charger

Abstract

This invention provides a charger that efficiently controls a single fan cooling multiple converters by utilizing multiple control circuits that control multiple converters separately. A first converter generates a first charging current. A second converter generates a second charging current. A first control circuit controlling the first converter requests fan activation in response to the fulfillment of a first drive condition. A second control circuit controlling the second converter requests fan activation in response to the fulfillment of a second drive condition. A request processing circuit outputs a drive signal to the fan based on the request for fan activation from the first control circuit and / or the second control circuit. The fan, upon receiving the drive signal, delivers cooling air to both the first and second converters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a charger capable of charging multiple battery packs. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a charging device capable of housing two battery packs. This charging device includes a control board. The control board is equipped with two voltage conversion circuits for charging the two battery packs separately, and a control circuit for controlling the two voltage conversion circuits. The charging device also includes a fan for cooling the two battery packs. Patent Document 1 discloses that the fan cools both the two battery packs and the control board.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6443663 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Controlling the charging of two battery packs with a single control circuit is not easy. Therefore, for various purposes such as improving charging control efficiency and simplifying the control circuit structure, it is considered to set up an independent control circuit for each battery pack. In this case, it is also desirable to be able to cool the two voltage conversion circuits with a common fan.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a charger that independently provides a converter and control circuitry for each of a plurality of installable battery packs, and to efficiently control a common fan that cools the plurality of converters using the plurality of control circuitry.

[0008] One aspect of the charger of the present invention includes: a first mounting part, a second mounting part, a first converter, a second converter, a fan, a first control circuit and a second control circuit, and a request processing circuit.

[0009] The first mounting section allows for the detachable installation of the first battery pack. The first battery pack includes a first battery. The second mounting section allows for the detachable installation of the second battery pack. The second battery pack includes a second battery.

[0010] The first converter generates a first charging current. The first charging current charges the first battery of the first battery pack installed in the first mounting section. The second converter generates a second charging current. The second charging current charges the second battery of the second battery pack installed in the second mounting section.

[0011] The fan delivers air to both the first and second converters to cool them, depending on the received drive signal.

[0012] The first control circuit controls the first converter. The first control circuit also requests fan drive in response to the fulfillment of the first drive condition. The second control circuit controls the second converter. The second control circuit also requests fan drive in response to the fulfillment of the second drive condition.

[0013] The request processing circuit outputs a drive signal to the fan based on the request for fan drive from the first control circuit and / or the second control circuit.

[0014] Regarding such a charger, the first control circuit and the second control circuit each request fan drive in response to the fulfillment of their respective drive conditions. When at least one of the first control circuit and the second control circuit requests fan drive, the request processing circuit outputs a drive signal to the fan, thereby driving the fan. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently control one fan using the first control circuit and the second control circuit.

[0015] Furthermore, the first converter can generate the first charging current in any manner based on any power source. For example, the first converter can generate the first charging current by accepting AC power and converting it to DC power. Alternatively, for example, the first converter can generate the first charging current by accepting DC power and converting it to another type of DC power with a different voltage. Similarly, the second converter can generate the second charging current in any manner based on any power source, just like the first converter described above.

[0016] The first control circuit can output a first signal to the first converter in response to the establishment of the first charging condition. The first signal indicates the generation of the first charging current. The first converter can generate the first charging current based on the receipt of the first signal. The first driving condition can be established in response to the establishment of the first charging condition.

[0017] In this type of charger, the fan is driven when the possibility of the first converter heating up increases with the generation of the first charging current. Therefore, the fan can be driven efficiently as needed.

[0018] The second control circuit can output a second signal to the second converter in response to the establishment of the second charging condition. The second signal indicates the generation of the second charging current. The second converter can generate the second charging current based on the receipt of the second signal. The second driving condition can be established in response to the establishment of the second charging condition.

[0019] In this type of charger, the fan is driven when the possibility of the second converter heating up increases due to the generation of the second charging current. Therefore, the fan can be driven efficiently as needed.

[0020] Furthermore, the first driving condition can be established in accordance with the establishment of the first charging condition, and more specifically, it can be established at any time. For example, the first driving condition can be established simultaneously with the establishment of the first charging condition. Additionally, for example, the first driving condition can be established when the first signal is output to the first converter. Furthermore, for example, the first driving condition can be established when the first converter actually begins to generate or output the first charging current. Similarly, the second driving condition can be established in accordance with the establishment of the second charging condition, and more specifically, it can be established at any time.

[0021] The fan can have a rotating body that generates airflow through rotation. The charger can also have a non-rotation detection circuit. The non-rotation detection circuit detects a non-rotation state. The non-rotation state is the state in which the rotating body is not rotating. The non-rotation detection circuit outputs a non-rotation detection signal based on the detected non-rotation state. The non-rotation detection signal indicates that a non-rotation state has occurred. The first control circuit and the second control circuit can each receive the non-rotation detection signal.

[0022] Regarding such a charger, the first control circuit and the second control circuit can each perform various controls corresponding to the state of the rotating body based on the non-rotation detection signal. These various control processes may include, for example, the protection processes described below.

[0023] That is, the first control circuit requesting fan drive can perform a first protection process based on receiving a no-rotation detection signal. The first protection process may include reducing the first charging current or stopping the generation of the first charging current.

[0024] Such a charger can suppress overheating of the first converter even when the rotating body does not rotate when the first converter generates the first charging current.

[0025] Additionally, the second control circuit requesting fan drive can execute a second protection process based on the receipt of a no-rotation detection signal. The second protection process may include reducing the second charging current or stopping the generation of the second charging current.

[0026] Such a charger can suppress overheating of the second converter even when the rotating body does not rotate when the second converter generates the second charging current.

[0027] The first control circuit requesting fan drive can continue to perform the first protection process while the first drive condition is met, even if the non-rotation detection circuit does not detect a non-rotation state after receiving a non-rotation detection signal. Such a charger can further suppress overheating of the first converter.

[0028] The second control circuit, which is requesting fan drive, can continue to perform the second protection process while the second drive condition is met, even if the non-rotation detection circuit does not detect a non-rotation state after receiving a non-rotation detection signal. Such a charger can further suppress overheating of the second converter.

[0029] The request processing circuit can be set separately from the first control circuit and the second control circuit. For such a charger, the first control circuit and the second control circuit can be easily configured separately.

[0030] The first control circuit can request fan drive by outputting a third signal in response to the fulfillment of the first drive condition. The second control circuit can request fan drive by outputting a fourth signal in response to the fulfillment of the second drive condition. The request processing circuit can receive the third signal and / or the fourth signal. The request processing circuit can output a drive signal to the fan based on the receipt of the third signal and / or the fourth signal.

[0031] Such a charger can appropriately and easily implement fan driving based on requests from the first control circuit and the second control circuit respectively. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the charger according to the implementation method.

[0033] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram showing the electrical structure of the charger according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram showing the details of the circuitry related to driving the circuit cooling fan.

[0035] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between each drive signal F1, F2 and the operating state of the circuit cooling fan.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram showing the details of the circuitry related to the startup of the input adjustment circuit.

[0037] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between each start signal So1, So2 and the operating state of the input adjustment circuit.

[0038] Figure 7 This is the flowchart for the main processing.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the circuit cooling fan control process.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0041] 1… Charger; 10… First charging port; 15… Second charging port; 27… Circuit cooling fan; 27a… Rotating body; 27b… Non-rotation detection circuit; 30… First control circuit; 30a, 40a… CPU; 30b, 40b… Memory; 31… First DC-DC converter; 32… First conduction transmission circuit; 33… First control transmission circuit; 40… Second control circuit; 41… Second DC-DC converter; 42… Second conduction transmission circuit; 43… Second control transmission circuit; 53… Second OR circuit; 54… Fan drive circuit; 101… First battery pack; 102… Second battery pack; 111, 112… Battery. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] [1. Implementation Method]

[0044] (1-1) Overview of the charger

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the charger 1 has multiple charging ports. Each charging port allows the battery pack to be detachably installed. In this embodiment, the charger 1 has, for example, two charging ports, namely a first charging port 10 and a second charging port 15. Alternatively, it may have three or more charging ports.

