Charging system, power adapter, and charger

Abstract

To provide a technology that realizes control of a charger according to the state of a power adapter with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A charging system includes a power adapter and a charger which are connected via a cable. In the power adapter, a conversion circuit converts AC input power to DC. A status detection circuit detects the status of the conversion circuit. An adapter control unit outputs a status signal generated in response to a detection signal from the status detection circuit to the charger via the cable. In the charger, a charging control unit controls charging of a battery contained in a battery pack attached to an attachment unit in response to the status signal input via the cable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for charging a battery pack.

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a technique for supplying power to a charger via a power adapter. The power adapter includes a power conversion circuit that converts the power input from an AC power supply into DC power and outputs it.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the prior art, there has been a problem that the charger cannot be controlled according to the state of the power adapter. One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a technique for realizing control of a charger according to the state of a power adapter with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A charging system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a power adapter and a charger connected via a cable. The power adapter includes a conversion circuit, a state detection circuit, and an adapter control unit. The conversion circuit is configured to convert AC input power into DC power. The state detection circuit is configured to detect the state of the conversion circuit. The adapter control unit is configured to output a state signal generated according to a detection signal from the state detection circuit to the charger via the cable. The charger includes a mounting portion and a charging control unit. The mounting portion is configured to allow a battery pack that houses a battery used by an electric working machine to be attached and detached. The charging control unit is configured to control charging of the battery housed in the battery pack with respect to the battery pack attached to the mounting portion according to the state signal input via the cable.

[0006] According to such a configuration, control of the charger according to the state of the power adapter can be realized with a simple configuration. Another aspect of the present disclosure is a power adapter connected to a charger via a cable, including a conversion circuit, a state detection circuit, and an adapter control unit. The conversion circuit is configured to convert AC input power into DC power. The state detection circuit is configured to detect the state of the conversion circuit. The adapter control unit is configured to output a state signal generated according to a detection signal from the state detection circuit to the charger via the cable.

[0007] According to such a configuration, a power adapter used in the above-described charging system can be provided. Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a charger that is a charger connected to a power adapter via a cable. The charging system further includes a mounting portion and a charging control unit. The mounting portion is configured to allow a battery pack that houses a battery used by an electric power tool to be attached and detached. The charging control unit is configured to control charging of the battery housed in the battery pack with respect to the battery pack attached to the mounting portion according to a state signal indicating the state of the power adapter input via the cable.

[0008] According to such a configuration, a charger used in the above charging system can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] [Summary of the Embodiment] A certain embodiment may provide a charging system. The charging system includes at least one of the following features. · Feature 1: The charging system includes a power adapter and a charger. · Feature 2: The power adapter and the charger are connected via a cable. · Feature 3: The power adapter includes a conversion circuit configured to convert AC input power into DC. · Feature 4: The power adapter includes a state detection circuit configured to detect the state of the conversion circuit. · Feature 5: The power adapter includes an adapter control unit configured to output a state signal to the charger via a cable. · Feature 6: The state signal is generated according to the detection signal from the state detection circuit. · Feature 7: The charger includes an attachment portion configured such that a battery pack for housing a battery can be attached and detached. · Feature 8: The battery pack is used by being attached to an electric working machine. · Feature 9: The charger includes a charge control portion configured to control charging of a battery housed in the battery pack attached to the attachment portion in accordance with a status signal. · Feature 10: The status signal is input to the charger via a cable.

[0011] A charging system having at least Features 1 to 10 can realize control of the charger according to the status of the power adapter with a simple configuration. A certain embodiment may include, in addition to, or instead of, at least any one of the above-described Features 1 to 10, the following Feature 11. · Feature 11: The adapter control portion controls the operation of the conversion circuit according to the status signal.

[0012] A charging system having at least Features 1 to 11 can control not only the charger side but also the power adapter side according to the status of the power adapter. A certain embodiment may include, in addition to, or instead of, at least any one of the above-described Features 1 to 11, the following Feature 12. · Feature 12: When the status signal satisfies a predetermined condition, the first timing at which the adapter control portion changes the control of the conversion circuit and the second timing at which the charge control portion changes the charge control of the battery have an interval of a certain time or more.

[0013] A charging system having at least Features 1 to 12 can appropriately execute control when it is necessary to perform control in sequence at different timings on the power adapter side and the charger side.

[0014] A certain embodiment may include, in addition to, or instead of, at least any one of the above-described Features 1 to 12, at least any one of the following Features 13 and 14. ·Feature 13: When the state signal satisfies the first condition which is one of the predetermined conditions, the charge control unit changes the charge control of the battery. ·Feature 14: After the adapter control unit has elapsed a first standby time set longer than a certain time since the state signal satisfied the first condition, it changes the control of the conversion circuit.

[0015] A charging system having at least Features 1 to 14 can be used when it is necessary to change the control on the power adapter side after the state on the charger side with the changed control has been adjusted. In a certain embodiment, in addition to or instead of at least any one of the above-described Features 1 to 14, it may also include at least any one of the following Features 15 and 16. ·Feature 15: When the state signal satisfies the second condition which is one of the predetermined conditions, the adapter control unit changes the control of the conversion circuit. ·Feature 16: After the charge control unit has elapsed a second standby time set longer than a certain time since the state signal satisfied the second condition, it changes the charge control of the battery.

[0016] A charging system having at least Features 1 to 12, 15, and 16 can be used when it is necessary to change the control on the charger side after the state on the power adapter side with the changed control has been adjusted.

