DE112012005703T5 - Charger, charger, electronic device and charge control method - Google Patents

Abstract

A charging device (10) is a device for charging a secondary cell in an electronic device and has a detection means (12), a time measuring means (13), a voltage detection means (12) and a control means (14). The detection means (12) detects whether an electrical connection has been established with the electronic device. Based on the detection by the detection means (12), the time measuring means (13) measures a certain time during which a maintenance charge is carried out. The voltage detection means (12) detects the voltage of the secondary cell (25). The control means (14) determines on the basis of the voltage which is detected by the voltage detection means (12) at a point in time at which the specific time measured by the time measuring means (13) has elapsed whether rapid charging should be carried out or not.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a technique for performing a charging of a secondary cell in an electronic device.

GENERAL PRIOR ART

Electronic devices with secondary cells, such as wireless microphones or cell phones, etc. are generally charged at high speed when installed on a charger.

6 shows an example of the change of a cell voltage in relation to the charging time when fast charging a secondary cell. For example, in fast charging of nickel-metal hydride cells or nickel-cadmium cells and so on, as shown in the figure, the voltage during rapid charging increases to describe a particular curve (cell voltage curve in the figure) until the cell is fully charged (peak value). Subsequently, the charging current is converted into heat and the cell heats up as the voltage begins to drop. A method is known wherein, by detecting this dropout voltage (-ΔV), it is judged that a full charge has occurred, whereupon the fast charge ends.

However, if charged wireless devices are used for only a few minutes and then re-installed on the charger, rapid recharging is again performed until the fully charged state (peak) is reached, even though there is still sufficient charge in the secondary cell.

When such a complete state of charge (peak) repeatedly takes place, there arises the problem that the life of the secondary cell is shortened.

To remedy this problem, various charging control methods have been proposed. For example, a method of charge control is known wherein, after completion of the rapid charging by means of a timer, the elapsed time since completion of the last rapid charge time is measured, so that there is a trickle charge mode for a certain time even with repeated removal and insertion of the wireless device (see, for example Japanese Patent 3707826 and Japanese Patent 2689564 ). In addition, a charge control method is known wherein the temperature of the secondary cell is detected while simultaneously measuring the time elapsed since the completion of the rapid charging of the secondary cell and when the temperature detected when inserting the secondary cell into a charger exceeds a certain one Value is and the elapsed time is below a certain value, the fast charging is prohibited (for example Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication 7-312231 ).

DOCUMENTS OF THE STATE OF THE ART

Patent Documents

• Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application 3707826
• Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application 2689564
• Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication Hei 7-312231

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Object of the present invention

However, in the prior art charging control method, since the time since completion of the last rapid charge is measured with a timer and the fast charge is prohibited for a certain time, for example, when a wireless device is used for a few minutes after the quick charge of the apparatus and re-installed on the charger, recharging is performed again when the specified time has elapsed, even though there is enough charge.

In addition, wireless devices are often used only for a short time, so that it is possible that after repeated insertion and removal not enough charge is available, but still no rapid charging of the device takes place, because the time has not yet expired, so that the problem is that the cell is emptied during use.

Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to perform a quick charge according to need while throttling the frequency of fully charging the secondary cell.

Means of solving the task

According to one aspect of the invention, a charging device for charging a secondary cell in an electronic device comprises: a detection means that detects that an electrical connection has been established with the electronic device, a time-measuring device that is based on the detection measures, by the detection means, a certain time during which trickle charging is performed, a voltage detecting means that detects the voltage of the secondary cell, and a control means based on the voltage passed by the voltage detecting means at a time when the certain time measured by the time measuring means elapses is detected, determines whether a quick charge should be performed or not.

Effect of the invention

With the present invention, it is possible to perform rapid charging as needed while throttling the frequency of fully charging the secondary cell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 shows a schematic block diagram of a charger according to a first embodiment;

2 shows the first half of a flow chart illustrating the operation of a charging device;

3 shows the second half of the flowchart illustrating the operation of the charging device;

4 shows an application example of the charger;

5 FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a charging apparatus according to another embodiment; FIG. and

6 shows a graph illustrating the change of the charging voltage by a fast charging.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

<First Embodiment>

<1.1 charger 1 >

1 schematically shows the arrangement of a charger 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The charger 1 has a main circuit 30 into which power is supplied from a mains AC power source, and a charging device 10 on that the amount of current from the main circuit 30 to a charging port 23 controls. The main circuit 30 leads to the charging port 23 via the charging control by the charging device 10 an achievement too. With the charging port 23 is a secondary cell 25 connected, which is charged. There is also the charging port 23 the loader 10 via a voltage divider circuit 24 a voltage value. The loading device 10 Controls the amount of current from the main circuit according to the entered voltage value 30 and performs charging to the charging port 23 connected secondary cell 25 by.

