JP2003164057A - Battery pack - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To avoid trouble (short circuit) when a battery pack is carried around while being detached from an electric device to be mounted. SOLUTION: A battery pack automatically determines whether an electric device to be mounted is attached or detached, and switches on / off of power supply by itself.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a battery pack composed of a plurality of batteries.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A battery pack increases the power supply value by being composed of a plurality of batteries, and as a result, it can be used as an AC-power source substitute for various electric devices.

Conventionally, a battery pack mounted in a printer, a mobile phone, a notebook personal computer, etc. has the following structure. Here, in particular, a Li-ion battery pack which is said to be difficult to control will be described as an example.

FIG. 6 shows a configuration diagram of a typical Li-ion battery pack.

First, each unit in the figure will be described. 6
-1 is a Li-ion battery and has a multi-parallel and multiple-connection configuration, which is based on the specification requirements of the electrical equipment to be connected. 6-2 is a means for monitoring the output voltage of the battery,
Recently, in many cases, the output voltage of each of the multi-series and multi-series batteries is monitored. 6-3 is a means for monitoring the output current of the battery, for this unit, a resistor and an IC
There are two types, that is, a case where it is built with an electronic circuit such as that described above, and a case where it is configured only by a bimetal switch and has the function of a cutoff switch itself. 6-4
Is a cut-off switch that can stop the output of the entire battery pack. This is the FE when electronically controlled.
Often composed of T's. And 6-5 is an MPU that controls and controls the entire system.
In most cases, a general-purpose MPU is not used and the function is replaced by a set of some kind of logic circuits. Further, 6-6-1 and 6-6-2 are plus and minus terminals for supplying electric power of the battery pack.

Next, the function of a typical Li-ion battery pack will be described.

First, the voltage monitoring means 6-2 constantly observes the output voltage value of the battery to prevent the battery pack (or the battery cells constituting the battery pack, in some cases) from being over-discharged. That is, when the output voltage value falls below a certain threshold value, it is notified to the MPU6-5, and the MPU6
-5 uses the cutoff switch 6-4 to stop the output of the battery.

Further, the current monitoring means 6-3 constantly monitors the output current value of the battery and protects the battery pack from damage due to large current discharge. That is, when the output current value exceeds a certain threshold value, it is notified to the MPU 6-5, and the MPU 6-5 is notified.
6-5 uses the cutoff switch 6-4 to stop the output of the battery. In some cases, this current monitoring means 6-3
Is composed of a bimetal switch or the like, and may itself have two functions of an output current value observing function and a cutoff switch function.

As described above, the conventional battery pack is
Only the function of protecting the battery itself, such as over discharge and large discharge, was added.

[0010]

Therefore, the conventional battery pack has the following problems.

Although it is proper to carry a battery pack while it is still connected to an electric device, in the case of a printer or the like, a charged battery pack is replaced in order to prevent the user from going to a low battery state on the go. In many cases, the battery for use is carried in a bag or in a pocket.

At this time, the metal (fountain pen metal fitting, necklace, key, etc.) in the bag or pocket short-circuits the terminals 6-6-1 and 6-6-2 of the battery pack, causing heat generation of the battery, There are many cases that cause liquid leakage accidents.

Generally, when the user carries the battery pack around as described above, since the user carries the battery pack in a fully charged state, the voltage monitoring means 6-2 does not function first. Further, the resistance value of the metal to be short-circuited includes the contact resistance value and the like, and is also high (several tens to several hundreds of Ω). Therefore, the short-circuit current value may cause heat generation of the battery or liquid leakage accident. Although the value is sufficient, the current monitoring means 6-
It's not enough for 3 to work.

That is, the conventional battery pack protection function cannot cope with such a user trouble.

Of course, mechanically the terminals 6-6-1 and 6-6-
The above problem may be solved by covering the two with a lid and creating a structure in which they can be exposed only when necessary. However, that would make the unit unfavorable from the manufacturer's point of view because of the trouble of assembly and the increase in the number of mechanical parts.