[0046] The first battery pack 101 is detachably mounted to the first charging port 10. The first battery pack 101 includes a battery 111. The first battery pack 101 is mounted to the first charging port 10 by sliding the first battery pack 101 from the rear to the front of the charger 1 on the upper surface of the charger 1.

[0047] The first charging port 10 has a first connection portion 11. The first battery pack 101 installed in the first charging port 10 is electrically connected to the first connection portion 11. The charger 1 supplies charging power to the first battery pack 101 via the first connection portion 11 for charging the battery 111.

[0048] The first charging port 10 also has a first intake port 12. The charger 1 also has a first exhaust port 6. Inside the charger 1 and near, for example, the first exhaust port 6, a first fan 25 is provided (see reference). Figure 2A first fan 25 is provided to cool the first battery pack 101 installed at the first charging port 10. The first fan 25 is used to create an airflow from the first intake port 12 through the interior of the charger 1 to the first exhaust port 6. That is, outside air is drawn in from the first intake port 12 and air inside the charger 1 is exhausted from the first exhaust port 6. Although detailed description is omitted, the first battery pack 101 is cooled by means of this airflow.

[0049] The second charging port 15 is configured to be substantially the same as the first charging port 10. That is, the second battery pack 102 is detachably mounted to the second charging port 15. The second battery pack 102 includes a battery 112. The second charging port 15 includes a second connection portion 16. The charger 1 supplies charging power to the second battery pack 102 via the second connection portion 16 for charging the battery 112.

[0050] The second charging port 15 also has a second intake port 17. The charger 1 also has a second exhaust port 7. A second fan 26 is provided inside the charger 1 and, for example, near the second exhaust port 7 (see reference). Figure 2 A second fan 26 is provided to cool the second battery pack 102 installed at the second charging port 15. The second fan 26 is used to create an airflow from the second intake port 17 through the interior of the charger 1 to the second exhaust port 7. The first battery pack 101 is cooled by this airflow.

[0051] Furthermore, the first charging port 10 and the second charging port 15 can each be fitted with the same type of battery pack. That is, the first battery pack 101 can be installed in the second charging port 15, and the second battery pack 102 can be installed in the first charging port 10. Conversely, the first charging port 10 and the second charging port 15 can also be fitted with battery packs of different types.

[0052] The charger 1 also includes at least one third intake port 2 and at least one third exhaust port 3. In this embodiment, as... Figure 1 As shown in the example, the charger 1 has two third intake ports 2 and two third exhaust ports 3.

[0053] One of the two third inlet ports 2 can be, for example, as follows: Figure 1 As shown in the example, it is located near the lower end of the right side of the charger 1. The other of the two third intake ports 2 can, for example, be located near the lower end of the right side of the charger 1. Figure 1 As shown in the example, it is positioned near the right end of the lower surface of the charger 1. The two third intake ports 2 can, for example, be positioned close to each other. The two third exhaust ports 3 can, for example, be positioned as follows: Figure 1 As shown in the example, the left side of charger 1 is arranged to be adjacent to each other in the vertical direction.

[0054] A circuit cooling fan 27 is provided inside the charger 1 and near, for example, two third row outlets 3 (see reference). Figure 2 The circuit cooling fan 27 is separately provided from the first fan 25 and the second fan 26. The circuit cooling fan 27 is provided to cool the interior of the charger housing. In this embodiment, the circuit cooling fan 27 is capable of cooling at least the first DC-DC converter 31 (see below) described later. Figure 2 ) and the second DC-DC converter 41 (see reference) Figure 2 Cooling is performed.

[0055] The charger 1 also includes a first display 4 and a second display 5. The first display 4 and the second display 5 respectively display various information to the user of the charger 1. In this embodiment, the first display 4 and the second display 5 each have, for example, three LEDs (not shown). The three LEDs may include, for example, a blue LED that emits blue light, a green LED that emits green light, and a red LED that emits red light.

[0056] The charger 1 also includes a power cord 8. Alternating current is supplied to the charger 1 via the power cord 8. The charging power used to charge the batteries 111 and 112 is generated from the alternating current supplied via the power cord 8.

[0057] Furthermore, the first battery pack 101 and the second battery pack 102 can be installed in any device. The first battery pack 101 and the second battery pack 102 can be installed in, for example, various electric devices equipped with motors and supply power to those devices. These various electric devices may include, for example, various field electrical devices used in amateur woodworking, manufacturing, gardening, engineering, and other work sites.

[0058] (1-2) Electrical structure of the charger

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the charger 1 includes the first charging port 10, the second charging port 15, the first fan 25, the second fan 26, and the circuit cooling fan 27 described above.

[0060] AC power is supplied to charger 1 from an external AC power source 200 via the power cord 8 described above. The AC power source 200 can be configured in any manner. For example, it can be configured to supply commercial 100V AC power.

[0061] The charger 1 also includes a rectifier circuit 21, an input adjustment circuit 22, a smoothing circuit 23, and an auxiliary power supply circuit 24.

[0062] The rectifier circuit 21 rectifies the input AC power (e.g., full-wave rectification). The input adjustment circuit 22 includes a surge current suppression circuit 60 (see reference). Figure 5 ) and power factor correction (PFC) circuit 70 (reference) Figure 5 The surge current suppression circuit 60 is used to suppress excessive current that may be generated instantaneously when AC power is first input. The PFC circuit 70 is used to improve the power factor of the AC power input to the rectifier circuit 21. Specifically, the PFC circuit 70 makes the power factor of the AC power close to 1 by making the waveform of the input AC current close to a sine wave. The smoothing circuit 23 smooths the power output from the PFC circuit 70. The smoothing circuit 23 includes a capacitor for smoothing the power input to the smoothing circuit 23. Hereinafter, the smoothed voltage output from the smoothing circuit 23 will be referred to as the smoothing voltage Vs.

[0063] The auxiliary power supply circuit 24 includes an isolated converter. The auxiliary power supply circuit 24 generates various DC voltages with different values ​​based on the smoothing voltage Vs. In this embodiment, the auxiliary power supply circuit 24 generates, for example, a first control voltage Vc1, a second control voltage Vc2, and an initial control voltage Vp (see reference). Figure 5 The voltage value of the first control voltage Vc1 is, for example, 5V. The voltage value of the second control voltage Vc2 is, for example, 12.5V.

[0064] The charger 1 also includes an isolated converter for each charging port. Specifically, the charger 1 in this embodiment includes a first DC-DC converter 31 and a second DC-DC converter 41.

[0065] The first DC-DC converter 31 is input with a smoothing voltage Vs. The first DC-DC converter 31 generates a first charging power based on the input smoothing voltage Vs. The first charging power has a first charging voltage Vo1 and a first charging current Io1. The first charging power is supplied to the battery 111 of the first battery pack 101 installed at the first charging port 10 to charge the battery 111.

[0066] If the first DC-DC converter 31 receives a first start instruction (i.e., start permission), it begins generating the first charging power. Specifically, the first start instruction corresponds to a first start signal So1 output from the first control circuit 30, described later. More specifically, the first start instruction corresponds to a first converter start signal Cv1 output from the first conduction transmission circuit 32, described later, based on the first start signal So1. That is, the first DC-DC converter 31 generates the first charging power according to a separately input first charging control signal during the period when the first converter start signal Cv1 is input.

[0067] Furthermore, if the first turn-on transmission circuit 32 is input with the first start signal So1, it outputs the first converter start signal Cv1 and the first adjustment signal P1. In this embodiment, the first converter start signal Cv1 and the first adjustment signal P1 both have, for example, an initial control voltage Vp close to that described later (see reference). Figure 5 An electrical signal with a constant voltage value.

