JP2012210743A - Printing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform degradation detection of a secondary battery promptly without spending a long time.SOLUTION: A CPU 41 of a portable small printer apparatus 1, when performing the charge processing to a rechargeable battery 50 stored in a battery housing 50a, and detecting a full charge state, performs the discharge processing by giving the predetermined load in the predetermined time range. The voltage difference V1-Vo between the detecting voltage Vo at start of the discharge processing of the rechargeable battery 50 and the detecting voltage V1 after the predetermined time Ta has passed after the end of the discharge processing is detected. The deterioration level of the rechargeable battery 50 is determined according to the magnitude correlation of this V1-Vo, and two thresholds Va, and Vb.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus driven by a battery.

  Conventionally, for example, a printing apparatus that operates using a rechargeable secondary battery has been proposed so that the user can easily use it. In this case, the secondary battery deteriorates due to repeated charging and use, and the internal resistance increases. Therefore, whether or not the battery has deteriorated can be identified by the change (decrease) in the output voltage value over time. As a conventional technique focusing on this point, for example, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1. In this prior art, a transition is made to a dedicated deterioration determination mode (battery life measurement mode) provided in advance, and a test pattern is printed. Then, based on the voltage drop behavior at that time, the degree of deterioration of the attached battery is determined.

JP 2005-104033 A

  In the prior art, when it is desired to detect the deterioration of the battery, it is necessary to shift to the deterioration determination mode after charging until full charge, and continuously print the test pattern in this mode. For this reason, it took a relatively long time for processing, and it was not possible to detect deterioration quickly.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that can quickly detect deterioration of a secondary battery without taking a long time.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention houses a printing means for performing desired printing on a printing medium, a drive source for driving the printing means, and a rechargeable battery for supplying power to the drive source. A battery storage unit that performs charging processing for the battery stored in the battery storage unit, and a full charge detection that detects that the battery is fully charged by the charging process of the charging unit. And when the full charge detection unit detects the full charge state of the battery, a discharge is performed by applying a predetermined load to the battery in the full charge state for a predetermined time range. Means for detecting a predetermined recovery state quantity relating to voltage recovery after completion of the discharge process of the battery, and a first step for determining that the degree of battery deterioration is small based on the recovery state quantity. Threshold And a characteristic storage means storing a second threshold value for determining that the degree of battery deterioration is large, and the recovery state quantity detected by the state quantity detection means after completion of the discharge process of the battery, Belongs to an intermediate region between the first threshold value and the second threshold value, belongs to a region opposite to the intermediate region from the first threshold value, or from the second threshold value to the Deterioration determining means for determining a degree of deterioration of the battery according to whether the battery belongs to an area opposite to the intermediate area.

  The printing apparatus of the present invention includes a printing unit, a drive source that drives the printing unit, and a battery storage unit. Desired printing is performed on the printing medium by the printing means. A rechargeable battery is stored in the battery storage unit, and power is supplied to the drive source by the battery.

  The secondary battery gradually deteriorates due to repeated charging and use, and the internal resistance increases. Further, as the internal resistance increases, the battery capacity gradually decreases from the initial value. Therefore, whether or not the battery has deteriorated can be discriminated by the voltage recovery behavior in a state in which the load is released immediately after full charge and the load is released after the voltage drops. That is, the voltage recovery behavior immediately after releasing this load becomes slower as the deterioration is larger. Therefore, in the present invention, the characteristic storage means stores a first threshold value for determining that the degree of battery deterioration is small and a second threshold value for determining that the degree of battery deterioration is large. . First, the charging means performs a charging process on the battery, and after the fully charged state of the battery is detected by the detecting means, the discharging means subsequently applies a predetermined load to the fully charged battery for a predetermined time range. Discharge treatment is performed.

  When the discharge process is completed, the state quantity detection means detects a predetermined recovery state quantity related to voltage recovery, and the deterioration determination means determines the degree of battery deterioration based on the recovery state quantity detected at that time. That is, when the detected recovery state quantity belongs to an intermediate region between the first threshold value and the second threshold value, the battery is in a state of caution with a slight degree of battery deterioration. It is determined. Further, when the recovery state quantity belongs to the region opposite to the intermediate region from the first threshold value and is smaller (or larger) than the first threshold value, the degree of battery degradation is sufficiently small, It is determined that the battery has a sufficient capacity. In addition, when the recovery state quantity belongs to the area opposite to the intermediate area from the second threshold value and is larger (or smaller) than the second threshold value, the battery deterioration degree is large, and the battery is repeatedly used. It is determined that the battery is difficult to use due to deterioration due to deterioration and capacity reduction.