[0017] In a certain embodiment, in addition to or instead of at least any one of the above-described Features 1 to 16, it may also include at least any one of the following Features 17 to 19. ·Feature 17: The state detection circuit includes one or more temperature sensors configured to detect the temperature of an element belonging to the conversion circuit. ·Feature 18: The state signal is a signal indicating at least a normal temperature state in which the probability that the power adapter causes an operation abnormality is less than the allowable value. ·Feature 19: The state signal is a signal indicating at least a high temperature state in which the probability that the power adapter causes an operation abnormality is equal to or greater than the allowable value.

[0018] A charging system having at least features 1 to 10, 17 to 19 can achieve appropriate control according to the heat generation state of the power adapter, and can improve the reliability of the charging system.

[0019] In a certain embodiment, in addition to, or instead of, at least any one of the above-mentioned features 1 to 19, it may also have at least any one of the following features 20 to 22. · Feature 20: Temperature sensors are provided in each of the primary circuit and the secondary circuit of the conversion circuit. · Feature 21: When a high-temperature state is detected by at least one temperature sensor, the adapter control unit sets the signal level of the status signal to a level indicating the high-temperature state. · Feature 22: When a normal-temperature state is detected by two temperature sensors, the adapter control unit sets the signal level of the status signal to a level indicating the normal-temperature state.

[0020] A charging system having at least features 1 to 10, 17 to 22 can more appropriately detect the heat generation state of the power adapter, and can further improve the reliability of the charging system.

[0021] In a certain embodiment, in addition to, or instead of, at least any one of the above-mentioned features 1 to 22, it may also have the following feature 23. · Feature 23: The power adapter is provided with an adapter display unit configured to display that it is in a high-temperature state.

[0022] A charging system having at least features 1 to 10, 17 to 19, 23 can enable the user of the charging system to easily grasp the state of the power adapter. In a certain embodiment, in addition to, or instead of, at least any one of the above-mentioned features 1 to 23, it may also have at least any one of the following features 24 to 26. · Feature 24: The cable is integrally configured with the power adapter. · Feature 25: The cable is provided with a connector at the connection end with the charger. ·Feature 26: The charger includes a connector connection part configured to detachably connect a connector.

[0023] A charging system having at least Features 1 to 10, 24 to 26 allows the power adapter to be detachable from the charging case, making it easy to store when not in use and carry around, and improving the usability of the charging system.

[0024] Some embodiments may include, in addition to or instead of at least any one of the above-described Features 1 to 26, the following Feature 27. ·Feature 27: The charger is a multi-port charger having a plurality of attachment parts.

[0025] A charging system having at least Features 1 to 10, 27 increases the power supplied from the power adapter to the charger, but control is performed according to the state of the power adapter. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the power adapter from becoming hot and, consequently, abnormal operation due to high temperature from occurring.

[0026] Some embodiments may include, in addition to or instead of at least any one of the above-described Features 1 to 27, the following Feature 28. ·Feature 28: The charger includes a case configured to house the attachment part and the charge control part together with a battery pack attached to the attachment part.

[0027] A charging system having at least Features 1 to 10, 28 can charge a plurality of batteries in a space-saving manner. Some embodiments may provide a power adapter. The power adapter includes at least one of the following Features 29 to 33. ·Feature 29: It is connected to the charger via a cable. ·Feature 30: It includes a conversion circuit configured to convert AC input power into DC. ·Feature 31: It includes a state detection circuit configured to detect the state of the conversion circuit. · Feature 32: It includes an adapter control unit configured to output a status signal to a charger via a cable. · Feature 33: The status signal is generated according to a detection signal from a status detection circuit.

[0028] A power adapter having at least Features 29 to 33 can be used in a charging system having Features 1 to 10. In an embodiment, in addition to, or instead of, at least any one of Features 29 to 33, the power adapter may have at least any one of Features 11, 12, 14, 15, 17 to 25 that the charging system has.

[0029] An embodiment may provide a charger. The charger includes at least one of the following Features 34 to 37. · Feature 34: It is connected to a power adapter via a cable. · Feature 35: It is configured to be used when attached to a power tool and has an attachment part configured such that a battery pack that houses a battery can be detached. · Feature 36: It includes a charging control unit configured to control charging of a battery housed in the battery pack attached to the attachment part according to a status signal indicating the status of the power adapter. · Feature 37: The status signal is input to the charger via a cable.

[0030] A charger having at least Features 34 to 37 can be used in a charging system having at least Features 1 to 10. In an embodiment, in addition to, or instead of, at least any one of Features 34 to 37, the charger may have at least any one of Features 12, 13, 16, 26 to 28 that the charging system has.

[0031] [Specific Exemplary Embodiments] Hereinafter, specific exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. Configuration] The charging system 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is a system for charging one or more battery packs 9 sequentially or simultaneously. A battery is housed in the battery pack 9. The battery pack 9 has a structure for being detachably attached to various electric working machines such as a rechargeable power tool, a rechargeable vacuum cleaner, a rechargeable lawn mower, etc., and an attachment portion 541 of a tray unit 54 described later.

[0032] The charging system 1 includes a power adapter 2 and a charging case 5. The power adapter 2 converts the AC input power input from an external AC power supply into DC with a constant adapter output voltage Vad (for example, DC48V) and supplies it to the charging case 5. The charging case 5 houses one or more battery packs 9 to be charged, and charges each battery pack 9 using the power supplied from the power adapter 2. That is, the charging case 5 is configured as a multi-port charger.

