Battery pack and wireless linkage system

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery pack and a wireless linkage system, which maintains interchangeability with an electric tool without a wireless communication function and prevents malfunction caused by linkage operation. A battery pack for supplying driving power to an electric tool comprises: a wireless communication unit for wirelessly communicating with an external device; and a control unit for performing a first determination process for determining the state of a wireless communication connection with the external device. When it is determined in the first determination process that wireless communication has been established, the control unit sends a linkage instruction to the external device, and can perform a communication connection release process for releasing the wireless communication in the state where the wireless communication has been established.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a battery pack and a wireless linkage system. Background Art

[0002] In the past, in order to use a dust collector to absorb dust generated during the operation of an electric tool, a dust collection hose of the dust collector is connected to the electric tool, and a linkage operation of driving the dust collector in conjunction with the driving of the electric tool is performed. In the linkage operation, as a method for the dust collector to detect the driving of the electric tool, as shown in Patent Document 1, the following method is generally used: the power cord of the electric tool is connected to the dust collector, thereby forming a structure in which the driving power of the electric tool is supplied from the dust collector, and the dust collector determines that the electric tool has been driven when the power is output.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-155302 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In order to perform the linkage operation without using a power cord, there is a technology as follows: a wireless signal transmitter is provided in the power tool, and a wireless signal receiver is provided in the dust collector. If the dust collector receives the driving signal of the power tool through wireless communication, the fan of the dust collector is driven to start suction. However, in the above structure, if the power tool is not capable of wireless communication, the wireless communication function cannot be used to perform linkage operation with external equipment such as a dust collector.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a wireless linkage system that can maintain compatibility with electric tools that do not have a wireless communication function and prevent malfunctions caused by linkage operations.

[0009] Technical means of solving problems

[0010] In a preferred example, the battery pack of the present invention is constructed as the following battery pack, which is a battery pack that supplies driving power to an electric tool, including: a wireless communication unit for wirelessly communicating with an external device; and a control unit that performs a first determination process for determining the state of the wireless communication connection with the external device; when the control unit determines in the first determination process that the wireless communication has been established, the control unit sends a linkage command to the external device, and can execute a communication connection release process for releasing the wireless communication in the state where the wireless communication has been established. In addition, in a preferred example, the wireless linkage system of the present invention is constructed as the following wireless linkage system, which is a wireless linkage system including the battery pack, the electric tool, and an external machine with a wireless communication function, wherein the electric tool includes: an electric tool motor; a front end tool driven by the driving force of the electric tool motor; and a tool side connection terminal for connecting to the battery pack, and the external machine includes: an external machine motor; a machine wireless communication unit for wirelessly communicating with the battery pack; and a machine control unit for operating the external machine motor according to the linkage instruction received from the battery pack, and stopping the operation of the external machine motor according to the communication connection release processing executed by the control unit.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to maintain compatibility with an electric tool that does not have a wireless communication function and prevent malfunctions caused by linked operations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration example of a wireless linkage system.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit configuration of a dust collector (AC dust collector) as an example of an external device.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit configuration of a dust collector (direct current (DC) dust collector) as an example of an external device.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a connection circuit structure between a circular saw without a microcontroller (Micro Controller Unit, MCU) and a battery pack as an example of an electric tool.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a connection circuit structure between a circular saw having an MCU and a battery pack as another example of an electric tool.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a connection circuit structure between a multi-voltage (MV) circular saw and a battery pack as another example of an electric tool.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the connection circuit structure of the main parts of the battery pack when the electric tool is not connected.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the connection circuit structure of the main parts of the battery pack when an electric tool corresponding to 18V is connected.

[0021] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing the connection circuit structure of the main parts of the battery pack when a 36V-compatible electric tool is connected.

[0022] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the battery pack in the wireless linkage system.

[0023] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of external devices in the wireless linkage system.

[0024] Explanation of symbols

[0025] 1000: Wireless linkage system

[0026] 1: Dust collector

[0027] 2: Circular Saw

[0028] 4: Dust collection hose

[0029] 5: Clamping mechanism

[0030] 3: Power cable

[0031] 6: Battery Pack

[0032] 201: AC power supply

[0033] 202: Main switch

[0034] 203: Power circuit

[0035] 204: Motor

[0036] 205: Switch

[0037] 206: Operation panel

[0038] 207: Display Panel

[0039] 208: Wireless Communications Department

[0040] 209: Control Department

[0041] 301: DC power supply

[0042] 302: Main switch

[0043] 303: Power circuit

[0044] 304: Motor

[0045] 305: Switch

[0046] 306: Operation panel

[0047] 307: Display Panel

[0048] 308: Wireless Communications Department

[0049] 309: Control Department

[0050] 620: Charge / discharge control unit

[0051] 602a: Upper positive voltage detection circuit

[0052] 701a: Switch

[0053] 702a: Resistors

[0054] 703a: Resistors

[0055] 602b: Lower positive voltage detection circuit

[0056] 701b: Switch

[0057] 601b: Lower positive terminal

[0058] 702b: Resistors

[0059] 703b: Resistors

[0060] 604: Trigger detection circuit

[0061] 704: Switch

[0062] 705: Resistors DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Hereinafter, embodiments of a battery pack, an electric tool, and a system including a battery pack, an electric tool, and an external device will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same symbols are attached to the same or equivalent components, members, etc. shown in each of the drawings, and repeated descriptions are omitted as appropriate. In addition, the embodiments do not limit the invention but are exemplified, and all the features or their combinations described in the embodiments are not necessarily the essence of the invention.

[0064] Figure 1 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a structural example of a system (hereinafter referred to as a wireless linkage system) 1000 including a battery pack, an electric tool, and an external device in this embodiment. Figure 1As shown, the wireless linkage system 1000 connects a dust collector 1 as an example of an external device to a circular saw 2 as an example of an electric tool using a dust collection hose 4, and the dust collector 1 can suck the chips and the like generated in the circular saw 2. The head of the dust collector 1 is detachably fixed to the upper part of the groove portion by a clamping mechanism 5 as a mounting mechanism.

