Battery connection system, battery pack, electric working machine and charger

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery connection system, a battery pack, an electric working machine and a charger, so that data communication can be well performed between the battery pack and the connection device connected to the battery pack. The battery connection system includes a battery pack and a connection device. The battery pack includes: a first positive terminal, a first negative terminal, a first communication terminal, a first data input circuit, and a first suppression circuit. The first data input circuit is connected to the first communication terminal and the first negative terminal. The first suppression circuit suppresses the flow of current from the first negative terminal to the first communication terminal via the first data input circuit. The connection device includes: a second positive terminal, a second negative terminal, a second communication terminal, a second data input circuit, and a second suppression circuit. The second data input circuit is connected to the second communication terminal and the second negative terminal. The second suppression circuit suppresses the flow of current from the second negative terminal to the second communication terminal via the second data input circuit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a circuit technology for data communication between a battery pack and a connecting device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electric tool system configured to perform serial communication between a battery pack including batteries and an electric tool.

[0003] In the power tool system, the battery pack includes a negative terminal connected to the negative electrode of the battery and a communication terminal, and the power tool includes a negative terminal connected to the negative terminal of the battery pack and a communication terminal connected to the communication terminal of the battery pack. Serial communication between the battery pack and the power tool is performed via the communication terminals.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-140686 Summary of the invention

[0007] The electric tool system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a closed loop through the negative terminal and communication terminal of the battery pack and the negative terminal and communication terminal of the electric tool. In the closed loop, there may be an undesirable noise current flowing due to noise generated when the motor of the electric tool is driven or other various factors.

[0008] If noise current flows in the closed loop, there is a possibility that the power tool or the battery pack may perform erroneous data reception processing based on the noise current, resulting in failure to properly receive data.

[0009] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to enable satisfactory data communication between a battery pack and a connection device connected to the battery pack.

[0010] A battery connection system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a battery pack and a connection device. The connection device is configured to be selectively set to a connection state in which the battery pack is electrically connected and a state in which the connection state is released.

[0011] The battery pack includes a battery, a first positive electrode terminal, a first negative electrode terminal, a first communication terminal, a first data output circuit, a first data input circuit, and a first suppression circuit.

[0012] The battery includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The first positive terminal is connected to the positive electrode of the battery. The first negative terminal is connected to the negative electrode of the battery. The first data output circuit is configured to include a first output terminal connected to the first communication terminal, and output the first transmission data from the first output terminal. The first data input circuit is configured to include a first input terminal connected to the first communication terminal, and a first ground terminal connected to the first negative terminal, and input the second transmission data input from the connection device to the first communication terminal to the first input terminal. The first suppression circuit is configured to suppress the current from flowing from the first negative terminal to the first communication terminal via the first data input circuit.

[0013] The connection device includes: a second positive terminal, a second negative terminal, a second communication terminal, a second data output circuit, a second data input circuit, and a second suppression circuit. The second positive terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the first positive terminal of the battery pack corresponding to the connection state of the connection device. The second negative terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the first negative terminal of the battery pack corresponding to the connection state of the connection device. The second communication terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the first communication terminal of the battery pack corresponding to the connection state of the connection device. The second data output circuit is configured to include a second output terminal connected to the second communication terminal, and output the second transmission data from the second output terminal. The second data input circuit is configured to include a second input terminal connected to the second communication terminal and a second ground terminal connected to the second negative terminal, and input the first transmission data input from the battery pack to the second input terminal. The second suppression circuit is configured to suppress the current from flowing from the second negative terminal to the second communication terminal via the second data input circuit.

[0014] According to such a battery connection system, the battery pack includes a first suppression circuit, thereby suppressing current from flowing from the first data input circuit to the first communication terminal in the battery pack, and further suppressing the current from being input to the connection device. In addition, the connection device includes a second suppression circuit, thereby suppressing current from flowing from the second data input circuit to the second communication terminal in the connection device, and further suppressing the current from being input to the battery pack. Therefore, data communication can be performed well between the battery pack and the connection device.

[0015] The battery pack may include a first signal path connecting the first input terminal and the first communication terminal. The first signal path may include a first connection point. The first output terminal may be connected to the first communication terminal via the first signal path from the first connection point by connecting to the first connection point. The first suppression circuit may be provided at a position closer to the first data input circuit than the first connection point.

[0016] According to such a battery connection system, in the battery pack, the first suppression circuit is arranged at a position closer to the first data input circuit than the first connection point, thereby being able to suppress the situation in which the quality of the first transmission data sent from the first data output circuit to the connection device is reduced due to the first suppression circuit.

[0017] The connection device may include: a second signal path connecting the second input terminal and the second communication terminal. The second signal path may include a second connection point. The second output terminal may be connected to the second communication terminal via the second signal path from the second connection point by connecting to the second connection point. The second suppression circuit may be arranged at a position closer to the second data input circuit side than the second connection point.

[0018] According to such a battery connection system, in the connection device, the second suppression circuit is provided closer to the first data input circuit than the second connection point. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the quality of the second transmission data sent from the second data output circuit to the battery pack from being degraded by the second suppression circuit.

[0019] In the battery pack, the first data input circuit may include: a first switch element, a first bias path, and a first resistor. The first switch element may include: a first switch input terminal connected to the first input terminal, and a first switch ground terminal connected to the first ground terminal. The first bias path may connect the first switch input terminal and the first switch ground terminal. The first resistor may be set in the first bias path. In addition, the first suppression circuit may be set in the first bias path.

[0020] According to this battery connection system, in the battery pack, the first suppression circuit is provided on the first bias path, so that the quality of the second transmission data output from the connection device and input to the first data input circuit of the battery pack can be suppressed from being degraded by the first suppression circuit.

[0021] In the connection device, the second data input circuit may include: a second switch element, a second bias path, and a second resistor. The second switch element may include: a second switch input terminal connected to the second input terminal, and a second switch ground terminal connected to the second ground terminal. The second bias path may connect the second switch input terminal and the second switch ground terminal. The second resistor may be set in the second bias path. In addition, the second suppression circuit may be set in the second bias path.

[0022] According to this battery connection system, in the connection device, the second suppression circuit is provided on the second bias path, thereby preventing the quality of the first transmission data output from the battery pack and input to the second data input circuit of the connection device from being degraded by the second suppression circuit.

[0023] The first suppression circuit may include a first diode provided to suppress a current from flowing from the first cathode terminal to the first communication terminal via the first data input circuit.

[0024] According to such a storage battery connection system, the first suppression circuit can be configured simply.

[0025] The second suppression circuit may include a second diode provided to suppress a current from flowing from the second cathode terminal to the second communication terminal via the second data input circuit.

[0026] According to such a storage battery connection system, the second suppression circuit can be configured simply.

[0027] The connection device may include a mounting portion configured to allow the battery pack to be detached from the mounting portion. The connection device may be configured to be set to a connection state in response to the battery pack being mounted on the mounting portion.

[0028] According to such a battery connection system, the battery pack and the connection device can be easily mechanically and electrically connected.

[0029] The battery connection system may further include a relay device. The relay device may include: a cable; a first mounting portion configured to allow the battery assembly to be detachable; and a second mounting portion configured to allow the connection device to be detachable.

[0030] The first assembly part may include: a first positive relay terminal, a first negative relay terminal, and a first communication relay terminal. The first positive relay terminal may be configured to be connected to the first positive terminal corresponding to the assembly of the battery pack on the first assembly part. The first negative relay terminal may be configured to be connected to the first negative terminal corresponding to the assembly of the battery pack on the first assembly part. The first communication relay terminal may be configured to be connected to the first communication terminal corresponding to the assembly of the battery pack on the first assembly part.

[0031] The second assembly part may include: a second positive relay terminal, a second negative relay terminal, and a second communication relay terminal. The second positive relay terminal may be configured to be connected to the second positive terminal corresponding to the connection device being assembled on the second assembly part. The second negative relay terminal may be configured to be connected to the second negative terminal corresponding to the connection device being assembled on the second assembly part. The second communication relay terminal may be configured to be connected to the second communication terminal corresponding to the connection device being assembled on the second assembly part.

[0032] The cable may include: a positive relay wire, a negative relay wire, and a communication relay wire. The positive relay wire may connect the first positive relay terminal and the second positive relay terminal. The negative relay wire may connect the first negative relay terminal and the second negative relay terminal. The communication relay wire may connect the first communication relay terminal and the second communication relay terminal.

[0033] According to such a storage battery connection system, the storage battery pack and the connection device can be electrically connected via the relay device instead of being directly connected mechanically, so the usability of the storage battery connection system can be improved.

