JP2009277430A - Secondary battery pack and its state indicating method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a secondary battery pack whose state can be indicated without increasing the size of the exterior. <P>SOLUTION: When the secondary battery pack 1 is mounted on a charger 2, a N-pole portion 24a, a N-pole portion 25a, and a N-pole portion 26a of a magnet E24, a magnet M25, and a magnet F26 come close to an E indication part 12, an M indication part 13, and an F indication part 14, respectively. When a magnetic body S-pole portion 5b of a magnetic body 5 is attracted to the surface, a full-charge indication that the capacity is 100-75% appears in a color applied to the magnetic body S-pole portion 5b. When the secondary battery pack 1 is mounted on a digital camera 3, the digital camera 3 calculates the battery capacity of the second battery pack 1. When a detecting switch 40 detects that a battery cover 31 is opened, the digital camera 3 operates to select the E indication part 12, the M indication part 13, or the F indication part 14 depending on the battery capacity. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a secondary battery pack having rechargeable battery cells and a state display method thereof.

  FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a conventional secondary battery pack. A knob 72 for displaying the state of charge is attached to the bottom of the secondary battery pack 71 in a slidable state. The surface of the knob 72 is painted with green 72a as a full charge display color. By sliding the knob 72, it is displayed that the battery is fully charged or used.

  Further, the secondary battery pack 71 is provided with a positive contact 73, a negative contact 74, and a short-circuit prevention cap 76.

  FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the secondary battery pack 71 in which the sliding position of the knob 72 is different. FIG. 4A shows a fully charged case, and FIG. 4B shows a used state. In the sliding position of the knob 72 in FIG. 5A, the knob 72 representing full charge is exposed, and the fully charged color (green) 72a painted on the knob 72 is recognized. On the other hand, at the sliding position of the knob 72 in FIG. 5B, the knob 72 enters the secondary battery pack 1 and the fully charged color (green) 72a becomes invisible.

In this way, when fully charged, the fully charged color (green) 72a is exposed by pulling the knob 72 out of the secondary battery pack 71. On the other hand, by storing the knob 72 inside the secondary battery pack 71 when used, the fully charged color (green) 72a is hidden and cannot be seen (see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent No. 3416962

  However, the conventional secondary battery pack has the following problems. In the case of display using a slidable knob, the structure of the secondary battery pack becomes complicated and a mechanism space is required.

  In addition, if the battery cell is cylindrical, it is possible to arrange the slide knob mechanism in the empty gap between the cells, but in recent years, the battery cell has been squared to match the exterior to the battery cell. By adopting a shape, it has become a structure that does not create useless space. For this reason, a new space is required to provide the slide knob mechanism, but in the current situation where miniaturization of the secondary battery is prioritized, a display mechanism that causes an increase in the size of the exterior is not provided.

  On the other hand, it is a very effective function in using the secondary battery pack to make it possible to distinguish the charged state and the internal state of the secondary battery pack by appearance.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the secondary battery pack which can display a state, without enlarging an exterior, and its state display method.

  In order to achieve the above object, the secondary battery pack of the present invention is a secondary battery pack having rechargeable battery cells, and a magnetic display member is provided on the exterior or part of the secondary battery pack. The magnetic display member displays the state of the secondary battery pack by changing the display by magnetism.

  The charger of the present invention is a charger for charging a secondary battery pack having a magnetic display member provided on the exterior or a part thereof, and faces the magnetic display member when the secondary battery pack is mounted. And a magnetism generating means for generating magnetism, wherein the magnetism generating means changes the display of the magnetic display member into a display form indicating a charged state.

  The electronic device of the present invention is an electronic device that operates using a secondary battery pack having a magnetic display member provided on the exterior or part thereof as a power source, and the magnetic display member is mounted when the secondary battery pack is mounted. A magnetism generating means for generating magnetism when energized, a calculating means for calculating a battery capacity of the secondary battery pack, and generating the magnetism according to the calculated battery capacity. And a display switching means for changing the display of the magnetic display member by energizing the means to generate magnetism.

