HK1123127B - Battery device - Google Patents

Description

Battery device

The present application is a divisional application of chinese patent application having an application date of 24/12/2004, an application number of 200480008137.6, entitled "battery device and electronic equipment".

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a battery device and an electronic equipment powered by the battery device.

Background

There have been provided a battery device and an electronic equipment having a battery docking portion to which the battery device is docked and operated by being supplied with power by the battery device (see, for example, japanese patent laid-open No. 2508447).

If the electronic equipment is to be used by docking a battery device thereto, the docked battery device needs to have an appropriate capacity to provide the current consumed by the electronic equipment. Therefore, it is preferable to allow only a battery device having an appropriate capacity to be docked with the battery docking portion, and not a battery device having an inappropriate capacity.

Therefore, it is common to provide a projection (groove) around the middle of the mating surface of the battery mating part of the electronic equipment, for example, projecting from the mating surface, and provide a groove (projection) on the bottom surface of the battery device facing the mating surface, so that the bottom surface of the battery device is recessed. And is configured to allow the battery device to be docked with the docking portion only when the projection is matched with the recess, and to prohibit the battery device from being docked with the docking portion when they are not matched (see, for example, japanese patent laid-open No. 3427900).

Further, as a battery charger used by an electronic equipment for charging a battery device, it is necessary to set an appropriate charging current value in order to supply power to a plurality of battery devices each having different characteristics (capacity, appropriate charging current, etc.). Therefore, a switch is provided on the battery charger so as to switch the charging current value, while the user operates the switch in accordance with the battery device.

However, if the groove is provided around the middle portion of the butting surface or the bottom surface of the battery device or the electronic equipment, since the substrate and the electronic component are provided around the middle portion of the butting surface and the bottom surface, the size of the battery device or the electronic equipment must be increased according to the depth of the groove, so that such a configuration is disadvantageous for downsizing the battery device and the electronic equipment.

Further, in the case where a switch for switching the charging current is provided on the battery charger, the user must operate the switch for each of the different features of the battery device, which configuration is disadvantageous for improving their operability. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide a battery device and an electronic equipment, in which the battery device having features compatible with the electronic equipment can be appropriately docked with the electronic equipment, and which facilitate miniaturization of themselves and improvement of their operability.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic equipment which can be operated properly in accordance with the characteristics of a battery device and is advantageous in enhancing its usability.

Disclosure of Invention

A battery device, comprising: a housing having a width, a thickness, and a length, the housing including a body portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion having a width less than the width of the body portion; a battery cell accommodated in the case; a battery side terminal provided on an end surface of one of both ends of the case in a length direction and electrically connected to the battery cell; locking tabs located on each side of the housing in the width-to-length direction and extending a distance in the width direction from both sides of the housing, a locking groove being formed between each locking tab and a surface of the main body portion facing the bottom; and a reinforcing projection located in the locking groove and extending from the locking piece to a bottom-facing surface of the main body portion, the reinforcing projection extending from the housing in the width direction by a distance shorter than a distance by which the corresponding locking piece extends from the housing in the width direction; and a thrust wall provided on a side surface of the bottom portion corresponding to the locking piece and opposite to a position where the battery-side contact is located, wherein a bottom surface on one side of the housing in a thickness direction is aligned with a mating surface of a battery mating part of the electronic equipment, so that the battery device is mated by sliding the housing in a length direction of the housing, and the battery-side contact is brought into contact with the contact on the mating part side of the battery mating part.

To achieve the above object, the battery device of the present invention is characterized as follows. The battery device includes: a housing having a width, a thickness, and a length; a battery cell accommodated in the case; and a battery side terminal provided on an end surface of one of both ends of the case in a length direction and electrically connected to the battery cell. A bottom surface on one side of the housing in the thickness direction is aligned with a mating surface of a battery mating part of the electronic equipment to mate the battery device by sliding the housing in the length direction of the housing, and the battery-side contact is in contact with the mating-part-side contact of the battery mating part. The battery side tab is provided on the end face, and a marking portion that marks a characteristic of the battery device is provided on the end face and at a position on one side of the battery side tab in the width direction. The identification part is constituted by an identification groove formed in such a manner as to open toward the end face, and at least one of the position, the sectional shape, and the length of the identification groove is formed in accordance with the characteristics of the battery device.

The electronic equipment of the present invention is an electronic equipment having a battery docking portion to which a battery device is detachably docked, and has the following features. The battery device includes: a housing having a width, a thickness, and a length; a battery cell accommodated in the case; and a battery side terminal provided on an end surface of one of both ends of the case in a length direction and electrically connected to the battery cell. The battery side tab is provided on the end face, and a marking portion that marks a characteristic of the battery device is provided on the end face and at a position on one side of the battery side tab in the width direction. The identification part is constituted by an identification groove formed in such a manner as to open toward the end face, and at least one of the position, the sectional shape, and the length of the identification groove is formed in accordance with the characteristics of the battery device. The battery docking portion is provided with a docking portion-side contact connected to the battery-side contact in a state in which a bottom surface at one end of the housing in the thickness direction is aligned with a docking surface of the battery docking portion so as to dock the battery device by sliding the housing in the length direction of the housing, and an identification projection into which an identification groove of the battery device can be inserted, the battery device having a characteristic for use with the electronic device.

The electronic equipment of the present invention is an electronic equipment having a battery docking portion to which a battery device is detachably docked, and has the following features. The battery device includes: a housing having a width, a thickness, and a length; a battery cell accommodated in the case; and a battery side terminal provided on an end surface of one of both ends of the case in a length direction and electrically connected to the battery cell. The battery side tab is provided on the end face, and a marking portion that marks a characteristic of the battery device is provided on the end face and at a position on one side of the battery side tab in the width direction. The identification part is constituted by an identification groove formed in such a manner as to open toward the end face, and at least one of the position, the sectional shape, and the length of the identification groove is formed in accordance with the characteristics of the battery device. The battery butt joint part is provided with a butt joint part side joint which is connected with the battery side joint in a butt joint state of the battery equipment and the battery butt joint part, and is also provided with a detection device which is used for detecting at least one of the position, the section shape and the length of the identification groove of the battery equipment, wherein the characteristics of the battery equipment are determined according to the detection result of the detection device.

Therefore, according to the battery device and the electronic equipment of the present invention, the battery device having the feature that can be used with the electronic equipment, the abutment with the battery abutment portion, is allowed by the identification projection inserted into the identification groove. In contrast, a battery device identification recess without a feature available for use with the electronic equipment does not allow insertion of the identification tab, and thus, docking of a battery device without a feature available for use with the electronic equipment with the battery docking portion is inhibited because the identification tab cannot be inserted into the identification recess. As a result, battery devices having features compatible with electronic equipment can be properly docked.

Further, in the battery device, a portion in an end face of one end of the case in the length direction, and portions on both sides of the battery-side tab in the width direction are left as unused spaces where the circuit board and the electronic components are not arranged. Therefore, even if the identification groove is provided in the end face of the housing, the size of the housing is not increased. Therefore, this configuration does not hinder the miniaturization of the battery device.