The present proposal simply solves the above problems.
In addition, it is a thing that provides a function to solve at a low cost.

[0017]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a means for determining whether or not a battery pack to which an electric device can be attached is attached to an electric device to be attached, and a method of determining the same. And a means for switching between permission and non-permission of the power supply of the battery pack based on the result of the above, and when the battery pack is attached to the electric device to be attached, the power supply switching means permits the power supply. However, the above problem is solved by using a battery pack characterized in that the power supply switching means prohibits power supply when the battery pack is not mounted on the electric device to be mounted. It is a thing.

[0018]

According to the above-mentioned means proposed by the present invention, in the battery pack, the user trouble of the above problem is solved, that is, the short-circuit accident when the battery pack is not attached to the electric equipment is prevented.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION (Embodiment 1) An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the present embodiment, an inkjet printer will be taken up as an example of an electric device to which a battery pack is connected, and a Li-ion secondary battery will be assumed as the type of battery for explanation.

FIG. 1 shows a typical configuration of this embodiment.

First, each unit in the figure will be described.
1-1 is a Li-ion battery, which has a multi-series and multi-stage connection configuration, and this is based on the specification requirements of the connected electrical equipment. Reference numeral 1-2 is a means for monitoring the output voltage of the battery, and recently, in many cases, the output voltage of each of the multiple-parallel multiple-parallel batteries is monitored. Reference numeral 1-3 is a means for monitoring the output current of the battery. This unit is composed of a resistor and an electronic circuit such as an IC, and is composed of only a bimetal switch, and also has a cutoff switch function itself. There are two types when they have both. 1
-4 is a cut-off switch that can stop the output of the entire battery pack, which, when electronically controlled,
Often composed of FETs. Further, 1-5 is an MPU that controls and controls the entire system, and in most cases, a so-called general-purpose MPU is not used, but it is a set of some kind of logic circuit and is substituted for its function in most cases. . And, 1-6-1 and 1-6-2 are plus and minus terminals for supplying electric power of the battery pack. Further, 1-7 is a mounting state detecting means for detecting that the battery pack is connected to an electric device.

Next, the function and operation of this embodiment will be described.

First, the conventional functions of the voltage monitoring means 1-2 and the current monitoring means 1-3 are inherited. That is, it is assumed that the battery is over-discharged and the high-current discharge is monitored and protected through the MPU 1-5 and the cutoff switch 1-4.

Then, the most characteristic part of the present proposal, that is, how the mounting state detecting means 1-7 functions, for example, mounting the battery pack in the ink jet printer,
It will be explained whether or not non-attachment is detected. FIG. 2 shows a detailed functional diagram of the mounting state detecting means 1-7 proposed in this embodiment.

First, another branch line 2-2 is prepared in addition to the line going from the positive electrode 2-1 of the battery 1-1 having a large number of straight lines to the positive power source terminal of the original. Then, after that, the battery pack is configured to go out of the battery pack, and the terminal 2-3 is created as the battery pack external interface of the branch line 2-2. Insert an output limiting resistor 2-4 into this branch line,
It is necessary to narrow down the output current.

Further, the MPU 1-5 is newly provided with a terminal 2-5 capable of detecting the voltages "H" and "L", and after that, the terminal 2-5 is also constructed so as to go out of the battery pack.
The terminal 2-6 is created as the battery pack external interface of the MPU 1-5 terminal 2-5.

Using these two battery pack external interface terminals 2-3 and 2-6, it is confirmed whether or not the electric equipment on the side to which the battery pack is attached is attached or not attached.
That is, the following gimmicks are also set in the electric equipment on the side where the battery pack is mounted, such as an inkjet printer.

