JP3972743B2

JP3972743B2 - Charge control device for mobile phone

Info

Publication number: JP3972743B2
Application number: JP2002184877A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 尋之大竹
Original assignee: NEC Corp
Current assignee: NEC Corp
Priority date: 2002-06-25
Filing date: 2002-06-25
Publication date: 2007-09-05
Anticipated expiration: 2022-06-25
Also published as: JP2004032304A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、携帯電話機に行う充電を制御する充電制御装置及び充電制御方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
図７は、従来の携帯電話機の一構成例を示すブロック図である。
【０００３】
図７に示した従来の携帯電話機１０１は、音声データ及び通信データを送受信するアンテナ１０２と、音声データまたは通信データの送受信を行う無線送受信部１０３と、音声データの処理を行うベースバンド処理部１０４と、受話器及び送話器１０５と、これらの通信系統機器１０３、１０４、１０５の制御を行う通信系統制御部１０６と、音楽再生やゲームなどの非通信系統のアプリケーションデバイス１０８と、各種データを入力するためのキーその他の入力手段からなるデータ入力部１０９と、液晶表示装置その他の表示手段からなる表示部１１０と、データを記憶しておくためのメモリ１１１と、着信音を鳴らすスピーカ１１２と、これらの非通信系統機器１０８、１０９、１１０、１１１の制御を行う非通信系統制御部１０７と、通信系統機器及び非通信系統機器の各ブロックに対して電流を供給を行う電源制御回路１１３と、電源制御回路１１３に対して電流を供給する電池パック１１４と、電池パック１１４への充電を行う充電回路１１５と、から構成されている。
【０００４】
電池パック１１４にはリチウムイオン電池が収納されている。
【０００５】
携帯電話機１０１に対して充電を行うときは、充電回路１１５に充電器１１６が接続される。
【０００６】
図中の太線の矢印は電流の流れを、細線の矢印は信号の流れをそれぞれ示している。
【０００７】
図７に示した従来の携帯電話機１０１において、電池パック１１４の電池容量が不足し、電池パック１１４に対して充電を行う場合には、先ず、充電器１１６が充電回路１１５に接続される。充電器１１６の接続をトリガーとして、充電回路１１５は電池パック１１４内のリチウムイオン電池の電圧を検出し、充電を開始する。
【０００８】
図８（Ａ）は充電時間Ｔと充電電流ＩＣＨＧとの関係を示すグラフであり、図８（Ｂ）は充電時間Ｔと充電電圧ＶＣＨＧとの関係を示すグラフである。
【０００９】
図８（Ａ）に示すように、充電開始の当初は、電池パック１１４の電圧が規定の電圧値になるまで、定電流充電により充電が行われる。この定電流充電により充電の間、図８（Ｂ）に示すように、電池パック１１４の電圧は徐々に上昇する。
【００１０】
電池パック１１４の電圧が規定の電圧Ｖａに達した後においては、図８（Ａ）に示すように、電圧Ｖａを維持しながら（図８（Ｂ）参照）、充電電流値が減少していく定電圧充電が行われる。電池パック１１４の規定の電圧Ｖａは、一般的には、４．１Ｖまたは４．２Ｖである。
【００１１】
定電圧充電が進むと、充電電流値が減少していき、所定の電流値以下になると充電が完了する。
【００１２】
従来の携帯電話機１０１の充電方法によれば、定電流充電における充電電流値は、充電ラインに対して直列に接続された定抵抗間の電位差を基準電圧として、一意的に決められている。
【００１３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
今日、携帯電話機は高性能化及び多機能化が進み、その電力消費量も増大の一途をたどっている。
【００１４】
特に、今日の携帯電話機には、本来の通信機能の他に、音楽を再生する機能、ゲームを行う機能、ディジタル写真を撮像する機能など種々の機能が付加されている。これらの機能はいずれも多くの電流を消費する。
【００１５】
図９は、電池パック１１４の充電中にゲーム、音楽再生などの高い消費電力機能を動作させた場合における充電電流と充電時間Ｔとの関係を示すグラフである。
【００１６】
上述のように、従来の充電方法においては、定抵抗に流れる電流値ＩＣＨＧ（実線１２０）は常に一定である。
【００１７】
これに対して、ゲーム、音楽再生などの高い消費電力機能は電流値ＩＤＤ（一点鎖線１４０）を消費するものとする。
【００１８】
このため、電池パック１１４の充電中にゲーム、音楽再生などといった高い消費電力機能を動作させた場合、充電電流ＩＣＨＧの一部はこれらの機能を実行するための電流として消費されるため、実際に電池パック１１４に供給される電流ＩＣＨＧａの値は、定抵抗に流れる電流値ＩＣＨＧ（実線１２０）からゲームなどの機能が消費する電流値ＩＤＤ（一点鎖線１４０）を差し引いた値（点線１３０）になる。
【００１９】
この結果として、電池パック１１４への充電量は少なくなり、その分、充電時間は長くなる。
【００２０】
本発明は、このような従来の携帯電話機の充電方法における問題点に鑑みてなされたものであり、携帯電話機の充電中に電流を消費する機能が実行された場合であっても、充電時間の延長を防止することができる携帯電話機の充電制御装置及び携帯電話機の充電制御方法を提供することを目的とする。
【００２１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
この目的を達成するため、本発明は、他の通信機器と通信を行うための通信系統機器と、他の通信機器との通信以外の機能を実行する非通信系統機器と、前記通信系統機器の動作を制御する第一制御部と、前記非通信系統機器の動作を制御する第二制御部と、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器に電流を供給する電源と、を備える携帯電話機に用いる充電制御装置であって、前記充電制御装置は、前記電源に対して充電を行う充電回路を備え、前記充電回路は、前記電源に充電を行っている間に、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の少なくとも何れか一方が作動している場合には、その作動に要する消費電流を推定し、推定した消費電流を前記電源に供給する充電電流に加算するものであり、前記充電回路は、前記第一制御部及び前記第二制御部の少なくとも一方に対して、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の各動作状況を確認するための動作状況確認信号を送信し、前記第一制御部及び前記第二制御部は前記動作状況確認信号を受信した後、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の各動作状況を示す動作状況報告信号を前記充電回路に送信し、前記充電回路は、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の各動作状況に変化がないことが確認された場合には、一定時間後に、前記動作状況確認信号を再送信する携帯電話機の充電制御装置を提供する。
【００２２】
さらに、本発明は、他の通信機器と通信を行うための通信系統機器と、他の通信機器との通信以外の機能を実行する非通信系統機器と、前記通信系統機器の動作を制御する第一制御部と、前記非通信系統機器の動作を制御する第二制御部と、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器に電流を供給する電源と、を備える携帯電話機に用いる充電制御装置であって、前記充電制御装置は、前記電源に対して充電を行う充電回路を備え、前記充電回路は、前記電源に充電を行っている間に、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の少なくとも何れか一方が作動している場合には、その作動に要する消費電流を推定し、推定した消費電流を前記電源に供給する充電電流に加算するものであり、前記充電回路は、前記第一制御部及び前記第二制御部の少なくとも一方に対して、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の各動作状況を確認するための動作状況確認信号を一回のみ送信し、前記第一制御部及び前記第二制御部は前記動作状況確認信号を受信した後、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の各動作状況に変化があった場合のみ、前記動作状況を示す動作状況報告信号を前記充電回路に送信する携帯電話機の充電制御装置を提供する。
【００２３】
