JP6948577B2 - Battery-powered power supply with wireless communication function - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a battery-powered power supply device having a wireless communication function.

Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless reception drive device that can be attached to a battery box of an external load device such as an electric toy. This wireless reception drive device is configured as a so-called switching power supply, and the duty ratio of the drive signal of the transistor interposed between the housed battery and the external terminal is set by the wireless module according to the user command received via the wireless receiver. By changing the drive voltage to the external load device, the operation of the external load device such as an electric toy can be controlled. Furthermore, it has a function to control the power supply of the wireless receiver in conjunction with the external switch of the external load device, and realizes the effect of suppressing battery consumption.

When the wireless reception drive device is mounted on a battery box of an electric toy or the like and used, the wireless reception drive device and its stored battery are caused by vibrations or shocks generated by operating an external load device such as an electric toy. There is a possibility that the contact state between them becomes poor and the power supply from the storage battery is temporarily cut off (off), resulting in a momentary interruption. In this case, the control for the external load device becomes the initial state, and the operation of the electric toy or the like suddenly stops.

In addition, when an external load device such as an electric toy is operating, if a user command from an electronic device cannot be temporarily received by the wireless receiver (broken link, communication disconnection) occurs, the outside of the electric toy or the like. The operation is continued in a state where the load device cannot be controlled, and a failure may occur depending on the type of the electric toy or the like.

That is, conventionally, when an unexpected situation such as a temporary cutoff of power from a battery or a broken link between a wireless receiver and an electronic device occurs, an external load device such as an electric toy is used. The intended control cannot be performed.

JP-A-2015-177939

The purpose is to deal with unforeseen circumstances such as momentary interruptions and broken links in a battery-powered power supply equipped with a wireless communication function.

The battery-type power supply device having a wireless communication function according to the present embodiment has a housing having a shape and dimensions conforming to the battery standard so that it can be mounted in the battery box of the external load device. The battery storage portion for storing the battery inside the housing has an inner positive electrode terminal and an inner negative electrode terminal that come into contact with the front and rear terminals of the stored battery. The front end surface of the housing is provided with an outer positive electrode terminal connected to the inner positive electrode terminal, and the rear end surface of the housing is provided with an outer negative electrode terminal connected to the inner negative electrode terminal. An output transistor is interposed between the inner negative electrode terminal and the outer negative electrode terminal and between the inner positive electrode terminal and the outer positive electrode terminal. The control circuit generates a control signal that controls the opening and closing of the output transistor with a duty ratio according to the drive level signal received via the antenna, and a momentary interruption occurs in which the power supply from the battery is temporarily cut off. At this time, a preliminary control signal is generated after the power supply is restored and before the communication with the external information processing device is restored.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a battery-powered power supply device having a wireless communication function according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the battery-powered power supply device of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a usage mode of the battery-powered power supply device of FIG. FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the battery-powered power supply device of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen when setting a coping operation. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the control of the battery-powered power supply device of FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a coping operation when a momentary interruption occurs. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a coping operation when a momentary interruption occurs. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the control of the battery-powered power supply device of FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a coping operation when a link is broken.

Hereinafter, a battery-powered power supply device having a wireless function according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same function and configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be given only when necessary.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a battery-powered power supply device (hereinafter, simply referred to as “battery-powered power supply device”) 100 having a wireless function according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a usage state of the battery-powered power supply device 100 of FIG. The battery-type power supply device 100 according to the present embodiment is configured to have a shape and outer dimensions conforming to the battery standard. Typically, the battery-powered power supply 100 according to the present embodiment is formed of a cylinder having a height and a diameter according to the AA standard. However, the battery-type power supply device 100 may be configured with a shape and dimensions conforming to other battery standards. Here, it is assumed that the battery-type power supply device 100 according to the present embodiment conforms to the AA standard.

The main body 128 of the battery-type power supply 100 is exteriorized by a cylindrical housing 118 having substantially the same shape and dimensions as the AA battery standard. A circular conductive plate as an outer positive electrode terminal (electrode terminal) 103 is attached to the center of the upper end surface (also referred to as the front end surface) of the main body 128 in a state of being slightly projected forward. A circular conductive plate is attached as the outer negative electrode terminal 104 to the center of the lower end surface (also referred to as the rear end surface) of the main body 128. A part of the peripheral surface of the housing 118 is cut out in an oval shape. The length of the notch 119 is the same as or slightly shorter than that of the AAA battery, and the width is slightly wider than the width of the AAA battery. The user can insert and remove the AAA battery (storage battery) from the notch 119 into the battery storage 102. The shape of the battery housing 102 is a cylindrical space having a length and diameter according to the AAA standard. The central axis of the battery housing 102 is radially offset with respect to the cylindrical central axis of the battery-type power supply 100. This offset provides a small amount of space between the housing 118 and the battery compartment 102. A board 107 on which circuits for realizing various functions of the battery-powered power supply 100 are mounted is mounted in this small space.