[0065] The dust collector 1 and the circular saw 2 are connected via a power cable 3, and power can be supplied from the dust collector 1 to the circular saw 2. In addition, a battery pack 6 is provided in the circular saw 2 so that the circular saw 2 can be operated even when power is not supplied via the power cable 3. In addition, a circular saw is exemplified as an electric tool below, but various other electric tools including a jigsaw, a grinder, and a hammer drill can also be applied in the same manner. First, the dust collector 1 will be described.

[0066] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a dust collector (AC dust collector) as an example of an external device. Figure 2 As shown, the AC dust collector has: an AC power supply 201; a main switch 202, which is used to supply the AC power obtained from the AC power supply 201 to the motor 204; a power supply circuit 203, which converts the AC power supplied from the AC power supply 201 into DC power that can be used by the operation panel 206, the display panel 207, the wireless communication unit 208, and the control unit 209, and then outputs it; and a switch 205, which is used to control the drive of the motor 204 according to the instruction signal from the operation panel 206.

[0067] In addition, the dust collector 1 has: an operation panel 206, which accepts operations on the dust collector 1 from the user; a display panel 207, which displays the operation status of the dust collector 1 that has received the operations accepted via the operation panel 206; a wireless communication unit 208, which performs wireless communication between the dust collector 1 and the battery pack 6; and a control unit 209, which controls each unit of the dust collector 1.

[0068] The operation panel 206 includes: a communication mode switch 206a, which switches the on / off of the wireless communication using the wireless communication unit 208; and a strong / weak switch 206b, which switches the setting of the strength of the driving force of the motor 204, or single action / interlocking. The so-called single action refers to a mode in which the dust collector 1 is not linked with the battery pack 6 and operates independently, and the so-called interlocking refers to a mode in which the dust collector 1 operates in an interlocking operation in conjunction with the battery pack 6.

[0069] The display panel 207 is a panel that receives the pressing of each switch of the operation panel 206 and displays the communication state, the strength of the motor speed, single action / interlocking, and other information related to the communication state (non-communication, connection trial, communication establishment), driving state, and operation mode of the dust collector 1 set by the control unit 209. For example, when the communication speed is above the fixed speed, the control unit 209 displays a green light indicating that the communication is established in a good communication state on the display panel 207, and when the communication speed is less than the fixed speed, the display panel 207 displays a red light indicating that the communication state is not good. In addition, for example, when the speed of the motor 204 is above the prescribed threshold, the control unit 209 displays "strong" indicating that the output of the motor is high on the display panel 207, and when the speed of the motor 204 is less than the prescribed threshold, the display panel 207 displays "weak" indicating that the output of the motor is low. In addition, for example, the control unit 209 displays the operation mode (single action / interlocking) that has been operated in the strong and weak switch 206b.

[0070] The wireless communication unit 208 is a unit that transmits and receives specified information between the battery pack installed in the power tool according to wireless communication standards such as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication or Bluetooth (both registered trademarks). The wireless communication unit 208 is configured as a circuit unit, for example, and the circuit unit has: a chip equipped with a communication module for wireless communication according to the standard, and an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves in the frequency band specified by the standard.

[0071] The control unit 209 is a unit that controls each part of the dust collector 1. The control unit 209 controls the motor 204 according to whether the linkage signal has been received from the battery pack installed in the power tool. In addition, when the strong and weak switch 206b is operated and the linkage mode has been set, the control unit 209 performs various processes of trial, connection, and release of wireless communication with the battery pack 6. The specific processing performed by the control unit 209 will be described later.

[0072] exist Figure 2 In the description of the dust collector which is powered by AC power, Figure 3 As shown, the dust collector 1 may be configured as a dust collector 1' that receives power supply from a DC power source such as a battery included in the dust collector 1.

[0073] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a dust collector (DC dust collector) as an example of an external device. Figure 3As shown, the DC dust collector has: a DC power supply 301, including a battery cell, etc.; a main switch 302, which is used to supply the DC power obtained from the DC power supply 301 to the motor 304; a power circuit 303, which outputs the DC power supplied from the DC power supply 301 to the operation panel 306, the display panel 307, the wireless communication unit 308, and the control unit 309; and a switch 305, which is used to control the drive of the motor 304 according to the instruction signal from the operation panel 306. The structure of each part of the operation panel 306, the display panel 307, the wireless communication unit 308, and the control unit 309 is similar to Figure 2 In fact, various detection circuits for detecting the voltage, temperature, current, etc. of the battery cells constituting the DC power supply 301, or protection circuits for protecting the battery cells from overcharge, overdischarge and overcurrent, and control circuits for controlling discharge are provided.

[0074] Figure 4 2 is a schematic diagram of a connection circuit structure between a circular saw 2a (without MCU (microcontroller)) as an example of an electric tool and a battery pack 6. Figure 4 As shown, the circular saw 2a without MCU has: a tool side positive terminal 401; a main switch 402 for supplying power supplied from the battery pack 6 to the motor 404; a tool side trigger detection terminal 403 for detecting that power is being supplied from the battery pack 6; a motor 404 for driving the circular saw 2a without MCU; a switch element 405 for switching the passage and blocking of the charging current from the tool side positive terminal 401 to the tool side negative terminal 406; a tool side negative terminal 406; and a tool side laser diode (LaserDiode, LD) terminal 407 for outputting the voltage value of the electric tool. The switch element 405 is, for example, a P-channel field effect transistor (FieldEffectTransistor, FET) or an insulated gate bipolar transistor (Insulated Gate BipolarTransistor, IGBT).

[0075] The battery pack 6 includes two monomer units with a rated output voltage of 18V, which can correspond to two voltage batteries of 36V and 18V. Figure 4As shown, the battery pack 6 has: an upper positive terminal 601a (a terminal for supplying power to the electric tool) for connecting a first monomer unit, which is one of the 18V monomer units, to the tool-side positive terminal 401; a lower positive terminal 601b for connecting a second monomer unit, which is another of the 18V monomer units, to the tool-side positive terminal 401; and a voltage detection circuit 602 for detecting a voltage applied to the positive terminal 601. The voltage detection circuit 602 includes an upper positive voltage detection circuit 602a for detecting a voltage applied to the upper positive terminal 601a, and a lower positive voltage detection circuit 602b for detecting a voltage applied to the lower positive terminal 601b.