Further, according to the battery device of the present invention, when the battery device has been docked with the battery docking portion of the electronic equipment, at least one of the position, the sectional shape, and the length of the identification groove of the battery device is detected by the detection means, whereby an appropriate charging operation compatible with the characteristics of the battery device can be performed based on the detection result. Therefore, such a configuration is advantageous for enhancing the usability of the electronic equipment.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a battery device embodiment 1 as viewed from the bottom thereof.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of embodiment 1 of the battery device.

Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the battery device 100.

Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the battery device 100.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of a main portion of fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the neighborhood of the logo 1036.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 200 with which the battery apparatus 100 is externally docked.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of a battery docking portion of the image forming apparatus 200.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 200, illustrating a state in which the battery apparatus 100 is docked thereto.

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the docking of the battery device 100 with the battery docking portion.

Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the battery device 100 is docked with the battery docking portion 30.

Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the lock mechanism.

Fig. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a determination circuit for the bump 1018.

Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the battery device 100 is docked at an angle with the battery docking part 30.

Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the identification grooves 1802, 1804 of the identification portion 18 of the battery device 100 and the identification projections 36 of the imaging device 200.

Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the identification grooves 1802, 1804 of the identification portion 18 of the battery device 100 and the identification projections 36 of the imaging device 200.

Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which four kinds of battery devices 100(100A, 100B, 100C, 100D) each having a different capacity, providing a different charging current value at the time of charging, and the like are docked with a battery charger 400 as an electronic equipment.

Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which four kinds of battery devices 100(100A, 100B, 100C, 100D) each having a different capacity, providing a different charging current value at the time of charging, and the like are docked with a battery charger 400 as an electronic equipment.

Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the battery device 100 and the battery charger 400.

Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing a charging operation in a modified example of embodiment 2.

Detailed Description

The object of allowing battery devices having features compatible with electronic equipment to be properly docked, as well as miniaturizing them and improving their operability, is achieved by providing an identification groove as an identification portion at the side of a battery-side terminal (battery-side terminal) of the battery device, and also providing an identification groove in the electronic equipment.

Further, the object of enhancing the usability of the electronic equipment is achieved by providing a detection device that determines the characteristics of the battery device at least in accordance with the position, the sectional shape, and the length of each identification groove of the battery device.

Example 1

Embodiment 1 of the present invention is explained below with reference to the drawings.

In the present embodiment, a case is described in which the battery device of the present invention is used in docking with an imaging device as an electronic equipment.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of embodiment 1 of the battery device as viewed from the bottom, and fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of embodiment 1 of the battery device.

First, the battery device is explained.

As shown in fig. 1, the battery device 100 includes a housing 10, a rechargeable battery part 12 (see fig. 2) provided in the housing 10, a control circuit board 16 provided in the housing 10, a battery-side tab 14 provided on the housing 10, and an identification part 18.

As shown in fig. 2, the rechargeable battery portion 12 has battery cores 1202 of four cylindrical batteries, a plurality of lead members 1204 connecting the electrodes of the battery cores 1202 of the batteries, and a clamping member 1206 provided between the side faces of the battery cores 1202 of the respective batteries.

The control circuit board 16 is connected to the electrodes of the battery core 1202 of the battery and the rechargeable battery portion 12 through lead members 1204, respectively, and the control circuit board 16 further has a microcomputer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and an interface, thereby performing data communication with external electronic equipment through the battery-side connector 14. The above-described data communication includes an operation of outputting identification data indicating characteristics (including capacity, appropriate charging current value) of the battery device 100. The identification data includes, for example, data of whether the battery is fast chargeable when docked with a battery charger; data indicating a proper charging current value or a maximum charging current value.

The battery side tabs 14 are provided on the surface of the housing 10 and are connected to the control circuit board 16 inside the housing 10 so as to be connected to the electrodes of the battery cores 1202 of the batteries through the respective lead members 1204, thereby supplying an operating current from the battery cores 1202 of the respective batteries to external electronic equipment, or supplying a charging current from a battery charger to the battery cores 1202 of the respective batteries through the battery side tabs 14.

It is to be noted that the number and shape of the battery cores 1202 constituting the battery of the rechargeable battery portion 12 depend on the characteristics of the battery device 100, of course.

Next, the configuration of the housing 10 is explained in detail.

Fig. 3(a) is a plan view of the battery device 100. Fig. 3(B) is a view from an arrow B of fig. 3 (a). Fig. 3(C) is a view from an arrow C of fig. 3 (a). Fig. 3(D) is a view seen from an arrow D of fig. 3 (a). Fig. 3(E) is a sectional view taken along line EE of fig. 3 (B). Fig. 4(a) is a bottom view of the battery device 100. Fig. 4(B) is a view from an arrow B of fig. 4 (a). Fig. 4(C) is a sectional view taken along line CC of fig. 4 (B). Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion F of fig. 3 (C). Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the marker 18.

The housing 10 has a body section 1002 and a bottom section 1004, the body section 1002 extending in a length direction L with an equal width W, the bottom section 1004 being disposed in a middle of the body section 1002 in the width direction W, being located at one end of the body section 1002 in a thickness direction H, and extending in the length direction L with an equal width smaller than the width of the body section 1002.

In this embodiment, the housing 10 includes a first section that does not include a portion of the body portion 1002 adjacent the base 1004 and the base 1004, and a second section that includes the portion of the body portion 1002 adjacent the base 1004 and the base 1004. The housing 10 is constructed by bonding the segments together along a bonding surface 1005. The rechargeable battery portion 12 and the control circuit board 16 are housed within these segments.

As shown in fig. 2, 3, and 4, portions on both sides of the housing 10 in the width direction W are formed as flat side surfaces 1006 extending parallel to each other in the length direction L, and one of both surfaces of the housing 10 in the thickness direction H is formed as a flat bottom surface 1008. In the present embodiment, the two side surfaces of the body portion 1002 on both sides in the width direction W form the side surfaces 1006 described above, and the bottom surface of the bottom portion 1004 forms the bottom surface 1008 described above.

A plurality of locking pieces 1012 project from both sides of the bottom surface 1008 in the width direction W. In the present embodiment, three locking pieces 1012A, 1012B, 1012C are formed on each side, projecting in the width direction W, with a space maintained therebetween in the length direction L. Each locking piece 1012(1012A, 1012B, 1012C) portion at one end in the thickness direction H is formed as a bottom surface coplanar with the bottom surface 1008, and each locking piece 1012(1012A, 1012B, 1012C) portion at the other end in the thickness direction H is formed in a position coplanar with a surface parallel to the bottom surface 1008.

Also, when the three locking pieces 1012(1012A, 1012B, 1012C) are placed in this manner, the respective locking pieces 1012(1012A, 1012B, 1012C), the side faces 1016 of the bottom 1004 on each of both sides in the width direction W, and the surface 1014 of the main body portion 1002 facing the bottom 1004 form three recessed portions 1010 in portions of the bottom 1008 on each of both sides in the width direction W. Each recessed portion 1010 extends along the length direction L.

These locking pieces 1012(1012A, 1012B, 1012C) are formed in order to place the thickness direction H of the housing 10 in the battery docking portion of the electronic equipment. That is, when the bottom surface 1008 of the housing 10 is aligned with the mating surface of the battery mating part of the electronic equipment and then the housing 10 is slid thereon in the length direction L thereof, the locking piece 1012 is locked into the latch of the battery mating part, thereby positioning the housing 10 in the thickness direction H in the battery mating part.

