JP4417663B2

JP4417663B2 - Secondary battery charger

Info

Publication number: JP4417663B2
Application number: JP2003202385A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 靖森; 秀樹宮本
Original assignee: Toshiba Battery Co Ltd
Current assignee: FDK Twicell Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-07-28
Filing date: 2003-07-28
Publication date: 2010-02-17
Anticipated expiration: 2023-07-28
Also published as: JP2005044603A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、二次電池の充電装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
ニッケル水素蓄電池のような二次電池は、ユーザが使用により放電された後に充電装置に装填して充電することが行なわれている。
【０００３】
前記二次電池の充電装置としては、特許文献１に記載のように電池ホルダ部と交流電圧を充電用直流電圧に変換するための電源制御機能および充電制御機能を有する充電機能部とが一体になった構造のものが知られている。すなわち、この充電装置は電池ホルダ部として機能する凹部を有するケース（筐体）と、この凹部に互いに対向して取付けられた充電端子と、前記ケースに内蔵され、前記充電端子に接続される充電機能部とを備えた構造を有する。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開平１１−３３９７４３号公報
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、特許文献１に開示された二次電池の充電装置は次のような問題があった。
【０００６】
（１）予備として用いる二次電池は、単体で持ち運ばれ、その端子が絶縁保護されていないため、ネックレス等の金属片と一緒に持ち運ぶと、二次電池の端子間が金属片で短絡する。
【０００７】
（２）外出先で二次電池を充電したい場合には、充電装置を携帯する必要がある。通常、家庭に設置される充電装置は、短時間で充電することを目的とした充電出力の大きな大出力型で、寸法、質量ともに大きいために、携帯に不向きである。携帯性の点から、充電出力に小さい小型で軽量な充電装置をさらに１つ揃えることも考えられるが、２つの充電装置を購入することに伴ってユーザに金銭的負担を強いることになる。
【０００８】
本発明は、予備の二次電池を電池ホルダで保護した状態にて持ち運び可能で短絡等を防止し得る二次電池の充電装置を提供しようとするものである。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明に係る二次電池の充電装置は、二次電池が取り外し可能に接続、保持される電池ホルダと、入力電圧を充電用直流電圧に変換するための電源制御機能および充電制御機能を有する充電機能部材とが着脱可能に分割され、
前記電池ホルダは前記二次電池の数に応じた穴が前記二次電池と接触される底部に開口され、かつ
前記充電機能部材は前記電池ホルダが装着された時に、前記ホルダ底部の穴の数に応じた温度測定素子がその穴と合致する位置に設けられることを特徴とするものである。
【００１０】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施形態を図面を参照して詳細に説明する。
【００１１】
（第１実施形態）
図１は、この第１実施形態に係る二次電池の充電装置を示す斜視図である。
【００１２】
二次電池を接続、保持する電池ホルダ１は、入力電圧（例えば交流電圧）を充電用直流電圧に変換するための電源制御機能および充電制御機能を有する充電機能部材１０に対して着脱可能に分割されている。
【００１３】
前記電池ホルダ１は、例えば２個の二次電池が保持される四角形状凹部２を有する例えばプラスチック製の扁平四角柱状のホルダ本体３を備えている。２対の充電端子４は、前記本体３の凹部２の長手方向と直交する２つの内側面にそれぞれ対向して取付けられている。前記充電端子４に接続された凸状コネクタ５は、前記本体２の長手方向と直交する側面（右側面）に取付けられている。
【００１４】
前記充電機能部材１０は、例えばプラスチック製の扁平四角柱状の筐体１１を有する。凹状コネクタ１２は、前記筐体１１の長手方向と直交する側面（左側面）に取付けられている。電池ホルダ１を前記充電機能部材１０に装着するには、前記ホルダ本体３の凸状コネクタ５を前記筐体１１の凹状コネクタ１２に嵌合させる。電源端子１３、１４は、前記筐体１１の底部に取付けられている。前記筐体１１には、前記電源端子１３，１４と接続される交流電圧を充電用直流電圧に変換するための電源制御機能部品（例えば電源トランスおよび整流平滑回路）と、この平滑回路に一端が接続され、他端が前記凹状コネクタ１２に接続された例えばトランジスタからなる電流制御素子と、電流制御素子に接続される−ΔＶ制御方式の制御回路（いずれも図示せず）とを内蔵している。前記制御回路は、前記凹状コネクタ１２を通して前記電池ホルダ１に保持される二次電池の端子間電圧を測定し、充電末期において電池電圧がピークに達した時点からΔＶだけ低下した時点で前記電流制御素子をオフさせて充電を停止する。
