Electronic device

Abstract

Provided is an electronic device capable of stable circuit operation. An electronic device (1) capable of energizing a load (30, 40) by attaching and detaching a battery (10), wherein during attachment and detachment of the battery (10), in a state in which a negative terminal (43) on the load side is electrically connected to a negative terminal (10b) on the battery (10) side, a positive terminal (42) on the load side is electrically connected or not electrically connected to a positive terminal (10a) on the battery (10) side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electronic devices that use batteries as their power source. Background Technology

[0002] Since battery-powered electronic devices do not require connection to an external power source, they can be used anywhere without being limited by installation location.

[0003] For example, the sensor device shown in Patent Document 1 is an electronic device that senses the state of a manufacturing apparatus installed on a production line, and uses a button cell battery as its power source. Furthermore, power can be supplied to the sensor device by inserting a battery holder holding the button cell battery into a slit-shaped insertion portion of the housing. The battery holder has a support substrate on which are mounted a first terminal and a second terminal respectively in contact with the positive and negative terminals of the button cell battery, a processing circuit for processing the output of the sensor element, a communication circuit for communicating with the outside, and a connector for electrically connecting to the sensor element. By mounting the button cell battery in the battery holder, the first and second terminals on the load side, which connect the processing circuit and the communication circuit, are electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the button cell battery.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-153485 (pages 8-9) Figure 6 ) Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, regarding the battery holder in Patent Document 1, when attaching or detaching a button cell battery from the holder, the positive terminal may be connected to the positive terminal of the button cell battery if the reference potential on the ground side, which serves as the reference for circuit operation, is not determined. Therefore, residual charge in the processing circuit or communication circuit on the load side may cause voltage instability, leading to malfunctions or damage to the circuit.

[0009] This invention was made with regard to such a problem in mind, and its purpose is to provide an electronic device capable of stable circuit operation.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] To address the aforementioned issues, the electronic device of the present invention can power a load by attaching or detaching a battery, wherein, during the attachment or detachment of the battery, while the negative terminal on the load side is electrically connected to the negative terminal on the battery side, the positive terminal on the load side is electrically connected to or not electrically connected to the positive terminal on the battery side.

[0012] Therefore, when installing the battery, by first electrically connecting the negative terminal on the load side to the negative terminal on the battery side, the positive terminal on the load side and the positive terminal on the battery side can be electrically connected while the circuit's reference potential is determined, thus making the circuit the target potential difference. Furthermore, when removing the battery, while maintaining the electrical connection between the negative terminals on the load side and the negative terminal on the battery side and ensuring the circuit's reference potential is determined, the positive terminal on the load side and the positive terminal on the battery side can be de-connected first. Thus, during battery installation and removal, the circuit can reliably achieve the target potential difference, enabling stable circuit operation.

[0013] Alternatively, the electronic device may have a switch that, in response to the operation of loading or unloading the battery, switches between an electrical connection or a non-electrical connection between the positive terminal on the load side and the positive terminal on the battery side.

[0014] Therefore, in response to battery loading and unloading operations, with the circuit's reference potential determined, the switch operation of reliably changing the electrical connection or non-electrical connection between the positive terminal on the load side and the positive terminal on the battery side can be performed, thus enabling stable circuit operation.

[0015] Alternatively, the switch may be a component located on the load side.

[0016] Therefore, by constructing a switch at the load-side component, various types of batteries can be used without the need for specially shaped batteries.

[0017] Alternatively, the positive and negative terminals on the load side can be arranged in a specific configuration, and the switch can be a reset switch that freely protrudes in the direction of the extension of the positive and negative terminals on the load side.

[0018] Therefore, when installing the battery, with the positive and negative terminals on the battery side in contact with the positive and negative terminals on the load side, pressing the switch causes it to retract, thus electrically connecting the positive terminal on the load side to the positive terminal on the battery side. Furthermore, when removing the battery, while maintaining contact between the positive and negative terminals on the battery side and the positive and negative terminals on the load side, resetting the switch in the direction of the extension of the positive and negative terminals on the load side de-energizes the positive terminal on the load side to the positive terminal on the battery side.

[0019] Alternatively, the positive and negative terminals on the load side can be freely reset in the extension direction.