さらに、本発明は、他の通信機器と通信を行うための通信系統機器と、他の通信機器との通信以外の機能を実行する非通信系統機器と、前記通信系統機器の動作を制御する第一制御部と、前記非通信系統機器の動作を制御する第二制御部と、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器に電流を供給する電源と、を備える携帯電話機に用いる充電制御装置であって、前記充電制御装置は、前記電源に対して充電を行う充電回路を備え、前記充電回路は、前記第一制御部及び前記第二制御部から、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の動作状況を示す動作状況信号を受信し、前記動作状況信号に基づいて前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器における消費電流を推定し、推定された消費電流を前記電源に供給する電流に加算するものであり、前記充電回路は、前記第一制御部及び前記第二制御部の少なくとも一方に対して、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の各動作状況を確認するための動作状況確認信号を送信し、前記第一制御部及び前記第二制御部は前記動作状況確認信号を受信した後、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の各動作状況を示す動作状況報告信号を前記充電回路に送信し、前記充電回路は、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の各動作状況に変化がないことが確認された場合には、一定時間後に、前記動作状況確認信号を再送信する携帯電話機の充電制御装置を提供する。
【００２４】
さらに、本発明は、他の通信機器と通信を行うための通信系統機器と、他の通信機器との通信以外の機能を実行する非通信系統機器と、前記通信系統機器の動作を制御する第一制御部と、前記非通信系統機器の動作を制御する第二制御部と、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器に電流を供給する電源と、を備える携帯電話機に用いる充電制御装置であって、前記充電制御装置は、前記電源に対して充電を行う充電回路を備え、前記充電回路は、前記第一制御部及び前記第二制御部から、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の動作状況を示す動作状況信号を受信し、前記動作状況信号に基づいて前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器における消費電流を推定し、推定された消費電流を前記電源に供給する電流に加算するものであり、前記充電回路は、前記第一制御部及び前記第二制御部の少なくとも一方に対して、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の各動作状況を確認するための動作状況確認信号を一回のみ送信し、前記第一制御部及び前記第二制御部は前記動作状況確認信号を受信した後、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の各動作状況に変化があった場合のみ、前記動作状況を示す動作状況報告信号を前記充電回路に送信する携帯電話機の充電制御装置を提供する。
【００２５】
前記充電回路は、例えば、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の各動作に対応して予め定められた動作レベルに対応する消費電流を示すテーブルを備えることができ、前記充電回路は前記テーブルを参照して、前記消費電流を推定することができる。
【００２６】
前記充電回路は、例えば、前記電源の電圧を検出する電圧検出手段と、充電時における充電電流を検出する充電電流検出手段と、前記動作状況信号を受信し、前記動作状況信号に基づいて前記充電電流を制御する充電電流制御手段と、定電流充電を行うときに充電電流を制御する定電流充電制御手段と、定電圧充電を行うときに充電電圧を制御する定電圧充電制御手段と、を備えるものとして構成することができる。
【００２７】
また、本発明は、他の通信機器と通信を行うための通信系統機器と、他の通信機器との通信以外の機能を実行する非通信系統機器と、前記通信系統機器の動作を制御する第一制御部と、前記非通信系統機器の動作を制御する第二制御部と、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器に電流を供給する電源と、前記電源に対して充電を行う充電回路と、を備える携帯電話機における充電制御方法であって、前記充電回路が、前記第一制御部及び前記第二制御部の少なくとも一方に対して、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の各動作状況を確認するための動作状況確認信号を送信する第一の過程と、前記第一制御部及び前記第二制御部が、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の各動作状況を示す動作状況報告信号を前記充電回路に送信する第二の過程と、前記動作状況報告信号に示される動作状況が以前の動作状況と比較して変化している場合に、前記充電回路が前記電源に供給する充電電流の増減量を決定する第三の過程と、前記増減量を加えた充電電流を前記電源に供給する第四の過程と、を備え、前記充電回路は、前記第二の過程において前記第一制御部及び前記第二制御部から受信した前記動作状況確認信号により、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の各動作状況に変化がないことが確認された場合には、一定時間後に、前記動作状況確認信号を再送信する携帯電話機における充電制御方法を提供する。
【００２８】
さらに、本発明は、他の通信機器と通信を行うための通信系統機器と、他の通信機器との通信以外の機能を実行する非通信系統機器と、前記通信系統機器の動作を制御する第一制御部と、前記非通信系統機器の動作を制御する第二制御部と、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器に電流を供給する電源と、前記電源に対して充電を行う充電回路と、を備える携帯電話機における充電制御方法であって、前記充電回路が、前記第一制御部及び前記第二制御部の少なくとも一方に対して、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の各動作状況を確認するための動作状況確認信号を送信する第一の過程と、前記第一制御部及び前記第二制御部が、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の各動作状況を示す動作状況報告信号を前記充電回路に送信する第二の過程と、前記動作状況報告信号に示される動作状況が以前の動作状況と比較して変化している場合に、前記充電回路が前記電源に供給する充電電流の増減量を決定する第三の過程と、前記増減量を加えた充電電流を前記電源に供給する第四の過程と、を備え、前記充電回路は、前記第一の過程において、前記動作状況確認信号を一回のみ送信し、前記第一制御部及び前記第二制御部は前記動作状況確認信号を受信した後、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の各動作状況に変化があった場合のみ、前記第二の過程において、前記動作状況報告信号を前記充電回路に送信する携帯電話機における充電制御方法を提供する。
【００２９】
前記充電回路は、例えば、前記通信系統機器及び前記非通信系統機器の各動作に対応して予め定められた動作レベルに対応する消費電流を示すテーブルを備えており、前記充電回路は、前記第三の過程において、前記テーブルを参照して、前記消費電流の増減量を決定することができる。
【００３１】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１は、本発明の第一の実施形態に係る充電制御装置を搭載した携帯電話機１の構造を示すブロック図である。
【００３２】
携帯電話機１は、音声データ及び通信データを送受信するアンテナ２と、音声データまたは通信データの送受信を行う無線送受信部３と、音声データの処理を行うベースバンド処理部４と、受話器及び送話器５と、これらの通信系統機器３、４、５の制御を行う通信系統制御部６と、音楽再生やゲームなどの非通信系統のアプリケーションデバイス８と、各種データを入力するためのキーその他の入力手段からなるデータ入力部９と、液晶表示装置その他の表示手段からなる表示部１０と、データを記憶しておくためのメモリ１１と、着信音を鳴らすスピーカ１２と、これらの非通信系統機器８、９、１０、１１の制御を行う非通信系統制御部７と、通信系統機器及び非通信系統機器の各ブロックに対して電流を供給を行う電源制御回路１３と、電源制御回路１３に対して電流を供給する電池パック１４と、電池パック１４への充電を行う、本発明の第一の実施形態に係る充電制御装置としての充電回路１５と、から構成されている。
【００３３】
電池パック１４にはリチウムイオン電池が収納されている。
【００３４】
携帯電話機１に対して充電を行うときは、充電回路１５に充電器１６が接続される。
【００３５】
充電回路１５は、電池パック１４の電池電圧をモニタする電池電圧検出手段１５１と、充電時の充電電流のモニタを行う充電電流検出手段１５２と、通信系統制御部６と非通信系統制御部７から送信される通信系統機器及び非通信系統機器の動作状況の情報に基づいて、充電電流の制御と選択を行う充電電流制御手段１５３と、定電流充電の制御を行う定電流充電制御部１５４と、定電圧充電の制御を行う定電圧充電制御部１５５と、から構成されている。
【００３６】
図１の太線の矢印は電流の流れを、細線の矢印は信号の流れをそれぞれ示している。
【００３７】
また、図１において、点線で囲まれるブロック６ａは通信系統制御部６によって制御されるデバイス３、４、５を有する通信系統ブロック、実線によって囲まれるブロック７ａは非通信系統制御部７によって制御されるデバイス９、１０、１１、１２を有する非通信系統ブロックであり、これらのブロック６ａ、７ａの動作状況は各ブロック６ａ、７ａに対応している通信系統制御部６及び非通信系統制御部７によって把握されている。
