JP5099449B2 - Electronics - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To distinguish which of a plurality of batteries contained in a battery container is worn out. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU 111 confirms a residue per cell unit of batteries contained in a battery container 27. The CPU 111 specifies kinds based on an electromotive force E and the internal resistance r of the batteries contained in the battery container 27, determines whether the battery with the identified kind is worn out based on wear-out characteristics of the battery, and notifies a liquid crystal display 112 of the diagnostic information of the battery determined to be worn out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device that is driven via a plurality of batteries connected in series, and in particular, by detecting the characteristics of each battery, it can detect that a plurality of types of batteries are mixed and can be safely and efficiently used. The present invention relates to an electronic device that can be used.

  If an electronic device continues to use multiple types of batteries as its power source, it may not operate properly, and the batteries that are quickly depleted due to the different discharge performance of each battery may be overused. It was a cause of liquid leakage due to overdischarge.

For this reason, in conventional electronic devices, when multiple types of batteries with different battery characteristics are mixed, battery leakage and devices are detected by detecting the presence of the batteries and stopping the operation of the device. It was designed to be used safely by preventing abnormal operations.
JP 2005-117882 A

  However, in the above-described known technology, it was possible to detect the mixed voltage of the rechargeable battery and the dry battery by detecting the intermediate voltage of a plurality of batteries attached to the electronic device, but to identify which battery has a voltage drop. I couldn't do it, and after all I had to replace all the batteries. In addition, even if it can be detected that the same type of battery (for example, alkali or manganese) is in use, if a new battery and an old battery are used together, these batteries are exhausted. Could not be identified.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that can determine which of a plurality of batteries stored in a battery storage means is exhausted.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device driven by being supplied with electric power from a plurality of batteries connected in series. Cell remaining amount confirmation means for confirming a remaining amount of each battery unit of the battery accommodated in the battery accommodating means, and storage means for storing a remaining amount determination reference value. means, the type identifying means for identifying the type of the battery by set type determination reference value on the basis of the electromotive force and the internal resistance of the battery housed in the battery housing unit, identified by the model identifying means for each type of battery, the set based on the depletion characteristics of changes in the electromotive force and the internal resistance due to consumption of the battery, the remaining amount determination reference value stored in the storage means, to said type specifying means And a depletion determining unit that determines whether or not the battery whose type is specified is depleted, and an informing unit that notifies the diagnosis information of the battery that is determined to be depleted by the depletion determining unit. The notification means displays a symbol image of the remaining amount corresponding to the shape of the battery and the degree of consumption of the battery in an arrangement similar to the arrangement of the batteries accommodated in the battery accommodating portion, and the consumption determination means The battery that has been determined to be exhausted is specifically displayed .

  As a result, even when a plurality of types of batteries are mixed in an electronic device, the type of each battery can be specified, and the batteries that are consumed according to the type can be specifically specified. In this way, the electronic device does not need to replace all of these batteries even if one of the batteries in use is exhausted and no longer exhibits the original output. It can be used effectively until it is exhausted. It is also desirable from the viewpoint of environmental protection.

Also , if various battery consumption characteristics are prepared in the storage means, it is possible to determine in detail as to how much various types of batteries are consumed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention based on the first aspect of the invention , the battery housing means includes a plurality of holding portions that respectively hold the plurality of batteries. The battery is characterized in that it is connected to each battery held in turn.

  Thereby, the exhausted battery can be specifically identified without sequentially replacing the plurality of batteries accommodated in the battery accommodating means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention , the storage means includes a first terminal voltage at the time of the first energization and a second terminal voltage at the time of the second energization that is larger than the first energization. Are stored for each predetermined battery type, and the type specifying means is for each cell with respect to the battery to be specified stored in the battery storing means. Further, the type determination reference value stored in the storage unit is applied to specify the type of the battery.

  As a result, the battery type can be accurately grasped based on the type determination reference value stored in advance.

In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect , the storage means stores the remaining amount determination reference value corresponding to the second terminal voltage at the time of the second energization for each predetermined battery type, The consumption determination unit applies the remaining amount determination reference value stored in the storage unit for each cell to the battery to be specified stored in the battery storage unit, and the battery is consumed. It is characterized by determining whether or not.

  Thereby, based on the remaining amount determination reference value stored in advance, it is possible to accurately grasp the usage state of the battery.

In a fifth aspect based on the fourth aspect , when the consumption determining unit determines that the battery is exhausted based on the remaining amount determination reference value, at least power supply from the battery to the load is prohibited. It has a prohibition control means.

  As a result, the electronic device can be operated only when the minimum battery output necessary for the operation of the electronic device can be secured, while the minimum battery output necessary for the operation of the electronic device cannot be secured. Can at least prevent the printing means from operating. If it does in this way, what is called a liquid leak can be prevented about either battery accommodated in the battery accommodating means.

According to a sixth invention, in any one of the first to fifth inventions , the notification means notifies a message according to the type of the battery determined to be consumed by the consumption determination means. And

  Thereby, for example, a rechargeable battery and a non-rechargeable battery can be distinguished and an appropriate message can be notified to clearly indicate whether a worn battery should be replaced or recharged.

In a seventh aspect based on the sixth aspect , the informing means specifies the battery as the message when the battery determined to be exhausted by the exhaustion determination means is a rechargeable battery. It is characterized by notifying that it should be done.

  This makes it possible to specify an appropriate countermeasure to be taken next depending on the type of battery.

In an eighth aspect based on the sixth aspect , the informing means specifies the battery as the message when the battery determined to be exhausted by the exhaustion determination means is an unchargeable battery. It is characterized by notifying that it should be exchanged.

  This makes it possible to specify an appropriate countermeasure to be taken next depending on the type of battery.

According to a ninth invention, in any one of the first to eighth inventions , the transport means for transporting the label tape, the label tape transported by the transport means, or the print-receiving tape bonded to the label tape. Printing means for performing predetermined printing.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to determine which of the plurality of batteries housed in the battery housing means is exhausted.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a tape producing apparatus (label producing apparatus) as an electronic device.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the tape making apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tape making apparatus as viewed from the back side.

  1 and 2, the tape making device 1 includes a polystyrene main body 2 and the entire back surface of the main body 2 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the user when the tape making device 1 is used). The back cover 3 is also made of polystyrene and is detachably attached so as to cover it. The main body 2 is further divided into an upper device main body 4 and a lower device main body 5. The upper device body 4 is provided with a key arrangement portion 7 in which various keys 6 such as a character key for inputting characters and the like and a print key for executing printing are arranged on the surface of the central portion. A horizontally long window portion 8 is formed in the center portion in the left-right direction, and a liquid crystal display 9 for displaying characters and the like input from the keys 6 is disposed in the window portion 8.

  Further, a cutter lever 10 is provided on the left side surface portion of the liquid crystal display 9 of the main body 2, and when the cutter lever 10 is pushed inward with a thumb or the like, the cutter lever 10 is discharged from the tape discharge port 11 formed at the upper end portion. The thermal tape 12 (see FIG. 3) can be cut with a cutting blade (not shown). The tape 12 is laminated with an image receiving paper on which characters are printed, an adhesive layer, and a release paper that protects the adhesive surface of the adhesive layer.