【００１５】
このような図１に示す構成の充電装置において、２つの二次電池（例えばニッケル水素蓄電池）２０を電池ホルダ１のホルダ本体３における四角形状凹部２内に保持し、それら電池２０の正負極端子をその凹部２内面の充電端子４にそれぞれ接続する。このホルダ本体３の凸状コネクタ５を充電機能部材１０の筐体１１の凹状コネクタ１２に嵌合させることによって、前記電池ホルダ１が前記充電機能部材１０に装着されて一体化される。この状態で、前記筐体１１の電源端子１３，１４を商用交流電源に差し込むことによって、前記電池ホルダ１のホルダ本体３に保持された２個の二次電池２０の充電がなされる。
【００１６】
すなわち、前記充電機能部材１０の筐体１１の電源端子１３，１４を商用交流電源に差し込むと、商用交流電源からの交流入力電力は筐体１１に内蔵した電源トランスを経由して整流平滑回路に伝達され、直流に変換される。変換された直流電力は、整流平滑回路から電流制御素子、凹状コネクタ１２、ホルダ本体３の凸状コネクタ５およびこのホルダ本体３の充電端子４を通して同ホルダ本体３の凹部２内に保持された２個の二次電池２０に充電電流として供給される。充電末期において二次電池２０の電圧がピークに達した時点からΔＶだけ低下すると、この電圧低下（−ΔＶ）を前記筐体１１に内蔵した制御回路が検出し、この制御回路から前記電流制御素子をオフする信号が出力されて充電が停止される。
【００１７】
以上、第１実施形態によれば電池ホルダ１を充電装置から分離可能にすることによって、ユーザは二次電池２０を電池ホルダ１のホルダ本体３に保持した状態で充電装置から取り外しできる。その結果、二次電池（例えば予備の二次電池）２０を電池ホルダ１によって保護し、短絡等を防いで安全性な状態で携帯することができる。
【００１８】
また、第１実施形態の充電装置は二次電池２０を接続、保持する電池ホルダ１と交流電圧を充電用直流電圧に変換するための電源制御機能および充電制御機能を有する充電機能部材１０とが着脱可能に分割されているため、充電機能部材１０のみを要求される充電能力に応じて取替ることが可能、例えば充電出力が大きな充電機能部材と、軽量で充電出力の小さな充電機能部材とに取替ることが可能である。その結果、家庭内では二次電池を接続、保持した電池ホルダ１を充電出力が大きな充電機能部材に装着することにより短時間で二次電池２０を充電できる。一方、軽量で充電出力の小さい充電機能部材は携帯に便利であるため、電池ホルダ１と共に持ち運んで外出先で二次電池を充電することができる。このような用途に応じた充電機能部材１０の使い分けにおいて、電池ホルダ１はそれらの充電機能部材１０に対して共用できるため、従来のように２つの充電装置を購入することに伴うユーザへの金銭的負担を軽減できる。
【００１９】
（第２実施形態）
図２は、この第２実施形態に係る二次電池の充電装置を示す斜視図である。
【００２０】
二次電池を接続、保持する電池ホルダ１は、電源端子および充電制御機能を有する充電機能部材３０に対して着脱可能に分割されている。
【００２１】
前記電池ホルダ１は、前述した第１実施形態と同様に２個の二次電池が保持される四角形状凹部２を有するプラスチック製の扁平四角柱状のホルダ本体３と、２対の充電端子４と、これらの充電端子４に接続された凸状コネクタ５とを備えた構造を有する。
【００２２】
前記充電機能部材３０は、前記電池ホルダ１が載置される台座部３１が一体的に延出された例えばプラスチック製の扁平四角柱状の筐体３２を有する。凹状コネクタ３３は、前記筐体３２の台座部３１延出側の側面に取付けられている。電池ホルダ１を前記充電機能部材３０に装着するには、ホルダ本体３を台座部３１上に載せて筐体３２に向けてスライドさせ、ホルダ本体３の凸状コネクタ５を前記筐体３２の凹状コネクタ３３に嵌合させる。電源端子３４，３５は、前記筐体３２の底部に取付けられている。前記筐体３２には、前述した第１実施形態と同様に前記電源端子３４，３５と接続される交流電圧を充電用直流電圧に変換するための電源制御機能部品（例えば電源トランスおよび整流平滑回路）と、この平滑回路に一端が接続され、他端が前記凹状コネクタ１２に接続された例えばトランジスタからなる電流制御素子と、電流制御素子に接続される−ΔＶ制御方式の制御回路（いずれも図示せず）とを内蔵している。前記制御回路は、前記凹状コネクタ３３を通して前記電池ホルダ１に保持される二次電池の端子間電圧を測定し、充電末期において電池電圧がピークに達した時点からΔＶだけ低下した時点で前記電流制御素子をオフさせて充電を停止する。
【００２３】
このような第２実施形態によれば、前述した第１実施形態と同様、二次電池（例えば予備の二次電池）２０を電池ホルダ１によって保護し、短絡等を防いで安全性な状態で携帯することができる。また、充電機能部材３０のみを要求される充電能力に応じて取替ることが可能で、家庭内での短時間での二次電池２０の充電、携帯による外出先での二次電池の充電のように用途に応じて充電機能部材３０を使い分けることができ、かつこれらの使用時に電池ホルダ１をそれらの充電機能部材３０に対して共用できるため、従来のように２つの充電装置を購入することに伴うユーザへの金銭的負担を軽減できる。
【００２４】
さらに、第２実施形態によれば電池ホルダ１を充電機能部材３０に装着する際、前記充電機能部材３０は台座部３１が一体的に延出された筐体３２を有するため、この台座部３１上に前記電池ホルダ１のホルダ本体３を載置できる。その結果、前記電池ホルダ１を充電機能部材３０に対して安定して装着することができる。
【００２５】
