JP2022107172A - Adapter and charging system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a versatile adapter and charging system.SOLUTION: An adapter 20 that has a first signal terminal and can be connected to a charging device 10 that can connect a first battery pack 40 with a first rated voltage, includes charging side connections 20b and 20g that can be connected to the charging device and have a charging side signal terminal having substantially the same structure as the first signal terminal, and battery-side connections 20h and 20i that have a second signal terminal with a structure different from the first signal terminal, can be connected to a second battery pack 30 with the first rated voltage, and has a battery-side signal terminal that can be connected to the second signal terminal. The adapter 20 converts the input signal input from the second battery pack 30 into an output signal output to the charging device 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to adapters and charging systems.

The following Patent Document 1 describes that, in addition to charging a battery pack, an electric device can be driven by a charging device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-217329

In the charging device of Patent Document 1, it is not considered to connect a battery pack or an electric device having a different output signal or a shape of a connecting portion.

The present invention provides a versatile adapter and charging system, provides an adapter and charging system capable of charging battery packs having different connection shapes, or a charging device processes a signal from the battery pack. It is an object of the present invention to provide an adapter and a charging system capable of converting into a possible signal.

One embodiment of the present invention is an adapter that has a first signal terminal and can be connected to a charging device to which a first battery pack having a first rated voltage can be connected.
A charging side connection portion that can be connected to the charging device and has a charging side signal terminal having substantially the same structure as the first signal terminal.
A battery side having a second signal terminal having a structure different from that of the first signal terminal, being connectable to the second battery pack having the first rated voltage, and having a battery-side signal terminal that can be connected to the second signal terminal. It has a connection part.
According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an adapter capable of charging battery packs having the same rated voltage but different signals. For example, even if the manufacturers of the battery packs are the same, the battery packs of different brands (that is, the structure of the connection portion is different) or the battery packs of different manufacturers can be charged via the adapter.

A signal conversion unit that converts an input signal input from the second battery pack via the battery-side signal terminal into an output signal output to the charging device via the charging-side signal terminal may be provided. According to this, since battery packs having different signals can be charged, a highly versatile adapter can be provided.

The signal conversion unit may convert the output signal into a conversion signal that can be processed by the charging side control unit. According to this, it is possible to charge based on the signal.

The conversion signal may be input to at least one of a temperature terminal into which the temperature information of the first battery pack is input and an identification terminal in which the identification information of the first battery pack is input. According to this, since the existing terminals can be used, it is possible to suppress the increase in size and cost without increasing the number of terminals.

The adapter may have a voltage conversion unit that converts an output voltage from the charging device and an output unit connected to the voltage conversion unit.

The output voltage of a constant voltage may be input from the charging device.

The shape of the connecting portion may be different between the first battery pack and the second battery pack. According to this, even battery packs having different shapes of connection portions can be charged via the adapter.

The charging side connection portion has the same structure as the first connection portion of the first battery pack, but has a structure different from that of the second connection portion of the second battery pack.
The battery-side connection portion may have a structure that cannot be connected to the first connection portion of the first battery pack, while may have a structure that can be connected to the second connection portion of the second battery pack.
According to this, even battery packs having different shapes of connection portions can be charged via the adapter.

The signal between the adapter and the second battery pack may be one of the digital signal and the analog signal, and the signal between the adapter and the charging device may be the other of the digital signal and the analog signal.

Further, another aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned adapter and the above-mentioned adapter.
The charging device having a charging circuit unit, a charging side control unit that controls the charging circuit unit, and a battery pack connecting unit that can be connected to the first battery pack or the adapter.
It is a charging system equipped with.
According to this aspect, since battery packs having different signals can be charged, a highly versatile charging system can be provided.

Another aspect of the present invention is a charging system including a charging device and an adapter that can be connected to the charging device and the second battery pack.
The charging device includes a charging circuit unit, a charging side control unit that controls the charging circuit unit, and a battery pack connecting unit that can be connected to a first battery pack different from the second battery pack.
The adapter is provided between the charging side connection portion that can be connected to the battery pack connection portion, the battery side connection portion that can be connected to the two battery packs, and the charging side connection portion and the battery side connection portion. It has a voltage conversion unit that transforms the output voltage output from the charging circuit unit, and
The charging device is configured to output a constant voltage from the charging circuit unit when the adapter is connected to the battery pack connection unit.
The adapter is configured to transform the constant voltage output from the charging circuit unit by the voltage conversion unit and output it to the battery-side connection unit.

It should be noted that any combination of the above components, a conversion of the expression of the present invention between methods, and the like are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

According to the present invention, a highly versatile adapter and charging system can be provided, an adapter and charging system capable of charging battery packs having different shapes of connections can be provided, or a signal from the battery pack can be charged. Can provide an adapter and a charging system that can be converted into a processable signal.

It is an external view of the charging system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, and is the external view in the state which the charging device 10, the adapter 20, and the 2nd battery pack 30 are connected. The perspective view of the 1st battery pack 40 which can be charged by the charging device 10 without going through an adapter 20. The perspective view of the 2nd battery pack 20. Adapter 20 plan view. Side view of the adapter 20. Bottom view of the adapter 20. It is a circuit block diagram of the charging system shown in FIG. 1, and is a circuit block diagram in a state where the charging device 10, the adapter 20, and the second battery pack 30 are connected. The circuit block diagram which extracted the charging device 10 and the adapter 20 from FIG. The circuit block diagram which extracted the adapter 20 and the 2nd battery pack 30 from FIG. The circuit block diagram in the state which the charging device 10 and the 1st battery pack 40 are connected. The flowchart which shows the operation of the charging device 10. The flowchart which shows the operation of the adapter 20. It is a circuit block diagram of the charging system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, and is the circuit block diagram in the state which the charging device 10, the adapter 50 and the 3rd battery pack 100 are connected. The circuit block diagram which extracted the charging device 10 and the adapter 50 from FIG. The flowchart which shows the operation of the charging device 10. The flowchart which shows the operation of the adapter 50. It is a circuit block diagram of the charging system which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention, and is the circuit block diagram in the state which the charging device 60, the adapter 70 and the 1st battery pack 40 are connected. The circuit block diagram which extracted the charging device 60 and the adapter 70 from FIG. The flowchart which shows the operation of the charging device 60. The flowchart which shows the operation of the adapter 70. It is a circuit block diagram of the charging system which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention, and is the circuit block diagram in the state which the charging device 60, the adapter 80 and the 1st battery pack 40 are connected. The circuit block diagram which extracted the charging device 60 and the adapter 80 from FIG. The flowchart which shows the operation of the charging device 60. The flowchart which shows the operation of the adapter 80.