  Further, the left and right width dimensions of the lower device body 4 provided with the key arrangement portion 7 are formed slightly narrower than the left and right width dimensions provided with the window portion 8, and are formed on both sides of the lower device body 5. Grip members 13A and 13B are attached. The grip members 13A and 13B are formed of an elastic styrene-based elastomer resin material, and serve to prevent slipping and are easily held in the operator's hand. Further, since the grip members 13A and 13B are attached so as to form the same surface as the main body 2 and the back cover 3 as will be described later, there is no possibility that fingers or the like are caught on the ends of the grip members 13A and 13B. Furthermore, on the surface of the grip members 13A and 13B, three ridges 14 are formed in parallel to the device to further enhance the anti-slip effect.

  Further, in the tape making device 1, the first protector member 15 that covers the end portion on which the liquid crystal display 9 is provided, and the end portion on which the liquid crystal display 9 is provided are formed separately from the first protector member 15. The 2nd protector member 16 which coat | covers the edge part which hits the other side is attached. Each of the protector members 15 and 16 is divided into two parts between the upper device body 4 and the lower device body 5 and the back cover 3, and the first protector member 15 </ b> A is provided on the upper device body 4 and the lower device body 5. The first protector member 15B and the second protector member 16B are attached to the back cover 3, respectively.

  Furthermore, since each protector member 15A, 15B, 16A, 16B is formed of an elastic styrene-based elastomer resin material as in the case of the grip member 13, when the tape making device 1 is dropped, the impact is reduced. It is possible to prevent the exterior from being damaged.

  FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the tape making apparatus 1 from the back side.

  In FIG. 3, the lower apparatus main body 5 has a substantially square shape substantially the same as the outer shape of the tape cassette 20 and is formed so as to bulge to the back side with a depth dimension substantially equal to the thickness dimension of the tape cassette 20. A storage unit 21 is provided. In addition, a thin plate-like thermal head mounting portion 23 to which the thermal head 22 is mounted is erected at a right angle so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the apparatus near the edge of the cassette housing portion 21 on the cutter lever 10 side. Yes. In addition, a platen holder (not shown) is rotatably provided in the drive unit 24 provided on the side portion of the cassette storage unit 21 facing the thermal head 22.

  When the back cover 3 is attached to the lower surface of the lower apparatus body 5, a protrusion (not shown) provided on the inner surface of the back cover 3 enters the engagement hole 25 of the drive unit 24, and the platen holder The platen holder is rotated to the tape cassette 20 side and fixed to the position where a part of the tape 12 of the tape cassette 20 is pressed against the thermal head 22 while rotating to the thermal head 22 (printing means) side. . In this state, the tape 12 (label tape) printed via the thermal head 22 is transported by a tape transport mechanism (transport means) (not shown) including a drive motor and discharged from the tape discharge port 11. The thermal head 22 may be configured to perform predetermined printing on a print-receiving tape (not shown) to be bonded to the tape 12 instead of the tape 12.

  On the opposite side of the lower apparatus main body 5 where the cassette storage portion 21 is provided, a battery storage portion 27 (battery storage means) in which six batteries are stored in parallel is stored in the lower portion of the cassette storage portion 21. It is formed to bulge to the back side. The six batteries stored in the battery storage unit 27 are connected in series. Hereinafter, each battery is also referred to as a cell.

  Further, a control board (not shown) in which a control circuit 110 and the like to be described later are arranged is arranged inside the upper apparatus body 4.

  Further, when the back cover 3 is attached to the lower surface of the lower device body 5, the first insertion portion 28 formed at the end on the side where the second protector member 16 </ b> B is provided is connected to the lower device body 4. After being inserted into the insertion groove 29, the second insertion part 30 provided on the opposite side of the first insertion part 28 is fitted into a fixing part (not shown) provided in the lower apparatus body 5. The back cover 3 is attached. When the second insertion part 30 is pushed into the inside of the apparatus in a state where the back cover 3 is attached, the second insertion part 30 is configured to be detached from the fixed part. It can be easily attached to and detached from. In a state where the back cover 3 is removed, the tape cassette 21 can be taken out from the cassette housing portion 22 upward. Moreover, it is possible to sequentially take out and replace the batteries stored in the battery storage unit 27. At that time, the first and second protector members 15A, 15B, 16A, and 16B are divided into two parts between the upper device body 4 and the lower device body 5 and the back cover 3, as described above. Therefore, the back cover can be opened and closed in a state where the protector members 15A, 15B, 16A, and 16B are mounted on the tape making device 1.

  Further, a confirmation window 32 is provided at a portion facing the tape cassette 20 housed in the lower apparatus body 5 of the back cover 3, and the protector member 15 </ b> B is attached to the back cover 3 without covering the confirmation window 32. ing. Therefore, the type of the tape cassette 20 stored in the cassette storage unit 21 can be confirmed through the confirmation window 32 without opening the back cover 3.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the first protector member 15 </ b> A does not cover the tape outlet 11 and the second insertion portion 30 of the back cover 3 in the portion covering the top of the liquid crystal display 9 side of the tape making device 1. The first protector member 15A is attached to the liquid crystal display 9 side and does not hinder the discharge of the tape 12. Moreover, in order to remove the back cover 3 from the lower apparatus main body 5, the operation which pushes the 2nd insertion part 30 into an apparatus inside side is not inhibited. Accordingly, the printed tape 12 can be discharged from the tape discharge port 11 while the first protector member 15A is mounted, and the second insertion portion 30 is pushed into the apparatus and the back cover 3 is lowered. It can be removed from the side device body 5.

  Furthermore, the surface of the 2nd insertion part 30 is lower than the surface of 15 A of 1st protector members in the state which attached 15 A of 1st protector members to the upper apparatus main body 4 and the lower apparatus main body 5. FIG. Therefore, when the tape making apparatus 1 falls, the first protector member 15A comes into contact with the floor or the like of the drop destination before the second insertion portion 30, so that the second insertion portion 30 is pushed in and the back cover. There is no possibility that 3 will come off.

  The feature of this embodiment is that the battery used in the tape making apparatus 1 can be depleted. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration provided on the control board of the tape making device 1 in order to realize such a function.

  In FIG. 4, the tape making device 1 includes a battery storage unit 27 including a plurality of holding units (not shown; see FIG. 15 described later) that respectively hold a plurality of batteries 99a to 99f, a battery selector circuit 136, Load changeover switches 133 and 137, loads 134a and 134c, a constant voltage circuit 131, a control circuit 110 having a CPU 111 (detailed functions will be described later), and a liquid crystal display 112 connected to the CPU 111 (the liquid crystal display 9 described above) (It will be described with a different reference for the sake of convenience).

  The battery selector circuit 136 includes analog switches 135a to 135f for selectively conducting the batteries 99a to 99f of the plurality of holding units, a decoder 135 for switching control of the analog switches 135a to 135f, and a voltage dividing resistor R1 and R2 and an output terminal OUT. Under the control of the CPU 111, the decoder 135 selects and conducts only one of the analog switches 135a to 135f, so that the batteries 99a to 99f respectively held in the plurality of holding units of the battery housing unit 27 are sequentially supplied. Switched and connected and electrically connected. The voltage of the conducted battery is divided by the voltage dividing resistors R1 and R2, and is conducted to the control circuit 110 via the output terminal OUT. Accordingly, any one of the batteries 99a to 99f is selected as a determination target (details will be described later) regarding the type and the degree of wear (without sequentially replacing the plurality of batteries 99a to 99f housed in the battery housing portion 27). be able to.