[0034] The connection device may include an electric working machine. The electric working machine may include: an operating switch, a motor, a motor drive circuit, and a drive mechanism. The operating switch may be operated by a user of the electric working machine. The motor drive circuit may be configured to drive the motor using power supplied from a battery pack in response to the operation of the operating switch. The drive mechanism may be configured to be assembled with a working output component. The drive mechanism may be configured to transmit the rotational driving force of the motor, and use the rotational driving force to drive the working output component, thereby causing the working output component to act on the working object.

[0035] According to such a battery connection system, data communication between the battery pack and the electric working machine can be performed satisfactorily.

[0036] The connection device may include a charger configured to charge the battery.

[0037] According to such a storage battery connection system, data communication between the storage battery pack and the charger can be performed satisfactorily.

[0038] Another aspect of the present invention is a storage battery pack configured to be selectively set to a connection state in which it is electrically connected to a connection device and a state in which the connection state is released.

[0039] The battery pack includes a battery, a battery pack positive terminal, a battery pack negative terminal, a battery pack communication terminal, a data output circuit, a data input circuit, and a suppression circuit.

[0040] The battery includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The positive terminal of the battery pack is configured to be connected to the positive electrode of the battery and electrically connected to the connection device corresponding to the battery pack being in a connected state. The negative terminal of the battery pack is configured to be connected to the negative electrode of the battery and electrically connected to the connection device corresponding to the battery pack being in a connected state. The data output circuit is configured to include an output terminal connected to the communication terminal of the battery pack and output the first transmission data from the output terminal. The data input circuit includes an input terminal connected to the communication terminal of the battery pack and a ground terminal connected to the negative terminal of the battery pack. The data input circuit is configured to input the second transmission data input from the connection device to the communication terminal of the battery pack to the input terminal. The suppression circuit is configured to suppress the current from flowing from the negative terminal of the battery pack to the communication terminal of the battery pack via the data input circuit.

[0041] According to the battery pack described above, the suppression circuit can suppress the current from flowing from the data input circuit to the battery pack communication terminal, and further suppress the current from being input to the connection device. Therefore, data communication between the battery pack and the connection device can be performed well.

[0042] Still another aspect of the present invention is an electric working machine configured to be selectively set to a state in which the machine is electrically connected to a battery pack including a battery, and a state in which the machine is disconnected.

[0043] The electric working machine includes: a device positive terminal, a device negative terminal, a device communication terminal, a data output circuit, a data input circuit, a suppression circuit, an operation switch, a motor, a motor drive circuit, and a drive mechanism.

[0044] The positive terminal of the device is configured to be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery in correspondence with the electric working machine being in a connected state. The negative terminal of the device is configured to be electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery in correspondence with the electric working machine being in a connected state. The device communication terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the battery pack in correspondence with the electric working machine being in a connected state. The data output circuit is configured to include an output terminal connected to the device communication terminal, and output the device transmission data from the output terminal. The data input circuit includes an input terminal connected to the device communication terminal, and a ground terminal connected to the negative terminal of the device. The data input circuit is configured to input the battery transmission data input from the battery pack to the device communication terminal to the input terminal. The suppression circuit is configured to suppress the current from flowing from the negative terminal of the device to the device communication terminal via the data input circuit. The operation switch is operated by the user of the electric working machine. The motor drive circuit is configured to drive the motor using the power supplied from the battery pack through the positive terminal of the device and the negative terminal of the device in correspondence with the operation of the operation switch. The drive mechanism is configured to be able to be mounted on the work output component. The drive mechanism is configured to transmit the rotational driving force of the motor and drive the work output member using the rotational driving force, thereby causing the work output member to act on a work object.

[0045] According to such an electric working machine, the suppression circuit is provided, thereby suppressing the current from flowing from the data input circuit to the device communication terminal, and further suppressing the current from being input to the battery pack. Therefore, data communication between the battery pack and the electric working machine can be performed well.

[0046] Still another aspect of the present invention is a charger configured to be selectively set to a state in which the charger is electrically connected to a battery pack including a battery and a state in which the charger is disconnected.

[0047] The charger includes: a charging positive terminal, a charging negative terminal, a charging communication terminal, a data output circuit, a data input circuit, a suppression circuit, and a charging circuit.

[0048] The positive charging terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the positive electrode of the storage battery corresponding to the state in which the charger is connected. The negative charging terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the negative electrode of the storage battery corresponding to the state in which the charger is connected. The charging communication terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the storage battery pack corresponding to the state in which the charger is connected. The data output circuit is configured to include an output terminal connected to the charging communication terminal, and output the charger transmission data from the output terminal. The data input circuit includes an input terminal connected to the charging communication terminal, and a ground terminal connected to the negative charging terminal. The data input circuit is configured to input the storage battery transmission data input from the storage battery pack to the charging communication terminal to the input terminal. The suppression circuit is configured to suppress the current from flowing from the negative charging terminal to the charging communication terminal via the data input circuit. The charging circuit is configured to output the power used to charge the storage battery to the storage battery pack through the positive charging terminal and the negative charging terminal.

[0049] According to such a charger, the suppressor circuit is provided, thereby suppressing the current from flowing from the data input circuit to the charging communication terminal, and further suppressing the current from being input to the battery pack. Therefore, data communication between the battery pack and the charger can be performed well. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the electric working machine system according to the first embodiment.

[0051] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the charging system according to the first embodiment.

[0052] Figure 3 It is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an electric working machine system according to a second embodiment.

[0053] Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an electric working machine system according to a third embodiment.

[0054] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an electric working machine system according to a fourth embodiment.

[0055] Explanation of symbols

[0056] 1, 3, 4, 5…Electric working machine system, 2…Charging system, 10, 71, 81…Battery pack, 11, 31, 51…Positive terminal, 12, 32, 52…Negative terminal, 13, 33, 53…Communication terminal, 14…Battery, 15, 35, 55…Ground wire, 23, 43, 63, 72, 77, 82, 87…Data input circuit, 23a, 43a, 63a…Input terminal, 23b, 43b, 63b…Ground terminal, 24, 44, 64…Data output circuit, 24a, 44a, 64a…Output terminal, 26, 46, 66…Signal path, 26a, 46a, 66a…Connection point, 30, 76, 86…Electric working machine, 34…Motor, 36 …operation switch, 37…driving mechanism, 38…operation output component, 39, 59…assembly section, 45…motor driving circuit, 50…charger, 100…relay device, 101…first assembly section, 102…second assembly section, 103…cable, 106…positive relay wire, 107…negative relay wire, 108…communication relay wire, 111…first positive relay terminal, 112…first negative relay terminal, 113…first communication relay terminal, 121…second positive relay terminal, 122…second negative relay terminal, 123…second communication relay terminal, D11, D31, D51, D72, D77, D82, D87…diode, T11, T31, T51…switching element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0058] [1. First embodiment]

[0059] (1-1) Overview of the electric working machine system

[0060] Figure 1 The electric working machine system 1 shown includes a battery pack 10 including a battery 14 and an electric working machine 30. The electric working machine 30 is configured to be detachable from the battery pack 10. Specifically, the electric working machine 30 includes a mounting portion 39 to which the battery pack 10 can be mounted and removed.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery pack 10 includes a positive electrode terminal 11 , a negative electrode terminal 12 , and a communication terminal 13 . The electric working machine 30 includes a positive electrode terminal 31 , a negative electrode terminal 32 , and a communication terminal 33 .

[0062] When the battery pack 10 is mounted on the electric working machine 30, the electric working machine system 1 is in a device connection state where the electric working machine 30 and the battery pack 10 are electrically connected. Figure 1As shown, the positive terminal 11 of the battery pack 10 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 31 of the electric working machine 30 , the negative terminal 12 of the battery pack 10 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 32 of the electric working machine 30 , and the communication terminal 13 of the battery pack 10 is electrically connected to the communication terminal 33 of the electric working machine 30 .

[0063] If the electric working machine system 1 is in the device connection state, the electric working machine 30 can receive power from the battery 14 and operate. If the battery pack 10 mounted on the electric working machine 30 is removed from the electric working machine 30, the device connection state is released. In addition, if the electric working machine system 1 is in the device connection state, data communication (e.g., half-duplex serial communication) between the electric working machine 30 and the battery pack 10 can be performed.

[0064] (1-2) Composition of battery pack

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery pack 10 includes a battery control circuit 20 , a power supply circuit 21 , a current detection circuit 22 , a data input circuit 23 , and a data output circuit 24 in addition to the aforementioned positive terminal 11 , negative terminal 12 , communication terminal 13 , and battery 14 .