  As described above, in the present invention, in the voltage recovery behavior after the discharge processing immediately after the full charge, which reflects the deterioration state well, the deterioration degree of the battery is determined using two threshold values preliminarily assumed for the recovery state quantity. Can be determined. This makes it possible to quickly detect the deterioration of the secondary battery immediately after full charge, unlike the conventional method in which it is necessary to detect the deterioration of the battery over a long time by shifting to a dedicated deterioration determination mode provided in advance. Can do.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly detect deterioration of a secondary battery without taking a long time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an appearance of a portable small printer device that is a printing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic plan view of the main body case of a portable small printer device. It is a perspective view of the paper package with which the portable small printer is mounted. It is a perspective view of the pick-up roller part of the main body case of a portable small printer apparatus. It is a sectional side view of a portable small printer device. It is a block diagram of a portable small printer device. It is a graph showing the discharge characteristic of a rechargeable battery. It is a graph equivalent to the enlarged view of the A section in FIG. 7 for demonstrating the degradation condition determination process performed by CPU. It is a flowchart showing the procedure of the degradation condition determination process performed by CPU. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S350 of FIG. It is a figure showing the example of a display of the degradation condition of the rechargeable battery by a liquid crystal display part. It is a graph equivalent to the enlarged view of the A section in Drawing 7 for explaining the degradation situation judgment processing performed by CPU of a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of FIG.9 S350 performed by CPU of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph equivalent to the enlarged view of the A section in Drawing 7 for explaining the degradation situation judging processing performed by CPU of a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of FIG.9 S350 performed by CPU of 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

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

  First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  1 to 5, the portable small-sized printer device 1 that is the printing device of the present embodiment has a top open box type main body having a size of about A6 size or A7 size in a plan view and a thickness of about 1 cm or more. Case 2 is provided. On the upper surface of the main body case 2, a fixed cover 3 and a rotatable lid 13 are provided side by side. Formed in the main body case 2 is a paper storage portion 6 for storing a paper package 5 containing a plurality of thermal papers 4 as cut sheet-like print-receiving media. The paper storage unit 6 is covered with the lid 13. Further, a thermal head 8, a platen roller 9, a paper guide 10, a pickup roller 11, a separation block 12, etc., which will be described in detail later, are arranged near the fixed cover 3 in the main body case 2. Yes. The platen roller 9 and the pickup roller 11 constitute a conveying unit that conveys the thermal paper 4.

  The thermal head 8 is a line head type printing unit, and prints characters, images and the like for each line on the thermal paper 4 which is sandwiched and conveyed between the platen roller 9. The print width when printing one line is set to be approximately equal to the paper width of the thermal paper 4. The thermal head 8 and the platen roller 9 have a length in the short side direction of the thermal paper 4 of A6 size or A7 size. The thermal head 8 is used as a print head because the thermal paper 4 is used as a print medium, so that no consumable ink or ink ribbon is required, and the mechanism therefor can be omitted. This is because it can be made compact.

  The thermal paper 4 includes various types such as a thermal coloring type having a coloring layer that develops color when heated by the thermal head 8, and a thermal punching type in which a perforated layer that is perforated by overheating is laminated on a substrate. Can be used.

  The pickup roller 11 and the separation block 12 are arranged on the side of the paper storage unit 6 close to the printing mechanism unit 7. The paper package 5 accommodated in the paper accommodating portion 6 is urged toward the bottom plate 6a of the paper accommodating portion 6 via an urging means 15 such as a leaf spring provided on the inner surface of the main body of the closed lid 13. Is done. Of the stacked thermal paper 4 in the paper package 5, the lowermost thermal paper 4 is abutted against the pickup roller 11. Only the lowermost thermal paper 4 passes through the gap between the lower end of the separation block 12 and the guide plate 17 by the cooperation of the rotational drive of the pickup roller 11 and the guide locking surface (not shown) of the separation block 12. The platen roller 9 is rotatably provided adjacent to the separation block 12, and the paper guide 10 is biased to the outer peripheral surface of the platen roller 9 by a biasing means 16 such as a pressing coil spring. The thermal paper 4 separated and conveyed from the paper package 5 by the guide locking surface (not shown) of the pickup roller 11 and the separation block 12 is conveyed between the platen roller 9 and the paper guide 10.

  By the paper guide 10 and the lower surface of the thermal head 8, the thermal paper 4 separated and conveyed from the paper container 6 is reversed and conveyed in a horizontal U shape and conveyed to the printing position of the platen roller 9. On the back surface (upper surface) side of the thermal head 8, a spring hooking portion of a coil spring 19 that urges the platen roller 9 is locked, and the printing portion of the thermal head 8 is in contact with the platen roller 9. Then, printing is performed on the upper surface of the thermal paper 4 by the thermal head 8, and the thermal paper 4 is discharged from the gap 20 between the upper surface of the separation block 12 and the edge of the fixed cover 3 to the outside of the lid 13.

  The platen roller 9 and the pickup roller 11 are driven by a drive motor 22 and a gear transmission arranged on one inner side surface (in the embodiment, in the conveyance direction side of the thermal paper 4 shown in FIG. 2) along the long side of the main body case 2. And a mechanism (gear train) 23. By making the diameter of the platen roller 9 larger than the diameter of the pickup roller 11, the paper conveyance speed at the platen roller 9 is set larger than the paper conveyance speed at the pickup roller 11, and the pickup roller 11, the separation block 12, The sheet separation at this point is performed slowly, and the sheet conveyance by the platen roller 9 and the printing speed are increased. For this purpose, a one-way clutch (not shown) is provided downstream of the platen roller 9 in the gear train so that the pickup roller 11 can be rotated with respect to high-speed conveyance at nine platen rollers. A guide support block 24 extending from the paper guide 10 toward the platen roller 9 is fixed to the inner surface along the pair of long sides of the main body case 2.