A conductive plate is attached as the inner positive electrode terminal 105 to the center of the front end of the battery housing 102, that is, on the same side as the outer positive electrode terminal 103. A conductive plate having a spring property is attached as the inner negative electrode terminal 106 at the center of the rear end of the battery housing 102 and on the same side as the outer negative electrode terminal 104. The positive electrode terminal of the AAA battery 113 housed in the battery housing 102 contacts the inner positive electrode terminal 105, and the negative electrode terminal of the AAA battery 113 contacts the inner negative electrode terminal 106. The inner positive electrode terminal 105 is connected to the wiring cable 109 and the substrate 107. The outer positive electrode terminal 103 is connected to the wiring cable 110 and the substrate 107. The outer negative electrode terminal 4 and the inner negative electrode terminal 106 are connected to the wiring cable 108 and the substrate 107.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a usage state of the battery-type power supply device 100 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the battery-type power supply device 100 is mounted alone or in series with another battery 300 in the battery box 112 of the external load device 111 driven by an AA battery. Examples of the external load device 111 include electric toys, electric work toys, disaster prevention sensors, security sensors, flashlights, bicycle lights, battery-powered cookers, electric appliances, electric pet feeding devices, battery-powered fans, battery-powered hand soap dispensers, and the like. .. Here, it will be described as an electric toy driven by a motor 115 as an external load device 111. The external load device 111 has a battery box 112. A battery-type power supply 100 and another AA battery 300 are mounted in series in the battery box 112. A motor 115 is electrically connected to the battery box 112 via an external switch 114. Wheels 136 are connected to the motor 115 via a transmission mechanism. When the external switch 114 is turned on, the electrical connection between the motor 115 and the battery box 112 is ensured. When the external switch 114 is turned off, the motor 115 and the battery box 112 are electrically disconnected.

The external information processing device 50 is typically a portable digital electronic device having a communication function, an operation panel function, and the like of a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a radio control communication device, and the like. The battery-powered power supply device 100 according to this embodiment has a wireless communication function and is wirelessly connected to the external information processing device 50. Depending on the user operation on the operation screen 51 of the external information processing device 50, the power output (drive level) from the external information processing device 50 to the battery-powered power supply device 100 is set to any value within the range of 0% to 100%. The instruction to be processed is transmitted by wireless communication. As will be described later, an output transistor is interposed between the inner positive electrode terminal 105 and the outer positive electrode terminal 103 of the battery housing portion 102 of the battery-type power supply device 100 via the wiring cables 109 and 110. An output transistor may be interposed between the inner negative electrode terminal 106 and the outer negative electrode terminal 104 of the battery housing 102 of the battery-type power supply device 100.

The battery-powered power supply device 100 adjusts the power supply output by changing the duty ratio of the gate drive signal (control signal) to the output transistor according to the output instruction (drive level) from the external information processing device 50 by the PWM (pulse width signal modulation) method. do.

Further, in the external information processing device 50, the coping operation setting for controlling the battery-type power supply device 100 in response to a momentary interruption in which the power supply from the battery is temporarily cut off, or the external information processing device 50 and the battery-type power supply device It is possible to set the link breakage countermeasure setting for controlling the countermeasure when the wireless communication with the 100 is disconnected (link breakage). The setting contents are transmitted to the battery-type power supply device 100 and stored in the non-volatile memory of the RFIC (high frequency integrated circuit) 122 described later in the battery-type power supply device 100.

The "instantaneous interruption" is between the battery terminal housed in the battery storage unit 102 and the inner positive electrode terminal 5 or the inner negative electrode terminal 6 due to various causes such as vibration and impact of the external load device 111. Naturally, the power supply from the stored battery to the battery-type power supply device 1 is temporarily cut off (off) due to poor contact or poor contact of the battery stored in the battery box 112. Therefore, the wireless communication between the external information processing device 50 and the battery-powered power supply device 100 is also disconnected (broken link). Further, "broken link" means that the distance between the external information processing device 50 and the battery-type power supply device 100 is close to the specified communication distance, the radio wave strength is weak, and the external information processing device 50 and the battery-type power supply device are close to each other. A situation in which the connection between the external information processing device 50 and the battery-powered power supply device 100 is interrupted due to various causes such as an electromagnetic interference between the 100 and the battery-type power supply device 100, and the power supply from the storage battery is cut off. It is distinguished from "instantaneous interruption" in that it continues without interruption.

