US20100164440A1 - Charger for electronic device, electronic device, and charging method - Google Patents

Charger for electronic device, electronic device, and charging method Download PDF

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Publication number
US20100164440A1
US20100164440A1 US12/654,355 US65435509A US2010164440A1 US 20100164440 A1 US20100164440 A1 US 20100164440A1 US 65435509 A US65435509 A US 65435509A US 2010164440 A1 US2010164440 A1 US 2010164440A1
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Prior art keywords
charging
current value
electronic device
power supply
charging current
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Abandoned
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US12/654,355
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English (en)
Inventor
Takahiro Ikeda
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Nikon Corp
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Nikon Corp
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Publication of US20100164440A1 publication Critical patent/US20100164440A1/en
Priority to US13/601,760 priority Critical patent/US8698460B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/34—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering
    • H02J7/342—The other DC source being a battery actively interacting with the first one, i.e. battery to battery charging
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a charger for an electronic device that charges a rechargeable battery of the electronic device, an electronic device, and a charging method.
  • Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-243863 describes technology for sending input current of bus power, which is obtained from a USB bus, to a power supply line of an HDD block.
  • a charging circuit uses some of the input current to charge a rechargeable battery.
  • a step-up circuit increases the output voltage of the rechargeable battery, and the output current of the rechargeable battery is added to the current of the power supply line and supplied to the HDD block. This ensures that the HDD block is supplied with sufficient drive power while the value of the current flowing to the USB remain in accordance with the standardized specification.
  • USB standard allows for two different currents to be supplied, 100 mA and 500 mA.
  • An AC adapter incorporating a USB connector may be used to charge a USB-applicable electronic device.
  • the AC adapter serves as the connection origin.
  • the electronic device cannot perform USB communication and therefore cannot determine the specified current of the AC adapter.
  • a rechargeable battery cannot be stably charged when charging information, such as the specified current of another electronic device serving as the connection origin cannot be acquired. This problem does not occur only in electronic cameras and also occurs in many types of electronic devices that charge its rechargeable battery with bus power.
  • One aspect of the present invention is a charger for an electronic device that charges a rechargeable battery arranged in the electronic device.
  • the charger includes a detection unit which detects connection of another electronic device to the electronic device through a communication cable including a power supply line.
  • a charging unit charges the rechargeable battery with power supply voltage from the power supply line of the communication cable.
  • a measurement unit acquires a measurement value indicating a degree of a voltage drop of the power supply voltage occurred when the charging unit performs charging.
  • a control unit instructs a charging current value for charging the rechargeable battery with the charging unit.
  • the control unit monitors the measurement value obtained by the measurement unit while instructing the charging unit to increase the charging current value from an initial current value and determines the charging current value based on the monitored measurement value.
  • a further aspect of the present invention is an electronic device capable of using a rechargeable battery.
  • the electronic device includes a charger which charges the rechargeable battery that is arranged in the electronic device.
  • the charger includes a detection unit which detects connection of another electronic device to the electronic device through a communication cable including a power supply line.
  • a charging unit charges the rechargeable battery with power supply voltage from the power supply line of the communication cable.
  • a measurement unit acquires a measurement value indicating a degree of a voltage drop of the power supply voltage occurred when the charging unit performs charging.
  • a control unit instructs a charging current value for charging the rechargeable battery with the charging unit.
  • the control unit monitors the measurement value obtained by the measurement unit while instructing the charging unit to increase the charging current value from an initial current value and determines the charging current value based on the monitored measurement value.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is a method for charging a rechargeable battery arranged in an electronic device.
  • the method includes detecting, by the electronic device, connection of another electronic device to the electronic device through a communication cable including a power supply line; starting, by the electronic device, charging of the rechargeable battery using a power supply voltage from the power supply line of the communication cable; acquiring, by the electronic device, a measurement value indicating a degree of a voltage drop of the power supply voltage occurred during charging; and determining, by the electronic device, a charging current value of the rechargeable battery based on the measurement value.
  • the determining includes monitoring the measurement value during the charging while increasing the charging current value from an initial current value, and updating the charging current value based on the monitored measurement value.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic still camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a charging system in which the electronic still camera of FIG. 1 is connected to another electronic device;
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the electronic still camera shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a charger arranged in the electronic still camera of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a charging process performed by the charger of FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a charging process according to a second embodiment of the present invention that is performed by the charger of FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a charging process according to a third embodiment of the present invention performed by the charger of FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a modified charger.
  • the electronic device is an electronic still camera 11 .
  • the electronic still camera 11 (digital still camera) of the present embodiment includes a camera body 12 having the shape of a rectangular cuboid.
  • An image capturing lens unit 13 is arranged in the front central part of the camera body 12 .
  • a flash 14 strobe light emitting unit
  • an emission window 15 are arranged on the camera body 12 at two locations above the image capturing lens unit 13 .
  • the emission window 15 emits infrared light, ultrasonic waves, or the like towards a subject to perform focusing.
  • a release button 16 which a photographer pushes (i.e., activates) when initiating an image capturing operation with the electronic still camera 11 , is arranged at the left end on the upper surface of the camera body 12 as viewed in FIG. 1 .
  • a power switch 17 which the photographer pushes to switch on the power of the electronic still camera 11 , is arranged at the right side of the release button 16 .
  • a monitor such as a liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as “LCD 18 ”) is arranged in the rear surface of the camera body 12 (see FIG. 3 ).
  • a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector 20 (female connector) is arranged in an inner wall surface, which is exposed when a opening a resin terminal cover 19 on one side (left side as viewed in FIG. 1 ) of the camera body 12 .
  • a USB connector 21 a male connector of a USB cable 21 , which serves as a communication cable, is connectable to (insertable into) the USB connector 20 .
  • the electronic still camera 11 may be USB-connected by the USB cable 21 to another electronic device, which serves as a connection origin.