  When a print command and image data (print data) are sent from an external device 53 (described later) such as a personal computer to the portable small printer 1 via a USB terminal or the like, the drive motor 22 is driven to rotate, and the pickup roller 11 and the platen roller 9 starts to rotate at the same time. Then, due to the rotation of the pickup roller 11, only the tip of the lowermost thermal paper 4 among the laminated thermal papers 4 collides with the separation block 12. Thereby, only the lowermost thermal paper 4 is separated and conveyed between the lower surface of the separation block 12 and the guide plate 17. The thermal paper 4 nipped between the platen roller 9 and the paper guide 10 is nipped and conveyed by the rotating platen roller 9 and the paper guide 10 and moves in the direction of the thermal head 8. The desired printing is performed on the surface of 4. Thereafter, the printed thermal paper 4 is discharged out of the portable small printer 1 through a gap 20 between the solid cover 3 and the back of the separation block 12.

  6, the portable small printer 1 has a CPU 41. The CPU 41 includes a ROM 42 (characteristic storage means), an SRAM 43, a power SW circuit 44, a battery voltage detection circuit 45, a motor drive circuit 46, and a thermal head control circuit. 47, a liquid crystal display unit 48, a USB I / F drive circuit 49, and an operation unit 51 are connected. The drive motor 22 is connected to the motor drive circuit 46, and the thermal head 8 is connected to the thermal head control circuit 47. Electric power is supplied to the motor drive circuit 46 and the thermal head control circuit 47 from the rechargeable battery 50 stored in the battery storage unit 50a. That is, the motor drive circuit 46 and the thermal head control circuit 47 constitute a drive source described in each claim.

  The ROM 42 includes a program for determining the deterioration status of the rechargeable battery 50, which will be described later, and a first threshold value and a second threshold value used when determining the deterioration status of the rechargeable battery 50. (Described later) is stored. The SRAM 43 is used as a work area when developing print data. The battery voltage detection circuit 45 detects the voltage of the rechargeable battery 50.

  The motor drive circuit 46 is a circuit that drives the drive motor 22, and the thermal head control circuit 47 is a circuit that controls the heating element portion of the thermal head 8. In this example, the thermal head 8 has a discharge circuit described later. The USB I / F drive circuit 49 is an interface circuit for performing communication based on the USB standard with an external device 53 that transmits a print signal to the portable small printer 1, and the external device 53 is connected via a USB connector 49 a. Are connected to the USB I / F drive circuit 49. The power SW circuit 44 is a circuit for turning on / off the power of the portable small printer 1. The liquid crystal display unit 48 is a display means for displaying instructions to the user related to battery deterioration determination and battery deterioration determination results and notifying the user.

  The rechargeable battery 50 is a secondary battery such as a nickel metal hydride battery or a lithium ion battery, for example, and is connected to a charging circuit 71 for performing a charging process (rapid charging) on the rechargeable battery 59. The charging circuit 71 can be connected to an external power source by an AC adapter 70.

  In the basic configuration described above, the greatest feature of the present embodiment is that the discharge process is performed immediately after the full charge, which reflects the deterioration state well, and the deterioration degree of the rechargeable battery 50 is determined by the voltage recovery behavior after the discharge process. It is in the point to judge. The details will be described below.

<Outline of deterioration judgment processing>
In the portable small printer 1 of the present embodiment, desired printing is performed by the thermal head 8 on the thermal paper 4 conveyed by the platen roller 9 and the pickup roller 11 as described above. The power supply to the thermal head control circuit 47 that drives and controls the thermal head 8 and the motor drive circuit 46 that drives and controls the drive motor 22 that drives the pickup roller 11 and the platen roller 9 is charged in the battery housing 50a. This is performed by the battery 50. The rechargeable battery 50 is deteriorated by repeated charging and use, and the internal resistance is increased. Therefore, in this embodiment, whether or not the rechargeable battery 50 has deteriorated can be discriminated by the voltage recovery behavior in a state in which the load is released after the load is applied and discharged immediately after full charge and the voltage drops. it can.

  That is, in the present embodiment, first, the rechargeable battery 50 is charged, and the rechargeable battery 50 is fully charged (see FIG. 7). It is sufficient to detect the fully charged state at this time by an appropriate known method (details will be described later). When the fully charged state is detected, a load is subsequently applied to the fully charged rechargeable battery 50 in a predetermined short time range. For example, a predetermined load is applied for 10 seconds after full charge (see FIG. 8). Thereafter, the load is released and discharge treatment is performed. At this time, the voltage recovery behavior immediately after releasing the load becomes slower as the deterioration is larger.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the discharge process is completed as described above, the voltage detection value Vo at the end of the discharge is acquired, and further, the voltage detection value V1 when the predetermined time Ta has elapsed after the end of the discharge is acquired. The Then, a voltage difference V1−Vo between the voltage detection value V1 when the Ta has elapsed and the voltage detection value Vo at the end of discharge is calculated as a predetermined recovery state quantity related to voltage recovery. At this time, the ROM 42 has a first potential difference Vb (for example, 0.08 [V]) as the first threshold value for determining that the degree of battery deterioration is small, and the above for determining that the degree of battery deterioration is large. A second potential difference Va (for example, 0.06 [V]) is stored as the second threshold value. Then, the voltage difference V1-Vo is compared with the first potential difference Vb and the second potential difference Va, and the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 is determined based on the comparison result.