In the following, the same or equivalent components, members, etc. shown in the drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted as appropriate. The embodiment is not limited to the invention but is an example. Not all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention.

(Embodiment 1)
1 to 12 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is a charging system. The charging system includes a charging device 10, an adapter 20, and a second battery pack 30, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7.

The charging device 10 is for charging the first battery pack 40 having a rated voltage of 18 V, for example, as shown in FIG. The charging device 10 can also charge the second battery pack 30 having a rated voltage of 10.8 V shown in FIG. 3, for example, via the adapter 20. The battery pack connection portion of the charging device 10 includes a C + terminal, a − terminal, a V terminal, an LS terminal, and a T terminal shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The LS terminal and the T terminal are signal terminals of the charging device 10. The LS terminal is an example of a temperature terminal, and the T terminal is an example of an identification terminal.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first battery pack 40 includes a case 40a, a rail portion 40b, a latch convex portion 40c, a latch operation portion 40d, and a terminal portion 40g. The rail portion 40b and the terminal portion 40g form a connecting portion (first connecting portion). The terminal portion 40g includes a C + terminal, a + terminal, a − terminal, a V terminal, an LS terminal, a T terminal, and an LD terminal shown in FIG. The LS terminal, the T terminal, and the LD terminal are signal terminals (first signal terminals) of the first battery pack 40. The C + terminal is a positive electrode terminal for charging, and the + terminal is a positive electrode terminal for discharging. The same applies to the second battery pack 30. The connection portion of the first battery pack 40 is configured to correspond to the battery pack connection portion of the charging device 10. That is, the connection portion of the first battery pack 40 can be mechanically directly connected to the battery pack connection portion of the charging device 10, and the terminal of the charging device 10 and the terminal portion 40g of the first battery pack 40 can be electrically connected. It is configured to be connectable. Here, correspondence means that they can be connected mechanically and electrically.

The case 40a incorporates the circuit shown in FIG. 10 of the first battery pack 40. Rail portions 40b are provided on the left and right sides of the upper end portion of the case 40a, respectively. The latch convex portion 40c is provided to lock the first battery pack 40 to a connection destination of a power tool or the like. The latch operation unit 40d is an operation unit for retracting the latch convex portion 40c (for releasing the lock by the latch convex portion 40c). The terminal portion 40g is provided between the left and right rail portions 40b.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second battery pack 30 has a case 30a, a rail portion 30b, a latch convex portion 30c, a latch operation portion 30d, and a terminal portion 30g. The rail portion 30b and the terminal portion 30g form a connecting portion (second connecting portion). The terminal portion 30g includes the C + terminal, the + terminal, the-terminal, the D terminal, and the LD terminal shown in FIGS. 7 and 9. The D terminal and the LD terminal are signal terminals (second signal terminals) of the second battery pack 30.

The case 30a incorporates the circuits shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 of the second battery pack 30. Rail portions 30b are provided on both the left and right sides of the upper end portion of the case 30a. The latch convex portion 30c is provided to lock the second battery pack 30 to a connection destination of a power tool or the like. The latch operation unit 30d is an operation unit for retracting the latch convex portion 30c (for releasing the lock by the latch convex portion 30c). The terminal portion 30g is provided between the left and right rail portions 30b.

The width between the pair of rail portions 30b of the second battery pack 30 is different from the width between the pair of rail portions 40b of the first battery pack 40 (narrower than the width between the pair of rail portions 40b of the first battery pack 40). ). The shape of the rail portion 30b of the second battery pack 30 is different from the shape of the rail portion 40b of the first battery pack 40. The terminal arrangement and the number of terminals in the terminal portion 30g of the second battery pack 30 are different from the terminal arrangement and the number of terminals in the terminal portion 40g of the first battery pack 40. That is, the structure of the first connection portion of the first battery pack 40 and the structure of the second connection portion of the second battery pack 30 are different. Therefore, the first battery pack 40 can be directly connected to the charging device 10, but the second battery pack 30 cannot be directly connected. That is, the first connection portion of the first battery pack 40 corresponds to the 10 battery pack connection portions of the charging device, but the second connection portion of the second battery pack 30 does not correspond to the battery pack connection portion of the charging device 10.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the adapter 20 includes a case 20a, a rail portion 20b, terminal portions 20g and 20h, and a rail receiving portion 20i. The rail portion 20b and the terminal portion 20g form a connection portion (charging side connection portion) with the charging device 10. The rail receiving portion 20i and the terminal portion 20h form a connecting portion (battery side connecting portion) with the second battery pack 30. The terminal portion 20g includes a C + terminal, a − terminal, a V terminal, an LS terminal, and a T terminal shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. The LS terminal and the T terminal are signal terminals (charging side signal terminals) of the charging side connection portion. The terminal portion 20h includes a C + terminal, a − terminal, and a D terminal shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. The D terminal is a signal terminal (battery side signal terminal) of the battery side connection portion. The charging side connection portion has the same structure as the first connection portion of the first battery pack 40. That is, the charging side connection portion corresponds to the battery pack connection portion of the charging device 10, and can be mechanically directly connected. Further, the battery side connection portion corresponds to the second connection portion of the second battery pack 30, and can be mechanically directly connected. Here, the same structure (substantially the same structure) means that the charging device 10 and the adapter 20 can be mechanically directly connected to the battery pack connecting portion of the charging device 10 even if all the connecting portions of the battery pack do not have the same shape. It means that signals and electric power can be electrically transmitted to and from, that is, they can be mechanically and electrically connected.