[0076] In addition, the battery pack 6 has: a battery-side trigger detection terminal 603 for connecting to the tool-side trigger detection terminal 403; a trigger detection circuit 604 for detecting that the battery-side trigger detection terminal 603 is receiving power supply from the power tool; a wireless communication unit 605, which is a circuit for communicating with an external device (for example, the dust collector 1) according to a wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi communication or Bluetooth (both are registered trademarks); an upper negative terminal 606a for connecting the first monomer unit to the tool-side negative terminal 406; and a lower negative terminal 606b for connecting the second monomer unit to the tool-side negative terminal 406. Furthermore, the battery pack 6 has: a battery-side LD terminal 607 for inputting a voltage value of the power tool, and a device power detection circuit 608 for causing the battery-side LD terminal 607 to detect the voltage value of the power tool.

[0077] In addition, the battery pack 6 includes a monomer unit 609a as the first monomer unit connected to the upper positive terminal 601a, and an upper monomer unit protection circuit 610a for protecting the monomer unit 609a. The monomer unit 609a is connected in series with a plurality of battery cells. An overcharge detection circuit 611a and an overdischarge detection circuit 612a are connected to the upper monomer unit protection circuit 610a.

[0078] In addition, the battery pack 6 includes a monomer unit 609b as the second monomer unit connected to the lower positive terminal 601b, and a lower monomer unit protection circuit 610b for protecting the monomer unit 609b. The monomer unit 609b is connected in series with a plurality of battery cells. An overcharge detection circuit 611b and an overdischarge detection circuit 612b are connected to the lower monomer unit protection circuit 610b.

[0079] These protection circuits are used to monitor the voltage of each battery cell to prevent over-discharge or over-charge in any of the battery cells. The voltage of the battery cell rises with charging, so if charging continues and reaches the threshold voltage (charging limit voltage) for full charge, a signal is output from the protection circuit. These protection circuits also output a signal when at least one of the battery cells drops to a threshold voltage (discharging limit voltage) at which there is a concern of over-discharge. As an example, the protection circuit outputs a high signal at the normal operating voltage of the battery pack 6 when it is neither over-discharged nor fully charged, and outputs a low signal such as a set voltage except for normal conditions such as notifying over-discharge or full charge.

[0080] The power supply circuit 613 is a circuit that generates operating voltages of the first and second monomer units based on the voltages of the first and second monomer units, and supplies the voltages to the charge / discharge control unit 620 .

[0081] The cell temperature detection circuit 614 includes a temperature detection element such as a thermistor (not shown) disposed near each battery cell constituting the cell unit 609 a and the cell unit 609 b , detects the temperature of each battery cell, and sends the temperature to the charge / discharge control unit 620 .

[0082] The current detection circuit 615 detects the current of the cell unit 609 b based on the voltage across the resistor 621 (fixed resistor) connected in series to the cell unit 609 b , and sends the current to the charge / discharge control unit 620 .

[0083] The remaining capacity switch 616 is a switch for the user to confirm the remaining capacity of the battery pack 6. The communication switch 617 is an example of an operated portion, and is a switch for the user to confirm the communication state of the battery pack 6, or to control the communication between the battery pack 6 and an external device (switching between non-communication, connection trial, and communication establishment). In addition, it is not necessary to use a single communication switch 617 to perform control with an external device (switching between non-communication, connection trial, and communication establishment), and a communication switch corresponding to each control may be provided.

[0084] The remaining capacity display panel 618 is a panel for the charge / discharge control unit 620 to display the remaining capacity of the battery pack 6 at that time when the user presses the remaining capacity switch 616. For example, when the remaining capacity of the battery pack 6 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the charge / discharge control unit 620 displays a green light indicating that the remaining capacity is large on the remaining capacity display panel 618, and when the remaining capacity of the battery pack 6 is less than the predetermined threshold, the charge / discharge control unit 620 displays a red light indicating that the remaining capacity is small on the remaining capacity display panel 618.

[0085] The communication status display panel 619 is a panel for displaying the pairing status with an external device that performs wireless communication, or the charging / discharging control unit 620 displays the communication status (non-communication, connection trial, communication established) of the wireless communication unit 605 when the communication switch 617 is pressed by the user. For example, when the communication speed is higher than the fixed speed, the charging / discharging control unit 620 displays a green light indicating that the communication is established in a good communication state on the communication status display panel 619, and when the communication speed is lower than the fixed speed, the communication status display panel 619 displays a red light indicating that the communication state is poor. In addition, for example, when the pairing process is successful, the communication status display panel 619 displays a green light indicating the above, and when the pairing process fails, the communication status display panel 619 displays a red light indicating the above.

[0086] The charge / discharge control unit 620 is a circuit including a central processing unit (CPU) that outputs a drive signal according to a program and data, a read-only memory (ROM) that stores programs and data, a random access memory (RAM) that temporarily stores data, and a timer, and controls the operation of each part of the battery pack 6.

[0087] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, the connection between the circular saw 2a without MCU and the battery pack 6 is illustrated as an example of the electric tool. Hereinafter, the connection circuit structure of another example of the electric tool will be described.

[0088] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a connection circuit structure of a circular saw 2 b having an MCU and a battery pack 6 as another example of an electric tool. Figure 5 The structure other than the communication connection terminal 622 of the battery pack 6 is the same as Figure 4 The communication connection terminal 622 is a connection terminal for allowing the charge / discharge control unit 620 of the battery pack 6 to communicate with the control unit 422 of the circular saw 2b having an MCU to transmit and receive various control information.

[0089] like Figure 5As shown, the circular saw 2b with MCU has: a tool side positive terminal 411; a main switch 412 for supplying power from the battery pack 6 to the motor 414; a tool side trigger detection terminal 413 for detecting that power is being supplied from the battery pack 6; a motor 414 for driving the circular saw 2b with MCU; a switch element 415 for switching the passage and blocking of the charging current from the tool side positive terminal 411 to the tool side negative terminal 416; a tool side negative terminal 416; and a tool side LD terminal 417 for outputting the voltage value of the electric tool. Figure 4 Similarly to the case of , the switch element 415 includes, for example, a P-channel FET or an IGBT.

