JP2006280186A - Adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an adapter mounted detachably to an electronic device and that charges a battery. <P>SOLUTION: The adapter 2 is detachably mounted to the electronic device, mounts the predetermined battery 4, and is provided with a power supplying terminal 24 for outputting a DC voltage. The power supply terminal 24 is connected to a connection terminal 15, disposed in the electronic device and outputs the DC voltage to the electronic device, in a state (B) with the adapter 2 being mounted to the electronic device, and is connected to a charging terminal, disposed in the battery and charges the battery, in a state (C) with the battery 4 being mounted to the adapter 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an adapter that is detachably attached to an electronic device.

A portable electronic device such as a digital (still / video) camera or a notebook personal computer (PC) has a battery storage unit and supplies power from a battery inserted in the battery storage unit. As the battery, a rechargeable battery is often used in consideration of economy.
On the other hand, an electronic device with high power consumption includes an external power supply terminal for supplying power from an AC power supply via an AC adapter or the like in addition to a battery. There is also an electronic device with a built-in AC adapter that has a built-in charging circuit in the main body of the electronic device and charges a rechargeable battery stored in a battery housing portion of the electronic device using external power supplied from an external power supply terminal. .

  However, the external power supply terminal is a relatively large part to ensure the resistance to insertion and extraction, and hinders the downsizing of the electronic device body. In addition, provision of a charging circuit in the main body also hinders downsizing of the electronic device main body.

For this reason, an external power supply unit (AC adapter) shaped like a detachable rechargeable battery unit can be inserted into the battery housing part of the electronic device main body, and the battery housing part can also be used as the AC adapter housing part. Electronic devices are known (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).
There is also known an electronic device that is designed to allow a card-type battery to be inserted into a PC card slot and to supplement the battery inserted into the battery storage portion with the card-type battery to increase the continuous use time (for example, Patent Document 4).
Many PC cards having predetermined functions such as an external memory, wireless communication capability, and an interface for connecting to an external device are commercially available, and it is convenient in that these functions can be added according to the user's wishes. . However, the PC card slot is generally limited to a relatively large portable electronic device such as a notebook PC. For example, in a small device such as a digital still camera, a connection interface with an external device is provided in the main body, or In general, an accessory having a function of a so-called charger is provided with a connection interface with an external device.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 04-092381 JP 07-059335 A JP-A-11-041911 JP 07-249399 A

  However, in the electronic devices described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, if the rechargeable battery is removed and the AC adapter is inserted into the battery housing portion when using an external power source, the rechargeable battery cannot be charged in this state. For this reason, a separate charger is required exclusively for the rechargeable battery.

  The electronic device described in Patent Document 4 needs to be supplied with power from the external power supply terminal of the electronic device body when charging the card-type battery.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an adapter that can be detachably attached to an electronic device and can be charged with a battery.

The adapter according to the present invention can be detachably mounted on an electronic device and can be mounted with a predetermined battery. The adapter includes a power supply terminal that outputs a DC voltage, and the power supply terminal is connected to the adapter. In a state where the electronic device is attached, the battery is connected to a connection terminal arranged on the electronic device side to output a DC voltage to the electronic device, and in a state where the battery is attached to the adapter, the battery The battery is charged by connecting to a charging terminal arranged in the battery.
This adapter is preferably detachably attachable to a battery attachment portion to which the predetermined battery is attached in the electronic device.

