WO2015182688A1

WO2015182688A1 - Electronic apparatus and method for notifying charge in electronic apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2015182688A1
Application number: PCT/JP2015/065347
Authority: WO
Inventors: 厚実岡本
Original assignee: 京セラ株式会社
Priority date: 2014-05-28
Filing date: 2015-05-28
Publication date: 2015-12-03
Also published as: JP6163133B2; JP2015226396A

Abstract

　A charging coil generates an induced electromotive force by interlinking magnetic fluxes. A battery is charged using the induced electromotive force. A remaining amount detection unit detects the remaining amount of battery power. A charge control unit stops charging when the remaining amount of battery power is larger than a stoppage reference value. A notification unit has a notification function for notifying to the outside that charging is underway. A movement detection unit detects that an electronic apparatus has moved away from a non-contact charger. A notification control unit disables the notification function when a magnetic flux is outputted as triggered by an elapse of a prescribed time after charging was stopped, providing, as one condition, that the electronic apparatus remains placed on the non-contact charger after charging was stopped.

Description

Electronic device and charging notification method in electronic device

The present invention relates to an electronic device and a charging notification method in the electronic device.

Various technologies have been proposed for communication terminals equipped with coils. In such a technique, a battery (battery) is charged using an induced electromotive force generated in the first coil. The induced electromotive force of the first coil is generated when the magnetic flux from the second coil provided in the external non-contact charger is linked to the first coil.

It is conceivable to terminate charging with a non-contact charger as follows. For example, when the remaining battery level exceeds a reference value due to non-contact charging, the communication terminal transmits a charge completion signal to the non-contact charger. This transmission is performed, for example, by proximity wireless communication between the communication terminal and the non-contact charger. When the non-contact charger receives the charging completion signal, the non-contact charger stops energizing the second coil. Thereby, charge is complete | finished.

In addition, the non-contact charger may start energizing the second coil every predetermined time after receiving the completion signal. By energizing the second coil, an induced electromotive force is generated in the first coil of the communication terminal, and charging is performed again. At this time, since the remaining amount of the battery is equal to or greater than the reference value, the communication terminal quickly transmits a completion signal to the non-contact charger, and the non-contact charger stops energization to the second coil. Therefore, in this case, short-term non-contact charging is repeatedly performed every predetermined time.

Now, the communication terminal has, for example, a display unit in order to notify the user that non-contact charging is being performed. This display unit is, for example, an LED (light emitting diode). The display unit emits light when non-contact charging is performed, and notifies the user that non-contact charging is being performed. Therefore, as described above, if charging in a short period is repeatedly performed even after the charging of the battery is completed, light emission in a short period is repeatedly performed. Such a display may cause the user to misunderstand that the communication terminal or the non-contact charger has failed.

Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a charge notification technique capable of avoiding a short-term repetition of execution / stop of the charge notification.

An electronic device and a charging notification method for the electronic device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the electronic device is placed on a non-contact charger that outputs a magnetic flux for charging every predetermined time even after charging is stopped, and is charged by receiving the magnetic flux. The electronic device includes a charging coil, a battery, a remaining amount detection unit, a charge control unit, a notification unit, a movement detection unit, and a notification control unit. The charging coil generates an induced electromotive force when the magnetic flux is interlinked. The battery is charged using the induced electromotive force. The remaining amount detection unit detects the remaining battery level. The charge control unit stops charging when the remaining charge amount is larger than a stop reference value. The notification unit has a notification function for notifying the outside that the charging is being performed. A movement detection part detects that the said electronic device left | separated from the said non-contact charger. When the magnetic flux is output with the elapse of the predetermined time after stopping the charging, the notification control unit stops the charging and then places the electronic device on the contactless charger. One of the conditions is that the notification function is invalidated.

In one embodiment, the electronic device is placed on a non-contact charger that outputs a magnetic flux for charging every predetermined time even after charging is stopped, and is charged by receiving the magnetic flux. The electronic device includes a charging coil, a battery, a remaining amount detection unit, a charge control unit, a notification unit, a movement detection unit, and a notification control unit. The charging coil generates an induced electromotive force when the magnetic flux is interlinked. The battery is charged using the induced electromotive force. The remaining amount detection unit detects the remaining battery level. The notification unit has a notification function for notifying the outside that the charging is being performed. A movement detection part detects that the said electronic device left | separated from the said non-contact charger. The charging notification method in the electronic device includes a first step and a second step. In the first step, charging is stopped when the remaining battery level is greater than the stop reference value. In the second step, after the charging is stopped, when the magnetic flux is output when the predetermined time elapses, the electronic device is mounted on the non-contact charger after the charging is stopped. The notification function is invalidated on the condition that the information is kept on.

According to the present electronic device and the charging notification method for the electronic device, it is possible to avoid the charging notification from being repeatedly executed / stopped in a short period of time.

The above object, other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

It is a perspective view which shows an example of the external appearance of an electronic device roughly. It is a front view which shows roughly an example of the external appearance of an electronic device. It is a block diagram which shows an example of an electric structure of a radio | wireless apparatus roughly. It is a figure for demonstrating non-contact charge. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of a radio | wireless apparatus and a non-contact charger roughly. It is a block diagram which shows roughly an example of an internal structure of a charging part and a charge detection part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of a charge control part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of a movement detection part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the deletion operation | movement of a movement flag. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of a alerting | reporting control part. It is a figure which shows an example of a timing chart. It is a figure which shows an example of the timing chart concerning a comparative example. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of a alerting | reporting control part. It is a figure which shows an example of a timing chart. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of a charge control part. It is a perspective view which shows an example of an electronic device and a non-contact charger roughly. It is a figure which shows an example of an internal structure of a control part roughly. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of a alerting | reporting control part.