Here, a control signal (drive signal) for driving the opening / closing of the output transistor, which is generated until the communication is restored according to the countermeasure operation setting for controlling the momentary interruption or the link break countermeasure setting. Is particularly referred to as a "preliminary control signal" to distinguish the control signal in the steady state.

FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the battery-powered power supply device of FIG. The circuit of the battery-type power supply device according to the present embodiment includes an output transistor 120, an RFIC 122, a DCDC converter 121, an inverter 123, a pull-up resistor (detection resistor) 124, and a pull-up resistor 125. These electronic components are mounted on the substrate 107. The battery 113 is mounted between the inner positive electrode terminal 105 and the inner negative electrode terminal 106. The output transistor 120 is typically a P-channel MOSFET, and is interposed between the inner positive electrode terminal 105 and the outer positive electrode terminal 103 on the circuit. The output transistor 120 may be an N-channel MOSFET, and in that case, the output transistor 120 is interposed between the inner negative electrode terminal 106 and the outer negative electrode terminal 104 on the circuit. When the output transistor 120 is a P-channel MOSFET, low level / high level is read as high level / low level in the following description, respectively. Further, the output transistor 120 may be a bipolar transistor, in which case the following gate control signals are read as base control signals. Here, the output transistor 120 will be described as an N-channel MOSFET.

The pull-up resistor (detection resistor) 124 is arranged in parallel with the output transistor 120 between the inner positive electrode terminal 105 and the outer positive electrode terminal 103. The pull-up resistor 125 is interposed between the gate terminal of the output transistor 120 and the inner positive electrode terminal 105. The drain terminal of the output transistor 120 is connected to the outer positive electrode terminal 103 via the wiring cable 110. The source terminal of the output transistor 120 is connected to the inner positive electrode terminal 105 via the wiring cable 109. Further, the inner positive electrode terminal 105 is connected to the input terminal of the DCDC converter 121 via the wiring cable 109. The DCDC converter 121 boosts the voltage Vcc of the AAA battery mounted in the battery housing 2 to, for example, a power supply voltage Vdd of 3.0 V for internal circuit operation. The RFIC 122 described later is driven by the power supply voltage Vdd. However, if the RFIC 122 operates at 1.5 V or less, the DCDC converter 121 is not required. The RFIC 122 is driven by the power supply voltage Vdd generated by the DCDC converter 121. A wireless communication antenna 127 is connected to the ANT terminal of the RFIC 122. Further, the gate terminal of the output transistor 120 is connected to the Output terminal of the RFIC 122.

An inverter 123 is interposed between the drain terminal of the output transistor 120 and the EN terminal of the DCDC converter 121. By arranging the inverter 123 in the input stage of the DCDC converter 121, it is possible to avoid the destruction of the DCDC converter due to the counter electromotive voltage generated in the motor 115. The input terminal of the inverter 123 is connected to the drain terminal of the output transistor 120, and the output terminal is connected to the EN terminal of the DCDC converter 121. The inverter 123 inverts the input signal and outputs it.

The inner negative electrode terminal 106 is connected to the outer negative electrode terminal 104 via the wiring cable 108. The outer positive electrode terminal 103 and the outer negative electrode terminal 104 are electrically connected to each other through terminals 116 and 117 of the external load device 111, respectively. An external switch 114 and a motor 115 are connected between the terminals 116 and 117.

The RFIC 122 is a control circuit that functionally includes a communication unit, a drive signal generation unit, a control unit, and the like. The communication unit wirelessly communicates with the external information processing device 50 via the wireless communication antenna 127 under the control of the control unit. The wireless communication method may be any wireless method such as an infrared method or Bluetooth (registered trademark). Specifically, the communication unit receives a code radio signal representing a motor output instruction value (drive level) from the external information processing device 50 via the wireless communication antenna 127. The motor output indicated value is, for example, a value selected by the user by operating the external information processing device 50 from a ratio of 0% to 100%. It is assumed that the reconnection operation is executed when the communication between the RFIC 122 (communication unit) and the external information processing device 50 is temporarily disconnected.