[0068] The first DC-DC converter 31 generates a first basic charging power and generates a first charging power (i.e., a first charging voltage Vo1 and a first charging current Io1) from this first basic charging power. In this embodiment, the first DC-DC converter 31 generates the first charging power according to a charging method set by the first control circuit 30. The magnitude of the first charging power (e.g., the value of the first charging current Io1) varies depending on the charging method. Two charging methods include, for example, pre-charging and main charging. During pre-charging, the first charging current Io1 is substantially suppressed to be lower than that during main charging.

[0069] The second DC-DC converter 41 is configured to be basically the same as the first DC-DC converter 31. That is, the second DC-DC converter 41 is input with a smoothing voltage Vs. The second DC-DC converter 41 generates a second charging power based on the input smoothing voltage Vs. The second charging power has a second charging voltage Vo2 and a second charging current Io. The second charging power is supplied to the battery 112 of the second battery pack 102 installed at the second charging port 15 to charge the battery 112.

[0070] If the second DC-DC converter 41 receives the second start instruction (i.e., start permission), it begins generating the second charging power. Specifically, the second start instruction corresponds to the second start signal So2 output from the second control circuit 40, described later. More specifically, the second start instruction corresponds to the second converter start signal Cv2 output from the second conduction transmission circuit 42, described later, based on the second start signal So2. That is, the second DC-DC converter 41 generates the second charging power according to a separately input second charging control signal during the period when the second converter start signal Cv2 is input.

[0071] Furthermore, if the second turn-on transmission circuit 42 is input with the second start signal So2, it outputs the second converter start signal Cv2 and the second adjustment signal P2. In this embodiment, the second converter start signal Cv2 and the second adjustment signal P2 both have, for example, an initial control voltage Vp close to that described later (see reference). Figure 5 An electrical signal with a constant voltage value.

[0072] The second DC-DC converter 41 generates a second basic charging power, and from this second basic charging power, generates a second charging power (i.e., a second charging voltage Vo2 and a second charging current Io2). In this embodiment, the second DC-DC converter 41 generates the second charging power according to a charging method (i.e., either pre-charging or main charging) set by the second control circuit 40. The value of the second charging current Io2 during pre-charging is substantially suppressed to be lower than the second charging current Io2 during main charging.

[0073] The charger 1 also includes the first control circuit 30 and the second control circuit 40 described above. The first control circuit 30 controls the first DC-DC converter 31. The first control circuit 30 may include, for example, a microcomputer including a CPU 30a and a memory 30b. The memory 30b may include semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory. The memory 30b stores various programs and data read and executed by the CPU 30a to perform various functions. The programs stored in the memory 30b include the main processing described later (see...). Figure 7 ) and circuit cooling fan control processing (refer to Figure 8 The program. In addition, the above functions are not limited to software processing; some or all of them can also be implemented by hardware, including logic circuits, analog circuits, etc.

[0074] When the first charging condition is met, the first control circuit 30 outputs a first start signal So1, thereby enabling the generation of the first charging power using the first DC-DC converter 31. In other words, the first charging condition is the condition under which charging of the first battery pack 101 should begin, or more specifically, the moment when pre-charging or main charging should begin.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the output port of the first start signal So1 in the first control circuit 30 is electrically set to either a low level (hereinafter referred to as "Low") or a high impedance (hereinafter referred to as "Hi-Z"). In this embodiment, outputting the first start signal So1 means, for example, setting the output port of the first start signal So1 to Low. Conversely, the state where the output port of the first start signal So1 is set to Hi-Z corresponds to the state where the first start signal So1 is not output.

[0076] The first control circuit 30 outputs a first charging control signal when the first charging condition is met. The charger 1 also includes a first control transmission circuit 33. The first charging control signal from the first control circuit 30 is input to the first control transmission circuit 33. The first control transmission circuit 33 includes an optocoupler (not shown). The first charging control signal is output via the optocoupler of the first control transmission circuit 33 and input to the first DC-DC converter 31.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first charging control signal is, for example, a pulse width modulated signal (hereinafter referred to as a "PWM signal"). The voltage of the first basic charging power described above and the first charging current Io1 generated by the first DC-DC converter 31 are fed back to the first control circuit 30. Based on the feedback of the first basic charging voltage and the first charging current Io1, the first control circuit 30 outputs a first charging control signal to enable the first DC-DC converter 31 to generate the desired first charging voltage Vo1 and first charging current Io1. During the period when the first DC-DC converter 31 outputs the first start signal So1 from the first control circuit 30, it generates the first charging power according to the first charging control signal from the first control circuit 30.

[0078] The first control circuit 30 communicates with the first battery pack 101 installed at the first charging port 10. When a first charging condition is met, the first control circuit 30 receives an indication of a requested current value from the first battery pack 101. The first control circuit 30 controls the first DC-DC converter 31 to generate a charging current Io1 corresponding to the requested current value.

[0079] The second control circuit 40 is configured to be basically the same as the first control circuit 30. That is, the second control circuit 40 controls the second DC-DC converter 41. The second control circuit 40 may include, for example, a microcomputer including a CPU 40a and a memory 40b. The memory 40b may include semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory. The memory 40b stores various programs and data read and executed by the CPU 40a to perform various functions. Similar to the memory 30b of the first control circuit 30, the programs stored in the memory 40b include main processing (see reference). Figure 7 ) and circuit cooling fan control processing (refer to Figure 8 Furthermore, the various functions of the second control circuit 40 are not limited to software processing; some or all of them can be implemented by hardware, including logic circuits, analog circuits, etc.

[0080] The second control circuit 40 outputs a second start signal So2 when the second charging condition is met, thereby allowing the second DC-DC converter 41 to generate the second charging power. In other words, the second charging condition is the condition under which charging of the second battery pack 102 should begin, or more specifically, the moment when pre-charging or main charging should begin.

[0081] Furthermore, the electrical state of the output port of the second start signal So2 in the second control circuit 40 is the same as that of the output port of the first start signal So1 in the first control circuit 30, which is set to Low or Hi-Z. Setting the output port of the second start signal So2 to Low means that the second start signal So2 is output, and setting the output port of the second start signal So2 to Hi-Z means that the second start signal So2 is not output.

[0082] The second control circuit 40 outputs a second charging control signal when the second charging condition is met. The charger 1 also includes a second control transmission circuit 43. The second charging control signal from the second control circuit 40 is input to the second control transmission circuit 43. The second control transmission circuit 43 includes an optocoupler (not shown). The second charging control signal is output via the optocoupler of the second control transmission circuit 43 and input to the second DC-DC converter 41.

[0083] In this embodiment, the second charging control signal is, for example, the same as the first charging control signal, a PWM signal. The voltage of the previously described second basic charging power and the second charging current Io2 generated by the second DC-DC converter 41 are fed back to the second control circuit 40. Based on the feedback second basic charging voltage and second charging current Io2, the second control circuit 40 outputs a second charging control signal to cause the second DC-DC converter 41 to generate the desired second charging voltage Vo2 and second charging current Io2. During the period when the second DC-DC converter 41 outputs the second start signal So2 from the second control circuit 40, it generates the second charging power according to the second charging control signal from the second control circuit 40.

[0084] The second control circuit 40 communicates with the second battery pack 102 installed at the second charging port 15. When the second charging condition is met, the second control circuit 40 receives an indication of a requested current value from the second battery pack 102. The second control circuit 40 controls the second DC-DC converter 41 to generate a charging current Io2 corresponding to the requested current value.

[0085] The first control circuit 30, the first DC-DC converter 31, the second control circuit 40, and the second DC-DC converter 41 can each be installed in the charger 1 in any manner. For example, the first control circuit 30, the first DC-DC converter 31, the second control circuit 40, and the second DC-DC converter 41 can be mounted on a common substrate. The first control circuit 30, the first DC-DC converter 31, the second control circuit 40, and the second DC-DC converter 41 can each be housed in different packages.