[0033] [1-2. Power Adapter] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the power adapter 2 includes an AC cable 21, an adapter main body 22, and a DC cable 23. However, FIG. 1 shows a state where the AC cable 21 is removed.

[0034] One end of the AC cable 21 is provided with a connector 211 that can be detachably connected to the adapter main body 22, and the other end is provided with an AC plug 212 that is connected to, for example, a commercial power outlet. One end of the DC cable 23 is integrally connected to the adapter main body 22, and the other end is provided with a DC connector 231 that is detachably attached to the DC plug 53 of the charging case 5.

[0035] The DC cable 23 includes at least two power lines LP, LM used for power transmission and at least one signal line LS used for transmission of a control signal. The adapter main body 22 includes a cable connection portion 221 and an adapter display portion 222. The cable connection portion 221 is detachably connected to the connector 211 of the AC cable 21. The adapter display portion 222 includes, for example, an LED and is used to indicate the state of the adapter main body 22.

[0036] The adapter main body 22 is a switching-mode AC / DC converter. The adapter main body 22 converts the power input from an AC power source via the AC cable 21 from AC to DC and outputs it from the DC cable 23.

[0037] [1-2. Charging Case] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the charging case 5 includes a case main body 51 and a lid body 52. The lid body 52 is detachably attached to the upper part of the case main body 51. The lid body 52 is formed of a translucent material and is configured such that the inside of the case main body 51 can be visually recognized even when the lid body 52 is closed. The case main body 51 includes a DC plug 53. The DC plug 53 is where the DC socket 231 of the power adapter 2 is detachably attached.

[0038] The charging case 5 includes a battery storage part 5a and a board storage part 5b. The battery storage part 5a forms a space for storing the battery pack 9 to be charged. The battery storage part 5a includes three tray units 54. The battery pack 9 is stored in the battery storage part 5a in a state of being mounted on the tray unit 54.

[0039] Each tray unit 54 includes four mounting parts 541 having a structure that allows the battery pack 9 to be detachably attached. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 3, when it is necessary to individually identify the total 12 mounting parts 541 of the three tray units 54, they are denoted as mounting parts A11 to A13, B11 to B13, A21 to A23, B21 to B23.

[0040] The tray unit 54 includes the same number of charging display parts 542 as the mounting parts 541. Each charging display part 542 is provided at a position where it can be visually recognized from the outside in a state where the lid body 52 is attached or the lid body 52 is removed in the tray unit 54 stored in the battery storage part 5a, and at a position where the correspondence with each mounting part 541 can be intuitively understood.

[0041] The charging display unit 542 is used to indicate the state of the battery pack 9 attached to the attachment unit 541 for each attachment unit 541. The state of the battery pack 9 indicated by the charging display unit 542 may include, for example, charging, charging completed, occurrence of an abnormality, etc.

[0042] The substrate storage unit 5b is located below the battery storage unit 5a in the case body 51. The substrate storage unit 5b forms a space for storing the first main substrate 6 and the second main substrate 7. The first main substrate 6 controls the charging of the six battery packs 9 attached to the attachment parts A11 to A13 and B11 to B13. The second main substrate 7 controls the charging of the six battery packs 9 attached to the attachment parts A21 to A23 and B21 to B23.

[0043] [2. Functional configuration] [2-1. Functional configuration of the charging case] As shown in FIG. 4, the first main substrate 6 receives power supply at the adapter output voltage Vad from the power adapter 2 via the DC plug 53.

[0044] The first main substrate 6 includes a control power supply circuit 61, a first block circuit 62, and a second block circuit 63. The control power supply circuit 61 is a DC / DC converter that generates a control power supply Vd (for example, DC5V) and a power supply Vc (for example, DC15V) used within the first main substrate 6 based on the power supplied at the adapter output voltage Vad from the power adapter 2. The control power supply Vd is used, for example, for driving the control system circuit. The power supply Vc is used, for example, for driving the power system circuit.

[0045] The first block circuit 62 controls the charging of the batteries housed in the battery packs 9 for up to three battery packs 9 attached to the attachment parts A11 to A13. The second block circuit 63 controls the charging of the batteries housed in the battery packs 9 for up to three battery packs 9 attached to the attachment parts B11 to B13.

[0046] The first block circuit 62 includes a charging converter 621, a first switch circuit 622, a second switch circuit 623, a third switch circuit 624, a signal IF circuit 625, and a main MCU 626.

[0047] The charging converter 621 is a DC / DC converter. The charging converter 621 controls so that a charging current is supplied at a target value set by the main MCU 626 based on the DC input of the adapter output voltage Vad.

[0048] The first switch circuit 622 interrupts the power line that supplies the charging current to the battery pack (hereinafter, the target battery pack) 9 mounted on the attachment part A11 according to an instruction from the main MCU 626. The second switch circuit 623 interrupts the power line that supplies the charging current to the battery pack (hereinafter, the target battery pack) 9 mounted on the attachment part A12 according to an instruction from the main MCU 626. The third switch circuit 624 interrupts the power line that supplies the charging current to the battery pack (hereinafter, the target battery pack) 9 mounted on the attachment part A13 according to an instruction from the main MCU 626.

[0049] The signal IF circuit 625 waveform-shapes the consumption limit signal ZS input via the signal line LS of the DC cable 23 so that the main MCU 626 can correctly determine whether the signal level is an active level or an inactive level, and outputs it to the main MCU 626.