【００３８】
図２は、通信系統制御部６または非通信系統制御部７から充電回路１５の充電電流制御手段１５３への信号の流れを示すブロック図である。
【００３９】
充電電流制御手段１５３は、通信系統制御部６及び非通信系統制御部７に対して、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況の報告を要求する信号２０を発信する。
【００４０】
信号２０を受けた通信系統制御部６及び非通信系統制御部７は、充電電流制御手段１５３に対して、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況を示す信号２１を送信する。
【００４１】
例えば、通信系統制御部６からは、「通話中」、「データ通信中」、「待ち受け中」などの動作情報を信号２１として充電電流制御手段１５３に送出する。また、非通信系統制御部７からは、「音楽再生中」「ゲーム中」「スリープ中」などの動作情報を信号２１として充電電流制御手段１５３に送出する。
【００４２】
充電電流制御手段１５３は、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況を示す信号２１を受信した後、その動作情報に基づいて、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの消費電流を推定する。この消費電流の推定は、後述するように、電流値推定テーブルを用いて行われる。
【００４３】
充電電流制御手段１５３は、推定した消費電流値に基づいて、定電流充電時の充電電流値の値を決定し、定充電電流値を変更する信号として充電電流制御信号２２を定電流充電制御部１５４に送信する。
【００４４】
定電流充電制御部１５４は、充電電流制御信号２２を受信した後、基準電圧値を変更することにより、あるいは、他の方法により、定電流充電電流の制御を行う。
【００４５】
以上のように、充電電流制御手段１５３は、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況を示す信号２１に基づいて、定電流充電電流の増減量を決定し、定電流充電制御部１５４は、この定電流充電電流の増減量に応じて、基準電圧を段階的に切り替える。
【００４６】
図３は、本発明の第一の実施形態に係る充電制御装置を搭載した携帯電話機１において、電池パック１４に供給する充電電流の値を決定するプロセスにおける各過程を示すフローチャートである。
【００４７】
電池パック１４への充電が開始されると、充電回路１５の充電電流制御手段１５３は、通信系統制御部６及び非通信系統制御部７の双方またはいずれか一方に対して、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況を確認するための信号２０を送信する（ステップＡ１）。
【００４８】
充電回路１５の充電電流制御手段１５３は、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況を示す信号２１を通信系統制御部６及び非通信系統制御部７から受信すると（ステップＡ２）、信号２１に示される通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況がそれ以前の動作状況と比較して変化しているか否かを判定する（ステップＡ３）。
【００４９】
通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況がそれ以前の動作状況に対して変化していない場合には（ステップＡ３のＮＯ）、充電電流制御手段１５３は、一定時間をおいて、再度、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況を確認するための信号２０を送信し（ステップＡ１）、通信系統制御部６及び非通信系統制御部７から信号２１を受信する（ステップＡ２）。通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況がそれ以前の動作状況に対して変化するまで、信号２０の送信及び信号２１の受信を繰り返す。
【００５０】
通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況がそれ以前の動作状況に対して変化している場合には（ステップＡ３のＹＥＳ）、充電電流制御手段１５３は充電電流の増減量を決定する（ステップＡ４）。
【００５１】
この充電電流の増減量の決定は充電回路１５に格納されている電流値推定テーブルを用いて行われる。
【００５２】
図４に電流値推定テーブルの一例を示す。
【００５３】
この電流値推定テーブルにおいては、図４（Ａ）に示すように、通信系統ブロック６ａに属する無線送受信部３、ベースバンド処理部４及び送話器／受話器５並びに非通信系統ブロック７ａに属するアプリケーションデバイス８、データ入力部９、表示部１０、メモリ１１及びスピーカ１２がそれぞれ動作したときの電流消費量を示す動作レベルとしてレベル０からレベル１５までの１６段階のレベルが設定されており、各動作レベルに対応して充電電流の増加分が予め定められている。すなわち、レベルＮに対応する充電電流の増加分は２０Ｎミリアンペアである。
【００５４】
また、図４（Ｂ）に示すように、通信系統ブロック６ａに属する無線送受信部３、ベースバンド処理部４及び送話器／受話器５がそれぞれ動作したときの動作レベルが規定されている。
【００５５】
例えば、通信系統ブロック６ａが音声通信を行っている場合、すなわち、携帯電話機１が「通話中」である場合には、その動作レベルはレベル１０に相当する。また、この場合、図４（Ａ）に示すように、充電電流の増加分は２００ミリアンペアである。
【００５６】
同様に、図４（Ｃ）に示すように、非通信系統ブロック７ａに属するアプリケーションデバイス８、データ入力部９、表示部１０、メモリ１１及びスピーカ１２がそれぞれ動作したときの動作レベルが規定されている。
【００５７】
例えば、表示部１０がデータの表示を行っている場合には、その動作レベルはレベル３に相当し、この場合の充電電流の増加分は、図４（Ａ）に示すように、６０ミリアンペアである。
【００５８】
また、通信系統ブロック６ａがデータ通信を行っており、かつ、非通信系統ブロック７ａが音楽再生を同時に行っている場合には、「データ通信」の動作レベルはレベル８、「音楽再生」の動作レベルはレベル１０であるため、それぞれ充電電流の増加分は１６０ミリアンペア、２００ミリアンペアである。従って、充電電流の増加分の総和は３６０ミリアンペアである。
【００５９】
以上のようにして、充電電流制御手段１５３が充電電流の増減量を決定すると（ステップＡ４）、充電電流制御手段１５３は、決定した充電電流の増減量を示す信号２２を定電流充電制御部１５４に送信する（ステップＡ５）。
【００６０】
充電電流制御手段１５３から信号２２を受信した定電流充電制御部１５４は、信号２２が示す充電電流の増減量に従って、充電電流を制御する（ステップＡ６）。充電電流の制御は、例えば、基準電圧の切り替えによって行われる。
【００６１】
図５は、充電中における充電電流と充電時間との関係を示すグラフである。
【００６２】
図５に示すように、定抵抗を流れる電流すなわち充電電流ＩＣＨＧ（実線１２１）は通信系統ブロック６ａまたは非通信系統ブロック７ａが消費する電流値ＩＤＤ（一点鎖線１４０）に応じて増加しており、このため、実際に電池パック１４に供給される電流ＩＣＨＧａの値（点線１３１）は一定値になっている。
【００６３】
以上のように、本実施形態に係る充電制御装置を搭載した携帯電話機１においては、携帯電話機１の動作状態に応じて、電池パック１４に供給される充電電流が変動する。このため、電池パック１４に実際に充電される電流値はほぼ一定になり、充電時間の延長を防止することができる。
【００６４】
また、定電流充電における定電流値を任意の電流値に変えることができるので、定電流充電時における上記のように充電電流を制御することによって、容量の異なる電池パックに対しても同様の効果を得ることができる。
【００６５】
図６は、本発明の第一の実施形態に係る充電制御装置を搭載した携帯電話機１において、電池パック１４に供給する充電電流の値を決定する第二のプロセスにおける各過程を示すフローチャートである。
【００６６】
電池パック１４への充電が開始されると、充電回路１５の充電電流制御手段１５３は、通信系統制御部６及び非通信系統制御部７の双方またはいずれか一方に対して、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況を確認するための信号２０を送信する（ステップＢ１）。
【００６７】
通信系統制御部６及び非通信系統制御部７は信号２０を受信すると、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況がそれ以前の動作状況と比較して変化しているか否かを判定する（ステップＢ２）。
【００６８】
通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況がそれ以前の動作状況に対して変化していない場合には（ステップＢ２のＮＯ）、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況が変化するまで、通信系統制御部６及び非通信系統制御部７は待機する。
【００６９】