  • the USB cable 21 has one USB connector 21 a , which is connected to the USB connector 20 , and another USB connector 21 b , which is connected to another electronic device.
  • Examples of an electronic device that serves as the connection origin includes a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC 22 ”) and an AC adapter 23 . It is only required that the other electronic device serving as the connection origin be applicable to USB communication and may be a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a portable game machine, a USB hub, and the like.
  • PDA Personal Digital Assistant
  • the electronic still camera 11 When detecting a USB connection in a power OFF state (standby mode), the electronic still camera 11 charges a rechargeable battery 41 (shown in FIG. 3 ) with bus power supplied through the USB cable 21 .
  • the AC adapter 23 includes a plug 24 , which is connectable to an outlet for commercial AC power (e.g., AC 100V), converts the AC power to DC power, and outputs direct current with a predetermined voltage (e.g., 5V).
  • the AC adapter 23 supplies the direct current with the predetermined voltage (e.g., 5V) to the electronic still camera 11 through the USB cable 21 , which is connected to its USB connector (not shown).
  • the AC adapter 23 may be a genuine AC adapter 23 a , which is sold for exclusive use to supply power to the electronic still camera 11 , or a non-genuine AC adapter 23 b .
  • the standard-specified information of the genuine AC adapter 23 a such as the rated current
  • the known rated current is a predetermined value in the range of 500 mA to 1000 mA
  • the standard-specified information of the non-genuine AC adapter 23 b is not known.
  • USB When power supply voltage can be supplied as bus power from an upper level device (e.g., USB host such as the PC 22 or a PDA) to a lower level device (USB device) through the USB cable 21 with the bus power method, USB is applicable to plug-and-play and also to hot plugging, which allows for connection and disconnection of the USB cable 21 in an active state.
  • two currents, 100 mA and 500 mA are specified as the maximum current (specified current) that can be supplied from an electronic device serving as an upper level device (PC 22 etc.) to a lower level device (bus power device).
  • the total current consumed by the connected lower level device exceeds the specified current (100 mA or 500 mA), this may cause unstable operation or unstable charging due to lack of power.
  • the power supply voltage (rated voltage) that is suppliable by the genuine AC adapter 23 a is set to be outside the USB specified voltage range (4.40 V to 5.25 V in the present example) and greater than or equal to the rated voltage (fully charged voltage) of the rechargeable battery 41 (4.2 V in the present example). In the present example, a voltage exceeding 5.25 V cannot be used.
  • the rated voltage of the genuine AC adapter 23 a is set to be greater than the rated voltage (4.2 V) of the rechargeable battery 41 and less than the lower limit of the USB specified voltage (4.40 V).
  • the rated voltage of the genuine AC adapter 23 a is set at “4.3V”.
  • the electronic still camera 11 includes an engine 35 , which performs various types of processing such as image processing.
  • the electronic still camera 11 includes a main CPU 25 and a sub-CPU 26 .
  • the main CPU 25 is arranged in the engine 35 and executes predetermined control programs to centrally control various operations of the electronic still camera 11 .
  • the sub-CPU 26 serves as a control unit mainly responsible for power supply control.
  • the main CPU 25 and the sub-CPU 26 are communicable with each other.
  • An operation unit 27 including the above-mentioned release button 16 and the like, a motor control unit 28 , a flash control unit 29 , a DRAM 31 (frame memory), a flash memory 32 (non-volatile memory), a memory card 33 (e.g., SD card), the LCD 18 , and the USB connector 20 are connected to the main CPU 25 .
  • the electronic still camera 11 includes a variable optical system, which is formed by an optical lens group including the image capturing lens unit 13 (only the image capturing lens 13 is shown in FIG. 3 ), an aperture, a shutter, and the like.
  • the motor control unit 28 performs focusing, aperture adjustment, shutter control, and the like in response to a command from the main CPU 25 .
  • the main CPU 25 performs a predetermined exposure calculation in response to a photoelectric converted signal from a light measurement element (not shown) to control the shutter and aperture based on the exposure calculation result when the shutter is released.
  • the motor control unit 28 includes a lens drive motor, which is driven and controlled by a command from the main CPU 25 .
  • the motor control unit 28 drives the motor to drive the image capturing lens unit 13 (movable lens) with the motor and change the zoom magnification (focal length) and perform focusing.
  • the motor control unit 28 drives an aperture motor to adjust the opening diameter of the aperture to obtain the aperture value that is obtained when the main CPU 25 performs a predetermined exposure calculation using the luminance of the captured subject that is detected from image data.
  • the motor control unit 28 drives a shutter motor to drive and control the shutter to obtain an exposure time that is determined through the exposure calculation performed by the main CPU 25 .
  • the flash control unit 29 performs a light emission control on the flash 14 in accordance with a command from the main CPU 25 .
  • the main CPU 25 determines the color temperature of the necessary emission light based on color information of the ambient light acquired by the light measurement element. Then, the main CPU 25 transmits a light emission color control signal to the flash control unit 29 so that the flash 14 emits light in correspondence with the determined color temperature.
  • the electronic still camera 11 includes an image capturing element 36 .
  • Light flux from an image-captured subject passes through the variable optical system.
  • the image capturing element 36 forms an image from the light of the captured subject at an image side of the image capturing lens unit 13 .
  • the image capturing element 36 which includes a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor or a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor, stores signal charges corresponding to the subject image formed on an imaging plane and outputs the accumulated signal charges as an analog signal, which is referred to as a pixel signal.
  • CMOS complementary metal oxide semiconductor
  • CCD charge coupled device
  • the output side of the image capturing element 36 is connected to a signal processing circuit 37 .
  • the signal processing circuit 37 includes an analog front end (AFE) and an A/D converter.