[0086] like Figure 2As shown, the circuit cooling fan 27 includes a rotating body 27a and a non-rotation detection circuit 27b. The rotating body 27a is configured to generate wind, i.e., airflow, by rotating. The rotating body 27a may have, for example, an impeller.

[0087] The circuit cooling fan 27 is driven by supplying fan drive power from the fan drive circuit 54, which will be described later. The fan drive power has, for example, a second control voltage Vc2. Furthermore, driving the circuit cooling fan 27 means causing the rotating body 27a to rotate, and more specifically, it means generating a rotational force to cause the rotating body 27a to rotate.

[0088] When the rotating body 27a rotates, an airflow (hereinafter referred to as "circuit cooling air") is generated, which is drawn in from the third intake port 2 and discharged from the third exhaust port 3. This circuit cooling air cools the interior of the charger 1. In other words, it can suppress the internal heat generation of the charger 1.

[0089] In this embodiment, the circuit cooling air contacts at least the first DC-DC converter 31 and the second DC-DC converter 41. Therefore, the circuit cooling air is capable of cooling at least the first DC-DC converter 31 and the second DC-DC converter 41. Furthermore, the circuit cooling air can contact and cool circuits or components other than the first DC-DC converter 31 and the second DC-DC converter 41. For example, the circuit cooling air can cool at least one of the first control circuit 30, the second control circuit 40, the rectifier circuit 21, the input adjustment circuit 22, the smoothing circuit 23, and the auxiliary power supply circuit 24.

[0090] The non-rotation detection circuit 27b detects the non-rotation state of the rotating body 27a. Based on the detected non-rotation state, the non-rotation detection circuit 27b outputs a non-rotation detection signal FL, indicating that a non-rotation state has occurred. The non-rotation detection signal FL is input to the first control circuit 30 and the second control circuit 40.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the output port of the non-rotation detection circuit 27b is electrically configured to, for example, either Low or Hi-Z. Additionally, as... Figure 2As shown, a first control voltage Vc1 is applied to the output port of the non-rotation detection circuit 27b via resistor R1. During periods when no non-rotation state is detected, the non-rotation detection circuit 27b sets its output port to Low. This Low state corresponds to the state where the non-rotation detection circuit 27b does not output the non-rotation detection signal FL. On the other hand, during periods when a non-rotation state is detected, the non-rotation detection circuit 27b sets its output port to Hi-Z. At this time, the output port is set to a high level (hereinafter simply referred to as "Hi") using the first control voltage Vc1. This Hi state corresponds to the state of outputting the non-rotation detection signal FL.

[0092] The charger 1 also includes a first OR circuit 51. A first adjustment signal P1 output from the first conduction transmission circuit 32 and a second adjustment signal P2 output from the second conduction transmission circuit 42 are input to the first OR circuit 51.

[0093] When either or both of the first adjustment signal P1 and the second adjustment signal P2 are input to the first or circuit 51, a third adjustment signal P3 is output. In this embodiment, the third adjustment signal P3 is, for example, an electrical signal having a constant voltage value close to the initial control voltage Vp. More specifically, in this embodiment, if using... Figure 5 As described later, the first adjustment signal P1 is output as the third adjustment signal P3 via diode D4, or the second adjustment signal P2 is output as the third adjustment signal P3 via diode D5. The first OR circuit 51 does not output the third adjustment signal P3 when neither the first adjustment signal P1 nor the second adjustment signal P2 is input.

[0094] The charger 1 includes an input drive circuit 52, to which a third adjustment signal P3 from the first OR circuit 51 is input. When the third adjustment signal P3 is input, the input drive circuit 52 outputs an adjustment start signal P4 to the input adjustment circuit 22. In this embodiment, the adjustment start signal P4 is, for example, an electrical signal having a constant voltage value close to the initial control voltage Vp. The adjustment start signal P4 input to the input adjustment circuit 22 is then input to both the surge current suppression circuit 60 and the PFC circuit 70 within the input adjustment circuit 22.

[0095] During the period when the first control circuit 30 determines that it should drive the circuit cooling fan 27, i.e., during the period when the first drive condition is met, the first drive signal F1 outputs a first drive signal F1. The first drive signal F1 requests the drive of the circuit cooling fan 27. The first drive condition can be met under any circumstances. In this embodiment, the first drive condition can, for example, be met in conjunction with the fulfillment of the first charging condition. Specifically, for example, the first drive signal F1 can be output during the period of outputting the first start signal So1 or during the period of generating the first charging power.

[0096] In this embodiment, the output port of the first drive signal F1 in the first control circuit 30 is electrically set to either Low or Hi. In this embodiment, outputting the first drive signal F1 means setting the output port of the first drive signal F1 to Hi. Conversely, setting the output port of the first drive signal F1 to Low corresponds to not outputting the first drive signal F1.

[0097] During the period when the second control circuit 40 determines that it should drive the circuit cooling fan 27, i.e., during the period when the second drive condition is met, the second control circuit 40 outputs a second drive signal F2. The second drive signal F2 requests the drive of the circuit cooling fan 27. The second drive condition can be met under any circumstances. In this embodiment, the second drive condition can, for example, be met in conjunction with the fulfillment of the second charging condition. Specifically, for example, the second drive signal F2 can be output during the period of outputting the second start signal So2 or during the period of generating the second charging power. In this embodiment, the output port of the second drive signal F2 in the second control circuit 40 is the same as the output port of the first drive signal F1, and is electrically set to, for example, either Low or Hi.

[0098] The charger 1 also includes a second OR circuit 53. The second OR circuit 53 is separately configured from the first control circuit 30 and the second control circuit 40. The first drive signal F1 and the second drive signal F2 are input to the second OR circuit 53.

[0099] When the second or second circuit 53 receives either or both of the first drive signal F1 and the second drive signal F2 as input, it outputs a drive command signal Fo. In this embodiment, the drive command signal Fo is substantially the same as either the first drive signal F1 or the second drive signal F2. That is, in this embodiment, if using... Figure 3As described later, the first drive signal F1 is output as the drive command signal Fo via diode D1, or the second drive signal F2 is output as the drive command signal Fo via diode D2. The second OR circuit 53 does not output the drive command signal Fo when neither the first drive signal F1 nor the second drive signal F2 is input.

[0100] Charger 1 includes a fan drive circuit 54, to which a drive command signal Fo from the second or third circuit 53 is input. When the drive command signal Fo is input, the fan drive circuit 54 supplies fan drive power to the circuit cooling fan 27. As described above, the fan drive power has a second control voltage Vc2.

[0101] As described above, the circuit cooling fan 27 is driven when supplied with fan drive power. When the circuit cooling fan 27 is driven, the cooling air comes into contact with both the first DC-DC converter 31 and the second DC-DC converter 41, thereby cooling both of them (more specifically, heat generation is suppressed).

[0102] If the first control circuit 30 receives a non-rotation detection signal FL during charging, it executes the first protection process. Specifically, it reduces the first charging current Io1 or stops generating the first charging current Io1. Even if the circuit cooling fan 27 rotates again during the execution of the first protection process, the first control circuit 30 continues to execute the first protection process until charging is complete.

[0103] Similarly, the second control circuit 40 executes a second protection process if it receives a non-rotation detection signal FL during charging. Specifically, it reduces the second charging current Io2 or stops generating the second charging current Io2. Even if the circuit cooling fan 27 rotates again during the execution of the second protection process, the second control circuit 40 continues to execute the second protection process until charging is complete.

[0104] The first control circuit 30 also drives the first fan 25 while the first battery pack 101 is charging. The first control circuit 30 also drives the first display 4. The second control circuit 40 also drives the second fan 26 while the second battery pack 102 is charging. The second control circuit 40 also drives the second display 5.

[0105] (1-3) Specific circuit structure description

[0106] (1-3-1) Details of the circuitry related to the drive of the circuit cooling fan

[0107] Reference Figure 3 The specific structure of the circuit related to the drive of the circuit cooling fan 27 is described. Figure 3This indicates the specific circuit structure of the second circuit 53 and the fan drive circuit 54.