通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況がそれ以前の動作状況と比較して変化があった場合には（ステップＢ２のＹＥＳ）、通信系統制御部６及び非通信系統制御部７は、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況を示す信号２１を充電電流制御手段１５３に送信する（ステップＢ３）。
【００７０】
これ以降は、図３に示したステップＡ４、Ａ５、Ａ６と同様に、充電電流の増減量の決定（ステップＢ４）、決定した充電電流の増減量を示す信号２２の定電流充電制御部１５４への送信（ステップＢ５）、充電電流の制御（ステップＢ６）を実施する。
【００７１】
図３に示したフローチャートにおいては、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況がそれ以前の動作状況に対して変化していない場合には（ステップＡ３のＮＯ）、充電電流制御手段１５３は、一定時間をおいて、繰り返して、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況を確認するための信号２０を通信系統制御部６及び非通信系統制御部７に送信していた（ステップＡ１）。
【００７２】
これに対して、図６に示すフローチャートにおいては、充電電流制御手段１５３は、通信系統制御部６及び非通信系統制御部７に対して、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況を確認するための信号２０を一回のみ送信する（ステップＢ１）。信号２０を受信した通信系統制御部６及び非通信系統制御部７は、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況がそれ以前の動作状況と比較して変化があった場合にのみ（ステップＢ２のＹＥＳ）、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況を示す信号２１を充電電流制御手段１５３に送信する（ステップＢ３）。
【００７３】
図３に示した第一のプロセスにおいては、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況が変化してから信号２１が発せられるまでに時間のギャップがあったが、図６に示した第二のプロセスにおいては、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況が変化した時点において、通信系統ブロック６ａ及び非通信系統ブロック７ａの動作状況を示す信号２１が充電電流制御手段１５３に送信されるため、時間のギャップなしに、ただちに電池パック１４に供給する充電電流の制御を開始することができる。
【００７４】
【発明の効果】
以上のように、本発明に係る充電制御装置または充電制御方法によれば、携帯電話機の動作状態に応じて、電源に供給される充電電流が変動する。このため、電源に実際に充電される電流値はほぼ一定になり、充電時間の延長を防止することができる。
【００７５】
また、定電流充電における定電流値を任意の電流値に変えることができるので、定電流充電時における充電電流を制御することによって、容量の異なる電源に対しても上記と同様の効果を得ることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第一の実施形態に係る充電制御装置を搭載した携帯電話機の構造を示すブロック図である。
【図２】通信系統制御部または非通信系統制御部から充電回路への信号の流れを示すブロック図である。
【図３】本発明の第一の実施形態に係る充電制御装置を搭載した携帯電話機において、電池パックに供給する充電電流の値を決定するプロセスにおける各過程を示すフローチャートである。
【図４】電流値推定テーブルの一例を示す概念図である。
【図５】本発明の第一の実施形態に係る充電制御装置を搭載した携帯電話機において、充電中における充電電流と充電時間との関係を示すグラフである。
【図６】本発明の第一の実施形態に係る充電制御装置を搭載した携帯電話機において、電池パックに供給する充電電流の値を決定する第二のプロセスにおける各過程を示すフローチャートである。
【図７】従来の携帯電話機の一構成例を示すブロック図である。
【図８】図８（Ａ）は従来の携帯電話機における充電時間Ｔと充電電流ＩＣＨＧとの関係を示すグラフであり、図８（Ｂ）は従来の携帯電話機における充電時間Ｔと充電電圧ＶＣＨＧとの関係を示すグラフである。
【図９】電池パックの充電中に電力消費量の大きい機能を動作させた場合における充電電流と充電時間Ｔとの関係を示すグラフである。
【符号の説明】
２アンテナ
３無線送受信部
４ベースバンド処理部
５受話器及び送話器
６通信系統制御部
７非通信系統制御部
８アプリケーションデバイス
９データ入力部
１０表示部
１１メモリ
１２スピーカ
１３電源制御回路
１４電池パック
１５充電回路
１６充電器
１５１電池電圧検出手段
１５２充電電流検出手段
１５３充電電流制御手段
１５４定電流充電制御部
１５５定電圧充電制御部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a charging control device and a charging control method for controlling charging performed on a mobile phone.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional mobile phone.
[0003]
A conventional mobile phone 101 shown in FIG. 7 includes an antenna 102 that transmits and receives audio data and communication data, a wireless transmission and reception unit 103 that transmits and receives audio data or communication data, and a baseband processing unit 104 that processes audio data. A receiver and transmitter 105, a communication system controller 106 for controlling these communication system devices 103, 104, 105, an application device 108 for non-communication systems such as music playback and games, and various data input A data input unit 109 composed of keys and other input means, a display unit 110 composed of a liquid crystal display device and other display means, a memory 111 for storing data, a speaker 112 that rings a ring tone, A non-communication system control unit 107 that controls these non-communication system devices 108, 109, 110, and 111; A power supply control circuit 113 that supplies current to each block of communication system equipment and non-communication system equipment, a battery pack 114 that supplies current to the power supply control circuit 113, and charging that charges the battery pack 114 Circuit 115.
[0004]
The battery pack 114 contains a lithium ion battery.
[0005]
When charging the mobile phone 101, a charger 116 is connected to the charging circuit 115.
[0006]
In the figure, bold arrows indicate current flow, and thin arrows indicate signal flow.
[0007]
In the conventional mobile phone 101 shown in FIG. 7, when the battery capacity of the battery pack 114 is insufficient and the battery pack 114 is charged, first, the charger 116 is connected to the charging circuit 115. With the connection of the charger 116 as a trigger, the charging circuit 115 detects the voltage of the lithium ion battery in the battery pack 114 and starts charging.