The case 20a incorporates the circuits shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 of the adapter 20. Rail portions 20b are provided on both the left and right sides of the lower end portion of the case 20a. The terminal portion 20g is provided between the left and right rail portions 20b. Rail receiving portions 20i are provided on both the left and right sides of the upper end portion of the case 20a. The terminal portion 20h is provided between the left and right rail receiving portions 20i.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the charging device 10 and the adapter 20, the C + terminals, the − terminals, the V terminals, the LS terminals, and the T terminals are connected to each other. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, in the adapter 20 and the second battery pack 30, the C + terminals, the − terminals, and the D terminals are connected to each other. As shown in FIG. 10, in the charging device 10 and the first battery pack 40, the C + terminals, the − terminals, the V terminals, the LS terminals, and the T terminals are connected to each other.

As shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 10, the charging device 10 includes an AC / DC power supply 11, a power supply unit 12, a status display unit 13, a power supply voltage control unit 14, a breaking element (relay) 15, and a current control unit 16. , And a microcomputer (device-side control unit) 17.

The AC / DC power supply 11 is a charging circuit unit that converts the power supplied from the external AC power supply 90 into charging power, and includes a rectifying smoothing circuit and a DC / DC converter including a transformer. The output voltage (charging voltage) of the AC / DC power supply 11 appears between the C + terminal and the − terminal. When the first battery pack 40 is connected to the charging device 10 as shown in FIG. 10, the AC / DC power supply 11 is controlled to output a charging voltage and a charging current according to the state of the first battery pack 40. However, when the adapter 20 is connected to the charging device 10 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the constant voltage output is controlled.

The power supply unit 12 converts the DC voltage after rectification and smoothing in the AC / DC power supply 11 into the power supply voltage Vcc1 of the microcomputer 17 or the like. The status display unit 13 displays states such as standby, charging, charging completion, high temperature standby, and abnormal stop under the control of the microcomputer 17. The power supply voltage control unit 14 limits the output voltage (C + terminal voltage) of the AC / DC power supply 11 so as not to exceed a predetermined value. The cutoff element 15 is provided in the output current path of the AC / DC power supply 11, and conduction or cutoff can be switched under the control of the microcomputer 17. The current control unit 16 detects the output current (charging current) of the AC / DC power supply 11 and controls the AC / DC power supply 11 so that the output current becomes a set value by the microcomputer 17.

The microcomputer 17 is a charging side control unit, which monitors the output voltage of the AC / DC power supply 11, sets the output current of the AC / DC power supply 11, conducts the interrupting element 15, controls the interruption, and displays on the status display unit 13. Take control. The microcomputer 17 determines whether or not the other party's device is connected to the battery pack connection portion of the charging device 10 (connection determination) and identifies the other party's device by the voltage of the T terminal. The other party's device is a device that can be connected to the battery pack connection portion, such as the first battery pack 40 and the adapter 20. The microcomputer 17 monitors the temperature of the other party's device, determines the connection, and monitors the charge stop warning from the other party's device based on the voltage of the LS terminal.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the adapter 20 includes a DC / DC power supply (DC / DC converter) 21, a power supply unit 22, a status display unit 23, a breaking element (relay) 25, a current control unit 26, and a microcomputer (adapter). It has a side control unit) 27 and a communication unit (battery information receiving unit) 28.

The DC / DC power supply 21 converts the output voltage of the charging device 10 (the voltage between the C + terminal and the-terminal on the input side) into the charging power of the second battery pack 30 (for example, step-down or step-up). It is a department. The output voltage of the DC / DC power supply 21 appears between the C + terminal and the − terminal on the output side, which is an output unit. The power supply unit 22 converts the output voltage of the charging device 10 into the power supply voltage Vcc2 of the microcomputer 27 or the like. When the adapter 20 is connected to the charging device 10, the power supply unit 22 is activated by a start signal input from the V terminal via the diode D1, and then a power retention signal input from the microcomputer 27 via the diode D2. Maintains the activated state by.

The status display unit 23 displays states such as standby, charging, charging completion, high temperature standby, and abnormal stop under the control of the microcomputer 27. The cutoff element 25 is provided in the output current path of the DC / DC power supply 21, and conduction or cutoff can be switched under the control of the microcomputer 27. The current control unit 26 detects the output current (charging current) of the DC / DC power supply 21 and controls the DC / DC power supply 21 so that the output current becomes a set value by the microcomputer 27.

The microcomputer 27 monitors the output voltage of the DC / DC power supply 21, sets the output current of the DC / DC power supply 21, controls the continuity and cutoff of the cutoff element 25, and controls the display on the state display unit 23. The microcomputer 27 determines the connection of the charging device 10 based on the voltages of the T terminal, the LS terminal, and the V terminal. The microcomputer 27 controls communication (digital communication) in the communication unit 28, and communicates with the microcomputer 34 of the second battery pack 30 via the D terminal. Through this communication, the microcomputer 27 receives the identification information, the temperature information, the charge stop warning, and the like of the second battery pack 30.