The battery-side tab 14 is provided at a corner portion formed by the end face 1022 and the bottom face 1008 at one end in the length direction L.

As shown in fig. 1, the battery-side tab 14 includes: a joint housing 1402 inserted into the housing 10 and forming a part of the end face 1022 and the bottom face 1008 of the housing 10, an engaging groove 1404 formed in such a manner as to extend to both the end face 1022 and the bottom face 1008, and a contact piece provided in the engaging groove 1404.

The battery-side tab 14 has a width extending in the width direction W of the case 10, a length extending in the length direction L of the case 10, and a thickness extending in the thickness direction H of the case 10.

Of the three locking pieces 1012(1012A, 1012B, 1012C), two locking pieces 1012A, 1012C are provided near both ends in the longitudinal direction L of the housing 10, and the remaining one locking piece 1012B is provided closer to the locking piece 1012A provided near one end of the housing 10 where the battery side tab 14 is located.

In the present embodiment, on the portions of the side surfaces 1016 of the bottom 1004 corresponding to the two locking pieces 1012A, 1012B, two projections 1018 are provided, projecting from each side surface 1016 in the width direction W, respectively. The two projections 1018 are formed such that their projecting dimensions are smaller than the locking tabs 1012A, 1012B.

The locking piece 1012A, the surface 1014 of the bottom 1004 along which the body portion 1002 faces, and the side 1016 of the bottom 1004 on each of both sides in the width direction W are connected to each other by one of the two projections 1018, and the locking piece 1012B, the surface 1014, and the side 1016 are connected to each other by the other projection 1018. Thus, the two protrusions 1018 facilitate improving the mechanical strength of the locking tabs 1012A, 1012B.

In addition, a thrust wall 1020 is provided at a portion of each side 1016 of the bottom 1004 corresponding to the remaining locking piece 1012C and opposite to the position where the battery-side tab 14 is located. Each thrust wall 1020 closes one end of the corresponding recess 1010 in the length direction L. The thrust wall 1020 blocks the battery device 100 from docking in the wrong direction by abutting against a corresponding latch of the battery dock when the battery device 100 is docked with the battery dock and if the battery device 100 is not properly oriented in the lengthwise direction.

Because each locking tab 1012C, surface 1014, and corresponding side 1016 are interconnected by a corresponding thrust wall 1020, the thrust walls 1020 facilitate improving the mechanical strength of the locking tab 1012C.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 1, the end face 1022 of the case 10 on which the battery-side tab 14 is provided is formed as a flat surface.

In the present embodiment, the battery-side tab 14 is provided in the middle of the end face 1022 in the width direction W.

The identification portion 18 functions to identify the characteristics of the battery device 100. In the present embodiment, the identification portion 18 is provided at a position on the end face 1022 and on both sides of the battery-side tab 14 in the width direction W.

The flag 18 includes flag grooves 1802, 1804 formed to open toward the end face 1022. The marking grooves 1802, 1804 are provided near the bottom face 1008, and are also formed so as to be open to the bottom face 1008.

Also, at least one of the location, cross-sectional shape, and length of the indicia grooves 1802, 1804 on the end face 1022 are formed in accordance with the characteristics of the battery device 100. In the present embodiment, the mark portion 18 is formed such that the sectional shape and length of the mark groove 1802 are formed according to the characteristics of the battery device 100.

Note that, in the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 6, of the surfaces forming the mark groove 1802, the surface portion near the corresponding recessed portion 1010 is formed with a beveled surface 1042, and the beveled surface 1042 is brought closer to the cell-side tab 14 as it moves away from the bottom face 1008, thereby securing a certain thickness between the recessed portion 1010 and the mark groove 1802 and also securing the mechanical strength of the corresponding locking piece 1012A.

Also, the end face 1022 is formed with a projection 1024 at a position apart from the battery-side tab 14 in the thickness direction H so as to project therefrom. The bumps 1024 have equal dimensions in the thickness direction H, but extend linearly in the width direction W. The projection 1024 is formed at a position corresponding to the battery-side tab 14 so as to have a length X2, and the length X2 is at least greater than the length X1 of the portion where the electrodes of the battery-side tab 14 are provided.

Further, as shown in fig. 1, a groove 1028 is formed in the bottom face 1008, and a model mark 1026 is pasted on the groove 1028. The surface of the model marker 1026 is coplanar with the bottom surface 1008, or the surface of the model marker 1026 is disposed inside the bottom surface 1008 as viewed from the housing 10 side. A positioning projection 1030 is formed to project from a portion of the groove 1028 in the length direction L so as to form the same surface as the bottom surface 1008, the portion of the groove 1028 being located opposite to the battery-side tab 14 in the length direction L. The tab 1030 is fitted into a locating notch 1027 of the model number 1026.

As shown in fig. 4(a) and (B), of the end surfaces of the case 10 at both ends in the longitudinal direction L, the end surface of the body portion 1002 located opposite to the battery-side tab 14 is formed as a flat end surface 1032, and extends at right angles to the bottom surface 1008. The end surface of the bottom 1004 located opposite to the battery-side tab 14 is formed as a flat end surface 1034, and the end surface 1034 is parallel to the end surface 1032 at a position inside the end surface 1032 as viewed from the case 10. Therefore, a cutout portion 1035 is formed from these end surfaces 1032, 1034 at the end opposite to the battery-side tab 14 in the longitudinal direction L of the housing 10, and the main body portion 1002 is adjacent to the bottom portion 1004 along the cutout portion 1035.

Further, as shown in fig. 1 to 6, two identification parts 18 are formed on both sides of the bottom face 1008 of the bottom part 1004 with the battery-side tab 14 interposed therebetween in the width direction W. These identification portions 18 are formed as grooves 1804 that are open in the thickness direction H and the length direction L, or as grooves 1802 that are open in the thickness direction H and closed in the length direction L. The identification portion 18 is recognized by an identification means provided on the side of the electronic equipment, and the identification of the identification portion 18 is made according to the shape of the groove 1804, 1802, or the length of the groove 1804.

It is noted that, of the surfaces forming the groove 1804, the surface portion closest to the recessed portion 1010 forms an inclined surface 1042, thereby ensuring a certain thickness between the recessed portion 1010 and the groove, and ensuring the mechanical strength of the locking piece 1012A.

The image forming apparatus 200 will be explained below.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 200 with which the battery apparatus 100 is externally docked. Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of a battery docking portion of the image forming apparatus 200. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 200, illustrating a state in which the battery apparatus 100 is docked thereto.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the image forming apparatus 200 includes: a housing 24; an optical system 26 incorporated into the front of the housing 24; an image pickup device, not shown, for imaging the object captured by the optical system 26; a liquid crystal display section 28 that displays an image formed by the image pickup device; a recording/reproducing section, not shown, for recording and/or reproducing an image captured by the image pickup device to and/or from a recording medium, the above-mentioned image pickup device, the liquid crystal display section 28; an identification bump 36; and a battery device 100.

At the rear of the housing 24 is a battery docking portion 30 to which the battery device 100 is detachably docked.