At the secondary cell 25 it is a Akkummulatorzelle such as a nickel-metal hydride secondary cell or a nickel-cadmium cell, which is suitable for rapid charging. The secondary cell 25 is integrated or detachably installed in a wireless device such as a wireless microphone or a cellular phone, etc. When the wireless device is installed on the charger, the charging port becomes 23 and the secondary cell 25 interconnected and enter a chargeable state.

<1.2 Arrangement of the charging device 10 >

As in 1 shown points the loader 10 According to the present embodiment, a voltage detecting part 12 (an example of the detection means or voltage detection means), a timer 13 (an example of the time measuring means), a charge control part 14 (an example of the control means), a trickle charge part 15 , a fast charging part 16 and a charge switching part 17 on.

The voltage detection part 12 detected by the voltage divider circuit 24 fed voltage, which has been digitized via A / D conversion or the like. The timer 13 measures the times of sustain charging and quick charging and the like described below. The charging control part 14 controls according to the voltage sensing part 12 detected voltage as well as the timer 13 measured time charging at the charging port 23 , The individual functions of the voltage detection part 12 , the timer 13 and the charge control part 14 are achieved by a processor P reading in and executing a program stored in a memory M (an example of a storage means), etc. The processor may be implemented as a digital circuit such as DSP, FPGA, or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc.

The trickle charge part 15 leads over the charging port 23 a maintenance charge of the secondary cell 25 by. The fast charging part 16 leads over the charging port 23 a quick charge of the secondary cell 25 by. The charge switching part 17 switches according to an instruction from the charge control part 14 between the Conservation charger 15 and the fast charging part 16 around. The charge switching part 17 is in an initial state after attaching a microphone to the trickle charge part 15 connected.

The trickle charge part 15 , Fast charging part 16 and the charge switching part 17 serve as a charge control part 19 , The trickle charge part 15 , the fast charging part 16 and the charge switching part 17 can each be designed as a circuit, but are not limited thereto. As charge control part 19 Any circuit structure is possible as long as the function is executed according to an instruction from the charge control part 14 Switches between a trickle charge and a fast charge dadruch to the amount of electricity to the charging port 23 to change.

Fast charging is an operation whereby the secondary cell 25 a high current is supplied and charged in a short time, wherein the charging with respect to a rated discharge current value It takes place, for example, about 1/2 It or more. A trickle charge is a charging, whereby an extremely weak current is continuously supplied, the charge occurring, for example, at about 1/30 to 1/20 It.

<1.3 Operation of the charging device 10 >

2 and 3 each show a flowchart showing a control by a loading device 10 illustrated in accordance with the present embodiment. In this flowchart, the description is made using a wireless microphone as a wireless device.

Step S101: By the voltage detection part 12 When a specific voltage is detected, it is judged if there is a wireless microphone on the charger 1 was attached. Specifically, the secondary cell occur 25 of the wireless microphone and the charging port 23 of the charger 1 in a connected state when the wireless microphone on the charger 1 is attached. This will apply the specified voltage to the charging port 23 applied, and via the voltage divider circuit 24 from the voltage detection part 12 detected. If a certain voltage is detected in this way, the operation proceeds to step S102.

If the voltage detected in the present step is unusual, that is, if it is a voltage that deviates from a certain voltage that has been previously determined as a voltage when mounting a microphone, this may be treated as an error and the processing aborted. The reason for this is that there is a possibility that the connected secondary cell is not a charging target type.

Step S102: When the voltage detection part 12 In step S101, if the mounting of a microphone has been detected, it is judged whether the detected voltage is below a third voltage value (for example, 1.5 V) described below. If it is lower than the third voltage value, the flow advances to step S103, and if it is equal to or greater than the third voltage value, the flow advances to step S112.