The two battery pack external interface terminals 2-3 and 2-6 are electrically connected to the terminals 2-3 and 2-5, respectively, at the contacting portions of the electric equipment on the side where the battery pack is mounted. Create possible terminals 2-7 and 2-8 (ie with the battery and electrical equipment combined,
Terminals 2-3 and 2-7, and terminals 2-6 and 2-8
However, it will be electrically connected). Then, inside the electric device on the side where the battery pack is mounted, these two terminals 2
Build a configuration that electrically shorts -7 and 2-8.

With the above structure, when the battery pack is attached to the electric equipment, the terminals 2-7 and 2 of the electric equipment are connected.
Since -8 is short-circuited, that is, the terminals 2-3 and 2-6 which are the battery pack external interfaces are also electrically short-circuited. Therefore, the positive electrode 2
The voltage of -1 is propagated to the MPU 1-5 terminal 2-5, that is, the MPU can detect the "H" level.

On the contrary, when the battery pack is not attached to the electric equipment, the voltage of the MPU 1-5 terminal 2-5 is pulled down to the "L" level by the resistor 2-9. This is propagated to MPU1-5 terminal 2-5, that is, MPU.
Can detect the "L" level. Where resistance 2-4
2 to 9 and a little explanation is added, the resistance 2-4 needs to be a value capable of suppressing the output of the battery to the extent that an accident does not occur, as described above. When the battery pack is attached to an electric device, the voltage of the positive electrode 2-1 is divided by the resistance 2-9 and the resistance 2-4 to obtain the MPU 1-5 terminal 2
Since it is applied to −5, the partial pressure value is MPU1.
It also needs to be set so that the "H" confirmation level is -5.

As described above, the MPU 1-5 polls its own terminal 2-5 and sets it to "H", or
By checking whether it is “L”, it becomes possible to distinguish whether the electric device to be mounted is in the mounted state or the unmounted state.

Therefore, when the MPU 1-5 confirms that the device is mounted, the MPU 1-5 turns on the cutoff switch 1-4.
The battery pack terminals 1-6-1 and 1-
Allow power supply to 6-2. On the contrary, when it is confirmed that the device is not attached, the MPU 1-5 turns off the cutoff switch 1-4.
In the FF state, the battery pack terminals 1-6-1 and
Power supply to 1-6-2 is prohibited. By doing so, the battery power is supplied to the terminal 1-6-1 only when necessary.
And 1-6-2 can be loaded.

Further, the above-described embodiment is realized by adding one polling port to the MPU and adding two or three resistances to the conventional configuration.
We have not increased the trouble of mechanical assembly and the number of parts,
It provides a solution that is easy to assemble and inexpensive.

As described above, by the function of the mounting state detecting means 1-7, the battery power is supplied to the electric equipment of the battery pack when it is mounted, and the battery power is not supplied to the electric equipment of the battery pack when it is not mounted. By carrying out such control, short-circuit prevention in the unmounted state is realized.

(Embodiment-2) As Embodiment-2, an example in which the function of the mounting state detecting means 1-7, that is, the means for detecting the mounting / non-mounting of a battery pack in an ink jet printer is improved will be described. To do.

In the first embodiment described above, the terminals 2-3 for the mounting state detecting means of the battery pack are
(Under the same circumstances as mentioned in the previous problems) Metal in a bag or pocket (metal fittings of a fountain pen, necklace,
If it is short-circuited with a key, etc., the MPU 1-5 erroneously recognizes that the device mounting is confirmed, and the battery pack terminal 1-6-
1 and 1-6-2 are allowed to be supplied with power, and in this case, there is a problem that the risk of a short-circuit accident cannot be prevented. Therefore, in the present embodiment, pursuing further safety, the function of the mounting state detecting means 1-7 is complicated.

First, the required structure will be described. The basic configuration is the same as that of FIG. 1, but the configuration of the mounting state detecting means is different. FIG. 3 shows a detailed functional diagram of the mounting state detecting means 1-7 proposed in this embodiment.