  • the AFE which is controlled by the main CPU 25 , performs sampling (correlation double sampling) on the pixel signal, which has undergone photoelectric conversion by the image capturing element 36 , at a predetermined timing and amplifies the sampled result to a predetermined signal level based on, for example, ISO sensitivity.
  • the A/D converter converts the amplified image signal (analog signal) output from the AFE portion to a digital signal and outputs the digital-converted image data to the engine 35 .
  • the engine 35 generates a predetermined image signal by performing image processing, such as contour compensation, gamma conversion, white balance processing, and the like, on the digital image signal output from the A/D converter.
  • image processing such as contour compensation, gamma conversion, white balance processing, and the like
  • the image signal generated by the engine 35 is temporarily stored in the DRAM 31 , which functions as a buffer memory.
  • the main CPU 25 reads the image data from the DRAM 31 , performs JPEG data compression or on the data, and stores the compressed image data in a memory card 33 .
  • the main CPU 25 reads captured image data from the memory card 33 , expands the image data, and stores the image data in the DRAM 31 .
  • the main CPU 25 also displays an image of the image data on the LCD 18 via an LCD drive circuit (not shown).
  • the engine 35 includes a USB controller 39 , which is connected to the USB connector 20 .
  • the USB controller 39 performs a communication complying with the USB communication protocol with the other electronic device, which serves as a connection origin.
  • the sub-CPU 26 is supplied with power supply voltage Vbus so that the sub-CPU 26 detects connection of the USB connector 21 a (connection of another electronic device) to the USB connector 20 . That is, the sub-CPU 26 detects USB connection when the power of the electronic still camera 11 is off.
  • the sub-CPU 26 is connected to the power switch 17 and a power supply circuit 40 .
  • the power supply circuit 40 is connected to the rechargeable battery 41 .
  • the sub-CPU 26 controls the power supply circuit 40 based on an operation signal input from the power switch 17 to switch on or off the power of the electronic still camera 11 .
  • the power supply circuit 40 is driven by a command from the sub-CPU 26 , a plurality of predetermined voltages are generated from the power supply voltage of the rechargeable battery 41 , and each section of the electronic still camera 11 is supplied with the necessary power supply voltage.
  • the sub-CPU 26 controls the power supply circuit 40 to switch off the power of the electronic still camera 11 .
  • the power supply circuit 40 stops outputting power supply voltage although it continues to supply voltage to some circuits such as the sub-CPU 26 or a timing counter.
  • a lithium-ion battery or the like is used as the rechargeable battery 41 .
  • Other rechargeable batteries having a rated voltage that can be charged with USB specified voltage may also be used.
  • the rechargeable battery 41 is removable from a battery box of the electronic still camera 11 and thus replaceable by the user.
  • the rechargeable battery 41 may be fixed in the electronic still camera 11 and irremovable by the user.
  • the power supply circuit 40 shown in FIG. 3 includes a charging circuit 42 for charging the rechargeable battery 41 .
  • the sub-CPU 26 and the power supply circuit 40 form a charger that charges the rechargeable battery 41 .
  • the sub-CPU 26 includes a flash memory 26 a , which stores a charging control process routine illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 5 . If a USB connection is detected when the power of the electronic still camera 11 is off, the sub-CPU 26 executes the program to perform the charging control on the rechargeable battery 41 .
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the engine 35 , the sub-CPU 26 , and the power supply circuit 40 .
  • the power supply circuit 40 includes a power supply IC 51 , a reset IC 52 , a charge control IC 53 serving as a charging unit, a first switch element S 1 , a second switch element S 2 , and a third switch element S 3 .
  • the USB controller 39 in the engine 35 is connected to the USB connector 20 by a power supply line 54 of the power supply voltage Vbus, a D+ differential signal line 55 , and a D ⁇ differential signal line 56 .
  • the USB cable 21 includes a Vbus power supply line and GND power supply line (both not shown) and a D+ differential signal line and D ⁇ differential signal line (both not shown).
  • the Vbus power supply line and GND power supply line are respectively connected to a Vbus terminal and a GND terminal of the USB connector 20 when the USB connectors 20 and 21 a are connected.
  • the D+ differential signal line and D ⁇ differential signal line are respectively connected to the D+ terminal and the D ⁇ terminal of the USB connector 20 when the USB connectors 20 and 21 a are connected.
  • a wire 57 branched from the power supply line 54 is connected to an interruption (INT) terminal of the sub-CPU 26 .
  • Node A in the wire 57 is connected to the VDD terminal of the power supply IC 51 via the first switch element S 1 and a diode D 1 , which are connected in series.
  • the rechargeable battery 41 has a positive electrode connected to the VDD terminal of the power supply IC 51 via the second switch element S 2 and a grounded negative electrode.
  • the gate terminal G of the second switch element S 2 is connected to the anode terminal of the diode D 1 .
  • the diodes in each switch element S 1 and S 2 are parasitic diodes.
  • the source terminal S and the gate terminal G of the first switch element S 1 are connected via a resistor R 1 .
  • the source terminal S of the third switch element S 3 is connected to the source terminal S of the first switch element S 1
  • the drain terminal D of the third switch element S 3 is connected to the gate terminal G of the first switch element S 1 .
  • the gate terminal G of the first switch element S 1 and the drain terminal D of the third switch element S 3 are both grounded via a resistor R 2 .
  • Node A and the gate terminal G of the third switch element S 3 are connected via a resistor R 3 .
  • the gate terminal G of the third switch element S 3 is also connected to a Port 2 terminal (open drain) of the sub-CPU 26 .
  • the gate terminal G of the second switch element S 2 is grounded via a resistor R 4 .
  • the first to the third switch elements S 1 to S 3 are configured by a p-channel MOS field effect transistor (MOSFET).
  • the reset IC 52 has an IN terminal connected to the source terminal S of the second switch element S 2 and an OUT terminal connected to a Reset terminal of the sub-CPU 26 .
  • the Port 1 terminal of the sub-CPU 26 is connected to an Enable terminal of the power supply IC 51 .
