JP2004214117A - Electronic equipment and operation control method of electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to replenish a fuel cell with an oxidizer as required. <P>SOLUTION: A microcomputer 11 judges the state of the fuel cell 12 based on the detection result of a voltage detecting part 14, a fuel residual amount detecting part 13, and an oxidizer concentration detecting part 15. In the case the oxidizer of the fuel cell 12 is judged as insufficient, the microcomputer 11 makes a display part 18 display that the oxidizer is insufficient and makes an oxidizer replenishment part execute oxidizer replenishment treatment. In the case an oxidizer replenishment start switch 20 is made on, the microcomputer 11 makes the oxidizer replenishment part 21 replenish the fuel cell with the oxidizer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic device and an operation control method of the electronic device, and more particularly, in an electronic device using a fuel cell as a power source, the electronic device and the operation of the electronic device that can supply an oxidant to the fuel cell as necessary. It relates to a control method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, lithium electronic batteries and alkaline batteries are used as power sources for portable electronic devices such as cameras, but small fuel cells have been proposed as next-generation power sources.
[0003]
In addition to using methanol as the fuel, the fuel cell uses oxygen in the air as an oxidant.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when a fuel cell is used as the power source of the camera, the amount of oxygen in the camera casing limits the usage time, and there is a problem that it cannot be used for a long time.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and makes it possible to supply an oxidant to a fuel cell as necessary.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A first electronic device according to the present invention includes a voltage detection unit that detects a voltage generated by a fuel cell, a fuel remaining amount detection unit that detects a remaining amount of fuel in the fuel cell, and an oxidation that detects an oxidant concentration in the fuel cell. Determination means for determining the state of the fuel cell based on the detection result of the agent concentration detection means, the voltage detection means, the remaining fuel amount detection means, or the oxidant concentration detection means, and the oxidation based on the determination result of the determination means In order to increase the agent concentration, an oxidant supply means for supplying an oxidant is provided.
[0007]
The oxidant replenishing means can replenish the oxidant so that the oxidant concentration becomes higher when the determination means determines that the oxidant concentration is smaller than a predetermined oxidant concentration reference value.
[0008]
Control means for controlling the start of replenishment of oxidant is further included. The oxidant replenishment means determines that the oxidant concentration is smaller than a predetermined oxidant concentration reference value by the determination means, and the oxidant supply means When the control to start the replenishment is performed, the oxidant can be replenished so that the oxidant concentration becomes high.
[0009]
The determination means determines whether or not the voltage detected by the voltage detection means is smaller than a predetermined voltage reference value, and the oxidant concentration detected by the oxidant concentration detection means is a predetermined oxidant concentration reference value. If it is determined that the voltage is lower than the voltage reference value and the oxidant concentration is lower than the oxidant concentration reference value, it is determined that the oxidant concentration is low. be able to.
[0010]
An operation control method for a first electronic device according to the present invention includes a voltage detection step for detecting a voltage generated by a fuel cell, a fuel remaining amount detection step for detecting a remaining fuel amount of the fuel cell, and an oxidant concentration of the fuel cell. A determination step of determining a state of the fuel cell based on a detection result obtained by detecting an oxidant concentration, a voltage detection step, a fuel remaining amount detection step, or an oxidant concentration detection step; And an oxidant supply step of supplying an oxidant to increase the oxidant concentration based on the determination result of the determination step.
[0011]
The second electronic device of the present invention includes a voltage detection means for detecting a voltage generated by the fuel cell, a fuel remaining amount detection means for detecting the remaining fuel amount of the fuel cell, and an oxidation for detecting the oxidant concentration of the fuel cell. Determination means for determining the state of the fuel cell based on the detection result of the agent concentration detection means, the voltage detection means, the remaining fuel amount detection means, or the oxidant concentration detection means, and the oxidation based on the determination result of the determination means In order to increase the concentration of the oxidant, an oxidant replenishing means for replenishing the oxidant is provided. Therefore, air is constantly replenished as an oxidant.
[0012]
The vent hole can be a hole opened in a frame for mounting the speaker.
[0013]
The second electronic device operation control method of the present invention includes a voltage detection step for detecting a voltage generated by the fuel cell, a fuel remaining amount detection step for detecting the remaining fuel amount of the fuel cell, and an oxidant concentration of the fuel cell. A determination step of determining a state of the fuel cell based on a detection result obtained by detecting an oxidant concentration, a voltage detection step, a fuel remaining amount detection step, or an oxidant concentration detection step; An oxidant replenishment step for replenishing the oxidant to increase the oxidant concentration based on the determination result of the determination step process, and the oxidant replenishment step process is performed on the electronic device regardless of the determination result. It is characterized in that air is constantly replenished as an oxidant from the formed air vent through the oxidant permeable membrane.