The drive signal generation unit generates a control signal of the output transistor 120 according to the received motor output instruction value (drive level) according to the control of the control unit. Here, the motor drive signal is provided as a PWM (pulse width signal modulation) signal. When the motor output indicated value is 0%, the drive signal generating unit generates a PWM signal having a duty ratio of 0% (high level only). When the motor output indicated value is 100%, the drive signal generating unit generates a PWM signal having a duty ratio of 100% (low level only). When the motor output indicated value is 50%, the drive signal generator generates a signal having a duty ratio of 50% (the ratio of the low level to the high level is half). The PWM signal generated by the drive signal generator is input to the output transistor 120 as a gate control signal.

Normally, the control unit generates a gate control signal for the output transistor 120 according to a signal indicating the drive level received via the wireless communication antenna 127 by the drive signal generator, but the power supply from the battery is temporarily supplied. When a momentary interruption that recovers after interruption occurs, a gate control signal for coping operation can be generated. The control unit receives the setting contents of the coping operation setting in advance from the external information processing device 50, stores it in the non-volatile storage medium (flash memory), and performs the coping operation when the power is recovered after the momentary interruption occurs. It is possible to read out the setting contents of the setting and generate a control signal (preliminary control signal) for coping operation accordingly.

The output transistor 120 functions as a switching element between the inner positive electrode terminal 105 and the outer positive electrode terminal 103 of the battery-powered power supply device. The source terminal of the output transistor 120 is connected to the inner positive electrode terminal 105, the drain terminal is connected to the outer positive electrode terminal 103, and the gate terminal is connected to the Output terminal of the RFIC 122. The on / off of the output transistor 120 is controlled by the voltage (gate voltage) applied by the control signal from the RFIC 122.

When the gate voltage is lower than the threshold voltage Vth (PWM signal (gate control signal) is low level), a channel is formed between the source and drain, and the maximum drain current flows. In this state, the output transistor 120 is on. When the output transistor 120 is turned on, the outer positive electrode terminal 103 and the inner positive electrode terminal 105 of the battery-powered power supply device 100 become conductive. When the external switch 114 of the external load device 111 is in the ON state, the circuit of the external load device 111 also conducts due to the conduction between the outer positive electrode terminal 103 and the outer negative electrode terminal 104 of the battery-powered power supply device, and the motor 115 Is driven. On the other hand, when the gate voltage is higher than the threshold voltage Vth (the PWM signal (gate control signal) is at a high level), no drain current flows between the source and drain. In this state, the output transistor 120 is off. When the output transistor 120 is turned off, the space between the outer positive electrode terminal 103 and the outer negative electrode terminal 104 of the battery-powered power supply device is cut off. As a result, even if the external switch 114 of the external load device 111 is in the ON state, the circuit of the external load device 111 is cut off and the motor 115 is not driven.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen 52 when the coping operation is set in the external information processing device 50. The external information processing device 50 can display the operation screen 52 for setting the coping operation by executing the application program that controls the battery-powered power supply device 100. On the operation screen 52, for example, either "immediately preceding state coping" or "set value coping" can be set as a control method when the power is restored after the momentary interruption occurs in the battery-powered power supply device 1. By setting "immediately before state handling", a momentary interruption occurs and the power supply is cut off, and when the power supply is recovered, a PWM signal is generated with a duty ratio corresponding to the same drive level as immediately before the occurrence of the momentary interruption. In the "set value coping", when a momentary interruption occurs, it is possible to switch to the control for the coping operation according to the preset drive level. By selecting "Set value coping", the power output during the coping operation can be specified to any value (drive level) within the range of 0% to 100%.

Next, the instantaneous interruption recovery control by the RFIC 122 of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the control of the battery-powered power supply device 1 by the RFIC 122 of the first embodiment. The battery is installed (step S101) and the external switch 114 is turned on (step S102, Yes). The RFIC 122 completes the connection by executing the connection operation with the external information processing device 50 via the wireless communication antenna 127 by the communication unit in a predetermined procedure (step S103).

The RFIC 122 waits for reception of a signal indicating a drive level from the external information processing device 50 (S104). The external information processing device 50 displays an operation screen 51 (see FIG. 3) by an application that controls the battery-powered power supply device 100, and inputs a drive level instruction to the battery-powered power supply device 100 by user operation. The external information processing device 50 transmits an instruction (drive level) for setting the power output to the battery-type power supply device 100 to any value within the range of 0% to 100% by wireless communication.

