WO2007066392A1

WO2007066392A1 - Power source control apparatus, battery and handy terminal equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2007066392A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/022479
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takeshi Akutagawa; Noriaki Shindou
Original assignee: Fujitsu Limited
Priority date: 2005-12-07
Filing date: 2005-12-07
Publication date: 2007-06-14

Abstract

A power source control section (300) is disposed between a battery (200) and a multimedia section (1500) and a communication section (1600) supplied with an electric power from the battery (200). The power source control section (300) has a path switching section (310) that changes connection to a power supply path to select whether each applicable section is subjected to a power supply or not and which cell corresponds to such applicable section subjected to the power supply, and a path control section (320) to control the same. With this structure, the power source control section (300) can provide the power supply to a specific function section.

Description

Specification

Power control equipment, batteries and mobile terminal equipment

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply control device, a battery, and a mobile terminal device, and in particular, a power supply that can continue to supply power to a specific function with a high priority even when the battery level is low. The present invention relates to a control device, a battery, and a mobile terminal device.

Background technology

[0002] In recent years, mobile phone terminals have become increasingly multifunctional. For example, most mobile phone terminals do not have the Internet access function for viewing web pages and sending and receiving emails, the camera function for taking still images and videos, and the application execution function for running games etc. downloaded using the Internet access function. are becoming more prepared. Additionally, an increasing number of devices are equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System) functions that use artificial satellites to obtain current location, and the ability to play music.

[0003] With such multi-functionality, increased power consumption has become a major problem in mobile phone terminals. For example, if you use the Internet access function to browse web pages for a long time, this may drain the battery and make it impossible to make phone calls, which is the intended purpose.

[0004] In order to solve this problem, efforts are being made to reduce the power consumption of each function and increase the battery capacity. An effective way to increase battery capacity is to increase the number of cells included in the battery. Patent Document 1 discloses a battery-related technology that can ensure safety and reliability even when the number of cells is increased.

[0005] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-133318

Disclosure of invention

Problems that the invention seeks to solve

[0006] Even if each function of a mobile phone terminal is made power-saving and the battery capacity is increased, if the user uses Internet access functions etc. frequently, the battery will be exhausted and the call function will no longer be available. It is unavoidable that cases may occur. Power saving and batteries This is because even if the operating time of a mobile phone terminal can be extended by increasing its capacity, power consumption will increase as users spend more time using the terminal.

[0007] This problem applies not only to mobile phone terminals but also to many mobile terminal devices such as digital cameras.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and is a power supply control device that can continue supplying power to a specific function with a high priority even when the battery level is low.

, and to provide batteries and mobile terminal devices.

Means to solve problems

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objects, the present invention provides a power supply control device for controlling the connection relationship between a battery having a plurality of cells and a power supply destination, and comprising: By changing the connection, you can select whether or not to supply power to each power supply destination, and furthermore, select which cell corresponds to the power supply destination to which you want to supply power.Route switching means and a route control means for controlling the route switching means and changing the connection of the power supply route.

[0010] The present invention also provides a battery that has a plurality of cells and supplies power to at least one power supply destination, and that provides power to each power supply destination by changing the connection of the power supply path. a route switching means for selecting whether or not to supply the power, and further selecting which cell corresponds to the power supply destination to which the power is supplied, and controlling the route switching means; The present invention is characterized by comprising a route control means for changing the connection.

[0011] The present invention also provides a mobile terminal device including a power control device that controls a connection relationship between a battery having a plurality of cells and a power supply destination, wherein the power control device controls a connection relationship between a battery having a plurality of cells and a power supply destination. Route switching means that selects whether or not to supply power to each power supply destination by changing the connection, and furthermore, selects which cell corresponds to the power supply destination that is the target of power supply. and a route control means for controlling the route switching means and changing the connection of the power supply route.

[0012] According to the present invention, the route switching means is provided between a plurality of cells and the power supply destination, and the route switching means arbitrarily changes the connection relationship between the cells and the power supply destination under the control of the route control means. Even when the battery is exhausted, it is possible to power can be supplied with priority.