Embodiment.
<Appearance of electronic equipment>
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an external appearance of an electronic apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. The electronic device 1 is, for example, a mobile phone such as a smartphone, and can communicate with other communication devices through a base station, a server, and the like. The electronic device 1 can perform, for example, telephone calls, e-mails, web site browsing, and video browsing.

As shown in FIG. 1, the shape of the electronic device 1 is a substantially rectangular plate shape in plan view. As shown in FIG. 1, the outer surface (front surface) of the electronic device 1 includes a cover panel 2 and a housing 3.

The cover panel 2 has a plate shape, for example, and has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover panel 2 constitutes a portion other than the peripheral portion in the front portion of the electronic device 1. The cover panel 2 may have a planar shape as shown in FIG. 1 or may have a curved surface shape.

The cover panel 2 is made of a transparent material. As the material of the cover panel 2, for example, transparent sapphire, transparent glass, or transparent acrylic resin is employed. Various information such as characters, symbols, graphics, and images displayed in the display area 2 a of the display device 20 is visually recognized by the user through the cover panel 2. Moreover, in the peripheral area surrounding the display area 2a, for example, a film or the like is pasted so that the display area 2a is black, and the display by the display device is difficult to be visually recognized by the user.

Further, a touch panel described later is attached to the inner main surface of the cover panel 2 (main surface on the inner side of the electronic device 1). The user can give various instructions to the electronic device 1 by operating the display area 2a with an operator (finger or the like).

The housing 3 constitutes a peripheral part, a side part and a back part of the front part of the electronic device 1. The housing 3 is made of resin, for example. For example, polycarbonate resin, ABS resin, or nylon resin is used as the resin forming the housing 3. The housing | casing 3 may be comprised only by one member, and may be comprised combining several members.

In the example of FIG. 1, the electronic device 1 is provided with an operation key 50. The operation key 50 is, for example, a hardware key. The user can input an instruction assigned to the operation key 50 by pressing the operation key 50. In the illustration of FIG. 1, a front side imaging unit 160 is provided at the upper end of the cover panel 2.

For example, a notification unit 40 is also provided at the upper end of the cover panel 2. The notification unit 40 has a notification function that notifies the outside that a battery 60 (described later) of the electronic device 1 is being charged. The alerting | reporting part 40 has a light emitting element (for example, LED: light emitting diode), for example, and the user can recognize that charging is performed by light emission of this light emitting element. In addition, the alerting | reporting part 40 may alert | report not only charge but other information. For example, when a missed call or an unread e-mail is received, the notification unit 40 causes the light emitting element to emit light. Thereby, the user can be prompted to operate the electronic device 1. Notification of missed calls and the like and display during charging may be distinguished, for example, by the light emission mode (blinking / lighting or emission color) of the light emitting element.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the electrical configuration of the electronic device 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic device 1 includes a control unit 10, a wireless communication unit 110, a display device 20, a touch panel 30, a notification unit 40, an operation key 50, a movement detection unit 42, a remaining amount detection unit 78, a battery. 60, a charge detection unit 70, a charging unit 80, a microphone 150, a front side imaging unit 160, a back side imaging unit 170, a speaker 180, a piezoelectric vibration element 190, and a proximity wireless communication unit 90 are provided. These components provided in the electronic device 1 are housed in the casing of the electronic device 1.

The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a DSP (Digital Signal Processing) 102, a storage unit 103, and the like. The control unit 10 comprehensively manages the operation of the electronic device 1 by controlling other components of the electronic device 1. The storage unit 103 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The storage unit 103 includes a main program and a plurality of control programs for controlling the electronic device 1, specifically, control components such as the wireless communication unit 110 and the display device 20 included in the electronic device 1. Application programs (for example, programs such as telephone calls, e-mails, Web site browsing, and video browsing) are stored. Various functions of the control unit 10 are realized by the CPU 101 and the DSP 102 executing various programs in the storage unit 103.

The wireless communication unit 110 has an antenna 111. The wireless communication unit 110 transmits and receives communication signals to / from a mobile wireless terminal different from the electronic device 1 or a communication device such as a web base station connected to the Internet, using the antenna 111 via the base station.

The proximity wireless communication unit 90 has an antenna 91. The close proximity wireless communication unit 90 performs communication with a communication terminal that is located closer to the communication target (base station) of the wireless communication unit 110. The close proximity wireless transfer unit 90 performs communication in accordance with, for example, the BLUETOOTH (registered trademark) standard.

As a method of using this proximity wireless communication, for example, a method of making a call using a headset (not shown) can be mentioned. The headset includes an earphone, a microphone, an operation unit, and a proximity wireless communication unit, and can be worn by a user. The electronic device 1 communicates with the headset via the proximity wireless communication unit 90 and the antenna 91.

The electronic device 1 receives an audio signal from the mobile wireless terminal of the other party via the base station and transmits it to the headset. The headset converts this audio signal into sound with an earphone and outputs it. The voice uttered by the user is converted into a voice signal by the microphone of the headset, and this is transmitted to the electronic device 1. The electronic device 1 transmits this voice signal to the portable wireless terminal of the other party via the base station. In addition, when the user inputs a response or end of a call via the operation unit of the headset, these pieces of information are transmitted to the electronic device 1. In this way, the user can make a call using the headset. Since the headset is worn by the user, it is not necessary to hold the electronic device 1 and the headset, and both hands can be freely set.

Further, the close proximity wireless communication unit 90 can also communicate with the non-contact charger 8 described later. The specific contents will be described later.

The display device 20 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. Various types of information displayed by the display device 20 are visually recognized from the outside through the display area of the electronic device 1.

The touch panel 30 is, for example, a projected capacitive touch panel, and is disposed to face the display device 20. The touch panel 30 includes two sheet-like electrode sensors arranged to face each other. When the user touches the display area with an operator such as a finger, the capacitance of the portion of the touch panel 30 facing the operator changes. Then, the touch panel 30 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the change in capacitance to the control unit 10. As described above, the touch panel 30 can detect contact of the operation element with the display area.