  The secondary battery pack status display system of the present invention is a secondary battery pack status display system that displays the status of a secondary battery pack that is used as a power source of an electronic device and is charged by a charger. A magnetic display member is provided on the exterior or part of the secondary battery pack, and the charger is provided at a position facing the magnetic display member when the secondary battery pack is mounted, and generates a magnetism. The magnetic display member is changed to a display form indicating that it is in a charged state by the first magnetism generating means, and the electronic device includes the secondary battery pack. A second magnetism generating means which is provided at a position facing the magnetic display member when attached and generates magnetism when energized; a calculating means for calculating a battery capacity of the secondary battery pack; In accordance with the calculated battery capacity, energizing the second magnetic generator, characterized by comprising a display switching means for changing the display of the magnetic display member.

  The secondary battery pack status display method of the present invention is a secondary battery pack status display method that displays the status of a secondary battery pack that is used as a power source of an electronic device and is charged by a charger. When the secondary battery pack is attached to the charger, the charger generates a first magnetism provided at a position facing the magnetic display member provided on the exterior or part of the secondary battery pack. Generating magnetism by means, and changing the display of the magnetic display member to a display form indicating that it is in a charged state; and when the secondary battery pack is attached to the electronic device, the electronic device A calculation step of calculating a battery capacity of the secondary battery pack, and a second magnetism generator provided at a position where the electronic device faces the magnetic display member according to the calculated battery capacity. Through To generate magnetic and characterized by having a display switching step of changing the display of the magnetic display member.

  According to the secondary battery pack of the present invention, a magnetic display member is provided on the exterior or a part of the secondary battery pack, and the magnetic display member changes the display by magnetism so that the secondary battery pack changes. Displays the battery pack status. Thereby, the state of the secondary battery pack can be displayed without increasing the size of the exterior. Moreover, since magnetism is used to change the display, it can be changed easily.

  According to the secondary battery pack according to claim 2, by using a thin sheet-shaped member as the magnetic display member, the space for the display unit is not required and the size of the secondary battery pack is affected. And display can be performed. In addition, a structure that can be attached to the external portion of the secondary battery pack using a member that has a thin shape such as a sheet and can change the color by magnetism as a display portion is possible. Then, according to the state of the secondary battery pack (charged state, etc.), the display part is changed in color by applying magnetism so that the state (charged state, etc.) can be visually determined from the appearance. Is possible.

  According to the secondary battery pack of the third aspect, it is possible to easily display display forms such as characters and symbols. As the visibility improves, it becomes easier to grasp the display contents.

  According to the secondary battery pack according to claim 4, by changing the display range as a display method, not only a binary expression of the presence or absence of the battery capacity but also a quantitative expression (charge capacity of the secondary battery pack) Can be displayed step by step), and detailed information can be conveyed.

  According to the secondary battery pack according to the fifth aspect, the color is also changed along with the change of the display range, so that it becomes easier to recognize.

  According to the charger of the sixth aspect, the display on the magnetic display member of the secondary battery pack can be easily changed to the charged state.

  According to the electronic device of the seventh aspect, the battery capacity of the secondary battery pack can be easily displayed.

  According to the electronic device according to claim 8, in conjunction with the opening operation of the battery lid performed when removing the secondary battery pack, by switching the display of the secondary battery pack, without causing an extra operation, The display can be switched efficiently.

  Embodiments of a secondary battery pack and a state display method thereof according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The secondary battery pack of this embodiment is used as a power source for a digital camera that is an electronic device. Further, the secondary battery pack includes secondary battery cells such as lithium ion battery cells, nickel metal hydride battery cells, and nickel cadmium batteries.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a charger and a secondary battery pack in the embodiment. The charger 2 has a charger battery chamber 21 in which the secondary battery pack 1 is accommodated, and charges the accommodated secondary battery pack 1.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the charger and the secondary battery pack as viewed from the direction of the arrow AA in FIG. 1 in a state where the secondary battery pack 1 is attached to the charger 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the charger and the secondary battery pack as viewed from the direction of arrow BB in FIG. 1 in a state where the secondary battery pack 1 is attached to the charger 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the charger and the secondary battery pack as viewed from the direction of the arrow CC in FIG. 1 in a state where the secondary battery pack 1 is attached to the charger 2.

  Secondary battery pack temperature connected to the secondary battery pack + contact 11a and the temperature detection element 18 (see FIG. 13) in the secondary battery pack 1 is provided on the front surface 1a of the casing (exterior) of the secondary battery pack 1. A detection contact 11b and a secondary battery pack-contact 11c are provided. A plurality of display units, that is, an E display unit 12, an M display unit 13, and an F display unit 14 are provided on the bottom surface 1 b of the secondary battery pack 1. Each of the E display unit 12, the M display unit 13, and the F display unit 14 includes a magnetophoresis capsule sheet, which will be described later, which is a magnetic display sheet. The magnetic display member of this embodiment is composed of these three magnetic display sheets.