When the RFIC 122 receives a signal indicating the drive level through the wireless communication antenna 127 (step S104, Yes), the RFIC 122 generates a PWM signal (gate control signal) having a duty ratio according to the drive level (step S105). Further, the RFIC 122 stores the duty ratio changed according to the reception of the drive level (step S106). The drive level may be stored instead of the duty ratio.

In the same manner below, the RFIC 122 receives a signal indicating the drive level from the external information processing device 50 and generates a control signal according to the drive level in response to the operation on the operation screen 51 of the external information processing device 50. The operation of the motor 115 of the external load device 111 is controlled (steps S104 to S106).

Here, while the external load device 111 is operating in response to a user operation in the external information processing device 50, for example, due to the influence of vibration of the external load device 111, a momentary interruption, that is, the power supply from the battery is cut off. , It is assumed that a momentary interruption occurs in which the power supply is restored within a relatively short time (power cutoff → power recovery).

The RFIC 122 determines whether the coping operation is set in advance after the power supply is restored, that is, whether the “immediately preceding state coping” or the “set value coping” is set. If the operation setting is not made in advance (step S107, No), the RFIC 122 returns to the same initial state as when the external switch 114 is turned on, and waits for the completion of connection with the external information processing device 50 (communication start). (Step S103).

On the other hand, when the RFIC 122 is set to perform a coping operation after a momentary interruption (step S107, Yes), the RFIC 122 is used for a coping operation according to which of "immediately preceding state coping" and "set value coping" is set. (Step S108). When "immediately before state handling" is set, the RFIC 122 records the duty ratio recorded when the duty ratio is changed according to the drive level received from the external information processing device 50, that is, immediately before the momentary interruption occurs. A preliminary control signal is generated according to the duty ratio. Further, when the "set value countermeasure" is set, a preliminary control signal corresponding to a predetermined duty ratio according to a preset drive level is generated. As a result, even if a momentary interruption occurs, the operation of the external load device 111 can be continued in the state immediately before the momentary interruption occurs or in the preset state.

In the momentary interruption, the link is broken, that is, the connection between the battery-powered power supply device 100 and the external information processing device 50 is cut off. When the wireless communication is not restored (step S109, No), the RFIC 122 is set as long as the elapsed time after the power is restored is within the preset standby time (for example, 2 seconds) (step S110, No). ), The generation of the preliminary control signal for the coping operation is continued (steps S108 to S110). The standby time is the time expected to be reconnected after the communication with the external information processing device 50 is disconnected (after the link is broken), and is changed in the external information processing device 50 in the same manner as the coping operation setting. You may be able to do it.

Further, the RFIC 122 stops the preliminary control signal when the communication with the external information processing device 50 is restored within the preset standby time (step S109, Yes), and is in the state before the occurrence of the momentary interruption. Similarly, it waits for the reception of the signal indicating the drive level from the external information processing device 50 (step S104).

If the communication with the external information processing device 50 is not restored within the preset standby time (step S110, Yes), the RFIC 122 stops the preliminary control signal and turns on the external switch 114. Forcibly returns to the initial state waiting for the connection completion (step S103).

In FIG. 7, the external information processing device 50 instructed the time change (solid line) of the duty ratio of the preliminary control signal when "set value coping" was set as the coping operation when the momentary interruption occurred. It is shown together with the time change of the drive level (dashed line). FIG. 7 (a) shows an example in which a constant drive level of 80% is specified, and FIG. 7 (b) shows an example in which the drive level fluctuates, and here it is instructed to gradually increase. There is.

The power cutoff occurs at time T1, and the power supply is restored at time T2. The period from time T1 to time T2 is a momentary interruption period. In this momentary interruption period, not only the control signal is not generated, but also the motor 115 of the external load device 111 is not driven because the storage battery 113 or the external battery 300 is electrically separated.

When the power supply is restored at time T2, the RFIC 122 is also restored. When the "set value countermeasure" is set, the RFIC 122 generates a preliminary control signal at a duty ratio corresponding to a preset drive level, for example, 20%. When the reconnection between the battery-powered power supply device 1 and the external information processing device 50 is completed and the communication is restored at time T3, the RFIC 122 sends a control signal with a duty ratio according to the drive level instructed by the external information processing device 50. appear.

That is, during the period from the time T2 when the power supply is restored to the time T3 when the communication is restored, the motor 115 of the external load device 111 is driven by the preliminary control signal of the duty ratio according to the preset drive level. Drive. After the time T2 when the power supply is restored, the retry of the connection between the external information processing device 50 and the RFIC 122 is repeated. Then, after the communication recovery time T3, the motor 115 of the external load device 111 is driven by the control signal at the duty ratio according to the drive level instructed by the user from the external information processing device 50.