  The load changeover switch 137 has a function of completely stopping or starting the power supply to the battery selector circuit 136 so that power is not consumed while the battery selector circuit 136 is not operating.

Based on the control of the CPU 111, the load changeover switch 133 is configured so that a load connected to a plurality of batteries accommodated in the battery accommodating unit 27 is a heavy load (hereinafter referred to as “heavy load”) 134 a or a light load (hereinafter “light load”). Switch to any one of 134c. That is, the load changeover switch 133 includes a terminal 133a, a terminal 133c, and an open end 133b. When the load changeover switch 133 is switched to the terminal 133c, the light load 134c is conducted, and when the load changeover switch 133 is switched to the terminal 133a, the heavy load 134a is conducted. In a state where the load changeover switch 133 is switched to the terminal 133c (= first energization), the flowing current (= load current) is small because the load is light. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, a case where a load current of, for example, 0.1 A flows as an example of this state will be described as an example. That is, the terminal voltage for each cell of the batteries 99a to 99f during the first energization (hereinafter referred to as “first terminal voltage” as appropriate) Vcs occurs when the load current is 0.1 A in accordance with the above example. The relationship between the electric power E and the internal resistance r is expressed by the following equation (1).
Vcs = E−0.1r (1)

On the other hand, in the state where the load changeover switch 133 is switched to the terminal 133a (= second energization), the flowing current increases because the load is heavy. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, as an example of this state, a case where, for example, a current of 1.0 A flows is described as an example. That is, the terminal voltage (hereinafter referred to as “second terminal voltage”) Vcl for each cell of the batteries 99a to 99f at the time of the second energization is as follows. The relationship with the internal resistance r is expressed as the following equation (2).
Vcl = E-1.0r (2)

  When the load changeover switch 133 is switched to the open end 133b, the load changeover switch 133 is not conducted to either the heavy load 134a or the light load 134c, so that useless current consumption can be suppressed.

  The constant voltage circuit 131 stabilizes the voltage output from the plurality of batteries stored in the battery storage unit 27 to a constant level and supplies the voltage to the control circuit 110.

  The control circuit 110 includes an A / D input unit 113a connected to the output terminal OUT of the battery selector circuit 136, a storage unit 111a (storage means), and the CPU 111.

  The storage unit 111a is configured as a kind of memory that can read stored information, such as a ROM.

  The storage unit 111a stores a type determination reference value that is set in advance based on the first terminal voltage Vcs during the first energization and the second terminal voltage Vcl during the second energization. Using this type determination reference value, the CPU 111 can accurately grasp the battery type for each cell of the batteries 99a to 99f (details will be described later).

  Further, the storage unit 111a corresponds to the second terminal voltage Vcl at the time of the second energization, and sets the remaining amount determination reference value set based on the consumption characteristic based on the change in the electromotive force E and the internal resistance r due to consumption. I remember it. The CPU 111 can specify the usage state of each of the batteries 99a to 99f using the remaining amount determination reference value (details will be described later).

  As described above, the CPU 111 uses the type determination reference value stored in the storage unit 111a for the plurality of batteries 99a to 99f stored in the battery storage unit 27 to specify the battery type (= type specification). Function) and a function for determining whether or not each of the batteries 99a to 99f whose types are specified by the type specifying function is consumed using the remaining amount determination reference value stored in the storage unit 111a ( = Consumption determination function). At this time, by preparing various battery type determination reference values and remaining capacity determination reference values in the storage unit 111a, it is possible to determine in detail the types of batteries and how much they are consumed. can do. In the present embodiment, for example, the above-described type determination reference value and remaining amount determination reference value for three types of a manganese battery, a nickel hydride battery, and an alkaline battery are preset and stored in the storage unit 111a (see FIG. 9 described later). (See Step S83D, Step S83E, Step S83F, etc.).

  The CPU 111 also has a notification function for notifying the diagnosis information of the battery determined to be exhausted by the exhaustion determination function (details will be described later).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of control (= battery check processing) executed by CPU 111 to execute the above functions.

  In FIG. 5, first, in step S1, it is determined whether or not a power key (not shown) of the tape making apparatus 1 is pressed. The loop waits until the power key is pressed. When the power key is pressed, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S2.

  In step S2, a predetermined initial screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 112. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, it is determined whether or not a predetermined function key (not shown) provided in the key arrangement unit 7 is pressed by the user. The loop waits until the function key is pressed. When the function key is pressed, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S4.

  In step S4, a predetermined function screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 112. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S5, in response to the display on the function screen in step S4, the user installs the batteries 99a to 99f for which a battery voltage check is desired in the battery housing portion 27 by a predetermined operation in the key arrangement portion 7. Determine if the battery check function is selected. The loop waits until the battery check function is selected. If selected, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S6.

  In step S6, a predetermined battery check screen (for example, “Perform battery check. Are you sure?”) Is displayed on the liquid crystal display 112. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S7, in response to the display on the battery check screen in step S6, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed a confirmation key (not shown) arranged on the key arrangement unit 7. The loop waits until the confirmation key is pressed, and when it is pressed, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S8.

  In step S8, a battery consumption check process based on the type determination function, the consumption determination function, and the notification function is performed on the batteries 99a to 99f mounted in the battery storage unit 27 (see FIG. 6 and the like for details). Execute.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9, a battery check result screen (described later) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 112 in accordance with the result of the battery consumption check process executed in step S8, and this flow ends.

  In addition, step S8 and step S9 in the above comprise the cell remaining amount confirmation means as described in each claim, and step S9 constitutes the notification means.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the battery consumption check process in step S8 in FIG.

  In FIG. 6, first, voltage measurement processing is performed in step S81. That is, the load changeover switch 133 is switched to either the above-described terminal 133a or the terminal 133c, and the load changeover switch 137 is turned on, so that a plurality of batteries accommodated in the battery accommodating portion 27 have desired loads (described above A heavy load or a light load is applied, and a voltage measurement value is acquired (refer to FIG. 7 described later for details).

  Thereafter, in step S82, calculation processing is performed to calculate the first terminal voltage Vcs during the first energization corresponding to a light load and the second terminal voltage Vcl during the second energization corresponding to a heavy load. (See FIG. 8 for details).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S83, and a determination process is performed. That is, the type determination reference value and the remaining amount determination reference value stored in the storage unit 111a are applied to the first terminal voltage Vcs and the second terminal voltage Vcl of the batteries 99a to 99f calculated in step S82. The battery type is determined (corresponding to the above type determining function) and whether or not the battery is exhausted (corresponding to the above exhaustion determining function) (see FIG. 9 described later for details). When step S83 is completed, this routine is terminated.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the voltage measurement process in step S81 in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, first, in step S101, the load changeover switch 133 is switched to the terminal 133c and connected to the light load 134c (corresponding to the first energization).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S102, in which the analog switches 135a, 135b, 135c, 135d, 135e, and 135f of the battery selector circuit 136 are sequentially switched to be conductive, and voltage measurement values at the time of each switch conduction (hereinafter referred to as light load measurement data as appropriate). ) Vda, Vdb, Vdc, Vdd, Vde, Vdf (see FIG. 4) are acquired and stored in an appropriate memory (RAM or the like) provided in the CPU 111, for example.