[0050] The main MCU 626 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and executes various control processes according to a program stored in advance in the ROM. The main MCU 626 executes at least, for example, a charging process and a consumption suppression process. In FIG. 4, the main MCU 626 is described in three places, but this is for convenience of drawing and is described separately. These are a single MCU.

[0051] During the charging process, the main MCU 626 communicates individually with each battery pack 9 mounted on the mounting parts A11 to A13, and acquires information including the charging state of the battery housed in the battery pack 9 from each battery pack 9. Further, the main MCU 626 individually controls the first to third switch circuits 622 to 624 according to the acquired charging state. Further, the main MCU 626 displays the state of each battery pack 9 on each of the charging display units 542 associated with the mounting part 541 on which each battery pack 9 is mounted according to the acquired charging state.

[0052] In the consumption suppression process, the main MCU 626 generates a consumption limit signal ZS based on the temperature state signal TS acquired via the signal IF circuit 625. Further, the charging converter 621 switches the setting of the target value of the charging current according to the signal level of the consumption limit signal ZS. Specifically, the main MCU 626 generates the consumption limit signal ZS by delaying the received temperature state signal TS by the second standby time. Further, when the consumption limit signal ZS is at the inactive level, the main MCU 626 sets the target value of the charging current to the normal value (for example, 1.6 A), and when the consumption limit signal ZS is at the active level, the main MCU 626 sets the target value of the charging current to the suppression value (for example, 0.6 A). That is, when the target value is set to the suppression value, the charging current used for charging the battery pack 9, and thus the power consumption due to charging, are suppressed in the first block circuit 62 as compared with the case where the target value is the normal value.

[0053] The second block circuit 63 controls the charging of the battery housed in the battery pack 9 for the battery pack 9 mounted on the mounting parts B11 to B13. Since the second block circuit 63 is configured in the same manner as the first block circuit 62, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0054] The second main board 7 controls the charging state of the battery housed in the battery pack 9 attached to the attachment parts A21 to A23 and B21 to B23. The second main board 7 is configured in the same manner as the first main board 6 except that it receives the DC input of the adapter voltage Vad and the supply of the temperature state signal TS via the first main board 6, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0055] [2-2. Functional Configuration of Power Adapter] As shown in FIG. 5, the adapter body 22 includes a rectifier circuit 31, a PFC circuit 32, and a main converter 33.

[0056] The rectifier circuit 31 has, for example, diodes connected in a bridge shape, and full-wave rectifies the input from the AC power supply via the AC cable 21. The PFC circuit 32 is a circuit for improving the power factor representing the ratio of the active power, which is the power effectively used, to the apparent power, which is the power supplied from the AC power supply. PFC is the abbreviation of Power Factor Correction. The PFC circuit 32 includes an inductor L1, a diode D1, a switching element Q1, a capacitor C1, a resistor R, a PFC control circuit 321, etc. The PFC control circuit 321 improves the power factor by controlling the timing of turning on and off the switching element Q1.

[0057] The PFC circuit 32 includes a first heat sink 322. The first heat sink 322 dissipates the heat generated by the diode D1 and the switching element Q1. The main converter 33 is a half-bridge type DC / DC converter.

[0058] The primary side circuit of the main converter 33 includes switching elements Q2, Q3, an inductor L2, etc. The secondary side circuit of the main converter 33 includes inductors L3, L4, diodes D2, D3, and a capacitor C2, etc.

[0059] The main converter 33 includes a voltage FB circuit 331. The voltage FB circuit 331 controls the switching elements Q2 and Q3 so that the output voltage of the secondary side circuit of the main converter 33 becomes a constant adapter output voltage Vad and does not exceed the upper limit current set by the adapter MCU 38 described later. The upper limit current is set to either a normal value (e.g., 6 A) or a suppression value (e.g., 2 A), for example. That is, when the upper limit current is set to the normal value, the power adapter 2 can supply a maximum of approximately 300 W (≈48 V × 6 A) of power to the charging case 5. Also, when the upper limit current is set to the suppression value, the power that the power adapter 2 can supply to the charging case 5 is limited to a maximum of approximately 100 W (≈48 V × 2 A). Hereinafter, the state in which the upper limit current is set to the normal value is referred to as the normal state, and the state in which the upper limit current is set to the suppression value is referred to as the supply restriction state.

[0060] The main converter 33 includes a second heat sink 332. The second heat sink 332 dissipates the heat generated by the diodes D2 and D3 operating as a rectifier circuit. The output of the main converter 33 is supplied to the charging case 5 via the power lines LP and LM of the DC cable 23.

[0061] The adapter body 22 includes a first temperature sensor 34, a temperature monitoring circuit 35, a second temperature sensor 36, a signal IF circuit 37, an adapter MCU 38, and an adapter display unit 222. Although not shown in the figure, in addition to the above circuits, the adapter body 22 may include a circuit for monitoring the operating state of an air-cooling fan that cools the circuits built into the adapter body 22, a circuit for detecting the output voltage and output current of the secondary side circuit, a circuit for detecting the connection state with the charging case 5 via the DC cable 23, and the like. Also, the signal transmitted across between the primary side circuit and the secondary side circuit of the main converter 33 may be transmitted via a photocoupler 39 for electrical insulation.

[0062] The first temperature sensor 34 is attached near the switching element Q1 of the first heat sink 322, and outputs a first temperature signal TA1 corresponding to the temperature of the first heat sink 322, that is, the temperatures of the diode D1 and the switching element Q1 in the PFC circuit 32.