  On the other hand, the charger board 22 on which the electric circuit of the charger 2 is mounted has a charger + terminal 23a, a charger temperature detection terminal 23b for detecting the temperature of the secondary battery pack 1, and a charger-terminal 23c. Is provided. The charger + terminal 23a, the charger temperature detection terminal 23b, and the charger-terminal 23c face the secondary battery pack + contact 11a, the secondary battery pack temperature detection contact 11b, and the secondary battery pack-contact 11c, respectively. Placed in position.

  On the charger board 22, a display switching magnet E24, a display switching magnet M25, and a display switching magnet F26 are mounted. The upper surface of the magnet E24 is an N pole portion 24a magnetized to the N pole. Similarly, the upper surfaces of the magnet M25 and the magnet F26 are N-pole portions 25a and 26a respectively magnetized with N-poles. A magnet E24, a magnet M25, and a magnet F26 are permanent magnets as first magnetism generating means for generating magnetism.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the digital camera and the secondary battery pack. The digital camera 3 to which the secondary battery pack 1 is attached is provided with a battery lid 31 that can be opened and closed.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the digital camera and the secondary battery pack as viewed from the direction of the arrow DD in FIG. 5 with the secondary battery pack 1 attached to the digital camera 3. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the digital camera and the secondary battery pack as viewed from the direction of the arrow EE in FIG. 5 with the secondary battery pack 1 attached to the digital camera 3. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the digital camera and the secondary battery pack as viewed from the direction of the arrow FF in FIG. 5 in a state where the secondary battery pack 1 is attached to the digital camera 3.

  The digital camera 3 has a camera battery chamber 33. On the back wall surface of the camera battery chamber 33, the camera battery chamber 33 includes a camera + terminal 34 a, a camera temperature detection terminal 34 b for detecting the temperature of the secondary battery pack 1, a camera-terminal 34 c, and the secondary battery pack 1. An eject spring 35 is disposed for discharging from the nozzle.

  In addition, a camera substrate 36 on which an electric circuit of the digital camera 3 is mounted is provided inside the digital camera 3. On the camera board 36, an electromagnet E37 for switching display, an electromagnet M38 for switching display, and an electromagnet F39 for switching display are mounted. The upper surface of the electromagnet E37 is a magnetic pole part 37a of the electromagnet E37. Similarly, the upper surfaces of the electromagnet M38 and the electromagnet F39 are magnetic pole portions 38a and 39a, respectively. The electromagnet E37, the electromagnet M38, and the electromagnet F39 correspond to the second magnetism generating means.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a mechanism for detecting the open / close state of the battery cover 31 of the digital camera 3 as viewed from the direction of the arrow GG in FIG. 5 with the secondary battery pack 1 attached to the digital camera 3. A detection protrusion 32 is provided on the back side of the battery lid 31. In addition, a detection switch (lid open / close detection SW) 40 that is pressed by the detection protrusion 32 and turned on is provided on the side wall of the battery chamber 33.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fixing mechanism of the secondary battery pack 1 in the digital camera 3 as viewed from the direction of the arrow HH in FIG. 5 in a state where the secondary battery pack 1 is attached to the digital camera 3. On the side wall of the battery chamber 33, a lock knob 41 for fixing the accommodated secondary battery pack 1 is provided.

  Here, the structure of the E display unit 12, the M display unit 13, and the F display unit 14 of the secondary battery pack 1 and the display changes thereof are shown. The E display unit 12, the M display unit 13, and the F display unit 14 of the secondary battery pack 1 are display units for displaying the battery capacity. These display units constitute a magnetic display member, and are changed to appropriate displays by the magnet E24, the magnet M25, and the magnet F26 of the charger 2, or by the electromagnet E37, the electromagnet M38, and the electromagnet F39 of the digital camera 3.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the structure of the E display unit 12, the M display unit 13, and the F display unit 14. FIG. 2A shows the case where the secondary battery pack 1 is accommodated in the charger 2. FIG. 2B shows a case where the secondary battery pack 1 is accommodated in the digital camera 3.

  The E display unit 12, the M display unit 13, and the F display unit 14 are formed of a magnetophoresis capsule sheet having a thin sheet shape. The dispersion 4 is sealed inside the sheet. A large number of magnetic bodies 5 are interspersed in the dispersion liquid 4.