The operation key 50 outputs an electrical instruction signal to the control unit 10 when pressed. Both the operation key 50 and the touch panel 30 are common in that they accept operations on the electronic device 1.

The speaker 180 converts the electrical sound signal input from the control unit 10 into a sound and outputs the sound, thereby providing a ring tone or the like to a user who is located away from the electronic device 1.

The microphone 150 and the piezoelectric vibration element 190 are used for a call, for example. This call is a call of a mode different from the call using the headset described above. Here, the user makes a call with the microphone 150 close to the mouth and the piezoelectric vibration element 190 close to the ear. The microphone 150 receives a user's voice or the like during a call or the like, converts the input voice or the like into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the control unit 10.

The piezoelectric vibration element 190 is vibrated by a driving voltage supplied from the control unit 10. The control unit 10 generates a drive voltage based on the sound signal and applies the drive voltage to the piezoelectric vibration element 190. When the piezoelectric vibration element 190 is vibrated based on the sound signal by the control unit 10, the electronic device 1 (more specifically, the surface on which the user's ear is close) vibrates based on the sound signal. As a result, the received sound is transmitted to the user. The volume of the received sound is such that the user can hear it properly when the user brings his ear close to the electronic device 1.

In the example of FIG. 3, the piezoelectric vibration element 190 is employed to transmit the received sound to the user. However, instead of the piezoelectric vibration element 190, for example, an electrical sound signal from the control unit 10 is sounded. A dynamic speaker that converts the sound into an output and outputs the sound may be used. When a dynamic speaker is employed, the electronic device 1 is provided with a receiver hole. The sound output from the dynamic speaker is output to the outside through the receiver hole. The volume of the sound output from the receiver hole is smaller than the volume of the sound output from the speaker 180.

The front side imaging unit 160 and the back side imaging unit 170 capture still images and moving images. The back side imaging unit 170 is provided on the back side of the electronic device 1.

The battery 60 is a so-called battery and can function as an operating power source for the electronic device 1. The battery 60 supplies DC power to each part (each part illustrated in FIG. 3) that requires power in the electronic device 1.

The remaining amount detection unit 78 can detect the amount of charge accumulated in the battery 60 (hereinafter also referred to as remaining charge), and can output this to the control unit 10. For example, the control unit 10 displays the charge amount of the battery 60 on the display device 20. Thereby, the user can recognize the remaining charge of the battery 60, and can perform processing (for example, charging using a charger) necessary when the remaining charge is low.

The charging unit 80 receives power from an external charger and uses this to charge the battery 60. More specifically, the charging unit 80 includes a non-contact charging unit 82 and a charging connector (connecting unit) 84. As will be described later, the non-contact charging unit 82 and the charging connector 84 can receive electric power from the non-contact charger and the contact charger, respectively, and charge the battery 60, respectively. The control unit 10 selects one of the non-contact charging unit 82 and the charging connector 84, and the selected one charges the battery 60.

The charge detection unit 70 detects whether or not the charging unit 80 is receiving power from the charger. More specifically, it detects whether or not the non-contact charging unit 82 receives power from the non-contact charger, and whether or not the charging connector 84 receives power from the contact charger. The detection result is input to the control unit 10.

The control unit 10 selects one of the non-contact charging unit 82 and the charging connector 84 according to the detection result of the charging detection unit 70, and charges the battery 60 using this.

The notification unit 40 can perform various notifications to the user under the control of the control unit 10. More specifically, charging notification indicating that charging is performed is performed.

<Charging>
Hereinafter, the charging of the battery 60 by the non-contact charging unit 82 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, and a specific example of the internal configuration of the charging unit 80 and the charging detection unit 70 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. .

In FIG. 4, an example of the electronic device 1 and the non-contact charger 8 is shown in a perspective view. The electronic device 1 has, for example, a flat plate shape. A display area 2a is formed on the front surface.

The non-contact charging unit 82 includes a charging coil 82a. The charging coil 82a has a conducting wire wound around a predetermined winding axis, and the winding axis is arranged in a posture substantially orthogonal to the display region 2a.

The non-contact charger 8 has, for example, a substantially flat shape, and has a charger side coil 8a therein. The charger side coil 8 a has a conducting wire wound around a predetermined winding axis, and the winding axis is arranged in a posture substantially orthogonal to the main surface of the non-contact charger 8. The non-contact charger 8 is connected to a power source (not shown), and a current (for example, an alternating current) can flow through the charger side coil 8a using the power source. Thereby, the charger side coil 8a generates a magnetic field (for example, an alternating magnetic field). That is, the charger side coil 8a outputs magnetic flux.

The user places the electronic device 1 on the main surface of the non-contact charger 8 so that the charging coil 82a faces the charger-side coil 8a. FIG. 5 conceptually shows an example of these cross sections when the electronic device 1 is placed on the main surface of the non-contact charger 8. In this state, the magnetic flux generated from the charger side coil 8a is linked to the charging coil 82a. Thereby, an induced electromotive force is generated in the charging coil 82a. That is, the charging coil 82a generates an induced electromotive force when receiving a magnetic field from the charger side coil 8a. The induced electromotive force is an alternating voltage, and the non-contact charging unit 82 rectifies the induced electromotive force and charges the battery 60 as described later.

As described above, the non-contact charging unit 82 receives power by magnetic connection with the non-contact charger 8 and charges the battery 60. That is, this charging does not require electrical connection between the electronic device 1 and the non-contact charger 8. Therefore, such a charging method is called non-contact charging or wireless charging. Alternatively, since charging is performed using electromagnetic induction, this charging method is also called electromagnetic induction charging.