Even if a momentary interruption occurs, the external load device 111 is driven at a preset drive level before the communication is restored, so that the drive stop period of the external load device 111 due to the momentary interruption can be shortened. As a result, the user can operate the external load device 111 via the external information processing device 50 without being aware of the momentary interruption. Further, for example, in the case of an electric toy in which the external load device 111 is driven by the motor 115, communication is performed by setting to generate a preliminary control signal according to a relatively low drive level set in advance. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of dangerous situations such as unexpected high-speed running (high-speed operation) during the inoperable period before recovery. Further, since the operation of the external load device 111 changes even though the operation screen 51 is not operated, the user can easily recognize the occurrence of the momentary interruption.

As shown in FIG. 7C, the RFIC 122 sets the drive level to zero (duty ratio) at the time T4 when the state in which the communication is not restored continues and the preset standby time elapses from the time T2 when the power supply is restored. Is zero), in other words, the preliminary control signal is stopped. As a result, the external load device 111 is stopped. Before the communication is restored, the user cannot operate the external load device 111, and even if the drive level is set in advance, if the operation period is prolonged, the external load device 111 deviates from the communicable distance, etc. However, such a situation can be avoided by stopping the external load device 111 according to the passage of time by making it possible to set the standby time in advance.

In FIG. 8, the external information processing device 50 instructed the time change (solid line) of the duty ratio of the preliminary control signal when "immediately before state coping" was set as the coping operation when the momentary interruption occurred. It is shown together with the time change of the drive level (dashed line). FIG. 8 (a) shows an example in which a constant drive level of 80% is specified as in the example of FIG. 7 (a), and FIG. 8 (b) is the same as the example of FIG. 7 (b). An example is shown in which the drive level is instructed to gradually increase.

The power cutoff occurs at time T1, and the power supply is restored at time T2. The period from time T1 to time T2 is a momentary interruption period. When the power supply is restored at time T2, the RFIC 122 is also restored. The RFIC 122 has a duty ratio corresponding to the drive level stored immediately before the power cutoff time T1, 80% in the example of FIG. 8 (a), and 55% in the example of FIG. 8 (b) in the setting of "immediately before state handling". Generates a preliminary control signal. When the reconnection between the battery-powered power supply device 1 and the external information processing device 50 is completed and the communication is restored at time T3, the RFIC 122 sends a control signal with a duty ratio according to the drive level instructed by the external information processing device 50. appear.

During the period from the time T2 when the power supply is restored to the time T3 when the communication is restored, the external load device 111 is subjected to the preliminary control signal of the duty ratio according to the drive level stored immediately before the power cutoff time T1. Drives the motor 115. After the time T2 when the power supply is restored, the retry of the connection between the external information processing device 50 and the RFIC 122 is repeated. Then, after the communication recovery time T3, the motor 115 of the external load device 111 is driven by the control signal at the duty ratio according to the drive level instructed by the user from the external information processing device 50.

In the "immediately before state handling" setting, even if a momentary interruption occurs, the external load device 111 is continuously driven at the drive level immediately before the power cutoff time T1, so that the user is hardly aware of the momentary interruption. .. That is, according to the present embodiment, if the driving state immediately before the occurrence of the momentary interruption is maintained and the user control is restored when the communication is resumed, the user uses the external load device 111 with almost no awareness of the momentary interruption or the broken link. Can be done. Further, in a device such as a sensor light in which the external load device 111 needs to be constantly operated, the external load device 111 can be turned on even before the communication is restored.

As shown in FIG. 8C, the RFIC 122 sets the drive level to zero (duty ratio) at the time T4 when the state in which the communication is not restored continues and the preset standby time elapses from the time T2 when the power supply is restored. Is reduced to zero) (preliminary control signal stop) to stop the external load device 111. As a result, it is possible to avoid an unforeseen situation due to a prolonged period during which the external load device 111 remains inoperable before the communication is restored.

(Second Embodiment)
Since the configuration of the battery-powered power supply device 100 having the wireless function according to the second embodiment of the present invention is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the control of the battery-powered power supply device 1 by the RFIC 122 of the second embodiment. Since steps S201 to S205 shown in FIG. 9 are the same as steps S101 to S105 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, description thereof will be omitted.

While the external load device 11 such as an electric toy is operating according to the user operation in the external information processing device 50, the wireless communication between the external information processing device 50 and the battery-powered power supply device 100 is disconnected and "broken link" occurs. It is assumed that it has occurred.