First, a comparison means (which may be a known comparator IC) 3-1 capable of comparing a certain voltage value with a certain voltage value is used, and two certain voltage values 3-2 and 3-3 are used.
And the result 3-4 is set to “H” (when the comparison value = reference value) or “L” (when the comparison value ≠ the reference value) so that the MPU 1-5 can be notified.

In this case, the voltage values 3-2 and 3-3 are the branch lines 3-6-1 and 3 of the battery 1-1 having multiple straight lines and multiple parallels.
-6-2 is created with a voltage dividing resistor, of which voltage value 3-
2 is internally generated by the resistors 3-6-1 and 3-6-2 and functions as the reference voltage of the comparing means 3-1.

Although the voltage value 3-3 is a comparison value, one of the two voltage dividing resistors required is present as a resistor 3-7 inside the battery pack. The other voltage dividing resistor 3-8 is not inside the battery pack but inside the electric device to which the battery pack is to be mounted. This is the interface terminal 3-9-1 and 3 with the outside of the electric device.
It is connected to -9-2. These two terminals 3-9-1
And 3-9-2, when the battery pack is attached, interface terminals 3-10-1 with the outside of the battery pack.
And 3-10-2, respectively, whereby the voltage dividing resistors 3-7 and 3-8 form a voltage dividing circuit.

At this time, the two voltage dividing resistance values 3-7 and 3-8
Takes the following values. First, the voltage dividing resistance value 3-7 has a function of a voltage dividing resistance and a function of an output limiting resistance. In other words, since the voltage dividing resistance value 3-7 is directly connected to the branch line 3-6-1 of the battery 1-1 having a large number of straight lines, the output value thereof is suppressed to the extent that a short circuit accident does not occur. Must be,
The resistor 3-7 plays the role. Further, the partial pressure resistance value 3-8, when combined with 3-7, is the comparison value 3-
3, it is necessary to design the same value as the reference voltage value so that it can be transmitted to the comparison means 3-1.

With the above-mentioned configuration, the following control is performed.

First, when the battery pack is not attached to an electric device to be attached, the input voltage value 3 of the comparing means 3-1 is 3
-2 is the reference voltage value and comparative value 3-3 is the battery 1-
Since the value of the branch line 3-6-1 of 1 is input and the reference value ≠ the comparison value, the result 3-4 becomes “L”.

When the battery pack is mounted on an electric device to be mounted, the input voltage value 3- of the comparison means 3-1 is set.
2 is the reference voltage value, and comparative value 3-3 is the voltage dividing resistor 3-7.
And the divided voltage value of 3-8, that is, the same value as the reference voltage value is input, and as a result, 3-4 becomes "H".

Therefore, the MPU 1-5 has the comparison means 3-1.
By checking the result output 3-4, it is possible to determine whether the electric device to which the battery pack is attached is in the attached state or in the unattached state.

Therefore, when the MPU 1-5 confirms that the device is mounted, the MPU 1-5 turns on the cutoff switch 1-4.
The battery pack terminals 1-6-1 and 1-
Allow power supply to 6-2. On the contrary, when it is confirmed that the device is not attached, the MPU 1-5 turns off the cutoff switch 1-4.
In the FF state, the battery pack terminals 1-6-1 and
Power supply to 1-6-2 is prohibited.

In this way, the electric power of the battery can be loaded into the terminals 1-6-1 and 1-6-2 only when necessary. And, unlike Embodiment-1, between the interface terminals 3-10-1 and 3-10-2 with the outside of the battery pack (usually set in the electric device). Only when a certain fixed resistance value is connected, it is determined as the wearing state.
Misjudgment when the terminals 3-10-1 and 3-10-2 are short-circuited by metal in the bag or pocket (fountain pen metal fittings, necklace, keys, etc.) The probability of will be very low.

Further, since the comparison means 3-1 is a comparator IC, it can be easily incorporated in the MPU 1-5, and if only several kinds of resistors for determining the comparison value are external parts, these can be used. The components of will also be simple. That is, as in the case of Embodiment-1, the assembly work is easy and the number of parts is not increased, and the assembly is easy.
And it provides cheap problem solving.