In the prior art, trickle charging is performed when an initial voltage of the secondary cell when installed on the charger is less than 1.1 V, for example, while a fast charge is performed when it is at or above 1.1 V. The reason for this is that with a cell having an initial voltage of less than 1.1V, the materials inside the cell are in an inactive state, and if such an inactive secondary cell is rapidly charged, there is a danger of damaging the secondary cell and damaging the secondary cell Shorten cell life. However, in the present embodiment, regardless of whether the initial voltage of the secondary cell is greater than or equal to 1.1 V or less than 1.1 V, rapid charging is not performed, and in the next step S103, trickle charging is performed.

Step S103: The charge control part 14 gives an instruction to the charge switching part 17 and select the trickle charge part 15 out. This will cause a trickle charging of the charging port 23 carried out. The charge switching part 17 is in an initialization state after a microphone attachment to the trickle charge part 15 connected.

The sustain charge is a pre-charge sustain charge (hereafter referred to as a pre-charge charge) that is performed, for example, for about 5 minutes, with the time being from the timer 13 is measured. This preprocessing charge time is set such that, for example, taking into account the activation of cell or the frequency with which a user installs or removes the wireless device from the charger, rapid charging is not performed immediately. That is, it sometimes happens that it is less than or more than 5 minutes. In many cases, a preparation maintenance charging time of 3 minutes or more is desirable.

• (1) Wenn eine vollständig entladene Zelle (also eine Zelle unter der Entladeschlussspannung) eingesetzt wird, kann durch die Zeit der Vorbereitungserhaltungsaufladung eine Aktivierung der Materialien im Inneren der Zelle stattfinden.
• (2) Im Falle einer Zelle mit verschlechterter Leistung kann durch die Zeit der Vorbereitungserhaltungsaufladung der interne Widerstand gesenkt und eine Stabilisierung erreicht werden.
• (3) Es kann eine Belastung der Zelle durch die Schnellaufladung aufgrund der Zellen-Temperatur verhindert werden. Im Fall von Zellen beispielsweise, bei denen unmittelbar nach der Schnellaufladung eine hohe Temperatur vorliegt (beispielsweise etwa 60°C oder mehr), kann durch die Vorbereitungserhaltungsaufladung eine Abkühlung erreicht werden. Durch die Vorbereitungserhaltungsaufladung geschieht zudem nicht, dass die Zellentemperatur so weit ansteigt, dass die Zelle sich nicht mehr für eine Schnellaufladung eignet.
• (4) Wenn die Zelle im vollständig aufgeladenen Zustand in kurzer Zeit wiederholt eingesetzt oder entfernt wird, kann eine nicht benötigte Schnellaufladung vermieden werden.

With such a preparation-sustaining charging time, in comparison with the conventional charging control method for secondary cells in all possible states, the load reduced by a quick charge and the cell life can be extended. Specifically, the following effects result.

• (1) When a completely discharged cell (that is, a cell below the discharge end voltage) is used, activation of the materials inside the cell may take place by the time of preparation maintenance charging.
• (2) In the case of a deteriorated power cell, the time of the pre-charge sustaining can lower the internal resistance and stabilize.
• (3) Charging of the cell by the rapid charging due to the cell temperature can be prevented. For example, in the case of cells having a high temperature immediately after the rapid charging (for example, about 60 ° C or more), cooling may be achieved by the pre-charge charging. In addition, pre-charge maintenance does not cause the cell temperature to rise to the point where the cell is no longer suitable for fast charging.
• (4) When the cell is repeatedly inserted or removed in the fully charged state in a short time, unnecessary rapid charging can be avoided.

Completely recharging a fully discharged cell takes about 2 hours, so applying a 5 minute priming charge is not a particular disadvantage to the user in terms of ensuring cell life.

Step S104: The voltage detection part 12 detects whether there has been a removal of the wireless microphone during the preparation maintenance boot started in step S103. Specifically, the secondary cell occur 25 of the wireless microphone and the charging port 23 of the charger 1 in a non-connected state when the wireless microphone from the charger 1 is removed, leaving the voltage at the charging port 23 is present, for example, substantially 0 is. This voltage drop is via the voltage divider circuit 24 from the voltage detection part 12 detected. If no such voltage drop is detected, the operation proceeds to step S105, and when a voltage drop is detected, the processing ends.