[0008]
FIG. 8A is a graph showing the relationship between the charging time T and the charging current ICHG, and FIG. 8B is a graph showing the relationship between the charging time T and the charging voltage VCHG.
[0009]
As shown in FIG. 8A, at the beginning of charging, charging is performed by constant current charging until the voltage of the battery pack 114 reaches a specified voltage value. During charging by this constant current charging, as shown in FIG. 8B, the voltage of the battery pack 114 gradually increases.
[0010]
After the voltage of the battery pack 114 reaches the specified voltage Va, as shown in FIG. 8A, the charging current value decreases while maintaining the voltage Va (see FIG. 8B). Constant voltage charging is performed. The specified voltage Va of the battery pack 114 is generally 4.1V or 4.2V.
[0011]
As constant voltage charging progresses, the charging current value decreases, and when it becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined current value, charging is completed.
[0012]
According to the conventional charging method of the mobile phone 101, the charging current value in the constant current charging is uniquely determined using the potential difference between the constant resistances connected in series to the charging line as a reference voltage.
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Today, mobile phones are becoming more sophisticated and multifunctional, and their power consumption is steadily increasing.
[0014]
In particular, various functions such as a function of playing music, a function of playing a game, and a function of taking a digital photograph are added to a mobile phone today. Each of these functions consumes a large amount of current.
[0015]
FIG. 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the charging current and the charging time T when a high power consumption function such as a game or music playback is operated while the battery pack 114 is being charged.
[0016]
As described above, in the conventional charging method, the current value ICHG (solid line 120) flowing through the constant resistance is always constant.
[0017]
On the other hand, a high power consumption function such as a game and music playback consumes the current value IDD (dashed line 140).
[0018]
Therefore, if a high power consumption function such as a game or music playback is operated while the battery pack 114 is being charged, a part of the charging current ICHG is consumed as a current for executing these functions. The value of the current ICHGa supplied to the battery pack 114 is a value (dotted line 130) obtained by subtracting the current value IDD (dotted line 140) consumed by a function such as a game from the current value ICHG (solid line 120) flowing through the constant resistance. .
[0019]
As a result, the amount of charge to the battery pack 114 decreases, and the charging time increases accordingly.
[0020]
The present invention has been made in view of the problems in the conventional charging method of a mobile phone, and even if a function that consumes current is executed during charging of the mobile phone, the charging time is reduced. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile phone charge control device and a mobile phone charge control method capable of preventing the extension.
[0021]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides:A communication system device for communicating with other communication devices, a non-communication system device that performs functions other than communication with other communication devices, a first control unit that controls the operation of the communication system device, and A charge control device for use in a mobile phone comprising: a second control unit that controls operation of a non-communication system device; and a power supply that supplies current to the communication system device and the non-communication system device, wherein the charge control device Comprises a charging circuit for charging the power supply, the charging circuit comprisingWhile charging the power supply,SaidCommunication system equipment andSaidIf at least one of the non-communication system devices is operating, it is necessary toEstimated current consumptionThe current consumption is added to the charging current supplied to the power source.The charging circuit transmits an operation status confirmation signal for confirming each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device to at least one of the first control unit and the second control unit. Then, after the first control unit and the second control unit receive the operation status confirmation signal, the operation status report signal indicating each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device is transmitted to the charging circuit. The charging circuit retransmits the operation status confirmation signal after a predetermined time when it is confirmed that there is no change in the operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device.A charging control device for a mobile phone is provided.
[0022]
  Furthermore, the present invention provides a communication system device for communicating with other communication devices, a non-communication system device for executing functions other than communication with other communication devices, and a control method for controlling the operation of the communication system device. A charge control device used for a mobile phone comprising: a control unit; a second control unit that controls operation of the non-communication system device; and a power source that supplies current to the communication system device and the non-communication system device. The charging control device includes a charging circuit that charges the power source, and the charging circuit is configured to charge at least one of the communication system device and the non-communication system device while charging the power source. When one of them is operating, the current consumption required for the operation is estimated, and the estimated current consumption is added to the charging current supplied to the power source, and the charging circuit includes the first control unit. And the second control At least one of the communication system device and the non-communication system device is transmitted only once the operation status confirmation signal for confirming each operation status, the first control unit and the second control unit are the After receiving the operation status confirmation signal, only when there is a change in each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device, the mobile phone that transmits the operation status report signal indicating the operation status to the charging circuit A charge control device is provided.
[0023]
  Furthermore, the present invention provides a communication system device for communicating with other communication devices, a non-communication system device for executing functions other than communication with other communication devices, and a control method for controlling the operation of the communication system device. A charge control device used for a mobile phone comprising: a control unit; a second control unit that controls operation of the non-communication system device; and a power source that supplies current to the communication system device and the non-communication system device. The charging control device includes a charging circuit that charges the power supply, and the charging circuit includes, from the first control unit and the second control unit, the communication system device and the non-communication system device. An operation status signal indicating an operation status is received, current consumption in the communication system device and the non-communication system device is estimated based on the operation status signal, and the estimated current consumption is added to the current supplied to the power source. With things The charging circuit transmits an operation status confirmation signal for confirming each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device to at least one of the first control unit and the second control unit. Then, after the first control unit and the second control unit receive the operation status confirmation signal, the operation status report signal indicating each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device is transmitted to the charging circuit. The charging circuit, when it is confirmed that there is no change in each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device, a mobile phone that retransmits the operation status confirmation signal after a predetermined time. A charge control device is provided.
[0024]
  Furthermore, the present invention provides a communication system device for communicating with other communication devices, a non-communication system device for executing functions other than communication with other communication devices, and a control method for controlling the operation of the communication system device. A charge control device used for a mobile phone comprising: a control unit; a second control unit that controls operation of the non-communication system device; and a power source that supplies current to the communication system device and the non-communication system device. The charging control device includes a charging circuit that charges the power supply, and the charging circuit includes, from the first control unit and the second control unit, the communication system device and the non-communication system device. An operation status signal indicating an operation status is received, current consumption in the communication system device and the non-communication system device is estimated based on the operation status signal, and the estimated current consumption is added to the current supplied to the power source. With things The charging circuit provides an operation status confirmation signal for confirming each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device to at least one of the first control unit and the second control unit. Only when the first control unit and the second control unit receive the operation status confirmation signal, and only when there is a change in each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device, the There is provided a charge control device for a mobile phone that transmits an operation status report signal indicating an operation status to the charging circuit.
[0025]
  The charging circuit can include, for example, a table indicating current consumption corresponding to a predetermined operation level corresponding to each operation of the communication system device and the non-communication system device, and the charging circuit includes the table. The current consumption can be estimated with reference to FIG.
[0026]
  The charging circuit receives, for example, a voltage detection unit that detects a voltage of the power source, a charging current detection unit that detects a charging current at the time of charging, and the operation status signal, and the charging circuit is based on the operation status signal. Charging current control means for controlling current, constant current charging control means for controlling charging current when performing constant current charging, and constant voltage charging control means for controlling charging voltage when performing constant voltage charging Can be configured.
