Power supply device, electric device, device set, and switching method

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of improving convenience of a power supply device.SOLUTION: The power supply device includes a plurality of connection units to which a plurality of electric devices are respectively connectable, a first inverter, a first wiring, and a switching unit. The plurality of connection portions include a first connection portion and a second connection portion. The first wiring transmits a first output voltage of the first inverter to the switching unit. The switching unit can switch a connection destination of the first wire between the first connection unit and the second connection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technology relating to a power supply device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,203,242 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is room for improvement in power supply technology. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A power supply device, an electric device, a device set, and a switching method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the power supply device includes a plurality of connection parts to which a plurality of electric devices can be respectively connected, a first inverter, a first wiring, and a switching part. The plurality of connection parts include a first connection part and a second connection part. The first wiring transmits a first output voltage of the first inverter to the switching part. The switching part can switch the connection destination of the first wiring between the first connection part and the second connection part.

[0006] In one embodiment, an electric device is connectable to the first connection part of the power supply device, and the electric device has a notification part that issues a predetermined notification when the first wiring is connected to the first connection part.

[0007] In one embodiment, a device set includes the power supply device and a first electric device connected to a first connection portion of the power supply device.

[0008] In one embodiment, the switching method is a switching method for the power supply device described above, and includes a step of switching a connection destination of the first wiring between the first connection part and the second connection part based on an input to the power supply device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The convenience of the power supply device is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device set. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a power supply device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of how an electrical device is connected to a power supply device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a power supply device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a power supply device. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a power supply device. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an electrical device. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a microcomputer. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the electrical system. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the electrical system. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a power supply device. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a power supply device. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a power supply device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device set 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the device set 1 includes, for example, a power supply device 3 and at least one electrical device 2 connected to the power supply device 3. In the example of Fig. 1, the device set 1 includes a plurality of electrical devices 2.

[0012] A plurality of electric devices 2 can be simultaneously connected to the power supply device 3. The electric devices 2 connected to the power supply device 3 can operate based on the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply device 3. In other words, the electric devices 2 can operate based on the power supplied from the power supply device 3.

[0013] The electric device 2 is, for example, a power tool. The power tool serving as the electric device 2 may be, for example, a disc grinder, an impact driver, a drill driver, a circular saw, a reciprocating saw, or a polisher.

[0014] Multiple types of power tools can be connected simultaneously to the power supply device 3, or multiple power tools of the same type can be connected simultaneously. The multiple types of power tools connected to the power supply device 3 may include at least two of the following: a disc grinder, an impact driver, a drill driver, a circular saw, a reciprocating saw, and a polisher.

[0015] <Configuration example of power supply unit and electrical device> FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of a power supply device 3. The power supply device 3 includes, for example, N connection parts 31 (N is an integer of 2 or more). N electrical devices 2 can be connected to the N connection parts 31, respectively. A maximum of N electrical devices 2 can be connected to the power supply device 3 simultaneously. The connection parts 20 are also called connectors, for example. The connection parts 20 may be plug connectors or jack connectors, for example. For example, N=4, and the power supply device 3 includes four connection parts 31. Note that N may be 2, N=3, or N>4.

[0016] The power supply device 3 is connected to a connection portion 31 of the power supply device 3 by, for example, a connection cable 4 (see FIG. 3 described later). The connection portion 31 of the power supply device 3 is electrically connected to the electrical device 2 through the connection cable 4. The device set 1 may include the connection cable 4.

[0017] Hereinafter, the electrical devices 2 connected to the connection portions 31 of the power supply device 3 may be referred to as connection devices 2. If the number of connection devices 2 is represented by M, M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N. The maximum number of connection devices 2 is N. The number of connection devices 2 may be one.

[0018] The power supply device 3 includes a housing 30 that houses multiple components. The housing 30 is also called, for example, a case or an outer case. The housing 30 has an external shape that is, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. N connection portions 31 are housed within the housing 30. Each connection portion 31 is partially exposed from the housing 30.