[0063] The temperature monitoring circuit 35 generates a high-temperature detection signal TD1 from the first temperature signal TA1 and outputs it to the adapter MCU 38. As shown in FIG. 7, the high-temperature detection signal TD1 becomes an active level when the first temperature signal TA1 changes from a value lower than the high-temperature detection threshold TH1 to a high value, and becomes an inactive level when it changes from a value higher than the high-temperature release threshold TH2 to a low value.

[0064] The high-temperature detection threshold TH1 is set to a temperature at which the probability of the power adapter 2 malfunctioning due to heat generation is equal to or higher than an allowable value. The high-temperature release threshold TH2 is a temperature lower than the high-temperature detection threshold TH1, and is set to a temperature at which the probability of the power adapter 2 malfunctioning due to heat generation is sufficiently lower than the allowable value. That is, the high-temperature detection threshold TH1 and the high-temperature release threshold TH2 are set to have hysteresis.

[0065] Returning to FIG. 5, the second temperature sensor 36 is attached near the diode D3 of the second heat sink 332, and outputs a second temperature signal TA2 corresponding to the temperature of the second heat sink 332, that is, the temperatures of the diodes D2 and D3 in the secondary-side circuit, to the adapter MCU 38.

[0066] The signal IF circuit 37 is a driver circuit for the adapter MCU 38 to transmit a temperature state signal TS output to the charging case 5 using the signal line LS of the DC cable 23 with sufficient driving force so that it can be normally received by the charging case 5.

[0067] The adapter display unit 222 performs a display that can identify the presence or absence of input from an AC power source via the AC cable 21 and whether the temperature state indicating the temperature of the adapter main body 22 is a normal temperature state or a high temperature state. For example, it may be constantly lit in the normal temperature state, blink in the high temperature state, and turn off when there is no input from the AC power source. Also, the display color may be different between the normal temperature state and the high temperature state.

[0068] The adapter MCU 38 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and executes various control processes according to a program stored in advance in the ROM. The adapter MCU 38 at least executes temperature processing. The temperature processing is a process of controlling the operation of the main converter 33 of the power adapter 2 and the operation of the charging converter 621 of the charging case 5 based on the first temperature signal TA1 and the second temperature signal TA2. [3. Processing] Next, the temperature processing executed by the adapter MCU 38 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 6. The temperature processing is repeatedly executed while the adapter main body 22 is connected to an AC power source via the AC cable 21 and connected to the charging case 5 via the DC cable 23.

[0069] In the initial state immediately after the adapter MCU 38 is activated, the temperature state indicating the temperature environment of the adapter main body 22, the signal level of the temperature state signal TS, and the signal level of the supply limit signal CM are initialized. Specifically, the temperature state is set to the normal temperature state at the time of initialization. The temperature state signal TS is a signal for notifying the charging case 5 of the temperature state of the adapter main body 22, and is set to an inactive level indicating the normal temperature state at the time of initialization. The supply limit signal CM is a signal output by the adapter MCU 38 to the main converter 33 in order to set the upper limit current of the main converter 33. The signal level of the supply limit signal CM is set to an inactive level that sets the upper limit current to the normal value and instructs the main converter 33 to operate in the normal state at the time of initialization.

[0070] When the temperature treatment starts, in S110, the adapter MCU 38 determines whether the temperature state is the normal temperature state by checking the temperature state setting. If it is the normal temperature state, the process proceeds to S120. If it is not the normal temperature state but the high temperature state, the process proceeds to S180.

[0071] In S120, the adapter MCU 38 determines whether the power adapter 2 is in the high temperature detection state. If it is in the high temperature detection state, the process proceeds to S130. If it is not in the high temperature detection state, the process ends. The high temperature detection state means a state in which at least one of the first temperature signal TA1 and the second temperature signal TA2 reaches a temperature higher than the high temperature detection threshold TH1 and then a temperature higher than the high temperature release threshold TH2 is maintained.

[0072] Note that for the first temperature signal TA1, the adapter MCU 38 captures the high temperature detection signal TD1 binarized by the temperature monitoring circuit 35. Therefore, if the high temperature detection signal TD1 is at the active level, the adapter MCU 38 determines that it is in the high temperature detection state. Also, for the second temperature signal TA2, the adapter MCU 38 captures the A / D converted digital value. Therefore, the adapter MCU 38 determines whether it is in the high temperature detection state by performing a process of comparing the captured digital value with the high temperature detection threshold TH1 and the high temperature release threshold TH2.

[0073] In S130, the adapter MCU 38 determines whether the high temperature detection state has continued for a predetermined time (for example, 4 seconds) or more. If it has not continued, the process returns to S120. If it has continued, the process proceeds to S140. That is, the predetermined time is set to a length that can sufficiently invalidate an instantaneous high temperature detection state caused by noise or the like.

[0074] In S140, the adapter MCU 38 switches the temperature state setting from the normal temperature state to the high temperature state and also switches the display of the adapter display unit 222 to a display corresponding to the high temperature state. In S150, the adapter MCU 38 changes the signal level of the temperature state signal TS output to the charging case 5 using the signal line LS of the DC cable 23 to the active level indicating that the adapter body 22 is in a high temperature state.