[0020] Therefore, when installing the battery, pressing the switch causes the positive and negative terminals on the load side to retract due to contact between the positive and negative terminals on the battery side and the positive and negative terminals on the load side, thus electrically connecting the positive terminals on the load side and the positive terminals on the battery side. Furthermore, when removing the battery, with the positive and negative terminals on the load side pressed against the positive and negative terminals on the battery side by a restoring force and reliably maintained in contact, the switch can be reset in the extending direction of the positive and negative terminals on the load side, thus de-electrically connecting the positive terminals on the load side and the positive terminals on the battery side.

[0021] Alternatively, the electronic device may have a battery holder that holds the battery, and the battery holder may have a protrusion that allows the switch to be pressed.

[0022] Therefore, in response to the battery loading and unloading operation, the switch is pressed by the protrusion of the battery holder, so the timing of the switch operation can be adjusted according to the amount of protrusion.

[0023] Alternatively, the electronic device may be equipped with a positioning mechanism for the battery holder.

[0024] Therefore, by positioning the battery holder, the switch can be reliably pressed using the protrusion of the battery holder, and by restricting the movement of the battery holder, the pressed state of the protrusion on the switch can be reliably maintained. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a pressure sensor according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing the construction of the pressure sensor of Embodiment 1.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the construction of the pressure sensor in Embodiment 1.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the inner casing and battery holder. Additionally, for ease of explanation, Figure 4 This shows the state after the outer casing has been removed.

[0029] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the inner shell. Additionally, for ease of explanation, Figure 5 This shows the state after the outer casing has been removed.

[0030] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0031] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the battery holder and battery of Embodiment 1.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of contact between the positive and negative terminals of the battery and the positive and negative terminals of the pressure sensor during the installation of the battery holder, as well as the switching operation using the protrusions of the battery holder, and a corresponding circuit diagram.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the contact state between the positive and negative terminals of the battery and the positive and negative terminals of the pressure sensor during the process of removing the battery holder, as well as the switching operation using the protrusions of the battery holder, and a corresponding circuit diagram.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the positive and negative terminals of the pressure sensor according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the positive and negative terminals of the pressure sensor according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of an electronic device for implementing the present invention will be described. Furthermore, regarding the battery used in the electronic device of the present invention, the battery can be attached to or detached from the main body of the electronic device, or a battery holder holding the battery can be attached to or detached from the main body of the electronic device. In the latter case, the positive and negative terminals of the battery can be directly electrically connected to the circuit on the load side, or they can be indirectly electrically connected to the circuit on the load side via terminals provided on the battery holder.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] Reference Figures 1 to 9 The electronic device of Example 1 will be described below. Figure 3 The left and right sides when viewed from the front side will be described as the left and right sides of the electronic device. Specifically, the left side of the paper where the sensor unit 30 is located will be described as the left side of the electronic device, and the right side of the paper where the cover member 23 is mounted will be described as the right side of the electronic device.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the electronic device of the present invention is configured to detect the pressure of the object to be measured and uses a battery 10 (see reference 10). Figure 2Pressure sensor 1 serves as the power source. Pressure sensor 1 is fixed to a mounting location such as a pipe, pipeline, or tank (not shown) and detects the pressure of the object being measured inside the mounting location. The object being measured is a fluid such as a liquid or gas.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the pressure sensor 1 mainly comprises a housing 20, a sensor unit 30, and a battery holder 100 (see reference). Figure 2 ) and circuit unit 40 (refer to) Figure 3 The sensor unit 30 is mounted on the left end of the housing 20. The battery holder 100 is housed within the housing 20 and holds the battery 10. The load of the present invention consists of the sensor unit 30 and the circuit unit 40.

[0041] The pressure sensor 1 is fixed and used, for example, by screwing the threaded portion 20a of the housing 20 into the mounting port of a pipe (not shown). The threaded portion 20a is formed at the left end of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 20. Thus, the sensor element (not shown) provided in the sensor unit 30 outputs a voltage corresponding to the pressure applied from the fluid being measured within the pipe. Processing chip 31 (see reference) Figure 3 The voltage is converted into a pressure signal.

[0042] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing 20 has a mounting component 21, an outer shell 121, and an inner shell 122 (see reference). Figure 4 and Figure 5 A threaded portion 20a is formed at the left end of the mounting component 21 (see reference). Figure 1 The outer casing 121 has: a cover member 22, which is mounted on the right end of the mounting member 21; and a cover member 23, which closes the opening 22a on the right side of the cover member 22. The inner casing 122 is fixed to the mounting member 21 and is covered by the cover member 22 and the cover member 23, i.e., the outer casing 121.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the mounting component 21 has a cylindrical base 21a, a small-diameter portion 21b extending to the left from the base 21a, a flange portion 21c protruding to the outer diameter side from the right end of the outer peripheral surface of the base 21a, and a large-diameter portion 21d extending to the right from the base 21a.