なお、第２実施形態において１つの電池ホルダ１を充電機能部材３０に着脱可能に分割した構成にしたが、これに限定されない。例えば、図３に示すように充電機能部材３０の筐体３２およびこの筐体３２に一体的に延出された台座部３１を２つの電池ホルダ１が装着し得る幅に拡張し、かつ前記台座部３１にその長手方向に沿って隔壁３６を形成し、さらに前記筐体３２の台座部３１延出側で、前記隔壁３５を境にして両側の側面に２つの凹状コネクタ３３₁、３３₂をそれぞれ取付けた構造にしてもよい。
【００２６】
このような図３に示す構成によれば、２つの電池ホルダ１のホルダ本体３を充電機能部材３０の隔壁３６で分離された前記台座部３１上に載せ、それらのホルダ本体３の凸状コネクタ５を充電機能部材３０の筐体３２の凹状コネクタ３３₁、３３₂にそれぞれ嵌合させることによって、２つの電池ホルダ１を前記充電機能部材３０に装着することが可能になる。
【００２７】
（第３実施形態）
図４は、この第３実施形態に係る二次電池の充電装置を示す斜視図である。なお、図４において前述した図２と同様な部材は同符号を付して説明を省略する。
【００２８】
この充電装置は、サーミスタのような２本の温度測定素子６が電池ホルダ１のホルダ本体３の長手方向に沿いかつ互いに対向する側壁にそれぞれ内蔵され、凸状コネクタ５を通して充電機能部材３０に接続されている。この温度測定素子６は、前記ホルダ本体３の凹部２に保持される２個の二次電池の温度を検出する。このような温度測定素子６を有する充電装置の等価回路を図５を参照して以下に説明する。
【００２９】
この充電装置は、ＡＣ商用電源に接続されるＡＣ入力のためのＡＣ接続端子４１，４２（電源端子３４，３５）と、これらのＡＣ接続端子４１，４２に一次側が接続された電源トランス４３と、この電源トランス４３の二次側に接続された整流平滑回路４４と、トランジスタからなる電流制御素子４５と、この電流制御素子４５を制御するｄＴ／ｄｔ方式の制御回路４６と、温度検出回路４７と、充電端子４８，４９および温度検出端子５０を備えている。前記充電端子４８，４９には二次電池２０の両端が接続され、前記温度検出端子５０には前記電池ホルダ１のホルダ本体３側壁に内蔵された、つまりホルダ本体３に保持された２個の二次電池２０に近接して配置された温度検出素子６が接続されている。前記制御回路４６は、マイクロコンピュータを用いて構成され、前記温度検出回路４７からの電池温度情報をＡ／Ｄ変換器によりディジタル化してから、二次電池の単位時間当たりの温度上昇率（以下、単に温度上昇率という）ｄＴ／ｄｔ、いわゆる温度微分値を算出し、この温度上昇率ｄＴ／ｄｔに基づいて電流制御素子４５の制御を行う。
【００３０】
このような図４に示す構成の充電装置において、２個の二次電池（例えばニッケル水素蓄電池）２０を電池ホルダ１のホルダ本体３における四角形状凹部２に保持し、それら電池２０の正負極端子をその凹部２内面の充電端子４にそれぞれ接続する。このホルダ本体３を充電機能部材３０の台座部３１上に載せ、そのホルダ本体３の凸状コネクタ５を充電機能部材３０の筐体３２の凹状コネクタ３３に嵌合させることによって、前記電池ホルダ１を前記充電機能部材３０に装着して一体化する。この状態で、前記筐体１１の電源端子３４，３５を商用交流電源に差し込むことによって、前記電池ホルダ１のホルダ本体３に保持された２個の二次電池２０の充電がなされる。
【００３１】
すなわち、図５に示すようにＡＣ接続端子４１，４２（電源端子３４，３５）に接続される図示しない商用交流電源からの交流入力電力は、電源トランス４３を経由して整流平滑回路４４に伝達され、直流に変換される。変換された直流電力は、整流平滑回路４４から電流制御素子４５および充電端子４８，４９を通して電池ホルダ１のホルダ本体３に保持された二次電池２０に充電電流が供給される。充電末期に二次電池２０の温度が急激に上昇すると、電池ホルダ１のホルダ本体３側壁に内蔵された温度検出素子６によりその二次電池２０温度が例えばサーミスタの抵抗値変化として検出され、さらにこの抵抗値変化は図５に示す温度検出回路４７によって電池温度情報に変換された後、制御回路４６に入力される。この制御回路４６は、前述したように温度検出回路４７からの電池温度情報をＡ／Ｄ変換器によりディジタル化してから、二次電池２０の単位時間当たりの温度上昇率（ｄＴ／ｄｔ）を算出する。この温度上昇率ｄＴ／ｄｔが所定値に達した時点をすぎると、前記制御回路４６から前記電流制御素子４５をオフする信号が出力されて充電が停止される。
【００３２】
このような第３実施形態によれば、前述した第２実施形態と同様な効果を奏する充電装置を得ることができる。
【００３３】
また、電池ホルダ１のホルダ本体３側壁に温度検出素子６を内蔵して、この温度検出素子６でそのホルダ本体３に保持した二次電池２０の充電時の温度を検出することによって、ｄＴ／ｄｔ制御等の温度による満充電制御を行うことが可能になる。
【００３４】
なお、前記第３実施形態においては温度検出素子６を電池ホルダ１のホルダ本体３側壁（二次電池が接触される個所）に内蔵した構成にしたが、温度検出素子を電池ホルダ１のホルダ本体３の二次電池が接触される個所、例えばホルダ本体３の底部に内蔵させてもよい。
【００３５】
（第４実施形態）
図６は、この第４実施形態に係る二次電池の充電装置を示す斜視図である。なお、図６において前述した図２と同様な部材は同符号を付して説明を省略する。
【００３６】
この充電装置は、電池ホルダ１における例えば２個の二次電池が接触されるホルダ本体３底部に細長状穴７をそのホルダ本体３の長手方向に沿ってそれぞれ開口した構造を有する。
【００３７】
このような第４実施形態によれば、前述した第２実施形態と同様な効果を奏する充電装置を得ることができる。
【００３８】