[0075] In S160, after the adapter MCU 38 changes the signal level of the temperature state signal TS, it determines whether or not the first waiting time has elapsed. If the adapter MCU 38 determines that the first waiting time has not elapsed, it waits by repeating the same step. If it determines that the first waiting time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S170. The first waiting time is set to be equal to or longer than a certain time required for the target value of the charging current of the charging converter 621 to transition to a state where it is restricted after the signal level of the temperature state signal TS output by the adapter MCU 38 changes to the active level.

[0076] In S170, the adapter MCU 38 switches the signal level of the supply limit signal CM output to the main converter 33 from the inactive level to the active level, and ends the process. As a result, the upper limit current of the main converter 33 is set to the suppression value, and the main converter 33 transitions to the supply limit state.

[0077] That is, when the temperature state of the power adapter 2 switches from the normal temperature state to the high temperature state, after the charging case 5 side is ready to operate in a state where power consumption is suppressed, an operation is performed to lower the upper limit current supplied from the power adapter 2 to the charging case 5.

[0078] In S180, the adapter MCU 38 determines whether or not the power adapter 2 is in the normal temperature detection state. If it is in the normal temperature detection state, the process proceeds to S190. If it is not in the normal temperature detection state, the process ends. The normal temperature detection state means a state in which both the first temperature signal TA1 and the second temperature signal TA2 have reached a temperature lower than the high temperature release threshold TH2 and the temperature lower than the high temperature detection threshold TH2 has been maintained thereafter.

[0079] In S190, the adapter MCU 38 determines whether the normal temperature detection state has continued for a predetermined time (e.g., 4 seconds) or more. If it has not continued, the process returns to S180. If it has continued, the process proceeds to S200. That is, the predetermined time is set to a length that can sufficiently invalidate an instantaneous normal temperature detection state caused by noise or the like.

[0080] In S200, the adapter MCU 38 switches the signal level of the supply limit signal CM output to the main converter 33 from the active level to the non-active level. As a result, the upper limit current of the main converter 33 is set to the normal value, and the main converter 33 transitions to the normal state.

[0081] In S210, the adapter MCU 38 changes the signal level of the temperature state signal TS output to the charging case 5 using the signal line LS of the DC cable 23 to the non-active level. In S220, the adapter MCU 38 switches the setting of the temperature state from the high temperature state to the normal temperature state, and ends the process while keeping the display of the adapter display unit 222 held at the display corresponding to the high temperature state. Note that the display corresponding to the high temperature state is held until the connection to the AC power supply via the AC cable 21 or the connection to the charging case 5 via the DC cable 23 is released.

[0082] [4. Operation] The operations when the temperature state setting of the power adapter 2 switches from the normal temperature state to the high temperature state and when it switches from the high temperature state to the normal temperature state will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 7, when the first temperature signal TA1 exceeds the high temperature detection threshold TH1, the signal level of the high temperature detection signal TD1 output by the temperature monitoring circuit 35 changes to the active level, and this high temperature detection signal TD1 is taken into the adapter MCU 38.

[0084] The second temperature signal TA2 is AD-converted and taken into the adapter MCU 38. Based on the high-temperature detection signal TD1 and the AD-converted second temperature signal TA2, the adapter MCU38 determines whether it is in a high-temperature detection state. When the high-temperature detection state continues for a predetermined time or more, the adapter MCU38 changes the temperature state signal TS notified to the charging case 5 to the active level.

[0085] When the change in the signal level of the temperature state signal TS is detected by the main MCU626 of the charging case 5, the main MCU626 waits for the second standby time and then changes the consumption limit signal ZS output to the charging converter 621 to the active level. As a result, the target value of the charging current in the charging converter 621 changes from the normal value to the limit value, and the charging case 5 transitions to a consumption limit state where the charging current to the battery pack 9 is restricted. Note that the temperature state signal TS received by the main MCU626 of the charging case 5 is delayed compared to the temperature state signal TS transmitted by the adapter MCU38 of the power adapter 2 due to the influence of signal IF circuits 37, 625, the DC cable 23, etc.

[0086] After the temperature state signal TS changes to the active level, the adapter MCU38 waits for the first standby time to elapse, that is, waits for the charging case 5 to transition to the consumption limit state, and then changes the supply limit signal CM to the active level. Note that the first standby time is set in consideration of the delay of the temperature detection signal TS and the second standby time. The main converter 33 switches the upper limit current supplied to the charging case 5 from the normal value to the suppression value according to the supply limit signal CM. As a result, the power adapter 2 transitions to a supply limit state where the power supplied to the charging case 5 is restricted.

[0087] In the supply limit state, the power handled by the power adapter 2 decreases compared to normal. As a result, the heat generation in the circuit decreases, and the temperatures indicated by the first temperature signal TA1 and the second temperature signal TA2 decrease.

[0088] Based on the high-temperature detection signal TD1 and the second temperature signal TA2 that has been AD-converted, the adapter MCU 38 determines whether it is in the normal-temperature detection state. When the normal-temperature detection state continues for a predetermined time or more, the adapter MCU 38 changes the temperature state signal TS notified to the charging case 5 to the inactive level. Further, the adapter MCU 38 changes the supply limit signal CM output to the main converter 33 to the inactive level.

[0089] According to the supply limit signal CM, the main converter 33 returns the upper limit current supplied to the charging case 5 from the suppression value to the normal value. Thereby, the supply limit state of the power adapter 2 is released. When the change in the signal level of the temperature state signal TS is detected by the main MCU 626 of the charging case 5, the main MCU 626 waits for the second waiting time and then changes the consumption limit signal ZS output to the charging converter 621 to the inactive level. The charging converter 621 changes the target value of the charging current from the limit value to the normal value according to the consumption limit signal ZS. Thereby, the consumption limit state of the charging case 5 is released. The second waiting time is set to be longer than a certain time required from when the signal level of the supply limit signal CM output by the adapter MCU 38 changes to the inactive level until the supply limit state is released.