[0044] The small diameter portion 21b has the aforementioned threaded portion 20a formed on its outer peripheral surface (see reference). Figure 1 Furthermore, an annular recess 21e is formed at the right end of the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 21b, and an O-ring 24 is installed in the recess 21e. In addition, by screwing the threaded portion 20a formed on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 21b into the mounting port of the pipe (not shown), the O-ring 24 is clamped between the pipe and the mounting component 21, ensuring a tight seal.

[0045] Furthermore, a recess 21f is formed at the left end of the small diameter portion 21b, which is recessed to the right. The sensor unit 30 is inserted from the left and welded and fixed in the recess 21f. Although detailed description is omitted, a tight seal is ensured so that the fluid to be measured will not enter the through hole 21m side where the processing chip 31 is disposed.

[0046] The large diameter portion 21d has a threaded portion 21g formed on its outer circumferential surface (see reference). Figure 4 and Figure 5 Furthermore, an annular recess 21h is formed at the left end of the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 21d, and an O-ring 25 is installed in the recess 21h. In addition, by screwing the threaded portion (not shown) formed on the inner peripheral surface of the left end of the cover member 22 with the threaded portion 21g formed on the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 21d, the O-ring 25 is clamped between the mounting member 21 and the cover member 22, ensuring a tight seal.

[0047] Furthermore, a stepped recess 21k, recessed to the left, is formed at the right end of the large-diameter portion 21d, and a portion of the circuit unit 40 is housed within this recess 21k. Additionally, the recess 21f formed in the small-diameter portion 21b and the recess 21k formed in the large-diameter portion 21d are connected by a through hole 21m extending through the base 21a in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the sensor unit 30 and the circuit unit 40 are electrically connected via a flexible printed wiring board (not shown) extending within the through hole 21m.

[0048] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the cover member 22 constituting the outer casing 121 is cylindrical, and the cover member 22 is connected to the threaded portion 21g formed on the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 21d of the mounting member 21 (see reference). Figure 4 and Figure 5 The cover is screwed in and installed. The opening 22a is closed by screwing the threaded portion 23c of the cover member 23, which also constitutes the outer casing 121, into the right end of the cover member 22.

[0049] The cover component 23 has a circular plate-shaped base 23a and a small-diameter portion 23b protruding to the left from the left side of the base 23a. A threaded portion 23c is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 23b (see reference). Figure 2Furthermore, an annular recess 23d is formed at the right end of the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 23b, and an O-ring 26 is installed in the recess 23d. Additionally, by screwing the threaded portion 23c of the cover member 23 into a threaded portion (not shown) formed on the inner peripheral surface of the right end of the cover member 22, the O-ring 26 is clamped between the cover member 22 and the cover member 23, ensuring a tight seal. In this way, the internal space of the housing 121 containing the circuit unit 40 and the battery holder 100 is divided in a substantially sealed manner.

[0050] Furthermore, a recessed portion 23e is formed at the left end of the small diameter portion 23b, which is recessed to the right, and a handle 100d formed at the right end of the battery holder 100 is housed in the recessed portion 23e.

[0051] like Figures 3-6 As shown, the inner shell 122 is formed of resin material and has a base 122a and a right side (in the direction from the base 122a toward the location of the cover member 23) Figure 4 The first plate portion 122d and the second plate portion 122e extend from the left side (in the middle). Additionally, the base 122a of the inner shell 122 is secured by screws 123 (see reference). Figure 4 It is fixed to the mounting component 21.

[0052] Especially as Figure 5 As shown, through holes 122b and 122c are arranged and formed in the base 122a as described above. Furthermore, a generally triangular through hole 122t is formed in the base 122a, which allows the wall portion 100b of the battery holder 100 (described later) to be inserted and removed.

[0053] Furthermore, a plurality of protrusions 122f protruding to the left are formed on the outer diameter side of the left surface of the base 122a. When the inner shell 122 is fixed to the mounting member 21, these protrusions 122f clamp the outer diameter portion of the circuit board 41 constituting the circuit unit 40 between the protrusions 122f and the stepped portion formed in the recess 21k of the mounting member 21 in the left-right direction. As a result, the circuit board 41 can be stably supported between the inner shell 122 and the mounting member 21 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0054] Furthermore, a pair of bosses 122g are provided at the base 122a (see reference). Figure 4 and Figure 5 The pair of bosses 122g have through holes for screws 123 to be inserted.