  • the sub-CPU 26 opens the Port 2 terminal, which is connected to the gate terminal G of the third switch element S 3 .
  • the first switch element S 1 is deactivated and the voltage applied to the gate terminal G of the second switch element S 2 has an L level. This deactivates the second switch element S 2 .
  • the sub-CPU 26 determines whether or not the power supply voltage Vbatt of the rechargeable battery 41 input to the IN terminal of the reset IC 52 is greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage. When the power supply voltage Vbatt is greater than or equal to the predetermined voltage, the sub-CPU 26 sends an enable signal from the Port 1 terminal to the Enable terminal of the power supply IC 51 . When the power supply voltage Vbatt is less than the predetermined voltage, the sub-CPU 26 does not output the enable signal to the power supply IC 51 .
  • the power supply IC 51 is driven based on the enable signal input from the sub-CPU 26 .
  • the power supply IC 51 when the enable signal is input to the Enable terminal, the power supply IC 51 generates a plurality of power supply voltages VDD 2 , . . . , VDDn from the power supply voltage Vbus or the power supply voltage Vbatt input from the VDD terminal and outputs the power supply voltages from output terminals OUT 2 , . . . OUTn.
  • the voltage VDD 2 is supplied to the main CPU 25
  • the voltage VDD 3 is output to the motor control unit 28
  • the voltage VDD 4 is output to the flash control unit 29 .
  • the power supply IC 51 constantly supplies the power supply voltage VDD 1 from the output terminal OUT 1 to the sub-CPU 26 even when the power is off.
  • the sub-CPU 26 is thus driven even when the power is turned off and is thereby capable of detecting the connection and disconnection of the USB cable 21 to and from the USB connector 20 , detecting the operation of various operation switches (operation buttons), and processing the time measured by timing counter.
  • the sub-CPU 26 sends the enable signal from the Port 1 terminal to the Enable terminal of the power supply IC 51 to drive the power supply IC 51 .
  • the Port 2 terminal remains open so that an H level voltage is applied to the gate terminal G of the third switch element S 3 .
  • the first switch element S 1 is activated.
  • an H level voltage of H level is applied to the gate terminal G of the second switch element S 2 .
  • This deactivates the second switch element S 2 the power supply voltage supplied to the VDD terminal of the power supply IC 51 switches from the power supply voltage Vbatt of the rechargeable battery 41 to the bus power of the USB cable 21 , namely, the power supply voltage Vbus.
  • the supply of power from the rechargeable battery 41 to the sub-CPU 26 is also stopped.
  • the sub-CPU 26 stops functioning and is deactivated.
  • the output of the Port 2 terminal becomes unstable (Hi-Z etc.).
  • an H level voltage based on the power supply voltage Vbus is applied to the gate terminal G of the third switch element S 3 via the resistor R 3 . This deactivates the third switch element S 3 .
  • the first switch element S 1 is activated and the second switch element S 2 is deactivated.
  • the sub-CPU 26 includes an A/D converter circuit 60 .
  • the rechargeable battery 41 incorporates a temperature sensor (not shown) and includes a temperature terminal T, which outputs a temperature detection signal of the temperature sensor.
  • the A/D converter circuit 60 digitally converts an analog detection signal corresponding to the temperature of the rechargeable battery 41 output from the temperature terminal T to generate a digital signal, which is input to the sub-CPU 26 .
  • the sub-CPU 26 determines the temperature of the rechargeable battery 41 . In this case, the sub-CPU 26 instructs the charge control IC 53 to charge the rechargeable battery 41 when the temperature of the rechargeable battery 41 is within a chargeable temperature range (e.g., 40° C. or less).
  • the voltage at node C in the wire 57 (i.e., power supply voltage Vbus), which is connected to the power supply line 54 , is input to the A/D converter circuit 60 via a wire 58 .
  • the sub-CPU 26 receives a digital value corresponding to the value of the power supply voltage Vbus as a measurement voltage Vm via the A/D converter circuit 60 .
  • the measurement voltage Vm corresponds to a measurement value.
  • the wires 57 and 58 and the A/D converter circuit 60 form a measurement unit.
  • the charge control IC 53 When receiving a charging initiation command, the charge control IC 53 charges the rechargeable battery 41 while controlling the value of the charging current output from the OUT terminal so as to match the set current value based on the power (bus power) of the power supply voltage Vbus supplied to the VDD terminal.
  • the charging control process is executed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 .
  • the charging control process of FIG. 5 is executed by the sub-CPU 26 regardless of whether the power of the electronic still camera 11 is on or off.
  • step S 10 the sub-CPU 26 determines whether or not connection of a USB cable has been detected.
  • the sub-CPU 26 proceeds to step S 20 when connection of a USB cable has been detected and waits until a connection is detected when the connection of a USB cable is not detected.
  • the wire 57 and the sub-CPU 26 performing the determination of step S 10 form a detection unit.
  • step S 20 the sub-CPU 26 determines whether or not the temperature of the rechargeable battery 41 is within the chargeable range.
  • the sub-CPU 26 proceeds to step S 30 when the temperature of the rechargeable battery 41 is within the chargeable range and terminates the charging control process routine when the temperature is not within the chargeable range (i.e., outside the chargeable range).
  • step S 30 the sub-CPU 26 acquires the measurement voltage Vm.
  • step S 40 the sub-CPU 26 determines whether or not the measurement voltage Vm is the rated voltage of the genuine AC adapter 23 a (i.e., whether Vg 1 ⁇ Vm ⁇ Vg 2 is satisfied).
  • the sub-CPU 26 determines that the electronic device serving as the connection origin is the genuine AC adapter 23 a .
  • Vg 1 is the rated voltage 4.2 V of the rechargeable battery 41
  • Vg 2 is 4.39 V, which is less than the lower limit 4.40 V of the USB specified voltage.