The battery docking portion 30 has a flat docking surface 3002, a plurality of latches 3004(3004A, 3004B, 3004C) provided on the docking surface 3002, a docking-portion-side contact 32 contactable with the battery-side contact 14, a docking protrusion 34 provided on the docking surface 3002, and an identification protrusion 36.

The mating surface 3002 has a width equal to the width of the bottom surface 1008 of the housing 10 of the battery device 100, a length greater than the length of the bottom surface 1008, and a side surface 3008 protruding from the periphery of the mating surface 3002.

The abutting portion-side contact 32, which is provided at one end of the abutting surface 3002 in the longitudinal direction L, is opposed to the optical system 26, and is used for connecting the battery-side contact 14 to supply the power of the battery device 100 to the recording/reproducing portion. In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 7, the mating-portion-side tab 32 is formed of a plurality of plate-like contact pieces so as to be inserted into the engaging groove 1404 of the battery-side tab 14.

The abutment projection 34 is provided on the abutment surface 3002 at a position opposite to the abutment-side tab 32 in the longitudinal direction of the abutment surface 3002, is retractable from the abutment surface 3002, and is configured to be pushed so as to have time to project from the abutment surface 3002 and retract into the inside of the abutment surface 3002 upon manipulation of an unlocking button, not shown in the drawings.

The latches 3004(3004A, 3004B, 3004C) are provided in the same number as the number of the locking pieces 1012 of the battery device 100. In the present embodiment, three lock catches 3004 are provided on each of both widthwise sides of the abutting surface 3002, which are configured to be locked with the locking pieces 1012(1012A, 1012B, 1012C).

As shown in fig. 10, each of the latches 3004(3004A, 3004B, 3004C) is provided with a vertical wall 3004E protruding from the abutting surface 3002, and a horizontal wall 3004F protruding from an end of the vertical wall 3004E in a manner parallel to the abutting surface 3002.

Of the three lock catches 3004(3004A, 3004B, 3004C), two lock catches 3004A, 3004C are provided near both ends of the abutting surface 3002 in the longitudinal direction, while the remaining lock catch 3004B is provided closer to the lock catch 3004A, and the lock catch 3004A is provided near one end of the abutting surface 3002 where the abutting portion side joint 32 is disposed.

Also, the housing 10 and the mating surface 3002 are aligned in both the width direction W and the length direction L, respectively, such that the battery-side tab 14 of the battery device 100 faces the mating-portion-side tab 32 of the battery mating portion 30, and the bottom surface 1008 of the battery device 100 faces the mating surface 3002 of the battery mating portion 30, so that the lock tabs 1012(1012A, 1012B, 1012C) of the battery device 100 are spaced apart from the lock catches 3004(3004A, 3004B, 3004C) in the above-mentioned length direction L, respectively. In this state, the bottom 1008 of the battery device 100 is abutted against the abutment surface 3002 of the battery abutment 30, and the battery device 100 is thereby slid in this direction, bringing the battery-side tab 14 closer to the abutment-side tab 32 in the housing length direction.

As a result, the plurality of latches 3004 are inserted into the corresponding recesses 1010, locking with the locking pieces 1012. The bottom surface 1008 of the housing 10 is aligned with the mating surface 3002, thereby restricting movement of the battery device 100 toward the mating surface 3002. Also, the lock 3004 locks with the lock tab 1012, thereby restricting movement of the battery device 100 away from the mating surface 3002. In this case, it may be additionally configured such that the lock 3004 engages with the locking piece 1012, thereby restricting the movement of the battery device 100 toward and away from the mating surface 3002.

In the battery device 100, of the two end surfaces in the length L direction of the housing 10, the end surface 1022 on the battery-side tab 14 side abuts on one of the side surfaces 3008 of the battery docking portion 30 to lock the lock tabs 3004 with the lock pieces 1012, while the docking projections 34 engage with the cutout portions 1035 of the battery device 100, thereby restricting the movement of the housing 10 in the length L direction. As a result, the battery device 100 is docked in the battery dock 30, thereby clamping the battery device 100 therein.

In the present embodiment, by locking the lock tab 3004 and the lock piece 1012 together, the distal end of the lock tab 3004 and the corresponding end of the projection 1018 are brought into contact with each other to restrict the movement of the battery device 100 in the above-described width direction W. In this case, it is also possible to additionally arrange other portions of the battery device 100 in contact with other portions of the battery docking portion 30 to thereby restrict the movement of the battery device 100 in the above-described width direction W, for example, by bringing the side surface 1006 of the housing 10 of the battery device 100 into contact with the side surface 3008 of the battery docking portion 30 instead of bringing the distal end of the lock 3004 into contact with the corresponding end of the projection 1018.

Also, when the battery device 100 has been docked with the battery dock 30, the battery-side contact 14 of the battery device 100 contacts the dock-side contact 32 of the battery dock 30.

The identification tab 36 is formed to be inserted into the identification groove 1802 of the battery device 100 when the battery docking portion 30 is docked with the battery device 100, the battery device 100 having features that may be used by the imaging device 200.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 8, an identification projection 36 is provided at the position of the side surface 3008 on the width direction side of the battery-side tab 14. More specifically, the position of the identification projection 36 is set on the side 3008 close to the abutting surface 3002, and a portion of the identification projection 36 facing the abutting surface 3002 is connected to the abutting surface 3002, thereby ensuring the strength and rigidity of the identification projection 36.

When the battery device 100 has been docked with the battery docking portion 30, in some cases, as shown in fig. 11, a gap may be formed between an end face 1022 on the battery-side contact 14 side of the battery device 100 and a portion (side face 3008 of the recess 3006) of the housing 24 of the image forming device 200 opposite the end face 1022.

In this case, a recessed groove 3010 is formed in the side 3008 of the groove 3006, and the bump 1024 of the battery device 100 is fitted into the recessed groove, whereby the above gap can be closed by the bump 1024. Therefore, this arrangement is advantageous in reliably preventing, for example, foreign conductive substances from entering from the above-described gap, resulting in connection contact between the foreign substances and the battery-side tab 14 and the mating-portion-side tab 32.

Further, as shown in fig. 12, it may be configured otherwise as follows. That is, a lock 2008 is provided on the housing 24, the lock 2008 slides toward and away from the cutout portion 1035 of the battery device 100 that has been docked with the battery docking portion 30, and the lock 2008 is pushed toward the cutout portion 1035 by a pushing unit, such as a spring, at all times. The lock 2008 engages the cut-out portion 1035, thereby preventing the battery device 100 from falling out of the battery dock 30, and the lock 2008 can be released from the cut-out portion 1035 of the battery device 100, thereby allowing the battery device 100 to be removed from the battery dock 30.

In this case, since the cutout portion 1035 is formed to be inside the end face 1032 as viewed from the battery device 100, the lock buckle 2008 can be provided inside the outer surface of the housing 24, so that the lock buckle 2008 can be formed in such a manner as not to protrude outward from the outer surface of the housing 24 of the image forming device 200. Therefore, this configuration is advantageous in miniaturizing the imaging apparatus 200 and improving its designability.