[0090] In addition, the circular saw 2 b with MCU includes a battery voltage detection circuit 418 , a power supply circuit 419 , a trigger detection circuit 420 , a current detection circuit 421 , a control unit 422 , and a communication connection terminal 423 .

[0091] The battery voltage detection circuit 418 is a detection component for measuring the voltage of the battery pack 6, and its output is connected to the analog / digital (A / D) converter of the control unit 422. The control unit 422 inputs a digital value corresponding to the detected battery voltage from the A / D converter, compares the digital value with a predetermined value set in advance, and when the remaining battery level is less than the predetermined value, that is, when it becomes an over-discharge state, the FET is turned into a blocking state, that is, the gate signal of the FET is turned into a low (LOW), thereby temporarily making the motor 414 non-rotating to protect the battery pack 6.

[0092] The power circuit 419 is a circuit for maintaining the power supply of the control unit 422. When the main switch 412 is turned off while the power supply of the control unit 422 is not turned on, the control unit 422 is activated, and a command to maintain the power supply is continuously outputted from the control unit 422 to the power circuit 419, thereby maintaining the power supply to the control unit 422 even when the main switch 412 is restored, and the operation continues.

[0093] The trigger detection circuit 420 is a circuit for detecting that the main switch 412 has been turned off, and outputs a signal indicating that the main switch 412 has been turned off to the control unit 422 .

[0094] The current detection circuit 421 is a circuit for detecting the current flowing in the circuit (the current flowing into the motor 414), and is connected to the A / D converter of the control unit 422. The current detection circuit 421 detects the potential difference (voltage across the shunt resistor) between the tool-side negative terminal 416 connected to the negative terminal of the battery pack 6 in the discharge path and the tool-side positive terminal 411 on the upstream side of the discharge path relative to the tool-side negative terminal 416, and a digital value corresponding to the current value detected by the current detection circuit 421 is input to the A / D converter of the control unit 422. The control unit 422 compares the converted digital value with a preset threshold value, and if the potential difference is above the threshold value, it is determined that the trigger is on (the switch is on), and if the potential difference is below the threshold value or zero, it is determined that the trigger is off (the switch is off).

[0095] The control unit 422 includes, for example, a microcomputer, and controls each unit of the circular saw 2 b using the MCU.

[0096] The communication connection terminal 423 is a connection terminal for allowing the control unit 422 to communicate with the charge / discharge control unit 620 of the battery pack 6 to transmit and receive various control information.

[0097] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a connection circuit structure between an MV (multi-voltage) circular saw 2 c and a battery pack 6 as another example of an electric tool. Figure 6 The structure of the battery pack 6 is Figure 5 The structure shown in is the same as that shown in , so the same symbols are attached here and their description is omitted.

[0098] like Figure 6 As shown, the MV circular saw 2c has: a tool side positive terminal 431a, used to connect to the upper positive terminal 601a of the battery pack 6; a tool side multi-voltage positive terminal 431b, used to connect to the lower positive terminal 601b of the battery pack 6; a main switch 432, used to supply the power supplied from the battery pack 6 to the motor 434; a tool side trigger detection terminal 433, used to detect that power is being supplied from the battery pack 6; a motor 434, used to drive the MV circular saw 2c; a switch element 435, used to switch the passage and blocking of the charging current from the tool side positive terminal 431a to the tool side negative terminal 436b; a tool side multi-voltage negative terminal 436a, used to connect the tool side multi-voltage positive terminal 431b to the upper negative terminal 606a of the battery pack 6; a tool side negative terminal 436b, used to connect to the lower negative terminal 606b of the battery pack 6; and a tool side LD terminal 437, which outputs the voltage value of the electric tool. Figure 5 Similarly to the case of , the switch element 435 includes, for example, a P-channel FET or an IGBT.

[0099] In addition, the MV circular saw 2c includes a battery voltage detection circuit 438, a power supply circuit 439, a trigger detection circuit 440, a current detection circuit 441, a control unit 442, and a communication connection terminal 443. Figure 5 The battery voltage detection circuit 418, power supply circuit 419, trigger detection circuit 420, current detection circuit 421, control unit 422, and communication connection terminal 423 shown in FIG. 1 are the same, so their description is omitted here.

[0100] Thus, in the wireless linkage system 1000, various types of power tools can be connected to the battery pack 6. As shown below, the battery pack 6 in this embodiment can detect the connection state of the upper positive terminal 601a and the lower positive terminal 601b as the connection terminals, regardless of the circuit structure of the power tool side.

[0101] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing the connection circuit structure of the main parts of the battery pack 6 when the electric power tool is not connected.

[0102] The upper positive voltage detection circuit 602a includes: a switch 701a that opens and closes the upper positive voltage detection circuit 602a according to instructions from the charge / discharge control unit 620, and a resistor 702a and a resistor 703a for detecting the voltage (upper + voltage) applied to the upper positive terminal 601a when the switch 701a is turned on.

[0103] The lower positive voltage detection circuit 602b includes: a switch 701b that opens and closes the lower positive voltage detection circuit 602b according to instructions from the charge / discharge control unit 620, and a resistor 702b and a resistor 703b for detecting the voltage (lower + voltage) applied to the lower positive terminal 601b when the switch 701b is turned on.

[0104] The trigger detection circuit 604 includes a switch 704 that is turned on when the electric tool is not connected, and a resistor 705 for detecting a voltage (upper +′ voltage) applied to the upper positive terminal 601 a when the switch 704 is turned on.