[0014]
In the first invention of the present application, the voltage generated by the fuel cell is detected, the fuel remaining amount of the fuel cell is detected, the oxidant concentration of the fuel cell is detected, and the state of the fuel cell is determined based on these detection results. Is determined, and the oxidizing agent is replenished to increase the oxidizing agent concentration based on the determination result.
[0015]
In the second invention of the present application, the voltage generated by the fuel cell is detected, the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel cell is detected, the oxidant concentration of the fuel cell is detected, and the state of the fuel cell is determined based on these detection results. Is determined, and the oxidizing agent is replenished to increase the oxidizing agent concentration based on the determination result. Regardless of the determination result, air is always supplied as the oxidant from the vent formed in the electronic device through the oxidant permeable membrane.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a camera 1 to which the present invention is applied.
[0017]
The camera 1 includes an input unit 10, a microcomputer 11, a fuel cell 12, a fuel remaining amount detection unit 13, a voltage detection unit 14, an oxidant concentration detection unit 15, a water accumulation amount detection unit 16, a display unit 18, and an oxidant supply start. The switch 20 and the oxidant supply unit 21 are configured.
[0018]
The input unit 10 receives a user operation. The microcomputer 11 controls each unit based on a user instruction. The microcomputer 11 includes a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores necessary information as appropriate.
[0019]
The fuel cell 12 uses methanol as a fuel, generates oxygen by using oxygen in the air, and supplies the energy to each unit that requires the power of the camera 1.
[0020]
The remaining fuel amount detection unit 13 detects the remaining amount of fuel such as hydrogen, methanol, hydrocarbon, etc. in the fuel cell 12 and outputs the detected remaining fuel amount to the microcomputer 11. The fuel cell 12 is disposed in the battery chamber 19, and external air is supplied to the battery chamber 19 through the oxidant permeable membrane 17.
[0021]
The oxidant permeable film 17 is a film or film that allows an oxidant (for example, oxygen) to pass therethrough and does not allow water to pass therethrough, and is provided in the vent hole 17 </ b> A of the camera 1. The oxidant permeable membrane 17 is applied when the camera 1 is drip-proof or waterproof.
[0022]
The voltage detector 14 detects the voltage (or current) generated by the fuel cell 12 and outputs the detected result to the microcomputer 11.
[0023]
The oxidant concentration detector 15 detects the concentration of the oxidant used by the fuel cell 12 (in this example, the concentration of oxygen in the battery chamber 19), and outputs the detected result to the microcomputer 11.
[0024]
The water accumulation amount detection unit 16 detects the amount of water generated and accumulated in the fuel cell 12 through the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, and outputs the detected result to the microcomputer 11.
[0025]
The display unit 18 displays various states of the camera 1 based on control from the microcomputer 11.
[0026]
In addition, the microcomputer 11 acquires the detection result of the remaining fuel amount detection unit 13, the voltage detection unit 14, or the oxidant concentration detection unit 15, and the state of the camera 1 is displayed on the display unit 18 based on the acquired detection result. Is displayed.
[0027]
The oxidant supply start switch 20 is turned on or off by the user. Specifically, it is turned on when outside air (air) is taken into the camera 1 and turned off when outside air is not taken into the camera 1. The oxidant supply unit 21 supplies oxygen (oxidant) into the camera 1 when the oxidant supply start switch 20 is turned on.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the oxidant supply unit 21 includes a fan 31 rotated by a fan motor 31A, an electromagnetic valve 33 having a plunger 32, and a lens barrel 34 advanced and retracted by a lens barrel motor 34A. Is done.
[0029]
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the oxidant supply unit 21 is provided with a manual valve 35 instead of the electromagnetic valve 33 of FIG. 2. The principle of oxidant supply by the oxidant supply unit 21 will be described later.
[0030]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example on the display unit 18 of FIG.
[0031]
The mark 50 displayed on the display unit 18 is a display representing the remaining time of the fuel cell, and the mark 70 is a display representing the frame count of the camera 1.
[0032]
When displaying the state of the fuel cell 12 on the display unit 18 (for example, when displaying the state of the fuel cell 12 based on the input from the user to the input unit 10), the mark 50 indicates the fuel (of the fuel cell 12). The mark 70 is used to indicate a shortage of oxidant. The mark 70 is used to indicate the remaining amount of fuel (such as hydrogen, methanol, and hydrocarbons).
[0033]
Although the mark indicating the lack of oxidant is also used as a display (number) indicating the frame count of the camera 1, for example, it may be used as a calendar (number) displayed on the display unit 18. You may make it provide the dedicated display showing the lack of an agent.
[0034]
A mark 51 is also displayed at the display position of the mark 50 on the display unit 18 instead of the mark 50 as shown in FIG.