[0055] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the inner surface of the first plate portion 122d is curved along the surface shape of the battery 10 held by the battery holder 100. Furthermore, at the left end of the inner surface of the first plate portion 122d (in... Figure 4A rectangular protrusion 122h is formed at the right end of the battery 10. This protrusion 122h can interact with a recess 10c formed on the surface of the battery 10 (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 3 The battery holder 100 is fitted into the inner housing 122. This restricts the insertion and removal direction of the battery holder 100 relative to the inner housing 122, and prevents the battery 10 from being connected in reverse.

[0056] And, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the outer surface of the first plate portion 122d has a flat surface at approximately the center of its upper and lower parts. At the upper and lower ends, and at two locations in the left and right directions, the outer surface of the first plate portion 122d has a pair of hook-shaped protrusions 122k, which are designed to hold the circuit board 45 constituting the circuit unit 40. Furthermore, the circuit board 45 is inserted between the upper and lower protrusions 122k from the right side of the first plate portion 122d. The upper and lower side surfaces of the first plate portion 122d are curved along the inner circumferential surface of the cover member 22 constituting the outer casing 121.

[0057] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the second plate portion 122e is formed such that its dimension in the vertical direction (i.e., the width direction) is smaller than that of the first plate portion 122d in the width direction. Furthermore, the second plate portion 122e has a pair of protruding ribs 122m formed on the inner surface sides of its upper and lower ends. These protruding ribs 122m extend along the horizontal direction (i.e., the length direction) of the insertion / removal direction of the battery holder 100. Additionally, the cross-section of the protruding ribs 122m is semi-circular.

[0058] Furthermore, on the inner surface of the second plate portion 122e, at the right end (in Figure 4 The middle part (left end) has a pair of hemispherical protrusions 122n.

[0059] Furthermore, at the right end of the second plate portion 122e (in Figure 4 A roughly rectangular cutout 122s is formed approximately at the center of the upper and lower parts of the second plate 122e (the left end). Furthermore, by forming the cutout 122s on the second plate 122e, interference between the second plate 122e and tools such as screwdrivers is prevented. This makes it easier to screw the screw 123 into the through hole of the boss 122g formed in the base 122a.

[0060] Next, the battery holder 100 will be described. In this embodiment 1, the method by which a battery pack type lithium battery 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as "battery 10") with a positive electrode 10a and a negative electrode 10b arranged and positioned on one end of the battery holder 100 along its length direction will be described. Here, in this embodiment 1, the positive and negative terminals on the battery 10 side are the positive electrode 10a and the negative electrode 10b of the battery 10.

[0061] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the battery holder 100 mainly includes a base 100a, walls 100b and 100c, and a handle 100d. The inner surface of the base 100a is curved along the surface shape of the battery 10. The wall 100b is formed into a generally triangular shape that rises from the left end of the base 100a toward the inner surface. The wall 100c is formed into a rectangular shape that rises from the right end of the base 100a toward the inner surface. The handle 100d bends to the right and extends from the wall 100c.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the wall portion 100b is approximately triangular in shape. With the battery 10 held in the battery holder 100, one end of the battery 10 along its long side abuts against the inner surface of the wall portion 100b. Thus, the positive electrode 10a and negative electrode 10b of the battery 10 emerge from the cut-out spaces 100k and 100m (see reference) of the battery holder 100. Figure 7 The wall portion 100b can be freely shaped as long as it allows the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 43 to be inserted through it respectively, and allows the positive terminal 10a and the negative terminal 10b of the battery 10 to be exposed in a way that allows them to contact the electrical contacts of the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 43 respectively. Alternatively, a through hole can be formed in the wall portion to replace the cut-out shape.

[0063] Furthermore, the wall portion 100b is formed to protrude to the left from the left end of the base portion 100a, and a protrusion 100n protruding to the left is provided approximately at the center of the outer surface of the wall portion 100b (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0064] At the upper and lower ends of the base 100a, a pair of upper and lower claws 100e are provided at three locations in the left and right directions to hold the battery 10.