[0027]
  Further, the present invention provides a communication system device for performing communication with other communication devices, a non-communication system device for executing functions other than communication with other communication devices, and a control method for controlling the operation of the communication system device. A control unit; a second control unit that controls the operation of the non-communication system device; a power source that supplies current to the communication system device and the non-communication system device; and a charging circuit that charges the power source. A charging control method in a mobile phone comprising: the charging circuit is configured to operate each of the communication system device and the non-communication system device with respect to at least one of the first control unit and the second control unit. A first process of transmitting an operation status confirmation signal for confirming the operation status report indicating that the first control unit and the second control unit indicate the operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device. Signal to the charging circuit Determining the amount of increase or decrease in the charging current supplied to the power supply by the charging circuit when the operating status indicated in the operating status report signal has changed compared to the previous operating status. And a fourth process of supplying a charging current with the increase / decrease amount to the power source.The charging circuit changes to each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device according to the operation status confirmation signal received from the first control unit and the second control unit in the second process. If it is confirmed that there is no error, the operation status confirmation signal is retransmitted after a certain period of time.A charging control method for a mobile phone is provided.
[0028]
  Furthermore, the present invention provides a communication system device for communicating with other communication devices, a non-communication system device for executing functions other than communication with other communication devices, and a control method for controlling the operation of the communication system device. A control unit; a second control unit that controls the operation of the non-communication system device; a power source that supplies current to the communication system device and the non-communication system device; and a charging circuit that charges the power source. A charging control method in a mobile phone comprising: the charging circuit is configured to operate each of the communication system device and the non-communication system device with respect to at least one of the first control unit and the second control unit. A first process of transmitting an operation status confirmation signal for confirming the operation status report indicating that the first control unit and the second control unit indicate the operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device. Signal to the charging circuit The amount of increase or decrease in the charging current supplied to the power supply by the charging circuit is determined when the second transmission process and the operation status indicated in the operation status report signal have changed compared to the previous operation status. And a fourth process of supplying a charging current with the increase / decrease amount to the power source, and the charging circuit sends the operation status confirmation signal once in the first process. Only after the first control unit and the second control unit receive the operation status confirmation signal, only when there is a change in each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device, the first control unit In a second process, a charging control method in a mobile phone is provided that transmits the operation status report signal to the charging circuit.
[0029]
  The charging circuit includes, for example, a table indicating current consumption corresponding to a predetermined operation level corresponding to each operation of the communication system device and the non-communication system device, and the charging circuit includes: In the third process, the increase / decrease amount of the current consumption can be determined with reference to the table.
[0031]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a mobile phone 1 equipped with a charge control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0032]
A cellular phone 1 includes an antenna 2 that transmits and receives voice data and communication data, a wireless transmission and reception unit 3 that transmits and receives voice data or communication data, a baseband processing unit 4 that processes voice data, a receiver, and a transmitter 5, a communication system control unit 6 that controls these communication system devices 3, 4, and 5, a non-communication system application device 8 such as music playback and games, and keys and other inputs for inputting various data A data input unit 9 comprising means, a display unit 10 comprising a liquid crystal display device or other display means, a memory 11 for storing data, a speaker 12 for ringing a ring tone, and these non-communication system devices 8 , 9, 10, 11, a non-communication system controller 7, and a power supply control circuit 13 that supplies current to each block of the communication system equipment and the non-communication system equipment The battery pack 14 that supplies current to the power supply control circuit 13 and the charging circuit 15 that charges the battery pack 14 as the charge control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Yes.
[0033]
The battery pack 14 contains a lithium ion battery.
[0034]
When charging the mobile phone 1, a charger 16 is connected to the charging circuit 15.
[0035]
The charging circuit 15 includes a battery voltage detection unit 151 that monitors the battery voltage of the battery pack 14, a charging current detection unit 152 that monitors a charging current during charging, the communication system control unit 6, and the non-communication system control unit 7. Based on the information on the operating status of the communication system device and non-communication system device transmitted, the charging current control means 153 for controlling and selecting the charging current, the constant current charging control unit 154 for controlling the constant current charging, A constant voltage charge control unit 155 for controlling constant voltage charge.
[0036]
In FIG. 1, a thick arrow indicates a current flow, and a thin line arrow indicates a signal flow.
[0037]
In FIG. 1, a block 6 a surrounded by a dotted line is a communication system block having devices 3, 4, and 5 controlled by the communication system control unit 6, and a block 7 a surrounded by a solid line is controlled by the non-communication system control unit 7. Non-communication system blocks having devices 9, 10, 11, and 12, and the operation statuses of these blocks 6a and 7a are the communication system control unit 6 and the non-communication system control unit 7 corresponding to the blocks 6a and 7a. Is grasped by.
[0038]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a signal flow from the communication system control unit 6 or the non-communication system control unit 7 to the charging current control unit 153 of the charging circuit 15.
[0039]
The charging current control means 153 transmits a signal 20 requesting the communication system control unit 6 and the non-communication system control unit 7 to report the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a.
[0040]
The communication system control unit 6 and the non-communication system control unit 7 that have received the signal 20 transmit the signal 21 indicating the operation status of the communication system block 6 a and the non-communication system block 7 a to the charging current control unit 153.
[0041]
For example, the communication system control unit 6 sends operation information such as “busy”, “data communication”, and “waiting” to the charging current control means 153 as a signal 21. Further, the non-communication system control unit 7 sends operation information such as “during music playback”, “during game”, and “sleeping” to the charging current control unit 153 as a signal 21.
[0042]
After receiving the signal 21 indicating the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a, the charging current control means 153 calculates the current consumption of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a based on the operation information. presume. The estimation of the current consumption is performed using a current value estimation table as will be described later.
[0043]
The charging current control means 153 determines a charging current value at the time of constant current charging based on the estimated consumption current value, and uses the charging current control signal 22 as a signal for changing the constant charging current value. To 154.
[0044]
After receiving the charging current control signal 22, the constant current charging control unit 154 controls the constant current charging current by changing the reference voltage value or by another method.
[0045]
As described above, the charging current control means 153 determines the increase / decrease amount of the constant current charging current based on the signal 21 indicating the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a, and the constant current charging control unit 154. Switches the reference voltage stepwise according to the amount of increase or decrease in the constant current charging current.
[0046]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing each step in the process of determining the value of the charging current supplied to the battery pack 14 in the mobile phone 1 equipped with the charging control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0047]
When charging of the battery pack 14 is started, the charging current control means 153 of the charging circuit 15 is connected to the communication system block 6a and / or the communication system control unit 6 and / or the non-communication system control unit 7. A signal 20 for confirming the operation status of the non-communication system block 7a is transmitted (step A1).
[0048]
When the charging current control means 153 of the charging circuit 15 receives the signal 21 indicating the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a from the communication system control unit 6 and the non-communication system control unit 7 (step A2), the signal It is determined whether or not the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a shown in Fig. 21 has changed compared to the previous operation status (step A3).
[0049]
When the operation statuses of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a have not changed with respect to the previous operation status (NO in step A3), the charging current control unit 153 waits for a certain period of time and then again. Then, the signal 20 for confirming the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a is transmitted (step A1), and the signal 21 is received from the communication system control unit 6 and the non-communication system control unit 7 (step A2). ). The transmission of the signal 20 and the reception of the signal 21 are repeated until the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a changes with respect to the previous operation status.