[0108] Furthermore, the charger 1 of this embodiment has at least a first ground wire and a second ground wire as reference potentials for various circuits. The first ground wire and the second ground wire are electrically insulated from each other. In this embodiment, the first DC-DC converter 31, the second DC-DC converter 41, and the auxiliary power supply circuit 24 all include isolated-type converters. The isolated-type converter includes a transformer, to which the output power from the smoothing circuit 23 is input to the primary winding. The reference potential of the various circuits electrically connected to the primary winding corresponds to the first ground wire. On the other hand, the reference potential of the various circuits electrically connected to the secondary winding of the transformer corresponds to the second ground wire.

[0109] The second OR circuit 53 includes diodes D1 and D2. A first drive signal F1 is input to the anode of diode D1. A second drive signal F2 is input to the anode of diode D2. The cathodes of diodes D1 and D2 are interconnected and connected to the fan drive circuit 54. With this configuration, if either or both of the first drive signal F1 and the second drive signal F2 are input to the second OR circuit 53, then either or both of these inputs are output to the fan drive circuit 54 as a drive command signal Fo.

[0110] The fan drive circuit 54 includes a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, a capacitor C1, a diode D3, a resistor R2, and a resistor R3. The first transistor T1 is, for example, a PNP bipolar transistor. The second transistor T2 is, for example, an NPN bipolar transistor. The second transistor T2 has a built-in bias resistor.

[0111] The drive command signal Fo is input to the base of the second transistor T2. The emitter of the second transistor T2 is connected to the second ground. The collector of the second transistor T2 is connected to the base of the first transistor T1 via resistor R3. The second control voltage Vc2 is applied to the emitter of the first transistor T1. Resistor R2 is connected between the base and emitter of the first transistor T1. The anode of diode D3 is connected to the collector of the first transistor T1, and the cathode of diode D3 is connected to the emitter of the first transistor T1. The collector of the first transistor T1 is connected to the first terminal of capacitor C1 and to the circuit cooling fan 27. The second terminal of capacitor C1 is connected to the second ground.

[0112] Based on this structure, the circuit cooling fan 27 is driven by the first drive signal F1 and the second drive signal F2. Figure 4The operation is performed as shown. That is, when at least one of the first drive signal F1 and the second drive signal F2 is input to the second or circuit 53, that is, when at least one of the two input terminals of the second or circuit 53 is Hi, the circuit cooling fan 27 is turned on (i.e. driven).

[0113] That is, if at least one of the first drive signal F1 and the second drive signal F2 is input to the second OR circuit 53, the second transistor T2 is turned on, thereby turning on the first transistor T1. If the first transistor T1 is turned on, the second control voltage Vc2 is supplied to the circuit cooling fan 27 via the first transistor T1, thereby driving the circuit cooling fan 27.

[0114] When neither the first drive signal F1 nor the second drive signal F2 is input to the second orifice circuit 53, that is, when both input terminals of the second orifice circuit 53 are Low, the second transistor T2 is turned off, thereby causing the first transistor T1 to also be turned off. Consequently, the second control voltage Vc2 is not supplied to the circuit cooling fan 2, and the circuit cooling fan 27 is turned off (i.e., not driven).

[0115] (1-3-2) Details of the circuitry related to the startup of the input adjustment circuit

[0116] Reference Figure 5 The specific structure of the circuit related to the startup of the input adjustment circuit 22 is described. Figure 5 This indicates the specific circuit structure of the first conducting transmission circuit 32, the second conducting transmission circuit 42, the first OR circuit 51, and the input adjustment circuit 22.

[0117] The first conduction circuit 32 includes an optocoupler 36, a first transistor T11, a second transistor T12, and four resistors R11, R12, R13, and R14. The first transistor T11 is, for example, an NPN bipolar transistor. The second transistor T12 is, for example, a PNP bipolar transistor. The first transistor T11 has a built-in bias resistor.

[0118] A first control voltage Vc1 is applied to the anode of the light-emitting diode on the primary side of the optocoupler 36 via resistor R11. A first start signal So1 is input to the cathode of the light-emitting diode. An initial control voltage Vp is applied to the collector of the phototransistor on the secondary side of the optocoupler 36 via resistor R12. The emitter of the phototransistor is connected to the base of the first transistor T11. The voltage at the emitter of the phototransistor is applied to the first transistor T11 and output to the first OR circuit 51 as a first adjustment signal P1. The emitter of the first transistor T11 is connected to the first ground line. The collector of the first transistor T11 is connected to the base of the second transistor T12 via resistor R14. The initial control voltage Vp is applied to the emitter of the second transistor T12. Resistor R13 is connected between the base and emitter of the second transistor T12. The voltage at the collector of the second transistor T12 is output to the first DC-DC converter 31 as a first converter start signal Cv1.

[0119] Regarding the first conduction transmission circuit 32 configured in this way, during the period when the first start signal So1 is not input, that is, during the period when the input line of the first start signal So1 is Hi-Z, the phototransistor of the optocoupler 36 is turned off. Accordingly, the first transistor T11 and the second transistor T12 are turned off. Therefore, as... Figure 6 As shown, the first converter start signal Cv1 and the first adjustment signal P1 are both disconnected, that is, not output.

[0120] On the other hand, during the period when the first activation signal So1 is input, that is, during the period when the input line of the first activation signal So1 is Low, the phototransistor of the optocoupler 36 is turned on. Accordingly, the first transistor T11 and the second transistor T12 are turned on. Therefore, as... Figure 6 As shown, the first converter start signal Cv1 and the first adjustment signal P1 are turned on and then output.

[0121] The second conduction transmission circuit 42 is configured to be basically the same as the first conduction transmission circuit 32. That is, the second conduction transmission circuit 42 includes an optocoupler 46, a first transistor T21, a second transistor T22, and four resistors R21, R22, R23, and R24.

[0122] A first control voltage Vc1 is applied to the anode of the light-emitting diode on the primary side of the optocoupler 46 via resistor R21. A second start signal So2 is input to the cathode of the light-emitting diode. An initial control voltage Vp is applied to the collector of the phototransistor on the secondary side of the optocoupler 46 via resistor R22. The emitter of the phototransistor is connected to the base of the first transistor T21. The voltage at the emitter of the phototransistor is applied to the first transistor T21 and output to the first OR circuit 51 as a second adjustment signal P2. The emitter of the first transistor T21 is connected to the first ground line. The collector of the first transistor T21 is connected to the base of the second transistor T22 via resistor R24. The initial control voltage Vp is applied to the emitter of the second transistor T22. Resistor R23 is connected between the base and emitter of the second transistor T22. The voltage at the collector of the second transistor T22 is output to the second DC-DC converter 41 as a second converter start signal Cv2.

[0123] Regarding the second conduction transmission circuit 42 configured as such, during the period when the second start signal So2 is not input, the phototransistor of the optocoupler 46 is turned off. Accordingly, the first transistor T21 and the second transistor T22 are turned off, as... Figure 6 As shown, both the second converter start signal Cv2 and the second adjustment signal P2 are disconnected, i.e., not output. On the other hand, during the period when the second start signal So2 is input, the phototransistor of the optocoupler 46 is turned on. Accordingly, the first transistor T21 and the second transistor T22 are turned on, as... Figure 6 As shown, the second converter start signal Cv2 and the second adjustment signal P2 are turned on and thus output.

[0124] The first OR circuit 51 includes diodes D4 and D5. A first adjustment signal P1 is input to the anode of diode D4. A second adjustment signal P2 is input to the anode of diode D5. The cathodes of diodes D4 and D5 are interconnected and connected to the input drive circuit 52. According to this configuration, if either or both of the first adjustment signal P1 and the second adjustment signal P2 are input to the first OR circuit 51, then either or both of these inputs are output to the input drive circuit 52 as a third adjustment signal P3.