Also, in this case, the portion of the lock 2008 engaged with the cutout portion 1035 is pushed toward the bottom surface 1008 of the battery device 100 at all times, so that when the bottom surface 1008 of the battery device 100 slides along the abutting surface 3002 to abut the battery device 100 with the battery abutting portion 30 or to detach the battery device 100 from the battery abutting portion 30, the end of the lock 2008 projected toward the bottom surface 1008 by the above-described pushing mechanism abuts against the model mark 1026 or the like already stuck to the bottom surface 1008, and there is a high possibility that a printed portion such as the surface of the model mark 1026 is worn out by friction.

In this case, if the lock 2008 is arranged such that the tip thereof abuts on the positioning projection 1030 and does not abut on the surface of the model mark 1026, the surface of the model mark 1026 is less damaged or stained. Therefore, this configuration is advantageous for protecting the printed portion of the surface of the model mark 1026. In this case, it is also acceptable if the positioning projection 1030 is disposed to be coplanar with the surface of the model mark 1026, or to be located outside the surface of the model mark 1026 as viewed from the housing 10.

Also, using the position of the end face 1022 of the housing 10 as a reference, it is possible to determine whether the battery device 100 is an original one, based on the position of each of the projections 1018 (or the presence/absence of each of the projections 1018, or the number of the projections 1018) in the above-described length direction L.

For example, as shown in fig. 13, the sensors 302, 304 are provided in the battery housing chamber 20. The sensors 302 and 304, which are constituted by micro switches, read the positions of the projections 1018 with reference to the end surface 1022 of the housing 10 as viewed in the longitudinal direction L. Determination circuitry 306 is also provided and functions to determine whether the bumps 1018 are in their correct positions based on the read signals from the respective sensors 302, 304.

According to such a configuration, the battery device 100 is allowed to deliver power only when the battery device 100 is identified as an original product based on the determination result of the determination circuit 306. Otherwise, power delivery of the battery device 100 is disabled to prevent any non-genuine battery devices 100.

Also, the above-mentioned identification data of the battery device 100 may be indicated by the position of each of the projections 1018, or the presence/absence of each of the projections 1018, the number of the projections 1018, which are provided in the above-mentioned length direction L.

For example, according to the configuration shown in fig. 13, four kinds of identification data can be represented by a combination of on/off states of the two sensors 302, 304. Therefore, if four sensors are provided so that all four projections 1018 provided on both sides in the width direction of the housing 10 of the battery device 100 can be read out, it is needless to say that eight kinds of identification information at the maximum can be obtained.

Further, as the use of the sensor, one can measure the position of each of the bumps 1018 as viewed from the above-described longitudinal direction with the end face 1022 as a reference, needless to say, the number of types of identification data that can be read out with the sensor can be further increased.

Also, if the electronic equipment with which the battery device 100 is docked is a battery charger that charges the battery device 100, it is alternatively possible to employ a battery charger that is provided with one or more sensors like the above-described sensors 302, 304, use these sensors to read out the docking/undocking of the battery device 100, and start the charging operation of the battery device 100 in response to the readout operation.

Also, if the position of the projection 1018 is determined by the above-described sensor, it is also practicable to cause the battery charger to judge the characteristics (capacity, appropriate charging current value, possibility of quick charging, etc.) of the battery device 100.

Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the surface of the model marker 1026 may be made coplanar with the bottom surface 1008, or the surface of the model marker 1026 may be disposed inside the bottom surface 1008 as viewed from the housing 10 side. Also, a positioning tab 1030, which forms the same surface as the bottom surface 1008, may be fitted into the positioning cutout 1027 of the model number 1026. Therefore, even if the bottom surface 1008 of the battery device 100 makes frictional contact with the mating surface 3002 of the battery mating part 30 when the battery device 100 is mated with and removed from the battery mating part 30, the surface of the model mark 1026 is less damaged or stained. Accordingly, this configuration is advantageous for protecting the mark of the model mark 1026.

Further, as shown in fig. 14, when the battery device 100 is butted against the battery butting portion 30 at an angle, the locking piece 1012A near the battery-side contact 14 on the end face of the housing 10 is locked into the lock 3004A near the butting-portion-side contact 32. However, the locking tab 1012B, which is located closer to the locking tab 1012A, abuts against the latch 3004B, thus forming a large angle of inclination of the battery device 100 with respect to the mating surface 3002, i.e., the angle formed between the bottom surface 1008 of the housing 10 of the battery device 100 and the mating surface 3002 of the battery mating part 30.

Therefore, it can be immediately determined that the docking of the battery device 100 is not complete, and such a configuration is advantageous for reliably docking the battery device 100.

In the present embodiment, since the locking piece 1012B is disposed closer to the latch 3004A near the mating part-side contact 32, when the mating of the battery device 100 is incomplete, the inclination of the battery device 100 with respect to the mating surface 3002 is increased, so that the incomplete mating of the battery device 100 can be determined more simply.

Note here that if the angle of the battery device 100 with respect to the mating surface 3002 is 10 degrees or more, the inclination of the battery device 100 can be determined immediately.

Moreover, in fig. 10, in the lock 3004 of the image forming apparatus 200, if the length of the lock 3004A of the joint 32 on the side close to the butting portion is made shorter than the lengths of the other two locks 3004B, 3004C, the following advantages can be given.

That is, when the docking of the battery device 100 to the battery docking portion 30 is imperfect, that is, when the two locking pieces 1012B, 1012C are not locked into the lock pieces 3004B, 3004C, even if the locking piece 1012A close to the end face of the housing 10 where the battery-side contact 14 is located is locked into the lock piece 3004A located in the vicinity of the docking-portion-side contact 32, the battery device 100 is tilted in such a direction as to be away from the docking surface 3002 by the weight of the battery device 100 itself, and the tilt angle increases as the length of the lock piece 3004A close to the docking-portion-side contact 32 is shortened. As a result, similar to the case already described above, when the docking of the battery device 100 is incomplete, the inclination of the battery device 100 with respect to the docking surface 3002 is increased, so that the incomplete docking of the battery device 100 can be more easily determined.

The advantages of the present embodiment will be described below.

According to the battery device 100 and the image forming device 200 of the present embodiment, the battery device 100 is provided with the identification grooves 1802, 1804 according to the characteristics of the battery device 100, and the battery docking portion 30 is provided with the identification projection 36 for inserting the identification groove 1802 of the battery device 100 having the characteristics usable with the image forming device 200.

Thus, the docking of the battery device 100 with the battery docking portion 30, which has features available for use with the imaging device 200, is permitted by the identification tab 36 inserted into the identification recess 1802.

In contrast, the identification groove 1802 of the battery device 100 having no feature available for use by the imaging device 200 does not allow the insertion of the identification projection 36, and thus, the docking of the battery device 100 having no feature available for use by the imaging device 200 with the battery docking portion 30 is prohibited by the identification projection 36 not being inserted into the identification groove 1802.

As a result, the battery device 100, which has features compatible with the image forming device 200, can be properly docked. For example, for the image forming apparatus 200 consuming a large amount of current, docking of the battery apparatus 100 having a large capacity capable of maintaining the consumed large amount of current is allowed, and docking of the battery apparatus 100 having a small capacity incapable of maintaining the consumed large amount of current is prohibited. In addition, with the imaging apparatus 200 that consumes a small amount of current, docking of the battery apparatus 100 whose capacity ranges from a small capacity corresponding to the current to be consumed to a large capacity is permitted.