[0105] exist Figure 7 In the above example, the charge / discharge control unit 620 can calculate the detection value of the upper + voltage by the following formula: Detection value of the upper + voltage = (detection value of the upper + ' voltage) × (resistor 702a + resistor 703a) / resistor 703a

[0106] In addition, the detection value of the upper +' voltage can be calculated by the following formula. In the following formula, the voltage of the upper monomer unit is the voltage of the monomer unit 609a. The detection value of the upper +' voltage = (the voltage of the upper monomer unit) × resistor 703a / (resistor 702a + resistor 703a + resistor 705)

[0107] Based on these calculations, the detected value of the upper + voltage can be finally calculated by the following calculation: Detected value of the upper + voltage = (voltage of the upper monomer unit) × (resistor 702a + resistor 703a) / (resistor 702a + resistor 703a + resistor 705)

[0108] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing the connection circuit structure of the main parts of the battery pack 6 when an electric tool corresponding to 18V is connected. Figure 7 The same as shown in , so the same symbols are attached here and their descriptions are omitted. Figure 8 In the figure, the upper positive terminal 601a and the lower positive terminal 601b of the battery pack 6 are respectively connected to the tool side positive terminal 401 (or the tool side positive terminal 411), and the upper negative terminal 606a and the lower negative terminal 606b of the battery pack 6 are respectively connected to the tool side negative terminal 406 (or the tool side negative terminal 416).

[0109] exist Figure 8 In the above, the charge / discharge control unit 620 can calculate the detection value of the upper + voltage by the following formula. That is, the detection value of the upper + 'voltage is calculated by the detection value of the upper + 'voltage = (the voltage of the upper monomer unit) × resistor 703a / (resistor 702a+resistor 703a+resistor 705). Here, if the resistor 705 is much smaller than the resistor 703a (resistor 705 << resistor 703a), the above formula can be expressed as follows. The detection value of the upper + 'voltage ≈ (the voltage of the upper monomer unit) × resistor 703a / (resistor 702a+resistor 703a)

[0110] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, the upper monomer unit is connected in parallel with the lower monomer unit, so it can be said that the detection value of the upper +′ voltage ≈ (the voltage of the lower monomer unit) × resistor 703a / (resistor 702a+resistor 703a). Therefore, the detection value of the upper + voltage can be calculated by the following formula. The detection value of the upper + voltage = (the voltage of the upper monomer unit) = (the voltage of the lower monomer unit)

[0111] Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing the connection circuit structure of the main parts of the battery pack 6 when a 36V electric tool is connected. Figure 7 The same as shown in , so the same symbols are attached here and their descriptions are omitted. Fig. 9In the embodiment, the tool side positive terminal 431a is connected to the upper positive terminal 601a of the battery pack 6, and the tool side multi-voltage positive terminal 431b is connected to the lower positive terminal 601b of the battery pack 6. In addition, the tool side multi-voltage negative terminal 436a is connected to the upper negative terminal 606a of the battery pack 6, and the tool side negative terminal 436b is connected to the lower negative terminal 606b of the battery pack 6. In this way, the monomer unit 609a and the monomer unit 609b are connected in series via the tool side multi-voltage positive terminal 431b and the tool side multi-voltage negative terminal 436a.

[0112] exist Fig. 9 In the above, the charge / discharge control unit 620 can calculate the detection value of the upper + voltage by the following formula. That is, the detection value of the upper + 'voltage is calculated by the detection value of the upper + 'voltage = (the voltage of the upper monomer unit + the voltage of the lower monomer unit) × resistor 703a / (resistor 702a+resistor 703a). Therefore, the detection value of the upper + voltage can be finally calculated by the following formula. Detection value of the upper + voltage = (the voltage of the upper monomer unit) + (the voltage of the lower monomer unit)

[0113] Thus, in this embodiment, the charge / discharge control unit 620 of the battery pack 6 calculates the voltage (upper + voltage) applied to the upper positive terminal 601a, thereby determining the type of the power tool connected to the battery pack 6 and whether the power tool is connected or not, without depending on the circuit structure on the power tool side. That is, the charge / discharge control unit 620 detects three states, namely, a state where a power tool is connected, a state where a power tool that does not correspond to multiple voltages is connected, and a state where a power tool that corresponds to multiple voltages is connected, according to the value of the voltage (upper + voltage) applied to the upper positive terminal 601a. ​​Specifically, according to Figure 7 to Figure 9 In the formulas shown in , the charge / discharge control unit 620 performs the following operation when the detected value of the upper + voltage ≥ the detected value of the lower + voltage ( Figure 8 , Fig. 9 ), it is determined that an electric tool is connected, and when the detection value of the upper + voltage is less than the detection value of the lower + voltage ( Figure 7 ), it is determined that the connection of the electric tool has been disconnected.

[0114] In addition, the switch 704 and the resistor 705 are preferably set as follows. Specifically, when the power tool is not connected, the upper + voltage is not fixed relative to the reference potential A. In addition, if the switch 704 is turned on, a discharge path of the lower monomer unit is formed when connected in series. Therefore, from the perspective of saving power or preventing voltage imbalance between the upper and lower monomer units, it is ideal to turn on the switch 704 only when the detection is performed. In the case of detecting the power tool connected in series, the frequency of turning on the switch 704 can be reduced as much as possible.

[0115] Fig.10This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the battery pack 6 in the wireless linkage system 1000. The wireless communication unit 605 of the battery pack 6 performs trial communication with an external device (e.g., the dust collector 1) according to the instruction from the charge / discharge control unit 620, and determines whether the communication is established (S1001).

[0116] When the wireless communication unit 605 determines that the communication with the external device is not established (S1001; No), it determines whether the current communication state is a communication connection trial state (S1002). The wireless communication unit 605 may determine that the communication connection trial state is within a predetermined time from the start of the communication trial, or that the communication switch 617 is pressed as a predetermined operation for the battery pack 6.

[0117] When the wireless communication unit 605 determines that the current communication state is not the communication connection trial state (S1002; No), it determines whether the communication switch 617 has been pressed as a prescribed operation for the battery pack 6, and whether an instruction signal for the trial communication connection has been received from the charge / discharge control unit 620 (S1003). When the wireless communication unit 605 determines that an instruction signal for the trial communication connection has been received from the charge / discharge control unit 620 (S1003; Yes), it changes to the communication connection trial state (S1004). On the other hand, when the wireless communication unit 605 determines that an instruction signal for the trial communication connection has not been received from the charge / discharge control unit 620 (S1003; No), it returns to S1001 without performing any processing and repeats the subsequent processing.