[0065] And, as Figure 6 As shown, the outer surface of the base 100a has a flat surface at approximately the center of its upper and lower parts, and an insertion recess 100f is formed therein. The insertion recess 100f is located on the left side where the wall portion 100b is formed (in... Figure 4 The middle (right side) is open, allowing access from the right side (in Figure 4 The second plate portion 122e (left side) is inserted into the inner shell 122. On the upper and lower inner walls of the insertion recess 100f, a pair of recessed grooves 100g are formed on their inner surface sides, extending in the left-right direction (length direction) and opposing each other in the up-down direction (width direction) of the battery holder 100. Furthermore, the recessed grooves 100g have a semi-circular cross-section, and together with the pair of protruding portions 122m formed on the inner shell 122, they constitute a pair of guide portions G that guide the movement of the battery holder 100 in the insertion direction.

[0066] Furthermore, on the bottom surface of the insertion recess 100f, at the left end (in Figure 4 The right end of the inner shell 122 has a pair of hemispherical recesses 100h. These recesses 100h engage with the pair of protrusions 122n formed on the inner shell 122, forming the positioning mechanism P of the battery holder 100 and locking it in place to prevent accidental left-right movement. Furthermore, with the protrusions 122n of the inner shell 122 engaged with the recesses 100h, the wall portion 100b of the battery holder 100 is inserted into the through hole 122t of the inner shell 122 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0067] Next, circuit unit 40 will be described. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the circuit unit 40 mainly includes a circular circuit board 41, a positive terminal 42 and a negative terminal 43, and a rectangular circuit board 45 (see reference) housing a processing chip 44 and a wireless chip 46. Figure 5 The circuit board 41 is housed within the recess 21k of the large-diameter portion 21d of the mounting member 21. The positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 43 extend through the circuit board 41 along its thickness direction and are arranged accordingly. The circuit board 45 is held on the outer surface of the first plate portion 122d of the inner housing 122 (described later). The processing chip 44 adjusts the power supplied from the battery 10, processes signals input from the sensor unit 30, etc. A wireless chip 46 is mounted on the circuit board 45 for communication with the outside. Furthermore, the circuit boards 41 and 45 are electrically connected via a flexible flat cable 47. Also, the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 43 may not extend through the circuit board 41 along its thickness direction.

[0068] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 43 are so-called probes, constituting the positive and negative terminals on the load side. Specifically, the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 43 have a plunger construction and are fixed by being inserted into and soldered into a pair of mounting holes that extend through the circuit board 41 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the electrical contact formed at the right end of the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 43 is axially retractable; by mounting the battery holder 100, this electrical contact is pressed and retracted axially (see reference). Figure 8 By removing the battery holder 100, the electrical contact elastically returns to its original position and extends axially (see reference). Figure 9 ).

[0069] Furthermore, the front ends of the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 43 forming the electrical contacts are planar, which increases the contact area with the positive electrode 10a and the negative electrode 10b of the battery 10, thereby dispersing stress. Therefore, surface damage to the electrical contacts of the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 43 on the load side caused by the shaking of the battery 10 is suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 43 are inserted through and arranged in through holes 122b and 122c that penetrate the base 122a of the inner shell 122 along the thickness direction, and are supported so that they can retract to the left with electrical contacts protruding from the through holes 122b and 122c respectively. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, with the battery holder 100 installed, the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 43 are slightly retracted to the left. That is, the electrical contacts of the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 43 are elastically pressed against the positive terminal 10a and the negative terminal 10b of the battery 10 held by the battery holder 100, respectively.

[0071] Furthermore, a switch 48 is provided between the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 43, fixed to approximately the center of the right surface of the circuit board 41. The switch 48 is a reset switch that freely protrudes to the right in the direction of the extension of the electrical contacts of the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 43 by means of a force-applying member housed internally. Moreover, the switch 48 is a so-called momentary switch that connects the circuit only when pressed. Additionally, the amount of rightward protrusion of the switch 48 is configured to be smaller than the amount of rightward protrusion of the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 43.

[0072] Thus, when the positive terminal 10a and negative terminal 10b of the battery 10, held by the battery holder 100, make contact with the electrical contacts of the positive terminal 42 and negative terminal 43, and the switch 48 is pressed by the protrusion 100n of the battery holder 100, the circuit unit 40 becomes energized and can supply power from the battery 10 to the sensor unit 30. Furthermore, the circuit unit 40 can receive pressure signal input from the sensor unit 30, process the signal through the processing chip 44, and communicate with the outside via the wireless chip 46.

