result, the capacity of the AC adapter can be reduced.

According to the present invention, a charging circuit for charging the driving battery, a detection circuit for detecting the current,
A control unit, and when the detection circuit outputs to the control unit that the current has become equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit stops energizing the charging circuit. According to the above configuration, when the current flowing through the output side of the AC adapter becomes equal to or more than the predetermined value, the power supply to the charging circuit is stopped.
Therefore, the AC adapter has a lower capacity and lower cost,
And it can be miniaturized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system 2 using an attachment device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the attachment device 1 and the function expansion device 3;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the attachment device 1 with the mounting portion 4 removed.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a charging device 60 used in the accessory device 1.

FIG. 5 (a) is a plan view of the accessory device with the lid removed and a driving battery 8 stored therein, and FIG. 5 (b) is FIG. 5 (a).
FIG.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the accessory device when the driving battery 8 is ejected (the mounting portion 4 is removed).

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the accessory device when the second device 15 is ejected (the mounting portion 4 is removed).

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an attachment device 1a according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 5 Electronic Equipment 8 Driving Battery 61 AC Adapter 118 Charger

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Katayose 320-1, Yamagata, Kiji-cho, Ohara-gun, Shimane Prefecture F-term in Shimane Sanyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Reference) 4E360 AC23 EC12 ED02 ED13 ED16 FA03 FA11 FA12 GB46 GB95 5B011 DA02 DA06 DB13 DB16 EA04 5G003 AA01 BA01 CA03 FA03 FA04 GA01 GB04 GC05

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A device for expanding the function of an electronic device is stored,
A base on which the electronic device is mounted and electrically connected, an AC adapter connected to a commercial power supply, a charging unit provided in the base, and removably stored in the base. An auxiliary device, comprising: a driving battery; wherein the charging unit connected to the AC adapter charges the driving battery. 2. The attachment device according to claim 1, wherein the charging unit charges the driving battery even when the electronic device is not electrically connected to the base. 3. A storage unit is provided on the base, and one of the first device for expanding the function of the electronic device and the driving battery is provided.
2. The attachment device according to claim 1, wherein the storage portion is configured to store any one of them. 4. A base on which an electronic device is placed and in which both a second device for function expansion of the electronic device and a driving battery are stored, and a switching operation unit, wherein an operation state of the switching operation unit is provided. The attachment device characterized in that the second device or the driving battery is ejected according to the following. 5. A device for expanding a function of an electronic device is stored,
A base on which the electronic device is mounted; an AC adapter connected to a commercial power supply; a driving battery detachably housed in the base; and a charging unit for charging the driving battery. An auxiliary device, wherein an electrical component of the auxiliary device is electrically connected to an output side of the AC adapter, and the electronic device is removably electrically connected to the output side. 6. The accessory device according to claim 5, wherein the charging unit stops charging the driving battery when a current flowing through the output side of the AC adapter becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value. 7. A charging circuit for charging the driving battery,
A detection circuit for detecting the current and a control unit are provided, and the detection circuit, when outputting to the control unit that the current has become a predetermined value or more, the control unit supplies power to the charging circuit. 7. The accessory according to claim 6, wherein the device stops.