[0035]
When the mark is a display indicating the remaining time of the fuel cell, the mark 50 indicates that the remaining time of the fuel cell 12 is large, and the mark 51 indicates that the remaining time of the fuel cell 12 is small. Represents.
[0036]
When displaying the state of the fuel cell 12 on the mark, the mark 51 indicates that there is no remaining amount of fuel (below the reference value).
[0037]
Next, the status display process of the fuel cell 12 in the camera 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is started when a command for displaying the state of the fuel cell 12 is input to the input unit 10 by the user.
[0038]
In step S <b> 11, the microcomputer 11 causes the voltage detection unit 14 to detect the generated voltage of the fuel cell 12 and acquires the generated voltage detected by the voltage detection unit 14.
[0039]
In step S <b> 12, the microcomputer 11 determines whether the generated voltage acquired from the voltage detection unit 14 is smaller than a predetermined voltage reference value V. The microcomputer 11 stores a predetermined voltage reference value V in advance in a built-in memory (not shown). If it is determined in step S12 that the generated voltage is not smaller (larger) than the predetermined voltage reference value V, the microcomputer 11 determines that the state of the fuel cell 12 is normal, and proceeds to step S13. The display unit 18 displays that the fuel cell 12 is normal. That is, the determination of being normal is performed only by the determination based on the voltage. At this time, the display 18 displays as shown in FIG.
[0040]
A mark 50 is displayed on the display unit 18 of FIG. Thereby, it can be shown to the user that the fuel cell 12 is normal.
[0041]
If it is determined in step S12 that the generated voltage is smaller than the predetermined voltage reference value V, the process proceeds to step S14, and the microcomputer 11 detects the remaining fuel amount of the fuel cell 12 in the remaining fuel amount detection unit 13. The remaining fuel amount detected by the remaining fuel amount detection unit 13 is acquired.
[0042]
In step S <b> 15, the microcomputer 11 determines whether or not the remaining fuel amount acquired from the remaining fuel amount detection unit 13 is greater than a predetermined fuel reference value F. The microcomputer 11 stores a predetermined fuel reference value F in advance in a built-in memory. If it is determined in step S15 that the remaining fuel amount is not larger (smaller) than the predetermined fuel reference value F, the microcomputer 11 determines that the state of the fuel cell 12 is short of fuel, and the process proceeds to step S16. The display unit 18 displays that the fuel in the fuel cell 12 is insufficient. At this time, the display 18 displays as shown in FIG.
[0043]
A mark 51 is displayed on the display unit 18 of FIG. Thereby, it can show to the user that the fuel of the fuel cell 12 is insufficient. That is, this fuel shortage determination is performed when both the voltage and the fuel are smaller than the reference value.
[0044]
If it is determined in step S15 that the remaining amount of fuel is greater than the predetermined fuel reference value F, the process proceeds to step S17, and the microcomputer 11 sets the oxidant concentration of the fuel cell 12 to the oxidant concentration detection unit 15. The oxidant concentration detected by the oxidant concentration detection unit 15 is acquired.
[0045]
In step S <b> 18, the microcomputer 11 determines whether or not the oxidant concentration acquired from the oxidant concentration detection unit 15 is greater than a predetermined oxidant concentration reference Z. The microcomputer 11 stores a predetermined oxidant concentration reference Z in advance in a built-in memory. If it is determined in step S18 that the oxidant concentration is not greater (smaller) than the predetermined oxidant concentration reference Z, the microcomputer 11 determines that the state of the fuel cell 12 is insufficient oxidant, and performs processing. Proceeding to step S19, the display unit 18 displays that the oxidizer of the fuel cell 12 is insufficient. At this time, the display 18 displays as shown in FIG.
[0046]
A mark 50 and a mark 70 are displayed on the display unit 18 of FIG. Thereby, it can be shown to the user that the oxidant of the fuel cell 12 is insufficient (the fuel remaining in the fuel cell 12 is present, but the oxidant is insufficient). That is, it is determined that the oxidant is insufficient when the voltage is smaller than the reference value, the remaining amount of fuel is larger than the reference value, and the oxidant is smaller than the reference value.
[0047]
In step S20, the microcomputer 11 causes the oxidant supply unit 21 to execute the oxidant supply process. This process will be described later with reference to FIGS. As a result, the fuel cell 12 is supplemented with an oxidant (in this example, oxygen).
[0048]
If it is determined in step S18 that the oxidant concentration is greater than the predetermined fuel reference value F, the process proceeds to step S21, and the microcomputer 11 determines that the state of the fuel cell 12 is abnormal and displays the display unit. 18 indicates that the battery unit is abnormal. At this time, the microcomputer 11 causes the display unit 18 to blink and display the display as shown in FIG. 10 (the mark 51 and the mark 70 blink and display). Thereby, the user is warned of abnormality of the battery unit.