[0073] Here, the process of attaching and detaching the battery holder 100 that holds the battery 10 will be explained. Additionally, for ease of explanation, [further details will be provided]. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The outer shell 121 and inner shell 122 are omitted from the illustration. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, in... Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the text, the load is only labeled with the number 40.

[0074] like Figure 8As shown, during the installation of the battery holder 100, when the cover component 23 is removed and the battery holder 100 holding the battery 10 is opened from the opening 22a of the cover component 22 (see reference 22a), Figure 3 As the battery 10 is gradually inserted, its positive terminal 10a and negative terminal 10b make contact with the electrical contacts of the positive terminal 42 and negative terminal 43 on the load side of the circuit unit 40 (see reference). Figure 8 (b) At this time, the protrusion 100n provided on the wall portion 100b of the battery holder 100 separates from the switch 48 in the right direction. That is, although the positive terminal 10a and negative terminal 10b of the battery 10 are in contact with the electrical contacts of the positive terminal 42 and negative terminal 43 on the load side respectively, the positive terminal 10a of the battery 10 and the positive terminal 42 on the load side are not electrically connected because the switch 48 is open. In addition, the negative terminal 10b of the battery 10 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 43 on the load side.

[0075] By from Figure 8 In state (b), the battery holder 100 is pressed further to the left, and the electrical contacts of the positive terminal 42 and negative terminal 43 on the load side retract to the left while pressed against the positive terminal 10a and negative terminal 10b of the battery 10. During the retraction of the electrical contacts of the positive terminal 42 and negative terminal 43 on the load side, the protrusion 100n of the battery holder 100 abuts against the switch 48, and the switch 48 is pressed. Thus, the switch 48 is turned on, and the positive terminal 10a of the battery 10 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 42 on the load side (see reference). Figure 8 (c)).

[0076] Therefore, when installing the battery 10, the negative terminal 43 on the load side is electrically connected to the negative terminal 10b of the battery 10 first, compared to the positive terminal 42 on the load side. This allows the positive terminal 10a of the battery 10 to be electrically connected to the positive terminal 42 on the load side while the reference potential of the circuit is determined, thus making the circuit the target potential difference.

[0077] And, as Figure 9 As shown, during the process of removing the battery holder 100, when the battery holder 100 is removed from the opening 22a of the cover member 22 (see reference 22a), Figure 3 When the switch is gradually pulled out to the right, with the positive terminal 42 and negative terminal 43 on the load side pressed against the positive terminal 10a and negative terminal 10b of the battery 10, the protrusion 100n of the battery holder 100 moves away from the switch 48 to the right (see reference). Figure 9 (b) That is, when the positive terminal 10a and negative terminal 10b of battery 10 are in contact with the electrical contacts of the positive terminal 42 and negative terminal 43 on the load side, respectively, the switch 48 is open, thereby de-energizing the positive terminal 10a of battery 10 with the positive terminal 42 on the load side. Meanwhile, the negative terminal 10b of battery 10 remains electrically connected to the negative terminal 43 on the load side.

[0078] By from Figure 9 In state (b), the battery holder 100 is pulled further to the right, and the positive terminal 10a and negative terminal 10b of the battery 10 move to the right away from the electrical contacts of the positive terminal 42 and negative terminal 43 on the load side (see reference). Figure 9 (c)).

[0079] Therefore, when disassembling the battery 10, the positive terminal 10a of the battery 10 can be de-connected to the positive terminal 42 while maintaining the electrical connection between the negative terminal 43 on the load side and the negative terminal 10b of the battery 10 and the reference potential of the circuit is determined.

[0080] Thus, during the loading and unloading of the battery holder 100 holding the battery 10, the reference potential of the circuit is necessarily determined by the electrical connection between the negative terminal 43 on the load side and the negative terminal 10b of the battery 10. The electrical connection / non-electrical connection between the positive terminal 10a of the battery 10 and the positive terminal 42 on the load side can be switched by turning the switch 48 on / off. That is, the connection state can be switched from connected to disconnected or from disconnected to connected. Therefore, the circuit can reliably achieve the target potential difference without being affected by residual charge on the processing chip 44 or wireless chip 46 located on the load side, enabling stable circuit operation. This prevents malfunctions and failures of circuit components such as the processing chip 44 and wireless chip 46.