Step S105: When the timer 13 detects that about 5 minutes have elapsed since the start of the pre-charge maintenance, the charge control section detects 14 over the voltage sensing part 12 the voltage at the charging port 23 , The charge control part 14 judges the voltage from the voltage detecting part 12 , When the detected voltage is below a first voltage value (for example, 1.0 V), there is a possibility of an abnormal state such as a short circuit of the secondary cell, or a secondary cell that is not a charging target has been attached, so proceeding to step S106 and Error processing is performed. If the detected voltage is greater than or equal to the first voltage value and below the third voltage value that is not fully charged (eg, 1.5 V), then step S107 is continued. If the sensed voltage is greater than or equal to the third voltage value, then step S112 (FIG. 3 ). If the detected voltage is too high (for example, 1.6 V or more), there is a possibility that the connected secondary cell is not a charging target type, so the process proceeds to step S106 and error processing is performed.

Step S106: If the voltage detected in step S105 is below the first voltage value, an error is displayed and the charging is canceled. The error indicator can be lit by a LED lamp attached to the charger 1 is provided, an alarm by a certain sound output means or by an LCD-based display means.

Step S107: It is judged, if the voltage detected in step S105 is equal to or greater than the first voltage value and the third voltage value, further, whether the detected voltage is greater than or equal to a second voltage value (for example, 1.4 V) is below the third voltage value. If the detected voltage is greater than or equal to the second voltage value, step S108 (FIG. 3 ). If the detected voltage is below the second voltage value, step S111 (FIG. 3 ).

Step S108: When the voltage detected in Step S107 is equal to or greater than the second voltage value, the charge control part leaves 14 the charge switching part 17 remain unchanged, selects the trickle charge part 15 then leads a trickle charging at the charging port 23 by. For example, the trickle charge is performed for about 55 minutes, with the time being from the timer 13 is measured.

That the detected voltage is greater than or equal to the second voltage value, says that the secondary cell 25 Although not fully charged, it does not require a quick charge. Thus, in the following, a trickle charging of such a secondary cell 25 is carried out, can be a burden of Cell can be safely reduced by frequent occurrence of the fully charged state.

Step S109: The voltage detection part 12 detects whether removal of the wireless microphone has occurred during the trickle charge of step S108. Specifically, the secondary cell occur 25 of the wireless microphone and the charging port 23 of the charger 1 in a non-connected state when the wireless microphone from the charger 1 is removed, leaving the voltage at the charging port 23 is present, for example, substantially 0 is. This voltage drop is via the voltage divider circuit 24 from the voltage detection part 12 detected. If no such voltage drop is detected, the operation proceeds to step S110, and when a voltage drop is detected, the processing ends.

Step S110: When the timer 13 recorded that since the start of the maintenance charge about 55 minutes have passed, recorded the Aufladungssteuerteil 14 over the voltage sensing part 12 the voltage at the charging port 23 , The charge control part 14 judges the voltage from the voltage detecting part 12 , When the detected voltage is lower than the third voltage value (for example, 1.5 V), the operation proceeds to step S111. If the detected voltage is greater than or equal to the third voltage value, the operation proceeds to step S112.

Step S111: The charge control part 14 gives an instruction to the charge switching part 17 and select the fast charging part 16 off, and at the charging port 23 a quick charge is performed.

In addition, the voltage detection part 12 as well as in step S109, whether the wireless microphone has been removed during rapid charging. In this case, if removal of the microphone is detected, it becomes the trickle charge part 15 switched over and processing is terminated.

Step S112: By the charge control part 14 judged by the detection of -ΔV, etc., that the secondary cell 25 is fully charged, it issues an instruction to the charge switching part 17 , selects the trickle charge part 15 stops, stops the fast charging and initiates a state of replacing charging. The end of the quick charge can be achieved by lighting a LED lamp on the charger 1 is provided, an alarm by a particular sound output means or by an LCD-based display means are displayed.

If in this processing, the processing during the time measurement by the timer 13 ends, counting the timer 13 reset.

The order and timing of the processing is not limited to the above. For example, in the processing from step S101 to step S110, after detecting the attachment of a wireless device for a certain time, maintenance charging may be performed, and after the lapse of this certain time, the voltage may be detected and it may be determined whether fast charging is being performed or not.

<1.4 Example of use of the charger 1 >

4 (a) . 4 (b) and 4 (c) each show a usage example of the charger 1 , The charger 1 is in a frame body 2 provided in which a wireless device such as a wireless microphone, etc. is installed. The frame body 2 has insertion openings 3 for multiple wireless devices. According to the number of insert openings 3 can use multiple chargers 1 be provided. The shapes of the frame body 2 and the insertion opening 3 are adapted to the shape of the wireless device.