[0066] The battery 14 is a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged. The battery 14 can be any secondary battery, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The rated voltage of the battery 14 can be any value, for example, 36V.

[0067] The positive electrode terminal 11 is connected to the positive electrode of the battery 14 . The negative electrode terminal 12 is connected to the negative electrode of the battery 14 . More specifically, the negative electrode terminal 12 is connected to the negative electrode of the battery 14 via the current detection circuit 22 and the ground line 15 .

[0068] The current detection circuit 22 outputs a current detection signal to the battery control circuit 20, wherein the current detection signal corresponds to the value of the current flowing in the negative electrode path from the negative terminal 12 to the negative electrode of the battery 14 via the ground wire 15. The current detection circuit 22 can be any circuit. The current detection circuit 22 can include, for example, a shunt resistor (not shown) inserted in the negative electrode path. The current detection circuit 22 can be set at a position different from the negative electrode path. In this case, the negative terminal 12 can be directly connected to the ground wire 15.

[0069] The communication terminal 13 is connected to the data input circuit 23 and the data output circuit 24. More specifically, the communication terminal 13 is connected to a first end of a signal path 26, and a second end of the signal path 26 is connected to the data input circuit 23. The communication terminal 13 is connected to the data input circuit 23 via the signal path 26.

[0070] The data output circuit 24 is connected to a connection point 26 a in the signal path 26 , and is connected to the communication terminal 13 via the connection point 26 a .

[0071] A resistor R10 is provided between the connection point 26a and the communication terminal 13 in the signal path 26. A diode D11 is provided between the connection point 26a and the data input circuit 23 in the signal path 26. Specifically, the anode of the diode D11 is connected to the connection point 26a, and the cathode of the diode D11 is connected to the data input circuit 23.

[0072] In addition, the connection point 26a can be set at any position between the anode of the diode D11 and the communication terminal 13 in the signal path 26. For example, the connection point 26a can be set between the resistor R10 and the communication terminal 13. In addition, for example, the connection point 26a can be set at the end of the signal path 26 connected to the communication terminal 13 (in other words, the part of the communication terminal 13 to which the signal path 26 is connected).

[0073] The battery control circuit 20 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 14 based on various information input to the battery control circuit 20 including the current detection signal input from the current detection circuit 22 .

[0074] The battery pack 10 of this embodiment includes a Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UART) circuit including a data input circuit 23, a data output circuit 24, and a communication terminal 13. The battery control circuit 20 performs half-duplex serial communication with the electric working machine 30 connected to the battery pack 10 via the UART circuit.

[0075] The battery control circuit 20 includes a Tx terminal 20a and an Rx terminal 20b. The battery control circuit 20 generates battery transmission data and outputs it from the Tx terminal 20a. The battery transmission data output from the Tx terminal 20a is transmitted to the electric working machine 30 via the data output circuit 24 and the communication terminal 13. The device transmission data is transmitted from the electric working machine 30. The device transmission data is input to the communication terminal 13 in the battery pack 10, and is input to the Rx terminal 20b via the data input circuit 23. In the present embodiment, the entity of the battery transmission data and the entity of the device transmission data are both binary signals of, for example, H level or L level.

[0076] The battery control circuit 20 performs data communication (serial communication) with the electric working machine 30 via the data input circuit 23 and the data output circuit 24 , and controls the discharge of the battery 14 based on the device transmission data received from the electric working machine 30 .

[0077] The power supply circuit 21 generates a DC control voltage VDD_B by stepping down the voltage of the battery 14 . The control voltage VDD_B generated by the power supply circuit 21 is supplied to each part in the battery pack 10 including the battery control circuit 20 , the data input circuit 23 , and the data output circuit 24 .

[0078] The data input circuit 23 and the data output circuit 24 are described in more detail. Figure 1 As shown, the data input circuit 23 includes a switch element T11, resistors R11, R12, R13, an input terminal 23a, and a ground terminal 23b. In the present embodiment, the switch element T11 is, for example, an n-channel MOSFET.

[0079] The input terminal 23a is connected to the second end of the signal path 26. That is, the cathode of the diode D11 provided in the signal path 26 is connected to the input terminal 23a. Accordingly, the device transmission data input to the communication terminal 13 from the electric working machine 30 is input to the input terminal 23a via the signal path 26 (that is, via the resistor R10 and the diode D11). The ground terminal 23b is connected to the ground line 15.

[0080] In the data input circuit 23, the first end of the resistor R11 is connected to the input terminal 23a, and the second end of the resistor R11 is connected to the gate of the switch element T11. The source of the switch element T11 is connected to the ground terminal 23b, and the drain of the switch element T11 is connected to the first end of the resistor R13 and to the Rx terminal 20b. The control voltage VDD_B is input to the second end of the resistor R13. The first end of the resistor R12 is connected to the connection point 23c, and the second end of the resistor R12 is connected to the connection point 23d. The connection point 23c is set on the path from the second end of the resistor R11 to the gate of the switch element T11. The connection point 23d is set on the path from the source of the switch element T11 to the ground terminal 23b.

[0081] According to the data input circuit 23 configured in this way, when the communication terminal 13 becomes an H level in response to the device transmission data from the electric working machine 30, the switch element T11 is turned on and an L level signal is output to the Rx terminal 20b. On the other hand, when the communication terminal 13 becomes an L level in response to the device transmission data, the switch element T11 is turned off and an H level signal is output to the Rx terminal 20b.

[0082] like Figure 1As shown, the data output circuit 24 includes a switch element T12, resistors R14 and R15, a diode D12, and an output terminal 24a. The switch element T12 is, for example, a p-channel MOSFET in this embodiment. The output terminal 24a is connected to a connection point 26a in the signal path 26.

[0083] The first end of the resistor R14 is connected to the Tx terminal 20a, and the second end of the resistor R14 is connected to the gate of the switching element T12. The first end of the resistor R15 is connected to the gate of the switching element T12, and the second end of the resistor R15 is connected to the source of the switching element T12. The control voltage VDD_B is input to the source of the switching element T12. The anode of the diode D12 is connected to the drain of the switching element T12, and the cathode of the diode D12 is connected to the output terminal 24a.

[0084] (1-3) Structure of electric working machine

[0085] like Figure 1 As shown, in addition to the aforementioned positive terminal 31, negative terminal 32 and communication terminal 33, the electric working machine 30 also has: a motor 34, an operating switch 36, a drive mechanism 37, a drive control circuit 40, a power supply circuit 41, a drive switch 42, a data input circuit 43, a data output circuit 44, and a motor drive circuit 45.

[0086] The motor drive circuit 45 is connected to the positive terminal 31 and the negative terminal 32 via the drive switch 42, and is configured to input power from the battery 14 from the battery pack 10 mounted on the mounting portion 39. The motor drive circuit 45 converts the power input from the battery 14 into drive power for driving the motor 34 based on a drive command input from the drive control circuit 40, and supplies the power to the motor 34.

[0087] The motor 34 is rotated by the driving power supplied from the motor driving circuit 45. The motor 34 may be any motor. For example, the motor 34 may be a brushless motor or a DC motor with a brush.

[0088] The work output member 38 is mounted on the drive mechanism 37. The work output member 38 can be fixed to the drive mechanism 37 or can be detached from the drive mechanism 37. The rotational driving force generated by the rotation of the motor 34 is transmitted to the drive mechanism 37. The drive mechanism 37 drives the work output member 38 mounted on the drive mechanism 37 using the rotational driving force transmitted from the motor 34.

[0089] The work output component 38 is configured to realize the function of the electric working machine 30 by acting on the working object outside the electric working machine 30, in other words, by providing energy to the working object. The work output component 38 may be, for example, a rotating blade that can rotate to cut grass, small-diameter trees, etc. In addition, for example, the work output component 38 may be a drill that can rotate to drill a hole in a workpiece. In addition, for example, the work output component 38 may be a fan that can rotate to blow or suck air.

[0090] A drive switch 42 for opening or closing the conduction path is provided in the conduction path between the positive electrode terminal 31 and the motor drive circuit 45. The drive switch 42 is turned on or off by the drive control circuit 40.

[0091] The operation switch 36 is operated by the user of the electric working machine 30. In response to the operation of the operation switch 36, the drive control circuit 40 turns on the drive switch 42 to connect the conductive path and outputs a drive command to the motor drive circuit 45, thereby driving the motor 34 to rotate.