[0050]
When the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a has changed with respect to the previous operation status (YES in step A3), the charging current control means 153 determines the increase / decrease amount of the charging current. (Step A4).
[0051]
The increase / decrease amount of the charging current is determined using a current value estimation table stored in the charging circuit 15.
[0052]
FIG. 4 shows an example of the current value estimation table.
[0053]
In the current value estimation table, as shown in FIG. 4 (A), the wireless transmission / reception unit 3, the baseband processing unit 4, the transmitter / receiver 5 belonging to the communication system block 6a, and the application belonging to the non-communication system block 7a. Sixteen levels from level 0 to level 15 are set as operation levels indicating current consumption when the device 8, the data input unit 9, the display unit 10, the memory 11, and the speaker 12 are operated. The amount of increase in charging current is determined in advance corresponding to the level. That is, the increase in charging current corresponding to level N is 20 N milliamperes.
[0054]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the operation levels when the wireless transmission / reception unit 3, the baseband processing unit 4, and the transmitter / receiver 5 belonging to the communication system block 6a are respectively defined are defined.
[0055]
For example, when the communication system block 6 a is performing voice communication, that is, when the mobile phone 1 is “busy”, the operation level corresponds to level 10. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4A, the increase in the charging current is 200 milliamperes.
[0056]
Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4C, the operation levels when the application device 8, the data input unit 9, the display unit 10, the memory 11, and the speaker 12 belonging to the non-communication system block 7a are respectively defined are defined. Yes.
[0057]
For example, when the display unit 10 displays data, the operation level corresponds to level 3, and the increase in the charging current in this case is 60 mA as shown in FIG. is there.
[0058]
When the communication system block 6a performs data communication and the non-communication system block 7a performs music reproduction at the same time, the operation level of “data communication” is level 8, and the operation of “music reproduction” is performed. Since the level is level 10, the increase in charging current is 160 mA and 200 mA, respectively. Accordingly, the sum of the increase in charging current is 360 milliamperes.
[0059]
As described above, when the charging current control unit 153 determines the increase / decrease amount of the charging current (step A4), the charging current control unit 153 sends the signal 22 indicating the determined increase / decrease amount of the charging current to the constant current charge control unit 154. (Step A5).
[0060]
The constant current charge control unit 154 that has received the signal 22 from the charge current control unit 153 controls the charge current according to the increase / decrease amount of the charge current indicated by the signal 22 (step A6). The charging current is controlled by switching the reference voltage, for example.
[0061]
FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between charging current and charging time during charging.
[0062]
As shown in FIG. 5, the current flowing through the constant resistance, that is, the charging current ICHG (solid line 121) increases according to the current value IDD (dashed line 140) consumed by the communication system block 6a or the non-communication system block 7a. For this reason, the value of the current ICHGa actually supplied to the battery pack 14 (dotted line 131) is a constant value.
[0063]
As described above, in the mobile phone 1 equipped with the charge control device according to the present embodiment, the charging current supplied to the battery pack 14 varies according to the operating state of the mobile phone 1. For this reason, the current value actually charged in the battery pack 14 becomes substantially constant, and the extension of the charging time can be prevented.
[0064]
In addition, since the constant current value in constant current charging can be changed to an arbitrary current value, the same effect can be obtained for battery packs having different capacities by controlling the charging current as described above during constant current charging. Can be obtained.
[0065]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing each step in the second process of determining the value of the charging current supplied to the battery pack 14 in the mobile phone 1 equipped with the charging control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. .
[0066]
When charging of the battery pack 14 is started, the charging current control means 153 of the charging circuit 15 is connected to the communication system block 6a and / or the communication system control unit 6 and / or the non-communication system control unit 7. A signal 20 for confirming the operation status of the non-communication system block 7a is transmitted (step B1).
[0067]
When the communication system control unit 6 and the non-communication system control unit 7 receive the signal 20, the communication system control unit 6 and the non-communication system control unit 7 determine whether or not the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a has changed compared to the previous operation status. (Step B2).
[0068]
When the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a has not changed from the previous operation status (NO in step B2), the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a is The communication system control unit 6 and the non-communication system control unit 7 stand by until changed.
[0069]
When the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a has changed compared to the previous operation status (YES in step B2), the communication system control unit 6 and the non-communication system control unit 7 Then, the signal 21 indicating the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a is transmitted to the charging current control means 153 (step B3).
[0070]
Thereafter, similarly to steps A4, A5, and A6 shown in FIG. 3, determination of the increase / decrease amount of the charging current (step B4), and to the constant current charge control unit 154 of the signal 22 indicating the determined increase / decrease amount of the charging current (Step B5) and charging current control (step B6).
[0071]
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, when the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a has not changed from the previous operation status (NO in step A3), the charging current control means 153 Repeatedly transmits a signal 20 for confirming the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a to the communication system control unit 6 and the non-communication system control unit 7 after a certain time ( Step A1).
[0072]
In contrast, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the charging current control unit 153 indicates the operation status of the communication system block 6 a and the non-communication system block 7 a with respect to the communication system control unit 6 and the non-communication system control unit 7. The signal 20 for confirmation is transmitted only once (step B1). The communication system control unit 6 and the non-communication system control unit 7 that have received the signal 20 only when the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a has changed compared to the previous operation status ( In step B2, the signal 21 indicating the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a is transmitted to the charging current control means 153 (step B3).
[0073]
In the first process shown in FIG. 3, there is a time gap from when the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a changes until the signal 21 is issued. In the second process, when the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a changes, the signal 21 indicating the operation status of the communication system block 6a and the non-communication system block 7a is sent to the charging current control means 153. Since it is transmitted, control of the charging current supplied to the battery pack 14 can be started immediately without a time gap.
[0074]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the charging control device or the charging control method of the present invention, the charging current supplied to the power supply varies according to the operating state of the mobile phone. For this reason, the current value actually charged in the power supply becomes substantially constant, and the extension of the charging time can be prevented.
[0075]
In addition, since the constant current value in constant current charging can be changed to an arbitrary current value, the same effect as described above can be obtained even for power supplies having different capacities by controlling the charging current during constant current charging. Can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of a mobile phone equipped with a charge control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a signal flow from a communication system control unit or a non-communication system control unit to a charging circuit.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing each step in the process of determining the value of the charging current supplied to the battery pack in the mobile phone equipped with the charging control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a current value estimation table.
FIG. 5 is a graph showing a relationship between charging current and charging time during charging in the mobile phone equipped with the charging control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing each step in a second process for determining the value of the charging current supplied to the battery pack in the mobile phone equipped with the charge control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a conventional mobile phone.
8A is a graph showing the relationship between charging time T and charging current ICHG in a conventional mobile phone, and FIG. 8B is a graph showing charging time T and charging voltage VCHG in a conventional mobile phone. It is a graph which shows the relationship.