[0019] The housing 30 includes, for example, a side panel 30a from which the N connection portions 31 are exposed, and a housing main body 30b to which the side panel 30a is attached. The housing main body 30b is generally a rectangular parallelepiped with one side open. The side panel 30a is attached to the housing main body 30b so as to cover the opening of the housing main body 30b.

[0020] The power supply device 3 includes a connection section 32 and an operation section 33 housed in a housing 30. The connection section 32 is partially exposed from a side panel 30a. A single-phase AC voltage from a commercial power source is supplied to the connection section 32, for example, via a connection cable 5 (see FIG. 3 described below). The operation section 33 is partially exposed from the housing main body 30b. The operation section 33 is capable of detecting user operations.

[0021] The operation unit 33 is, for example, an operation switch. The operation unit 33 may be, for example, a push button switch, a rocker switch (also called a seesaw switch), or a toggle switch. The operation unit 33 is turned on or off by a user operation.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of how one electrical device 2 is connected to a power supply device 3. In FIG. 3, a disc grinder is shown as the electrical device 2. The electrical device 2 is connected to a connection portion 31 of the power supply device 3, for example, by a connection cable 4. The electrical device 2 has a connection portion 20 to which the connection cable 4 is connected. The connection portion 20 is also called a connector. The connection portion 20 may be, for example, a jack connector or a plug connector.

[0023] One end of the connection cable 4 is connected to the connection portion 31 of the power supply device 3, and the other end of the connection cable 4 is connected to the connection portion 20 of the electrical device 2. One end of the connection cable 4 is, for example, detachable from the connection portion 31, and the other end of the connection cable 4 is, for example, detachable from the connection portion 20. The connection cable 4 has, at one end, a connection portion 41 that is connected to the connection portion 31. The connection portion 41 is detachable from the connection portion 31. The connection cable 4 has, at the other end, a connection portion 42 that is connected to the connection portion 20. The connection portion 42 is detachable from the connection portion 20. The connection portions 41 and 42 are also called, for example, connectors. The length of the connection cable 4 may be, for example, several tens of centimeters or more and several meters or less.

[0024] One end of a connection cable 5 is connected to the connection portion 32 of the power supply device 3. The connection cable 5 has at one end a connection portion 51 that is connected to the connection portion 32. The connection portion 51 is detachable from the connection portion 32. The connection cable 5 has at the other end a connection portion 52 that is connected to an outlet that supplies AC voltage from a commercial power source. The connection portions 51 and 52 are also called connectors, for example. The connection portion 52 is also called a power plug, for example. A single-phase AC voltage from the commercial power source is supplied to the connection portion 32 of the power supply device 3 through the connection cable 5. An AC voltage with an effective value of 100 V, for example, is supplied to the connection portion 32.

[0025] Note that connection portion 41 of connection cable 4 may be non-detachably connected to connection portion 31 of power supply device 3. Furthermore, connection portion 42 of connection cable 4 may be non-detachably connected to connection portion 20 of electric device 2. Furthermore, connection portion 51 of connection cable 5 may be non-detachably connected to connection portion 32 of power supply device 3. Furthermore, connection portion 31 of power supply device 3 and connection portion 20 of electric device 2 may be directly connected.

[0026] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the power supply device 3. As shown in Fig. 4, the power supply device 3 includes, for example, a power supply unit 36, an inverter 35, a control unit 34, and a switching unit 37. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the inverter 35 and the control unit 34. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the switching unit 37. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the electric device 2.

[0027] The power supply unit 36, the inverter 35, the control unit 34, and the switching unit 37 are accommodated in a housing 30. For example, the switching unit 37 and the multiple connection units 31 are integrated to form an integrated module 38. The switching unit 37 and the multiple connection units 31 are integrated, for example, by being provided on two stacked substrates. The multiple connection units 31 are provided on one of the two stacked substrates, for example. The switching unit 37 is provided on at least one of the two stacked substrates, for example. The integrated module 38 can also be referred to as a circuit module, a circuit unit, or an integrated unit, for example. Note that the means for integrating the switching unit 37 and the multiple connection units 31 is not limited to this. Furthermore, the switching unit 37 and the multiple connection units 31 do not have to be integrated.