Preferably, in the present invention, the adapter further includes an AC / DC converter that converts an AC voltage supplied from an external AC power source into a DC voltage, and the power supply terminal is a DC voltage converted by the AC / DC converter. Is output.
In this case, more preferably, the battery further includes a placement surface on which the battery is placed, and a positioning member that positions the battery placed above, and the power supply terminal protrudes from the placement surface and projects the battery. The position can be changed between the first position connected to the charging terminal and the second position not connected to the charging terminal.
In the present invention, preferably, the second position is a position where the power supply terminal can be connected to a terminal arranged in the electronic device when the adapter is mounted on the electronic device.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the adapter has a first signal input unit capable of inputting a predetermined signal from the outside, and a signal input to the first signal input / output unit. 1 signal output unit, and / or a second signal input unit capable of inputting a signal output from the electronic device, and a signal input to the second signal input unit is output to the outside A possible second signal output unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the adapter which can be charged to a battery while being detachably attached to an electronic device can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1A shows a state in which the cover of the battery housing portion is opened in the portable electronic device according to the embodiment. FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of a state in which the AC adapter according to the present embodiment is mounted in the battery storage unit.
When the cover 11 provided in the electronic device main body 1 is opened, as shown in FIG. 1A, the adapter 2 of the present embodiment mounted in the battery housing portion (battery mounting portion) 12 and the memory card slot 3 appears. The cover 11 is closed to prevent entry of dust and the like except when a cord is connected.
The adapter 2 is fixed by a stopper 13 provided in the electronic device main body 1. As shown in FIG. 1 (B), the adapter 2 attached to the battery storage unit 12 is given a force toward the battery insertion port by the elastic force of a terminal or the like provided on the inner surface on the back side of the battery storage unit 12. ing. When the adapter 2 is attached to the battery housing part 12, the adapter 2 is pushed into the back against this force, and the stopper 13 is locked to the front surface of the adapter 2 so as not to jump out.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the front surface of the adapter 2 is provided with a plurality of terminals including an AC power supply terminal and signal terminals for video and audio. In the illustrated example, the electronic apparatus is a digital still camera, and a power supply terminal 21, a video signal terminal 22, and a USB terminal 23 are provided as the plurality of terminals.

  After the adapter 2 is mounted, a predetermined cable is connected to corresponding terminals of the plurality of terminals as shown in FIG. When the electronic apparatus main body 1 is driven by AC power, an AC power cable connector is connected to the power supply terminal 21. In addition to this, in the case where it is desired to output video captured by an electronic device (digital still camera) to a display device (not shown), a video signal cable connector is connected to the video signal terminal 22 to connect with an external device. To input / output information (video and control signals), a USB cable connector is connected to the USB terminal 23.

When the electronic device is driven by a battery, when the stopper 13 is turned, the adapter 2 pops out slightly to the front, so that the adapter 2 is pulled out from the battery housing portion 12. Then, the battery is similarly attached to the battery housing portion 12, and the stopper 13 is locked to the front surface of the battery. Note that the video signal terminal 22 and the USB terminal 23 are preferably provided in the battery as well. This is because the video signal terminal 22 and the USB terminal 23 can be omitted from the electronic device main body 1.
The battery can be extracted in the same manner as in the case of the adapter 2.

  As described above, the adapter 2 according to the present embodiment is characterized by having a connection terminal for a predetermined signal (video signal, signal from the USB cable) in addition to the AC power supply terminal. As another feature, the adapter 2 can be used as a battery charger.

FIG. 1C shows a connection mode during charging of the battery.
The upper surface of the adapter 2 is a mounting surface for the battery 4, and a member for positioning the battery 4 is provided there. When the battery 4 is correctly positioned, the power supply terminal 24 provided in advance on the adapter 2 comes into contact with the charging terminal (battery contact) of the battery, and charging is possible. Charging is started by inserting the connector of the AC cord 100 into the power supply terminal 21 shown in FIG.
Note that the power supply terminal 24 of the adapter 2 is pushed down by the inner surface of the battery housing portion 12 when retracted into the battery housing portion 12 shown in FIG. Details of the retracting structure, the structure of the member for positioning the battery, and the mounting method will be described later.

FIG. 2A shows an electrical connection relationship of the battery to the internal circuit of the electronic device and a configuration (connectors) for the connection. FIG. 2B shows an electrical connection relationship of various cables via an adapter to an internal circuit of the electronic device, and connectors for the connection. FIG. 2C shows a connection relationship between the battery and the adapter, and connectors for that purpose.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the battery 4 is provided with charging terminals (three terminals, a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and a control terminal) 41 during charging as shown in FIG. Correspondingly, battery connection terminals 15 (three terminals) are provided on the inner surface of the battery housing portion 12 of the electronic device main body 1. A composite connector receiving portion 16 is provided on the inner surface of the battery housing portion 12 for connecting the adapter. The battery connection terminal 15 and the composite connector receiving portion 16 are connected to the internal circuit 17 of the electronic device independently of each terminal.
When the battery is driven (usually used), as shown in FIG. 2A, the battery 4 is inserted into the battery housing portion 12, and when it is pushed to the end, the charging terminal 41 of the battery 4 contacts the battery connection terminal 15. As a result, DC power from the battery 4 is supplied to the internal circuit 17, and the operation of the electronic device is enabled.