As described above, by the function of the mounting state detecting means 1-7, the battery power is supplied to the electric equipment of the battery pack when it is mounted, and the battery power is not supplied to the electric equipment of the battery pack when it is not mounted. This control realizes the short circuit prevention in the unmounted state with higher reliability than the means described in the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 3) As Embodiment 4, an example in which the function of the mounting state detecting means 1-7, that is, the means for detecting the mounting / non-mounting of a battery pack in, for example, an ink jet printer is improved will be described. To do.

As described above, the first embodiment has a problem at the time of detecting attachment. In contrast, the embodiment-
2 tries to improve reliability by analog means. In the present embodiment, this is solved by a digital method.

First, the required structure will be described. The basic configuration is the same as that of FIG. 1, but the configuration of the mounting state detecting means is different. FIG. 4 shows a detailed functional diagram of the mounting state detecting means 1-7 proposed in this embodiment.

First, four ports are added to MPU1-5. The contents are 2 bits for a general-purpose output port (4-1
-1 and 4-1-2), 2 pollable input ports
Bits (4-2-1 and 4-2-2) make a total of 4 bits
(4 terminals). All of these terminals are electrically connected to the battery pack external interface terminals (4-4-1 and 4-4-2 for output, 4-4-1 and 4-4-2 for input), The configuration is such that signal values can be input / output to / from the outside of the battery pack.

The configuration on the electric equipment side is such that the battery pack external interface terminals (output 4-3-1 and 4-3-1)
3-2, and terminals capable of being connected to 4-4-1 and 4-4-2 for input are provided (4-6-1 and 4-for terminals 4-3-1 and 4-3-2). -6-2 corresponds, and terminal 4-4-
1 and 4-4-2 correspond to 4-7-1 and 4-7-2), so that they can be electrically connected to each other at the time of mounting.
Then, these terminals 4-6-1, 4-6-2, 4-7-
A small combinational circuit 4-8 is formed at the end of 1, 4-7-2.

The configuration of the combinational circuit 4-8 may be a simple one having only EX-OR and EX-NOR, as shown in FIG. Here, the signals output from 4-6-1 and 4-6-2 are input to the combination circuit 4-8, and 4-7
It is output to -1 and 4-7-2. This is the above M
2 bits of output port of PU1-5 (4-1-1 and 4
-1-2), the signal output from the combination circuit 4-8
2 through the input port of the MPU 1-5 (4-2-1 and 4-2-2).

That is, when the battery pack is attached to the electric equipment, when 2 bits (4-1-1 and 4-1-2) of the output port of the MPU 1-5 output "HL",
"HL" is returned to 2 bits (4-2-1 and 4-2-2) of the input port, and 2b of the output port of the MPU 1-5.
When it (minutes 4-1-1 and 4-1-2) output "HH", 2 bits (4-2-1 and 4-2) of the input port are output.
"LH" is returned to 2). If the battery pack is not attached to the electric device, 2 bits of the input port (4-2
-1 and 4-2-2) are pulled down by resistors 4-9 and 4-10, so the output port of MPU1-5 is 2
Regardless of what signal is on the bit portion (4-1-1 and 4-1-2), only "LL" is always observed.

With the above-mentioned configuration, the following control is performed.

First, when the battery is removed from the electric device to be mounted, the output ports of MPU 1-5 for 2 bits (4-1-1 and 4-1-2) are "HL". Signal is output. At this time, since the combinational circuit 4-8 is not connected, the “LL” signal is observed at the 2-bit portion (4-2-1 and 4-2-2) of the input port of the MPU 1-5, and the MPU 1-5 Indicates that the battery pack is not installed. At this time,
The MPU 1-5 turns off the cutoff switch 1-4 to turn off the battery pack terminals 1-6-1 and 1-6-2.
Power supply is not allowed.