[0028] The AC voltage supplied to the connection unit 32 is input to the operation unit 33. When the operation unit 33 is in the ON state, it outputs the input AC voltage to the power supply unit 36. On the other hand, when the operation unit 33 is in the OFF state, it does not output the input AC voltage to the power supply unit 36. The operation unit 33 is also called, for example, a power switch or a main switch.

[0029] The power supply unit 36 ​​includes, for example, an AC-DC converter 360. The AC-DC converter 360 converts the AC voltage supplied from the operation unit 33 into a DC voltage and outputs the DC voltage. The AC-DC converter 360 is configured, for example, with a rectifier circuit and includes a diode and a capacitor. The AC-DC converter 360 outputs a DC voltage of, for example, about 140 V. The DC voltage output by the AC-DC converter 360 is supplied to the control unit 34. The DC voltage output by the AC-DC converter 360 is also supplied to the inverter 35 as a power supply voltage.

[0030] The inverter 35 generates and outputs a power supply voltage (in other words, a drive voltage) for the motor 21 (see FIG. 7) provided in the electric device 2 connected to the power supply device 3. The output voltage of the inverter 35 is used as the power supply voltage for the motor 21. The motor 21 is, for example, a three-phase motor.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5 , the inverter 35 includes, for example, six switching elements 350. The switching elements 350 are, for example, semiconductor elements. For example, FETs (Field Effect Transistors) are used as the switching elements 350. The switching elements 350 may be IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) or other semiconductor elements. In the inverter 35, three switching circuits, each consisting of two switching elements 350 connected in series, are connected in parallel. In each switching circuit, the voltage at the connection point of the two switching elements is output from the inverter 35 as the drive voltage for the motor 21. The output voltage of the inverter 35 is made up of three drive voltages supplied to the three-phase motor 21 included in the electric device 2.

[0032] Motor wiring 380 extends from the inverter 35 to transmit the output voltage of the inverter 35. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the motor wiring 380 extends from the inverter 35 to the switching unit 37. The motor wiring 380 is made up of three electric wires (in other words, signal lines) that transmit three drive voltages that make up the output voltage of the inverter 35, respectively.

[0033] The output voltage of the inverter 35 (also referred to as inverter output voltage) is input to the switching unit 37 through the motor wiring 380. The switching unit 37 can, for example, output the input inverter output voltage to one of the N connection units 31 included in the power supply device 3. The switching unit 37 can switch the output destination of the inverter output voltage between the N connection units 31.

[0034] 6, for each of the N connection parts 31, a motor wiring 390 for transmitting the inverter output voltage is individually provided between the connection part 31 and the switching part 37. The motor wiring 390 is composed of three electric wires for respectively transmitting three drive voltages that make up the output voltage of the inverter 35. The N motor wirings 390 connected to the N connection parts 31, respectively, are provided in the integrated module 38.

[0035] The switching unit 37 can connect any one of the N motor wirings 390 connected to the N connection units 31 to the motor wiring 380 extending from the inverter 35. The switching unit 37 can switch the connection destination of the motor wiring 380 among the N motor wirings 390. By switching the connection destination of the motor wiring 380 among the N motor wirings 390, the supply destination of the inverter output voltage is switched among the N connection units 31. The inverter output voltage is supplied to the motor 21 of the electric device 2 connected to the connection unit 31 connected to the motor wiring 390 connected to the motor wiring 380. The switching unit 37 can switch the supply destination of the inverter output voltage among the multiple electric devices 2 connected to the power supply device 3. It can also be said that the switching unit 37 can switch the connection destination of the motor wiring 380 among the N connection units 31. In other words, it can also be said that the switching unit 37 can switch the connection unit 31 connected to the motor wiring 380 among the N connection units 31. The inverter output voltage input to the connection unit 31 is input to the connection unit 20 of the connection device 2 connected to the connection unit 31 through the connection cable 4. The operation of the switching unit 37 will be described in detail later.