[0013] Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the route control means measures the voltage supplied to the power supply destination and compares the measurement result with a predetermined threshold. It is characterized by controlling the recording path switching means.

[0014] According to the present invention, the degree of battery consumption is determined by measuring the voltage supplied to the power supply destination, and the route switching means is controlled based on the determination result. Therefore, it is possible to automatically change the combination of power source and supply destination according to the battery consumption status.

[0015] Further, in the above invention, the present invention provides that, when the voltage supplied to the power supply destination is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the route control means transmits the power to a predetermined specific power supply destination. The method is characterized in that the route switching means is controlled so as to supply power preferentially to.

[0016] According to the present invention, the degree of battery consumption is determined by measuring the voltage supplied to the power supply destination, and when it is determined that the battery consumption has progressed, the voltage supplied to the power supply destination is determined. Since the system is configured so that power is supplied on a priority basis, even if the battery is depleted, it is possible to secure power to use specific functions.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the route control means controls the route switching means based on a setting value set in a storage means.

[0018]According to the present invention, the route switching means is configured to be controlled based on a preset setting value, so that the intention of the setter is reflected in the control of the combination of the power supply and the supply destination. be able to.

Effect of the invention

[0019] According to the present invention, the route switching means is provided between a plurality of cells and the power supply destination, and the route switching means can arbitrarily change the connection relationship between the cells and the power supply destination under the control of the route control means. Since the configuration is configured to enable this, even when the battery is exhausted, power can be supplied preferentially to a specific supply destination.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the degree of battery consumption is determined by measuring the voltage supplied to the power supply destination, and the route switching means is controlled based on the determination result. Therefore, it would be effective if the process of appropriately changing the combination of power supply and supply destination according to the battery consumption status could be performed automatically.

[0021]Furthermore, according to the present invention, the degree of battery consumption is determined by measuring the voltage supplied to the power supply destination, and when it is determined that the battery consumption has progressed, the voltage supplied to the power supply destination is determined. Since the configuration is configured so that power is supplied preferentially, even when the battery is depleted, it is possible to secure power to use specific functions.

[0022]Furthermore, according to the present invention, the route switching means is configured to be controlled based on preset setting values, so that the combination of the power source and the supply destination is controlled according to the configurator's intention. If you can reflect this!/, it will be very effective.

Brief description of the drawing

[0023] [FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a power supply system according to this embodiment.

[Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of switch settings for each purpose.

[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a battery including the entire power supply control section.

[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an overview of the power supply system according to the present embodiment.

[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of detecting the voltage supplied to the communication section.

[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of the power supply system according to the present embodiment.

[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which a slide switch is provided instead of a nonvolatile memory.

[FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an overview of the power supply system according to the present embodiment.

[FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of switch settings for each purpose.

[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a mobile terminal device using a conventional power supply method.

[FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overview of a conventional power supply system.

Explanation of symbols

[0024] 100 batteries

110 cells

111, 112 terminal

200~202 battery

210a~210d cells 300-305 Power control section

310 Route switching section

311a~311f switch

320, 321, 323-325 Route control section

330 Remaining amount detection part

340 Comparison section

350 threshold

360 non-volatile memory

370 Supply destination selection section

371a~371h switch

380 Series connection destination selection section

381a~3811 switch

390 Single series selection section

391a~391p switch

400 slide switch

1000 Mobile terminal devices

1100 Upper housing

1110 Display section

1120 Printed circuit board

1130 Camera function section

1140 Application function section

1200 Lower housing

1210 keypad

1220 High frequency circuit section

1300 Hinge part

1400 power supply line

1500 Multimedia Department

1600 Communications Department 1700, 1800 function section

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of a power supply control device, a battery, and a mobile terminal device according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Here, we will explain using a mobile phone terminal as an example of a mobile terminal device. Note that this invention is not limited to this example.