Next, when the battery pack is attached to an electric device, the combinational circuit 4-8 is connected, so that M
2 bits of the input port of PU1-5 (4-2-1 and 4
-2-2) "HL" pattern was observed, and MPU1
In -5, it can be confirmed that the state in which the battery pack is placed has changed in some way.

Further, thereafter, the MPU 1-5 makes additional confirmation. That is, 2 bits of the output port of the MPU 1-5 (4
The signals of (1-1) and (4-1-2) are changed to "HH". If the electrical equipment is properly connected, MPU1
-5 input ports for 2 bits (4-2-1 and 4-2
In 2), the "LH" pattern should be observable. If it is short-circuited with the metal (fountain pen metal fittings, necklace, key, etc.) in the bag or pocket (under the same conditions as mentioned in the conventional problems), by chance, by the confirmation above,
If "HL" is only observed in 2 bits (4-2-1 and 4-2-2) of the input port of MPU1-5, it should be impossible to observe the "LH" pattern in this additional confirmation. That is, the additional confirmation work improves the reliability of the detection of the mounted / unmounted state of the battery pack on the electric device.

As a result of this additional confirmation, "LH" is set for 2 bits (4-2-1 and 4-2-2) of the input port of MPU1-5.
If a pattern is observed, MPU1-
5 confirms the mounting of the electric device, and the MPU 1-5 turns on the cutoff switch 1-4 to turn on the battery pack terminal 1
The power supply is permitted to -6-1 and 1-6-2.

Next, when the battery pack is removed from the electric equipment, the observation pattern of 2 bits (4-2-1 and 4-2-2) of the input port of MPU 1-5 is "LH".
By returning to "LL" again, the MPU 1-5 senses that the state of the battery pack has transitioned from the mounted state to the non-mounted state, and the MPU 1-5 turns off the cutoff switch 1-4.
In the FF state, the battery pack terminals 1-6-1 and
The power supply is prohibited to 1-6-2.

Add some caution.

First, the combinational circuit 4 on the electric equipment side
-8 must also be supplied with operating power. This is, of course, supplied by the battery pack, but this supply line is a branch line separate from the electrode terminals 1-6-1 and 1-6-2 of the battery pack (which could flow several amperes).
A line 4-11 is provided and a current limiting resistor 4-
It is necessary to insert 12 and prepare a configuration capable of narrowing down to the minimum operable power of the combinational circuit 4-8. By doing so, a short circuit accident of the power supply line of the combinational circuit 4-8 can be prevented.

In addition, 2bi of the output port of MPU1-5
Since the signal of t minutes (4-1-1 and 4-1-2) also causes a short circuit, the value of the output buffer must be designed to the minimum necessary.

In this embodiment, the reliability is ensured by observing the 2-bit signal pattern.
Any bit may be used as long as the signal pattern can be observed reliably.

Further, the configuration of the above-mentioned embodiment is very simple as compared with the configuration of the conventional example, since only four MPU ports are added. That is, Embodiment-1
Similar to the above, it does not increase the time and effort of mechanical assembly and the number of parts, and provides easy and inexpensive problem solving.

As described above, by the function of the mounting state detecting means 1-7, the battery power is supplied to the electric equipment of the battery pack when it is mounted, and the battery power is not supplied when the electric equipment of the battery pack is not mounted. The above control realizes the prevention of short circuit in the unmounted state with higher reliability than the means described in the first and second embodiments.

[0069]

As described above, according to the present invention, by newly providing the mounting state detecting means inside the battery pack, it is possible to discriminate whether the battery pack is mounted or not mounted on the electric device, and when the mounting state is established. Only by controlling the power supply of the battery pack, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned trouble, that is, the short circuit accident when the battery pack is not attached to the electric device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a battery pack proposed by the present specification.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a battery pack mounting state monitoring unit proposed by the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a mounting state monitoring unit for a battery pack proposed by Embodiment-2.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a battery pack mounting state monitoring unit proposed by the third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a combination circuit 4-8.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a conventional battery pack.