  The dispersion 4 is a colorless liquid, but has a viscosity such that the magnetic body 5 does not easily move due to gravity or impact. The magnetic body 5 has magnetism. The magnetic N-pole portion 5a on the N-pole side is colored “white”. On the other hand, the magnetic body S pole portion 5b on the S pole side is colored in the following manner with a different color for each of the E display portion 12, the M display portion 13, and the F display portion 14.

Magnetic body S pole part 5b of E display part 12: Red Magnetic body S pole part 5b of M display part 13: Yellow Magnetic body S pole part 5b of F display part 14: Green E display part 12, M display part 13, F When the magnet E24, the magnet M25, and the magnet F26 come to the positions facing the display unit 14, respectively, the magnetic forces of the N pole part 24a of the magnet E, the N pole part 25a of the magnet M, and the N pole part 25a of the magnet F are close to each other. As a result, the magnetic body 5 rotates. And the magnetic body S pole part 5b comes out to the front side. Thus, in FIG. 2A, the N pole portions 24a, 25a, 26a of the magnets 24, 25, 26 and the S pole portion 5b of the magnetic body 5 face each other. In the case of the electromagnets 37, 38, 39, the magnetic body 5 is rotated by the magnetic force according to the polarities of the magnetic pole part 37 a of the electromagnet E, the magnetic pole part 38 a of the electromagnet M, and the magnetic pole part 39 a of the electromagnet F, The pole part 5a or the S pole part 5b comes out on the front side. In FIG. 5B, the magnetic pole portions 37a, 38a, 39a having the S poles magnetized on the upper surfaces of the electromagnets 37, 38, 39 and the N pole portion 5a of the magnetic body 5 face each other.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating display states of the E display unit 12, the M display unit 13, and the F display unit 14. The E display unit 12 includes an E display unit color changing unit 12 a that changes the color of the E display unit 12, and a character unit 12 b that is a character “E” printed on the E display unit 12. The M display unit 13 includes only an M display unit color changing unit 13 a that changes the color of the M display unit 13. The F display unit 14 includes an F display unit color changing unit 14 a that changes the color of the F display unit 14, and a character unit 14 b that is the letter “F” printed on the F display unit 14.

  In addition, a character portion 12 b representing the character “E” is printed in red on the E display portion 12. When the magnetic body S pole portion 5b of the magnetic body 5 comes to the front side, the E display portion color changing portion 12a becomes red and has the same color, so that the character portion 12b cannot be identified. As a result, the entire E display unit 12 appears red. On the other hand, when the magnetic N pole part 5b comes to the front side, the E display part color changing part 12a turns white, so that the character part 12b appears red.

  Further, the character display portion 14b which is the character “F” is printed in white on the F display portion 14. When the magnetic body S pole portion 5b of the magnetic body 5 comes to the front side, the F display portion color changing portion 14a becomes green and the character portion 14b appears to be white. On the other hand, when the magnetic N-pole portion 5a comes to the front side, the F display portion color changing portion 14a becomes white and has the same color, so that the character portion 14b cannot be discriminated. As a result, the entire F display unit 14 appears white.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the secondary battery pack 1 and the charger 2. The charger 2 includes a converter 63, a power cord 64, a control unit 65, a current supply line 61, a + terminal 23a, a temperature detection terminal 23b, and a −terminal 23c. On the other hand, the secondary battery pack (battery) 1 includes a positive contact 11a, a temperature detection contact 11b, a negative contact 11c, a battery cell 19, a temperature detection element (temperature sensor) 18, and display units 12, 13, and 14.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portion related to power supply monitoring of the digital camera 3 to which the secondary battery pack 1 is attached. The digital camera 3 includes electromagnets 37, 38, 39, a drive unit 52 that drives these electromagnets, a lid open / close detection switch 40 that detects opening / closing of the battery lid 31, a power supply unit that monitors the voltage of the secondary battery pack 1 and the like. 53 and a control unit 51 for controlling each part of the camera body. The power supply unit 53 is provided with a voltage detection unit 53 a that is connected to the battery cell 19 in the secondary battery pack 1 and detects the voltage of the battery cell 19.

  The operation of the secondary battery pack status display system having the above configuration will be described.