Example 1

[0026] First, a conventional power supply system in a mobile terminal device will be explained. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a mobile terminal device using a conventional power supply method. A mobile terminal device 1000 shown in the figure is a so-called foldable mobile phone terminal, and has a structure in which an upper housing 1100 and a lower housing 1200 are connected via a hinge portion 1300.

[0027] The upper casing 1100 includes a display section 1110 that also has a liquid crystal screen, a printed circuit board 1120 on which an application function section 1140 and the like are mounted, and a camera function section 1130. The camera function unit 1130 is a function unit that shoots moving images and still images, and the application function unit 1140 is a function unit that executes applications obtained by downloading from a network or the like.

[0028] The lower casing 1200 has a keypad 1210 that also provides various button functions, a high frequency circuit section 1220 for realizing wireless calls, and has a structure in which the battery 100 can be stored inside. It's on. The battery 100 is connected to the mobile terminal device 1000 through terminals 111 and 112, and supplies power to each functional section through a power supply line 1400.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overview of a conventional power supply system. The figure shows a case where the battery 100 contains only one cell 110, which is the main power source.The battery 100 can also contain a plurality of cells 110. In that case, the plurality of cells 110 are connected in series or in parallel within the battery 100 to constitute an integrated power source.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 11, the conventional power supply system has a configuration in which one power supply supplies power to multiple functional units. In the example shown in the figure, the battery 100 supplies power to a multimedia section 1500 consisting of a camera function section 1130 and an application function section 1140, and a communication section 1600 consisting of a high frequency circuit section 1220. [0031] Therefore, if the user uses the functions of the camera function section 1130 and the application function section 1140 too much, the battery 100 will be exhausted and the high frequency circuit section 1220 that shares the power source will become inoperable, causing the mobile terminal device to The calling function, which is the original function of 1000, becomes unusable.

[0032] Next, an overview of the power supply system according to this embodiment will be explained. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the power supply system according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the power supply system according to this embodiment assumes that the battery 200 includes a plurality of cells, and that the battery 200 and each functional unit that receives power from the battery 200 are connected to each other. A power supply control unit 300 is provided between them.

[0033] The power supply control unit 300 is a functional unit that switches the connection relationship between the cells included in the battery 200 and each functional unit, and includes a route switching unit 310 and a route control unit 320. The route switching unit 310 also functions as a plurality of switches for switching the connection relationship between the cells built in the battery 200 and each functional unit, and the route control unit 320 controls the states of these switches.

[0034] In the example of FIG. 1, battery 200 includes two cells, cell 210a and cell 210b, and supplies power to multimedia section 1500 and communication section 1600. Further, the route switching unit 310 has six switches 31la to 31if, and switches the connection relationship between the power source and its supply destination by turning them ON/OFF.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of switch settings for each purpose. As shown in the figure, by controlling ONZOFF of the switches 31la to 311f, the connection relationship between the power source and its supply destination can be changed in various ways.

[0036] Specifically, one of the cells 210a and 210b can be left unused, or both can be shared as one power source. You can also use both independently and use them in the same way as if there were two built-in batteries. Further, power can be supplied to only one of the multimedia section 1500 and the communication section 1600, or it is possible to supply power to both.

[0037] For example, in order to share the sensor 210a and the sensor 210b and supply power to both the control media section 1500 and the communication section 1600, all switches 31la to 31If may be turned on. In addition, if switch 31 la, switch 31 lb, and switch 31 Id are turned OFF from this state, power can be supplied only to communication section 1600 while cell 210a and cell 210b are in the shared state. The monkey is angry.

[0038] By using this mechanism, it is possible to secure power for the call function of the mobile terminal device 1000 even when the battery is exhausted.

[0039] For example, if the sensor 210a and the sensor 210b are shared and the initial state is a state in which power is supplied to both the manual media section 1500 and the communication section 1600, if the remaining battery power decreases, the multimedia section 1500 Switch to a state where power is not supplied to. By doing so, the power is not consumed by the multimedia section 1500, and the power to the communication section 1600 can be maintained.