また、２つの細長状穴７を電池ホルダ１のホルダ本体３底部にそのホルダ本体３の長手方向に沿ってそれぞれ開口することによって、２個の二次電池２０を前記ホルダ本体３の凹部２に保持し、充電機能部材３０に装着して充電を行い、前記電池ホルダ１を充電機能部材３０から取り外した後において、前記ホルダ本体３に保持された二次電池２０を前記細長状穴７を通して押し上げることにより容易に取り出すことができる。
【００３９】
（第５実施形態）
図７は、この第５実施形態に係る二次電池の充電装置を示す斜視図である。なお、図７において前述した図２と同様な部材は同符号を付して説明を省略する。
【００４０】
この充電装置は、電池ホルダ１における例えば２個の二次電池が接触されるホルダ本体３底部に細長状穴７をそのホルダ本体３の長手方向に沿ってそれぞれ開口されている。また、サーミスタのような２本の温度測定素子６は充電機能部材３０の台座部３１に前記電池ホルダ１が載置された時に前記ホルダ本体３底部の２つの細長状穴７とそれぞれ合致するように植設されている。このような温度測定素子６を有する充電装置は前述した図５と同様な等価回路を有する。なお、これら温度測定素子６は前記台座部３１に上下動可能に植設することを許容する。
【００４１】
このような第５実施形態によれば、前述した第２実施形態と同様な効果を奏する充電装置を得ることができる。
【００４２】
また、前述した第３実施形態と同様に２個の二次電池２０を電池ホルダ１のホルダ本体３の凹部２に保持、接続し、このホルダ本体３を充電機能部材３０の台座部３１上に載せ、そのホルダ本体３の凸状コネクタ５を充電機能部材３０の筐体３２の凹状コネクタ３３に嵌合させて、前記電池ホルダ１と前記充電機能部材３０とを装着して一体化した後に充電を行う際、２本の温度測定素子６をホルダ本体３底部の細長状穴７を通して２個の二次電池２０にそれぞれ接触させることが可能になる。その結果、二次電池２０の充電時の温度を前記温度測定素子６でより正確に検出することができるため、ｄＴ／ｄｔ制御等の温度による満充電制御をより精度よく行うことが可能になる。
【００４３】
さらに、２つの細長状穴７を電池ホルダ１のホルダ本体３底部にそのホルダ本体３の長手方向に沿ってそれぞれ開口することによって、例えば２個の二次電池２０を前記ホルダ本体３の凹部２に保持し、充電機能部材３０に装着して充電を行い、前記電池ホルダ１を充電機能部材３０から取り外した後において、前記ホルダ本体３に保持された二次電池２０を前記細長状穴７を通して押し上げることにより容易に取り出すことができる。
【００４４】
なお、前述した第５実施形態において電池ホルダのホルダ本体への細長状穴の代わりにアルミニウム、熱伝導性ゴムのような良熱伝導性材料を台座部に植設した温度測定素子に対応するホルダ本体に埋設し、温度測定素子により前記ホルダ本体に保持された二次電池の温度を前記良熱伝導性材料を通して測定してもよい。
【００４５】
前述した第３実施形態〜第５実施形態において、充電機能部材は１つの電池ホルダが装着される形態に限らず、２つ以上の電池ホルダ、例えば図３に示すように２つの電池ホルダ、を装着し得る構造にしてもよい。
【００４６】
また、第１実施形態〜第５実施形態では電池ホルダは２個の二次電池を保持させる構造にしたが、これに限定されない。電池ホルダは、例えば１個、または３個以上の二次電池を保持させる構造にしてもよい。
【００４７】
さらに、第１実施形態〜第５実施形態では入力電圧を交流電圧としたが、商用交流電圧以外の電圧、例えば太陽電池または燃料電池などから得られる直流電圧であってもよい。
【００４８】
【発明の効果】
以上詳述したように本発明によれば、予備の二次電池を電池ホルダで保護した状態にて持ち運び可能で短絡等を防止し得る二次電池の充電装置を提供できる。
【００４９】
また、本発明の二次電池の充電装置は充電機能部材のみを要求される充電能力に応じて取替ることが可能で、家庭内での短時間での二次電池の充電、携帯による外出先での二次電池の充電のように用途に応じて充電機能部材を使い分けることができ、かつこれらの使用時に電池ホルダをそれらの充電機能部材に対して共用して従来のように２つの充電装置を購入することに伴うユーザへの金銭的負担を軽減することできる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施形態に係る二次電池の充電装置を示す斜視図。
【図２】本発明の第２実施形態に係る二次電池の充電装置を示す斜視図。
【図３】本発明の第２実施形態に係る二次電池の充電装置の変形例を示す斜視図。
【図４】本発明の第３実施形態に係る二次電池の充電装置を示す斜視図。
【図５】本発明の第３実施形態に係る二次電池の充電装置の等価回路図。
【図６】本発明の第４実施形態に係る二次電池の充電装置を示す斜視図。
【図７】本発明の第５実施形態に係る二次電池の充電装置を示す斜視図。
【符号の説明】
１…電池ホルダ、３…ホルダ本体、５…凸状コネクタ、６…温度測定素子、７…細長状穴、１０，３０…充電機能部材、１１，３２…筐体、１２，３３…凹状コネクタ、２０…二次電池、３１…台座部。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a charging device for a secondary battery.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A secondary battery such as a nickel metal hydride storage battery is charged by being loaded into a charging device after being discharged by a user.