  In FIG. 8, the curve indicated by the solid line is an example of the characteristics of the battery with little deterioration. In this case, as shown in the figure, the voltage value after the load release is sharply recovered, so that the detected voltage difference V1-Vo is larger than the first voltage difference Vb. On the other hand, in FIG. 8, the curve indicated by the alternate long and short dash line is an example of the characteristics of the battery whose deterioration has progressed and the capacity has decreased. In this case, as shown in the figure, since the recovery of the voltage value after releasing the load is dull (slow), the detected voltage difference V1-Vo becomes smaller than the second voltage difference Va. Although not shown in the figure, if the above intermediate characteristics, that is, the detected voltage difference V1-Vo is an intermediate region between the second voltage difference Va and the first voltage difference Vb, the deterioration occurs. Can be regarded as a battery in progress.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, whether the voltage difference V1-Vo is larger than the first voltage difference Vb (in other words, whether the voltage difference Vb belongs to a region opposite to the intermediate region from the first voltage difference Vb). Depending on whether it belongs to the intermediate region or smaller than the second voltage difference Va (in other words, from the second voltage difference Va, it belongs to a region opposite to the intermediate region), there is a sufficient capacity with little deterioration. It is determined whether the battery is a certain battery, a battery in a state of caution that is being deteriorated, or a battery that is deteriorated and has a reduced capacity and is difficult to use.

<Control procedure>
A control procedure executed by the CPU 41 to execute the above contents will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In FIG. 9, first, in step S300, under the control of the CPU 41, the battery voltage detection circuit 45 detects the output voltage of the rechargeable battery 50, while the charging circuit 71 uses the power from the external power source to detect the rechargeable battery 50. The charging process is performed. This step S300 functions as a charging means described in each claim.

  In step S310, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the rechargeable battery 50 is fully charged. For example, when the type of the rechargeable battery 50 is a nickel metal hydride battery, the voltage of the rechargeable battery 50 (detected by the battery voltage detection circuit 45) has become a substantially constant value, or the temperature per unit time. What is necessary is just to detect by the change of an increase rate, or progress of time sufficient for full charge. When the type of the rechargeable battery 50 is a lithium ion battery, the specified voltage value may be detected during constant current charging (detected by the battery voltage detection circuit 45), and the specified current may be detected during constant voltage charging. Thereby, it can detect accurately and reliably that the charge process was performed with respect to the rechargeable battery 50 accommodated in the battery accommodating part, and it became a full charge state. In addition, this step S310 functions as a full charge detection means described in each claim.

  If the rechargeable battery 50 is not fully charged, the determination in step S310 is not satisfied (S310: NO), the process returns to step S300, and the charging process is continued until the fully charged state is reached. If the rechargeable battery 50 is fully charged, the determination in step S310 is satisfied (S310: YES), and the process proceeds to step S320.

  In step S320, the CPU 41 compares the voltage difference based on the voltage detection value of the rechargeable battery 50 detected by the battery voltage detection circuit 45 with the first potential difference and the second potential difference stored in the ROM 42. Then, a deterioration state determination process for determining the deterioration state of the rechargeable battery 50 is performed. Step S320 will be described in detail later.

  Thereafter, in step S330, the CPU 41 displays the deterioration state of the rechargeable battery 50 (setting contents in steps S470, S490, S510, and S520, which will be described later) on the liquid crystal display unit 48, and ends this flow.

  Details of the deterioration state determination processing in step S320 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 10, first, in step S400, the CPU 41 controls the discharge circuit of the thermal head 8 to apply a predetermined load to the rechargeable battery 50 for a short time to perform a discharge process. In addition, this step S400 functions as the discharge means described in each claim. Note that the discharge treatment of the rechargeable battery 50 may be performed using a resistive load other than the thermal head 8.

  Thereafter, in step S410, the CPU 41 acquires the voltage value Vo of the rechargeable battery 50 detected by the battery voltage detection circuit 45. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S420.

  In step S420, the CPU 41 controls the discharge circuit to stop applying a load to the rechargeable battery 50, and releases the load of the rechargeable battery 50.

  Thereafter, in step S430, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the predetermined time Ta (for example, about 3 to 4 minutes) has elapsed. Until the time Ta elapses, the determination in step S430 is not satisfied (S430: NO), and the process waits for a loop. When the time Ta elapses, the determination in step S430 is satisfied (S430: YES), and the process proceeds to step S440.

  In step S440, as in step S410, the CPU 41 obtains the voltage value V1 of the rechargeable battery 50 detected by the battery voltage detection circuit 45. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S450.

  In step S450, the CPU 41 calculates a voltage difference V1-Vo based on the voltage value V1 acquired in step S440 and the voltage value Vo acquired in step S410. In addition, this step S450 functions as a first voltage difference detection unit described in each claim and also functions as a state quantity detection unit. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S460.