(Mounting the secondary battery pack 1 to the charger 2)
FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing the attachment of the secondary battery pack 1 to the charger 2. When the secondary battery pack 1 is inserted into the battery chamber 21 of the charger 2 for charging, its + terminal 23a is connected to the + contact 11a of the secondary battery pack 1, and the temperature detection terminal 23b is connected to the temperature detection contact 11b. The-terminal 23c is in contact with the-contact 11c, respectively, and is electrically connected (see FIG. 3). Further, at this time, as shown in FIG. 15, the E display unit 12 and the magnet E24, the M display unit 13 and the magnet M25, and the F display unit 14 and the magnet F26 are in a position facing each other.

  Whether the charger 2 is within the temperature range in which the temperature of the secondary battery pack 1 can be charged by a signal sent from the temperature detection element 18 connected to the temperature detection contact 11b in the secondary battery pack 1 Judge whether or not. When it is determined that the temperature is within the chargeable temperature range, the charger 2 supplies a charging current to the secondary battery pack 1 through the + terminal 11a and the − terminal 23c to perform charging.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a charging operation procedure of the charger 2. This processing program is stored in the ROM in the control unit 65 and executed by the CPU in the control unit 65 at predetermined intervals.

  First, the control unit 65 determines whether or not the secondary battery pack 1 is attached to the charger 2 (step 1). When the secondary battery pack 1 is not attached, the control unit 65 ends this processing as it is. On the other hand, when the secondary battery pack 1 is mounted, the control unit 65 acquires temperature information of the secondary battery pack 1 through the temperature detection terminal 23b and the temperature detection contact 11b (step S2).

  The control unit 65 determines whether or not the temperature of the secondary battery pack is within a chargeable temperature range (step S3). When the temperature is not within the chargeable temperature range, the control unit 65 ends the process as it is. On the other hand, when the temperature is within the chargeable temperature range, the control unit 65 starts charging and supplies a charging current to the battery cells 19 in the secondary battery pack 1 (step S4).

  Then, the control unit 65 detects the voltage of the secondary battery pack 1 and waits for the secondary battery pack 1 to be fully charged (step S5). When the battery is fully charged, the control unit 65 ends this process.

  Here, as described above, when the secondary battery pack 1 is attached to the charger 2, the N pole part 24a, the N pole part 25a, and the N pole on the N pole side of the magnet E24, the magnet M25, and the magnet F26, respectively. The part 26 a comes to a position close to the E display part 12, the M display part 13, and the F display part 14. Thereby, the magnetic body S pole part 5b of the magnetic body 5 is attracted and comes to the surface. When the charging is completed and the battery is removed, the display state is a fully charged display with a capacity of 100% to 75% shown in FIG.

E display part 12: red M display part 13: yellow F display part 14: green and F letter (white)
(Mounting the secondary battery pack 1 to the digital camera 3)
FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing the mounting of the secondary battery pack 1 to the digital camera 3. When the secondary battery pack 1 is inserted into the camera battery chamber 33 as a power source for the digital camera 3, the + terminal 34a and the + contact 11a of the secondary battery pack 1, the temperature detection terminal 34b, the temperature detection contact 11b, and the-terminal 34c and −contact 11c are connected to each other (see FIG. 6). The digital camera 3 receives power supply through the + terminal 34a and the − terminal 34c, acquires temperature information of the secondary battery pack 1 through the temperature detection contact 11b, and grasps the state of the secondary battery pack 1.

  Further, at this time, as shown in FIG. 17, the E display unit 12 and the electromagnet E37, the M display unit 13 and the electromagnet M38, and the F display unit 14 and the electromagnet F39 are in a position facing each other.

  As described above, the lock knob 41 is provided in the vicinity of the entrance of the digital camera 3 to the battery chamber 33 and presses the rear surface of the accommodated secondary battery pack 1. When the secondary battery pack 1 is inserted or ejected, the lock knob 41 is rotated in the direction of the arrow c in FIG. 10 and retracted from the rear surface of the secondary battery pack 1. A force is applied by a spring so that the lock knob 41 is positioned on the rear surface of the secondary battery pack 1. At the time of discharge, the secondary battery pack 1 is discharged from the battery chamber 33 by the eject spring 35.

  As described above, the battery lid 31 is provided in the battery chamber 33. When the battery lid 33 is closed, the open / close state of the battery lid 31 is detected by the detection protrusion 32 pressing the lid open / close detection switch 40. .