[0040] Furthermore, if the initial state is such that the sensor 210a and the sensor 210b are made independent and power is supplied individually to the control media section 1500 and the communication section 1600, the battery of the cell that supplies power to the multimedia section 1500 When the remaining capacity decreases, switch to sharing two cells. By doing this, the communication unit 1600 can receive power supply from the other cell in addition to the cell whose remaining battery power has decreased.

[0041] Furthermore, if one of the cells 210a and 210b is left unused and one cell supplies power to the multimedia section 1500 and the communication section 1600 as the initial state, if the remaining battery power decreases, For example, switch to a state where two cells are shared. By doing this, the communication unit 1600 can receive power supply from the other cell in addition to the cell whose remaining battery power has decreased.

[0042] As described above, in this embodiment, the power supply control unit 300 is provided between the battery having a plurality of power supplies and the power supply destination, and this power supply control unit 300 is in charge of the connection relationship between the power supply and the power supply destination. Since it is configured so that it can be changed at will, power can be supplied preferentially to a specific supply destination such as the communication unit 1600 even when the battery is exhausted.

[0043] In the above example, the number of built-in cells in the battery and the number of power supply destinations are the same as the case where the battery has two built-in cells and power is supplied to two destinations. The numbers may also be different. Further, each cell included in the battery may have a different capacity.

[0044] Furthermore, in the above example, the explanation is given on the assumption that the power supply control unit 300 is installed in the mobile terminal device 1000. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the A battery 201 shown in FIG. 3 is an example of a battery that includes the entire power supply control section 300.

Example 2

[0045] Next, other embodiments will be explained. The power supply system according to this embodiment includes a mechanism that automatically changes the power supply state when the remaining battery power decreases.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an overview of the power supply system according to this embodiment. In the figure, the power supply control section 300 shown in FIG. 1 is replaced with a power supply control section 301. The power supply control section 301 includes a path switching section 310, a path control section 321, a remaining amount detection section 330, and a comparison section 340. The route switching unit 310 is similar to the route switching unit 310 shown in FIG.

[0047] Remaining amount detection section 330 is a functional section that detects the voltage supplied to multimedia section 1500. The comparison unit 340 is a functional unit that compares the voltage value detected by the remaining amount detection unit 330 with a preset threshold value 350. The voltage supplied by the battery 200 decreases as the battery wears down, and the threshold value 350 is set to an appropriate value for determining that the battery 200 is exhausted. The comparison unit 340 turns off the signal to be sent to the route control unit 321 when the voltage value detected by the remaining amount detection unit 330 exceeds the threshold value 350, and when it falls below this, the signal to be sent to the route control unit 321 is turned off. Turn on the signal sent to 321.

[0048] The route control unit 321 is a functional unit that switches the state of the route switching unit 310 based on a signal transmitted from the comparison unit 340. For example, when the signal transmitted from the comparison unit 340 is OFF, that is, when the battery 200 is not exhausted, the route control unit 321 controls so that power is supplied to both the multimedia unit 1500 and the communication unit 1600. to control. Then, when the signal transmitted from the comparison section 340 is ON, that is, when the battery 200 is exhausted, the power supply to the multimedia section 1500 is cut off to ensure the power supply to the communication section 1600. do.

[0049] As described above, in this embodiment, the comparison unit 340 compares the voltage value detected by the remaining power detection unit 330 with the threshold value 350, and the route control unit 321 selects the power source and its supply destination according to the comparison result. Since the configuration is configured to change the connection relationship between the two, the settings can be automatically changed to give priority to supplying power to a specific supply destination, such as the communication unit 1600, depending on the battery consumption status. It can be done. [0050] Note that the operation of the route control unit 321 described above is an example, and how the control content is changed by the signal transmitted from the comparison unit 340 can be determined depending on the purpose. Monkey.

[0051] Furthermore, like the power control unit 302 in FIG. 5, instead of detecting the voltage supplied to the multimedia unit 1500, it may be configured to detect the voltage supplied to the communication unit 1600. Further, the state of battery consumption may be measured by a method other than voltage detection.