[0049]
In the display unit 18 of FIG. 10, a mark 51 and a mark 70 are displayed, and the mark 51 and the mark 70 are blinking. As a result, the state of the fuel cell 12 (battery part in which the fuel cell 12 is stored) is abnormal for the user (the fuel generated in the fuel cell 12 and the oxidant is not insufficient, the generated voltage Is abnormal because it is low).
[0050]
Thus, the generated voltage of the fuel cell 12 is smaller than the predetermined voltage reference value V (determined as YES in step S12), and the fuel remaining amount of the fuel cell 12 is larger than the predetermined fuel reference value F (YES in step S15). And when the oxidant concentration of the fuel cell 12 is greater than the predetermined oxidant concentration reference Z (determined as YES in step S18), the fuel cell 12 or the cell unit (peripheral portion of the fuel cell 12) Is determined to be abnormal.
[0051]
After the process of step S13, after the process of step S16, after the process of step S20, or after the process of step S21, the process ends.
[0052]
With the above processing, the generated voltage, fuel remaining amount, and oxidant concentration of the fuel cell 12 are detected, so that it can be determined that the fuel cell is abnormal.
[0053]
In addition, the fuel cell 12 is displayed on the display unit 18 by using the mark 50 (mark 51) corresponding to the time remaining amount display of the fuel cell on the display unit 18 and the display corresponding to the frame count of the camera 1 (mark 70). The state of the fuel cell 12 can be displayed without providing any special display means.
[0054]
Further, when it is determined that the oxidant is insufficient, the oxidant can be replenished to the fuel cell 12 (step S20). Thereby, an oxidizing agent density | concentration can be made high.
[0055]
Hereinafter, an example of the oxidant supply process (process of step S20) executed by the oxidant supply unit 21 will be described.
[0056]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an oxidant supply process using a lens barrel. This process is executed as the process of step S20 in FIG.
[0057]
In step S41, the microcomputer 11 determines whether or not the oxidant supply start switch 20 is turned on. The oxidant supply start switch 20 is turned on or off by the user. The user turns on when permitting oxidant supply, and turns off when oxidant supply is not permitted.
[0058]
If it is determined in step S41 that the oxidant supply start switch 20 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S42, and the microcomputer 11 determines whether or not the lens barrel 34 constituting the oxidant supply unit 21 is retracted. Determine whether.
[0059]
If it is determined in step S42 that the lens barrel 34 is retracted, the process proceeds to step S43, and the microcomputer 11 controls the lens barrel motor 34A of the oxidant replenishing unit 21 to extend the lens barrel 34. (The state is moved from the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 12 (collapsed state) to the state indicated by the broken line (the extended state)).
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 12, a lens barrel 34 having a lens 90 therein is provided in a substantially central position on the front surface (lower surface in the drawing) of the camera 1 so as to be able to advance and retract. A vent hole 91 is provided on the left side of the camera 1 in the drawing, and outside air flows into and out of the camera 1 through the vent hole 91. In the example of FIG. 12, the vent hole 91 is on the left side in FIG. 12 of the camera 1, but the vent hole 91 may be in a place other than the left side.
[0061]
When the lens barrel 34 is extended, the air pressure inside the camera 1 decreases, and air is taken into the camera 1 through the vent hole 91. Thereby, new air can be supplied to the fuel cell 12 of the camera 1.
[0062]
After the process of step S43, the process proceeds to step S44, and the microcomputer 11 controls the lens barrel motor 34A of the oxidant replenishing unit 21 to retract the lens barrel 34. Specifically, the lens barrel 34 is moved from a state indicated by a broken line in FIG. 12 (a state where the lens barrel 34 is extended) to a state indicated by a solid line (a state where the lens barrel 34 is retracted). The
[0063]
When the lens barrel 34 is retracted, the air pressure inside the camera 1 rises, and air is discharged from the camera 1 through the vent hole 91.
[0064]
In step S <b> 45, the microcomputer 11 determines whether the lens barrel 34 has been extended and the retraction operation has been performed a predetermined number of times set in advance. If it is determined that the lens barrel 34 has not been advanced and retracted a predetermined number of times, the process returns to step S43 and the subsequent processing is repeated. That is, the operation of retracting and retracting the lens barrel 34 is repeated (performed a predetermined number of times), and air flows in and out through the vent hole 91.
[0065]
By performing the operation of extending and retracting the lens barrel 34 a predetermined number of times, the air inside the camera 1 is ventilated. Thus, new air can be supplied to the fuel cell 12 inside the battery chamber 19.