[0118] In S1002, when the wireless communication unit 605 determines that the current communication state is a communication connection trial state (S1002; Yes), it performs a connection trial process (S1005). The connection trial process is, for example, a process of pairing with an external device that performs wireless communication. In addition, when the communication switch 617 is pressed as a prescribed operation for the battery pack 6, it can also be changed to the connection trial process.

[0119] The wireless communication unit 605 determines whether a communication connection is established through the connection trial process (S1006). If it is determined that a communication connection is not established through the connection trial process (S1006; No), it further determines whether a communication trial is performed during a predetermined time period (S1007).

[0120] When the wireless communication unit 605 determines that the communication trial has been performed during the prescribed time (S1007; Yes), it determines that the communication connection with the external device cannot be established and changes to the non-communication state (S1008). In addition, when the communication switch 617 is pressed as a prescribed operation for the battery pack 6, it may also change to the non-communication state. On the other hand, when the wireless communication unit 605 determines that the communication trial has not been performed during the prescribed time (S1007; No), it does not perform any processing and directly returns to S1001 to repeat the subsequent processing.

[0121] In S1006, when the wireless communication unit 605 determines that the communication connection has been established through the connection trial process (S1006; Yes), it changes to the communication establishment state (S1009). In addition, when the communication switch 617 is pressed as a prescribed operation for the battery pack 6, it can also change to the communication establishment state.

[0122] In S1001, when the wireless communication unit 605 determines that the communication with the external device is established (S1001; Yes), the charge / discharge control unit 620 determines whether the voltage detection circuit 602 detects the voltage applied to the positive terminal 601 (or whether the current detection circuit 615 detects the current of the monomer unit 609b) (S1010). That is, the charge / discharge control unit 620 determines whether the voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 602 satisfies the following conditions: Figure 8 or Fig. 9 The status of the specified relationship is shown.

[0123] When the charge / discharge control unit 620 determines that the voltage detection circuit 602 detects the voltage applied to the positive terminal 601 (or the current detection circuit 615 detects the current of the single cell 609b) (S1010; Yes), it sends a linkage signal (linkage instruction) to the external device with which the communication connection was established in S1006 (S1011). On the other hand, when it is determined that the voltage detection circuit 602 detects the voltage applied to the positive terminal 601 and the current detection circuit 615 does not detect the current of the single cell 609b (S1010; No), it directly enters S1012 without performing any processing.

[0124] The charge / discharge control unit 620 determines whether the communication switch 617 of the battery pack 6 has been pressed in S1012. If it is determined that the switch has been pressed (S1012; Yes), the process proceeds to S1014. On the other hand, if it is determined that the switch has not been pressed (S1012; No), the charge / discharge control unit 620 determines whether the connection of the power tool has been released (S1013). As to whether the connection of the power tool has been released, the charge / discharge control unit 620 determines whether the voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 602 no longer satisfies the following conditions: Figure 8 or Fig. 9 The state of the predetermined relationship shown in the figure can be determined by the trigger detection circuit 604 or the signal for detecting that the power supply from the power tool is no longer received. By performing such processing, the battery pack 6 can determine that the connection of the power tool has been disconnected.

[0125] When the communication switch 617 of the battery pack 6 is determined to be pressed (S1012; Yes) or when the connection of the electric tool is determined to be released (S1013; Yes), the charge / discharge control unit 620 sends a wireless communication release command to the external device to release the wireless communication with the external device in the communication established state, performs the communication connection release process, and changes to the non-connected state (S1014). In addition, when the communication switch 617 is pressed as a prescribed operation for the battery pack 6, the communication connection release process may also be performed. On the other hand, when the charge / discharge control unit 620 determines that the connection of the electric tool is not released (S1013; No), it returns to S1001 and repeats the subsequent processes.

[0126] In this way, the charge / discharge control unit 620 of the battery pack 6 performs a first determination process (for example, Fig.10 S1001, S1003), when it is determined that the wireless communication is established, a second determination process is performed to determine whether the voltage detection circuit 602 detects the voltage applied to the positive terminal 601 and whether the current detection circuit 615 detects the current of the monomer unit 609b (for example, Fig.10 S1010). Moreover, when the first determination process and the second determination process are satisfied at the same time, a linkage signal (linkage instruction) for performing linkage operation with an external device is sent to the external device. Therefore, a linkage instruction can be reliably sent to an external device capable of wireless communication. In addition, since the battery pack executes all the above processes, even an existing power tool without a wireless communication function can maintain compatibility with an external device. In addition, if Fig.10When the connection with the electric tool is released as in S1013 and S1014, the wireless communication with the external device is released, thereby preventing malfunction of the external device caused by the linkage operation caused by the operation on the battery pack side.

[0127] Fig.11 1 is a flowchart showing the processing sequence of an external device (e.g., dust collector 1) in the wireless linkage system 1000. Figure 2 The AC dust collector shown in the figure is used for the following description, but it can also be considered Figure 3 A DC dust collector or other power tool as shown in .

[0128] The wireless communication unit 208 of the dust collector 1 performs trial communication with the battery pack 6 according to an instruction from the control unit 209, and determines whether the communication is established (S1101).

[0129] When the wireless communication unit 208 determines that the communication with the battery pack 6 is not established (S1101: No), it determines whether the current communication state is a communication connection trial state (S1102). The wireless communication unit 208 may determine that the communication connection trial state is within a predetermined time from the start of the communication trial, for example.

[0130] When the wireless communication unit 208 determines that the current communication state is not the communication connection trial state (S1102; No), the control unit 209 determines whether the power switch 206b of the operation panel 206 has been operated and has been set to the linkage mode (S1103). When the control unit 209 determines that the power switch 206b of the operation panel 206 has been operated and has been set to the linkage mode (S1103; Yes), it changes to the communication connection trial state (S1104). On the other hand, when the control unit 209 determines that the power switch 206b of the operation panel 206 has not been operated and has not been set to the linkage mode (S1103; No), it does not perform any processing and directly returns to S1101 to repeat the subsequent processing.