  In step S103, the load changeover switch 133 is switched to the terminal 133a and connected to the heavy load 134a (corresponding to the second energization).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S104, and in the same manner as in step S102, the analog switches 135a, 135b, 135c, 135d, 135e, and 135f of the battery selector circuit 136 are sequentially switched and made conductive, and the voltage measurement values at the time of each switch conduction (hereinafter, appropriately, Vda, Vdb, Vdc, Vdd, Vde, and Vdf (refer to FIG. 4) are acquired and stored in an appropriate memory (RAM or the like) provided in the CPU 111, for example.

  In step S105, the load changeover switch 133 is switched to the open end 133b (there is no load), and this routine ends.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the calculation processing in step S82 in FIG.

  In FIG. 8, first, in step S111, the first data of the batteries 99a to 99f attached to the battery housing unit 27 is stored using the light load measurement data Vda to Vdf stored in the memory in step S102 of FIG. The terminal voltage Vcs is calculated respectively.

That is, the first terminal voltage Vcsa of the battery 99a is
Vcsa = Vda
Can be calculated. Similarly, the first terminal voltage Vcsb of the battery 99b, the first terminal voltage Vcsc of the battery 99c, the first terminal voltage Vcsd of the battery 99d, the first terminal voltage Vcse of the battery 99e, and the first terminal voltage Vcsf of the battery 99f are: Respectively,
Vcsb = Vdb-Vda
Vcsc = Vdc-Vdb
Vcsd = Vdd−Vdc
Vcse = Vde-Vdd
Vcsf = Vdf−Vde
It can ask for. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S112.

  In step S112, the second terminal voltages Vcl of the batteries 99a to 99f attached to the battery housing unit 27 are calculated using the heavy load measurement data Vda to Vdf stored in the memory in step S104 of FIG. To do.

That is, the second terminal voltage Vcl of the battery 99a is
Vcl = Vda
Can be calculated. Similarly, the second terminal voltage Vclb of the battery 99b, the second terminal voltage Vclc of the battery 99c, the second terminal voltage Vcld of the battery 99d, the second terminal voltage Vcle of the battery 99e, and the second terminal voltage Vclf of the battery 99f are: Respectively,
Vclb = Vdb-Vda
Vclc = Vdc−Vdb
Vcld = Vdd−Vdc
Vcle = Vde-Vdd
Vclf = Vdf-Vde
It can ask for. When this procedure is complete, the routine ends.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the determination processing in step S83 in FIG. This flow is performed sequentially for all of the batteries 99a to 99f stored in the battery storage unit 27 one by one in a predetermined order.

  In FIG. 9, first, in step S201, various flags described later (a manganese battery flag, a nickel hydride battery flag, a replacement flag for requesting battery replacement, and a print prohibition flag for prohibiting a printing operation) are set. Clear to off state (initialize flag = 0).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S84 to determine whether or not the battery to be determined is a manganese battery (indicated as “type determination B” in the present application) (see FIG. 10 described later for details).

  Then, in step S85, it is determined whether or not the battery to be determined is a nickel metal hydride battery (indicated as “type determination C” in the present application) (refer to FIG. 11 described later for details). In addition, the said step S84 and step S85 comprise the kind identification means as described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S202, it is determined whether or not the battery to be determined is a manganese battery, corresponding to step S84. If it is determined in step S84 that the battery is a manganese battery (specifically, a manganese battery flag = 1; see FIG. 10 described later), the determination in step S202 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S83D.

  In step S83D, whether or not the battery replacement level is recommended according to the degree of consumption of the battery using the remaining amount determination reference value (details will be described later) related to the manganese battery, which is stored in advance in the storage unit 111a. Further, a determination is made as to whether printing by the thermal head 22 is prohibited (in order to consume a large current) or the like (in this application, expressed as “remaining amount determination D”) (see FIG. 12 described later for details).

  Thereafter, in step S208, it is determined whether or not battery replacement has been requested in step S83D (more specifically, whether a replacement flag is required = 1, see FIG. 12 described later). If battery replacement has been requested, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S205. In step S205, for example, “Please replace the ○ number (the holding portion number of the battery housing portion 27; see FIG. 15 described later) with a new battery” on the liquid crystal display 112 in the above-described step S9. Set to display a recommendation message (which constitutes one of the diagnostic information). Note that this replacement recommendation message may be displayed only when the battery type is not chargeable.

  At this time, in addition to the battery replacement request, if the print prohibition control is further performed (in detail, if the print prohibition flag = 1, refer to FIG. 12 described later), the replacement recommendation is performed in step S205. Instead of the message, it may be set to display an inoperable notification message (which constitutes one of the diagnostic information) such as “Printing is not possible unless the circle is exchanged”.

  When the setting in step S205 as described above is completed, this routine ends (if there is a battery in the next order, the same routine is performed for that battery, and so on).

  In step S208, if battery replacement is not requested in step S83D (replacement required flag = 0 remains, see FIG. 12 described later), the determination is not satisfied, and the battery is still exhausted too much. This routine is finished as it is. In this case, the manganese battery is not suitable for equipment that requires a large current, such as this device, so before completing the routine, “No. ○ is not suitable for this device. Please use it for other purposes. An exchange recommendation message such as “” may be set.

  On the other hand, in the above-described step S202, when it is not determined that the battery is a manganese battery in the above step S84 (specifically, the manganese battery flag = 0, see FIG. 10 described later), the determination in step S202 is not satisfied and the step The process moves to S203.

  In step S203, it is determined whether or not the battery to be determined is a nickel metal hydride battery, corresponding to step S85. If it is determined in step S85 that the battery is a nickel metal hydride battery (specifically, a nickel metal hydride battery flag = 1; see FIG. 11 described later), the determination in step S203 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S83E.

  In step S83E, whether or not the battery replacement level is recommended according to the degree of consumption of the battery using the remaining amount determination reference value (details will be described later) relating to the nickel metal hydride battery stored in advance in the storage unit 111a. Further, it is determined whether or not it is a level at which printing by the thermal head 22 is prohibited (in order to consume a large current) (in this application, it is expressed as “remaining amount determination E”) (see FIG. 13 described later for details).

  Thereafter, in step S206, it is determined whether or not battery replacement has been requested in step S83E (in detail, whether a replacement required flag is set to 1; see FIG. 13 described later). If battery replacement has been requested, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S207. In step S207, the setting is made so that, for example, a charging recommendation message (configure one of the diagnostic information) such as “please charge No. ○” is displayed on the liquid crystal display 112 in the above step S9, which is the subsequent procedure. Do. This corresponds to the fact that the nickel metal hydride battery is a rechargeable battery, but it is also possible not to recommend charging but to give a battery replacement recommendation message similar to that described above.