(Display operation)
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the display change operation procedure of the digital camera 3. This processing program is stored in the ROM in the control unit 51 and executed by the CPU in the control unit 51 at predetermined intervals.

  First, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the secondary battery pack 1 is attached to the charger 2 (step 11). When the secondary battery pack 1 is not attached, the control unit 51 ends this processing as it is. On the other hand, when the secondary battery pack 1 is mounted, the control unit 51 detects the voltage of the secondary battery pack 1 by the voltage detection unit 53a, and calculates the battery capacity of the secondary battery pack 1 based on this value. (Step S12).

  And the control part 51 discriminate | determines whether the battery cover 31 of the digital camera 3 was opened (step S13). When the battery cover 31 is closed, the control unit 51 ends this process as it is. On the other hand, when the battery cover 31 is opened, the control unit 51 performs the magnetic pole switching operation of the electromagnets 37, 38, and 39 based on the battery capacity of the secondary battery back 1 calculated in step S12 (step S14). . Then, the control part 51 complete | finishes this process.

  Thus, when the secondary battery pack 1 is attached to the digital camera 3, the battery capacity of the secondary battery pack 1 is calculated from the voltage of the secondary battery pack 1 or the like. When the detection switch 40 detects that the battery cover 31 has been opened, the switching operation of the E display unit 12, the M display unit 13, and the F display unit 14 is performed.

  The digital camera 3 has an auxiliary battery, and the control unit 51 can periodically execute the above process even when the secondary battery pack 1 is not attached.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the magnetic pole switching operation procedure of the electromagnet in step S14. First, the control unit 51 determines the battery capacity of the secondary battery pack 1 (step S21). When the battery capacity of the secondary battery pack 1 is 100% to 75% as a result of the discrimination, the control unit 51 does not perform the switching operation of the magnetic poles of the electromagnet and has a capacity of 100% that is removed from the charger 2. The present process is terminated while maintaining the display state of ˜75% (see FIG. 12A). This display state is as follows.

E display part 12: red M display part 13: yellow F display part 14: green and F letter (white)
Moreover, when the battery capacity of the secondary battery pack 1 is 75% to 50% as a result of determination, the control unit 51 energizes the electromagnet F39 by the driving unit 52 and magnetizes the electromagnet F magnetic pole unit 39a to the S pole. (Step S22). Then, the control part 51 complete | finishes this process. Thereby, the magnetic body N pole part 5a of the magnetic body 5 put in the F display part 14 is attracted and comes to the surface. Depending on the color of the magnetic N-pole portion 5a, the display state shows the following battery capacity of 70% to 50% (see FIG. 12B).

E display unit 12: red M display unit 13: yellow F display unit 14: white As a result of the determination, when the battery capacity of the secondary battery pack 1 is 50% to 25%, the control unit 51 includes the drive unit 52. Thus, the electromagnet F39 and the electromagnet M38 are energized to magnetize the electromagnet F magnetic pole part 39a and the electromagnet M magnetic pole part 38a to the S pole (step S23). Then, the control part 51 complete | finishes this process. Thereby, the magnetic body N pole part 5a of the magnetic body 5 put in the F display part 14 and the M display part 13 is drawn and comes to the surface. Depending on the color of the magnetic N-pole portion 5a, the display state is as follows with a capacity of 50% to 25% (see FIG. 12C).

E display unit 12: red M display unit 13: white F display unit 14: white As a result of the determination, when the battery capacity is 25% to 0%, the control unit 51 causes the drive unit 52 to perform electromagnet F39 and electromagnet M38. The electromagnet E37 is energized to magnetize the electromagnet F magnetic pole part 39a, the electromagnet M magnetic pole part 38a, and the electromagnet E magnetic pole part 37a to the S pole (step S24). Then, the control part 51 complete | finishes this process. Thereby, the magnetic body N pole part 5a of the magnetic body 5 put in the F display part 14, the M display part 13, and the E display part 12 is drawn and comes to the surface. Depending on the color of the magnetic N-pole portion 5a, the display state is as follows with a capacity of 50% to 25% (see FIG. 12D).

E display part 12: White and E letter (red)
M display unit 13: white F display unit 14: white Thus, according to the secondary battery pack of the present embodiment, the internal state of the secondary battery pack can be displayed without increasing the size of the exterior. In addition, by using a thin sheet-like member that can change the display state by magnetism, display is performed without requiring a space as a display unit and without affecting the dimensions of the secondary battery pack. Is possible. Moreover, since magnetism is used to change the display, it can be changed easily.