[0081] Furthermore, by providing a switch 48 on the circuit board 41 that constitutes the circuit unit 40 on the load side, various types of batteries can be used without the need for batteries or battery holders with special shapes, such as those with switches.

[0082] Furthermore, switch 48 is a reset switch that freely protrudes to the right in the direction of the extension of the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 43, and the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 43 are also freely reset to the right. Therefore, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the electrical connection sequence of the positive terminal 10a and negative terminal 10b of the battery 10 to the positive terminal 42 and negative terminal 43 on the load side can be determined in accordance with the operation of loading and unloading the battery holder 100 holding the battery 10.

[0083] Furthermore, in response to the operation of attaching or detaching the battery holder 100 that holds the battery 10, the switch 48 can be pressed using the protrusion 100n of the battery holder 100. Therefore, the timing of the operation of the switch 48 can be adjusted according to the amount of protrusion of the protrusion 100n.

[0084] Furthermore, a positioning mechanism P is provided between the inner shell 122 and the battery holder 100. This positioning mechanism P determines the insertion progress of the battery holder 100 through the interlocking of the recess 100h and the protrusion 122n. Therefore, the protrusion 100n of the battery holder 100 can reliably press the switch 48, and the lateral movement of the battery holder 100 is restricted, thereby reliably maintaining the pressed state of the protrusion 100n on the switch 48. Furthermore, the positive terminal 10a and negative terminal 10b of the battery 10 held by the battery holder 100 can be brought into contact with the electrical contacts of the positive terminal 42 and negative terminal 43 on the load side with appropriate force.

[0085] Furthermore, since the battery holder 100 can be inserted and removed while the pressure sensor 1 is installed in the piping or other mounting area, battery replacement can be performed easily. Specifically, the battery can be easily replaced by removing only the cover part 23 and inserting or removing only the battery holder 100 holding the battery 10, without removing the entire housing 20 from the piping or other mounting area. As a result, the sensor unit 30 or circuit unit 40 can be touched or moved during battery replacement, thus the pressure sensor 1 can reliably sense the object being measured.

[0086] Example 2

[0087] Reference Figure 10 The electronic device of Embodiment 2 will be described. Furthermore, repeated structural descriptions of the same structure as in Embodiment 1 described above will be omitted. Figure 10 For ease of explanation, only the circuit board serving as the load side component and the positive and negative terminals of the load side are shown in the diagram.

[0088] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment 2, the front ends of the positive terminal 242 and negative terminal 243 on the load side that form electrical contacts are curved.

[0089] Therefore, the front end of the electrical contact formed by the positive terminal 242 and the negative terminal 243 on the load side is curved, which makes it less likely to be damaged by repeated operations such as battery replacement, and can absorb the tilt between the positive terminal 242 and the negative terminal 243 and the positive terminal 10a and the negative terminal 10b of the battery 10.

[0090] Example 3

[0091] Reference Figure 11 The electronic device of Embodiment 3 will be described. Furthermore, repeated structural descriptions of structures identical to those in Embodiment 1 described above will be omitted. Figure 11 For ease of explanation, only the circuit board serving as the load side component and the positive and negative terminals of the load side are shown in the diagram.

[0092] like Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment 3, the front ends of the positive terminal 342 and negative terminal 343 on the load side that form electrical contacts are shaped with a concave-convex shape having a plurality of pointed protrusions 342a and 343a respectively.

[0093] Therefore, by forming the front ends of the electrical contacts on the positive terminal 342 and negative terminal 343 on the load side with a concave-convex shape having multiple pointed protrusions 342a and 343a respectively, the contact points with the positive electrode 10a and negative electrode 10b of the battery 10 can be increased, thus dispersing stress. Therefore, surface damage to the electrical contacts on the positive terminal 342 and negative terminal 343 on the load side caused by the shaking of the battery 10 is suppressed.

[0094] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above based on the accompanying drawings, but the specific structure is not limited to these embodiments, and changes and additions without departing from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0095] For example, the electronic device of the present invention is not limited to pressure sensors; it can be any electronic device powered by a battery, and can also be applied to other sensors or electronic devices other than sensors.

[0096] Furthermore, electronic devices can also be configured to hold batteries other than the aforementioned battery pack type lithium batteries, such as button batteries, AA batteries, AAA batteries, prismatic batteries, and coin-shaped batteries, using a battery holder.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 3, a structure was described in which the positive and negative terminals of the battery held by the battery holder are directly in contact with the positive and negative terminals of the load side as the positive and negative terminals on the battery side. However, this is not a limitation. Alternatively, electrode terminals that can be electrically connected to the battery and in contact with the positive and negative terminals of the load side may be provided on the wall portion at one end along the length direction of the battery holder. Moreover, the positive and negative terminals on the battery side only need to be arranged vertically, and their left and right positions may be different.