  In step S460, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the voltage difference V1-Vo calculated in step S450 is smaller than the second potential difference Va stored in the ROM 42. If V1-Vo <Va, the determination in step S460 is satisfied (S460: YES), and the process proceeds to step S470.

  In step S470, the CPU 41 sets that the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 is large, the deterioration has progressed due to repeated use, and the capacity is decreasing and difficult to use (for example, the actual capacity is 50%), and this routine is ended. .

  On the other hand, if V1−Vo ≧ Va in step S460, the determination is not satisfied (S460: NO), and the process proceeds to step S480.

  In step S480, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the voltage difference V1-Vo is not less than the second potential difference Va and not more than the first potential difference Vb stored in the ROM. If Va ≦ V1−Vo ≦ Vb, the determination in step S480 is satisfied (S480: YES), and the flow proceeds to step S490.

  In step S490, the CPU 41 sets a state requiring caution (eg, actual capacity of 80%) in which the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 is slightly recognized, and ends this routine.

  On the other hand, in step S480, if V1-Vo> Vb, the determination is not satisfied (S480: NO), and the process proceeds to step S500.

  In step S500, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the voltage difference V1-Vo exceeds Vb. If Vb <V1-Vo, the determination at Step S500 is satisfied (S500: YES), and the routine goes to Step S510.

  In step S510, the CPU 41 sets that the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 is sufficiently small, has a sufficient capacity (eg, 100% actual capacity) with little deterioration, and ends this routine.

  On the other hand, if V1−Vo ≦ Vb in step S500, the determination is not satisfied (S500: NO), and the process proceeds to step S520. In step S520, an error is set, and this routine ends.

  In addition, said step S460, step S470, step S480, step S490, step S500, and step S510 function as a deterioration determination means as described in each claim.

<Display of degradation status>
The display of the deterioration status of the rechargeable battery 50 by the liquid crystal display unit 48 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 11, the liquid crystal display unit 48 has a real capacity graphic image 61 represented by an overall size corresponding to the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50, and a ratio (number) in the real capacity graphic image 61. A remaining amount image 62 representing the remaining amount of power is displayed. The actual capacity image 61 is represented by the outer shape of the battery mark in this example. The remaining amount icon image 62 is represented by a plurality of rectangular areas existing in the outer shape of the battery mark. As the number of displayed rectangular areas increases, the remaining power of the rechargeable battery 50 increases.

  The display example on the left side of FIG. 11 shows a state where the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 is sufficiently small (the above-mentioned actual capacity is 100%) and the remaining power is less than half. It is. The display example in the center of FIG. 11 shows a state where the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 is slightly recognized (actual capacity is 80%) and the remaining power is about 2/3. It is. The display example on the right side of FIG. 11 shows a state in which the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 is large (actual capacity is 50%) and the remaining power is large (almost full). .

  In this way, the deterioration status of the rechargeable battery 50 is represented by the actual capacity image 61 and the remaining capacity image 62, so that the user can be notified of the deterioration status of the rechargeable battery 50 intuitively and easily. The remaining amount of power in the rechargeable battery 50 can also be notified.

  As described above, in the portable small-sized printer device 1 of the present embodiment, the voltage difference V1-Vo is assumed in advance in the voltage recovery behavior after the discharge process immediately after the full charge, which reflects the deterioration state well. The degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 is determined using the two threshold values Va and Vb. Thus, unlike the conventional method in which it is necessary to detect the deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 over a long time after shifting to a dedicated deterioration determination mode provided in advance, the secondary battery is quickly charged immediately after full charging. The deterioration of the battery 50 can be detected.

  A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the determination process of the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 executed by the CPU 41.

  In the present embodiment, the voltage detection value Vo ′ is acquired when the same discharge process as in the first embodiment is started, and the voltage detection value V1 when the predetermined time Ta has elapsed after the end of the discharge process is acquired. Is done. A voltage difference Vo′−V1 between the voltage detection value Vo ′ at the start of the discharge and the voltage detection value V1 at the time Ta has elapsed after the end of the discharge is calculated as a predetermined recovery state quantity related to voltage recovery. At this time, the ROM 42 has a third potential difference Va ′ (for example, 0.02 [V]) as the first threshold value for determining that the degree of battery deterioration is small, and for determining that the degree of battery deterioration is large. The fourth potential difference Vb ′ (for example, 0.04 [V]) is stored as the second threshold value. Then, the voltage difference Vo′−V1 is compared with the third potential difference Va ′ and the fourth potential difference Vb ′, and the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 is determined based on the comparison result.