A pseudo temperature sensitive element R1 is connected between the LS terminal and the ground. The pseudo temperature sensitive element R1 is a fixed resistance for setting the voltage level of the LS terminal to a voltage level (analog signal) indicating that there is no temperature abnormality and no charge stop warning is issued. An identification element R2 is connected between the T terminal and the ground. The identification element R2 is a fixed resistance for setting the voltage level of the T terminal to the voltage level (analog signal) indicating that the adapter 20 is connected. The microcomputer 27, the pseudo temperature sensitive element R1 and the identification element R2 function as a signal conversion unit. That is, the signal conversion unit converts the battery information (temperature information, identification information, etc.) input via the D terminal of the battery side connection unit into a signal that can be processed by the microcomputer 17 of the charging device 10, and converts the converted signal. It is output to the charging device 10 via the LS terminal and the T terminal of the charger side connection portion. When the microcomputer 27 determines that the temperature of the second battery pack 30 is in the normal temperature range (chargeable temperature range) based on the temperature information input to the microcomputer 27 via the D terminal, the microcomputer 27 determines a pseudo signal from the LS terminal. Is output to notify the charging device 10 (microcomputer 17) that there is no temperature abnormality and that the charging stop warning has not been issued.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the second battery pack 30 includes a battery cell set 31, a monitoring circuit 32, a power supply unit 33, a microcomputer (battery side control unit) 34, a cell temperature monitoring unit 35, and a communication unit (battery). It has an information transmission unit) 38.

The battery cell set 31 is formed by connecting a plurality of (for example, three) secondary battery cells such as a lithium ion battery in series. The monitoring circuit 32 is a circuit (protection IC) that monitors the voltage of each cell of the battery cell set 31 and the charge / discharge current of the battery cell set 31 to detect abnormalities such as overcharge, overdischarge, and overcurrent. , The state such as the presence or absence of abnormality of the battery cell set 31 is transmitted to the microcomputer 34.

The power supply unit 33 converts the output voltage of the battery cell set 31 into the power supply voltage Vcc3 of the microcomputer 34 or the like. The power supply unit 33 is activated by a start-up signal input from the D terminal via the diode D3, and then maintains a start-up state by a power supply holding signal input from the microcomputer 34 via the diode D4. The cell temperature monitoring unit 35 includes a temperature-sensitive element R3 such as a thermistor arranged in the vicinity of the battery cell set 31, detects the temperature of the battery cell set 31, and transmits the temperature to the microcomputer 34.

The microcomputer 34 controls communication (digital communication) in the communication unit 38, and communicates with the microcomputer 27 of the adapter 20 via the D terminal. Through this communication, the microcomputer 34 transmits identification information and temperature information of the second battery pack 30, and a charge stop warning or the like when an abnormality such as overcharging occurs in the second battery pack 30. Further, when an abnormality such as over-discharge or over-current occurs when the second battery pack 30 is discharged, the microcomputer 34 warns an electric device (electric device to be discharged) such as an electric tool (not shown) via the LD terminal to stop discharging. To send.

As shown in FIG. 10, the first battery pack 40 includes a battery cell set 41, a monitoring circuit 42, a temperature sensitive element (thermistor) R4, and an identification element R5. The battery cell set 41 is formed by connecting a plurality of (for example, five) secondary battery cells such as a lithium ion battery in series. The monitoring circuit 42 is a circuit (protection IC) that monitors the voltage of each cell of the battery cell set 41 and the charge / discharge current of the battery cell set 41 to detect abnormalities such as overcharge, overdischarge, and overcurrent. When an abnormality occurs, the monitoring circuit 42 transmits a charge stop warning to the microcomputer 17 of the charging device 10 via the LS terminal, and also to an electric device (electric device to be discharged) such as an electric tool (not shown) via the LD terminal. Send a discharge stop warning. The temperature sensitive element R4 is arranged in the vicinity of the battery cell set 41 and is connected between the LS terminal and the ground. The identification element R5 is an element having a resistance value indicating the type (rated voltage, rated capacity, etc.) of the first battery pack 40, and is connected between the T terminal and the ground.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charging device 10. In the standby state (S1), the microcomputer 17 sets the status display unit 13 to the standby display. When the microcomputer 17 detects the connection of the other device based on the voltage levels of the LS terminal and the T terminal (YES in S2) and detects that the other device is the adapter 20 based on the voltage level of the T terminal (YES in S3), the AC / DC power supply 11 starts constant voltage output control (S4). Specifically, the microcomputer 17 controls to maximize the output current set value of the AC / DC power supply 11, make the breaking element 15 conductive (ON), and output a constant voltage to the adapter 20. During the constant voltage output control, the microcomputer 17 sets the status display unit 13 to the charging display.

When the microcomputer 17 detects that the adapter 20 is not connected based on the voltage levels of the LS terminal and the T terminal (YES in S5), the microcomputer 17 stops the constant voltage output control of the AC / DC power supply 11 (S6). Specifically, the microcomputer 17 minimizes the output current set value of the AC / DC power supply 11 and shuts off (off) the blocking element 15. After that, the microcomputer 17 goes into a standby state (S1).

In S3, when the other party device is not the adapter 20 (NO in S3), that is, when the other party device is a battery pack, the microcomputer 17 performs a preparatory process for charging the battery pack (S7). Specifically, the microcomputer 17 identifies the rated voltage of the battery pack by the voltage level of the T terminal to determine the charging voltage, determines the presence or absence of the charge stop warning by the voltage level of the LS terminal, and determines the temperature of the battery pack ( Battery temperature) is read. The microcomputer 17 sets the status display unit 13 as a charging display.