  At this time, in addition to the battery replacement request (in this case, the charge request), if print prohibition control is further performed (in detail, if the print prohibition flag = 1, refer to FIG. 13 described later), Similarly to the above, in step S207, it may be set to display an inoperability notification message such as “Printing is not possible unless the circle is exchanged” instead of the above charging recommendation message.

  When the setting in step S207 as described above is completed, this routine ends.

  In step S206, if battery replacement is not requested in step S83E (replacement required flag = 0 remains, see FIG. 13 to be described later), the determination is not satisfied, and the battery is still very consumed. This routine is finished as it is.

  On the other hand, in the above-described step S203, if it is not determined that the battery is a nickel metal hydride battery in the above step S85 (specifically, the nickel metal hydride battery flag = 0; see FIG. 11 described later), the determination in step S203 is not satisfied. The battery is regarded as an alkaline battery that is neither a manganese battery nor a nickel metal hydride battery, and the process proceeds to step S83F.

  In step S83F, whether or not it is a level that recommends battery replacement according to the degree of consumption of the battery using the remaining capacity determination reference value (details will be described later) relating to the alkaline battery stored in advance in the storage unit 111a. Further, a determination is made as to whether printing by the thermal head 22 is prohibited (in order to consume a large current) or the like (in this application, expressed as “remaining amount determination F”) (refer to FIG. 14 described later for details).

  Thereafter, in step S204, it is determined whether or not battery replacement is requested in step S83E (in detail, whether a replacement required flag is set to 1; see FIG. 14 described later). If the battery replacement is requested, the determination is satisfied, and the process proceeds to the above-described step S205 to set to display the replacement recommendation message (which constitutes one of the diagnostic information) (at this time, the above-mentioned The inoperability notification message may be displayed), and this routine is terminated.

  In step S204, if battery replacement is not requested in step S83E (replacement required flag = 0 remains, see FIG. 14 described later), the determination is not satisfied, and the battery is still very consumed. This routine is finished as it is.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the type determination (type determination B related to the manganese battery) in step S84 in FIG.

  In FIG. 10, first, in step S84a, whether the first terminal voltage Vcs obtained in step S111 of FIG. 8 is equal to or higher than 1.27 [V], which is one of the above type determination reference values related to the manganese battery. (For example, in the case of the battery 99a, is the first terminal voltage Vcsa ≧ 1.27 [V] related to the battery? The same applies to the batteries 99b to 99f). If Vcs <1.27 [V], the determination is not satisfied and the battery is regarded as a nickel hydride battery or an alkaline battery, and this routine is terminated. If the first terminal voltage Vcs ≧ 1.27 [V], the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S84b.

  In step S84b, based on the first terminal voltage Vcs and the second terminal voltage Vcl obtained in step S112 of FIG. 8, the difference Vcs−Vcl between the first terminal voltage Vcs and the second terminal voltage Vcl is a manganese battery. Whether it is 0.8 [V] or more which is one of the above-described type determination reference values (for example, in the case of the battery 99a, the first terminal voltage Vcsa related to the battery−the second terminal voltage Vcl ≧ 0.8 [ V], and the same applies to the batteries 99b to 99f. If Vcs−Vcl <0.8 [V], the determination is not satisfied and the battery is regarded as a nickel hydride battery or an alkaline battery, and this routine is terminated. If Vcs−Vcl ≧ 0.8 [V], the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S84c.

  In step S84c, the battery is considered to be a manganese battery, the above-described manganese battery flag is set to 1 (ON state), and this routine is terminated.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of the type determination (type determination C relating to the nickel metal hydride battery) in step S85 in FIG.

  In FIG. 11, first, in step S85a, the first terminal voltage Vcs obtained in step S111 of FIG. 8 is 1.25 [V] or less, which is one of the above-described type determination reference values related to the nickel metal hydride battery. Determine whether or not. If Vcs> 1.25 [V], the determination is not satisfied and the battery is regarded as a manganese battery or an alkaline battery, and this routine is terminated. If the first terminal voltage Vcs ≦ 1.25 [V], the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S85b.

  In step S85b, based on the first terminal voltage Vcs and the second terminal voltage Vcl obtained in step S112 of FIG. 8, the difference Vcs−Vcl between the first terminal voltage Vcs and the second terminal voltage Vcl is determined as nickel hydrogen. It is determined whether or not it is 0.3 [V] or less which is one of the above-mentioned type determination reference values relating to the battery. If Vcs−Vcl> 0.3 [V], the determination is not satisfied and it is considered that the battery is a manganese battery or an alkaline battery, and this routine is terminated. If Vcs−Vcl ≦ 0.3 [V], the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S85c.

  In step S85c, the battery is considered to be a nickel metal hydride battery, and the above-described nickel metal hydride battery flag is set to 1 (ON state), and this routine is terminated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the remaining amount determination (remaining amount determination D related to the manganese battery) in step S83D in FIG.

  In FIG. 12, first, in step S83a, the second terminal voltage Vcl obtained in step S112 of FIG. 8 is equal to or lower than 0.5 [V], which is one of the remaining amount determination reference values related to the manganese battery. (For example, in the case of the battery 99a, whether the second terminal voltage Vcl ≦ 0.5 [V] related to the battery is satisfied. The same applies to the batteries 99b to 99f). If Vcl> 0.5 [V], the determination is not satisfied and this routine is terminated. If the second terminal voltage Vcl ≦ 0.5 [V], the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S83b.

  In step S83b, it is considered difficult to continue to use the battery for a long time due to the voltage drop, and the replacement required flag for requesting battery replacement is set to 1 (on state), and the process proceeds to step S83c.

  In step S83c, whether or not the second terminal voltage Vcl is equal to or lower than 0.3 [V], which is one of the remaining capacity determination reference values related to the manganese battery (for example, if the battery 99a, the second voltage related to the battery is determined). Whether or not the two-terminal voltage Vcl ≦ 0.3 [V] (hereinafter the same applies to the batteries 99b to 99f). If Vcl> 0.3 [V], the determination is not satisfied and it is considered that the printing operation by the thermal head 22 is still possible although the battery replacement as soon as possible is necessary, and this routine is finished. If Vcl ≦ 0.3 [V], the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S83d. In addition, said step S83a and step S83c comprise the consumption determination means as described in each claim.