In order to improve the efficiency (transmission efficiency) of power received by the charging coil 82a from the charger side coil 8a, the non-contact charging unit 82 may include a magnetic sheet (not shown). The transmission efficiency here is the ratio of the power of the charging coil 82a to the power of the charger side coil 8a. The magnetic sheet is formed of a material having a higher magnetic permeability than air. The charging coil 82a is provided on one surface of the magnetic sheet such that the winding axis thereof is substantially orthogonal to the magnetic sheet. Since the magnetic sheet has a high magnetic permeability, the amount of magnetic flux can be increased. As a result, the induced electromotive force of the charging coil 82a can be increased. In other words, it is possible to reduce the electric power of the charger side coil 8a required for generating a necessary voltage in the charging coil 82a. By providing the magnetic sheet, leakage of the magnetic flux passing through the charging coil 82a to the outside can be suppressed.

In the illustration of FIG. 5, the electronic device 1 is placed on the non-contact charger 8 with the back surface 3 b of the electronic device 1 facing the non-contact charger 8. Therefore, in the illustration of FIG. 4, the charging coil 82 a is affixed to a portion on the back surface 3 b side of the housing 3 of the electronic device 1. Thereby, the charging coil 82a can be brought close to the charger side coil 8a. Thus, by shortening the distance between the charging coil 82a and the charger side coil 8a, the amount of magnetic flux effectively linked to the charging coil 82a can be improved. Therefore, the magnitude of the induced electromotive force of the charging coil 82a can be improved, and consequently the transmission efficiency can be improved.

Further, in the plan view, if the center Q1 of the charging coil 82a and the center Q2 of the charger side coil 8a are deviated, the magnetic flux effectively interlinked with the charging coil 82a according to the deviation amount (distance). The amount is reduced. That is, the longer the distance, the more the induced electromotive force generated in the charging coil 82a. Thereby, the transmission efficiency is reduced. Therefore, it is desirable for the user to place the electronic device 1 so that the distance between the center Q1 of the charging coil 82a and the center Q2 of the charger side coil 8a is shortened in plan view.

In the illustration of FIG. 4, a charging connector 84 is also illustrated. The charging connector 84 is provided on, for example, a side surface of the electronic device 1. A contact charger (not shown) is electrically connected to the charging connector 84, and a DC voltage is applied from the contact charger. The contact charger has an AC-DC adapter. The AC-DC adapter receives an AC voltage from the outside, converts it into an appropriate DC voltage, and applies the DC voltage to the charging connector 84.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a specific internal configuration of the charging unit 80 and the charging detection unit 70. The charging unit 80 includes, for example, a charging connector 84, a non-contact charging unit 82, a selection unit 86, and a current adjustment unit 88. The non-contact charging unit 82 includes a charging coil 82a, a rectifying unit 82b, and a voltage adjusting unit 82c. As described above, the charging coil 82a receives the magnetic field from the non-contact charger 8 and generates an induced electromotive force. The induced electromotive force (alternating voltage) from the charging coil 82a is input to the rectifying unit 82b. The rectifying unit 82b rectifies the induced electromotive force, and inputs the rectified DC voltage to the voltage adjusting unit 82c. The voltage adjustment unit 82c is a constant voltage circuit, for example, and outputs a stable DC voltage.

The selection unit 86 receives control of the control unit 10, selects one of the voltage from the charging connector 84 and the induced electromotive force from the charging coil 82a, and charges the battery 60 using the one. For example, the selection unit 86 is a switch, and selects one of the voltage of the charging connector 84 and the output voltage of the non-contact charging unit 82, and inputs one of them to the current adjustment unit 88.

The output of the current adjustment unit 88 is connected to the battery 60. The current adjusting unit 88 adjusts and outputs the output current.

The charge detection unit 70 includes

voltage detection units

72 and 74, for example. The voltage detection unit 72 can detect the output voltage of the non-contact charging unit 82, and can output the detection result to the control unit 10. The voltage detection unit 74 detects the voltage of the charging connector 84 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 10. When the output voltage of the non-contact charging unit 82 is larger than the voltage reference value, it can be determined that the non-contact charging unit 82 is receiving power from the non-contact charger 8, and similarly, the voltage of the charging connector 84 is the voltage reference. When larger than the value, it can be determined that the charging connector 84 is receiving power from the contact charger.

The control unit 10 includes a charge control unit 15 and a notification control unit 16. The charge control unit 15 and the notification control unit 16 may be formed by execution of a program by the control unit 10, or a part or all of them may be formed by hardware.

The charging control unit 15 can determine whether the output voltages of the non-contact charging unit 82 and the charging connector 84 are each greater than a voltage reference value. And the charge control part 15 can control the selection part 86 according to the determination result. Specifically, when the voltage of the charging connector 84 is larger than the voltage reference value and the output voltage of the non-contact charging unit 82 is smaller than the voltage reference value, the charging control unit 15 controls the selection unit 86. The voltage of the charging connector 84 is input to the current adjustment unit 88. That is, in this case, the non-contact charger 8 is not used, and the voltage from the contact charger is input to the charging connector 84, so the battery 60 is charged using the voltage of the charging connector 84. It is.

On the other hand, when the voltage of the charging connector 84 is smaller than the voltage reference value and the output voltage of the non-contact charging unit 82 is larger than the voltage reference value, the charging control unit 15 controls the selection unit 86 to The output voltage of the contact charging unit 82 is input to the current adjusting unit 88. That is, in this case, the contact charger is not used, and the electronic device 1 is placed on the non-contact charger 8, so that the battery 60 is charged using the induced electromotive force of the charging coil 82a. To do.

When both the voltage of the charging connector 84 and the output voltage of the non-contact charging unit 82 are larger than the voltage reference value, the charging control unit 15 controls the selection unit 86 to use, for example, the voltage of the charging connector 84. To charge the battery 60. That is, when both the contact charger and the non-contact charger 8 are used, for example, the contact charger is preferentially adopted.

Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the charging control unit 15 that performs the non-contact charging operation will be described along a flowchart. FIG. 7 shows the flowchart. First, in step S <b> 1, the charging control unit 15 determines whether power is received from the non-contact charger 8. This determination can be performed using the charge detection unit 70, for example, based on the detection result of the voltage detection unit 72.

Here, it is assumed that the contact charger is not connected to the charging connector 84. Therefore, if a negative determination is made in step S1, step S1 is executed again. If a positive determination is made in step S1, the charging control unit 15 starts non-contact charging in step S2. . More specifically, the selector 86 is controlled to make the charging coil 82 a and the battery 60 conductive. As a result, the battery 60 is charged, and the remaining amount of charge increases.

Next, in step S3, the charge control unit 15 receives the remaining charge of the battery 60 from the remaining amount detection unit 78, and determines whether or not the remaining charge is larger than the stop reference value. As the stop reference value, for example, 99% of the maximum value of the remaining charge can be adopted. When the remaining charge is smaller than the stop reference value, step S3 is executed again.

When the remaining charge amount is larger than the stop reference value, in step S4, the charging control unit 15 controls the selection unit 86 so that the charging coil 82a and the battery 60 are not connected. Thereby, non-contact charge can be stopped once. In addition, the charging control unit 15 transmits to the non-contact charger 8 that charging is completed (charging completion signal). This transmission is performed using, for example, the proximity wireless communication unit 90. The non-contact charger 8 that has received the charge completion signal temporarily stops the output of the magnetic flux by stopping the energization to the charger side coil 8a.

The non-contact charger 8 starts energization to the charger side coil 8a every predetermined time even after the non-contact charge is stopped, and repeatedly outputs a magnetic flux. Therefore, although non-contact charging is temporarily stopped, it is repeatedly performed in response to the magnetic flux from the non-contact charger 8. That is, even after the electronic device 1 is placed on the non-contact charger 8 and the first non-contact charge is stopped, the non-contact charge is repeatedly performed every predetermined time. According to this, the charge remaining amount of the battery 60 can be maintained at a relatively high value.

<Notification control>
The notification control unit 16 controls the notification unit 40 in connection with the above-described contactless charging. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the notification control unit 16 controls the notification unit 40 in association with not only contactless charging but also movement of the electronic device 1. Therefore, hereinafter, the movement of the electronic device 1 will be described first.

<Move flag>
The movement detection unit 42 (see FIG. 3) can detect that the electronic device 1 has moved away from the non-contact charger 8, and can store the flag (movement flag) in the storage unit 103, for example. Note that the storage unit in which the movement flag is stored is not limited to the storage unit 103. In the case where another storage unit is provided, the storage unit may be used.

The movement detection unit 42 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration of the electronic device 1 (for example, acceleration components in three directions orthogonal to each other). The movement detection unit 42 detects that the electronic device 1 has moved away from the non-contact charger 8 when the change amount of the acceleration component detected by the acceleration sensor is larger than a predetermined value, and stores the movement flag in the storage unit 103. To remember.

The movement detection unit 42 stores a movement flag as long as the electronic device 1 moves. That is, for example, if the user moves with the electronic device 1, the movement flag can be stored by the movement. However, even in this case, since the electronic device 1 is separated from the non-contact charger 8, there is no problem even if the movement flag is stored. Below, the case where the movement detection part 42 has an acceleration sensor is described.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the movement detection unit 42. In step S <b> 11, the movement detection unit 42 determines whether or not the electronic device 1 is away from the non-contact charger 8. For example, it is determined whether or not the change amount of the acceleration component detected by the acceleration sensor is larger than a predetermined value. If a negative determination is made in step S11, step S11 is executed again. If a positive determination is made in step S <b> 11, the movement detection unit 42 stores the movement flag in the storage unit 103 in step S <b> 12.

Note that the process of step S12 may be performed only when the movement flag is not stored in the storage unit 103. Thereby, unnecessary overwrite operation can be omitted.

Now, before performing non-contact charging, the electronic device 1 is separated from the non-contact charger 8, and when the electronic device 1 is moved in this state, the movement flag is stored by the operation of FIG. When performing non-contact charging, the user places the electronic device 1 on the non-contact charger 8. Therefore, the first non-contact charging in which the electronic device 1 is placed on the non-contact charger 8 is performed in a state where the movement flag is stored.

The movement flag is deleted under the following conditions, for example. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the movement flag erasing operation. In step S13, it is determined whether or not contactless charging has been performed with the movement flag stored. This is performed by, for example, the charging control unit 15. That is, when performing non-contact charging (step S2 in FIG. 3), the charging control unit 15 determines whether or not a movement flag is stored. If it is determined that the movement flag is not stored, step S13 is performed again. If it is determined that the movement flag is stored, charging control unit 15 deletes the movement flag in step S14.

Therefore, the movement flag is deleted when the first contactless charging is performed. Therefore, the non-contact charge for every predetermined time after the first non-contact charge is performed in a state where the movement flag is not stored (erased).

As described above, the presence or absence of the movement flag when starting non-contact charging distinguishes whether or not the charging is the first non-contact charging by placing the electronic device 1 on the non-contact charger 8. More specifically, the non-contact charge in the state where the movement flag is stored is the first charge, and the non-contact charge in the state where the movement flag is erased is the electronic device 1 after the first charge is completed. Is the second and subsequent charging in a state where the battery is continuously placed on the non-contact charger 8.

Note that “first contactless charging” and “second and subsequent contactless charging” here refers to placing the electronic device 1 on the contactless charger 8 and then moving the electronic device 1 away from the contactless charger 8. It is intended for non-contact charging in the period up to. That is, if the electronic device 1 is lifted and once separated from the non-contact charger 8 and then placed on the non-contact charger 8 again, the “first non-contact charge” is performed again.