The wireless device gets into one of the insertion holes 3 used and arranged such that the secondary cell 25 of the wireless device and the charging port 23 of the charger 1 be connected to each other.

<1.5 Features of the First Embodiment>

In the first embodiment, the charge control part determines 14 the loader 10 after performing a certain time preparation charge charging from the voltage detected by the voltage detection part 12 is detected whether a quick charge should be performed or not. In this way it can be ensured that the wireless device is not subjected to rapid charging more often than necessary, the load on the secondary cell 25 reduced and overcharging is prevented. As a result, the cycle life of the secondary cell 25 that is used in the wireless device can be extended.

Especially with wireless devices such as wireless microphones, in one form of use, with frequent installation on the charging device 10 and removal of this takes place within a short time, repeated rapid charging is extremely harmful. Namely, during the peak charging in the rapid charging, the capacity of the cell exceeds 100%, so that at the time when the above-mentioned voltage drop (-ΔV) is detected, the charging current is not as electrical energy but as heat energy is present. If the cell is frequently put into such a state, the load on the cell is high, which shortens its life. At the loading device 10 In the embodiment described above, it is possible to control the frequency of rapid charging of the secondary cell 25 to throttle, so that the life of the secondary cell 25 can be increased while maintaining the usability as a wireless device.

In addition, in the first embodiment, when the voltage detecting part 12 detected voltage at greater than or equal to the first voltage value, which is higher than 0 V, and is below the third voltage value, judges the Aufladungssteuerteil 14 whether it is greater than or equal to the second voltage value which is higher than the first voltage value, and if this voltage is greater than or equal to the second voltage value, maintenance charging is continued for a certain time. Therefore, the frequency of fully charging the secondary cell by rapid charging can be further restricted.

Further, in the first embodiment, the one on the charger measures 10 provided timers 13 the maintenance charging time and the fast charging time, the processing ends when the charging port 23 of the wireless device enters the disconnected state and the measured time is reset. Since the present embodiment is practicable only by constructively changing the charging device, it is not necessary to provide a timer on the wireless device, and since it is not necessary to measure and store the time after fast charging, there is a corresponding design change of the wireless Device not required. Therefore, a single charger 1 shared across multiple wireless devices, which conserves memory resources and simplifies design.

Moreover, in the first embodiment, it is not necessary to obtain temperature information of the cell to judge whether to perform quick charging. Therefore, no temperature sensing means of the cell, such as thermistors, etc., need to be arranged.

<2 Other Embodiments>

The concrete embodiment of the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but may be changed or modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, for example, the same or a better effect can be achieved with the embodiments described below than in the first embodiment.

<2.1>

If at the charging device 10 according to the first embodiment, which in step S105 according to 2 is detected at greater than or equal to the first voltage value (for example 1.0 V) and below the third voltage value (for example greater than or equal to 1.5 V), it is further judged in step S107 whether the detected voltage is greater than or equal to the second Voltage value (for example, 1.4 V) is located. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the voltage detected at step S105 is greater than / equal to the first voltage value and below the third voltage value, the judgment from step S107 may be omitted, and the trickle charging from step S108 may be performed 3 be performed. In this case, the time of the trickle charge of step S108 may be shorter than the time of the first embodiment (for example, 55 minutes).

<2.2>

Step S108 to step S110 3 according to the first embodiment can also be repeated with a certain frequency. That is, the charge control part 14 counts the number of times a negative decision is made to perform a quick charge, and performs a fast charge if the decision is negative, at least at a certain frequency. This happens, for example, as follows.

5 shows an alternative processing to that from step S108 to step S110 3 ,

Step S208: When the voltage detected at Step S107 is equal to or greater than the second voltage value, the charge control part leaves 14 the charge switching part 17 remain unchanged, selects the trickle charge part 15 then leads a trickle charging at the charging port 23 by. For example, the trickle charge is performed for about 20 minutes, with the time being from the timer 13 is measured.