[0066]
When it is determined in step S42 that the lens barrel 34 is not retracted (when the camera 1 is in use), the process proceeds to step S46, and the microcomputer 11 sets the current position of the lens barrel 34 inside. Store in memory.
[0067]
In step S47, the microcomputer 11 controls the lens barrel motor 34A to retract the lens barrel 34. For example, the lens barrel 34 is changed from a state indicated by a broken line in FIG. 12 to a state indicated by a solid line.
[0068]
In step S48, the microcomputer 11 controls the lens barrel motor 34A to extend the lens barrel 34. The lens barrel 34 changes from the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 12 to the state indicated by the broken line.
[0069]
Due to the processing of Step S47 and Step S48, the lens barrel 34 is retracted and also retracted, so that the air inside the camera 1 flows in and out through the vent hole 91. Thereby, new air can be supplied to the fuel cell 12 of the camera 1.
[0070]
In step S49, the microcomputer 11 determines whether or not the operation of retracting and extending the lens barrel 34 has been performed a predetermined number of times. If it is determined that the retraction and extension operations of the lens barrel 34 have not been performed a predetermined number of times, the process returns to step S47, and the subsequent processes are repeated. That is, the operation of retracting and extending the lens barrel 34 is repeated (performed a predetermined number of times), and air flows in and out through the air holes 91 (air in the camera 1 flows in and out).
[0071]
If it is determined in step S49 that the operation of retracting and extending the lens barrel 34 has been performed a predetermined number of times, the process proceeds to step S50, the microcomputer 11 controls the lens barrel motor 34A, and the process of step S46. The position of the lens barrel 34 is returned to the lens barrel position stored by the above. As a result, the position of the lens barrel 34 returns to the position before the processing in steps S47 to S49 is performed.
[0072]
If it is determined in step S41 that the oxidant supply start switch 20 is off, the processes in steps S42 to S50 are skipped, and the process ends. If it is determined in step S45 that the lens barrel 34 has been extended and retracted a predetermined number of times, or after step S50, the process ends.
[0073]
As described above, the microcomputer 11 ventilates the air inside the camera 1 by moving the lens barrel 34 of the oxidant replenishment unit 21, and oxygen (air) as the oxidant is supplied inside the battery 1 (battery chamber) 19). The fuel cell 12 performs a power generation operation using the oxygen in the air.
[0074]
Further, the microcomputer 11 stores the position of the lens barrel 34 before executing the oxidant replenishment process, and returns the lens barrel 34 to the stored position after the oxidant replenishment process is completed. There is no problem with the original photographing operation of the camera 1.
[0075]
As shown in FIG. 13, the same effect can also be achieved by fixing the lens barrel 34 and moving the lens 90 inside thereof in the lens barrel 34.
[0076]
In addition, the oxidant permeable film 17 may be provided on the right side (inside the camera 1) of the vent hole 91 in FIGS. Thereby, the approach of water can be prevented.
[0077]
In the example of FIGS. 12 and 13, the fan 31 is not provided, but the fan 31 may be provided.
[0078]
14 and 15 show another configuration example of the oxidant supply unit 21. FIG.
[0079]
In this example, for example, a piezoelectric speaker 100 is provided on the right side of FIG. 14 or FIG. A hole 101 is formed on the outer periphery of the frame 102 for attaching the speaker 100. The space inside the camera 1 communicates with the outside via the hole 101, the oxidant permeable membrane 17, and the vent hole 91, and the air inside the camera 1 flows into and out of the space through these.
[0080]
14 and 15, the speaker 100 is provided at a position corresponding to the vent hole 91. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a microphone is provided at a position corresponding to the vent hole 91. Also good.
[0081]
If it does in this way, the air of camera 1 can be made to flow in and out by the vibration of the diaphragm of speaker 100 or a microphone.
[0082]
Further, only one or a combination of the movement of the lens barrel 34 or the lens 90 and the vibration of the speaker 100 or the diaphragm of the microphone can be used.
[0083]
Next, still another configuration example of the oxidant supply unit 21 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0084]
A substantially cylindrical base 112 is disposed on the left side of the camera 1 in the figure, and the base 112 is provided with a vent hole 91 that communicates the space inside the camera 1 with the outside. Then, air flows into and out of the camera 1. A valve 113 is provided on the right side of the vent hole 91 in the drawing (inside the base 112), and the valve 113 is biased by the spring 110 so as to close the vent hole 91. The plunger 32 urges the valve 113 against the urging force of the spring 110 in the right direction in the drawing to open the vent hole 91. The plunger 32, the spring 110, and the valve 113 constitute an electromagnetic valve 33. The base 112 is provided with a hole 111 that communicates the space inside the camera 1 with the space inside the base 112 and the outside via the vent hole 91 when the valve 113 is urged by the plunger 32.