  In FIG. 12, a curve indicated by a solid line is an example of a battery characteristic with little deterioration. In this case, as shown in the figure, the voltage Vo ′ at the start of discharge is about 8.40 [V], the voltage Vo at the end of discharge is about 8.30 [V], and the voltage value is recovered after the load is released. Therefore, the detected voltage difference Vo′−V1 becomes smaller than the third voltage difference Va ′. On the other hand, in FIG. 12, the curve indicated by the alternate long and short dash line is an example of the characteristics of the battery whose deterioration has progressed and the capacity has decreased. In this case, as shown in the figure, the voltage Vo ′ at the start of discharge is about 8.40 [V], the voltage Vo at the end of discharge is about 8.28 [V], and the voltage value is recovered after the load is released. Is dull (slow), the detected voltage difference Vo′−V1 becomes larger than the fourth voltage difference Vb ′. Although not shown in the figure, the above intermediate characteristics, that is, when the detected voltage difference Vo′−V1 is an intermediate region between the third voltage difference Va ′ and the fourth voltage difference Vb ′. Can be regarded as a battery that is being deteriorated.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the voltage difference Vo′−V1 is smaller than the third voltage difference Va ′ (in other words, belongs to the region opposite to the intermediate region from the third voltage difference Va ′). Depending on whether it belongs to the intermediate region or larger than the fourth voltage difference Vb ′ (in other words, whether it belongs to the region opposite to the intermediate region from the fourth voltage difference Vb ′). It is determined whether the battery has a small and sufficient capacity, is a battery in a state of caution that is being deteriorated, or is a battery that is difficult to use due to a decrease in capacity and a decrease in capacity.

  The control contents executed by the CPU 41 in the present embodiment to execute the above contents are substantially the same as those shown in FIG. 9, and correspond to the parts shown in FIG. 10 (degradation state determination process in step S320 in FIG. 9). Only details). The detailed procedure of the deterioration state determination process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 13, first, in step S <b> 610, the CPU 41 acquires the voltage value Vo ′ of the rechargeable battery 50 detected by the battery voltage detection circuit 45 as in step S <b> 410 of FIG. 10. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S620.

  In step S620, as in step S400 of FIG. 10 described above, the CPU 41 controls the discharge circuit of the thermal head 8 to apply a predetermined load to the rechargeable battery 50 for a short time to perform a discharge process. In the present embodiment, this step S620 functions as the discharge means described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S630, as in step S420 of FIG. 10, the CPU 41 controls the discharge circuit to stop applying the load to the rechargeable battery 50 and releases the load of the rechargeable battery 50.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S640, and the CPU 41 determines whether or not the predetermined time Ta (for example, about 3 to 4 minutes) has elapsed as in step S430 of FIG. If the time Ta has elapsed, the determination is satisfied (S640: YES), and the routine goes to Step S650.

  In step S650, as in step S440 of FIG. 10, the CPU 41 acquires the voltage value V1 of the rechargeable battery 50 detected by the battery voltage detection circuit 45. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S660.

  In step S660, the CPU 41 calculates a voltage difference Vo′−V1 based on the voltage value V1 acquired in step S650 and the voltage value Vo ′ acquired in step S610. This step S650 functions as the second voltage difference detecting means described in each claim and also functions as the state quantity detecting means in the present embodiment. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S670.

  In step S670, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the voltage difference Vo′−V1 calculated in step S660 is larger than the fourth potential difference Vb ′ stored in the ROM. If Vo′−V1> Vb ′, the determination at step S670 is satisfied (S670: YES), and the routine goes to step S680.

  In step S680, the CPU 41 sets that the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 is large, has deteriorated due to repeated use, has deteriorated, the capacity has decreased, and is difficult to use (for example, 50% actual capacity). finish.

  On the other hand, in step S670, if Vo′−V1 ≦ Vb ′, the determination is not satisfied (S670: NO), and the process proceeds to step S690.

  In step S690, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the voltage difference Vo′−V1 is not less than the third potential difference Va ′ and not more than the fourth potential difference Vb ′ stored in the ROM. If Va ′ ≦ Vo′−V1 ≦ Vb ′, the determination in step S690 is satisfied (S690: YES), and the flow proceeds to step S700.

  In step S700, the CPU 41 sets a state requiring caution (for example, 80% actual capacity) in which the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 is slightly recognized, and ends this routine.

  On the other hand, if Vo′−V1 <Va ′ in step S690, the determination is not satisfied (S690: NO), and the process proceeds to step S710.

  In step S710, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the voltage difference Vo′−V1 is less than Va ′. If Vo′−V1 <Va ′, the determination in step S710 is satisfied (S710: YES), and the flow proceeds to step S720.

  In step S720, the CPU 41 sets that the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 is sufficiently small and has a sufficient capacity (eg, 100% actual capacity) with little deterioration, and ends this routine.

  On the other hand, if Vo′−V1 ≧ Va ′ in step S710, the determination is not satisfied (S710: NO), and the process proceeds to step S730. In step S730, an error is set, and this routine ends.

  In addition, the said step S670, step S680, step S690, step S700, step S710, and step S720 function as the deterioration determination means as described in each claim in this embodiment.

  Also in this embodiment, the same effect as the first embodiment is obtained. That is, in the voltage recovery behavior after the discharge process immediately after full charge, the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 is determined using two threshold values Va ′ and Vb ′ preliminarily assumed for the voltage difference Vo′−V1. Thus, unlike the conventional method in which it is necessary to detect the deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 over a long time after shifting to a dedicated deterioration determination mode provided in advance, the secondary battery is quickly charged immediately after full charging. The deterioration of the battery 50 can be detected.

  The display on the liquid crystal display 48 when the actual capacity is 50%, 80%, and 100%, respectively, is the same as that in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. Omitted.