[0092] The communication terminal 33 is connected to the data input circuit 43 and the data output circuit 44. More specifically, the communication terminal 33 is connected to a first end of a signal path 46, and a second end of the signal path 46 is connected to the data input circuit 43. The communication terminal 33 is connected to the data input circuit 43 via the signal path 46.

[0093] The data output circuit 44 is connected to the connection point 46 a and is connected to the communication terminal 33 via the connection point 46 a .

[0094] A resistor R30 is provided between the connection point 46a and the communication terminal 33 in the signal path 46. A diode D31 is provided between the connection point 46a and the data input circuit 43 in the signal path 46. Specifically, the anode of the diode D31 is connected to the connection point 46a, and the cathode of the diode D31 is connected to the data input circuit 43.

[0095] In addition, the connection point 46a can be set at any position between the anode of the diode D31 and the communication terminal 33 in the signal path 46. For example, the connection point 46a can be set between the resistor R30 and the communication terminal 33. In addition, for example, the connection point 46a can be set at the end of the signal path 46 connected to the communication terminal 33 (in other words, the part of the communication terminal 33 to which the signal path 46 is connected).

[0096] The electric working machine 30 of this embodiment includes a UART circuit including a data input circuit 43, a data output circuit 44, and a communication terminal 33. The drive control circuit 40 performs half-duplex serial communication with the battery pack 10 connected to the electric working machine 30 via the UART circuit.

[0097] The drive control circuit 40 includes a Tx terminal 40a and an Rx terminal 40b. The drive control circuit 40 generates the aforementioned device transmission data and outputs it from the Tx terminal 40a. The device transmission data output from the Tx terminal 40a is transmitted to the battery pack 10 via the data output circuit 44 and the communication terminal 33. The device transmission data transmitted from the battery pack 10 is input to the communication terminal 33 in the electric working machine 30, and is input to the Rx terminal 40b via the data input circuit 43.

[0098] The power supply circuit 41 generates a DC control voltage VDD_E by reducing the voltage of the battery 14 input from the battery pack 10 mounted on the electric working machine 30. The control voltage VDD_E generated by the power supply circuit 41 is supplied to various parts in the electric working machine 30 including the drive control circuit 40, the data input circuit 43, and the data output circuit 44. The value of the control voltage VDD_E may be the same as or different from the value of the control voltage VDD_B generated by the battery pack 10.

[0099] The data input circuit 43 and the data output circuit 44 are described in more detail. Figure 1 As shown, the data input circuit 43 includes a switch element T31, resistors R31, R32, R33, an input terminal 43a, and a ground terminal 43b. In the present embodiment, the switch element T31 is, for example, an n-channel MOSFET.

[0100] The input terminal 43a is connected to the second end of the signal path 46. That is, the cathode of the diode D31 provided in the signal path 46 is connected to the input terminal 43a. Accordingly, the battery transmission data input to the communication terminal 33 from the battery pack 10 is input to the input terminal 43a via the signal path 46 (that is, via the resistor R30 and the diode D31). The ground terminal 43b is connected to the ground line 35. The negative terminal 32 and the motor drive circuit 45 are connected to the ground line 35.

[0101] In the data input circuit 43, the first end of the resistor R31 is connected to the input terminal 43a, and the second end of the resistor R31 is connected to the gate of the switch element T31. The source of the switch element T31 is connected to the ground terminal 43b, and the drain of the switch element T31 is connected to the first end of the resistor R33 and to the Rx terminal 40b. The control voltage VDD_E is input to the second end of the resistor R33.

[0102] The first end of the resistor R32 is connected to the connection point 43c, and the second end of the resistor R32 is connected to the connection point 43d. The connection point 43c is provided on the path from the second end of the resistor R31 to the gate of the switch element T31. The connection point 43d is provided on the path from the source of the switch element T31 to the ground terminal 43b.

[0103] According to the data input circuit 43 configured in this way, when the communication terminal 33 becomes H level according to the battery transmission data from the battery pack 10, the switch element T31 is turned on and a L level signal is output to the Rx terminal 40b. On the other hand, when the communication terminal 33 becomes L level according to the battery transmission data, the switch element T31 is turned off and a H level signal is output to the Rx terminal 40b.

[0104] like Figure 1 As shown, the data output circuit 44 includes a switch element T32, resistors R34, R35, a diode D32, and an output terminal 44a. The switch element T32 is, for example, a p-channel MOSFET in this embodiment. The output terminal 44a is connected to a connection point 46a.

[0105] The first end of the resistor R34 is connected to the Tx terminal 40a of the drive control circuit 40, and the second end of the resistor R34 is connected to the gate of the switch element T32. The first end of the resistor R35 is connected to the gate of the switch element T32, and the second end of the resistor R35 is connected to the source of the switch element T32. The control voltage VDD_E is input to the source of the switch element T32. The anode of the diode D32 is connected to the drain of the switch element T32, and the cathode of the diode D32 is connected to the output terminal 44a.

[0106] (1-4) Overview of Charging System

[0107] Figure 2 The charging system 2 shown includes a battery pack 10 and a charger 50 . Figure 2 The battery pack 10 shown is Figure 1 The battery pack 10 shown is the same. The charger 50 is configured to be detachable from the battery pack 10. Specifically, the charger 50 includes a mounting portion 59 to which the battery pack 10 can be mounted and removed.

[0108] like Figure 2 As shown, the charger 50 includes a positive terminal 51, a negative terminal 52, and a communication terminal 53. When the battery pack 10 is mounted on the charger 50, the charging system 2 is in a charging connection state in which the charger 50 and the battery pack 10 are electrically connected. Figure 2As shown, the positive terminal 11 of the battery pack 10 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 51 of the charger 50 , the negative terminal 12 of the battery pack 10 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 52 of the charger 50 , and the communication terminal 13 of the battery pack 10 is electrically connected to the communication terminal 53 of the charger 50 .

[0109] When the charging system 2 is in the charging connection state, the charger 50 can supply charging power to the battery pack 10 to charge the battery 14. When the battery pack 10 mounted on the charger 50 is removed from the charger 50, the charging connection state is released. In addition, when the charging system 2 is in the charging connection state, data communication (for example, half-duplex serial communication) between the charger 50 and the battery pack 10 is possible.

[0110] (1-5)Charger structure

[0111] like Figure 2 As shown, in addition to the aforementioned positive terminal 51, negative terminal 52 and communication terminal 53, the charger 50 also includes: a power plug 54, a charging control circuit 60, a charging switch 62, a data input circuit 63, a data output circuit 64, and a charging power circuit 65.

[0112] The power plug 54 is configured to be connected to an AC power source such as a commercial power source that supplies an AC voltage of 100 V, and to receive AC power from the AC power source.

[0113] The charging power supply circuit 65 generates charging power for charging the storage battery 14 based on the AC power input from the power plug 54. The charging power supply circuit 65 is connected to the positive terminal 51 and to the negative terminal 52 via the charging switch 62. The charging power generated by the charging power supply circuit 65 is supplied to the storage battery pack 10 mounted on the charger 50 via the positive terminal 51 and the negative terminal 52.

[0114] The charging switch 62 is provided on a charging path for outputting charging power between the charging power supply circuit 65 and the positive electrode terminal 51 , and is used to open or close the charging path.

[0115] The charging control circuit 60 controls the charging power supply circuit 65 and the charging switch 62. When the charger 50 is equipped with the battery pack 10 and the battery 14 can be charged, the charging control circuit 60 turns on the charging switch 62 to open the charging path, so that the charging power supply circuit 65 generates charging power, and the charging power is supplied to the battery pack 10.

[0116] The charging power supply circuit 65 has a function of generating a DC control voltage VDD_C based on the AC power input from the power plug 54. The control voltage VDD_C generated by the charging power supply circuit 65 is supplied to each part of the charger 50 including the charging control circuit 60, the data input circuit 63, and the data output circuit 64. The value of the control voltage VDD_C may be the same as or different from the value of the control voltage VDD_B generated by the battery pack 10.

[0117] The communication terminal 53 is connected to the data input circuit 63 and the data output circuit 64. More specifically, the communication terminal 53 is connected to a first end of a signal path 66, and a second end of the signal path 66 is connected to the data input circuit 63. The communication terminal 53 is connected to the data input circuit 63 via the signal path 66.

[0118] The data output circuit 64 is connected to a connection point 66 a in the signal path 66 , and is connected to the communication terminal 53 via the connection point 66 a .