[0085]
A fan 31 that is rotated by a fan motor 31 </ b> A is provided inside the camera 1 to ventilate the air inside the camera 1. In this example, the fan 31 rotates when the valve 113 of the electromagnetic valve 33 opens the vent hole 91.
[0086]
When the valve 113 of the electromagnetic valve 33 is closed, the camera 1 is in a sealed state. Thereby, a waterproof structure can be obtained, but when the waterproof structure is not used, the electromagnetic valve 33 may not be provided.
[0087]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the oxidant supply process in the configuration example of FIG. This process is executed as the process of step S20 in FIG.
[0088]
In step S71, the microcomputer 11 determines whether or not the oxidant supply start switch 20 is turned on. The oxidant supply start switch 20 is turned on or off by the user. The user turns on when permitting oxidant supply, and turns off when oxidant supply is not permitted.
[0089]
If it is determined in step S71 that the oxidant supply start switch 20 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S72, and the microcomputer 11 drives the plunger 32 of the electromagnetic valve 33, and attaches the valve 113 to the spring 110. It is moved to the right in FIG. 16 against the force. Thereby, the external space communicates with the space inside the camera 1 through the air hole 91, the space inside the base 112, and the hole 111.
[0090]
In step S73, the microcomputer 11 drives the fan motor 31A to rotate the fan 31. As a result, external air flows into the camera 1 through the vent hole 91, the space inside the base 112, and the path of the hole 111, or the air inside the camera 1 is discharged to the outside through the reverse path. The
[0091]
In step S74, the microcomputer 11 determines whether or not a predetermined time set in advance has elapsed since the rotation of the fan 31 (the predetermined time has elapsed after executing the processing in steps S72 and S73). Whether or not). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not yet elapsed, the process waits until the predetermined time has elapsed.
[0092]
If it is determined in step S74 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S75, and the microcomputer 11 stops driving the plunger 32. As a result, according to the urging force of the spring 110, the valve 113 is moved leftward in FIG. As a result, the camera 1 is hermetically sealed and the outside air does not flow in or out.
[0093]
After the process of step S75, the process proceeds to step S76, and the microcomputer 11 stops driving the fan motor 31A, stops the rotation of the fan 31, and ends the process. If it is determined in step S71 that the oxidant supply start switch is turned off, the processes in steps S72 to S76 are skipped.
[0094]
In this manner, the user can turn on the oxidant supply start switch 20 to rotate the fan 31 and supply air to the camera 1 by the process of FIG.
[0095]
16 and 17, the fan 31 is provided, but the fan 31 may be omitted. In this case, in the flowchart of FIG. 17, the processes of step S73 and step S76 are omitted, and natural ventilation is performed.
[0096]
FIG. 18 shows still another configuration example of the oxidant supply unit 21.
[0097]
In the example of FIG. 18, the electromagnetic valve 33 in FIG. 16 is a manual valve 35. That is, the plunger 32 in FIG. 16 is omitted, and a button 113 </ b> A is provided on the left side of the valve 113 (outside of the camera 1) so as to protrude outward from the camera 1.
[0098]
When the button 113A is pushed rightward in the figure by the user, the valve 113 formed integrally with the button 113A moves rightward in the figure against the urging force of the spring 110, and passes through the valve 113A. The pores 91 are opened.
[0099]
When the push of the button 113A is released, the valve 113 moves to the left in the figure according to the biasing force of the spring 110, and closes the vent hole 91.
[0100]
Although illustration is omitted, a switch that is turned on or off in response to the operation of the button 113 </ b> A is provided, and a signal from the switch is input to the microcomputer 11.
[0101]
Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.
[0102]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the oxidant supply process in the configuration example of FIG. This process is executed as the process of step S20 in FIG.
[0103]
In step S91, the microcomputer 11 determines whether or not the valve 113 of the manual valve 35 is open (that is, the button 113A is pressed (the corresponding switch is turned on)).
[0104]
If it is determined in step S91 that the valve 113 of the manual valve 35 is open, the process proceeds to step S92, and the microcomputer 11 drives the fan motor 31A to rotate the fan 31. By opening the valve 113 of the manual valve 35, external air communicates with the space inside the camera 1 through the air hole 91, the space inside the base 112, and the hole 111. Further, when the fan 31 is rotated, external air flows into and out of the camera 1 through the air hole 91, the space inside the base 112, and the path of the hole 111, or the camera 1 through the reverse path. The air inside is exhausted to the outside.
[0105]
After the process of step S92, the process returns to step S91, and the subsequent processes are repeated. That is, while the valve 113 of the manual valve 35 is open (that is, while the button 113A is pressed), the fan 31 is rotated and the air of the camera 1 is ventilated.