<Charge notification>
After the charging is stopped, when the magnetic flux is output with a lapse of a predetermined time, the notification control unit 16 stops charging and the electronic device has been placed on the non-contact charger. As one of the conditions, the notification function of the notification unit 40 can be disabled. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the notification control unit 16, and this series of operations is executed, for example, when performing non-contact charging. First, in step S21, the notification control unit 16 determines whether or not a movement flag is stored. If it determines with the movement flag being memorize | stored in step S21, the alerting | reporting control part 16 will validate the alerting | reporting function of the alerting | reporting part 40 in step S22. That is, the notification control unit 16 notifies the notification unit 40 that charging is being performed for the first contactless charging. On the other hand, when it determines with the movement flag not being memorize | stored in step S21, the alerting | reporting control part 16 invalidates the alerting | reporting function of the alerting | reporting part 40 in step S23. That is, in the second and subsequent non-contact charging, non-contact charging is performed without charging notification.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing an example of presence / absence of non-contact charging, presence / absence of notification, and state of a movement flag. In FIG. 11, the active state of the signal indicates that contactless charging is being performed, charging notification is being performed, and the movement flag is stored.

In the example of FIG. 11, the movement flag is stored in the initial stage. Then, when the user places the electronic device 1 on the non-contact charger 8, the first non-contact charge is performed at time t1 (steps S1 and S2). Since the movement flag is stored when the non-contact charging is started, charging notification is performed (steps S21 and S22). For example, the notification unit 40 performs charging notification by emitting red light. Further, the movement flag is deleted, for example, at time t1 (steps S13 and S14).

Then, when the remaining charge of the battery 60 exceeds the stop reference value, the non-contact charge stops at the time point t2 (steps S3 and S4). Accordingly, the notification control unit 16 causes the notification unit 40 to stop charging notification. In addition, in order to notify the user that the remaining charge exceeds the stop reference value (full charge), the notification unit 40 may notify that fact for a predetermined time after stopping the non-contact charge. Good. For example, light of another color (for example, green) may be emitted over a predetermined period.

When a predetermined time elapses from time t2, the non-contact charger 8 outputs the magnetic flux again at time t3, and the second non-contact charging is started (steps S1 and S2). However, since the movement flag is not stored at this time, in other words, since the electronic device 1 has been mounted on the non-contact charger 8 since the first non-contact charge, the charge is performed in the second non-contact charge. Notification is not performed (steps S21 and S23).

In the illustration of FIG. 11, the second contactless charging is stopped in a short period (steps S3 and S4). That is, in the illustration of FIG. 11, the battery 60 is not consumed so much after the first contactless charging is completed. Even after the second non-contact charging, the non-contact charger 8 repeatedly outputs a magnetic flux every predetermined time, and the non-contact charging is performed without charging notification each time.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a timing chart according to the comparative example. In this comparative example, unlike the present embodiment, the notification function is always effective regardless of the presence or absence of the movement flag. In this case, charging notification is also performed in non-contact charging after the second time (after time t3). Therefore, in the illustration of FIG. 12, after the first non-contact charge is stopped, the execution / stop of the charge notification is repeatedly switched in a relatively short period (see the portion surrounded by the broken line in FIG. 12). For example, the light emission / stop of the notification unit 40 is repeatedly switched in a short period.

As described above, when the execution / stop of the charging notification is repeated for a short time, the user may erroneously determine that the electronic device 1 or the non-contact charger 8 has failed. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, charge notification is not performed in the second and subsequent contactless charging because the movement flag is not stored. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a short-term repetition of the execution / stop of the charging notification, and thus it is possible to avoid a user's misjudgment due to this repetition.

<Enable / Disable notification function based on remaining charge>
In the above example, the notification function is disabled for the second and subsequent non-contact charging. However, there are cases where the user operates the electronic device 1 in a state where the electronic device 1 is placed on the contactless charger 8 and causes the electronic device 1 to execute an application. As such an application, for example, a hands-free call, browsing a WEB site, or viewing a moving image can be considered. As a hands-free call, for example, a call using the above-described headset can be cited, and the speaker 180 outputs a reception sound at a relatively high volume, thereby transmitting the reception sound to a user away from the electronic device 1, The voice of the user away from the electronic device 1 may be input by increasing the sensitivity of the microphone 150. This also enables a hands-free call.

When the application is executed by the user in this way, the charge of the battery 60 is consumed according to the application, and the remaining charge is reduced. Usually, the user recognizes that the remaining amount of charge is reduced by executing the application, so if the user is not notified of the charge, he / she erroneously determines that the electronic device 1 or the non-contact charger 8 is out of order. Can be invited.

Therefore, when the remaining charge of the battery 60 is reduced by executing the application, the notification function may be enabled. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the notification control unit 16. This series of operations is also executed when, for example, contactless charging is performed. The notification control unit 16 further executes step S24 as compared with the operation of FIG. Step S24 is executed when a negative determination is made in step S21. In step S24, the notification control unit 16 determines whether or not the remaining charge of the battery 60 is larger than the notification reference value. The remaining charge amount is detected by the remaining amount detection unit 78. The notification reference value is smaller than the stop reference value (a reference value serving as a condition for stopping non-contact charging), and for example, a value that is 95% of the stop reference value can be adopted.

If it is determined in step S24 that the remaining charge is larger than the notification reference value, the notification control unit 16 disables the notification function in step S23. On the other hand, when it is determined that the remaining charge is smaller than the notification reference value, the notification control unit 16 enables the notification function in step S22.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a timing chart according to the notification control of FIG. In FIG. 14, the transition of the remaining charge of the battery 60 is also schematically shown. Also in the illustration of FIG. 14, in the first non-contact charge, since the movement flag is stored, the charge notification is performed (steps S21 and S22). This movement flag is erased when the first contactless charging is executed.