In the battery device 100, the portion inside the end face at one end in the longitudinal direction of the case 10 and the portions on both sides in the width direction of the battery-side tab 14 are left as unused spaces, and no circuit board or electronic component is provided in the spaces. Therefore, even if the mark groove 1802 is provided in the end face of the housing 10, the size of the housing 10 is not increased. Therefore, this configuration does not hinder the miniaturization of the battery device 100. More specifically, an end surface located opposite to the bottom surface 1008 of the case 10 in the thickness direction of the battery-side tab 14 is positioned inside the case 10. Although the lead wires connected to the control circuit board 16 are placed at the end face position, not only the portions near the bottom face 1008 of the case 10 and on both sides in the width direction of the battery-side tab 14 and the portions in the middle of the battery-side tab 14 in the thickness direction and on both sides of the battery-side tab 14 in the width direction, but also the portions located inside the case 10 near the end face of the battery-side tab 14 and on both sides of the battery-side tab 14 in the width direction are left as unused spaces where no component or unit is provided. Therefore, even if the mark groove 1802 is provided, the size of the housing 10 is not increased. Therefore, this configuration does not hinder the miniaturization of the battery device 100. Further, the identification projection 36 provided at the battery docking portion 30 of the image forming apparatus 200 is acceptable as long as its shape can be inserted into the identification groove 1802 of the battery apparatus 100, and thus, similar to the case of the battery apparatus 100, such a configuration does not hinder the miniaturization of the image forming apparatus 200.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the case has been explained in which the mark groove 1802 is formed in such a manner as to be open to both the end face and the bottom face. However, the mark groove 1802 may be formed so as to be closed at the bottom. However, as in the present embodiment, when the identification groove 1802 is formed so as to be open to both the end face and the bottom face, the identification projection 36 connected to the abutting surface 1008 and the side face 3008 may be formed, so that this configuration is advantageous in maintaining the strength of the identification projection 36.

The present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to fig. 15 and 16.

Fig. 15, 16 are explanatory diagrams showing the relationship between the identification grooves 1802, 1804 of the identification portion 18 of the battery device 100 and the identification projections 36 of the imaging device 200. Note that fig. 15(a) to (D) and fig. 16(a) to (D) are perspective views of the docking portion-side tab 32 and the battery docking portion 30. Fig. 15(a1) to (D1) and fig. 16(a2) to (D2) are perspective views in which the battery device 100 has been docked with the battery dock 30. Fig. 16(a3) to (D3) are perspective views in which the battery device 100 has been docked with the battery dock 30. Fig. 15(E1), fig. 16(E2), fig. 16(E3) show side views of the battery device 100. Fig. 15(E1), fig. 16(E2), and fig. 3 are schematic views of three kinds of battery devices 100(100A, 100B, 100C), each having different features from the others. They are equal in width but their capacity and thickness, in the order described, increase, while the identification grooves 1802, 1804 and their lengths differ from battery device to battery device.

Fig. 15(a), (B), (C), (D), fig. 16(a), (B), (C), (D), schematically show four kinds of battery docking portions 30 with which the image forming apparatus 200 has been docked with the battery apparatus 100, respectively. Each of the four battery docking portions 30 allows different types of battery devices 100 to be docked, with different numbers and heights of the identification bumps 36.

Also, fig. 15(a1), (B1), (C1), and (D1) show a state in which the battery device 100A is docked with the four battery docks 30. Fig. 16(a2), (B2), (C2), and (D2) show a state in which the battery device 100B is docked with the four battery docks 30. Fig. 16(a3), (B3), (C3), and (D3) show a state in which the battery device 100C is docked with the four battery docks 30.

As shown in fig. 15(a), (B), (C), and (D), and fig. 16(a), (B), (C), and (D), one of the battery docking portions 30 is provided with only one identification projection 36 on the side of the docking portion-side tab 32, and the other battery docking portion 30 is provided with two identification projections 36 in total on both sides of the docking portion-side tab 32. As for the two identification tabs 36, their lengths vary with the respective battery interfaces 30, for example: two long identification tabs 36 of the same length, two short identification tabs 36 of the same length, or two identification tabs 36 each of different lengths.

Thus, for example, with respect to the battery interface 30A, one of the two identification tabs 36, 36 is formed with a long length, while the other identification tab 36 is formed with a short length.

Further, as shown in fig. 15(a1), fig. 16(a2), (A3), in one of the battery devices 100, one of the two identification grooves is closed, and in the other battery device 100, both of the two identification grooves 1802, 1804 are open. As for the two identification grooves, their lengths vary with the respective battery devices 100, for example: two long identification grooves 1802, 1804 of the same length; two short indicia grooves 1802, 1804 of equal length; or two identification grooves 1802, 1804 each having a different length.

Thus, for example, in the case of battery device 100A, one of the two identification grooves, namely, identification groove 1802, is short, while the other identification groove 1804 is closed.

Therefore, in the case of the battery device 100A, as shown in fig. 15(a1), (B1), if the identification tab 36 is positioned at a position corresponding to the closed identification groove 1804, the docking of the battery device 100A is prohibited. On the other hand, as shown in fig. 15(C1), when the identification projection 36 is disposed to correspond to the open identification groove 1802, and when the length of the identification projection 36 is equal to or less than the identification groove 1802, the docking of the battery device 100A is permitted. Further, as shown in fig. 15(D1), even if the identification projection 36 is not provided at the position corresponding to the open identification groove 1802, the docking of the battery device 100A is allowed.

Also, in the case of the battery devices 100B, 100C, the type of imaging device 200 that allows the battery devices to be docked, similar to the case of the battery device 100A, is determined according to the combination of the length of the identification grooves 1802, 1804, the length of the identification projections 36, and the presence/absence of the identification projections 36.

Example 2

Next, embodiment 2 of the present invention is explained with reference to the drawings.

The embodiment 2 is different from the embodiment 1 in that the electronic device is a battery charger and in that a detecting means for detecting the marking part 18 of the battery device 100 is provided.

Fig. 17, 18 are explanatory diagrams showing a state in which four kinds of battery devices 100(100A, 100B, 100C, 100D) each having a different capacity or a charging current value supplied at the time of charging are docked with the battery charger 400.

Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the battery device 100 and the battery charger 400 as the electronic equipment. Hereinafter, the same or similar components as those of embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description is omitted.

Note that fig. 17(a), (B), and fig. 18(C), (D) are perspective views of the battery-side tab 14. Fig. 17(a1), (B1) are views viewed from arrow X1 of fig. 17(a), (B), the battery device having been docked with the battery dock of the battery charger 400. Fig. 17(a2), (B2) are views, as viewed from arrow X2 of fig. 17(a), (B), of the battery device that has been docked with the battery dock of the above-described battery charger. Fig. 18(C1), (D1) are schematic views, as viewed along arrow X1 in fig. 18(C), (D), of the battery device that has been docked with the battery dock of the battery charger. Fig. 18(C2), (D2) are views, as viewed from arrow X2 of fig. 18(a), (B), of the battery device that has been docked with the battery docking portion of the above-described battery charger.