[0119] A resistor R50 is provided between the connection point 66a and the communication terminal 53 in the signal path 66. A diode D51 is provided between the connection point 66a and the data input circuit 63 in the signal path 66. Specifically, the anode of the diode D51 is connected to the connection point 66a, and the cathode of the diode D51 is connected to the data input circuit 63.

[0120] In addition, the connection point 66a can be set at any position between the anode of the diode D51 and the communication terminal 53 in the signal path 66. For example, the connection point 66a can be set between the resistor R50 and the communication terminal 53. In addition, for example, the connection point 66a can be set at the end of the signal path 66 connected to the communication terminal 53 (in other words, the part of the communication terminal 53 to which the signal path 66 is connected).

[0121] The charger 50 of this embodiment includes a UART circuit including a data input circuit 63, a data output circuit 64, and a communication terminal 53. The charging control circuit 60 performs half-duplex serial communication with the battery pack 10 connected to the charger 50 via the UART circuit.

[0122] The charging control circuit 60 includes a Tx terminal 60a and an Rx terminal 60b. The charging control circuit 60 generates charger transmission data and outputs it from the Tx terminal 60a. The charger transmission data output from the Tx terminal 60a is transmitted to the battery pack 10 via the data output circuit 64 and the communication terminal 53. The battery transmission data transmitted from the battery pack 10 is input to the communication terminal 53 in the charger 50, and is input to the Rx terminal 60b via the data input circuit 63.

[0123] The data input circuit 63 and the data output circuit 64 are described in more detail. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 6 , the data input circuit 63 includes a switch element T51, resistors R51, R52, R53, an input terminal 63a, and a ground terminal 63b. In the present embodiment, the switch element T51 is, for example, an n-channel MOSFET.

[0124] The input terminal 63a is connected to the second end of the signal path 66. That is, the cathode of the diode D51 provided in the signal path 66 is connected to the input terminal 63a. Accordingly, the battery transmission data input to the communication terminal 53 from the battery pack 10 is input to the input terminal 63a via the signal path 66 (that is, via the resistor R50 and the diode D51). The ground terminal 63b is connected to the ground line 55. The negative terminal 52 and the charging power supply circuit 65 are connected to the ground line 55.

[0125] In the data input circuit 63, the first end of the resistor R51 is connected to the input terminal 63a, and the second end of the resistor R51 is connected to the gate of the switch element T51. The source of the switch element T51 is connected to the ground terminal 63b, and the drain of the switch element T51 is connected to the first end of the resistor R53 and to the Rx terminal 60b. The control voltage VDD_C is input to the second end of the resistor R53. The first end of the resistor R52 is connected to the connection point 63c, and the second end of the resistor R52 is connected to the connection point 63d. The connection point 63c is set on the path from the second end of the resistor R51 to the gate of the switch element T51. The connection point 63d is set on the path from the source of the switch element T51 to the ground terminal 63b.

[0126] According to the data input circuit 63 configured in this way, when the communication terminal 53 becomes H level according to the battery transmission data from the battery pack 10, the switch element T51 is turned on and a L level signal is output to the Rx terminal 60b. On the other hand, when the communication terminal 53 becomes L level according to the battery transmission data, the switch element T51 is turned off and a H level signal is output to the Rx terminal 60b.

[0127] like Figure 2 As shown, the data output circuit 64 includes a switch element T52, resistors R54, R55, a diode D52, and an output terminal 64a. The switch element T52 is, for example, a p-channel MOSFET in this embodiment. The output terminal 64a is connected to a connection point 66a.

[0128] The first end of the resistor R54 is connected to the Tx terminal 60a, and the second end of the resistor R54 is connected to the gate of the switch element T52. The first end of the resistor R55 is connected to the gate of the switch element T52, and the second end of the resistor R55 is connected to the source of the switch element T52. The control voltage VDD_C is input to the source of the switch element T52. The anode of the diode D52 is connected to the drain of the switch element T52, and the cathode of the diode D52 is connected to the output terminal 64a.

[0129] (1-6) Noise current suppression function and its effect

[0130] Next, the noise current suppression function and its effect provided in the electric working machine system 1 and the charging system 2 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0131] Figure 1 The electric working machine system 1 shown includes the following closed loop. That is, the closed loop included in the electric working machine system 1 is: for example, starting from the negative terminal 12 of the battery pack 10 and Figure 1 In the clockwise direction, it passes through the current detection circuit 22, the connection point between the ground wire 15 and the data input circuit 23, the data input circuit 23 (including the resistor R12), the signal path 26, the communication terminal 13, the communication terminal 33 of the electric working machine 30, the signal path 46, the data input circuit 43 (including the resistor R32), the connection point between the ground wire 35 and the data input circuit 43, and the negative terminal 32, and then returns to the negative terminal 12 of the battery pack 10 to form a closed loop.

[0132] If, for example, an undesirable noise current circulates in the closed loop due to noise generated when the motor 34 in the electric working machine 30 is driven or other various factors, the battery control circuit 20 or the drive control circuit 40 may not be able to receive data properly due to the influence of the noise current. More specifically, for example, if the direction from the communication terminal 13 of the battery pack 10 to the communication terminal 33 of the electric working machine 30 (i.e. Figure 1 If the noise current (in the clockwise direction) flows in the closed loop, the drive control circuit 40 of the electric working machine 30 may not be able to receive the data sent by the battery well. On the contrary, if the noise current (in the clockwise direction) flows from the communication terminal 33 of the electric working machine 30 to the communication terminal 13 of the battery pack 10 Figure 1 If a noise current (in the counterclockwise direction) flows in the above closed loop, the battery control circuit 20 of the battery pack 10 may not be able to receive the data sent by the device well.

[0133] Therefore, in order to suppress the noise current circulating in the closed loop, the electric working machine system 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a diode D11 on the signal path 26 in the battery pack 10, and a diode D31 on the signal path 46 in the electric working machine 30. The diode D11 of the battery pack 10 suppresses the noise current circulating clockwise in the closed loop. The diode D31 of the electric working machine 30 suppresses the noise current circulating counterclockwise in the closed loop.

[0134] Furthermore, in the battery pack 10, the diode D11 is provided at a position closer to the data input circuit 23 than the connection point 26a in the signal path 26. Therefore, the following functions are achieved, namely, it is possible to suppress the degradation of the quality of the battery transmission data transmitted from the data output circuit 24 to the electric working machine 30 via the communication terminal 13, and it is possible to suppress the noise current.

[0135] Even in the electric working machine 30, the diode D31 is provided at a position closer to the data input circuit 43 than the connection point 46a in the signal path 46. Therefore, the following functions are achieved, namely, the quality of data transmitted from the data output circuit 44 to the device of the battery pack 10 via the communication terminal 33 can be suppressed from being degraded, and the noise current can be suppressed.

[0136] Figure 2 The charging system 2 shown also includes the same closed loop as the electric working machine system 1. In the charging system 2, noise current that circulates in the closed loop may also be generated due to various factors. In view of this, the charging system 2 of the present embodiment is configured such that a diode D11 is provided on the signal path 26 in the battery pack 10, and a diode D51 is provided on the signal path 66 in the charger 50. Therefore, in the charging system 2, noise current that circulates in the closed loop can also be suppressed.

[0137] Furthermore, in the charger 50, the diode D51 is provided at a position closer to the data input circuit 63 than the connection point 66a in the signal path 66. Therefore, the following functions are achieved: the quality of the charger transmission data transmitted from the data output circuit 66 to the battery pack 10 via the communication terminal 53 can be suppressed from being degraded, and the noise current can be suppressed.

[0138] In addition, the electric working machine 30 and the charger 50 correspond to an example of the connection device in the present invention. In the battery pack 10, the positive terminal 11 corresponds to an example of the first positive terminal and the positive terminal of the battery pack in the present invention. The negative terminal 12 corresponds to an example of the first negative terminal and the negative terminal of the battery pack in the present invention. The communication terminal 13 corresponds to an example of the first communication terminal and the communication terminal of the battery pack in the present invention. The data input circuit 23 corresponds to an example of the first data input circuit in the present invention. The input terminal 23a corresponds to an example of the first input terminal in the present invention. The ground terminal 23b corresponds to an example of the first ground terminal in the present invention. The switch element T11 corresponds to an example of the first switch element in the present invention. The gate of the switch element T11 corresponds to an example of the first switch input terminal in the present invention. The source of the switch element T11 corresponds to an example of the first switch ground terminal in the present invention. The resistor R12 corresponds to an example of the first resistor in the present invention. The conductive path connecting the connection point 23c and the connection point 23d and provided with the resistor R12 corresponds to an example of the first bias path in the present invention. The data output circuit 24 is equivalent to an example of the first data output circuit in the present invention. The output terminal 24a is equivalent to an example of the first output terminal in the present invention. The signal path 26 is equivalent to an example of the first signal path in the present invention. The connection point 26a in the signal path 26 is equivalent to an example of the first connection point in the present invention. The diode D11 is equivalent to an example of the first suppression circuit and the first diode in the present invention.