Example 3

[0052] Next, other embodiments will be explained. The power supply system according to this embodiment includes a mechanism for fixing the power supply state to an arbitrary state.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an overview of the power supply system according to this embodiment. In the figure, the power supply control section 301 shown in FIG. 4 has been replaced with a power supply control section 303. The power supply control section 303 includes a path switching section 310, a path control section 323, a remaining amount detection section 330, a comparison section 340, and a nonvolatile memory 360. The route switching section 310, the remaining amount detection section 330, and the comparison section 340 are similar to the parts having the same symbols shown in FIG.

[0054] Nonvolatile memory 360 is a storage unit that stores values that determine the control content of route control unit 323. For example, if the value stored in the nonvolatile memory 360 is "0", the route control unit 323 performs the same control as the route control unit 321 shown in FIG. 4. Also, if this value is "1", control is performed so that power is supplied to the multimedia section 1500 and the communication section 1600 while the cell 210a and cell 210b are shared, and this value is set to "2". In this case, control is performed so that power is supplied to the multimedia section 1500 and the communication section 1600 individually, with the cell 210a and the cell 210b being independent.

[0055] The value stored in the nonvolatile memory 360 is set to a predetermined value when the mobile terminal device 1000 is manufactured or sold. In this way, the manufacturer or distributor sets the value stored in the nonvolatile memory 360, and configures the path control unit 323 to determine the control content according to the value. Even when installed in a mobile terminal device of several models, it is possible to control the power supply according to the characteristics of that model.

[0056] Furthermore, the configuration may be such that the value stored in the nonvolatile memory 360 can be changed by the user at any time. In this case, it is possible to control the power supply according to the characteristics of the user's usage pattern. Ru.

[0057] Note that the operation of the route control unit 323 described above is an example, and how the contents of the nonvolatile memory 360 correspond to the control contents of the route control unit 323 can be determined depending on the purpose. It's a monkey.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, a switch such as a slide switch 400 that can select and hold one of a plurality of setting states is provided inside or outside the mobile terminal device 1000, and the setting state can be changed to this setting state. Even if the route control unit 324 is configured to determine the control content accordingly, the same effect as in the case of FIG. 6 can be obtained.

Example 4

[0059] Next, other embodiments will be explained. The power supply system according to this embodiment has a mechanism that can generate any voltage by connecting cells serving as a power source in series.

[0060] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an overview of the power supply system according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the battery 202 includes four cells 210a to 210d, and the output voltage of each cell is 1.5V. Functional unit 1700, which is one of the power supply destinations, operates at 1.5V, and functional unit 1800, which is the other power supply destination, operates at 3.0V.

[0061] A power supply control unit 305 is provided between the battery 202 and each functional unit that receives power supply from the battery 202. The power supply control unit 305 is a functional unit that switches the connection relationship between the cells included in the battery 202 and each functional unit, and includes a supply destination selection unit 370, a series connection destination selection unit 380, a single Z series selection unit 390, and a route selection unit 370. and a control unit 325.

[0062] The supply destination selection unit 370 has switches 371a to 371h, and selects the power supply destination.

This is the functional section that performs the following functions. The series connection destination selection unit 380 is a functional unit that includes switches 381a to 3811 and selects cells to be directly connected. The single Z series selection unit 390 is a functional unit that includes switches 391a to 391p and selects whether the cells are used singly or connected in series. The route control section 325 is a control section that controls the states of the supply destination selection section 370, the series connection destination selection section 380, and the single Z series selection section 390.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of switch settings for each purpose. As shown in the figure, the route control section 325 includes a supply destination selection section 370, a series connection destination selection section 380, and a single Z series selection section 39. By controlling ONZOFF of each switch of 0, it is possible to vary the cells used and the voltage supplied.