In the illustration of FIG. 14, since the remaining charge is larger than the notification reference value at time t3, the second contactless charging is performed without charging notification (steps S24 and S23).

At time t4 after the second non-contact charging is stopped, the non-contact charger 8 outputs the magnetic flux again. At this time t4, since the remaining charge is smaller than the notification reference value, charging notification is performed in the third non-contact charging. Further, in the illustration of FIG. 14, in the fourth contactless charging, the charge remaining notification is not performed because the remaining charge amount is larger than the notification reference value.

As described above, when the remaining charge is smaller than the notification reference value, the charging notification is performed even in the second and subsequent non-contact charging. Therefore, for example, when the user causes the electronic device 1 to execute an application in the mounted state and the remaining charge becomes smaller than the notification reference value, the charging notification is performed even in the second and subsequent non-contact charging. . Therefore, it is possible to suppress an erroneous determination that the electronic device 1 or the non-contact charger 8 has failed without being charged.

This notification control is particularly desirable when the interval of the magnetic flux output by the non-contact charger 8 (the period between the time points t3 and t4) is long (for example, several tens of minutes). This is because the longer the period interval, the greater the amount of charge consumed by the battery 60.

In the example of FIG. 13, step S24 is executed after step S21, but the execution order thereof is arbitrary. In short, the notification function may be controlled under the following conditions. That is, after the first contactless charging is stopped, the electronic device 1 is continuously placed on the contactless charger 8 (that is, the movement flag is not stored), and the remaining charge is the notification reference value. When it is larger than, the notification function is disabled. In addition, when the electronic device 1 is once placed after being separated from the non-contact charger 8 (that is, when the movement flag is stored), or when the remaining charge is smaller than the notification reference value You can enable the function.

<Presence / absence of non-contact charging after the second>
In the above example, contactless charging is performed even when the notification function is disabled. Thereby, the charge remaining amount of the battery 60 can be maintained at a higher value.

However, when disabling the notification function, non-contact charging may not be performed. That is, even after the first contactless charging is stopped, the subsequent contactless charging may not be performed when the electronic device 1 continues to be placed on the contactless charger 8. This is also because the execution / stop of the charging notification can be prevented from being repeatedly switched in a short period.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the charging control unit 15. The charging control unit 15 further executes step S5 as compared with the operation of FIG. Step S5 is executed when a positive determination is made in step S1. In step S5, the charging control unit 15 determines whether or not a movement flag is stored. For this determination, the determination result of step S21 can be used. If a negative determination is made in step S5, step S1 is executed again. If a positive determination is made in step S5, step S2 is executed.

According to this, since the contactless charging is not performed when the movement flag is not stored, the number of times of charging can be reduced. As the number of times of charging increases, the life of the battery 60 is reduced. Therefore, according to the charging control of FIG. 15, the life of the battery 60 can be extended.

Note that the execution order of steps S1 and S5 may be reversed. Since this point is the same as the execution order of steps S21 and S24, repeated description is avoided.

<Move flag>
Referring to FIG. 16, when the user lifts electronic device 1 from contactless charger 8, electronic device 1 is in a direction DR1 perpendicular to its main surface (a direction along the central axis of charging coil 82a) DR1. Moved. That is, the movement of the electronic device 1 includes a movement component along the direction DR1. In other words, the movement only in the direction DR2 perpendicular to the direction DR1 does not mean that the user is lifting the electronic device 1, but the position of the electronic device 1 is slightly shifted on the contactless charger 8. It is thought that it shows. In this case, the electronic device 1 continues to be placed on the non-contact charger 8, and non-contact charging is repeatedly performed.

Therefore, the movement detection unit 42 stores a movement flag when the acceleration sensor detects a change in the acceleration component in the direction DR1, and stores a movement flag when the acceleration sensor detects a change in the acceleration component only in the direction DR2. It does not have to be. More specifically, the movement flag is stored when the change amount of the acceleration component in the direction DR1 is larger than a predetermined value, and the movement flag is stored when the change amount of only the acceleration component in the direction DR2 is larger than the predetermined value. You don't have to.

Thus, it is possible to detect with high accuracy that the user has moved away from the non-contact charger 8 with the electronic device 1 and store the movement flag. In other words, although the electronic device 1 is displaced along the direction DR2, it is possible to avoid erroneously storing the movement flag when the electronic device 1 is placed on the non-contact charger 8.

Further, when the electronic device 1 is separated from the non-contact charger 8, the magnetic flux from the non-contact charger 8 does not interlink with the charging coil 82a, so that no induced electromotive force is generated. Therefore, the fact that the induced electromotive force is reduced may be added to the condition for storing the movement flag. Specifically, the movement flag may be stored when the acceleration sensor detects a change in the acceleration of the electronic device 1 and the induced electromotive force detected by the voltage detection unit 72 is smaller than the movement reference value. . Thereby, especially during non-contact charging, it can be detected with higher accuracy that the electronic device 1 has moved away from the non-contact charger 8, and the movement flag can be stored.

Also, both of the above conditions may be adopted. That is, the movement flag may be stored when a change in the acceleration component along the direction DR1 is detected and the induced electromotive force is smaller than the reference value.

<Enable / Disable notification function based on application execution>
In the example of FIG. 10 or FIG. 13, the electronic device 1 continues to be placed on the non-contact charger 8 (the movement flag is not stored) (step S21), or further, the remaining charge is notified. On the condition that it is larger than the reference value (step S24), the notification function is disabled (step S23). Here, the presence or absence of execution of an application (for example, a call, browsing of a website, browsing of a moving image, etc.) by the user is added as a condition.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conceptual configuration of the control unit 10. The control unit 10 includes an application control unit 17, and the application control unit 17 can execute an application by appropriately controlling each unit of the electronic device 1. For example, the user selects an application to be executed via the operation unit (touch panel 30 or operation key 50). The application control unit 17 executes the application selected via the operation unit by reading and executing the corresponding program from the application program stored in the storage unit 103, for example.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the notification control unit 16. This series of operations is also performed, for example, when non-contact charging is performed. The notification control unit 16 further executes step S25 as compared with the operation of FIG. Step S25 is executed, for example, when a negative determination is made in step S24. In step S25, the notification control unit 16 determines whether or not an application by a user operation has been executed in a period from the end of the previous contactless charging to the current time.