  In addition, the magnetic display member has a thin shape such as a sheet, and can be structured to be attached to the external portion (exterior) of the secondary battery pack as a display portion that can change color by magnetism. In addition, according to the internal state (charged state, etc.) of the secondary battery pack, the display part can be changed in color by applying magnetism so that the internal state (charged state, etc.) can be visually determined from the appearance. Become.

  In addition, by making it possible to display characters, symbols, and the like on the display unit, visibility can be improved and display contents can be more easily grasped. In addition, by changing the display range as a display method, not only a binary expression of the presence or absence of battery capacity but also a quantitative expression (displaying the charging capacity of the secondary battery pack in stages) can be performed. Can convey information. Moreover, it becomes easier to recognize by changing the color as the display range changes.

  In addition, the magnetic display member attached to the secondary battery pack can improve the usability by allowing the secondary battery pack to recognize the internal state. This will be described in detail. In the state connected to the electronic device, since the state of the secondary battery pack can be recognized on the display unit of the electronic device, it is not necessary to display the secondary battery pack. In addition, the secondary battery pack is often mounted in a hidden position, and even when a display is performed, sufficient visibility cannot be ensured in many cases. Therefore, the display on the secondary battery pack does not need to be performed when connected to the electronic device, and may be performed correctly when removed. In addition, if the display is sequentially changed at the time of connection, energy is wasted, and an extra load is applied to the control that should be performed in order to perform the rewriting operation. For this reason, display switching of the secondary battery pack is performed in conjunction with the opening operation of the battery lid performed when the secondary battery pack is removed, so that display switching can be performed efficiently without causing extra operation. Can do.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and any configuration can be used as long as the functions shown in the claims or the functions of the configuration of the present embodiment can be achieved. Is also applicable.

  For example, the contents displayed on the display unit may be not only characters but also symbols. Further, the contents to be displayed may be not only the battery capacity of the secondary battery pack but also the number of times of charging, the last charging date and time, and the like.

  In this embodiment, a magnetic material having a magnetic force is used as the display mechanism. However, a magnetophoretic capsule sheet using magnetic powder having no magnetic force may be used.

  In addition, the display unit is merely for knowing the state of the secondary battery pack, but is provided so as to serve as a sealing label or a rating display label for the inspection terminal which is a part of the exterior of the secondary battery pack. May be.

  Examples of the electronic device include a digital camera, a mobile phone, a notebook PC, and the like, and are not particularly limited.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the permanent magnet was provided in the charger, you may make it provide an electromagnet also in a charger like an electronic device instead of a permanent magnet. Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the three display parts which comprise a magnetic display member were provided, a number is not specifically limited, One sheet, two sheets, or four sheets or more may be sufficient. Moreover, it is not necessary to arrange the size of the display unit and is arbitrary.

  In the above-described embodiment, the E display unit and the F display unit include a portion that changes color and a portion that does not change color, and the color that changes color is the color of the portion that does not change color (ground color). ), The display was changed by changing the color to the same color or a different color. The display method is not limited to this method. For example, like the M display unit, all the display units may be configured with only a portion that changes color.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the sheet | seat member which is a magnetic display sheet was used as a magnetic display member, the block member which has a certain amount of thickness may be used.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the charger and secondary battery pack in embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the charger and the secondary battery pack as viewed from the direction of the arrow AA in FIG. 1 in a state where the secondary battery pack 1 is attached to the charger 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the charger and the secondary battery pack as viewed from the direction of arrow BB in FIG. 1 in a state where the secondary battery pack 1 is attached to the charger 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the charger and the secondary battery pack as viewed from the direction of the arrow CC in FIG. 1 in a state where the secondary battery pack 1 is attached to the charger 2. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a digital camera and a secondary battery pack. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the digital camera and secondary battery pack which were seen from the arrow DD line direction of FIG. 5 in the state which attached the secondary battery pack 1 to the digital camera 3. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the digital camera and the secondary battery pack as viewed from the direction of arrow EE in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the digital camera and secondary battery pack which were seen from the arrow FF line direction of FIG. 5 in the state which attached the secondary battery pack 1 to the digital camera 3. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a mechanism for detecting an open / closed state of a battery cover 31 of the digital camera 3 when viewed from the direction of arrow GG in FIG. 5 in a state where the secondary battery pack 1 is attached to the digital camera 3. FIG. 6 is a view showing a fixing mechanism of the secondary battery pack 1 in the digital camera 3 as viewed from the direction of the arrow HH in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of E display part 12, M display part 13, and F display part 14. FIG. It is a figure which shows the display state of E display part 12, M display part 13, and F display part 14. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a secondary battery pack 1 and a charger 2. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the part in connection with the power supply monitoring of the digital camera 3 with which the secondary battery pack 1 is mounted | worn. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing attachment of the secondary battery pack 1 to the charger 2. 3 is a flowchart showing a charging operation procedure of the charger 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing mounting of the secondary battery pack 1 to the digital camera 3. 4 is a flowchart showing a display change operation procedure of the digital camera 3. It is a flowchart which shows the magnetic pole switching operation | movement procedure of the electromagnet in step S14. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the conventional secondary battery pack. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the secondary battery pack 71 from which the sliding position of the knob 72 differs.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Secondary battery pack 2 Charger 3 Digital camera 5 Magnetic body 5a Magnetic body N pole part 5b Magnetic body S pole part 12, 13, 14 Display part 24, 25, 26 Magnet 37, 38, 39 Electromagnet