  A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The same parts as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment and the second embodiment in the determination process of the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 executed by the CPU 41.

  In the present embodiment, the voltage detection value Vo ′ is acquired when the same discharge process as in the first and second embodiments is started, and the voltage detection value Vt as needed with the passage of time after the end of the discharge process. Is acquired. Then, as the predetermined recovery state quantity relating to voltage recovery, after the end of the discharge, the voltage detection value Vt is a predetermined value (for example, Vo′−ΔVp; ΔVp is about 0.02 [V]). The time T until reaching (value) is detected. At this time, the ROM 42 stores the first time Ty as the first threshold value for determining that the battery deterioration degree is small, and the second time as the second threshold value for determining that the battery deterioration degree is large. Time Tx is stored. Then, the time T is compared with the first time Tx and the second time Ty, and the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 is determined based on the comparison result.

  In FIG. 14, the curve indicated by the solid line is an example of the characteristics of the battery with little deterioration. In this case, as shown in the figure, the voltage Vo ′ at the start of discharge is about 8.40 [V], the voltage Vo at the end of discharge is about 8.30 [V], and the voltage value is recovered after the load is released. Therefore, the time T to reach the range of Vt = Vo′−ΔVp is shorter (shorter) than the first time Ty. On the other hand, in FIG. 14, the curve indicated by the alternate long and short dash line is an example of the characteristics of the battery whose deterioration has progressed and the capacity has decreased. In this case, as shown in the figure, the voltage Vo ′ at the start of discharge is about 8.40 [V], the voltage Vo at the end of discharge is about 8.28 [V], and the voltage value is recovered after the load is released. Is dull (slow), the time T to reach the range of Vt = Vo′−ΔVp is longer (longer) than the second time Tx. Although not shown in the drawing, when the above-mentioned intermediate characteristics, that is, when the time T is an intermediate region between the first time Ty and the second time Tx, the battery is being deteriorated. Can be considered.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the time T is smaller than the first time Ty (in other words, whether the time T belongs to a region opposite to the intermediate region from the first time Ty) or belongs to the intermediate region. Depending on whether the battery is larger than the second time Tx (in other words, whether it belongs to the region opposite to the intermediate region from the second time Tx) It is determined whether the battery is in a state of caution that is progressing or is a battery that is difficult to use due to deterioration and decreasing capacity.

  The control contents executed by the CPU 41 in the present embodiment to execute the above contents are substantially the same as those shown in FIG. 9, and correspond to the parts shown in FIG. 10 (degradation state determination process in step S320 in FIG. 9). Only details). The detailed procedure of the deterioration status determination process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 15, first, in step S <b> 810, the CPU 41 obtains the voltage value Vo ′ of the rechargeable battery 50 as described above. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S820.

  In step S820, similarly to the above, under the control of the CPU 41, a predetermined load is applied to the rechargeable battery 50 for a short time to perform a discharging process. In the present embodiment, this step S820 functions as the discharge means described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S830, the CPU 41 releases the load of the rechargeable battery 50 as described above.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S840, and similarly to step S410 of FIG. 10, the CPU 41 acquires the voltage value Vt of the rechargeable battery 50 detected by the battery voltage detection circuit 45 at this time. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S850.

  In step S850, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the voltage value Vt acquired in step S850 has reached a predetermined value (in this example, a value in the range of Vo ′ ± ΔVp as described above). The determination is not satisfied until the voltage value Vt reaches a predetermined value (S850: NO), and the process returns to step S840 and the same procedure is repeated. When the voltage value Vt reaches a predetermined value, the determination at Step S850 is satisfied (S850: YES), and the routine goes to Step S860.

  In step S860, the CPU 41 uses, for example, a count value such as a timer provided at an appropriate location to calculate an elapsed time T from when the load is released in step S830 until the determination in step S850 is satisfied. calculate. The step S860 functions as a time detection unit described in each claim and also functions as a state quantity detection unit in the present embodiment. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S870.

  In step S870, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the time T calculated in step S860 is longer (longer) than the second time Tx stored in the ROM. If T> Tx, the determination at Step S870 is satisfied (S870: YES), and the routine goes to Step S880.

  In step S880, the CPU 41 sets that the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 is large, is deteriorated due to repeated use, has deteriorated, the capacity has decreased, and is difficult to use (for example, the actual capacity is 50%). finish.

  On the other hand, in step S870, if T ≦ Tx, the determination is not satisfied (S870: NO), and the process proceeds to step S890.

  In step S890, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the time T is not less than the first time Ty and not more than the second time Tx stored in the ROM. If Ty ≦ T ≦ Tx, the determination in step S890 is satisfied (S890: YES), and the process proceeds to step S900.

  In step S900, the CPU 41 sets a state requiring attention (for example, 80% actual capacity) in which the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 is slightly recognized, and ends this routine.

  On the other hand, if T <Ty in step S890, the determination is not satisfied (S890: NO), and the process proceeds to step S910.

  In step S910, the CPU 41 determines whether the time T is less than Ty. If T <Ty, the determination at Step S910 is satisfied (S910: YES), and the routine goes to Step S920.

  In step S920, the CPU 41 sets that the degree of deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 is sufficiently small and has a sufficient capacity (for example, 100% actual capacity) with little deterioration, and ends this routine.