When the external device shown in FIG. 2 (B) is connected, the battery 4 shown in FIG. 2 (A) is removed, and the adapter 2 is inserted into the battery housing portion 12 instead. The adapter 2 includes a charging circuit 26 including an AC / DC conversion unit 26A. The AC / DC converter 26A converts the AC voltage supplied from the power cable 100 connected to the power supply terminal 21 (see FIG. 1A) into a DC voltage.
In addition, a power supply terminal 24 that outputs the converted DC voltage to the electronic device is provided on the outer surface of the adapter 2. Further, a signal from the VIDEO cable 101 and / or the USB cable 102 connected to the video signal terminal 22 and the USB terminal 23 (see FIG. 1A) is output to the internal circuit 17 of the electronic device on the outer surface of the adapter 2. Alternatively, a composite connector 25 for providing a signal from the internal circuit 17 to the VIDEO cable 101 and / or the USB cable 102 is provided.
When the adapter 2 is inserted into the battery housing portion 12 and pushed into the end, the power supply terminal 24 of the adapter 2 is connected to the battery connection terminal 15 provided on the inner surface of the battery housing portion 12, and the composite connector 25 is connected to the composite connector. Connected to the receiving part 16. For this reason, the internal circuit 17 of the electronic device is operated by an AC power supply, and the internal circuit 17 appropriately exchanges (input / output) video signals and control signals with an external device (not shown).

  On the other hand, when the battery 4 shown in FIG. 2 (C) is charged, when the battery 4 is correctly positioned and attached to the adapter 2 extracted from the electronic device main body 1, the power supply terminal 24 provided on the outer surface of the adapter 2 and the battery 4 is electrically connected to a charging terminal 41 provided on the outer surface of the battery 4. Then, after the AC voltage supplied from the power cable 100 connected to the power supply terminal 21 (see FIG. 1A) is converted into a DC voltage, it is supplied to the battery 4 via the power supply terminal 24 and the charging terminal 41. Thus, charging is started.

FIGS. 3A to 3C show modified examples of the configuration shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C.
2A to 2C is that the charging circuit 26 is not provided with an AC / DC conversion function, and the AC / DC conversion function is not connected to the power supply path to which the power cable 100 is connected. The DC conversion unit 5 is provided. Other configurations are the same as those in FIGS. 2A to 2C, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

FIG. 4 shows a specific example of the battery mounting structure of the adapter. 4A is a perspective view seen from the front side where various terminals are provided, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view seen from the back side.
The adapter 2 in the illustrated example has a locking surface 2B of the stopper 13 on the front surface 2A side on which various terminals (power supply terminal 21, video signal terminal 22 and USB terminal 23) are provided. Further, a locking groove 2C is formed on the rear surface of the front surface 2A.
In the present example, three projecting portions 2E are erected on the back surface side position of the battery mounting surface 2D of the adapter 2 with the number and pitch corresponding to the charging terminals 41 of the battery 4. The power supply terminal 24 may be formed by using the standing portion 2E made of metal, or the power supply terminal 24 may be formed by using a part (projection portion on the side facing the back surface) of the metal. In any case, each of the power supply terminals 24 can contact one of the charging terminals 41 of the battery 4.

  On the other hand, three recesses 4B are formed on the front surface 4A of the battery 4, and each electrode of the charging terminal 41 is formed in each of the recesses 4B. A protrusion 4 </ b> D is formed on the back surface 4 </ b> C of the battery 4.