  • the rated voltage of the genuine AC adapter 23 a is set to 4.3 V and thereby sets Vg 1 ⁇ Vm ⁇ Vg 2 .
  • the sub-CPU 26 proceeds to step S 50 when Vg 1 ⁇ Vm ⁇ Vg 2 is satisfied, and proceeds to step S 60 when Vg 1 ⁇ Vm ⁇ Vg 2 is not satisfied. If Vg 1 ⁇ Vm ⁇ Vg 2 is not satisfied, the sub-CPU 26 executes following steps S 60 to 5120 to determine the appropriate charging current value Ib for charging the rechargeable battery 41 .
  • the sub-CPU 26 calculates an initial charging current Io.
  • the rechargeable battery 41 is charged even when the electronic still camera 11 is turned on as long as there is enough bus power. In such a case, for example, when the LCD 18 is driven, the initial charging current Io is calculated by further subtracting the consumption current of the display systet including the LCD 18 .
  • step S 70 the sub-CPU 26 sets the charging current I and instructs the charge control IC 53 to start charging.
  • the charging performed with the charging current I is referred to as “test charging”. Since the test charging is performed for the first time, the sub-CPU 26 sets the initial charging current Io as the charging current I.
  • the charge control IC 53 charges the rechargeable battery 41 with the initial charging current Io.
  • step S 80 the sub-CPU 26 acquires the present measurement voltage Vm.
  • step S 90 the sub-CPU 26 determines whether or not the measurement voltage Vm is greater than or equal to a threshold value Vo (threshold voltage) (i.e., whether Vm ⁇ Vo is satisfied).
  • the threshold value Vo is a value corresponding to the lowest voltage value of the measurement voltage Vm that guarantees the charging of the charge control IC 53 (charging unit).
  • the threshold value Vo is set to include a slight margin so that the charging may be reliably guaranteed even if a slight voltage fluctuation or the like occurs. Thus, when Vm ⁇ Vo cannot be satisfied, the sub-CPU 26 determines that the monitored measurement voltage Vm is in an unstable range that cannot guarantee the charging of the charge control IC 53 .
  • the sub-CPU 26 determines that the monitored measurement voltage Vm is a value in a stable range that can guarantee the charging of the charge control IC 53 . If determined that Vm ⁇ Vo is satisfied, the sub-CPU 26 proceeds to step S 100 .
  • step S 100 the sub-CPU 26 increases the charging current I by ⁇ I. That is, the sub-CPU 26 increases the charging current I by one step from the initial charging current Io in step S 100 to monitor the measurement voltage Vm while increasing the charging current I in steps by ⁇ I (e.g. 50 mA) during the test charging.
  • the current value increment ⁇ I may be any value that allows for test charging to be performed for a number of times until the charging current I, which starts from the initial charging current Io, reaches the maximum current value 500 mA of the USB standard. However, the current value increment ⁇ I is preferably set to a predetermined value within a range of 10 to 100 mA.
  • step S 110 the sub-CPU 26 determines whether or not the charging current I is less than or equal to 500 mA (i.e., whether or not I ⁇ 500 mA is satisfied). That is, the sub-CPU 26 determines whether or not the charging current I has not reached the maximum current value “500 mA” of the USB standard. This is because the charging current I cannot be further increased when it exceeds the USB standard maximum current value of “500 mA” (when I ⁇ 500 mA is not satisfied). Therefore, the sub-CPU 26 determines whether or not the charging current I during test charging exceeds the upper limit.
  • step S 70 the sub-CPU 26 sets the charging current I instructs the charge control IC 53 to start charging. This time, the charging start command is performed with the current value (Io+ ⁇ I), which is set as the charging current I that has been incremented by the current value increment ⁇ I from the initial charging current Io.
  • the sub-CPU 26 repeats steps S 70 to S 110 until one of either the measurement voltage Vm becomes smaller than the threshold value Vo (Vm ⁇ Vo is not satisfied in S 90 ) or the charging current I exceeds 500 mA (I ⁇ 500 mA is not satisfied) is satisfied while repetitively increasing the charging current I by the current value increment ⁇ I.
  • Test charging is performed an n number of times while increasing the charging current I by ⁇ I from Io to Io+ ⁇ I, Io+2 ⁇ I, Io+3 ⁇ I, . . . , and Io+(n ⁇ 1) ⁇ I (where “n” indicates nth time). If either one of Vm ⁇ Vo (S 90 ) and I ⁇ 500 mA (S 110 ) is not satisfied at the nth time, the sub-CPU 26 proceeds to step S 120 . That is, when Vm ⁇ Vo (S 90 ) is not satisfied and the charging current value I is in an unstable range in which charging is unstable or when reaching the maximum current value 500 mA of the USB standard, the sub-CPU 26 proceeds to step S 120 .
  • the charging current value Ib is the maximum value of the charging currents I that were used until the preceding test charging was performed and is a value that maintains the power supply voltage Vbus (measurement voltage Vm) in the range that guarantees stable charging.
  • the sub-CPU 26 sets the charging current Ib and instructs the charge control IC 53 to start charging in step S 130 .
  • the charging (actual charging) of the rechargeable battery 41 is performed with the determined charging current Ib by the charge control IC 53 . As a result, the rechargeable battery 41 is stably charged.
  • the suppliable current of another electronic device serving as a connection origin is 100 mA, Vm ⁇ Vo becomes unsatisfied when the charging current value I has a relatively low current during the test charging, and the rechargeable battery 41 is either charged by a small charging current or not charged at all. If the suppliable current of another electronic device serving as the connection origin is 500 mA, Vm ⁇ Vo is not satisfied or I ⁇ 500 mA is not satisfied when the charging current value I is a relatively high current during the test charging, and the rechargeable battery 41 is charged with the relatively high preceding charging current Ib (Ib ⁇ 500).