In the battery docking portion 30 (fig. 17, 18) of the battery charger 400, a docking portion-side contact (not shown) and a detection device 40 (fig. 19) are provided. When the battery device 100 is docked with the battery dock, the dock-side contact is connected to the battery-side contact 14. The detecting means 40 serves to detect at least one of the position, cross-sectional shape, and length of the marking grooves 1802, 1804.

In this embodiment, as the detection means 40, sensors 402, 404 (fig. 17, 18) formed by a micro switch or the like are provided at positions where the battery docking portion 30 faces the two mark grooves 1802, 1804, respectively.

Of the two sensors 402, 404, the position of the sensor 402 is set such that the sensor 402 can be pressed by the portion of the housing 10 forming the identification part 18 if one of the identification grooves, i.e., the identification groove 1802, is short, and such that the sensor 402 is not pressed by the portion of the housing 10 forming the identification part 18 if the identification groove 1802 is long. Therefore, the sensor 402 is used to detect the length of the mark groove 1802 and provide the detection result to the control section 308.

The other of the two sensors 402, 404, i.e., the sensor 404, is positioned such that the sensor 404 is capable of being compressed by the portion of the housing 10 forming the label 18 if the other of the label slots 1804 is missing, and such that the sensor 404 is not compressed by the portion of the housing 10 forming the label 18 if the label slot 1804 is present. Thus, the sensor 404 serves to detect the presence/absence of the identification groove 1804 and provide the detection result to the control portion 308.

Further, as shown in fig. 17(a), (B), fig. 18(C), (D), similarly to the case of embodiment 1, in some battery devices 100, one of the two identification grooves 1802, 1804 is closed, and in other battery devices 100, both the two identification grooves 1802, 1804 are open. As for the two identification grooves, their lengths vary for each battery device, for example: two long identification grooves 1802, 1804 of the same length; two short indicia grooves 1802, 1804 of equal length; or two identification grooves 1802, 1804 each having a different length.

Thus, for example, in the case of the battery device 100A, one of the two identification grooves 1802, 1804, i.e., the identification groove 1802, is short, while the other identification groove 1804 is closed.

As shown in fig. 19, the battery device 100 has: a battery side terminal 14, a rechargeable battery part 12, a control circuit board 16, and an identification part 18.

The battery charger 400 has: butt-joint-part-side contact 32, detection device 40, charging part 307, and control part 308.

The charging unit 307 supplies a charging current to the charging unit 12 of the battery device 100 through the docking unit-side contact 32 and the battery-side contact 14, and charges the charging unit 12.

The control unit 308 is configured to communicate data with the control circuit board 16 of the battery device 100 via the docking unit-side connector 32 and the battery-side connector 14, and to receive identification data indicating the characteristics of the battery device 100 from the control circuit board 16.

Further, the control section 308 is configured to determine the characteristics of the battery device 100 based on the detection result of the detection means so as to control the above-described charging current in accordance with the detection result. Specifically, the charging unit 307 is controlled to adjust the charging current value and the time of power supply. In the present embodiment, the control section 308 is configured so that the charging current can be adjusted in three steps, i.e., the normal charging current, the quick charging current, and the ultrafast charging current. Note here that the normal charging current, the quick charging current, and the ultrafast charging current are set such that their current values increase in this order.

Next, advantageous effects of the present embodiment will be explained.

When the battery device 100 has been docked with the battery docking portion 30 of the battery charger 400, the detection apparatus 40 provides the control portion 308 with the detection results regarding the presence/absence (cross-sectional shape) of the battery device 100 identification grooves 1802, 1804 and the lengths of the battery device 100 identification grooves 1802, 1804. Then, the control section 308 determines the type of the battery device 100 based on the detection result, and controls the charging section 307 to supply an appropriate charging current corresponding to the determined characteristic of the battery device 100 to the rechargeable battery section 12. Specifically, any one of a normal charging current, a fast charging current, and an ultrafast charging current is set as the charging current.

Therefore, only by docking the battery device 100 with the battery charger 400, an appropriate charging operation corresponding to the characteristics of the docked battery device 100 can be performed. Therefore, this configuration is advantageous to enhance the workability of the battery charger 400 since the user does not need to perform a special operation.

Incidentally, as described above, the control circuit board 16 of the battery device 100 holds identification data indicating the characteristics of the battery device 100 itself, that is, the capacity, an appropriate charging current value, or which of a normal charging current, a quick charging current, and an ultra-quick charging current is usable as the charging current, and can send the identification data to the control section 308 of the battery charger 400.

Therefore, by the determination of the battery device 100 by the detection means 40 and the determination of the battery device 100 by the identification data, it is possible to more reliably supply the appropriate charging current to the battery device 100, as will be described later.

Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing a charging operation in a modified example of embodiment 2.

First, when the battery device 100 has been docked with the battery charger 400, the control section 308 determines the characteristics of the battery device 100 based on the detection result of the detection means 40 (step S10).

Further, the control section 308 receives the above-mentioned identification data about the battery device 100 by data communication with the control circuit board 16 of the battery device 100, and determines the characteristics of the battery device 100 based on the received identification data (step S12).

The control section 308 determines whether or not these two determination results match the quick-chargeable aspect of the battery device (step S14).

If the result of the determination at step S14 is affirmative ("Y"), control section 308 controls charging section 307 to perform the charging operation in accordance with the quick charging (step S16). If the result of the determination at step S14 is negative ("N"), control section 308 controls charging section 307 to perform the charging operation as usual (step S18).

In this way, the quick charging is performed only when the determination result of the detection means 40 matches the determination result of the above-described identification data. Therefore, even if the battery device 100 having the incorrectly configured identification portion 18, that is, the battery device 100 that is not an original product, has already been docked with the battery charger 400, only the normal charging operation is permitted to be performed, and the quick charging operation, in which a charging current greater than the normal charging is sent to the battery device 100, is prohibited. Therefore, neither the battery device 100 nor the battery charger 400 is unreasonably loaded. As a result, this configuration is advantageous for implementing a suitable charging operation.

Although in each of the above-described embodiments, two identification grooves 1802, 1804 are provided as the identification portion 18 of the battery device 100, one, three, or more identification grooves may be provided. Further, the identification groove may have three or more lengths. Further, although in each of the above-described embodiments, the identification grooves are made different in their presence/absence (sectional shape) and length, the identification grooves may be made different in their positions, for example, their positions in the width direction W of the housing 10. In these cases, of course, the marking projection on the battery butt joint portion side is also provided so as to correspond to the sectional shape including the presence/absence of the marking groove, the length of the marking groove, the position of the marking groove, and the like.

Also, it can be considered that the battery device 100 according to each of the above-described embodiments is configured as follows.