When the charging stop warning signal is not received (YES in S8) and the battery temperature is within an appropriate range (YES in S9), the microcomputer 17 controls the charging of the battery pack (S10). Specifically, the output current set value of the AC / DC power supply 11 is determined according to the battery temperature, and the breaking element 15 is made conductive (on). When the voltage of the battery pack (battery voltage) reaches a predetermined value (YES in S11), the microcomputer 17 adjusts the charging current one step smaller (S12). When the output current set value (charging current set value) of the AC / DC power supply 11 is the minimum and the battery voltage reaches a predetermined value (YES in S13), the microcomputer 17 stops the charging control (S14). Specifically, the microcomputer 17 minimizes the output current set value of the AC / DC power supply 11 and shuts off (off) the blocking element 15. The microcomputer 17 sets the status display unit 13 as a charge completion display. When the microcomputer 17 detects that the battery pack is not connected based on the voltage levels of the LS terminal and the T terminal (YES in S15), the microcomputer 17 enters the standby state (S1).

When the microcomputer 17 receives the charge stop warning in S8 (NO in S8), the microcomputer 17 stops the charge control (S14), and sets the status display unit 13 as an abnormal stop display. When the battery temperature exceeds the appropriate range in S9 (NO in S9), the microcomputer 17 enters the battery high temperature standby state (S16), and sets the status display unit 13 to the high temperature standby display. When the output current set value (charging current set value) of the AC / DC power supply 11 is not the minimum or the battery voltage does not reach the predetermined value in S13, the microcomputer 17 returns to S8.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the adapter 20. When the adapter 20 is connected to the charging device 10 (S21) and the charging device 10 starts the constant voltage output, the microcomputer 27 is started by the start signal input from the charging device 10 via the V terminal (S22). The microcomputer 27 outputs a power supply holding signal (S23), and enters a standby state while maintaining the activated state (S24). The microcomputer 27 sets the status display unit 23 to the standby display. When the microcomputer 27 detects the connection of the battery pack by the signal of the D terminal (the signal by communication via the D terminal) (YES in S25), the microcomputer 27 identifies the rated voltage of the battery pack by the signal of the D terminal and sets the charging voltage. It is determined, the presence or absence of the charge stop warning is determined, and the battery temperature is read (S26). The microcomputer 27 sets the status display unit 23 as a charging display.

When the charging stop warning signal is not received (YES in S27) and the battery temperature is within an appropriate range (YES in S28), the microcomputer 27 controls the charging of the battery pack (S29). Specifically, the output current set value of the DC / DC power supply 21 is determined according to the battery temperature, the DC / DC power supply 21 is turned on, and the breaking element 25 is conducted (on). When the battery voltage reaches a predetermined value (YES in S30), the microcomputer 27 adjusts the charging current one step smaller (S31). When the output current set value (charging current set value) of the DC / DC power supply 21 is the minimum and the battery voltage reaches a predetermined value (YES in S32), the microcomputer 27 stops the charging control (S33). Specifically, the microcomputer 27 minimizes the output current set value of the DC / DC power supply 21, turns off the DC / DC power supply 21, and shuts off (off) the blocking element 25. The microcomputer 27 sets the status display unit 23 as a charge completion display.

When the microcomputer 27 receives the charge stop warning in S27 (NO in S27), the microcomputer 27 stops the charge control (S33), and sets the status display unit 23 as an abnormal stop display. When the battery temperature exceeds the appropriate range in S28 (NO in S28), the microcomputer 27 enters the battery high temperature standby state (S35), and sets the status display unit 23 to the high temperature standby display. When the output current set value (charging current set value) of the DC / DC power supply 21 is not the minimum or the battery voltage does not reach the predetermined value in S32, the microcomputer 27 returns to S27.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) The charging device 10 is for charging the first battery pack 40, but the shape and signal format of the connection portion are different from those of the first battery pack 40 via the adapter 20 (corresponding to the battery pack connection portion). (Not) The second battery pack 30 can also be charged. This makes it possible to realize a highly versatile charging system. Further, the user who owns the charging device 10 can prepare the adapter 20 additionally to charge the second battery pack 30 at a lower cost than purchasing a new type of charging device for charging the second battery pack 30. It can be charged.

(2) Since the adapter 20 has a DC / DC power supply 21 for charging power output, the DC / DC power supply 21 can charge the output voltage range that the AC / DC power supply 11 of the charging device 10 does not support. A battery pack having a rated voltage that cannot be charged by the device 10 can also be charged. This makes it possible to realize a highly versatile charging system. Further, since the charging device 10 outputs a constant voltage when the connection of the adapter 20 is detected, the DC / DC power supply 21 can be operated by the constant voltage input, and the control becomes easy.

(3) The adapter 20 receives identification information, temperature information, charge stop warning, etc. of the second battery pack 30 by a communication signal via the D terminal, which cannot be handled by the charging device 10, and executes charging control. Therefore, the second battery pack 30 in a signal format (digital communication format) that the charging device 10 cannot support can be appropriately charged.

(Embodiment 2)
13 to 16 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is a charging system. This charging system differs from that of the first embodiment in that the adapter 20 is replaced with the adapter 50 and the second battery pack 30 is replaced with the third battery pack 100 in terms of configuration. Match in points. Hereinafter, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

The charging system of the present embodiment has a configuration in which charging control is performed by the charging device 10, and the third battery pack 100 has the same rated voltage of 18V as the first battery pack 40, but has a connection portion (third connection portion). The structure of is different. That is, the third connection portion of the third battery pack 100 does not correspond to the battery pack connection portion of the charging device 10, and cannot be mechanically directly connected. For example, if the manufacturers (manufacturers and manufacturers) of the first battery pack 40 and the third battery pack 100 are the same but the brands (or distributors) are different, or if the manufacturers themselves are different, the connection parts of the battery packs are different. It is generally a structure. Even in such a case, by interposing the adapter 50, not only a battery pack having a connection part corresponding to the charging device 10 (a battery pack of the same manufacturer or brand as the charging device 10) but also a connection part having a different structure can be provided. It is possible to charge even the battery pack that you have. Here, the same rated voltage means that there is an error in the voltage value or a difference in the display of the voltage value depending on the battery cell manufacturer, the number of battery cells connected in series is the same, or the battery cells connected in series This includes cases where the number is different, but it is adjusted to the applicable voltage (specification voltage) of the connected electrical equipment when used in a fully charged state.