[0003]
As the secondary battery charging device, as described in Patent Document 1, a battery holder unit and a charging function unit having a power control function and a charging control function for converting an AC voltage into a DC voltage for charging are integrated. A structure with a different structure is known. That is, the charging device includes a case (housing) having a recess functioning as a battery holder, a charging terminal attached to the recess so as to face each other, and a charging incorporated in the case and connected to the charging terminal. And a functional unit.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-339743
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the secondary battery charging device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the following problems.
[0006]
(1) A secondary battery used as a spare is carried by itself and its terminals are not insulated and protected, so when carried with a metal piece such as a necklace, the terminals of the secondary battery are short-circuited by the metal piece. .
[0007]
(2) When it is desired to charge the secondary battery on the go, it is necessary to carry the charging device. Usually, a charging device installed in a home is a large output type with a large charge output intended to be charged in a short time, and is unsuitable for carrying because of its large size and mass. From the viewpoint of portability, it is conceivable to arrange one more small and lightweight charging device for the charging output, but the purchase of two charging devices imposes a financial burden on the user.
[0008]
An object of the present invention is to provide a charging device for a secondary battery that can be carried in a state where a spare secondary battery is protected by a battery holder and can prevent a short circuit or the like.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A charging device for a secondary battery according to the present invention includes a battery holder in which a secondary battery is detachably connected and held , and a charge having a power control function and a charge control function for converting an input voltage into a DC voltage for charging. The functional member is detachably divided ,
The battery holder has a hole corresponding to the number of the secondary batteries opened at a bottom portion in contact with the secondary battery, and
The charging function member is characterized in that when the battery holder is mounted, a temperature measuring element corresponding to the number of holes in the bottom of the holder is provided at a position matching the hole .
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery charging apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0012]
A battery holder 1 for connecting and holding a secondary battery is detachably separated from a charging function member 10 having a power control function and a charge control function for converting an input voltage (for example, an AC voltage) into a DC voltage for charging. Has been.
[0013]
The battery holder 1 includes, for example, a flat quadrangular prism-shaped holder body 3 made of plastic, for example, having a rectangular recess 2 for holding two secondary batteries. The two pairs of charging terminals 4 are respectively attached to the two inner side surfaces orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the concave portion 2 of the main body 3. The convex connector 5 connected to the charging terminal 4 is attached to a side surface (right side surface) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the main body 2.
[0014]
The charging function member 10 includes a flat rectangular columnar casing 11 made of, for example, plastic. The concave connector 12 is attached to a side surface (left side surface) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the housing 11. In order to attach the battery holder 1 to the charging function member 10, the convex connector 5 of the holder body 3 is fitted to the concave connector 12 of the housing 11. The power terminals 13 and 14 are attached to the bottom of the casing 11. The casing 11 includes a power control function component (for example, a power transformer and a rectifying / smoothing circuit) for converting an AC voltage connected to the power terminals 13 and 14 into a DC voltage for charging, and one end of the smoothing circuit. A current control element made of a transistor, for example, connected to the concave connector 12 at the other end and a -ΔV control type control circuit (none of which is shown) connected to the current control element is incorporated. . The control circuit measures the inter-terminal voltage of the secondary battery held in the battery holder 1 through the concave connector 12, and the current control is performed when the battery voltage decreases by ΔV from the time when the battery voltage reaches the peak at the end of charging. The device is turned off to stop charging.
[0015]
In the charging device having the configuration shown in FIG. 1, two secondary batteries (for example, nickel metal hydride storage batteries) 20 are held in the rectangular recess 2 in the holder body 3 of the battery holder 1, and the positive and negative terminals of the batteries 20 are connected. Are respectively connected to the charging terminals 4 on the inner surface of the recess 2. By fitting the convex connector 5 of the holder main body 3 to the concave connector 12 of the housing 11 of the charging function member 10, the battery holder 1 is attached to the charging function member 10 and integrated. In this state, the two secondary batteries 20 held by the holder body 3 of the battery holder 1 are charged by inserting the power supply terminals 13 and 14 of the casing 11 into a commercial AC power supply.