[0064] If the switch setting pattern for "normal operation" is used in the figure, cell 210a will independently supply 1.5V power to functional unit 1700, and to functional unit 1800, Cell 210b and cell 210c are connected in series to supply 3. 0V power. In addition, if you use the switch setting pattern shown in the same figure as "when cell 210a is unavailable", cell 210d will independently supply 1.5V power to functional section 1700. For functional unit 1800, cells 210b and 210c are connected in series to supply 3.0V power.

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, the configuration is such that power can be supplied in the form of a plurality of cells connected in series by the settings in the power supply control unit 305, so that the power supply is Even if the operating voltage differs depending on the destination, the correspondence between the power source and the destination can be changed arbitrarily. Furthermore, by arbitrarily changing the correspondence between power sources and supply destinations, power can be supplied preferentially to a specific supply destination such as the communication unit 1600 when the battery is exhausted.

[0066] Note that the number of cells included in the battery in the above example, the output voltage of each cell, the number of power supply destinations, and the operating voltage of each power supply destination are merely examples, and can be arbitrarily changed.

[0067] Furthermore, the inventions included in each of the above embodiments may be used in combination as appropriate. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to a mobile phone terminal. Can be applied effectively.

[0068] For example, when the present invention is applied to a digital camera equipped with an image capture function, a flash function, an anti-shake function, etc., the power supply to the flash function and anti-shake function can be stopped when the battery is exhausted. , it becomes possible to extend the power supply to the image capture function.

Industrial applicability

[0069] As described above, the power supply control device, battery, and mobile terminal device according to the present invention are useful for supplying power to mobile terminals, etc., and in particular, even when the remaining battery power is low, High priority, suitable when it is necessary to continue supplying power to a specific function.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A power supply control device that controls the connection relationship between a battery having multiple cells and a power supply destination,

By changing the connection of the power supply path, you can select whether or not to supply power to each power supply destination, and also select which cell should correspond to the power supply destination. a route switching means for

A power supply control device comprising: route control means for controlling the route switching means and changing the connection of the power supply route.

[2] The route control means measures the voltage supplied to the power supply destination, and controls the route switching means based on the result of comparing the measurement result with a predetermined threshold. 1. The power control device according to 1.

[3] When the voltage supplied to the power supply destination is lower than a predetermined threshold, the route control means is configured to supply power to a predetermined specific power supply destination with priority. 3. The power supply control device according to claim 2, wherein the power supply control device controls the route switching means.

[4] When the voltage supplied to the power supply destination is lower than a predetermined threshold, the route control means stops the power supply to the power supply destinations except for a predetermined specific power supply destination. 3. The power supply control device according to claim 2, wherein the power supply control device controls the route switching means so as to

[5] The route control means is configured to increase the number of cells corresponding to a predetermined specific power supply destination when the voltage supplied to the power supply destination is smaller than a predetermined threshold. 3. The power supply control device according to claim 2, wherein the power supply control device controls the path switching means.

[6] The power supply control device according to claim 1, wherein the route control means controls the route switching means based on a setting value set in a storage means.

[7] The power supply control device according to claim 1, wherein the route control means controls the route switching means based on a setting state of a switch that takes one of a plurality of setting states.

[8] The power supply according to claim 1, wherein the route switching means connects the cells in parallel by changing the connection of the power supply route to configure a power supply having a predetermined capacity. Control device.

[9] The power supply control device according to claim 1, wherein the route switching means connects the cells in series by changing the connection of the power supply route to configure a power supply having a predetermined voltage. .

[10] A battery that has multiple cells and supplies power to at least one power supply destination, and whether power can be supplied to each power supply destination by changing the connection of the power supply path. route switching means for selecting which cell corresponds to the power supply destination to which power is to be supplied;

A battery comprising: route control means for controlling the route switching means and changing the connection of the power supply route.

[11] A mobile terminal device equipped with a power supply control device that controls the connection relationship between a battery having a plurality of cells and a power supply destination,

The power control device includes:

A mobile terminal device comprising: route control means for controlling the route switching means and changing the connection of the power supply route.