[0125] The input drive circuit 52 includes a third transistor T3, a fourth transistor T4, and two resistors R4 and R5. The third transistor T3 is, for example, an NPN bipolar transistor. The fourth transistor T4 is, for example, a PNP bipolar transistor. The third transistor T3 has a built-in bias resistor.

[0126] The third adjustment signal P3 is input to the base of the third transistor T3. The emitter of the third transistor T3 is connected to the first ground line. The collector of the third transistor T3 is connected to the base of the fourth transistor T4 via resistor R5. The initial control voltage Vp is applied to the emitter of the fourth transistor T4. Resistor R4 is connected between the base and emitter of the fourth transistor T4. The voltage at the collector of the fourth transistor T4 is output to the input adjustment circuit 22 as the adjustment start signal P4.

[0127] According to this structure, when the third adjustment signal P3 is not input, the third transistor T3 and the fourth transistor T4 are turned off. Therefore, the adjustment start signal P4 is not output. On the other hand, when the third adjustment signal P3 is input, the third transistor T3 and the fourth transistor T4 are turned on. Therefore, the adjustment start signal P4 is output.

[0128] The input adjustment circuit 22 includes a surge current suppression circuit 60 and a PFC circuit 70. The surge current suppression circuit 60 includes a fifth transistor T5, a relay 61, a resistor 62, a resistor R6, a Zener diode D6, and a diode D7. The relay 61 includes a relay coil 61a and relay contacts 61b. The fifth transistor T5 is, for example, an NPN bipolar transistor. The resistor 62 can be any component with a resistive component. In this embodiment, the resistor 62 is, for example, an NTC thermistor.

[0129] The start signal P4 is adjusted and input to the collector of transistor T5. The base of transistor T5 is connected to the cathode of Zener diode D6. The anode of Zener diode D6 is connected to ground. The emitter of transistor T5 is connected to the cathode of diode D7 and terminal 1 of relay coil 61a. The anode of diode D7 and terminal 2 of relay coil 61a are connected to ground. Resistor R6 is connected between the base and collector of transistor T5.

[0130] Rectified power is input from rectifier circuit 21 to terminal 1 of relay contact 61b. Terminal 2 of relay contact 61b is connected to terminal 1 of coil 72 of PFC circuit 70. Resistor 62 is connected between terminal 1 and terminal 2 of relay contact 61b.

[0131] Regarding the surge current suppression circuit 60 configured in this way, during the period when the adjustment start signal P4 is not input, that is, during the period when neither the first adjustment signal P1 nor the second adjustment signal P2 is output, such as Figure 6 As shown, relay 61 is turned off. Therefore, the current from rectifier circuit 21 flows to PFC circuit 70 through resistor 62. Excessive current flow is suppressed by resistor 62.

[0132] On the other hand, during the period when the adjustment start signal P4 is input, that is, during the period when at least one of the first adjustment signal P1 and the second adjustment signal P2 is output, such as Figure 6 As shown, relay 61 is turned on. Accordingly, most of the current from rectifier circuit 21 flows to PFC circuit 70 via relay contact 61b.

[0133] The PFC circuit 70 includes a PFCIC 71, the previously described coil 72, a diode D8, and a sixth transistor T6. The sixth transistor T6 is, for example, an n-channel MOSFET. The source of the sixth transistor T6 is connected to the first ground line. The drain of the sixth transistor T6 is connected to the second terminal of the coil 72 and the anode of the diode D8. The cathode of the diode D8 is connected to the smoothing circuit 23.

[0134] The adjustment start signal P4 is input to PFCIC71. PFCIC71 is an IC (semiconductor integrated circuit) configured to adjust the power factor by controlling the sixth transistor T6. During the period when the adjustment start signal P4 is input to PFCIC71, that is, during the period when at least one of the first adjustment signal P1 and the second adjustment signal P2 is output, ... Figure 6 As shown, the PFCIC71 is turned on (i.e., operating) to adjust the power factor. Specifically, the PFCIC71 adjusts the power factor by outputting a control signal used to control the 6th transistor T6 to the gate of the 6th transistor T6.

[0135] (1-4) Main Processing

[0136] Next, refer to Figure 7 The main processing executed by CPU 30a of the first control circuit 30 and CPU 40a of the second control circuit 40 will be described. The programs of the main processing are stored in memory 30b and 40b respectively. In the following description, as an example, it is assumed that CPU 30a of the first control circuit 30 executes the main processing. When the CPU 30a starts up, it reads the program of the main processing from memory 30b and executes it.

[0137] When CPU 30a starts main processing, in S110, the first control circuit 30 is set to battery standby mode. Specifically, it waits for the first battery pack 101 to be installed in the first charging port 10. When CPU 30a detects that the first battery pack 101 has been installed in the first charging port 10, it proceeds to S120.

[0138] Furthermore, the CPU 30a can detect whether the first battery pack 101 is installed in the first charging port 10 by any method. For example, the CPU 30a can detect whether the first battery pack 101 is installed based on whether a specified installation detection signal is input from the first battery pack 101 installed in the first charging port 10.

[0139] In S120, CPU 30a sets the first control circuit 30 to initial communication mode. In initial communication mode, CPU 30a sends predetermined initial communication data to the first battery pack 101 and waits for a response from the first battery pack 101 regarding the initial communication data. The response to the initial communication data includes charge level information indicating whether the battery 111 is fully charged.

[0140] In the initial communication mode, if no response is received from the first battery pack 101, the initial communication data is retransmitted. Furthermore, if no response is received even after retransmitting a predetermined number of times, a communication error is determined, and the process is transferred to S200.

[0141] In S200, CPU 30a sets the first control circuit 30 to error mode. In error mode, CPU 30a illuminates, for example, a red LED on the first display 4. In error mode, CPU 30a waits for the first battery pack 101 to disconnect from the first charging port 10. When CPU 30a detects that the first battery pack 101 has disconnected from the first charging port 10, it proceeds to S110 and resets the first control circuit 30 to battery standby mode.

[0142] In the initial communication mode, the CPU 30a also monitors whether the first battery pack 101 has been installed in the first charging port 10. Moreover, if it is detected that the first battery pack 101 has been disconnected from the first charging port 10, the process proceeds to S110.

[0143] Furthermore, in each of the following modes—self-test mode (S130), charging standby mode (S140), pre-charge mode (S150), main charging mode (S160), completion mode (S170), power saving mode (S180), and completion error mode (S190)—it is also monitored whether the first battery pack 101 is installed in the first charging port 10. Moreover, if it is detected that the first battery pack 101 has been disconnected from the first charging port 10, the process proceeds to S110.

[0144] In the initial communication mode, if communication with the first battery pack 101 is established, i.e., if a response to the initial communication data is received normally, the process proceeds to S130. In S130, the CPU 30a sets the first control circuit 30 to self-test mode. In self-test mode, the CPU 30a detects faults in each circuit used in the control of the first DC-DC converter 31, including the first control circuit 30.

[0145] If a fault is detected in any of the circuits of the object being inspected, an NG (Not Good) judgment is made and the process proceeds to S200 (Error Mode). If all circuits of the object being inspected are normal, an OK (OK) judgment is made and the process proceeds to S140.

[0146] In S140, CPU 30a sets the first control circuit 30 to charging standby mode. In charging standby mode, CPU 30a performs a predetermined first communication with the first battery pack 101. For example, the first communication can be performed periodically. During the first communication, CPU 30a obtains temperature information indicating the temperature of the battery 111 from the first battery pack 101. If the temperature information indicates an overheating state, an error determination is performed and the process transitions to S200 (error mode). An overheating state can be, for example, a state where the temperature indicated by the temperature information is above a first temperature. The first temperature can be arbitrarily set. For example, the first temperature can be 80°C.

[0147] Furthermore, in each of the following modes—pre-charge mode (S150), main charge mode (S160), completion mode (S170), power saving mode (S180), and completion error mode (S190)—CPU30a also performs first communication to monitor the temperature of battery 111. Moreover, if battery 111 is in an overheated state, an error is determined and the process transitions to S200 (error mode).