[Explanation of symbols]

1-1 Multi-series and multi-series battery (assembled battery) 1-2 Battery voltage monitoring means 1-3 Battery current monitoring means 1-4 break switch 1-5 MPU 1-6-1 and 2 battery pack output terminals 1-7 Wearing state monitoring means

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A battery pack to which an electric device can be attached. Means for determining whether or not the battery pack is attached to the electric device to be attached, and the battery pack of the battery pack based on the result of the determination. And a means for switching permission / non-permission of power supply, and when the battery pack is attached to the electric equipment to be attached, the above-mentioned power supply switching means permits the electric power supply to the electric equipment to be attached. On the other hand, the battery pack is characterized in that the power supply switching means prohibits the power supply when the battery pack is not attached. 2. The two terminals for the mounting state determining means on the battery pack according to claim 1,
Only when the battery pack is attached to the electric device to be attached, the 2 for the attachment state determining means is provided.
As a method for determining whether the battery pack is attached or not attached to the electric device to be attached, the two terminals are short-circuited or short-circuited. A battery pack that makes a judgment by observing whether or not the battery pack is not charged. 3. The comparing means according to claim 1, which is capable of comparing two voltage values inside the battery pack,
Means for generating a reference voltage, which is the first input of the comparison means, inside the battery pack and inputting the reference voltage to the comparison means;
Only when the battery pack is attached to the electrical equipment to be attached, means for inputting the same voltage value as the reference voltage value to the comparing means as the second input of the comparing means, is attached. As a method of determining whether or not a battery pack is attached to an electric device that should be attached, it is observed whether a voltage value having the same value as the reference voltage value is input to the comparison means or not. The battery pack is characterized by making a decision. 4. The means for generating a logic signal of a pattern (*) inside the battery pack according to claim 1, and a pattern (*) inside the battery pack.
*) Means capable of reading the logic signal, and a logic signal generated by the means for generating the logic signal of the certain pattern (*) only when the battery pack is attached to the electric device to be attached. And a means capable of converting a pattern to a certain logic signal pattern (**), and as a method for determining whether the battery pack is attached or not attached to the electric device to be attached, From the logic signal pattern generated by the means for generating the logic signal of the certain pattern (*),
A means capable of reading the logic signal of the above-mentioned certain pattern (**) observes whether it is converted into a certain logic signal pattern (**) or not, and if it is converted, the battery pack is A battery pack, wherein it is determined that the battery pack is attached to an electric device to be attached, and if not converted, it is determined that the battery pack is not attached to an electric device to be attached. 5. The logic according to claim 4, wherein the means capable of reading the logic signal of the certain pattern (*) observes the logic signal once generated by the means for generating the logic signal of the certain pattern (*). After confirming that the signal has been correctly converted, the means for generating the logic signal of the certain pattern (*) again generates a logic signal pattern (*) different from the first time, and the generation pattern (*) is converted. The logic signal pattern (**)
When the observation pattern (**) is converted correctly, it is judged that the battery pack is installed in the electrical equipment to be installed, and it is converted correctly. If not, it is determined that the battery pack is not attached to an electric device to which the battery pack should be attached. 6. The apparatus according to claim 2, observing whether or not the two terminals for the mounting state determination means are short-circuited or not short-circuited to judge whether the electric device is mounted or not mounted. A battery pack characterized by using an MPU as a means for doing so. 7. The apparatus according to claim 3, observing whether or not a voltage value having the same value as the reference voltage value is input to the comparing means, and mounting the electric device, or
A battery pack that uses an MPU as a means for determining whether or not the battery pack is not attached. 8. The MPU as claimed in claim 3, which is a means for deciding whether or not an electric device is attached based on an observation result of a means capable of reading a logic signal of the certain pattern (**). A battery pack characterized by using. 9. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the electric device to be attached is an inkjet printer. 10. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the electric device to be attached is an inkjet printer. 11. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the electric device to be attached is an inkjet printer.