[0131] In S1102 , when the wireless communication unit 208 determines that the current communication state is the communication connection trial state ( S1102 ; Yes), the control unit 209 determines whether the linkage mode is set ( S1105 ) similarly to the case of S1103 .

[0132] When the control unit 209 determines that the linkage mode has been set (S1105; Yes), the wireless communication unit 208 performs a connection trial process (S1107). The connection trial process is, for example, a process of pairing with the battery pack 6 that performs wireless communication. On the other hand, when the control unit 209 determines that the linkage mode has not been set (S1105; No), the wireless communication unit 208 changes to a non-communication state (S1106), returns to S1101, and repeats the subsequent processes.

[0133] The wireless communication unit 208 determines whether a communication connection is established through the connection trial process (S1108). If it is determined that a communication connection is not established through the connection trial process (S1108; No), it returns to S1101 without performing any processing and repeats the subsequent processing.

[0134] In S1108 , when the wireless communication unit 208 determines that the communication connection has been established by the connection trial process ( S1108 ; Yes), it shifts to the communication established state ( S1109 ).

[0135] In S1101, when the wireless communication unit 208 determines that the communication with the battery pack 6 is established (S1101; Yes), the wireless communication unit 208 determines whether the linkage signal (linkage command) has been received from the battery pack 6 (S1110). When the wireless communication unit 208 determines that the linkage signal (linkage command) has been received from the battery pack 6 (S1110; Yes), the control unit 209 turns on the motor 204 (S1111). On the other hand, when the wireless communication unit 208 determines that the linkage signal (linkage command) has not been received from the battery pack 6 (S1110; No), the control unit 209 determines whether the state in which the wireless communication unit 208 has not received the linkage signal (linkage command) has continued for a predetermined time (S1112).

[0136] When the control unit 209 determines that the state in which the wireless communication unit 208 does not receive the linkage signal (linkage instruction) continues for a predetermined time (S1112; Yes), the motor 204 is turned off (S1113). On the other hand, when the control unit 209 determines that the state does not continue for a predetermined time (S1112; No), it proceeds to S1114 without performing any processing.

[0137] The control unit 209 determines whether the linkage mode has been set in S1103 or S1105 (S1114). If it is determined that the linkage mode has been set (S1114; Yes), the control unit 209 returns to S1101 without performing any processing and repeats the subsequent processing.

[0138] On the other hand, when the control unit 209 determines that the linkage mode is not set (S1114; No), it performs a communication connection release process to release the wireless communication with the external device in the communication established state, and shifts to the disconnected state (S1115).

[0139] In this way, the control unit 209 of the external device performs a third determination process (for example, Fig.11 In S1101), when it is determined that the wireless communication is established, it is further determined whether a linkage signal (linkage command) has been received from the battery pack 6. When it is determined that the linkage signal (linkage command) has been received, the motor 204 is turned on. Therefore, the linkage operation with the battery pack 6 can be surely performed. In addition, the control unit 209 determines whether the linkage mode has been set in the state where the motor 204 has been turned on. When it is determined that the linkage mode has not been set in the state, the wireless communication with the battery pack 6 is cancelled, thereby preventing the malfunction of the external device caused by the linkage operation caused by the operation on the external device side.

[0140] In addition, in the present embodiment, as the communication connection release processing, a structure is set to send a wireless communication release instruction to an external device, but the method of the communication connection release processing is not limited to the above method. For example, it can also be set to be a structure in which a connection confirmation signal is mutually transmitted and received between the battery pack and the external device in a wireless communication state, and the wireless communication is released when either one cannot receive the connection confirmation signal within a specified time, and the communication connection release processing is set as a processing in which the battery pack no longer sends a connection confirmation signal for more than a specified time. In addition, in the present embodiment, it is set to be a structure in which if it is determined that the connection between the battery pack and the electric tool has been released, the communication connection release processing is performed and the state is changed to a non-connected state ( Fig.10 S1013 for yes; S1014 for yes), but it is also possible to configure the communication connection disconnection processing to be performed after a predetermined time has passed after it is determined that the connection between the battery pack and the power tool has been disconnected. That is, the communication connection disconnection processing after the connection between the battery pack and the power tool has been disconnected may not be performed immediately, but may be performed after a predetermined time has passed. By configuring in this way, in the case where the connection and disconnection of the battery pack to the power tool are repeatedly repeated multiple times in a short period of time, it is not necessary to start from the initial connection. Fig.10 This is effective because it improves operability. For example, the battery pack and the power tool may have poor contact between the terminals due to vibrations caused by the power tool. Or, in order to confirm whether the connected battery pack is the intended battery pack, it is temporarily removed and then reconnected (checking the mark attached to the connection surface with the power tool, etc.). In addition, even if the battery pack is not disconnected from the power tool ( Fig.10If the unused state of any one of the battery pack, the electric tool, and the dust collector continues for a second predetermined time (e.g., several hours), the communication connection release process may also be performed. By configuring in this way, the power consumption of the battery pack can be suppressed.

Claims

1. A battery pack for supplying driving power to an electric tool, the battery pack comprising: A wireless communication unit for wirelessly communicating with an external device; A control unit that performs a first determination process for determining a state of a wireless communication connection with the external device; The first monomer unit and the second monomer unit each have a plurality of battery monomers connected in series; A first positive terminal and a first negative terminal connected to the first monomer unit; as well as A second positive terminal and a second negative terminal are connected to the second monomer unit, When it is determined in the first determination process that the wireless communication has been established, the control unit may transmit a linkage command to the external device and execute a communication connection release process for releasing the wireless communication in a state where the wireless communication has been established.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes terminals for connecting to power tools. The control unit executes the communication connection release process when the connection between the electric power tool and the terminal is released in the state where the wireless communication is established.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that: The terminal is a terminal for supplying electric power from the battery pack to the electric power tool.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The control unit executes the communication connection release process after a predetermined time has passed since the connection between the electric tool and the terminal was released.