This determination is performed using, for example, an execution flag described below. For example, when the application control unit 17 is executing an application, the execution flag is stored in the storage unit (for example, the storage unit 103). Further, the execution flag is deleted when the charging control unit 15 stops the non-contact charging. According to this, when an application is executed after non-contact charging, an execution flag is stored. Therefore, it can be determined whether or not the application has been executed during the period from the end of the previous contactless charging to the current time, depending on whether or not the execution flag is recorded.

If a positive determination is made in step S25, the notification control unit 16 enables the notification function of the notification unit 40 in step S22. If a negative determination is made in step S25, the notification control unit 16 disables the notification function of the notification unit 40.

According to such notification control, even if the second and subsequent contactless charging is performed, the charging notification is performed when the application is executed after the previous contactless charging. Therefore, it is possible to suppress erroneous determination that the non-contact charging is not performed even though the charge of the battery 60 is consumed.

In the example of FIG. 18, step S24 is executed, but step S24 is not necessarily required. Further, the execution order of steps S21, S24, and S25 is arbitrary. Since this point is the same as steps S21 and S24 described with reference to FIG. 13, repeated description is avoided.

In the above example, the movement detection unit 42 has an acceleration sensor. Accordingly, the movement detection unit 42 sends a signal to the non-contact charger 8 via the proximity wireless communication unit 90, for example, and detects that the electronic device 1 has left the non-contact charger 8 when there is no response. Then, the movement flag may be stored.

In the above example, the case where the present embodiment is applied to a mobile phone has been described as an example. However, the present embodiment includes a charging function for performing contactless charging and a notification function for performing charging notification. The present invention can be applied to any electronic device having the above. In addition to a mobile phone such as a smartphone, this embodiment can be applied to, for example, a tablet terminal, a wristwatch, glasses, headphones, a wig, a belt, a portable recorder, a portable player, and the like.

As described above, the electronic apparatus 1 has been described in detail, but the above description is an example in all aspects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Further, the various embodiments and modifications described above can be applied in combination as long as they do not contradict each other. And it is understood that the countless modification which is not illustrated can be assumed without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic device 8 Non-contact charger 15 Charge control part 16 Notification control part 40 Notification part 42 Movement detection part 60 Battery 78 Remaining quantity detection part 82a Coil for charging

Claims

An electronic device that is placed on a non-contact charger that outputs a magnetic flux for charging every predetermined time after charging is stopped, and is charged by receiving the magnetic flux,
A charging coil for generating an induced electromotive force by interlinking the magnetic flux;
A battery charged using the induced electromotive force;
A battery level detection unit for detecting the battery level;
A charge controller that stops charging when the remaining battery level is greater than a stop reference value;
A notification unit having a notification function to notify the outside that the charging is performed;
A movement detecting unit for detecting that the electronic device is separated from the contactless charger;
After the charging is stopped, when the magnetic flux is output with the elapse of the predetermined time, the electronic device continues to be placed on the non-contact charger after the charging is stopped. And an information control unit that disables the information function.
The electronic device according to claim 1,
The notification control unit
When the electronic device continues to be placed on the non-contact charger after stopping the charging, and the remaining battery level is larger than a notification reference value, the notification function is disabled,
An electronic device that activates the notification function when the electronic device once leaves the non-contact charger after the charging is stopped or when the remaining battery level is smaller than the notification reference value.
The electronic device according to claim 1,
The charging control unit is an electronic device that performs the charging even when the notification function is disabled.
The electronic device according to claim 1,
The charging control unit is an electronic device that does not perform the charging when the notification function is invalid.
The electronic device according to claim 1,
The movement detection unit includes an acceleration sensor, and detects when the electronic device is separated from the non-contact charger when a change amount of an acceleration component detected by the acceleration sensor is larger than a predetermined value. machine.
The electronic device according to claim 5,
The movement detection unit detects that the electronic device has moved away from the contactless charger when detecting a change in acceleration component in a direction along the central axis of the charging coil, and is perpendicular to the central axis. An electronic device that does not detect that the electronic device is separated from the non-contact charger when a change in only an acceleration component is detected.
The electronic device according to claim 5,
A voltage detection unit for detecting the induced electromotive force;
The movement detector is configured so that when the change amount of the acceleration component detected by the acceleration sensor is larger than a predetermined value and the magnitude of the induced electromotive force is smaller than a movement reference value, the electronic device is An electronic device that detects when it is away from a contact charger.
The electronic device according to claim 1,
An operation unit for accepting a user's operation;
An application control unit that executes an application selected via the operation unit,
The notification control unit is an electronic device that enables the notification function when the application control unit executes the application after stopping the charging.
It is an electronic device that is placed on a non-contact charger that outputs a magnetic flux for charging every predetermined time after charging is stopped, and is charged by receiving the magnetic flux,
A charging coil for generating an induced electromotive force by interlinking the magnetic flux;
A battery charged using the induced electromotive force;
A battery level detection unit for detecting the battery level;
A notification unit having a notification function to notify the outside that the charging is performed;
A charge notification method in an electronic device comprising a movement detection unit that detects that the electronic device is separated from the non-contact charger,
Stop charging when the remaining battery level is greater than the stop reference value,
After the charging is stopped, when the magnetic flux is output with the elapse of the predetermined time, the electronic device continues to be placed on the non-contact charger after the charging is stopped. The charging notification method in the electronic device, wherein the notification function is invalidated as one of the conditions.