  In step S83d, it is considered that the printing operation by the thermal head 22 is impossible due to the voltage drop, and the above-described print prohibition flag is set to 1 (ON state). As a result, thereafter, the CPU 111 prohibits power supply from at least the battery 99a to the loads 134a and 134b, and prevents the above-described printing operation by the thermal head 22 (regardless of the user's operation). Control (function as prohibition control means) Thereby, the tape making device 1 can be operated only when the battery is not over-discharged by the operating current of the tape making device 1, while the operation of the tape making device 1 If there is a risk of overdischarge of the battery, at least the printing means such as the thermal head 22 can be prevented from operating. If it does in this way, what is called a liquid leak can be prevented about either battery accommodated in the battery accommodating part 27. FIG. When step S83d is completed, this routine ends.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the remaining amount determination (remaining amount determination E relating to the nickel metal hydride battery) in step S83E in FIG. The same steps as those in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  In FIG. 13, first, in step S83a ′, the second terminal voltage Vcl obtained in step S112 of FIG. 8 is 0.9 [V] or less, which is one of the remaining amount determination reference values for the nickel metal hydride battery. It is determined whether or not. If Vcl> 0.9 [V], the determination is not satisfied and this routine is terminated. If the second terminal voltage Vcl ≦ 0.9 [V], the determination is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S83b similar to FIG. 12, and the replacement required flag is set to 1 (ON state).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S83c ′, and it is determined whether or not the second terminal voltage Vcl is equal to or lower than 0.7 [V], which is one of the remaining amount determination reference values relating to the nickel metal hydride battery. If Vcl> 0.7 [V], the determination is not satisfied and it is considered that the printing operation by the thermal head 22 is still possible although the battery replacement is necessary as soon as possible, and this routine is finished. If Vcl ≦ 0.7 [V], the determination is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S83d similar to FIG. 12, the print prohibition flag is set to 1 (ON state), and this routine is terminated. It should be noted that step S83a 'and step S83c' constitute the wear determination means described in each claim.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of the remaining amount determination (remaining amount determination F relating to the alkaline battery) in step S83F in FIG. The same steps as those in FIGS. 12 and 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  In FIG. 14, first, in step S83a ″, the second terminal voltage Vcl obtained in step S112 of FIG. 8 is less than 0.85 [V], which is one of the remaining amount determination reference values related to the alkaline battery. If Vcl> 0.85 [V], the determination is not satisfied and this routine is terminated.If the second terminal voltage Vcl ≦ 0.85 [V], the determination is satisfied, and Moving to step S83b similar to FIGS. 12 and 13, the replacement required flag is set to 1 (on state).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S83c ″, where it is determined whether or not the second terminal voltage Vcl is equal to or less than 0.5 [V], which is one of the remaining capacity determination reference values relating to the alkaline battery. Vcl> 0. If it is 5 [V], the determination is not satisfied and the battery replacement is required as soon as possible, but it is considered that the printing operation by the thermal head 22 is still possible, and this routine is ended.Vcl ≦ 0.5 [V ], The determination is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S83d similar to FIGS. 12 and 13, the print prohibition flag is set to 1 (ON state), and this routine is terminated. Note that steps S83a "and S83c" are completed. The consumption determining means described in each claim is configured.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a method for specifying the storage positions of the batteries 99 a to 99 f in the battery storage unit 27.

  In FIG. 15, in this example, in the battery accommodating portion 27 that can accommodate the batteries 99a to 99f, numbers (for example, Nos. 1 to 6) are provided on the side portions corresponding to the position of each battery (that is, the position of the holding portion). Is attached. These numbers (holding unit numbers) have a one-to-one correspondence with the batteries 99a to 99f that are selectively turned on by switching the analog switches 135a to 135f. The numbers are linked and managed by the CPU 111 as in the case of the battery 99b (for example, stored as a table in the storage unit 111a). With such a configuration, when the CPU 111 determines the type of a battery 99a to 99f and its degree of consumption in the above-described processing procedure, the liquid crystal displays various messages (diagnostic information) as a determination result together with the corresponding holding number. It is displayed on the display 112 (= battery check result screen. Refer to the above-mentioned various messages).

  Note that the battery check result screen is not limited to being displayed on the liquid crystal display 112 by the holding unit number as described above, and the battery 99a has a battery check result screen in the same arrangement as the actual battery accommodating section 27, as shown in FIG. The symbol image of ~ 99f may be displayed. In this example, the remaining amount corresponding to the degree of consumption of each battery is indicated by hatching within the outline of the battery shape.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a battery for which the type of battery is specified by the battery check process described with reference to FIGS. In this example, nine batteries of battery numbers (1) to (9) are taken as an example, and values of electromotive force E [V] and internal resistance r [Ω] are shown. Further, in each battery having these values, the value of the first terminal voltage Vcs detected when the load current at the time of the first energization is 0.1 A, and the load current at the time of the second energization is 1.0 A. The value of the second terminal voltage Vcl detected at the same time, and the value obtained by subtracting the second terminal voltage Vcl from the first terminal voltage Vcs (terminal voltage fluctuation value) are also shown.

  In FIG. 17, the battery with battery number (1) has an electromotive force E = 1.60 and an internal resistance r = 0.40. As a result, the first terminal voltage Vcs at the time of the first energization = 1.56, the second terminal voltage Vcl at the time of the second energization = 1.20, and the difference Vcs−Vcl = 0.36. In the case of this battery, it is not determined that it is a manganese battery in the type determination B in step S84 (the terminal voltage fluctuation Vcs−Vcl = 0.36 and the determination in step S84b in FIG. 10 is not satisfied), and the type determination C in step S85 is performed. Therefore, the battery is identified as an alkaline battery because the determination at step S85a in FIG. 11 is not satisfied at the first terminal voltage Vcs = 1.56. Then, since the second terminal voltage Vcl = 1.20 in the remaining amount determination F in step S83F and the determination in step S83a ″ in FIG. 14 is not satisfied, the processing is performed with both the replacement required flag and the print prohibition flag remaining in the off state of 0. Is done.

  The battery with battery number (2) has an electromotive force E = 1.60 and an internal resistance r = 1.00. As a result, the first terminal voltage Vcs at the time of the first energization = 1.50, the second terminal voltage Vcl at the time of the second energization = 0.60, and the difference Vcs−Vcl = 0.90. In the case of this battery, it is determined that it is a manganese battery in the type determination B in step S84 (the first terminal voltage Vcs = 1.50 satisfies the determination in step S84a in FIG. 10, and Vcs−Vcl = 0.90 and step S84b). Are also identified). Then, since the second terminal voltage Vcl = 0.60 in the remaining amount determination D in step S83D and the determination in step S83a in FIG. 12 is not satisfied, the replacement required flag and the print prohibition flag are processed in the off state of 0. The

  The battery with battery number (3) has an electromotive force E = 1.25 and an internal resistance r = 0.20. As a result, the first terminal voltage Vcs at the time of the first energization is 1.23, the second terminal voltage Vcl at the time of the second energization is 1.05, and the difference Vcs−Vcl = 0.18. In the case of this battery, it is determined that the battery is a nickel metal hydride battery in the type determination C in step S85 (the first terminal voltage Vcs = 1.23 satisfies the determination in step S85a in FIG. 11, and Vcs−Vcl = 0.18. The determination of S85b is also satisfied), and is identified as a nickel metal hydride battery. Since the second terminal voltage Vcl = 1.05 in the remaining amount determination E in step S83E and the determination in step S83a ′ in FIG. 12 is not satisfied, the processing is performed with both the replacement required flag and the print prohibition flag remaining in the off state of 0. Is done.

  The battery with battery number (4) has an electromotive force E = 1.50 and an internal resistance r = 0.50. As a result, the first terminal voltage Vcs at the time of the first energization is 1.45, the second terminal voltage Vcl at the time of the second energization is 1.00, and the difference Vcs−Vcl = 0.45. In the case of this battery, it is not determined that the battery is a manganese battery in the type determination B in step S84 (Vcs−Vcl = 0.45 and the determination in step S84b in FIG. 10 is not satisfied), and nickel hydrogen is determined in the type determination C in step S85. Since the determination is not determined (the determination at step S85a in FIG. 11 is not satisfied when the first terminal voltage Vcs = 1.45), the battery is identified as an alkaline battery. Then, since the second terminal voltage Vcl = 1.00 in the remaining amount determination F in step S83F and the determination in step S83a ″ in FIG. 14 is not satisfied, the processing is performed with both the replacement required flag and the print prohibition flag remaining in the off state of 0. Is done.