[0016]
That is, when the power supply terminals 13 and 14 of the casing 11 of the charging function member 10 are inserted into a commercial AC power source, the AC input power from the commercial AC power source passes through a power transformer built in the casing 11 to the rectifying and smoothing circuit. It is transmitted and converted to direct current. The converted DC power is held in the recess 2 of the holder main body 3 through the current control element, the concave connector 12, the convex connector 5 of the holder main body 3, and the charging terminal 4 of the holder main body 3 from the rectifying and smoothing circuit. The charging current is supplied to each secondary battery 20. When the voltage of the secondary battery 20 reaches the peak at the end of charging, when the voltage drops by ΔV, the voltage drop (−ΔV) is detected by the control circuit built in the casing 11, and the current control element is detected from the control circuit. Is turned off and charging is stopped.
[0017]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, by making the battery holder 1 separable from the charging device, the user can remove the secondary battery 20 from the charging device while being held by the holder body 3 of the battery holder 1. As a result, the secondary battery (for example, a spare secondary battery) 20 can be protected by the battery holder 1 and can be carried in a safe state while preventing a short circuit or the like.
[0018]
In addition, the charging device of the first embodiment includes a battery holder 1 that connects and holds the secondary battery 20, and a charging function member 10 having a power control function and a charging control function for converting an AC voltage into a DC voltage for charging. Since it is divided so as to be detachable, it is possible to replace only the charging function member 10 according to the required charging capacity, for example, a charging function member having a large charge output and a light charge function member having a small charge output and being light in weight. It is possible to replace it. As a result, the secondary battery 20 can be charged in a short time by attaching the battery holder 1 holding and holding the secondary battery to a charging function member having a large charge output at home. On the other hand, since the charging functional member that is lightweight and has a small charging output is convenient to carry, it can be carried with the battery holder 1 to charge the secondary battery on the go. In the proper use of the charging function member 10 according to such an application, since the battery holder 1 can be shared with the charging function member 10, the money to the user accompanying the purchase of two charging devices as in the prior art. Burden can be reduced.
[0019]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery charging device according to the second embodiment.
[0020]
The battery holder 1 for connecting and holding the secondary battery is detachably divided with respect to the power function terminal 30 and the charge function member 30 having a charge control function.
[0021]
As in the first embodiment, the battery holder 1 includes a flat rectangular columnar holder body 3 made of plastic having a rectangular recess 2 for holding two secondary batteries, and two pairs of charging terminals 4. , And a convex connector 5 connected to the charging terminals 4.
[0022]
The charging function member 30 includes a flat rectangular columnar housing 32 made of, for example, plastic, in which a pedestal portion 31 on which the battery holder 1 is placed is integrally extended. The concave connector 33 is attached to the side surface of the housing 32 on the side where the pedestal 31 extends. In order to attach the battery holder 1 to the charging function member 30, the holder main body 3 is placed on the pedestal portion 31 and is slid toward the housing 32, and the convex connector 5 of the holder main body 3 is recessed in the housing 32. The connector 33 is fitted. The power terminals 34 and 35 are attached to the bottom of the casing 32. As in the first embodiment, the casing 32 has a power control function component (for example, a power transformer and a rectifying / smoothing circuit) for converting an AC voltage connected to the power terminals 34 and 35 into a DC voltage for charging. ), A current control element comprising a transistor, for example, having one end connected to the smoothing circuit and the other end connected to the concave connector 12, and a -ΔV control type control circuit connected to the current control element (both shown in FIG. (Not shown). The control circuit measures the inter-terminal voltage of the secondary battery held by the battery holder 1 through the concave connector 33, and performs the current control when the battery voltage decreases by ΔV from the time when the battery voltage reaches the peak at the end of charging. The device is turned off to stop charging.
[0023]
According to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, the secondary battery (for example, a spare secondary battery) 20 is protected by the battery holder 1 to prevent a short circuit and the like in a safe state. Can be carried around. In addition, it is possible to replace only the charging function member 30 according to the required charging capacity, charging the secondary battery 20 in a short time in the home, and charging the secondary battery on the go by mobile. In this way, the charging functional member 30 can be used properly according to the application, and since the battery holder 1 can be shared with the charging functional member 30 at the time of use, purchasing two charging devices as in the past It is possible to reduce the financial burden on the user.
[0024]
Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, when the battery holder 1 is mounted on the charging function member 30, the charging function member 30 has the casing 32 with the pedestal portion 31 integrally extended. The holder main body 3 of the battery holder 1 can be placed thereon. As a result, the battery holder 1 can be stably attached to the charging function member 30.
[0025]
In addition, although it was set as the structure which divided the battery holder 1 in the 2nd Embodiment so that attachment or detachment to the charging function member 30 was carried out, it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the casing 32 of the charging function member 30 and the pedestal portion 31 that is integrally extended to the casing 32 are expanded to a width that allows two battery holders 1 to be mounted, and the pedestal A partition wall 36 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the portion 31, and two concave connectors 33 ₁ and 33 ₂ are provided on both sides of the pedestal 31 extension side of the housing 32 with the partition wall 35 as a boundary. You may make it the structure attached, respectively.