Claims (10)

A secondary battery pack having rechargeable battery cells,
A magnetic display member is provided on the exterior or part of the secondary battery pack,
The secondary battery pack, wherein the magnetic display member displays a state of the secondary battery pack by changing a display by magnetism.   The secondary battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic display member has a sheet shape.   The magnetic display member has a display part composed of a part that changes color and a part that does not change color, and the color of the part that changes color is the same as or different from the color of the part that does not change color. 3. The secondary battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the display is changed to a different display form by changing the display.   The magnetic display member has a plurality of the display units, and changes a display range of the magnetic display member by changing the display to the different display form for each display unit according to a state of charge. The secondary battery pack according to claim 3.   The secondary battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the magnetic display member changes a color to be changed for each display unit. A charger for charging a secondary battery pack provided with a magnetic display member on the exterior or part thereof,
Provided with a magnetic generation means for generating magnetism provided at a position facing the magnetic display member when the secondary battery pack is mounted;
A battery charger characterized in that the display of the magnetic display member is changed to a display form indicating a charged state by the magnetism generating means. An electronic device that operates using a secondary battery pack provided with a magnetic display member on the exterior or part thereof as a power source,
A magnetism generating means that is provided at a position facing the magnetic display member when the secondary battery pack is mounted, and generates magnetism when energized;
Calculating means for calculating a battery capacity of the secondary battery pack;
An electronic apparatus comprising: display switching means for changing the display of the magnetic display member by energizing the magnetism generating means to generate magnetism according to the calculated battery capacity.   A lid that is opened when the secondary battery pack is attached to or removed from the battery chamber, and the display switching means generates magnetism in response to the opening of the lid. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the display is changed. A secondary battery pack status display system that displays the status of a secondary battery pack that is used as a power source for an electronic device and is charged by a charger,
A magnetic display member is provided on the exterior or part of the secondary battery pack,
The charger is provided at a position facing the magnetic display member when the secondary battery pack is mounted, and includes first magnetism generating means for generating magnetism, and the first magnetism generating means The display of the magnetic display member is changed to a display form indicating a charged state,
The electronic device is provided at a position facing the magnetic display member when the secondary battery pack is mounted, and generates second magnetism when energized, and the secondary battery pack. Calculating means for calculating the battery capacity, and display switching means for changing the display of the magnetic display member by energizing the second magnetism generating means in accordance with the calculated battery capacity. Secondary battery pack status display system. A secondary battery pack status display method for displaying a status of a secondary battery pack used as a power source for an electronic device and charged by a charger,
When the secondary battery pack is mounted on the charger, the charger is provided at a position facing the magnetic display member provided on the exterior of the secondary battery pack or a part thereof. Generating magnetism by magnetism generating means, and changing the display of the magnetic display member to a display form indicating that it is in a charged state;
When the secondary battery pack is attached to the electronic device, the electronic device calculates a battery capacity of the secondary battery pack;
In accordance with the calculated battery capacity, the electronic device generates a magnetism by energizing a second magnetism generation unit provided at a position facing the magnetic display member, and changes the display of the magnetic display member. And a display switching step for causing the secondary battery pack to display a state.

Images