  On the other hand, the battery of battery number (5) has an electromotive force E = 1.50 and an internal resistance r = 1.10. As a result, the first terminal voltage Vcs at the time of the first energization = 1.39, the second terminal voltage Vcl at the time of the second energization = 0.40, and the difference Vcs−Vcl = 0.99. In the case of this battery, it is determined that the battery is a manganese battery in the type determination B in step S84 (the first terminal voltage Vcs = 1.39 satisfies the determination in step S84a in FIG. 10, and Vcs−Vcl = 0.99 and step S84b). Are also identified). Since the second terminal voltage Vcl = 0.40 in the remaining amount determination D in step S83D and the determination in step S83b in FIG. 12 is satisfied, the replacement required flag is set to 1 (the printing prohibition flag is 0 because step S83c is not satisfied). Is identified as a depleted battery that requires a battery replacement request.

  The battery with battery number (6) has an electromotive force E = 1.20 and an internal resistance r = 0.25. As a result, the first terminal voltage Vcs at the time of the first energization = 1.18, the second terminal voltage Vcl at the time of the second energization = 0.95, and the difference Vcs−Vcl = 0.225. In the case of this battery, it is determined that the battery is a nickel metal hydride battery in the type determination C in step S85 (the first terminal voltage Vcs = 1.18 satisfies the determination in step S85a in FIG. 11, and Vcs−Vcl = 0.225. The determination of S85b is also satisfied), and is identified as a nickel metal hydride battery. Since the second terminal voltage Vcl = 0.95 in the remaining amount determination E in step S83E and the determination in step S83a ′ in FIG. 13 is not satisfied, the processing is performed with both the replacement required flag and the print prohibition flag remaining in the off state of 0. Is done.

  The battery with battery number (7) has an electromotive force E = 1.40 and an internal resistance r = 0.60. As a result, the first terminal voltage Vcs at the time of the first energization = 1.34, the second terminal voltage Vcl at the time of the second energization = 0.80, and the difference Vcs−Vcl = 0.54. In the case of this battery, it is not determined that the battery is a manganese battery in the type determination B in step S84 (Vcs = 1.34 and the determination in step S84a in FIG. 10 is not satisfied). Since it is not determined (Vcs−Vcl = 0.54, the determination in step S85b of FIG. 11 is not satisfied), it is identified as an alkaline battery. Since the second terminal voltage Vcl = 0.80 in the remaining amount determination F in step S83F and the determination in step S83a ″ in FIG. 14 is satisfied, the replacement required flag becomes 1 (printing is prohibited because step S83c ″ is not satisfied). The flag remains in the off state of 0) and is identified as a depleted battery that requires a battery replacement request.

  The battery with battery number (8) has an electromotive force E = 1.40 and an internal resistance r = 1.20. As a result, the first terminal voltage Vcs at the time of the first energization = 1.28, the second terminal voltage Vcl at the time of the second energization = 0.20, and the difference Vcs−Vcl = 1.08. In the case of this battery, it is determined that it is a manganese battery in the type determination B in step S84 (the first terminal voltage Vcs = 1.28 satisfies the determination in step S84a in FIG. 10, and Vcs−Vcl = 1.08 and step S84b). Are also identified). Since the second terminal voltage Vcl = 0.20 in the remaining amount determination D in step S83D and the determination in step S83b in FIG. 12 is satisfied, the replacement flag becomes 1, and the determination in step S83c is also satisfied and printing is prohibited. The flag becomes 0, and the battery is identified as a consumed battery that requires a battery replacement request and printing prohibition control.

  The battery with battery number (9) has an electromotive force E = 1.10 and an internal resistance r = 0.30. As a result, the first terminal voltage Vcs at the time of the first energization = 1.07, the second terminal voltage Vcl at the time of the second energization = 0.80, and the difference Vcs−Vcl = 0.27. In the case of this battery, it is determined that the battery is a nickel-metal hydride battery in the type determination C in step S85 (the first terminal voltage Vcs = 1.07 satisfies the determination in step S85a in FIG. 11, and Vcs−Vcl = 0.27. The determination of S85b is also satisfied), and is identified as a nickel metal hydride battery. Since the second terminal voltage Vcl = 0.80 in the remaining amount determination E in step S83E and the determination in step S83a ′ in FIG. 13 is satisfied, the replacement required flag is set to 1 (printing is not performed because step S83c ′ is not satisfied). The prohibition flag remains 0 in the off state) and is identified as a depleted battery that requires a battery replacement request.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a comparison between a battery determined to be exhausted and a message displayed on the liquid crystal display 112 in the specific example of the battery check process described with reference to FIG.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 17, the four batteries with battery numbers (5), (7), (8), and (9) in FIG. 17 are determined to be exhausted. As a result, in FIG. 18, the battery of battery number (5) (specified as manganese battery) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 112 as “Please replace the ○ number with a new battery” (step S205 in FIG. 9 and FIG. 5). Step S9) is displayed. Similarly, for the battery with battery number (7) (specified as alkaline battery) and the battery with battery number (8) (specified as manganese battery), “Please replace the ○ number with a new battery” on the LCD display 112. ( Step S205 in FIG. 9 and Step S9 in FIG. 5) are displayed. In addition, for the battery number (9) (specified as a nickel metal hydride battery), “Please charge No.” is displayed on the liquid crystal display 112 (see step S207 in FIG. 9 and step S9 in FIG. 5). .

  As described above, in the tape making device 1 of the present embodiment, the type is specified for each of the batteries 99a to 99f stored in the battery storage unit 27, and the batteries that are consumed according to the type are specifically specified. (It is possible even when multiple types are used together.) As a result, even when one of the batteries 99a to 99f in use in the tape making device 1 is exhausted and no longer exhibits the original output, it is sufficient to replace or charge only the exhausted battery. It is not necessary to replace or charge all the batteries 99a to 99f at once. As a result, it can be used effectively until each battery is exhausted, and it is also desirable from the viewpoint of environmental protection.

  In this embodiment, in particular, the liquid crystal display 112 notifies a message (the above-mentioned replacement recommendation message or charging recommendation message) according to the type of battery determined to be exhausted. This distinguishes between rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, alerts the appropriate message, clearly indicates to the user whether the worn battery should be replaced or recharged, and Depending on the situation, it is possible to recognize an appropriate countermeasure to be taken next.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present invention.

  For example, as in the above-described embodiment, the type and consumption level of each battery are not detectable in all of the plurality of holding units of the battery housing unit 27, and in a specific part of the plurality of holding units of the battery housing unit 27 Only the type and consumption level of each battery may be detectable.