[0026]
3, the holder main bodies 3 of the two battery holders 1 are placed on the pedestal portion 31 separated by the partition wall 36 of the charging function member 30, and the convex connectors of the holder main bodies 3 are mounted. By fitting 5 to the concave connectors 33 ₁ , 33 ₂ of the housing 32 of the charging function member 30, the two battery holders 1 can be attached to the charging function member 30.
[0027]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery charging apparatus according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 4, the same members as those in FIG.
[0028]
In this charging device, two temperature measuring elements 6 such as thermistors are built in the side walls facing the longitudinal direction of the holder body 3 of the battery holder 1 and facing each other, and connected to the charging functional member 30 through the convex connector 5. Has been. The temperature measuring element 6 detects the temperatures of the two secondary batteries held in the recess 2 of the holder body 3. An equivalent circuit of the charging device having such a temperature measuring element 6 will be described below with reference to FIG.
[0029]
This charging apparatus includes AC connection terminals 41 and 42 (power supply terminals 34 and 35) for AC input connected to an AC commercial power supply, and a power transformer 43 whose primary side is connected to these AC connection terminals 41 and 42. The rectifying / smoothing circuit 44 connected to the secondary side of the power transformer 43, a current control element 45 composed of a transistor, a dT / dt control circuit 46 for controlling the current control element 45, and a temperature detection circuit 47 Charging terminals 48 and 49 and a temperature detection terminal 50 are provided. The charging terminals 48 and 49 are connected to both ends of the secondary battery 20, and the temperature detection terminal 50 is built in the side wall of the holder body 3 of the battery holder 1, that is, two pieces held by the holder body 3. A temperature detecting element 6 disposed in the vicinity of the secondary battery 20 is connected. The control circuit 46 is configured by using a microcomputer, digitizes the battery temperature information from the temperature detection circuit 47 by an A / D converter, and then the temperature increase rate per unit time (hereinafter, referred to as a secondary battery). DT / dt (simply referred to as temperature rise rate), a so-called temperature differential value is calculated, and the current control element 45 is controlled based on the temperature rise rate dT / dt.
[0030]
In the charging apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 4, two secondary batteries (for example, nickel hydride storage batteries) 20 are held in the rectangular recesses 2 in the holder body 3 of the battery holder 1, and the positive and negative terminals of the batteries 20 are connected. Are respectively connected to the charging terminals 4 on the inner surface of the recess 2. The holder body 3 is placed on the pedestal 31 of the charging function member 30, and the convex connector 5 of the holder body 3 is fitted into the concave connector 33 of the housing 32 of the charging function member 30. Are attached to the charging functional member 30 and integrated. In this state, the two secondary batteries 20 held by the holder body 3 of the battery holder 1 are charged by inserting the power terminals 34 and 35 of the casing 11 into a commercial AC power source.
[0031]
That is, as shown in FIG. 5, AC input power from a commercial AC power supply (not shown) connected to AC connection terminals 41 and 42 (power supply terminals 34 and 35) is transmitted to the rectifying and smoothing circuit 44 via the power transformer 43. And converted to direct current. The converted DC power is supplied with a charging current from the rectifying / smoothing circuit 44 to the secondary battery 20 held in the holder body 3 of the battery holder 1 through the current control element 45 and the charging terminals 48 and 49. When the temperature of the secondary battery 20 suddenly rises at the end of charging, the temperature detection element 6 built in the side wall of the holder body 3 of the battery holder 1 detects the temperature of the secondary battery 20 as, for example, a resistance value change of the thermistor. This resistance value change is converted into battery temperature information by the temperature detection circuit 47 shown in FIG. As described above, the control circuit 46 digitizes the battery temperature information from the temperature detection circuit 47 by the A / D converter, and then calculates the rate of temperature increase (dT / dt) per unit time of the secondary battery 20. To do. When the temperature rise rate dT / dt reaches a predetermined value, a signal for turning off the current control element 45 is output from the control circuit 46 and charging is stopped.
[0032]
According to such 3rd Embodiment, the charging device which has an effect similar to 2nd Embodiment mentioned above can be obtained.
[0033]
Further, the temperature detection element 6 is built in the side wall of the holder main body 3 of the battery holder 1, and the temperature at the time of charging the secondary battery 20 held in the holder main body 3 by the temperature detection element 6 is detected, thereby dT / Full charge control by temperature such as dt control can be performed.
[0034]
In the third embodiment, the temperature detection element 6 is built in the side wall of the holder main body 3 of the battery holder 1 (where the secondary battery contacts), but the temperature detection element is provided in the holder main body of the battery holder 1. 3 may be built in a place where the secondary battery is brought into contact, for example, at the bottom of the holder body 3.
[0035]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery charging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 6, the same members as those in FIG.
[0036]
This charging device has a structure in which an elongated hole 7 is opened along the longitudinal direction of the holder body 3 at the bottom of the holder body 3 where, for example, two secondary batteries in the battery holder 1 are contacted.