[0098] Furthermore, the front end shapes of the positive and negative terminals on the load side can also be other front end shapes besides those shown in Embodiments 1 to 3 above.

[0099] Furthermore, the positive and negative terminals on the load side may not be made of probes; for example, they may be made of other electrode terminals such as leaf springs or helical springs.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the case where a protrusion is provided in the battery holder has been described, but it is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the switch to be pressed by using the outer surface of the wall of the battery holder by increasing the amount of protrusion of the switch.

[0101] Furthermore, the switch does not have to be a push-button instantaneous switch; for example, it can be other switches such as a reed switch.

[0102] Furthermore, the switch may not be located on the load side, but on a battery side component, such as a battery holder.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 3, the following method was described: During the battery installation and removal process, the positive and negative terminals on the load side contact or separate from the positive and negative terminals on the battery side approximately simultaneously. A switch is used to switch the electrical connection / non-electrical connection between the positive terminal on the battery side and the positive terminal on the load side. However, this is not limited to this; a switch may not be provided, and the negative terminal on the load side may be configured such that its protrusion is greater than that of the positive terminal on the load side. Therefore, when installing the battery, the negative terminal on the load side can contact the negative terminal on the battery side before the positive terminal on the load side, and then the positive terminal on the load side contacts the positive terminal on the battery side. When removing the battery, the positive terminal on the load side can leave the positive terminal on the battery side first, and then the negative terminal on the load side can leave the negative terminal on the battery side. Therefore, the reference potential of the circuit can be determined necessarily by the electrical connection between the negative terminal on the load side and the negative terminal on the battery side.

[0104] Furthermore, the processing chip and wireless chip that make up the circuit unit can be placed at any position on the circuit board.

[0105] Furthermore, the electronic device of the present invention is not limited to a battery holder that holds the battery relative to the main body of the electronic device; the battery can also be directly attached to or removed from the main body of the electronic device.

[0106] Label Explanation

[0107] 1: Pressure sensor (electronic device); 10: Battery pack type lithium battery (battery); 10a: Positive electrode (positive terminal on the battery side); 10b: Negative electrode (negative terminal on the battery side); 20: Housing; 21: Mounting component; 22: Cover component; 23: Cover component; 30: Sensor unit (load); 40: Circuit unit (load); 41: Circuit board (component on the load side); 42: Positive terminal (positive terminal on the load side); 43: Negative terminal (negative terminal on the load side); 44: Processing chip; 4 5: Circuit board; 46: Wireless chip; 48: Switch (reset switch); 100: Battery holder; 100b, 100c: Wall; 100d: Handle; 100e: Claw; 100g: Recessed groove; 100h: Recess; 100n: Protrusion; 121: Outer shell; 122: Inner shell; 122b, 122c: Through hole; 122d: First plate; 122e: Second plate; 122m: Raised strip; 122n: Raised part; 122t: Through hole; G: Guide part; P: Positioning mechanism.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: a battery holder for holding a battery; a housing for mounting and detaching the battery holder; a load; and a circuit unit mounted on the housing and capable of energizing the load, wherein the load is energized by mounting the battery holder on the housing, wherein... The battery holder has a positive terminal and a negative terminal on the battery side. The circuit unit has a switch and positive and negative terminals on the load side. The switch is a reset switch that protrudes freely in the direction of the extension of the electrical contacts of the positive and negative terminals on the load side. The battery holder has a protrusion that extends toward the switch side and is capable of pressing the switch. The positive and negative terminals on the load side protrude toward the positive and negative terminals on the battery side, respectively, in such a way that the protrusion of the switch is smaller than the protrusion of the positive and negative terminals on the load side. During the loading and unloading of the battery holder relative to the housing, while the negative terminal on the load side is electrically connected to the negative terminal on the battery side, the positive terminal on the load side and the positive terminal on the battery side are electrically connected or not electrically connected via the switch.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The positive and negative terminals on the load side are arranged in a specific configuration.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The positive and negative terminals on the load side can be reset freely in the extension direction.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic device is provided with a positioning mechanism for the battery holder.

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