[0106]
In step S91, when it is determined that the valve 113 of the manual valve 35 is closed (that is, the button 13A is not pressed), the process proceeds to step S93, and the microcomputer 11 drives the fan motor 31A. The operation is stopped, the rotation of the fan 31 is stopped, and the process is terminated.
[0107]
As described above, when the oxidant is insufficient, the user presses the button 113A attached to the valve 113 of the manual valve 35, thereby rotating the fan 31 by the process of FIG. Can be supplied.
[0108]
The fan 31 may also be used as a built-in fan provided in advance in the camera 1.
[0109]
The fan motor 31A of the fan 31 may be a dedicated motor. However, the fan motor 31A can also be used as the lens barrel motor 34A (the lens barrel motor 34A shown in FIG. 2), or as shown in FIGS. It may be used also as a motor.
[0110]
In the example of FIG. 20, the rotation shaft of the fan 31 is coupled to the gear 140. The sun gear 144 is coaxially coupled to the feed motor 151, and the planetary gear 141 meshes with the sun gear 144. The gear 140 meshes with the planetary gear 141.
[0111]
When the sun gear 144 is rotated (rotated) clockwise in the figure by the feeding motor 151, the planetary gear 141 revolves clockwise while rotating counterclockwise in the figure. As a result, the planetary gear 141 meshes with the winding system 142, so that the winding system 142 winds up a film (not shown).
[0112]
When the sun gear 144 is rotated counterclockwise in the drawing by the feeding motor 151, the planetary gear 141 revolves counterclockwise in the drawing. As a result, the planetary gear 141 meshes with the rewind system 143, so that the rewind system 143 rewinds the film.
[0113]
When the planetary gear 141 comes to the position shown in FIG. 20 (position on a straight line connecting the center of the gear 140 and the center of the sun gear 144), the planetary gear 141 meshes with the gear 140, and the rotation of the sun gear 144 causes the fan to rotate. 31 rotates.
[0114]
In the case of the example of FIG. 21, the rotation shaft of the fan 31 is coupled to the gear 160. Similarly to the example of FIG. 20, a planetary gear 161, a winding system 162, a rewinding system 163, and a solar system 164 are provided. The rotation of the feeding motor 165 is transmitted from the coaxial gear 171 to the sun gear 164 via the gear 172, the gear 173, and the gear 174, and is also transmitted to the gear 160 via the gear 175. As the feed motor 165 rotates, the sun gear 164 rotates and the gear (the winding system 162 or the rewinding system 163) with which the planetary gear 161 is engaged is rotated. Further, with the rotation of the feeding motor 165, the gear 160 rotates and the fan 31 rotates. Thereby, the fan 31 can be rotated together with the driving of the feeding motor 165.
[0115]
With the above processing, the generated voltage of the fuel cell 12, the remaining amount of fuel, and the oxidant concentration are detected, so that the state of the fuel cell can be accurately determined. Further, when it is determined that the fuel cell 12 is deficient in oxidant (if necessary), the oxidant can be supplied automatically or manually. Thereby, an oxidizing agent density | concentration can be made high.
[0116]
The oxidizing agent replenishment process may move the lens barrel 34 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, or may move the lens 90 as shown in FIG. . Further, a speaker 100 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 may be provided. Further, an electromagnetic valve 33 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 may be provided, or a fan 31 may be added. 18 and FIG. 19, a manual valve 35 may be provided, or a fan 31 may be added.
[0117]
In the above example, the oxidant supply start switch 20 is provided and the supply is started by turning on the oxidant supply start switch 20, but it is determined that the oxidant is insufficient (FIG. 6). If NO in step S18), the oxidant supply process may be automatically started.
[0118]
If the camera 1 is not waterproof and drip-proof, the oxidant permeable membrane 17 may not be provided, and only the vent hole 91 may be provided.
[0119]
In the present embodiment, the electromagnetic valve 33 is provided. However, a magnet valve or the like may be used, or any other structure may be used as long as the hole (for example, the air hole 91) can be opened and closed.
[0120]
As described above, the case where the present invention is applied to a camera has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to a digital camera other than a camera and other portable electronic devices.
[0121]
In the present specification, the step of describing a computer program includes not only processing performed in time series according to the described order but also processing executed in parallel or individually even if not necessarily processed in time series. Is also included.
[0122]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the oxidant can be supplied to the fuel cell as necessary.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a camera to which the present invention is applied.
2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an oxidant supply unit of the camera of FIG. 1. FIG.
3 is a block diagram showing a configuration for supplying oxidant to the camera of FIG. 1; FIG.
4 is a diagram showing a display example on the display unit in FIG. 1; FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating marks displayed on the display unit of FIG. 1;
6 is a flowchart illustrating a fuel cell state display process in the camera of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example by the process of step S13 in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example by the process of step S16 in FIG.