The adapter 50 does not have a configuration corresponding to the DC / DC power supply 21, the status display unit 23, the breaking element 25, and the current control unit 26 of the adapter 20. The power supply unit 22 is activated when both the charging device 10 and the third battery pack 100 are connected to the adapter 50. Since the third battery pack 100 has the same rated voltage as the first battery pack 40 corresponding to the charging device 10, it is not necessary to transform the output voltage of the charging device 10 with a DC / DC power supply, and the DC / DC power supply is omitted. be able to. If other rated voltages can be charged, a DC / DC power supply 21 may be provided as in the adapter 20.

The adapter 50 has a function of transmitting information necessary for charge control to the charging device 10. The adapter 50 is selectively connected between the temperature signal resistors R6 to R8 that are selectively connected between the LS terminal and the ground under the control of the microcomputer 27, and selectively connected between the T terminal and the ground under the control of the microcomputer 27. It has resistances R9 to R11 for identification signals. The microcomputer 27, the temperature signal resistors R6 to R8, and the identification signal resistors R9 to R11 function as signal conversion units. The temperature signal resistors R6 to R8 are connected in parallel between the LS terminal and the ground, and preferably have different resistance values from each other. The identification signal resistors R9 to R11 are connected in parallel between the T terminal and the ground, and preferably have different resistance values from each other. The microcomputer 27, the temperature signal resistors R6 to R8 and the switching element connected in series to each resistor, and the identification signal resistors R9 to R11 and the switching element connected in series to each resistor function as a signal conversion unit. The signal conversion unit converts the battery information (temperature information, identification information, etc.) input via the D terminal of the battery side connection unit into a signal that can be processed by the microcomputer 17 of the charging device 10, and converts the converted signal into a charger. It is output to the charging device 10 via the LS terminal and the T terminal of the side connection portion.

The microcomputer 27 selects the temperature signal resistors R6 to R8 to be connected between the LS terminal and the ground according to the temperature information received from the microcomputer 27 of the third battery pack 100 via the D terminal. do. By making the resistance values of the temperature signal resistors R6 to R8 different from each other, the temperature information of the third battery pack 100 can be transmitted to the microcomputer 17 of the charging device 10 in a maximum of 7 steps. By increasing the number of temperature signal resistors, the number of stages of temperature information can be increased. When the microcomputer 27 determines that the temperature of the third battery pack 100 is in the normal temperature range (chargeable temperature range) based on the temperature information input to the microcomputer 27 via the D terminal, a temperature signal is given according to the temperature range. The switching elements connected to the resistors R6 to R8 are controlled to be turned on or off, and a pseudo signal indicating the temperature of the third battery pack 100 is output from the LS terminal. As a result, it is possible to notify the charging device 10 (microcomputer 17) that there is no temperature abnormality and that the charging stop warning has not been issued. Further, when the temperature becomes abnormal, the icon 27 outputs a signal different from the pseudo signal related to the temperature from the LS terminal, so that the microcomputer 17 of the charging device 10 can control to shut off the blocking element 15 and stop charging. ..

The microcomputer 27 selects the identification signal resistors R9 to R11 to be connected between the T terminal and the ground according to the identification information received from the microcomputer 27 of the third battery pack 100 by communication. By making the resistance values of the identification signal resistors R9 to R11 different from each other, the identification information of the third battery pack 100 can be transmitted to the microcomputer 17 of the charging device 10 in a maximum of 7 steps. When the battery pack is connected, the type of the connected battery pack is input to the microcomputer 27 via the D terminal. Based on the information, the microcomputer 27 controls the switching elements connected to the identification signal resistors R9 to R11 on or off, and outputs a pseudo signal indicating the type of the third battery pack 100 from the T terminal. The microcomputer 17 of the charging device 10 can set the charging current and the charging voltage based on the identification information input from the T terminal and supply the charging current to the connected battery pack. By increasing the number of identification signal resistors, the number of stages of identification information can be increased.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charging device 10. This flowchart is different from that of FIG. 11 in that S3 to S6 in FIG. 11 are eliminated, and even when the adapter 50 is connected to the charging device 10, the process proceeds to S7, and the flowcharts are the same in other respects.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the adapter 50. When the adapter 50 is connected to the charging device 10 (S41) and the third battery pack 100 is connected to the adapter 50, the microcomputer 27 is started by the start signal input from the charging device 10 via the V terminal (S42). .. The microcomputer 27 outputs a power supply holding signal (S43). The microcomputer 27 acquires the information of the third battery pack 100 from the signal of the D terminal (S44). The microcomputer 27 transmits the information of the third battery pack 100 as an analog signal to the microcomputer 17 of the charging device 10 (S45). Specifically, the microcomputer 27 outputs the identification signal of the third battery pack 100 from the T terminal, outputs the battery temperature signal from the LS terminal, and outputs the presence / absence of the charge stop warning from the LS terminal. When the microcomputer 27 detects the non-connection of the third battery pack 100 (NO in S46) and the non-connection of the charging device 10 (YES in S47), the microcomputer 27 stops the signal output to the LS terminal and the T terminal. Then, the power retention is released and the shutdown is performed (S48). When the third battery pack 100 and the charging device 10 are connected (NO in S46, NO in S47), the microcomputer 27 returns to S44.

According to this embodiment, since the adapter 50 does not have a DC / DC power supply, the adapter 50 has no effect of expanding the voltage range that can be supported by the adapter 50, but the adapter 50 is small and inexpensive. In other respects, the present embodiment can also have the same effect as that of the first embodiment. Further, when the rated voltage is the same and the manufacturers (manufacturers and manufacturers) of the first battery pack 40 and the third battery pack 100 are the same, but the brands (or distributors) are different, or the manufacturers themselves are different. However, by interposing the adapter 50, not only a battery pack having a connection part corresponding to the charging device 10 (a battery pack of the same manufacturer or brand as the charging device 10) but also a battery pack having a connection part having a different structure can be used. Can be charged.