  • the non-genuine AC adapter 23 b When the non-genuine AC adapter 23 b is used, the condition of Vg 1 ⁇ Vm ⁇ Vg 2 , which is for the genuine AC adapter 23 a , is not satisfied. Thus, the appropriate charging current value Ib corresponding to the unknown specified current of the non-genuine AC adapter 23 b is determined by performing the test charging (S 60 to S 120 ). As a result, the rechargeable battery 41 is stably charged even when the other electronic device serving as a connection origin is the non-genuine AC adapter 23 b.
  • the charging current Ib is obtained through calculations based on the known suppliable current Ig (specified current value) of the genuine AC adapter 23 a (S 50 ).
  • the rechargeable battery 41 is stably charged with the genuine AC adapter 23 a.
  • the first embodiment has the advantages described below.
  • the sub-CPU 26 monitors the measurement voltage Vm while increasing the charging current value by ⁇ I from the initial charging current Io.
  • the sub-CPU 26 determines the charging current value Ib so that the measurement voltage Vm would not be in the unstable range. This stably charges the rechargeable battery 41 .
  • the sub-CPU 26 determines a charging current Ib that is appropriate regardless of whether the other electronic device serving as the connection origin uses the USB specified current of 100 mA or 500 mA.
  • Test charging is performed to determine the appropriate charging current value Ib.
  • the sub-CPU 26 determines that the other electronic device serving as the connection origin is the genuine AC adapter 23 a when the initial measurement voltage Vm, which is obtained before starting the test charging, satisfies the condition of Vg 1 ⁇ Vm ⁇ Vg 2 . That is, connection of the genuine AC adapter 23 a is determined from the value of the measurement voltage Vm without performing the test charging. Therefore, the sub-CPU 26 determines the charging current Ib based on the known suppliable current Ig of the genuine AC adapter 23 a . This stably charges the rechargeable battery 41 .
  • the sub-CPU 26 monitors whether or not the measurement voltage Vm is greater than or equal to the threshold value Vo by directly using the detection value of the power supply voltage Vbus as the measurement value (measurement voltage Vm). This eliminates the need to perform unnecessary calculations of the measurement value and allows for simple monitoring.
  • the sub-CPU 26 does not need to know the specified current of another electronic device that serves as a connection origin. Thus, the main CPU 25 does not need to be activated even when the USB connection is detected while the power is off.
  • a second embodiment will now be discussed with reference to FIG. 6 .
  • the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the main CPU 25 is activated to acquire the standard-specified current information (specified power supply information) of another electronic device serving as the connection origin with the USB communication. Otherwise, the structure of the electronic still camera 11 is the same as the first embodiment. Thus, only the contents of the charging control process will be described below in detail.
  • at least the main CPU 25 , the sub-CPU 26 , and the power supply circuit 40 form the charger for charging the rechargeable battery 41 .
  • step S 210 when the sub-CPU 26 detects connection of the USB cable 21 (affirmative determination in step S 210 ) and determines that the temperature of the rechargeable battery 41 is in a chargeable range (affirmative determination in step S 220 ), the sub-CPU 26 proceeds to step S 230 and activates the main CPU 25 .
  • the main CPU 25 When the main CPU 25 is activated (affirmative determination in step S 240 ), the main CPU 25 performs USB communication in step S 250 .
  • the main CPU 25 performs USB communication through the USB controller 39 with the other electronic device serving as the connection origin to acquire the suppliable current Iusb (specified current) from that other electronic device.
  • the USB communication connection cannot be established if the other electronic device serving as the connection origin is an AC adapter 23 .
  • the main CPU 25 that performs USB communication in step S 250 and acquires the standard-specified power supply information (information on specified current etc.) forms a power supply information acquiring unit.
  • step S 260 the sub-CPU 26 determines whether or not USB communication has been established. If USB communication has not been successful (affirmative determination in step S 260 ), the sub-CPU 26 calculates the charging current Ib based on the suppliable current Iusb acquired through the USB communication by the main CPU 25 in step S 270 . In step S 280 , the sub-CPU 26 deactivates the main CPU 25 . Then, the sub-CPU 26 sets the charging current Ib and instructs the charge control IC 53 to start charging in step S 400 . As a result, the rechargeable battery 41 is stably charged with the appropriate charging current Ib corresponding to the suppliable current Iusb acquired from the other electronic device serving as the connection origin.
  • the suppliable current Iusb e.g., information on whether 100 mA or 500 mA
  • acquired through USB communication in step S 270 corresponds to specified current value information (specified power supply information).
  • step S 260 If USB communication is not established in step S 260 (negative determination in S 260 ), the other electronic device serving as the connection origin is not a USB device and is an electronic device that cannot perform USB communication. Thus, the sub-CPU 26 determines that the other electronic device serving as the connection origin is an AC adapter. In the present embodiment, the sub-CPU 26 performing the determination process of step S 260 forms a determination unit for determining that the other electronic device is an AC adapter when the power supply information acquiring unit cannot perform communication with the other electronic device.
  • the main CPU 25 may function as a determination unit that notifies its determination result to the sub-CPU 26 .
  • the sub-CPU 26 deactivates the main CPU 25 in step S 290 and acquires the measurement voltage Vm in step S 300 . Then, in step S 310 , the sub-CPU 26 determines whether or not the measurement voltage Vm is in the specified voltage range of the genuine AC adapter 23 a (i.e., whether or not Vg 1 ⁇ Vm ⁇ Vg 2 is satisfied). The sub-CPU 26 proceeds to step S 320 if Vg 1 ⁇ Vm ⁇ Vg 2 is satisfied and proceeds to step S 330 if Vg 1 ⁇ Vm ⁇ Vg 2 is not satisfied.
  • step S 310 the sub-CPU 26 determines the appropriate charging current value with which the rechargeable battery 41 is to be charged through the processes of steps S 330 to S 390 .