5. The battery pack according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: Also includes a voltage detection circuit for detecting the voltage of the terminal, The control unit determines whether the connection between the electric tool and the terminal has been released based on a change in the voltage of the terminal.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control unit can execute a second determination process for determining whether the voltages of the terminals are in a predetermined relationship, and can determine whether the connection between the electric power tool and the terminals has been released through the second determination process.

7. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first and second positive terminals are short-circuited with the first and second negative terminals via a tool-side positive terminal and a tool-side negative terminal of the electric tool, respectively, so that the first monomer unit and the second monomer unit are connected in parallel.

8. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first positive terminal and the second negative terminal are respectively connected to a tool-side positive terminal and a tool-side negative terminal of the electric tool, and the second positive terminal is connected to the first negative terminal, whereby the first monomer unit and the second monomer unit are connected in series.

9. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: include: A first monomer unit protection circuit, for protecting the first monomer unit; as well as A second monomer unit protection circuit protects the second monomer unit, The control unit receives signals from the first cell protection circuit and the second cell protection circuit.

10. A battery pack for supplying driving power to an electric tool, the battery pack comprising: A wireless communication unit for wirelessly communicating with an external device; A control unit that performs a first determination process for determining a state of a wireless communication connection with the external device; A terminal connected to the electric tool; as well as a trigger detection circuit for detecting connection of the power tool to the battery pack, When it is determined in the first determination process that the wireless communication has been established, the control unit sends a linkage command to the external device, and can execute a communication connection release process for releasing the wireless communication in a state where the wireless communication has been established. The control unit determines whether the connection of the electric power tool has been released by determining whether a signal for detecting that the electric power tool is being supplied is no longer received from the trigger detection circuit.

11. A battery pack for supplying driving power to an electric tool, the battery pack comprising: A wireless communication unit for wirelessly communicating with an external device; A control unit that performs a first determination process for determining a state of a wireless communication connection with the external device; as well as an operated portion for receiving an operation for controlling the wireless communication with respect to the battery pack, When it is determined in the first determination process that the wireless communication has been established, the control unit sends a linkage command to the external device, and can execute a communication connection release process for releasing the wireless communication in a state where the wireless communication has been established. In the state where the wireless communication is established, the control unit executes the communication connection release process according to the operation performed on the operated unit.

12. A battery pack for supplying driving power to an electric tool, the battery pack comprising: A wireless communication unit for wirelessly communicating with an external device; as well as The control unit performs a first determination process for determining a state of a wireless communication connection with the external device, When it is determined in the first determination process that the wireless communication has been established, the control unit sends a linkage command to the external device, and can execute a communication connection release process for releasing the wireless communication in a state where the wireless communication has been established. As the communication connection release process, the control unit transmits a wireless communication release command for releasing the wireless communication to an external device.

13. A battery pack for supplying driving power to an electric tool, the battery pack comprising: A wireless communication unit for wirelessly communicating with an external device; A control unit that performs a first determination process for determining a state of a wireless communication connection with the external device; as well as a communication connection terminal connected to the control unit and used for sending and receiving information, When it is determined in the first determination process that the wireless communication has been established, the control unit sends a linkage command to the external device, and can execute a communication connection release process for releasing the wireless communication in a state where the wireless communication has been established. The interlocking command can be sent to the external device regardless of whether there is a tool-side communication connection terminal of the electric tool that can be connected to the communication connection terminal.

14. A battery pack for supplying driving power to an electric tool, the battery pack comprising: A wireless communication unit for wirelessly communicating with an external device; A control unit, controlling the wireless communication unit; as well as A communication connection terminal is connected to the control unit and is used to send and receive information. The battery pack is configured to be selectively connected to a first electric tool and a second electric tool as the electric tool, the first electric tool having a tool-side communication connection terminal that can be connected to the communication connection terminal, and the second electric tool not having the tool-side communication connection terminal. The control unit is configured to detect information of the connected electric tool regardless of whether the first electric tool or the second electric tool is connected, and when the information is detected, the control unit can send a linkage command to the external device.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, characterized in that: comprising a positive terminal connected to the electric tool and used to supply electric power to the electric tool, The control unit is configured to be capable of detecting information about the electric power tool based on a change in voltage of the positive terminal or the presence or absence of current.

16. A battery pack for supplying driving power to an electric tool, the battery pack comprising: A wireless communication unit for wirelessly communicating with an external device; A control unit, controlling the wireless communication unit; A detection unit, connected to the control unit, for detecting the driving of the electric tool; as well as A communication connection terminal is connected to the control unit and is used to send and receive information. When the communication connection terminal is connected to the tool-side communication connection terminal of the electric tool, the control unit is configured to transmit and receive the information with the electric tool via the communication connection terminal and the tool-side communication connection terminal. When wireless communication between the wireless communication unit and the external device is established, the control unit is configured to input driving information of the electric tool through the detection unit instead of through the communication connection terminal, and to send a linkage command to the external device through the wireless communication unit.

17. The battery pack according to claim 16, characterized in that: The battery pack is configured to be selectively connected to a first electric tool and a second electric tool as the electric tool, the first electric tool having the tool-side communication connection terminal and the second electric tool not having the tool-side communication connection terminal, The control unit is configured to transmit the interlocking instruction to the external device regardless of whether the external device is connected to the first electric tool or the second electric tool.

18. A wireless linkage system, comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 17, an electric tool, and an external device with a wireless communication function, wherein the wireless linkage system is characterized in that: The electric tool comprises: Power tool motors; A front end tool driven by the driving force of the electric tool motor; as well as A tool-side connection terminal, used to connect to the battery pack, The external machine includes: External machine motors; a machine wireless communication unit, configured to wirelessly communicate with the battery pack; and The device control unit operates the external device motor according to the interlocking command received from the battery pack, and stops the operation of the external device motor according to the communication connection release processing executed by the control unit.

19. The wireless linkage system according to claim 18, characterized in that: The external machine is a dust collector, The dust collector can be switched between a linkage mode in which the dust collector operates in linkage with the battery pack and a single-action mode in which the dust collector operates independently without being linked with the battery pack. The device control unit is configured to operate the external device motor upon receiving the interlocking command from the battery pack when the interlocking mode is set, and not operate the external device motor in response to the interlocking command when the single-action mode is set.

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