(Embodiment 3)
17 to 20 relate to the third embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is a charging system. The charging system includes a charging device 60, an adapter 70, and a first battery pack 40.

The charging device 60 is for charging the second battery pack 30 shown in FIG. The charging device 60 can also charge the first battery pack 40 and the third battery pack 100 via the adapter 70. In the charging device 60 and the adapter 70, the C + terminals, the-terminals, and the D terminals are connected to each other. In the adapter 70 and the first battery pack 40, the C + terminals, the-terminals, the V terminals, the LS terminals, and the T terminals are connected to each other.

The charging device 60 is the same as the charging device 10 of the first embodiment, except that the configuration related to communication and the structure of the battery pack connection portion are different. The battery pack connection portion of the charging device 60 corresponds to the second connection portion of the second battery pack 30, and is configured so that the second battery pack 30 can be directly connected. The microcomputer 17 of the charging device 60 controls communication (digital communication) in the communication unit (battery information receiving unit) 68, and communicates with the microcomputer 27 of the adapter 70 via the D terminal. Through this communication, the microcomputer 17 receives the identification information, the temperature information, the charge stop warning, and the like of the first battery pack 40.

The adapter 70 is the same as the adapter 20 of the first embodiment, except that the configuration related to communication and the structures of the charger side connection portion and the battery side connection portion are different. The charger-side connection of the adapter 70 has the same structure as the second connection of the second battery pack 30, and the battery-side connection of the adapter 70 corresponds to the first connection of the first battery pack 40. It is configured so that the battery pack 40 can be directly connected. The microcomputer 27 of the adapter 70 determines whether or not the battery pack is connected to the battery pack connection portion of the adapter 70 (connection determination) and identifies the battery pack by the voltage of the T terminal. The microcomputer 27 monitors the temperature of the battery pack, determines the connection, and monitors the charge stop warning from the battery pack based on the voltage of the LS terminal. The microcomputer 27 controls communication (digital communication) in the communication unit (battery information transmission unit) 78, and communicates with the microcomputer 17 of the charging device 60 via the D terminal. Through this communication, the microcomputer 27 transmits the identification information, the temperature information, the charge stop warning, and the like of the first battery pack 40. The microcomputer 27 functions as a signal conversion unit. That is, the microcomputer 27 converts the battery information (temperature information, identification information, etc.) input via the LS terminal and the T terminal of the battery side connection portion into a signal that can be processed by the microcomputer 17 of the charging device 60, and the conversion thereof. The signal is output to the charging device 60 via the communication unit 78 and the D terminal.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charging device 60. In this flowchart, as compared with that of FIG. 11, the rating of the battery pack is based on the point where the microcomputer 17 detects the connection between the battery pack and the adapter 70 by the signal of the D terminal (S2a, S3a) and the signal of the D terminal. The difference is in that the voltage is identified, the charging voltage is determined, the presence or absence of the charge stop warning is determined, and the battery temperature is read (S7a), and the other points are the same.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the adapter 70. In this flowchart, as compared with that of FIG. 12, the point where the microcomputer 27 detects the connection of the battery pack based on the voltage levels of the LS terminal and the T terminal (S25a), and the rated voltage of the battery pack based on the voltage level of the T terminal. Is identified, the charging voltage is determined, the presence or absence of the charging stop warning is determined based on the voltage level of the LS terminal, and the battery temperature is read (S26a), which are different, and the other points are the same.

According to the present embodiment, the adapter 70 receives identification information, temperature information, charge stop warning, etc. of the first battery pack 40 by analog signals via the LS terminal and the T terminal, which cannot be handled by the charging device 60, and performs charge control. To execute. Therefore, the first battery pack 40 having a signal format (analog signal format) that the charging device 60 cannot handle can be appropriately charged. In other respects, the present embodiment can also have the same effect as that of the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 4)
21 to 24 relate to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is a charging system. This charging system differs from that of the third embodiment in that the adapter 70 is replaced with the adapter 80 in terms of configuration, and is otherwise consistent. Hereinafter, the differences from the third embodiment will be mainly described.

The charging system of the present embodiment has a configuration in which charging control is performed by the charging device 60, and the adapter 80 corresponds to the DC / DC power supply 21, the status display unit 23, the breaking element 25, and the current control unit 26 of the adapter 70. Does not have a configuration to do. The power supply unit 22 is activated when both the charging device 60 and the first battery pack 40 are connected to the adapter 80. The adapter 80 transmits information necessary for charge control to the charging device 60 by communication via the D terminal.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charging device 60. This flowchart is different from that of FIG. 19 in that S3a to S6 in FIG. 19 are eliminated, and even when the adapter 80 is connected to the charging device 60, it proceeds to S7a, and is consistent in other respects.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the operation of the adapter 80. When the adapter 80 is connected to the charging device 60 (S51) and the first battery pack 40 is connected to the adapter 80, the microcomputer 27 is started by the start signal input from the charging device 60 via the V terminal (S52). .. The microcomputer 27 outputs a power supply holding signal (S53). The microcomputer 27 acquires the information of the first battery pack 40 according to the voltage levels of the LS terminal and the T terminal (S54). The microcomputer 27 transmits the information of the first battery pack 40 to the microcomputer 17 of the charging device 60 (S55). Specifically, the identification signal of the first battery pack 40, the battery temperature signal, and the presence / absence of the charge stop warning are output from the D terminal. When the microcomputer 27 detects the non-connection of the first battery pack 40 (NO in S56) and the non-connection of the charging device 60 (YES in S57), the microcomputer 27 stops the signal output to the D terminal and holds the power supply. Is released and shut down (S58). When the first battery pack 40 and the charging device 60 are connected (NO in S56, NO in S57), the microcomputer 27 returns to S54.