[0090] That is, by delaying the timing of changing the signal level of the consumption limit signal ZS by the second waiting time from the temperature state signal TS, the consumption limit state of the charging case 5 is released at the timing after the supply limit state of the power adapter 2 is released.

[0091] Thereby, even if the power consumption in the charging case 5 increases due to the release of the consumption limit state of the charging case 5, the power adapter 2 can supply the necessary power to the charging case 5.

[0092] [5. Term Correspondence] In this embodiment, the charging case 5 corresponds to an example of the charger in the present disclosure. The PFC circuit 32 and the main converter 33 correspond to an example of the conversion circuit in the present disclosure. The first temperature sensor 34, the temperature monitoring circuit 35, the second temperature sensor 36, the first heat sink 322, and the second heat sink 332 correspond to an example of the state detection circuit. The adapter MCU 38 corresponds to an example of the adapter control unit in the present disclosure. The first main board 6 and the second main board 7 correspond to an example of the charging control unit in the present disclosure. The DC outlet 231 corresponds to an example of the connector in the present disclosure, and the DC plug 53 corresponds to an example of the connector connection part in the present disclosure. The temperature state signal TS corresponds to an example of the state signal in the present disclosure. The timing at which the signal level of the supply limit signal CM changes corresponds to an example of the first timing in the present disclosure. The timing at which the signal level of the consumption limit signal ZS changes corresponds to an example of the second timing in the present disclosure. The change of the temperature state signal TS output by the adapter MCU 38 from the inactive level to the active level corresponds to an example of satisfying the first condition of the present disclosure. The change of the temperature state signal TS output by the adapter MCU 38 from the active level to the inactive level corresponds to an example of satisfying the second condition of the present disclosure.

[0093] [6. Effects] According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained. (6a) In the charging system 1, the power adapter 2 transmits the temperature state of the power adapter 2 to the charging case 5 by the temperature state signal TS. Therefore, the temperature state of the power adapter 2 can be easily transmitted to the charging case 5 without complicated communication between the power adapter 2 and the charging case 5. As a result, the charging case 5 can perform appropriate charging control according to the temperature state of the power adapter 2.

[0094] (6b) In the charging system 1, when a high-temperature state is detected by the power adapter 2, after transitioning the charging case 5 to the consumption suppression state, the power adapter 2 is transitioned to the supply suppression state. Therefore, when the power adapter 2 transitions to the supply suppression state, it is possible to suppress an error from occurring due to insufficient supply power to the charging case 5.

[0095] (6c) In the charging system 1, when the high-temperature state of the power adapter 2 is released, after releasing the supply suppression state of the power adapter 2, the consumption suppression state of the charging case 5 is released. Therefore, when the charging case 5 returns from the consumption suppression state to the normal state, it is possible to suppress an error from occurring due to insufficient supply power from the power adapter 2.

[0096] (6d) In the charging system 1, in the power adapter 2, the temperature is detected in each of the primary-side circuit and the secondary-side circuit of the main converter 33, and when at least one of them changes to a high temperature, it transitions to the high-temperature state, and when both return to normal temperature, it transitions to the normal-temperature state. Therefore, compared to the case where the temperature is detected at one location, it is possible to more accurately detect a temperature abnormality in the power adapter 2.

[0097] (6e) In the charging system 1, in the power adapter 2, when in the normal-temperature state, if the high-temperature detection state continues for a predetermined time or more, it transitions to the high-temperature state, and when in the high-temperature state, if the normal-temperature detection state continues for a predetermined time or more, it transitions to the normal-temperature state. Therefore, it is possible to suppress malfunction from occurring due to instantaneous high-temperature detection states and normal-temperature detection states caused by noise or the like, and it is possible to improve the reliability of the charging system 1.

[0098] (6f) In the charging system 1, the power adapter 2 includes an adapter display unit 222 that displays the temperature state. Therefore, the user of the charging system 1 can easily grasp the state of the power adapter 2.

[0099] (6g) In the charging system 1, the power adapter 2 is configured to be detachable from the charging case 5. Therefore, it is easy to store when not in use and to carry around, and the usability of the charging system 1 can be improved.

[0100] [7. Other Embodiments] As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various modifications.

[0101] (7a) In the above embodiment, the number of tray units 54 that can be stored in the charging case 5 is not limited to three, and may be one or two, or four or more. Also, the number of battery packs 9 that can be attached to the tray unit 54 is not limited to four, and may be one to three, or five or more.

[0102] (7b) In the above embodiment, as the state of the power adapter 2 detected to change the signal level of the temperature state signal TS, the temperatures of the switching element Q1 and diodes D1 to D3 that handle power are detected, but it is not limited thereto. Other signals that change in state when the power adapter 2 becomes hot, or changes in state that cause high temperature may be detected. For example, when the power adapter 2 is provided with an air-cooling fan, the operating state of the air-cooling fan may be detected.

[0103] (7c) In the above embodiment, the first heat sink 322 is configured to dissipate the heat generated by the diode D1 and the switching element Q1, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the first heat sink 322 may be configured to dissipate the heat generated by the switching elements Q2 and Q3 in addition to the diode D1 and the switching element Q1.