[0139] In the electric working machine 30, the positive terminal 31 is equivalent to an example of the second positive terminal and the device positive terminal in the present invention. The negative terminal 32 is equivalent to an example of the second negative terminal and the device negative terminal in the present invention. The communication terminal 33 is equivalent to an example of the second communication terminal and the device communication terminal in the present invention. The data input circuit 43 is equivalent to an example of the second data input circuit in the present invention. The input terminal 43a is equivalent to an example of the second input terminal in the present invention. The ground terminal 43b is equivalent to an example of the second ground terminal in the present invention. The switching element T31 is equivalent to an example of the second switching element in the present invention. The gate of the switching element T31 is equivalent to an example of the second switch input terminal in the present invention. The source of the switching element T31 is equivalent to an example of the second switch ground terminal in the present invention. The resistor R32 is equivalent to an example of the second resistor in the present invention. The conductive path connecting the connection point 43c and the connection point 43d and provided with the resistor R32 is equivalent to an example of the second bias path in the present invention. The data output circuit 44 is equivalent to an example of the second data output circuit in the present invention. The output terminal 44a is equivalent to an example of the second output terminal in the present invention. The signal path 46 is equivalent to an example of the second signal path in the present invention. The connection point 46a in the signal path 46 is equivalent to an example of the second connection point in the present invention. The diode D31 is equivalent to an example of the second suppression circuit and the second diode in the present invention.

[0140] In the charger 50, the positive terminal 51 corresponds to an example of the second positive terminal and the charging positive terminal in the present invention. The negative terminal 52 corresponds to an example of the second negative terminal and the charging negative terminal in the present invention. The communication terminal 53 corresponds to an example of the second communication terminal and the charging communication terminal in the present invention. The data input circuit 63 corresponds to an example of the second data input circuit in the present invention. The input terminal 63a corresponds to an example of the second input terminal in the present invention. The ground terminal 63b corresponds to an example of the second ground terminal in the present invention. The switch element T51 corresponds to an example of the second switch element in the present invention. The gate of the switch element T51 corresponds to an example of the second switch input terminal in the present invention. The source of the switch element T51 corresponds to an example of the second switch ground terminal in the present invention. The resistor R52 corresponds to an example of the second resistor in the present invention. The conductive path connecting the connection point 63c and the connection point 63d and provided with the resistor R52 corresponds to an example of the second bias path in the present invention. The data output circuit 64 corresponds to an example of the second data output circuit in the present invention. The output terminal 64a corresponds to an example of the second output terminal in the present invention. The signal path 66 corresponds to an example of the second signal path in the present invention. The connection point 66a in the signal path 66 corresponds to an example of the second connection point in the present invention. The diode D51 corresponds to an example of the second suppression circuit and the second diode in the present invention.

[0141] [2. Second Embodiment]

[0142] Reference Figure 3 , the electric working machine system 3 of the second embodiment is described. The basic structure of the electric working machine system 3 of the second embodiment is the same as the electric working machine system 1 of the first embodiment, so the differences from the electric working machine system 1 are described below. In addition, the same symbols as those in the first embodiment represent the same structure, and refer to the above description.

[0143] According to the electric working machine system 1 of the first embodiment, in the battery pack 10 , the diode D11 is provided on the signal path 26 , and in the electric working machine 30 , the diode D31 is provided on the signal path 46 .

[0144] In view of this, in the electric working machine system 3 of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, a diode D72 is provided in the battery pack 71 instead of the diode D11 of the first embodiment. The diode D72 is provided in the data input circuit 72 on a conductive path from the connection point 23c via the resistor R12 to the connection point 23d. Specifically, the anode of the diode D72 is connected to the connection point 23c, and the cathode of the diode D72 is connected to the first end of the resistor R12.

[0145] Similarly, in the electric working machine 76, a diode D77 is provided instead of the diode D31 of the first embodiment. The diode D77 is provided in the data input circuit 77 on a conductive path from the connection point 43c to the connection point 43d via the resistor R32. Specifically, the anode of the diode D77 is connected to the connection point 43c, and the cathode of the diode D77 is connected to the first end of the resistor R32.

[0146] According to the electric working machine system 3 of the second embodiment configured in this way, the diode D72 and the diode D77 are used to suppress the generation of noise current in the closed loop. In addition, in the battery pack 71, the diode D72 is provided on a path different from the path from the communication terminal 13 to the gate of the switching element T11. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the potential difference (i.e., the voltage drop) between the communication terminal 13 and the gate of the switching element T11 when the device sends and receives data.

[0147] In addition, Figure 2 The charger 50 can also be used with Figure 3 Similarly, the diode D77 in the electric working machine 76 is configured to suppress the noise current in the closed loop. Figure 2 In the charger 50 shown, a diode may be provided between the connection point 63c and the first end of the resistor R52 instead of the diode D51.

[0148] [3. Third embodiment]

[0149] Reference Figure 4 , an electric working machine system 4 of the third embodiment is described. The basic structure of the electric working machine system 4 of the third embodiment is the same as that of the electric working machine system 1 of the first embodiment, and therefore, the differences from the electric working machine system 1 are described below. In addition, the same symbols as those of the first embodiment represent the same structure, and refer to the above description.

[0150] In the electric working machine system 4 of the third embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, a diode D82 is provided in the battery pack 81 instead of the diode D11 of the first embodiment. The diode D82 is provided between the connection point 23d and the ground terminal 23b in the data input circuit 82. Specifically, the anode of the diode D82 is connected to the connection point 23d, and the cathode of the diode D82 is connected to the ground terminal 23b.

[0151] Similarly, in the electric working machine 86, a diode D87 is provided instead of the diode D31 of the first embodiment. The diode D87 is provided between the upper connection point 43d and the ground terminal 43b in the data input circuit 87. Specifically, the anode of the diode D87 is connected to the connection point 43d, and the cathode of the diode D87 is connected to the ground terminal 43b.

[0152] In the third embodiment, both the diode D82 and the diode D87 are Schottky barrier diodes. The main reason for using the Schottky barrier diodes as the diodes D82 and D87 is as follows. That is, in the battery pack 81, when the switch element T11 is turned on according to the data sent from the device of the electric working machine 86, in the battery control circuit 20, it should be determined that the value of the voltage input to the Rx terminal 20b is the L level. However, it is possible that the value of the voltage input to the Rx terminal 20b increases due to the magnitude of the forward voltage of the diode D82, and it cannot be determined as the L level in the battery control circuit 20. In the electric working machine 86, it is also possible that the value of the voltage input to the Rx terminal 40b when the switch element T31 cannot be accurately turned on due to the magnitude of the forward voltage of the diode D87 is determined to be the L level in the drive control circuit 40.

[0153] Therefore, in the third embodiment, Schottky barrier diodes with low forward voltage are used as the diodes D82 and D87. However, the diodes D82 and D87 may be other diodes than the Schottky barrier diodes.

[0154] According to the electric working machine system 4 of the third embodiment configured in this manner, the diode D82 and the diode D87 suppress the generation of noise current in the closed loop.

[0155] In addition, Figure 2 The charger 50 can also be used with Figure 4 Similarly, the diode D87 in the electric working machine 86 is configured to suppress the noise current in the closed loop. Figure 2 In the charger 50 shown, a diode may be provided between the connection point 63d and the ground terminal 63b instead of the diode D51. The diode may be, for example, a Schottky barrier diode.

[0156] [4. Fourth embodiment]

[0157] Reference Figure 5 , an electric working machine system 5 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 5 The electric working machine system 5 shown in the figure includes a battery pack 10, an electric working machine 30, and a relay device 100. The battery pack 10 and the electric working machine 30 are connected to the relay device 100. Figure 1 The battery pack 10 and the electric working machine 30 of the first embodiment shown are the same.

[0158] The relay device 100 relays the electrical connection between the battery pack 10 and the electric working machine 30. The relay device 100 includes a first mounting portion 101, a second mounting portion 102, and a cable 103. The first mounting portion 101 is provided at a first end of the cable 103 and is configured to allow the battery pack 10 to be attached and detached. The second mounting portion 102 is provided at a second end of the cable 103 and is configured to allow the electric working machine 30 to be attached and detached. The cable 103 is flexible.