According to the present embodiment, since the adapter 80 does not have a DC / DC power supply, the adapter 80 has no effect of expanding the voltage range that can be supported by the adapter 80, but the adapter 80 is small and inexpensive. In other respects, the present embodiment can also have the same effect as that of the third embodiment.

Although the present invention has been described above by taking the embodiment as an example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to each component and each processing process of the embodiment within the scope of the claims. By the way. Hereinafter, a modified example will be touched upon.

An adapter 20 or 50 as a first adapter and a second adapter having a plurality of USB ports may be selectively connected to the battery pack connection portion of the charging device 10. Similarly, the adapter 70 or 80 as the first adapter and the second adapter having a plurality of USB ports may be selectively connectable to the battery pack connection portion of the charging device 60. The second adapter may also be provided with a DC / DC power supply internally to supply a single output of the DC / DC power supply to a plurality of USB ports, or a DC / DC power supply corresponding to each of the plurality of USB ports may be provided. May be good.

10 ... Charging device, 11 ... AC / DC power supply, 12 ... Power supply unit, 13 ... Status display unit, 14 ... Power supply voltage control unit, 15 ... Breaking element (relay), 16 ... Current control unit, 17 ... Microcomputer (device side) Control unit), 20 ... adapter, 20a ... case, 20b ... rail unit, 20g ... terminal unit, 20h ... terminal unit, 20i ... rail receiving unit, 21 ... DC / DC power supply, 22 ... power supply unit, 23 ... status display unit , 25 ... Breaking element (relay), 26 ... Current control unit, 27 ... Microcomputer (adapter side control unit), 28 ... Communication unit, 30 ... Second battery pack, 30a ... Case, 30b ... Rail unit, 30c ... Latch convex Unit, 30d ... Latch operation unit, 30g ... Terminal unit, 31 ... Battery cell assembly, 32 ... Monitoring circuit, 33 ... Power supply unit, 34 ... Microcomputer (battery side control unit), 35 ... Cell temperature monitoring unit, 38 ... Communication unit , 40 ... 1st battery pack, 40a ... case, 40b ... rail part, 40c ... latch convex part, 40d ... latch operation part, 40g ... terminal part, 41 ... battery cell assembly, 42 ... monitoring circuit, 50 ... adapter, 60 ... Charging device, 68 ... Communication unit, 70 ... Adapter, 78 ... Communication unit, 80 ... Adapter, 90 ... AC power supply, 100 ... Third battery pack, D1 to D4 ... Diode, R1 ... Pseudo temperature sensitive element, R2 ... Identification Elements, R3 ... Temperature-sensitive element (thermista), R4 ... Temperature-sensitive element (thermista), R5 ... Identification element, R6 to R8 ... Temperature signal resistance, R9 to R11 ... Identification signal resistance.

Claims (11)

An adapter that has a first signal terminal and can be connected to a charging device to which a first battery pack with a first rated voltage can be connected.
A charging side connection portion that can be connected to the charging device and has a charging side signal terminal having substantially the same structure as the first signal terminal.
A battery side having a second signal terminal having a structure different from that of the first signal terminal, being connectable to the second battery pack having the first rated voltage, and having a battery-side signal terminal that can be connected to the second signal terminal. An adapter characterized by having a connection part. The adapter according to claim 1.
It has a signal conversion unit that converts an input signal input from the second battery pack via the battery-side signal terminal into an output signal output to the charging device via the charging-side signal terminal.
An adapter that features that. The adapter according to claim 2.
The signal conversion unit converts the output signal into a conversion signal that can be processed by the charging side control unit.
An adapter that features that. The adapter according to claim 3.
The conversion signal is input to at least one of a temperature terminal into which the temperature information of the first battery pack is input and an identification terminal in which the identification information of the first battery pack is input.
An adapter that features that. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
It has a voltage conversion unit that converts the output voltage from the charging device and an output unit connected to the voltage conversion unit.
An adapter that features that. The adapter according to claim 5.
The output voltage of a constant voltage is input from the charging device.
An adapter that features that. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The shape of the connection portion of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is different.
An adapter that features that. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
The charging side connection portion has substantially the same structure as the first connection portion of the first battery pack, but has a structure different from that of the second connection portion of the second battery pack.
The battery-side connection portion has a structure that cannot be connected to the first connection portion of the first battery pack, while it has a structure that can be connected to the second connection portion of the second battery pack.
An adapter that features that. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
The signal between the adapter and the second battery pack is one of the digital signal and the analog signal, and the signal between the adapter and the charging device is the other of the digital signal and the analog signal.
An adapter that features that. With the adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
The charging device having a charging circuit unit, a charging side control unit that controls the charging circuit unit, and a battery pack connecting unit that can be connected to the first battery pack or the adapter.
A charging system characterized by being equipped with. A charging system including a charging device and an adapter that can be connected to the charging device and the second battery pack.
The charging device includes a charging circuit unit, a charging side control unit that controls the charging circuit unit, and a battery pack connecting unit that can be connected to a first battery pack different from the second battery pack.
The adapter is provided between the charging side connection portion that can be connected to the battery pack connection portion, the battery side connection portion that can be connected to the two battery packs, and the charging side connection portion and the battery side connection portion. It has a voltage conversion unit that transforms the output voltage output from the charging circuit unit, and
The charging device is configured to output a constant voltage from the charging circuit unit when the adapter is connected to the battery pack connection unit.
The charging system is characterized in that the adapter is configured to transform the constant voltage output from the charging circuit unit by the voltage conversion unit and output it to the battery side connection unit.

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