  On the other hand, if T ≧ Ty in step S910, the determination is not satisfied (S910: NO), and the process proceeds to step S930. In step S930, an error is set, and this routine ends.

  In addition, the said step S870, step S880, step S890, step S900, step S910, and step S920 function as a degradation determination means as described in each claim in this embodiment.

  Also in this embodiment, the same effect as the first and second embodiments is obtained. That is, in the voltage recovery behavior after the discharge process immediately after the full charge, the rechargeable battery 50 has two threshold values Tx and Ty that are assumed in advance with respect to the elapsed time T until the predetermined voltage value is reached after the discharge ends. Determine the degree of deterioration. Thus, unlike the conventional method in which it is necessary to detect the deterioration of the rechargeable battery 50 over a long time after shifting to a dedicated deterioration determination mode provided in advance, the secondary battery is quickly charged immediately after full charging. The deterioration of the battery 50 can be detected.

  Note that the display on the liquid crystal display unit 48 when the actual capacity is 50%, 80%, and 100% is sufficient as described above, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the above, the arrows shown in FIG. 6 and the like show an example of the signal flow, and do not limit the signal flow direction.

  Further, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 13, 15 and the like are not intended to limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the above-described flow, and additional procedures can be added without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention. You may delete or change the order.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

1 Portable small printer (printing device)
4 Thermal paper (print medium)
8 Thermal head (printing means)
22 Drive motor 41 CPU
42 ROM (characteristic storage means)
45 Battery voltage detection circuit 46 Motor drive circuit (drive source)
47 Thermal head control circuit (drive source)
48 Liquid crystal display (display means)
50 Rechargeable battery 50a Battery compartment

Claims (5)

Printing means for performing desired printing on a printing medium;
A drive source for driving the printing means;
A battery storage section for storing a rechargeable battery for supplying power to the drive source;
Charging means for performing a charging process on the battery stored in the battery storage unit;
A full charge detection means for detecting that the battery is fully charged by the charging process of the charging means;
When the full charge detection unit detects the full charge state of the battery, a discharge unit that performs a discharge process by applying a predetermined load to the battery in the full charge state for a predetermined time range;
State quantity detection means for detecting a predetermined recovery state quantity relating to voltage recovery after completion of the discharge process of the battery;
Characteristic storage means storing a first threshold value for determining that the degree of battery deterioration is small and a second threshold value for determining that the degree of battery deterioration is large based on the recovery state quantity;
After the discharge processing of the battery, the recovery state quantity detected by the state quantity detection means belongs to an intermediate region between the first threshold value and the second threshold value, or the first A deterioration determination means for determining a degree of deterioration of the battery according to whether it belongs to a region opposite to the intermediate region from a threshold value or whether it belongs to a region opposite to the intermediate region from the second threshold value. When,
A printing apparatus comprising: The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The state quantity detection means includes
As the recovery state quantity, a voltage difference between the output voltage value of the battery at the end of the discharge process of the battery and the output voltage value of the battery after a lapse of a predetermined time after the end of the discharge process of the battery is detected. First voltage difference detection means;
The characteristic storage means includes
Storing the first voltage difference as the first threshold and the second voltage difference as the second threshold;
The deterioration determining means includes
The battery voltage difference detected by the first voltage difference detecting means after the predetermined time has elapsed after the discharge process of the battery is not less than the second voltage difference and not more than the first voltage difference, A printing apparatus, comprising: determining a degree of deterioration of the battery according to whether the voltage difference is greater than a first voltage difference or less than the second voltage difference. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The state quantity detection means includes
As the recovery state quantity, a voltage difference between the output voltage value of the battery at the start of the discharge process of the battery and the output voltage value of the battery after a lapse of a predetermined time after the discharge process of the battery is detected. Second voltage difference detection means;
The characteristic storage means includes
Storing a third voltage difference as the first threshold and a fourth voltage difference as the second threshold;
The deterioration determining means includes
The battery voltage difference detected by the second voltage difference detection means after the predetermined time has elapsed after the discharge processing of the battery is not less than the third voltage difference and not more than the fourth voltage difference, A printing apparatus that determines a degree of deterioration of the battery according to whether it is smaller than a third voltage difference or larger than the fourth voltage difference. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The state quantity detection means includes
As the recovery state quantity, time detection means for detecting a time from the end of the discharge process of the battery until the output voltage value of the battery reaches a predetermined voltage value,
The characteristic storage means includes
Storing a first time as the first threshold and a second time as the second threshold;
The deterioration determining means includes
After the discharge process of the battery, the time detected by the time detection means when the output voltage value of the battery reaches a predetermined voltage value is not less than the first time and not more than the second time, The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a degree of deterioration of the battery is determined according to whether the time is less than the first time or greater than the second time. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The full charge detection means includes
When the battery type is a nickel metal hydride battery, it is detected that the voltage of the battery has become a substantially constant value, or a change in temperature increase rate per unit time is detected, or sufficient for full charge Is a means of detecting the passage of time,
When the battery type is a lithium ion battery, the printing apparatus is a means for detecting a specified voltage value during constant current charging and detecting a specified current during constant voltage charging.

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