Step S209: The voltage detection part 12 detects whether removal of the wireless microphone has taken place during the sustain charge from step S208. Specifically, the secondary cell occur 25 of the wireless microphone and the charging port 23 the loader 1 in a disconnected condition when the wireless microphone from the charger 1 is removed, leaving the voltage at the charging port 23 is present, for example in Becomes essentially 0. This voltage drop is via the voltage divider circuit 24 from the voltage detection part 12 detected. If no such voltage drop is detected, the operation proceeds to step S210, and when a voltage drop is detected, the processing ends.

Step S210: When the timer 13 recorded that since the start of the maintenance charge about 20 minutes have passed, recorded the Aufladungssteuerteil 14 over the voltage sensing part 12 the voltage at the charging port 23 , The charge control part 14 judges the voltage from the voltage detecting part 12 , When the detected voltage is below the third voltage value (for example, 1.5V), the operation proceeds to step S211. If the sensed voltage is greater than or equal to the third voltage value, then step S112 (FIG. 3 ).

Step S211: The charge control part 14 judges whether the processing from step S208 to step S210 has been repeated at a certain frequency (for example, 3 times). If it has not been repeated with the certain frequency, it returns to step S208, and if it has been repeated at the predetermined frequency, step S111 (step S111) is repeated. 3 ) and performed a quick charge.

In addition, the time of sustain charging may be fixed or shortened with each repetition of processing.

<2.3>

In the first embodiment, in step S101, it turns off 2 the wireless microphone is attached, in step S103, a preparation preservation charging is performed with a certain time, and a voltage is detected in step S105. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, during the time of preparation maintenance charging, a voltage may be detected after a certain time at step S103, and when the third voltage value is reached or exceeded, step S112 may be proceeded to, and when the first voltage value is reached or exceeded, at step S107,

<2.4>

In the first embodiment, when the voltage is detected in step S105, an error indication is given when the voltage is lower than the first voltage value. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, if the sensed voltage is less than 1.1V, maintenance charging may be continued for about 15 minutes, and then the judgment processing may be started again in step S105.

By performing a further trickle charge in this manner, a cell which has not been sufficiently activated during the pre-charge maintenance can be activated.

<2.5>

In the first embodiment is on the loading device 10 the processor P for each charger 1 intended. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is possible for a single processor P to have several chargers at one time 1 controls.

<2.6>

The first voltage value, the second voltage value and the third voltage value of step S105 and step S107 and so on 2 are not limited to the voltage values listed in the first embodiment. Also, respective voltage values corresponding to the device to be charged or the cell to be charged, etc., may be set in advance.

Also, the time of the sustain charging is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be set in advance according to the device to be charged or the cell to be charged, and so on.

<2.7>

In the first embodiment, a wireless microphone was cited as an example of a wireless device. However, they may also be other transmitting devices, receivers (including headphones, etc.). These may also be mobile devices such as mobile phones, etc.

<2.8>

In the first embodiment, as a secondary cell 25 For example, a nickel-metal hydride secondary cell or a nickel-cadmium cell is exemplified. However, a lithium secondary cell or a lithium ion cell may be used.

<2.9>

In the first embodiment, the voltage from the charging port 23 via the voltage divider circuit 24 to the loader 10 transfer. However, the voltage divider circuit may not be necessary depending on the voltage value of the cell to be charged.

<2:10>

In the first embodiment, when the secondary cell 25 and the charging port 23 in a non-connected state (or in a state in which no power can be transmitted), the voltage at the charging port 23 essentially 0. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Depending on the structure of the circuit of the charging device 10 For example, the voltage may also increase, and by detecting this voltage rise, it may also be detected that the secondary cell 25 and the charging port 23 in an unconnected state (or a state in which no power can be transmitted) are located.

<2:11>

The loading device 10 does not have the charge control part 19 and may also be a device that controls the charge 14 and an element for performing its function. In this case, the charging device may also be provided on the wireless device. For example, from the components 1 all components except the main circuit 30 also be provided on the wireless device. In this case, the charging device need not always be provided on the wireless device, but it may also be provided on other electronic devices.

<2:12>

In the first embodiment, the secondary cell becomes 25 by contacting with the charging port 23 charged. However, it is also possible to transmit the power without the interposition of metal contact points or connectors, etc. In the event, for example, that the charging device 10 is provided on the wireless device, the charge can also be performed by a power transmission by electromagnetic induction, radio waves, electromagnetic resonance, etc., via the Ladeendabschnitt, which performs the charging, wherein the power transmission takes place without a contact point or contactless.