[0159] The first mounting portion 101 includes a first positive relay terminal 111, a first negative relay terminal 112, and a first communication relay terminal 113. When the battery pack 10 is mounted in the first mounting portion 101, the positive terminal 11 of the battery pack 10 is connected to the first positive relay terminal 111, the negative terminal 12 of the battery pack 10 is connected to the first negative relay terminal 112, and the communication terminal 13 of the battery pack 10 is connected to the first communication relay terminal 113.

[0160] The second mounting portion 102 includes a second positive relay terminal 121, a second negative relay terminal 122, and a second communication relay terminal 123. When the electric working machine 30 is mounted on the second mounting portion 102, the positive terminal 31 of the electric working machine 30 is connected to the second positive relay terminal 121, the negative terminal 32 of the electric working machine 30 is connected to the second negative relay terminal 122, and the communication terminal 33 of the electric working machine 30 is connected to the second communication relay terminal 123.

[0161] The cable 103 includes a positive relay wire 106, a negative relay wire 107, and a communication relay wire 108. The positive relay wire 106 connects the first positive relay terminal 111 and the second positive relay terminal 121. The negative relay wire 107 connects the first negative relay terminal 112 and the second negative relay terminal 122. The communication relay wire 108 connects the first communication relay terminal 113 and the second communication relay terminal 123.

[0162] According to the electric working machine system 5 configured in this manner, the electric working machine 30 can be used while being detached from the battery pack 10. Therefore, it is possible to provide the electric working machine system 5 having good usability.

[0163] In addition, the second assembly portion 102 may be Figure 2 That is, the battery pack 10 and the charger 50 can be connected using the relay device 100.

[0164] [5. Other embodiments]

[0165] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0166] (5-1) In the battery pack, the suppression circuit for realizing the noise current suppression function may be provided in: Figure 1 )、Diode D72 (refer to Figure 3 ) and diode D82 (refer to Figure 4 )different locations.

[0167] For example, in Figure 1In the battery pack 10 shown, a suppression circuit may be provided in place of the diode D11 on the conductive path between the input terminal 23a and the connection point 23c in the data input circuit 23 (i.e., the conductive path provided with the resistor R11). More specifically, for example, a suppression circuit including a diode having an anode connected to the input terminal 23a and a cathode connected to the first end of the resistor R11 may be provided. Also, for example, a suppression circuit including a diode having an anode connected to the second end of the resistor R11 and a cathode connected to the connection point 23c may be provided.

[0168] In addition, for example, Figure 3 In the battery pack 71 shown, a suppression circuit may be provided on the conductive path between the resistor R12 and the connection point 23d instead of the diode D72. More specifically, for example, a suppression circuit including a diode having an anode connected to the second end of the resistor R12 and a cathode connected to the connection point 23d may be provided.

[0169] In addition, for example, Figure 4 In the battery pack 81 shown, a suppression circuit may be provided in place of the diode D82 on the conductive path from the ground terminal 23b of the data input circuit 82 to the ground line 15. More specifically, for example, a suppression circuit including a diode having an anode connected to the ground terminal 23b and a cathode connected to the ground line 15 may be provided.

[0170] (5-2) The suppression circuit in the electric working machine and the suppression circuit in the charger may be provided at positions different from those shown in the above embodiments, similarly to the suppression circuit in the battery pack exemplified in (5-1) above.

[0171] (5-3) The suppression circuit in the battery pack and the suppression circuit in the connection device connected to the battery pack may be different.

[0172] (5-4) The position of the suppression circuit in the battery pack and the position of the suppression circuit in the connection device connected to the battery pack may be different. Specifically, for example, Figure 1 In the electric working machine system 1, the position of the diode D11 in the battery pack 10 is still Figure 1 On the other hand, in the electric working machine 30, a suppression circuit may be provided at a position different from the diode D31 to replace the diode D31. On the other hand, the position of the diode D31 in the electric working machine 30 is still Figure 1 On the other hand, in the battery pack 10, a suppression circuit may be provided at a position other than the diode D11, instead of the diode D11. Figure 2The charging system 2 shown and Figure 3-4 The same applies to the electric working machine systems 3 and 4 shown.

[0173] (5-5) The suppression circuit of the present invention may be different from the circuit including one diode shown in the above embodiments. The suppression circuit of the present invention may be configured to not include a diode but to achieve the above noise current suppression function by a component or circuit different from a diode.

[0174] (5-6) The present invention can be applied to various electric working machines. Specifically, the present invention can be applied to various electric working machines such as electric tools for masonry, metalworking, and carpentry used at work sites such as DIY, manufacturing, gardening, and engineering, working machines for gardening, and devices for adjusting the environment of the work site. More specifically, for example, the present invention can be applied to various electric working machines such as electric hammers, electric hammer drills, electric drills, electric screwdrivers, electric wrenches, electric grinders, electric circular saws, electric reciprocating saws, electric jig saws, electric cutters, electric chainsaws, electric planers, electric nail guns (including nailers), electric hedge trimmers, electric lawn mowers, electric lawn shears, electric harvesters, electric vacuum cleaners, electric blowers, electric sprayers, electric spreaders, and electric dust collectors.

[0175] (5-7) Multiple functions of one component in the above-mentioned embodiments may be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component may be realized by multiple components. In addition, multiple functions of multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. In addition, part of the components of the above-mentioned embodiments may be omitted. In addition, at least part of the components of the above-mentioned embodiments may be added to or replaced with the components of other above-mentioned embodiments.

Claims

1. A battery connection system, characterized in that: The battery connection system comprises: a battery pack and a connection device, The connection device is configured to selectively be set to a connection state in which the connection is electrically connected to the battery pack and a state in which the connection is released. The battery pack has: A battery, the battery comprising a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a first positive terminal connected to the positive electrode; a first negative terminal connected to the negative electrode; first communication terminal; a first data output circuit, the first data output circuit including a first output terminal connected to the first communication terminal, and outputting first transmission data from the first output terminal; a first data input circuit, the first data input circuit including a first input terminal connected to the first communication terminal and a first ground terminal connected to the first negative terminal, and inputting second transmission data input from the connection device to the first communication terminal to the first input terminal; a first suppression circuit including a first diode configured to suppress current from flowing from the first cathode terminal to the first communication terminal via the first data input circuit; as well as a first signal path, the first signal path connecting the first input terminal and the first communication terminal, comprising a first connection point, The first output terminal is connected to the first connection point and is connected to the first communication terminal via the first signal path from the first connection point. The anode of the first diode is connected to the first connection point, and the cathode of the first diode is connected to the first input terminal of the first data input circuit. The first data input circuit includes a first switch element, the first switch element including: a first switch input terminal connected to the first input terminal, a first switch output terminal to which a battery pack control voltage is applied via a resistor, and a first switch ground terminal connected to the first ground terminal. When the first communication terminal becomes an H level according to the second transmission data from the connection device, the first switch element is turned on and an L level signal is output from the first switch output terminal, and when the first communication terminal becomes an L level according to the second transmission data from the connection device, the first switch element is turned off and an H level signal is output from the first switch output terminal due to the battery pack control voltage. The first diode of the first suppression circuit is configured not to suppress the flow of current from the first communication terminal to the first cathode terminal via the first data input circuit and the first suppression circuit. The connection device has: a second positive terminal configured to be electrically connected to the first positive terminal of the battery pack in response to the connection device being in the connection state; a second negative terminal configured to be electrically connected to the first negative terminal of the battery pack in response to the connection device being in the connection state; a second communication terminal configured to be electrically connected to the first communication terminal of the battery pack in response to the connection device being in the connection state; a second data output circuit, the second data output circuit including a second output terminal connected to the second communication terminal, and outputting the second transmission data from the second output terminal; a second data input circuit including a second input terminal connected to the second communication terminal and a second ground terminal connected to the second negative terminal, and inputting the first transmission data input from the battery pack to the second communication terminal to the second input terminal; a second suppression circuit including a second diode configured to suppress current from flowing from the second cathode terminal to the second communication terminal via the second data input circuit; and a second signal path connecting the second input terminal and the second communication terminal, comprising a second connection point, The second output terminal is connected to the second connection point and is connected to the second communication terminal via the second signal path from the second connection point. The anode of the second diode is connected to the second connection point, and the cathode of the second diode is connected to the second input terminal of the second data input circuit. The second data input circuit includes a second switch element, the second switch element including: a second switch input terminal connected to the second input terminal, a second switch output terminal to which a connection device control voltage is applied via a resistor, and a second switch ground terminal connected to the second ground terminal. When the second communication terminal becomes an H level according to the first transmission data from the battery pack, the second switch element is turned on and an L level signal is output from the second switch output terminal, and when the second communication terminal becomes an L level according to the first transmission data from the battery pack, the second switch element is turned off and an H level signal is output from the second switch output terminal due to the connection device control voltage. The second diode of the second suppression circuit is configured not to suppress the flow of current from the second communication terminal to the second cathode terminal via the second data input circuit and the second suppression circuit.