FIG. 9 is a graph showing a relationship between a charging current and a charging time T when a function having a large power consumption is operated during charging of the battery pack.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Antenna
3 wireless transceiver
4 Baseband processing section
5 Handset and transmitter
6 Communication system controller
7 Non-communication system controller
8 Application devices
9 Data input part
10 Display section
11 memory
12 Speaker
13 Power control circuit
14 Battery pack
15 Charging circuit
16 Charger
151 Battery voltage detection means
152 Charging current detection means
153 Charge current control means
154 Constant current charge controller
155 Constant voltage charge controller

Claims

A communication system device for communicating with other communication devices;
A non-communication system device that performs functions other than communication with other communication devices;
A first control unit for controlling the operation of the communication system device;
A second control unit for controlling the operation of the non-communication system device;
A power supply for supplying current to the communication system device and the non-communication system device;
A charge control device for use in a mobile phone comprising:
The charging control device includes a charging circuit that charges the power source,
The charging circuit while performing the charge to the power supply, when said at least one of the communications system equipment and the non-communication system equipment is operating, estimates the consumption current needed its operation state, and are not to add the consumption current estimated charging current supplied to the power supply,
The charging circuit transmits, to at least one of the first control unit and the second control unit, an operation status confirmation signal for confirming each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device,
The first control unit and the second control unit, after receiving the operation status confirmation signal, transmits an operation status report signal indicating each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device to the charging circuit,
The charging circuit, when it is confirmed that there is no change in each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device , charging control of the mobile phone that retransmits the operation status confirmation signal after a certain time apparatus.

A communication system device for communicating with other communication devices;
A non-communication system device that performs functions other than communication with other communication devices;
A first control unit for controlling the operation of the communication system device;
A second control unit for controlling the operation of the non-communication system device;
A power supply for supplying current to the communication system device and the non-communication system device;
A charge control device for use in a mobile phone comprising:
The charging control device includes a charging circuit that charges the power source,
When at least one of the communication system device and the non-communication system device is operating while charging the power source, the charging circuit estimates a current consumption required for the operation, The estimated consumption current is added to the charging current supplied to the power source,
The charging circuit provides an operation status confirmation signal only once for confirming each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device to at least one of the first control unit and the second control unit. Send
After the first control unit and the second control unit receive the operation status confirmation signal, the operation indicating the operation status only when each of the operation statuses of the communication system device and the non-communication system device is changed. A charge control device for a mobile phone, which transmits a status report signal to the charging circuit .

A communication system device for communicating with other communication devices;
A non-communication system device that performs functions other than communication with other communication devices;
A first control unit for controlling the operation of the communication system device;
A second control unit for controlling the operation of the non-communication system device;
A power supply for supplying current to the communication system device and the non-communication system device;
A charge control device for use in a mobile phone comprising:
The charging control device includes a charging circuit that charges the power source,
The charging circuit receives an operation status signal indicating an operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device from the first control unit and the second control unit, and based on the operation status signal, the communication system Estimating the current consumption in the device and the non-communication system device, and adding the estimated current consumption to the current supplied to the power source,
The charging circuit transmits, to at least one of the first control unit and the second control unit, an operation status confirmation signal for confirming each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device,
The first control unit and the second control unit, after receiving the operation status confirmation signal, transmits an operation status report signal indicating each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device to the charging circuit,
The charging circuit, when it is confirmed that there is no change in each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device , charging control of the mobile phone that retransmits the operation status confirmation signal after a certain time apparatus.

A communication system device for communicating with other communication devices;
A non-communication system device that performs functions other than communication with other communication devices;
A first control unit for controlling the operation of the communication system device;
A second control unit for controlling the operation of the non-communication system device;
A power supply for supplying current to the communication system device and the non-communication system device;
A charge control device for use in a mobile phone comprising:
The charging control device includes a charging circuit that charges the power source,
The charging circuit receives an operation status signal indicating an operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device from the first control unit and the second control unit, and based on the operation status signal, the communication system Estimating the current consumption in the device and the non-communication system device, and adding the estimated current consumption to the current supplied to the power source,
The charging circuit provides an operation status confirmation signal only once for confirming each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device to at least one of the first control unit and the second control unit. Send
After the first control unit and the second control unit receive the operation status confirmation signal, the operation indicating the operation status only when each of the operation statuses of the communication system device and the non-communication system device is changed. A charge control device for a mobile phone, which transmits a status report signal to the charging circuit .

The charging circuit includes a table indicating current consumption corresponding to a predetermined operation level corresponding to each operation of the communication system device and the non-communication system device, and the charging circuit refers to the table. The mobile phone charging control device according to claim 3, wherein the current consumption is estimated .

The charging circuit is
Voltage detection means for detecting the voltage of the power source;
Charging current detecting means for detecting a charging current at the time of charging;
Charging current control means for receiving the operating status signal and controlling the charging current based on the operating status signal;
Constant current charging control means for controlling the charging current when performing constant current charging;
Constant voltage charging control means for controlling the charging voltage when performing constant voltage charging;
Mobile phone charge control device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that it comprises.

A mobile phone equipped with the charge control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

A communication system device for communicating with other communication devices;
A non-communication system device that performs functions other than communication with other communication devices;
A first control unit for controlling the operation of the communication system device;
A second control unit for controlling the operation of the non-communication system device;
A power supply for supplying current to the communication system device and the non-communication system device;
A charging circuit for charging the power source;
A charge control method for a mobile phone comprising:
The charging circuit transmits an operation state confirmation signal for confirming each operation state of the communication system device and the non-communication system device to at least one of the first control unit and the second control unit. One process,
A second process in which the first control unit and the second control unit transmit an operation status report signal indicating each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device to the charging circuit;
A third step of determining an increase / decrease amount of the charging current supplied to the power source by the charging circuit when the operating status indicated by the operating status report signal is changed as compared with the previous operating status;
A fourth step of supplying a charging current to which the increase / decrease amount is added to the power source;
With
The charging circuit has no change in each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device according to the operation status confirmation signal received from the first control unit and the second control unit in the second process. If it is confirmed, the charging control method in the mobile phone retransmits the operation status confirmation signal after a predetermined time .

A communication system device for communicating with other communication devices;
A non-communication system device that performs functions other than communication with other communication devices;
A first control unit for controlling the operation of the communication system device;
A second control unit for controlling the operation of the non-communication system device;
A power supply for supplying current to the communication system device and the non-communication system device;
A charging circuit for charging the power source;
A charge control method for a mobile phone comprising:
The charging circuit transmits an operation state confirmation signal for confirming each operation state of the communication system device and the non-communication system device to at least one of the first control unit and the second control unit. One process,
A second process in which the first control unit and the second control unit transmit an operation status report signal indicating each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device to the charging circuit;
A third step of determining an increase / decrease amount of the charging current supplied to the power source by the charging circuit when the operating status indicated by the operating status report signal is changed as compared with the previous operating status;
A fourth step of supplying a charging current to which the increase / decrease amount is added to the power source;
With
In the first process, the charging circuit transmits the operation status confirmation signal only once,
After the first control unit and the second control unit receive the operation status confirmation signal, only when there is a change in each operation status of the communication system device and the non-communication system device, in the second process A charging control method in a mobile phone, which transmits the operation status report signal to the charging circuit .

The charging circuit includes a table indicating current consumption corresponding to a predetermined operation level corresponding to each operation of the communication system device and the non-communication system device, and the charging circuit includes the third circuit The method for controlling charging of a mobile phone according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, in the process, an increase / decrease amount of the current consumption is determined with reference to the table .