That is, the battery device has a housing 10. The housing 10 has two end faces 1022, 1032 at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and a side face 1006 connecting the two end faces 1022, 1032, and the battery-side tab 14 is provided so as to face at least one of the end face 1022 and the side face 1006 connected to the end face 1022, wherein the end face 1022 is one of the two end faces 1022, 1032. In each side 1006, there is a mis-insertion prevention groove which includes a plurality of recessed portions 1010 and extends in the above-described length direction L. In the longitudinal direction L, if such a designation is made that one side of the battery-side tab 14 is referred to as forward and the opposite side thereof is referred to as rearward, the erroneous-insertion preventing groove is open at one of its both ends in the longitudinal direction L and in the vicinity of the battery-side tab 14 (front end portion) and is closed at the opposite portion thereof (rear end portion). Also, on each of the above-described mis-insertion preventing grooves, a single projection 1018, or two or more projections 1018, is formed to protrude outward from the housing 10. In the case of the plural projections 1018, they extend at intervals in the above-described length direction L.

According to such a configuration, as shown in fig. 13, the identification data on the battery device 100 can be indicated by the position of the bump 1018 in the length direction L, the presence/absence of the bump 1018, the number of bumps 1018, and the like. In this case, since the projection 1018 projects outward from the housing 10, it does not occupy the internal space of the housing 10, so that this arrangement is advantageous in securing the space for accommodating components in the housing 10 or miniaturizing the housing 10. In addition, this configuration is advantageous to improve the degree of freedom in designing the battery device 100.

Further, the battery device 100 of the present embodiment is provided with the above-described erroneous insertion prevention groove along each of two side surfaces 1006 which are put into the housing 10 in the width direction W and opposed to each other. In this example, the two erroneous insertion preventing grooves are engaged with the corresponding projections, whereby the housing can be positioned in the thickness direction H, and the erroneous insertion preventing grooves can function as positioning grooves.

According to this configuration, if a battery housing chamber is provided, by inserting the battery device 100 therein in the above-mentioned length direction L to house the battery device 100, the above-mentioned respective projections are provided in the battery housing chamber, and the above-mentioned two erroneous insertion preventing grooves are engaged with the projections, respectively, whereby the battery devices each having a size different from the above-mentioned thickness H can be positioned and housed in the above-mentioned battery housing chamber.

Further, in the battery device 100 of the present embodiment, the plurality of recessed portions 1010 are formed by a plurality of locking pieces 1012(1012A, 1012B, 1012C), side 1016 portions respectively facing the plurality of locking pieces 1012(1012A, 1012B, 1012C), and surface 1014 portions respectively facing the plurality of locking pieces 1012(1012A, 1012B, 1012C). Thus, the above-described erroneous insertion prevention groove can be formed by the plurality of recesses 1010.

Further, the battery device 100 of the present embodiment is provided with the projections 1018 so as to be connected to the plurality of locking pieces 1012(1012A, 1012B, 1012C), respectively, and the projections 1018 are connected to the locking pieces 1012(1012A, 1012B, 1012C) at positions facing a direction in which the battery device 100 is moved (slid) in the above-described longitudinal direction L (near the battery-side tabs) while the battery device 100 is butted against the battery butting part 30, respectively.

According to such a configuration, when the locking pieces 1012(1012A, 1012B, 1012C) are locked into and unlocked from the plurality of lock catches 3004(3004A, 3004B, 3004C), respectively, spaces are provided in the above-described length direction L between the locking piece 1012A and the lock catch 3004A, between the locking piece 1012B and the lock catch 3004B, and between the locking piece 1012C and the lock catch 3004C. As a result, each locking tab is less disturbed by the corresponding protrusion 1018 when the plurality of locking tabs 1012(1012A, 1012B, 1012C) are locked into and unlocked from the plurality of locking tabs 3004(3004A, 3004B, 3004C), so that this configuration facilitates smooth docking and undocking of the battery device 100.

Also, in each of the embodiments, for example, an external type has been described in which the battery device 100 is locked with the locking piece 1012 of the battery device 100 by, for example, the lock catch 3004 of the battery docking portion 30 with the outer surface of the electronic equipment enclosure, and the docking of both is achieved.

However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Of course, the present invention can be applied even to a combination type in which there is a battery housing chamber through which a battery device is housed in an electronic equipment. That is, the width of the battery housing chamber corresponds to the width of the battery device 100, the height corresponds to the thickness of the housing 10, and the depth corresponds to the length of the housing 10, and the battery device 100 oriented in the above-mentioned length direction is inserted in parallel into the battery housing chamber oriented in the above-mentioned depth direction, and the housing chamber side tab (corresponding to the mating portion side tab) is brought into contact with the battery side tab 14, and when the battery device has been housed in the battery housing chamber, the battery device 100 is mated with the electronic equipment.

Further, although it has been shown that the electronic equipment includes the image forming device and the battery charger in each example of the embodiment, the present invention is of course applicable to various electronic equipment operating with a battery device.

Claims (12)

1. A battery device, comprising:

a housing having a width, a thickness, and a length, the housing including a body portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion having a width less than the width of the body portion;

a battery cell accommodated in the case;

a battery side terminal provided on an end surface of one of both ends of the case in a length direction and electrically connected to the battery cell;

locking pieces located in a length direction of the housing and extending from both sides of the housing by a distance in a width direction, a locking groove being formed between each locking piece and a surface of the main body portion facing the bottom;

a reinforcing projection located in the locking groove and extending from the locking tab to a bottom-facing surface of the body portion, the reinforcing projection extending from the housing in the width direction a distance shorter than a distance that the corresponding locking tab extends from the housing in the width direction; and

a thrust wall provided on each of both sides of the bottom in the width direction, corresponding to the locking piece and located opposite to the battery-side tab,

wherein a bottom surface of the case on one side in a thickness direction is aligned with a mating surface of a battery mating part of the electronic equipment so that the battery device is mated by sliding the case in a length direction of the case and the battery-side contact is brought into contact with the battery-side contact on the mating-part side of the battery mating part.

2. A battery device according to claim 1, wherein

The battery-side tab is provided at a widthwise middle portion near the end surface of the case in the length direction.

3. The battery device of claim 1, further comprising:

and a convex portion protruding in the length direction from an end surface of the case where the battery-side tab is located, extending along the end surface of the case in the width direction, and located farther from the bottom surface than the tab.

4. The battery device of claim 1, further comprising:

and a cutout portion formed at an end of the bottom surface of the housing, the cutout portion being configured to receive a locking device of a battery docking portion of the electronic equipment.

5. A battery device according to claim 4, wherein

The battery-side tab is provided at an end portion opposite to the end portion where the cutout portion is located along the length direction of the bottom surface.

6. A battery device according to claim 1, wherein

The bottom surface also includes a recessed portion.

7. The battery device of claim 6, further comprising:

a convex portion located in the concave portion; and

a model mark located in the recessed portion and including a positioning groove that receives the convex portion of the recessed portion.

8. A battery device according to claim 1, wherein

First and second locking pieces are provided on each side of the housing in the width direction.

9. The battery device according to claim 8, wherein

A first reinforcing protrusion connected to the first locking piece extends in a length direction over a distance greater than a second reinforcing protrusion connected to the second locking piece.

10. The battery device according to claim 8, wherein

The first locking piece extends along the length direction for a distance greater than the second locking piece.

11. A battery device according to claim 10, wherein

The first locking tab is closer to the battery-side tab than the second locking tab.

12. The battery device according to claim 1, wherein three locking pieces are provided on each side of the case so as to form three locking grooves on each side, and a reinforcing protrusion is provided in each of the two locking grooves adjacent to the battery side terminal.