When the battery 4 is attached, the protrusion 4D is inserted into the locking groove 2C of the adapter 2, and in this state, the protrusion 2E of the adapter 2 is brought into contact with the front surface 4A of the battery 4 to apply a force from above. Since the protruding portion 2E is elastic, the protruding portion on the side facing the rear surface moves along the front surface 4A of the battery 4 while being bent, and falls into the concave portion 4B and is locked. As a result, each of the three charging terminals 41 provided in the battery 4 comes into contact with the three power supply terminals 24 provided in the adapter 2 and both are electrically connected.
If the protruding portion 2E when the battery is attached is set to the “first position”, the protruding portion 2E moves to the inside of the adapter 2 (“second position”) and retracts when an external force pressing from above is applied. can do. That is, the protrusion 2E is urged to be in the “first position” when no external force is applied, but can move to the “second position” when pressed from above against this inferior force. It has become. This is to prevent the protruding portion 2E from interfering with the storage when stored in an electronic device to be described later.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view (A) viewed from the front after the battery is attached, a perspective view (B) viewed from the back, and a schematic view (C) in the cross-sectional direction.
Charging is started by connecting the power cable 100 to the power supply terminal 21 appearing in FIG.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view (A) seen through from the front when the adapter is housed in an electronic device, a perspective view (B) seen through from the back, and a schematic view (C) in the cross-sectional direction.
When the battery 4 (FIG. 5) is removed from the adapter 2 and inserted into the battery housing portion 12 of the electronic device main body 1, a force is applied to the protruding portion 2E from above by the inner surface of the battery housing portion 12 (see FIG. 6B). ), And the position changes from the “first position” to the “second position”. When the adapter 2 is pushed to the end, the power supply terminal 24 of the projecting portion 2E is connected to the battery connection terminal 15 provided in the battery housing portion 12 through the three cutout portions formed on the back surface thereof. . Further, the composite connector 25 provided on the back surface of the adapter 2 is connected to the composite connector receiving portion 16 provided in the battery housing portion 12.

  Hereinafter, advantages of the present embodiment will be described with reference to a comparative example.

7A and 7B are configuration diagrams of a comparative example.
The comparative example shown in FIG. 7A includes the battery housing portion 212, the battery connection terminal 215, and the internal circuit 217 in the electronic device main body 201, and is different from the present embodiment in that the battery 4 is attached to the battery housing portion 212. Common. However, in the electronic device of the comparative example, the power supply terminal 221, the video signal terminal 222, and the USB terminal 223 are provided on the outer surface of the electronic device main body 201, and the charging circuit 226 is provided in the electronic device main body 201. This is different from the present embodiment. Therefore, a space for arranging and connecting the power supply terminal 221, the video signal terminal 222, and the USB terminal 223 and a space for arranging the charging circuit 226 are necessary. This is one of the factors that hinder downsizing of electronic devices. It has become one.

In another comparative example shown in FIG. 7B, since the power supply terminal 221, the video signal terminal 222, and the USB terminal 223 are provided in the cradle 300, the arrangement space is not necessary, but the arrangement space of the charging circuit 226 is not necessary. Is necessary. In addition, the cradle 300 needs to be separately prepared and carried, which is disadvantageous in terms of manufacturing cost and convenience.
On the other hand, the charging circuit 226 can be omitted, but in this case, a battery 4 charger is separately required, which is inconvenient to carry.

On the other hand, the adapter 2 according to the present embodiment includes the charging circuit 26 (and the AC / DC conversion unit 26A), and since the attachment unit can attach the battery 4, a charger is unnecessary. During charging, the projecting portion 2E projects from the battery placement surface 2D for connection with the battery 4 ("first position"). When the adapter 2 is stored in the battery storage unit 12 of the electronic device main body 1, the protrusion 2 </ b> E is retracted (to the “second position”) and does not interfere with the storage of the battery 4.
That is, the adapter 2 is realized as having the function of a battery charger by the above configuration.