[0037]
According to such 4th Embodiment, the charging device which show | plays the effect similar to 2nd Embodiment mentioned above can be obtained.
[0038]
In addition, two elongated batteries 7 are opened in the bottom of the holder body 3 of the battery holder 1 along the longitudinal direction of the holder body 3, so that two secondary batteries 20 are formed in the recess 2 of the holder body 3. After the battery holder 1 is detached from the charging function member 30, the secondary battery 20 held by the holder body 3 is pushed up through the elongated hole 7. Can be easily taken out.
[0039]
(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery charging apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 7, the same members as those in FIG.
[0040]
In this charging device, an elongated hole 7 is opened along the longitudinal direction of the holder body 3 at the bottom of the holder body 3 where, for example, two secondary batteries in the battery holder 1 are in contact. Further, the two temperature measuring elements 6 such as thermistors respectively match the two elongated holes 7 at the bottom of the holder body 3 when the battery holder 1 is placed on the pedestal 31 of the charging function member 30. It is planted in. The charging device having such a temperature measuring element 6 has an equivalent circuit similar to that shown in FIG. These temperature measuring elements 6 are allowed to be planted on the pedestal 31 so as to be movable up and down.
[0041]
According to such 5th Embodiment, the charging device which show | plays the effect similar to 2nd Embodiment mentioned above can be obtained.
[0042]
Similarly to the third embodiment described above, the two secondary batteries 20 are held and connected to the recess 2 of the holder body 3 of the battery holder 1, and the holder body 3 is placed on the pedestal 31 of the charging function member 30. After charging, the convex connector 5 of the holder body 3 is fitted into the concave connector 33 of the housing 32 of the charging function member 30, and the battery holder 1 and the charging function member 30 are mounted and integrated. The two temperature measuring elements 6 can be brought into contact with the two secondary batteries 20 through the elongated holes 7 at the bottom of the holder body 3 when performing the above. As a result, the temperature at the time of charging the secondary battery 20 can be detected more accurately by the temperature measuring element 6, so that full charge control by temperature such as dT / dt control can be performed with higher accuracy. .
[0043]
Further, by opening two elongated holes 7 at the bottom of the holder main body 3 of the battery holder 1 along the longitudinal direction of the holder main body 3, for example, two secondary batteries 20 can be connected to the concave portion 2 of the holder main body 3. The battery holder 1 is detached from the charging function member 30 and then the secondary battery 20 held by the holder body 3 is passed through the elongated hole 7. It can be easily removed by pushing it up.
[0044]
In the fifth embodiment described above, a holder corresponding to a temperature measuring element in which a good heat conductive material such as aluminum or heat conductive rubber is implanted in the pedestal instead of the elongated hole in the holder body of the battery holder. The temperature of the secondary battery embedded in the main body and held in the holder main body by the temperature measuring element may be measured through the good heat conductive material.
[0045]
In the above-described third to fifth embodiments, the charging functional member is not limited to a mode in which one battery holder is mounted, but two or more battery holders, for example, two battery holders as shown in FIG. You may make it the structure which can be mounted | worn.
[0046]
In the first to fifth embodiments, the battery holder is configured to hold two secondary batteries, but is not limited thereto. The battery holder may be configured to hold, for example, one or three or more secondary batteries.
[0047]
Furthermore, although the input voltage is an AC voltage in the first to fifth embodiments, it may be a voltage other than a commercial AC voltage, for example, a DC voltage obtained from a solar cell or a fuel cell.
[0048]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a secondary battery charging apparatus that can be carried in a state in which a spare secondary battery is protected by a battery holder and can prevent a short circuit or the like.
[0049]
Further, the charging device for the secondary battery of the present invention can replace only the charging function member according to the required charging capacity, charging the secondary battery in a short time at home, and going out by carrying The charging function member can be properly used according to the application like the charging of the secondary battery in the battery, and the battery holder is shared with the charging function member at the time of use. It is possible to reduce the financial burden on the user associated with the purchase of.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a charging device for a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery charging apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a modification of the charging device for the secondary battery according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery charging apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a secondary battery charging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery charging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery charging device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Battery holder, 3 ... Holder main body, 5 ... Convex connector, 6 ... Temperature measuring element, 7 ... Elongate hole, 10, 30 ... Charging functional member, 11, 32 ... Case, 12, 33 ... Concave connector, 20 ... secondary battery, 31 ... pedestal.

Claims

A battery holder in which a secondary battery is detachably connected and held , and a charging function member having a power control function and a charge control function for converting an input voltage into a DC voltage for charging are detachably divided ,
The battery holder has a hole corresponding to the number of the secondary batteries opened at a bottom portion in contact with the secondary battery, and
A charging device for a secondary battery, wherein the charging function member is provided with a temperature measuring element corresponding to the number of holes in the bottom of the holder when the battery holder is mounted .

The charging device for a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the charging function member is replaceable according to a required charging capacity.

The said battery holder has a recessed part holding the said cylindrical secondary battery, The said hole is an elongate hole opened at the bottom part of this recessed part so that the longitudinal direction of a recessed part may be followed. The charging device for the secondary battery according to 1.