  • the processes of S 330 to S 390 are similar to the processes of S 60 to S 120 in the first embodiment.
  • the charging current Ib is appropriately determined, and the rechargeable battery 41 is stably charged.
  • the main CPU 25 acquires the suppliable current Iusb from the other electronic device serving as the connection origin when USB communication can be performed.
  • the charge control IC 53 stably charges the rechargeable battery 41 with the charging current Ib based on the acquired suppliable current Iusb.
  • the sub-CPU 26 performs test charging and determines the charging current Ib when USB communication is not established. Therefore, the sub-CPU 26 determines the appropriate charging current Ib, and the rechargeable battery 41 is stably charged by the charge control IC 53 even when the non-genuine AC adapter 23 b is connected.
  • the sub-CPU 26 identifies the electronic device as the genuine AC adapter 23 a from the value of the measurement voltage Vm and determines the charging current Ib based on the known suppliable current Ig.
  • the rechargeable battery 41 is more stably charged compared to the charging current determined in the test charging.
  • the measurement value differs from each of the above-described embodiments. More specifically, in each of the embodiments described above, the sub-CPU 26 controls the charging current amount Ib by directly using the measurement value (measurement voltage Vm). In the third embodiment, the sub-CPU 26 determines the voltage drop amount and the voltage drop rate based on the measurement (measurement voltages Vm and Vp) of the power supply voltage Vbus to control the charging current amount Ib using at least one of the voltage drop amount and the voltage drop rate as the measurement value. Otherwise, the structure of the electronic still camera 11 is the same as the first embodiment. Thus, only the contents of the charging control process will be discussed below in detail.
  • steps S 510 to S 550 and S 660 are similar to the processes of steps S 10 to S 50 and S 130 of FIG. 5 .
  • the sub-CPU 26 acquires the measurement voltage Vm (S 530 ).
  • the sub-CPU 26 calculates the charging current Ib based on the suppliable current Ig of the genuine AC adapter 23 a (S 550 ), and performs the setting of the charging current Ib and instructs the charge control IC 53 to start charging (S 660 ) to charge the rechargeable battery with the supply voltage from the genuine AC adapter 23 a.
  • the sub-CPU 26 determines the appropriate charging current Ib by performing the processes of steps S 560 to S 650 .
  • the sub-CPU 26 sets the charging current I and instructs the charge control IC 53 to start charging (test charging).
  • the measurement voltage Vp is the same as the measurement voltage Vm in step S 80 of FIG. 5 . However, in the present embodiment, the measurement voltage during test charging is denoted as “Vp” to distinguish it from the measurement voltage Vm measured in step S 530 before starting charging.
  • the voltage drop amount ⁇ V indicates the voltage drop amount represented by the difference between the measurement voltage Vm obtained before charging is started and the measurement voltage Vp obtained in the present test charging.
  • the measurement voltage Vm in step S 530 corresponds to the “initial power supply voltage”.
  • the voltage drop amount ⁇ V of step S 590 corresponds to the “voltage drop amount or the difference between the initial power supply voltage and the power supply voltage during charging”.
  • step S 600 the sub-CPU 26 determines whether or not the voltage drop amount ⁇ V is greater than or equal to a threshold value ⁇ Vo. If the voltage drop amount ⁇ V is greater than or equal to the threshold value ⁇ Vo (set drop amount), this indicates that the power supply voltage Vbus has been lowered to an extent in which the charging of the rechargeable battery 41 becomes unstable. The sub-CPU 26 proceeds to step S 610 if ⁇ V ⁇ Vb is not satisfied and proceeds to step S 650 if ⁇ V ⁇ Vo is satisfied.
  • Vpold is the previous measurement voltage Vp
  • Vpnew is the present measurement voltage Vp
  • ⁇ I is the incremented amount of the present charging current I from the preceding charging current I.
  • n is the number of times test charging is performed.
  • the ⁇ I is a constant in the test charging in which the charging current is increased by ⁇ I.
  • the previous measurement voltage V n-1 is the power supply voltage Vbus measured when performing charging with charging current I n-1 .
  • the present measurement voltage V n is the power supply voltage Vbus measured when performing charging with the charging current I n .
  • the voltage drop rate Rv is a value indicating the proportion (ratio) of the voltage change amount between the previous measurement voltage V n-1 and the present measurement voltage V n for the change amount (incremented current value) ⁇ I of the previous charging current I n-1 and the present charging current I n .
  • the charging current is raised by ⁇ I and the measurement voltage Vp (measurement value of power supply voltage Vbus) thereby suddenly falls for a large amount, this may indicate that the consumption current of the electronic still camera 11 has exceeded the USB specified current and the power supply voltage Vbus has become unstable. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the sub-CPU 26 determines that the charging current I has entered the unstable range in which stable charging cannot be performed when the voltage drop rate Rv becomes greater than or equal to the threshold value Rvo (set threshold value).
  • step S 620 the sub-CPU 26 determines whether or not the voltage drop rate Rv is greater than or equal to the threshold value Rvo.
  • the sub-CPU 26 proceeds to step S 630 when Rv ⁇ Rvo is not satisfied and proceeds to step S 650 when Rv ⁇ Rvo is satisfied.
  • the sub-CPU 26 proceeds to step S 650 .
  • an affirmative determination in step S 600 corresponds to a state in which “the voltage drop amount is greater than or equal to the set drop amount”.
  • the wires 57 and 58 , the A/D converter circuit 60 , and the sub-CPU 26 form a measurement unit for acquiring the voltage drop amount ⁇ V and the voltage drop rate Rv, which serve as measurement values.
  • the CPU 70 includes the USB controller 39 , the A/D converter circuit 60 , the Reset terminal, the Port 1 terminal, the Port 2 terminal, the SID terminal, the IN terminal, and the like.
  • the CPU 70 implements the functions of both the main CPU 25 and the sub-CPU 26 of the first to third embodiments.