As described above, it is sufficient if the secondary cell and the charging end portion can be electrically connected, regardless of whether this is contact or non-contact.

<2:13>

In the first embodiment, the loading device 10 and the charger 1 for a wireless device. However, the invention may also be used as an electronic device which controls the charging control 14 includes and (which need not be a wireless device) or a charge control method.

Also, the loading targets for the loader 10 and the charger 1 not limited to wireless devices, but other electronic devices may be targets.

<2:14>

In the first embodiment, the tension detecting part judges 12 by detecting a certain voltage, whether the wireless device on the charger 1 is appropriate. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, on the charger 10 a cell temperature detection port may be provided, and by connecting a temperature thermistor provided inside the wireless device to the port, voltage data may be obtained, and the attachment of the wireless device may thus be judged. Or in the insertion opening 3 on the frame body 2 of the charger 1 a switch may be provided and if the wireless device is in the insertion opening 3 is installed, it can be judged by operating the switch that the wireless device has been attached.

<2:15>

In the first embodiment, a trickle charge is executed for a certain time prior to the decision as to whether to perform a quick charge. However, this is not limited to a maintenance charge. It is sufficient if, before deciding whether to perform a rapid charge, there is a condition for a certain time in which no quick charge is performed.

Commercial application

The charger is useful for chargers etc. for charging wireless devices.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

charger

2

frame body

3

insert opening

10

loader

12

Voltage detection part

13

timer

14

Charging controller

15

Conservation charger

16

Quick charge part

17

Aufladungsumschaltteil

19

Charge Control Part

23

charging port

24

Voltage divider circuit

25

secondary cell

30

Main circuit

Claims (8)

A charging device for charging a secondary cell in an electronic device, comprising: a detection means which detects that an electrical connection has been made with the electronic device, a time-measuring means that measures a certain time based on the detection by the detection means during which a sustain charge is performed; a voltage detecting means which detects the voltage of the secondary cell, and a control means, which is detected from the voltage detected by the voltage detecting means at a time when the certain time measured by the time measuring means has elapsed, determines whether or not to perform quick charging. Charging device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage means in which a first voltage value, a second voltage value and a third voltage value are stored (where: 0 <first voltage value <second voltage value <third voltage value <voltage value at full charge) wherein the control means in the event that the voltage detected by the voltage detection means is below the first voltage value, performs an error output, in case it is greater than or equal to the first voltage value and below the second voltage value, performs a fast charging and if it is greater than or equal to the second voltage value and below the third voltage value, a trickle charging is performed. The charging device according to claim 2, wherein the control means further, when the detection means detects that an electrical connection with the electronic device has taken place, in case the voltage detected by the voltage detecting means is below the third voltage value, performs sustain charging, and when at greater than or equal to the third voltage value, does not charge. A charging device according to claim 1, wherein said control means further counts the number of times a negative decision is made to perform a quick charge and, if the decision is negative at least from a certain frequency, performs a fast charge. Charger for charging a secondary cell in an electronic device, comprising: a frame body for installing the electronic device, a detection means which detects that the electronic device has been installed in the frame body, a time-measuring means that measures a certain time based on the detection by the detection means during which a sustain charge is performed; a voltage detecting means which detects the voltage of the secondary cell, and a control means, which is detected from the voltage detected by the voltage detecting means at a time when the certain time measured by the time measuring means has elapsed, determines whether or not to perform quick charging. The charger according to claim 5, wherein the frame body has a plurality of insertion holes for installing a plurality of the electronic devices, wherein the control means individually controls the charging of the electronic devices respectively installed in the plurality of insertion holes. Electronic device having a secondary cell, comprising: a detection means which detects that an electrical connection has been made to an external power source, a time measuring means that measures a certain time based on the detection by the detection means during which a sustain charge is performed; a voltage detecting means which detects the voltage of the secondary cell, and a control means, which is detected from the voltage detected by the voltage detecting means at a time when the certain time measured by the time measuring means has elapsed, determines whether or not to perform quick charging. A charge control method wherein a secondary cell is charged in an electronic device, comprising the steps of: Detecting if the electronic device has been installed, Measuring a certain time by means of detection, during which time a trickle charging is carried out, Detecting a voltage of the secondary cell at a time when the measured predetermined time has elapsed, and Decide if a fast charge should be performed based on the detected voltage.

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