When the RFIC 122 detects a broken link (step S206, Yes), it determines whether or not a setting (link broken countermeasure setting) for performing a countermeasure operation after the link break is set in advance (step S207). The link break handling setting is performed by the user operation in the external information processing device 50 in the same manner as the handling operation setting described above (FIG. 5). If the corrective action is set after the link is broken, the power output during the corrective action can be set to any drive level within the range of 0% to 100% in the same manner as the above-mentioned "Set value countermeasure". Can be specified in. It is assumed that the power output is set to 0% as a default value. Further, the setting value of the drive level may be limited so that it can be specified only from a relatively low range (for example, 0% to 30%).

When the link break countermeasure setting is not made in advance (step S207, No), the RFIC 122 generates a preliminary control signal of the duty ratio corresponding to the drive level “0%” (step S211), and then the external switch 114 sets the external switch 114. It returns to the same initial state as when it was turned on, and waits for the completion of connection (communication start) with the external information processing device 50 (step S203). That is, when the wireless communication with the external information processing device 50 is disconnected and a "link break" occurs, the operation of the battery-powered power supply device 100 (external load device 111) cannot be controlled by the user operation. Therefore, the control state at the time of broken link is maintained as it is, and the external load device 111 is prevented from performing an unexpected operation (runaway or the like).

On the other hand, when the "link breakage countermeasure setting" is preset (step S207, Yes), the RFIC 122 generates a preliminary control signal according to the duty ratio according to the preset drive level. As a result, the operation of the external load device 111 can be continued in a preset state.

When the wireless communication is not restored (step S209, No), the RFIC 122 may perform while the elapsed time from the occurrence of the link break is within the preset standby time (for example, 2 seconds) (step S210, No.). No), the generation of the preliminary control signal according to the preset drive level is continued (steps S208 to S210). The standby time is the time at which reconnection is expected after the communication with the external information processing device 50 is disconnected and the link is broken, and can be changed in the external information processing device 50 in the same manner as the coping operation setting. You may do so.

Further, when the communication with the external information processing device 50 is restored within the preset standby time (step S209, Yes), the RFIC 122 returns to the state before the link is broken and is received from the external information processing device 50. A control signal is generated according to a signal indicating the drive level (steps S204 to S206).

If the communication with the external information processing device 50 is not restored within the preset standby time (step S210, Yes), the RFIC 122 returns to the same initial state as when the external switch 114 is turned on (step S210, Yes). Step S203).

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a coping operation when a link is broken. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the external load device 11 is continuously and gradually raised from the drive level “0%”. Here, it is assumed that the wireless communication is disconnected, that is, the link is broken at time T1.

As illustrated in FIG. 10A, when the link breakage countermeasure setting is not set, the RFIC 122 generates a preliminary control signal of the duty ratio according to the drive level of 0%, or generates a preliminary control signal. Stop. As a result, the operation of the external load device 111 can be stopped, and an unexpected situation such as a runaway can be avoided in advance.

As illustrated in FIG. 10B, when the link breakage countermeasure setting is made, the RFIC 122 has a duty ratio corresponding to a preset drive level, for example, 20%, regardless of the drive level at time T1. Generates a preliminary control signal. For example, in the case where the external load device 111 is a moving external load device 11, in a situation where the link is broken and the drive level cannot be adjusted by the external information processing device 50, the drive level is adjusted to a preset low drive level. To generate a preliminary control signal. As a result, the operation of the external load device 111 can be continued in a relatively safe state. Further, since the operation of the external load device 11 changes even though the operation screen 51 is not operated, the user can easily recognize the occurrence of the link break from the operation of the external load device 111.

If the communication with the external information processing device 50 is restored by the time T3 at which the standby time ends, the RFIC 122 generates a control signal with a duty ratio according to the drive level received from the external information processing device 50 at that time. Let me. However, as shown in FIG. 10 (c), when the communication with the external information processing device 50 is not restored from the link break time T1 to the time T3 when the predetermined standby time (for example, 2 seconds) ends, the communication with the external information processing device 50 is not restored. At that time, the RFIC 122 generates a preliminary control signal having a duty ratio corresponding to the drive level of 0% at T3, or stops the preliminary control signal and waits for communication recovery. As a result, the operation of the external load device 111 can be stopped, and an unexpected situation such as a runaway can be avoided in advance.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if the link is broken, the external load device 111 can be continuously driven at the preset drive level when the "link break countermeasure setting" is set. Can use the external load device 111 with little awareness of broken links. Further, in a device such as a sensor light in which the external load device 111 needs to be constantly operated, the lighting can be continued even if the link is broken. When the "link break countermeasure setting" is not set, the drive level is lowered to zero (duty ratio is zero) (preliminary control signal is stopped), and the external load device 111 is stopped to avoid an unexpected situation. realizable. The user can arbitrarily select whether or not to set the “broken link countermeasure setting” according to the type of the external load device 111.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