2. The battery connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection device includes: a mounting portion configured to allow the battery assembly to be detachable; The connection device is configured to be set to the connection state in response to the battery pack being mounted on the mounting portion.

3. The battery connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery connection system further comprises a relay device, The relay device comprises: cable; a first mounting portion configured to allow the battery assembly to be detachable; and a second assembly portion, the second assembly portion being configured to allow the connection device to be assembled and disassembled, The first assembly part comprises: a first positive relay terminal configured to be connected to the first positive terminal in correspondence with the battery pack being mounted on the first mounting portion; a first negative electrode relay terminal configured to be connected to the first negative electrode terminal in correspondence with the battery pack being mounted on the first mounting portion; and a first communication relay terminal configured to be connected to the first communication terminal in correspondence with the battery pack being mounted on the first mounting portion; The second assembly portion comprises: a second positive relay terminal configured to be connected to the second positive terminal in correspondence with the connection device being mounted on the second mounting portion; a second negative electrode relay terminal configured to be connected to the second negative electrode terminal in response to the connection device being mounted on the second mounting portion; and a second communication relay terminal configured to be connected to the second communication terminal in correspondence with the connection device being mounted on the second mounting portion; The cable has: a positive relay wire connecting the first positive relay terminal and the second positive relay terminal; a negative electrode relay wire connecting the first negative electrode relay terminal and the second negative electrode relay terminal; and A communication relay wire connects the first communication relay terminal and the second communication relay terminal.

4. The battery connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection device includes an electric working machine, The electric working machine comprises: an operating switch operated by a user of the electric working machine; motor; a motor drive circuit configured to drive the motor using power supplied from the battery pack in response to operation of the operation switch; as well as The drive mechanism is configured to be mounted on the work output member, and is configured to transmit the rotational driving force of the motor and drive the work output member using the rotational driving force, thereby causing the work output member to act on a work object.

5. The battery connection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection device includes a charger configured to charge the battery.

6. A battery pack, characterized in that: The battery pack is configured to be selectively set to a connection state in which it is electrically connected to a connection device and a state in which the connection state is released. The battery pack has: A battery, the battery comprising a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a positive terminal of a battery pack, the positive terminal of the battery pack being configured to be connected to the positive electrode and electrically connected to the connection device in correspondence with the battery pack being in the connected state; a negative terminal of a battery pack, the negative terminal of the battery pack being configured to be connected to the negative electrode and electrically connected to the connection device in correspondence with the battery pack being in the connected state; a battery pack communication terminal configured to be electrically connected to the connection device in response to the battery pack being in the connection state; a data output circuit, the data output circuit comprising an output terminal connected to the battery pack communication terminal, and outputting first transmission data from the output terminal; a data input circuit, the data input circuit including an input terminal connected to the battery pack communication terminal and a ground terminal connected to the negative terminal of the battery pack, and inputting second transmission data input from the connection device to the battery pack communication terminal to the input terminal; a suppression circuit including a diode configured to suppress current from flowing from the negative terminal of the battery pack to the communication terminal of the battery pack via the data input circuit; as well as a signal path connecting the input terminal and the battery pack communication terminal, including a connection point, The output terminal is connected to the connection point and is connected to the battery pack communication terminal via the signal path from the connection point. The anode of the diode is connected to the connection point, and the cathode of the diode is connected to the input terminal of the data input circuit. The data input circuit includes a switch element including: a switch input terminal connected to the input terminal, a switch output terminal to which a control voltage is applied via a resistor, and a switch ground terminal connected to the ground terminal. When the battery pack communication terminal becomes an H level according to the second transmission data from the connection device, the switch element is turned on and an L level signal is output from the switch output terminal, and when the battery pack communication terminal becomes an L level according to the second transmission data from the connection device, the switch element is turned off and an H level signal is output from the switch output terminal due to the control voltage. The diode of the suppression circuit is configured not to suppress the flow of current from the battery pack communication terminal to the battery pack negative terminal via the data input circuit and the suppression circuit.

7. An electric working machine, characterized in that: The electric working machine is selectively set to a state in which it is electrically connected to a battery pack including a battery, and a state in which the connection state is released. The electric working machine comprises: a positive terminal of a device, the positive terminal of the device being configured to be electrically connected to the positive electrode of the battery in response to the electric working machine being in the connected state; a device negative terminal configured to be electrically connected to the negative electrode of the battery in response to the electric working machine being in the connected state; a device communication terminal configured to be electrically connected to the battery pack in response to the electric working machine being in the connected state; a data output circuit, the data output circuit being configured to include an output terminal connected to the device communication terminal and outputting device transmission data from the output terminal; a data input circuit, the data input circuit including an input terminal connected to the device communication terminal and a ground terminal connected to the negative terminal of the device, and inputting the battery transmission data input from the battery pack to the device communication terminal to the input terminal; a suppression circuit including a diode configured to suppress current from flowing from the device negative terminal to the device communication terminal via the data input circuit; a signal path connecting the input terminal and the device communication terminal, including a connection point; an operating switch operated by a user of the electric working machine; motor; a motor drive circuit configured to drive the motor using power supplied from the battery pack through the positive terminal of the device and the negative terminal of the device in response to operation of the operation switch; as well as a driving mechanism configured to be mounted on the work output component and configured to transmit the rotational driving force of the motor and drive the work output component using the rotational driving force, thereby causing the work output component to act on the work object; The output terminal is connected to the connection point and connected to the device communication terminal via the signal path from the connection point. The anode of the diode is connected to the connection point, and the cathode of the diode is connected to the input terminal of the data input circuit. The data input circuit includes a switch element including: a switch input terminal connected to the input terminal, a switch output terminal to which a control voltage is applied via a resistor, and a switch ground terminal connected to the ground terminal. When the device communication terminal becomes an H level according to the data sent from the battery pack, the switch element is turned on and an L level signal is output from the switch output terminal, and when the device communication terminal becomes an L level according to the data sent from the battery pack, the switch element is turned off and an H level signal is output from the switch output terminal due to the control voltage. The diode of the suppression circuit is configured not to suppress a current from flowing from the device communication terminal to the device cathode terminal via the data input circuit and the suppression circuit.

8. A charger, characterized in that: The charger is configured to selectively be set in a state of being electrically connected to a battery pack including a battery and a state of being released from the state of being electrically connected to a battery pack. The charger has: a charging positive terminal configured to be electrically connected to the positive electrode of the battery in response to the charger being in the connected state; a negative charging terminal configured to be electrically connected to the negative electrode of the battery in response to the charger being in the connected state; a charging communication terminal configured to be electrically connected to the battery pack in response to the charger being in the connected state; a data output circuit, the data output circuit comprising an output terminal connected to the charging communication terminal, and outputting charger transmission data from the output terminal; a data input circuit, the data input circuit including an input terminal connected to the charging communication terminal and a ground terminal connected to the negative charging terminal, and inputting the battery transmission data input from the battery pack to the charging communication terminal to the input terminal; a suppression circuit including a diode configured to suppress current from flowing from the negative charging terminal to the charging communication terminal via the data input circuit; a signal path connecting the input terminal and the charging communication terminal, including a connection point; and a charging circuit configured to output electric power for charging the storage battery to the storage battery pack through the charging positive terminal and the charging negative terminal, The output terminal is connected to the connection point and is connected to the charging communication terminal via the signal path from the connection point. The anode of the diode is connected to the connection point, and the cathode of the diode is connected to the input terminal of the data input circuit. The data input circuit includes a switch element including: a switch input terminal connected to the input terminal, a switch output terminal to which a control voltage is applied via a resistor, and a switch ground terminal connected to the ground terminal. When the charging communication terminal becomes an H level according to the data sent from the battery pack, the switch element is turned on and an L level signal is output from the switch output terminal, and when the charging communication terminal becomes an L level according to the data sent from the battery pack, the switch element is turned off and an H level signal is output from the switch output terminal due to the control voltage. The diode of the suppression circuit is configured not to suppress the flow of current from the charge communication terminal to the negative charge terminal via the data input circuit and the suppression circuit.

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