  FIG. 19 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration provided on the control board of the tape producing device 1 according to such a modification, and corresponds to FIG. Parts equivalent to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  In the circuit of the present modification shown in FIG. 19, the battery housing portion 27 has a plurality (six in this example) of holding portions 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e, and 27f, of which specific holdings are provided. Only the battery 99a attached to and held in the unit (hereinafter referred to as “checker unit”) 27a is determined by the control of the CPU 111 and the type and the degree of wear corresponding to the type.

  In this modification, a switch 132 is provided instead of the battery selector circuit 136 and the switch 137 in the above embodiment. When the switch 132 is turned on by the control of the CPU 111, the load changeover switch 133 performs switching connection to the heavy load 134a and the light load 134c in the same manner as in the above embodiment, and the above-described equations (1) and (2) Thus, the first terminal voltage Vcs and the second terminal voltage Vcl related to the specific battery 99a attached to the checker unit 27a can be obtained.

  Similarly to the above embodiment, the CPU 111 determines the type determination reference value (the value of the first terminal voltage Vcs and the difference Vcs−Vcl between the first terminal voltage Vcs and the second terminal voltage Vcl) stored in the storage unit 111a. ) Is used to specify the type of the battery 99a (= type specifying function). Further, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the battery 99a of which the type is specified is consumed using the remaining amount determination reference value (the value of the second terminal voltage Vcl) stored in the storage unit 111a. (= Consumption judgment function).

  At this time, in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, by preparing various battery type determination reference values and remaining amount determination reference values in the storage unit 111a, a method similar to the above-described embodiment (however, FIG. 7, only Vda is measured in steps S102 and S104, and only Vcsa and Vcl are calculated in steps S111 and S112 in FIG. 8). It can be determined in detail. Then, as in the above embodiment, the CPU 111 causes the liquid crystal display 112 to display diagnostic information of a battery determined to be exhausted (for example, a message such as “the battery in the checker unit is abnormal”) on the liquid crystal display 112 to the user. Can be notified.

  The user manually shuffles and replaces the six batteries, and sequentially attaches all the batteries to the checker portion 27a (the attached battery becomes the specific battery 99a), thereby specifying the type of all the batteries. And exhaustion determination can be performed.

  Also in this modification, the same effect as the above embodiment is obtained. In addition, since it is sufficient to provide the switch 132 instead of the battery selector circuit 136 and the switch 137 of the above embodiment, there is an effect that the circuit configuration can be simplified.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  Although the said embodiment etc. have mentioned the case where it applies to the tape production apparatus 1 as an example of an electronic device, it is not restricted to this, You may apply to other various electronic devices using a battery. In this case, the same effect can be obtained.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

It is a perspective view showing the whole tape creation device structure by one embodiment of the present invention. It is the perspective view which looked at the tape production apparatus on the back side. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view from the back side showing the internal structure of the tape making device 1. It is a circuit diagram showing the circuit structure provided in the control board of a tape production apparatus. It is a flowchart showing the procedure performed by CPU. It is a flowchart showing the detail of step S8 in FIG. It is a flowchart showing the detail of step S81 in FIG. It is a flowchart showing the detail of step S82 in FIG. It is a flowchart showing the detail of step S83 in FIG. It is a flowchart showing the detail of step S84 in FIG. It is a flowchart showing the detail of step S85 in FIG. It is a flowchart showing the detail of step S83D in FIG. It is a flowchart showing the detail of step S83E in FIG. FIG. It is a flowchart showing the detail of step S83F in FIG. FIG. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the method for specifying the storage position of the battery in a battery accommodating part. It is explanatory drawing showing the example which displays the symbol image of the form of a battery. It is a figure showing the specific example of the battery used as the object by which the kind of battery is specified by battery check process, and also a wear degree is determined. It is a figure showing contrast with the message displayed on a liquid crystal display about the battery determined to be exhausted in the specific example of a battery check process. It is a circuit diagram showing the circuit structure of the tape production apparatus by the modification which detects the kind and consumption degree of each battery only in specific part among several holding | maintenance parts.

Explanation of symbols

1 Tape making device (electronic equipment)
27 Battery housing part (battery housing means)
27a checker part (specific holding part)
99a-f Battery 111 CPU
111a storage unit (storage means)
112 Liquid crystal display 113 Load changeover switch 134a Heavy load 134c Light load 136 Battery switching circuit

Claims (9)

In an electronic device driven by power supplied from a plurality of batteries connected in series,
Battery accommodating means for accommodating the plurality of batteries interchangeably in units of one cell;
Cell remaining amount confirmation means for confirming the remaining amount for each cell unit of the battery accommodated in the battery accommodating means ;
Storage means for storing the remaining amount determination reference value ;
The cell remaining amount confirmation means includes:
Type identifying means for identifying the type of the battery by a type determination reference value set based on the electromotive force and internal resistance of the battery accommodated in the battery accommodating means;
For each type of battery specified by the type specifying unit, a remaining amount determination reference value that is set based on a consumption characteristic related to changes in electromotive force and internal resistance due to the consumption of the battery and stored in the storage unit By means of depletion determining means for determining whether or not the battery whose type is specified by the type specifying means is depleted,
Notification means for notifying the diagnosis information of the battery determined to be consumed by the consumption determination means ;
The notifying means displays a symbol image of the battery shape and the remaining amount according to the degree of battery consumption in the same arrangement as that of the batteries accommodated in the battery accommodating portion, and is consumed by the consumption determining means. An electronic device characterized by specifically displaying the battery determined to be in operation . The electronic device according to claim 1 ,
The battery accommodating means is
A plurality of holding portions each holding the plurality of batteries;
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the type specifying unit and the consumption determining unit are sequentially switched and connected to the batteries respectively held in the plurality of holding units. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The storage means
The type determination reference value corresponding to the first terminal voltage at the time of the first energization and the second terminal voltage at the time of the second energization that is larger than the first energization is stored for each predetermined battery type. And
The type specifying means is:
Applying the type determination reference value stored in the storage unit for each cell to the specific battery stored in the battery storage unit to specify the type of the battery Electronic equipment. The electronic device according to claim 3 .
The storage means
The remaining amount determination reference value corresponding to the second terminal voltage at the time of the second energization is stored for each predetermined battery type,
The consumption determining means includes
Applying the remaining amount determination reference value stored in the storage unit for each cell to the specific battery stored in the battery storage unit to determine whether the battery is exhausted An electronic device characterized by that. The electronic device according to claim 4 ,
An electronic apparatus comprising: a prohibition control unit that prohibits at least power supply from the battery to a load when the exhaustion determination unit determines that the battery is exhausted based on the remaining capacity determination reference value. machine. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The electronic device is characterized by notifying a message corresponding to the type of the battery determined to be exhausted by the exhaustion determining device. The electronic apparatus according to claim 6 .
When the battery determined to be exhausted by the exhaustion determination unit is a rechargeable battery, the notification unit notifies the message that the battery should be charged while specifying the battery. Electronics. The electronic device according to claim 7 , wherein
The informing means, when the battery determined to be exhausted by the exhaustion determining means is a battery that cannot be charged, notifies the message that the battery should be replaced while specifying the battery. Electronic equipment. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
Conveying means for conveying the label tape;
An electronic apparatus comprising: a printing unit configured to perform predetermined printing on the label tape transported by the transport unit or the print-receiving tape attached to the label tape.

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