[0148] In charging standby mode, CPU 30a waits to receive temperature information indicating a temperature lower than a second temperature. The second temperature can be set arbitrarily within a range below the first temperature. For example, the second temperature can be 60°C. When CPU 30a receives temperature information indicating a temperature lower than the second temperature in charging standby mode, it determines that the temperature of battery 111 is a suitable temperature (that is, a temperature at which charging can be performed) and proceeds to S150.

[0149] In S150, CPU 30a sets the first control circuit 30 to pre-charge mode. Furthermore, the pre-charge mode can be set if the voltage of battery 111 is less than a predetermined lower voltage limit. If the voltage of battery 111 is above the lower voltage limit, the process can proceed to S160 without transitioning to pre-charge mode or by essentially not performing charging in pre-charge mode. Whether to transition to pre-charge mode can be determined, for example, based on an instruction from the first battery pack 101. That is, the first battery pack 101 itself can determine whether pre-charging should be performed and notify the charger 1 of the determination result. Alternatively, the process can be determined, for example, based on a requested current value from the first battery pack 101. For example, pre-charging can be performed if the requested current value is less than a predetermined value (e.g., 1A), and if the requested current value is above the predetermined value, pre-charging can be omitted (or the transition to pre-charge mode can be omitted) and the process can proceed to S160. Furthermore, setting to pre-charge mode can correspond to the condition described above where the first charging condition is met.

[0150] CPU 30a precharges battery 111 in precharge mode. Specifically, it outputs a first start signal So1 and a first charge control signal. Furthermore, as described previously, it controls the first DC-DC converter 31 to generate a lower first charging current Io1 compared to the main charging mode. The value of the first charging current Io1 during precharge can be provided, for example, by the first battery pack 101 as a requested current value as described previously. CPU 30a can generate a first charging current Io1 that is the requested current value or a first charging current Io1 that is lower than the requested current value.

[0151] If the requested current value from the first battery pack 101 in pre-charge mode is above the first current value Ia, the CPU 30a transfers the processing to S160. In S160, the first control circuit 30 is set to main charging mode. The first current value Ia can be set arbitrarily. For example, the first current value Ia can be 1A.

[0152] In the main charging mode, the limitation on the first charging current Io1, as in the pre-charging mode, is removed, and a first charging current Io1 corresponding to the charging state of the battery 111 is generated. In this embodiment, for example, the first DC-DC converter 31 is controlled to generate a first charging current Io1 such as the requested current value from the first battery pack 101.

[0153] If the requested current value from the first battery pack 101 in the main charging mode is less than the second current value Ib, the CPU 30a transfers the processing to S170. In S170, the first control circuit 30 is set to completion mode. The second current value Ib can be set arbitrarily within a range lower than the first current value Ia. For example, the second current value Ib can be 0A.

[0154] In completion mode, CPU 30a stops the first start signal So1 and the first charging control signal, causing the first DC-DC converter 31 to stop generating the first charging power. Additionally, the first display 4 illuminates, for example, a green LED. In completion mode, a first time interval is waited after transitioning to completion mode. This first time interval can be arbitrarily set; for example, it can be 60 minutes. After the first time interval has elapsed since transitioning to completion mode, CPU 30a transfers processing to S180.

[0155] In S180, CPU30a sets the first control circuit 30 to power-saving mode. In power-saving mode, after a predetermined communication with the first battery pack 101 has lasted for a constant time, CPU30a stops the communication with the first battery pack 101.

[0156] If the charging information in the initial communication mode of S120 already indicates a fully charged state, the CPU 30a requests the first battery pack 101 to retransmit the charging information more than once. Furthermore, if charging information indicating a fully charged state is received for each retransmission request, it is determined that the battery is fully charged and the process proceeds to S190. In S190, the CPU 30a sets the first control circuit 30 to completion error mode.

[0157] In completion error mode, CPU 30a illuminates, for example, a green LED on the first display 4. In completion error mode, CPU 30a waits for a second period of time after transitioning to completion error mode. This second period can be arbitrarily set; for example, it can be 60 minutes. After the second period of time has elapsed since transitioning to completion error mode, CPU 30a transfers processing to S180.

[0158] (1-5) Circuit cooling fan control processing

[0159] Next, refer to Figure 8The circuit cooling fan control processes executed by CPU 30a of the first control circuit 30 and CPU 40a of the second control circuit 40 will be described. The programs for the circuit cooling fan control processes are stored in respective memories 30b and 40b. In the following description, as an example, it is assumed that CPU 30a of the first control circuit 30 executes the circuit cooling fan control processes. At startup, CPU 30a reads the program for the circuit cooling fan control processes from memory 30b and executes it in parallel with the main processing described above.

[0160] When CPU 30a starts the circuit cooling fan control process, it determines in S310 whether the first control circuit 30 is set to pre-charge mode or main charge mode. If the first control circuit 30 is not set to pre-charge mode or main charge mode, it proceeds to S320.

[0161] In S320, the "not rotated" flag is cleared. The drive request for the circuit cooling fan 27 is also stopped in S320. Specifically, the first drive signal F1 is not output. The process proceeds to S310 after S320. Furthermore, even if the first drive signal F1 is not output through S320, the second drive signal F2 is output from the second control circuit 40, and the circuit cooling fan 27 is driven. Not outputting the first drive signal F1 means that at least the first DC-DC converter 31 does not require cooling.

[0162] If the first control circuit 30 is set to pre-charge mode or main charge mode in S310, the process transitions to S330. In S330, a drive request for the circuit cooling fan 27 is made. Specifically, a first drive signal F1 is output. Accordingly, even assuming that a second drive signal F2 is not output, the circuit cooling fan 27 is driven based on the first drive signal F1.

[0163] In step S340, it is determined whether the circuit cooling fan 27 is in a non-rotating state based on the non-rotation detection signal FL. If it is in a non-rotating state, the process proceeds to step S350. In step S350, a non-rotation flag is set. After processing in step S350, the process proceeds to step S360. If in step S340 the circuit cooling fan 27 is not in a non-rotating state, the process proceeds to step S360.

[0164] In S360, it is determined whether a non-rotation flag is set. If the non-rotation flag is not set, proceed to S310. If the non-rotation flag is set, proceed to S370.

[0165] In S370, the first protection process described above is executed. Specifically, the first charging current Io1 is reduced or the generation of the first charging current Io1 is stopped. In S370, the first display 4 is also used to display that the circuit cooling fan 27 is not rotating. Specifically, for example, the blue LED and red LED are alternately lit to inform the user that the circuit cooling fan 27 is not rotating. After the process in S370, the process moves to S310. However, after moving to S310, the process in S370 continues to be executed in both the pre-charging mode and the main charging mode.

[0166] (1-6) Effects of this embodiment

[0167] According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects (1a) to (1e) can be achieved.

[0168] (1a) Regarding the charger 1 of this embodiment, the first control circuit 30 and the second control circuit 40 respectively request the driving of the circuit cooling fan 27 in accordance with the fulfillment of their respective driving conditions. When at least one of the first control circuit 30 and the second control circuit 40 requests the driving of the circuit cooling fan 27, a drive command signal Fo is output to the circuit cooling fan 27. More specifically, in this embodiment, the drive command signal Fo is input to the fan drive circuit 54, and after receiving the drive command signal Fo, the fan drive circuit 54 supplies a second control voltage Vc2 to the circuit cooling fan 27. Accordingly, the circuit cooling fan 27 is driven.

[0169] Therefore, a circuit cooling fan 27 can be efficiently controlled using the first control circuit 30 and the second control circuit 40.

[0170] (1b) In this embodiment, the second OR circuit 53 is separately provided from the first control circuit 30 and the second control circuit 40. The first control circuit 30 outputs a first drive signal F1 in response to the fulfillment of the first drive condition, thereby requesting the drive of the circuit cooling fan 27. The second control circuit 40 outputs a second drive signal F2 in response to the fulfillment of the second drive condition, thereby requesting the drive of the circuit cooling fan 27. Therefore, the first control circuit 30 and the second control circuit 40 can be configured simply.