9 is a diagram showing a display example by the process of step S19 of FIG.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example by the process of step S21 of FIG.
11 is a flowchart illustrating an oxidant supply process in the camera of FIG.
12 is a diagram for explaining an oxidant supply process in the flowchart of FIG. 11. FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an oxidant supply process in the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another configuration example for oxidizing agent supply processing;
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing still another configuration example for oxidizing agent supply processing;
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another configuration example for oxidant supply processing;
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an oxidant supply process in the camera of FIG.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another configuration example for oxidizing agent supply processing.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining oxidant supply processing in the camera of FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a drive configuration of a fan.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a drive configuration of a fan.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Camera
11 Microcomputer
12 Fuel cell
13 Fuel remaining amount detector
14 Voltage detector
15 Oxidant concentration detector
17 Oxidant permeable membrane
18 Display section
20 Oxidant supply start switch
21 Oxidant supply section
31 fans
33 Solenoid valve
34 Tube
35 Manual valve
50, 51 mark
70 mark
91 Vent
100 speakers
101 holes

Claims (8)

In electronic devices that use fuel cells as power sources,
Voltage detecting means for detecting a voltage generated by the fuel cell;
Fuel remaining amount detecting means for detecting the fuel remaining amount of the fuel cell;
Oxidant concentration detection means for detecting the oxidant concentration of the fuel cell;
A determination unit that determines a state of the fuel cell based on a detection result of the voltage detection unit, the fuel remaining amount detection unit, or the oxidant concentration detection unit;
An electronic apparatus comprising: an oxidant supply means for supplying the oxidant to increase the oxidant concentration based on a determination result of the determination means. The oxidant replenishing means replenishes the oxidant so that the oxidant concentration becomes higher when the determination means determines that the oxidant concentration is smaller than a predetermined oxidant concentration reference value. The electronic device according to claim 1. A control means for controlling the start of replenishment of the oxidant;
The oxidant replenishing means is determined by the determining means to determine that the oxidant concentration is smaller than a predetermined oxidant concentration reference value, and the control means is controlled to start replenishing the oxidant. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the oxidant is replenished so that the oxidant concentration becomes high. The determination means determines whether or not the voltage detected by the voltage detection means is smaller than a predetermined voltage reference value, and the oxidant concentration detected by the oxidant concentration detection means It is determined whether or not the oxidant concentration reference value is greater than the voltage reference value, and when it is determined that the oxidant concentration is less than the oxidant concentration reference value, the oxidant concentration is The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is determined to be in a thin state. In an operation control method of an electronic device using a fuel cell as a power source,
A voltage detection step of detecting a voltage generated by the fuel cell;
A fuel remaining amount detecting step for detecting a fuel remaining amount of the fuel cell;
An oxidant concentration detection step for detecting an oxidant concentration of the fuel cell;
A determination step of determining a state of the fuel cell based on a detection result obtained by the voltage detection step, the fuel remaining amount detection step, or the oxidant concentration detection step;
An electronic apparatus operation control method comprising: an oxidant replenishment step of replenishing the oxidant to increase the oxidant concentration based on a determination result of the determination step. In electronic devices that use fuel cells as power sources,
Voltage detecting means for detecting a voltage generated by the fuel cell;
Fuel remaining amount detecting means for detecting the fuel remaining amount of the fuel cell;
Oxidant concentration detection means for detecting the oxidant concentration of the fuel cell;
A determination unit that determines a state of the fuel cell based on a detection result of the voltage detection unit, the fuel remaining amount detection unit, or the oxidant concentration detection unit;
Oxidant supply means for supplying an oxidant to increase the oxidant concentration based on the determination result of the determination means;
With
The oxidant replenishing means constantly replenishes air as the oxidant from a vent formed in the electronic device through an oxidant permeable membrane regardless of a determination result of the determining means. Electronics. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the vent hole is a hole opened in a frame for attaching a speaker. In an operation control method of an electronic device using a fuel cell as a power source,
A voltage detection step of detecting a voltage generated by the fuel cell;
A fuel remaining amount detecting step for detecting a fuel remaining amount of the fuel cell;
An oxidant concentration detection step for detecting an oxidant concentration of the fuel cell;
A determination step of determining a state of the fuel cell based on a detection result obtained by the voltage detection step, the fuel remaining amount detection step, or the oxidant concentration detection step;
An oxidant replenishment step for replenishing the oxidant to increase the oxidant concentration based on a determination result by the determination step processing;
Including
Regardless of the determination result, the oxidant replenishment step process always replenishes air as the oxidant from the vent formed in the electronic device through the oxidant permeable membrane. Device operation control method.

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