  • the power supply voltage VDD 1 (standby voltage) is supplied from the power supply circuit 40 to the CPU 70 in a power off state so that the CPU 70 performs the detection of a USB connector connection, the detection of a switch operation, the counting process of the timing counter, and the like.
  • the power supply voltages VDD 2 to VDDn are generated by the power supply IC 51 based on the enable signal from the Port 1 terminal and output to the corresponding power supplying destinations.
  • the voltage (power supply voltage Vbus) at node C in the wire 57 which is capable of supplying the power supply voltage Vbus, is input to the A/D converter circuit 60 through the wire 58 .
  • the CPU 70 acquires the measurement voltage Vm.
  • the CPU 70 performs the charging control-process in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment or the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 of the second embodiment.
  • the CPU 70 may calculate the voltage drop amount ⁇ V and the voltage drop rate Rv from the measurement voltage Vm and perform the charge control through the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 of the third embodiment.
  • the power supply circuit 40 shown in FIG. 8 has a structure similar to that shown in FIG. 4 .
  • the CPU 70 forms the detection unit, the measurement unit, the control unit, the power supply information acquiring unit, and the determination unit.
  • the sub-CPU 26 may activate the main CPU 25 when detecting a USB connection to perform USB communication with the other electronic device that serves as the connection origin and determine the charging current Ib based on the suppliable current (specified current) of that electronic device in the same manner as the second embodiment. That is, the processes of S 230 to S 290 shown in FIG. 6 may be added between S 520 and S 530 in FIG. 7 .
  • the measurement voltage Vm in the first and the second embodiments may be further added as a measurement value in the third embodiment.
  • the charging current that was in the stable range preceding the present charging current I may be used for the actual charging.
  • the preceding charging current may be used for the actual charging.
  • the preceding charging current may be used for the actual charging.
  • the communication cable is not limited to a USB cable.
  • an IEEE 1394 cable may be used.
  • the electronic device including the charger of the present invention is not limited to the electronic still camera (digital still camera), and may be an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a PDA, a portable game machine, and the like.
  • a first aspect is a charger for an electronic device that charges a rechargeable battery arranged in the electronic device.
  • the charger includes a detection unit which detects connection of another electronic device to the electronic device through a communication cable including a power supply line.
  • a charging unit charges the rechargeable battery with power supply voltage from the power supply line of the communication cable.
  • a measurement unit acquires a measurement value indicating a degree of a voltage drop of the power supply voltage occurred when the charging unit performs charging.
  • a control unit instructs a charging current value for charging the rechargeable battery with the charging unit.
  • the control unit monitors the measurement value obtained by the measurement unit while instructing the charging unit to increase the charging current value from an initial current value and determines the charging current value based on the monitored measurement value.
  • the control unit monitors the measurement value of the measurement unit, while instructing the charging unit to increase the charging current value from the initial current value, and determines the charging current value based on the monitoring result of the measurement value. Further, the control unit instructs the charging unit to charge the rechargeable battery with the determined charging current value. Therefore, the charging unit stably charges the rechargeable battery with the charging current value determined from the monitoring result even when the control unit cannot acquire the necessary charging information, such as the specified current, from the other electronic device that serves as the connection origin.
  • the control unit when the monitored measurement value enters an unstable range in which the charging of the charging unit is not guaranteed, the control unit preferably determines the charging current value to be in a range in which the measurement value does not enter the unstable range and instructs the charging unit to charge the rechargeable battery with the determined charging current value.
  • the measurement unit preferably acquires a dropped power supply voltage resulting from the charging as the measurement value.
  • the control unit preferably determines the charging current value so that the measurement value becomes greater than or equal to a threshold value.
  • the measurement unit preferably acquires a voltage drop amount, which is a difference between an initial power supply voltage when the detection unit detects connection of the other electronic device and a power supply voltage during charging, as the measurement value.
  • the control unit preferably decreases the charging current value when the voltage drop amount becomes greater than or equal to a set drop amount.
  • the measurement unit when the control unit increases the charging current value from a previous value I n-1 to a present value I n , the measurement unit preferably calculates, based on a previous power supply voltage V n-1 and a present power supply voltage V n , a voltage drop rate (V n-1 ⁇ V n )/(I n-1 ⁇ I n ) as the measurement value.
  • the control unit determines the charging current value so that the voltage drop rate does not exceed the set threshold value.
  • the charger according to any one the first to fifth aspects, further comprising a power supply information acquiring unit which acquires specified power supply information of the other electronic device by communicating with the other electronic device through the communication cable.
  • a determination unit determines that the other electronic device is an AC adapter when the power supply information acquiring unit cannot perform communication with the other electronic device.
  • control unit preferably determines the charging current value in accordance with specified current value information contained in the specified power supply information when the power supply information acquiring unit performs communication with the other electronic device.
  • the measurement unit preferably measures the power supply voltage when the detection unit detects connection of the other electronic device.
  • the control unit preferably determines that the other electronic device is a standard known AC adapter and instructs the charging unit for a charging current value corresponding to known specified power supply information of the standard known AC adapter.
  • An electronic device including the charger according to any one of the first to the eighth aspects.
  • a method for charging a rechargeable battery arranged in an electronic device includes detecting, by the electronic device, connection of another electronic device to the electronic device through a communication cable including a power supply line; starting, by the electronic device, charging of the rechargeable battery using a power supply voltage from the power supply line of the communication cable; acquiring, by the electronic device, a measurement value indicating a degree of a voltage drop of the power supply voltage occurred during charging; and determining, by the electronic device, a charging current value of the rechargeable battery based on the measurement value.
  • the determining step includes monitoring the measurement value during the charging while increasing the charging current value from an initial current value, and updating the charging current value based on the monitored measurement value.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
  • Secondary Cells (AREA)
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US20120326656A1 (en) 2012-12-27
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