[0171] (1c) Furthermore, the first drive signal F1 and the second drive signal F2 are input to the second OR circuit 53. The second OR circuit 53 outputs a drive command signal Fo in response to the input of at least one of the first drive signal F1 and the second drive signal F2. Thus, it is possible to appropriately and easily implement the drive of the circuit cooling fan 27 based on the respective requests from the first control circuit 30 and the second control circuit 40.

[0172] (1d) The first control circuit 30 outputs a first drive signal F1 in response to the establishment of the first charging condition. That is, when the possibility of the first DC-DC converter 31 heating up increases with the generation of the first charging current Io1, the circuit cooling fan 27 is driven.

[0173] Similarly, the second control circuit 40 outputs a second drive signal F2 in response to the establishment of the second charging condition. That is, when the possibility of the second DC-DC converter 41 heating up increases with the generation of the second charging current Io2, the circuit cooling fan 27 is driven.

[0174] Therefore, the circuit cooling fan 27 can be driven efficiently as needed.

[0175] (1e) The charger 1 of this embodiment includes a non-rotation detection circuit 27b. The first control circuit 30 and the second control circuit 40 are capable of performing various controls corresponding to the state of the rotating body 27a based on the presence or absence of the non-rotation detection signal FL from the non-rotation detection circuit 27b.

[0176] Specifically, if the first control circuit 30 receives a non-rotation detection signal FL when requesting the activation of the circuit cooling fan 27, it performs the first protection process. Similarly, if the second control circuit 40 receives a non-rotation detection signal FL when requesting the activation of the circuit cooling fan 27, it performs the second protection process. Therefore, even if the rotating body 27a does not rotate during charging, overheating of the first DC-DC converter 31 or the second DC-DC converter 41 can be suppressed.

[0177] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first charging port 10 corresponds to an example of the first mounting part in this invention. The second charging port 15 corresponds to an example of the second mounting part in this invention. The first DC-DC converter 31 corresponds to an example of the first converter in this invention. The second DC-DC converter 41 corresponds to an example of the second converter in this invention. The drive command signal Fo or the fan drive power from the fan drive circuit 54 based on the drive command signal Fo corresponds to an example of the drive signal in this invention. The circuit cooling fan 27 corresponds to an example of the fan in this invention. The second OR circuit 53, or the combination of the second OR circuit 53 and the fan drive circuit 54, corresponds to an example of the request processing circuit in this invention. The first start signal So1, the first converter start signal Cv1, and / or the first charging control signal corresponds to an example of the first signal in this invention. The second start signal So2, the second converter start signal Cv2, and / or the second charging control signal corresponds to an example of the second signal in this invention. The first drive signal F1 corresponds to an example of the third signal in this invention. The second drive signal F2 corresponds to an example of the fourth signal in this invention.

[0178] [2. Other Implementation Methods]

[0179] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various modifications.

[0180] (2-1) In the above embodiment, the second OR circuit 53 is shown as an example of the request processing circuit in the present invention, but the request processing circuit in the present invention may also be implemented with a different structure than the second OR circuit 53. That is, the request processing circuit may be implemented in various forms that can drive the circuit cooling fan 27 based on the logic sum of the drive requests from the first control circuit 30 and the second control circuit 40, respectively.

[0181] Furthermore, the function of the second or circuit 53 can be implemented through software processing in the first control circuit 30 or the second control circuit 40. Specifically, for example, the second drive signal F2 from the second control circuit 40 can be input to the first control circuit 30. Moreover, in addition to outputting the first drive signal F1 through software processing and in accordance with the fulfillment of the first drive condition, the CPU 30a of the first control circuit 30 can also output the first drive signal F1 when the second drive signal F2 is input from the second control circuit 40. In this case, the first drive signal F1 can be input to the fan drive circuit 5 as a drive command signal Fo.

[0182] (2-2) The non-rotation detection circuit 27b can be set separately from the circuit cooling fan 27.

[0183] (2-3) The present invention can also be applied to chargers that have converters of a different form than the first DC-DC converter 31 and the second DC-DC converter 41. For example, a converter including the functions of a rectifier circuit 21, an input adjustment circuit 22, and a smoothing circuit 23, i.e., an ADC converter, can be provided with multiple charging ports respectively. The present invention can also be applied to chargers with this structure.

[0184] (2-4) can be configured such that multiple functions of one component in the above embodiments are achieved using multiple components, or that one function of one component is achieved using multiple components. Alternatively, it can be configured such that multiple functions of multiple components are achieved using one component, or that one function is achieved using one component through multiple components. Furthermore, a portion of the structure of the above embodiments can be omitted. Additionally, at least a portion of the structure of the above embodiments can be added to or replaced with structures from other above embodiments.

Claims

1. A charger, characterized in that, The charger has the following features: The first mounting section is configured to allow the first battery pack having the first battery to be installed in a detachable manner; The second mounting section is configured to allow the second battery pack, which has the second battery, to be installed in a detachable manner; The first converter is configured to generate a first charging current, which charges the first battery of the first battery pack installed in the first mounting part; The second converter is configured to generate a second charging current, which charges the second battery of the second battery pack installed in the second mounting part; A fan configured to deliver air to both the first converter and the second converter for cooling the first converter and the second converter based on a received drive signal; The first control circuit is configured to control the first converter and to request the fan to be driven in response to the fulfillment of the first drive condition. The second control circuit is configured to control the second converter and to request the fan to be driven in response to the fulfillment of the second drive condition; and A request processing circuit outputs the drive signal to the fan based on a request for the fan to be driven by the first control circuit and / or the second control circuit.

2. The charger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first control circuit is configured to output a first signal indicating the generation of the first charging current to the first converter in response to the establishment of the first charging condition. The first converter is configured to generate the first charging current based on the received first signal. The first driving condition and the first charging condition are respectively established.

3. The charger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second control circuit is configured to output a second signal indicating the generation of the second charging current to the second converter in response to the establishment of the second charging condition. The second converter is configured to generate the second charging current based on the received second signal. The second driving condition is established in accordance with the establishment of the second charging condition.

4. The charger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fan includes a rotating body configured to generate the wind through rotation. The charger also includes a non-rotation detection circuit, which is configured to detect a non-rotation state in which the rotating body is not rotating, and to output a non-rotation detection signal indicating that the non-rotation state has occurred based on the detected non-rotation state. The first control circuit and the second control circuit are respectively configured to receive the non-rotation detection signal.

5. The charger according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first control circuit requesting the drive of the fan is configured to perform a first protection process based on receiving the no-rotation detection signal. The first protection process includes reducing the first charging current or stopping the generation of the first charging current.

6. The charger according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first control circuit that is requesting the drive of the fan is configured such that, after receiving the non-rotation detection signal, even if the non-rotation state is not detected by the non-rotation detection circuit, the first protection process is continuously executed during the period when the first drive condition is met.

7. The charger according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second control circuit requesting the drive of the fan is configured to perform a second protection process based on the receipt of the no-rotation detection signal. The second protection process includes reducing the second charging current or stopping the generation of the second charging current.

8. The charger according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second control circuit that is requesting the drive of the fan is configured such that, after receiving the non-rotation detection signal, even if the non-rotation state is not detected by the non-rotation detection circuit, the second protection process is continuously executed during the period when the second drive condition is met.

9. The charger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The request processing circuit is separately configured from the first control circuit and the second control circuit.

10. The charger according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first control circuit requests the fan to be driven by outputting a third signal in response to the fulfillment of the first driving condition. The second control circuit requests the fan to be driven by outputting a fourth signal in response to the fulfillment of the second driving condition. The request processing circuit is configured to receive the third signal and / or the fourth signal. The request processing circuit is configured to output the drive signal to the fan based on the receipt of the third signal and / or the fourth signal.

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