50 ... External information processing device, 51 ... Operation screen, 100 ... Battery type power supply device, 102 ... Battery storage unit, 103 ... Outer positive electrode terminal, 104 ... Outer negative electrode terminal, 105 ... Inner positive electrode terminal, 106 ... Inner negative electrode terminal, 107 ... Board, 108, 109, 110 ... Wiring cable, 111 ... External load device, 112 ... Battery box, 113 ... Storage battery, 114 ... External switch, 115 ... Motor, 116 ... Positive terminal, 117 ... Negative terminal, 128 ... Main body Part, 118 ... Housing, 119 ... Notch, 120 ... Output transistor, 121 ... DCDC converter, 122 ... RFIC, 123 ... Inverter, 124, 125 ... Pull-up resistor, 127 ... Wireless communication antenna, 300 ... External battery.

Claims (6)

A battery-type power supply that can be installed in the battery box of an external load device.
A housing with a shape and dimensions that conform to the battery standard,
A battery accommodating portion for accommodating a battery inside the housing and having an inner positive electrode terminal and an inner negative electrode terminal in contact with the front and rear terminals of the accommodating battery.
An outer positive electrode terminal provided on the front end surface of the housing and connected to the inner positive electrode terminal,
An outer negative electrode terminal provided on the rear end surface of the housing and connected to the inner negative electrode terminal,
An output transistor arranged inside the housing and interposed between the inner negative electrode terminal and the outer negative electrode terminal and between at least one of the inner positive electrode terminal and the outer positive electrode terminal.
An antenna arranged inside the housing for communicating with an external information processing device,
A control signal is generated inside the housing to control the opening and closing of the output transistor at a duty ratio corresponding to the drive level signal received via the antenna, and the power supply from the battery is temporarily cut off. It is provided with a control circuit that generates a preliminary control signal after the restoration of the power supply and before the restoration of communication with the external information processing device when the momentary interruption occurs.
The preliminary control signal is a battery-powered power supply device having a wireless communication function, which corresponds to a preset duty ratio. The control circuit is characterized in that the generation of the preliminary control signal is stopped when the communication with the external information processing device is not restored even after a predetermined standby time has elapsed from the restoration of the power supply. A battery-type power supply device having the wireless communication function according to item 1. The control circuit is characterized in that when the power supply is restored and communication with the external information processing device is restored, the preliminary control signal is stopped and the reception of the drive level signal is awaited. A battery-powered power supply device having the wireless communication function according to item 1. A battery-type power supply that can be installed in the battery box of an external load device.
A housing with a shape and dimensions that conform to the battery standard,
A battery accommodating portion for accommodating a battery inside the housing and having an inner positive electrode terminal and an inner negative electrode terminal in contact with the front and rear terminals of the accommodating battery.
An outer positive electrode terminal provided on the front end surface of the housing and connected to the inner positive electrode terminal,
An outer negative electrode terminal provided on the rear end surface of the housing and connected to the inner negative electrode terminal,
An output transistor arranged inside the housing and interposed between the inner negative electrode terminal and the outer negative electrode terminal and between at least one of the inner positive electrode terminal and the outer positive electrode terminal.
An antenna arranged inside the housing for communicating with an external information processing device,
After being arranged inside the housing, a control signal for controlling the opening and closing of the output transistor is generated at a duty ratio corresponding to the drive level signal received via the antenna, and communication with the external information processing device is disconnected. , before restoration of communication with the external information processing apparatus, and a control circuit for generating a precautionary control signal,
The preliminary control signal is a battery-powered power supply device having a wireless communication function, which corresponds to a preset duty ratio. The control circuit stops the generation of the preliminary control signal when the communication with the external information processing device is not restored even after a predetermined standby time has elapsed from the disconnection of the communication with the external information processing device. The battery-type power supply device provided with the wireless communication function according to claim 4. The wireless communication function according to claim 4 , wherein the control circuit stops the preliminary control signal and waits for reception of the drive level signal when the communication with the external information processing device is restored. Battery-powered power supply with.

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