[0104] (7d) In the above embodiment, the first temperature sensor 34 is attached near the switching element Q1, and the second temperature sensor 36 is attached near the diode D3, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the second temperature sensor 36 may be attached at any position on the first heat sink 322, and the second temperature sensor 36 may be attached at any position on the second heat sink 332.

[0105] (7e) In the above embodiment, in S220, the adapter MCU 38 holds the display of the adapter display unit 222 as a display indicating a high temperature state, but it is not limited thereto. For example, in S220, the adapter MCU 38 may switch the display of the adapter display unit 222 to a display indicating a normal temperature state.

[0106] (7f) In the above embodiment, the main MCU 626 performs both communication with the three battery packs 9 mounted on the attachment parts A11 to A13 and control of the first to third switch circuits 622 to 624, but it is not limited thereto. For example, dedicated MCUs may be provided for each of the attachment parts A11 to A13, and each MCU may be configured to perform communication with one battery pack 9 and control of any one of the first to third switch circuits 622 to 624. However, in this case, it is not necessary for all MCUs to execute the consumption suppression process, and any one MCU may execute the consumption suppression process.

[0107] (7g) A plurality of functions of one component in the above embodiment may be realized by a plurality of components, or one function of one component may be realized by a plurality of components. Also, a plurality of functions of a plurality of components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by a plurality of components may be realized by one component. Also, a part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted. Also, at least a part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configuration of another above embodiment.

[0108] (7h) The charging system of the present disclosure can also be realized in various forms, such as a power adapter, a program for causing a computer to function as a charging case, a non-transitory tangible recording medium such as a semiconductor memory storing this program, a charging control method, and the like.

Explanation of Signs

[0109] 1... Charging system, 2... Power adapter, 5... Charging case, 9... Battery pack, 33... Main converter, 34... First temperature sensor, 36... Second temperature sensor, 38... Adapter MCU, 54... Tray unit, 322... First heat sink, 332... Second heat sink, 541... Mounting portion, 621... Charging converter, 626... Main MCU.

Claims

1. Comprising a power adapter and a charger connected via a cable The power adapter includes A conversion circuit configured to convert AC input power into DC power, A state detection circuit configured to detect the state of the conversion circuit, An adapter control unit configured to output a state signal generated according to a detection signal from the state detection circuit to the charger via the cable, And comprising The charger includes An attachment part configured to be attached to an electric working machine and used, and to which a battery pack for accommodating a battery is detachably attached, A charge control unit configured to control charging of the battery accommodated in the battery pack with respect to the battery pack attached to the attachment part according to the state signal input via the cable, A charging system comprising.

2. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein The adapter control unit controls the operation of the conversion circuit according to the state signal Charging system.

3. The charging system according to claim 2, wherein When the state signal satisfies a predetermined condition, a first timing at which the adapter control unit changes the control of the conversion circuit and a second timing at which the charge control unit changes the charge control of the battery have an interval of a certain time or more Charging system.

4. The charging system according to claim 3, wherein When the state signal satisfies a first condition which is one of the predetermined conditions, the charge control unit changes the charge control of the battery, The adapter control unit changes the control of the conversion circuit after a first standby time set longer than the certain time has elapsed since the state signal satisfied the first condition Charging system.

5. The charging system according to claim 3, wherein When the state signal satisfies a second condition which is one of the predetermined conditions, the adapter control unit changes the control of the conversion circuit, The charge control unit changes the charge control of the battery after a second standby time set longer than the certain time has elapsed since the state signal satisfied the second condition Charging system.

6. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The state detection circuit includes one or more temperature sensors configured to detect the temperature of circuit elements belonging to the conversion circuit, The state signal is a signal that indicates at least a normal temperature state in which the probability of the power adapter malfunctioning is less than the allowable value, and a high temperature state in which the probability of the power adapter malfunctioning is equal to or greater than the allowable value. Charging system.

7. The charging system according to claim 6, wherein the temperature sensors are provided in each of the primary side circuit and the secondary side circuit of the conversion circuit, and when the high temperature state is detected by at least one of the temperature sensors, the adapter control unit sets the signal level of the state signal to a level indicating the high temperature state, and when the normal temperature state is detected by the two temperature sensors, the adapter control unit sets the signal level of the state signal to a level indicating the normal temperature state. Charging system.

8. The charging system according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the power adapter further includes an adapter display unit configured to display that it is in the high temperature state. Charging system.

9. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cable is integrally formed with the power adapter, and a connector is provided at a connection end of the cable to the charger, and the charger includes a connector connection portion configured to detachably connect to the connector. Charging system.

10. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the charger is a multi-port charger having a plurality of the mounting portions. Charging system.

11. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the charger includes a case configured to house the mounting portion and the charge control portion together with the battery pack mounted on the mounting portion. Charging system.

12. A power adapter connected to a charger via a cable, comprising a conversion circuit configured to convert AC input power into DC, a state detection circuit configured to detect the state of the conversion circuit, and an adapter control unit configured to output a state signal generated according to a detection signal from the state detection circuit to the charger via the cable. Power adapter.

13. A charger connected to a power adapter via a cable, comprising a mounting portion configured to be attached to a power tool and used with a battery pack for housing a battery being detachable. A charging control unit configured to control charging of the battery housed in the battery pack attached to the mounting portion in accordance with a state signal indicating the state of the power adapter input via the cable. A charger comprising the same.

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