In addition to the power supply terminal 21, the adapter 2 according to the present embodiment includes signal input terminals such as a video signal terminal 22 and a USB terminal 23. For this reason, the signal input terminal is not provided in the electronic apparatus main body 1 or the number can be reduced even if it is provided. This combined with the charging circuit included in the adapter 2 reduces the volume of the electronic device main body 1 and achieves downsizing of the electronic device.
Further, a cover 11 common to both the battery housing portion 12 and the memory card slot 3 is also provided to effectively prevent dust and the like from entering.

  As described above, it is possible to realize an electronic device that does not require a charger or a cradle, is small and has high functionality, and is easy to use at low cost.

  Note that the connection terminal with the external device is not limited to the video signal terminal 22 and the USB terminal 23, and other parallel interface terminals such as an audio output terminal, a microphone terminal, and IEEE1394 can be provided in the adapter 2. It is desirable to provide the battery 4 with an input / output function (terminal) for the same signal. Furthermore, the structure for attaching the adapter 2 and the battery 4 is not limited to the above specific example.

In the electronic device which concerns on embodiment, it is a figure which shows the state (A) and cross section (B) which opened the cover when an adapter is accommodated in the battery accommodating part, and the cross section (C) at the time of battery charge. It is a figure which shows the electrical connection of the battery with respect to the internal circuit or adapter of an electronic device at the time of normal use (A), the time of external device connection (B), and the time of battery charge (C). It is a figure which shows the electrical connection of the battery with respect to the internal circuit or adapter of an electronic device regarding other structural examples at the time of normal use (A), external device connection (B), and battery charge (C). It is a figure which shows attachment of an adapter and a battery by the front side (A) and the back side (B). It is the perspective view (A) seen from the front after a battery attachment, the perspective view (B) seen from the back, and the schematic (C) of a cross-sectional direction. They are a perspective view (A) seen through from the front when the adapter is housed in an electronic device, a perspective view seen through from the back (B), and a schematic view (C) in the cross-sectional direction. (A) And (B) is a block diagram of a comparative example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic device main body, 2 ... Adapter, 2A ... Front surface, 2B ... Locking surface, 2C ... Locking groove, 2D ... Battery mounting surface, 2E ... Projection part, 4 ... Battery, 4A ... Front surface, 4B ... Recessed part, 4C ... Back, 4D ... Projection, 11 ... Cover, 12 ... Battery storage, 13 ... Stopper, 15 ... Battery connection terminal, 16 ... Composite connector receiving part, 17 ... Internal circuit, 21 ... Power supply terminal, 22 ... Video signal terminal, 23 ... USB terminal, 24 ... power feeding terminal, 25 ... composite connector, 6 ... charging circuit 2, 26A ... AC / DC converter, 41 ... charging terminal

Claims (6)

An adapter that can be detachably attached to an electronic device and can be attached to a predetermined battery,
The adapter includes a power supply terminal that outputs a DC voltage,
The power supply terminal is
In a state where the adapter is mounted on the electronic device, it is connected to a connection terminal arranged on the electronic device side and outputs a DC voltage to the electronic device,
An adapter for charging the battery by connecting to a charging terminal disposed on the battery when the battery is mounted on the adapter. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the adapter is detachably attachable to a battery attachment portion to which the predetermined battery is attached in the electronic device. The adapter further includes an AC / DC converter that converts an AC voltage supplied from an external AC power source into a DC voltage,
The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the power supply terminal outputs a DC voltage converted by the AC / DC converter. A mounting surface on which the battery is mounted;
A positioning member for positioning the battery placed as described above,
The position of the power feeding terminal can be changed between a first position that protrudes from the mounting surface and is connected to the charging terminal of the battery, and a second position that is not connected to the charging terminal. adapter. 5. The adapter according to claim 3, wherein the second position is a position where the power supply terminal can be connected to a terminal disposed in the electronic device when the adapter is attached to the electronic device. The adapter is
A first signal input unit capable of inputting a predetermined signal from the outside, and a first signal output unit capable of outputting a signal input to the first signal input / output unit to the electronic device, and Or
A second signal input unit capable of inputting a signal output from the electronic device, and a second signal output unit capable of outputting a signal input to the second signal input unit to the outside. The adapter in any one of 1-5.

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