[0036] The inverter output voltage input to the connection unit 20 of the electric device 2 is input to the motor 21 of the electric device 2. As shown in Fig. 7, the three-phase motor 21 includes a U-phase coil 21a, a V-phase coil 21b, and a W-phase coil 21c. Three drive voltages that make up the inverter output voltage are supplied to the U-phase coil 21a, the V-phase coil 21b, and the W-phase coil 21c, respectively.

[0037] The electric device 2 includes a drive unit driven by a motor 21. If the electric device 2 is, for example, a disc grinder, the drive unit includes, for example, a gear unit and a disc-shaped grinding wheel. The gear unit transmits the rotation of the motor 21 to the grinding wheel after reducing the rotation speed. The motor 21 can rotate the grinding wheel via the gear unit. In a disc grinder, grinding, cutting, polishing, etc. can be performed by rotating the grinding wheel. The motor 21 is driven by a power supply device 3.

[0038] The electric device 2 is provided with motor wiring 280 that transmits the inverter output voltage supplied to the connection unit 20 to the motor 21. The motor wiring 280 extends from the connection unit 20 to the motor 21. The motor wiring 280 is made up of three electric wires that transmit three drive voltages that make up the output voltage of the inverter 35. The three electric wires that make up the motor wiring 280 are connected to the U-phase coil 21a, V-phase coil 21b, and W-phase coil 21c of the motor 21, respectively.

[0039] The electric device 2 includes a sensor unit 22 that detects the rotational position of the motor 21. The sensor unit 22 includes, for example, three sensors 220. Each sensor 220 detects the rotational position of the motor 21. The sensor unit 22 can also be said to be a sensor circuit that detects the rotational position of the motor 21. The three sensors 220 are arranged, for example, at 120-degree intervals along the rotational direction of the motor 21. The sensors 220 may be, for example, hall sensors or other types of sensors. An output signal from the sensor unit 22 is input to the connection unit 20. The output signal from the sensor unit 22 is made up of the output signals from the three sensors 220.

[0040] Hereinafter, the output signal of sensor unit 22 may be referred to as a sensor unit output signal. Also, the output signal of sensor 220 may be referred to as a sensor output signal. The sensor unit output signal is made up of three sensor output signals. The sensor unit output signal and the sensor output signal can also be said to be position detection signals.

[0041] The electrical device 2 is provided with a sensor wiring 281 that transmits the sensor unit output signal to the connection unit 20. The sensor wiring 281 extends from the sensor unit 22 to the connection unit 20. The sensor wiring 281 is made up of three electric wires that transmit the three sensor output signals that make up the sensor unit output signal. The three electric wires that make up the sensor wiring 281 are connected to the three sensors 220, respectively.

[0042] The sensor unit output signal input to the connection unit 20 is input to the connection unit 31 of the power supply device 3 through the connection cable 4 connected to the connection unit 20. The sensor unit output signal input to the connection unit 31 is input to the switching unit 37. The switching unit 37 can output the input sensor unit output signal to the control unit 34.

[0043] The control unit 34 can control the inverter 35 based on the input sensor unit output signal. The control unit 34 includes, for example, a microcomputer 341, an interface 342, and a DC-DC converter 340. The control unit 34 can also be called, for example, a control circuit. The control unit 34 can be provided on, for example, a single board. The board on which the control unit 34 is provided can also be called a control board.

[0044] DC-DC converter 340 steps down the DC voltage supplied from AC-DC converter 360 and outputs the stepped-down voltage. DC-DC converter 340 can be considered a step-down circuit. DC-DC converter 340 can output a voltage that serves as a power supply voltage for microcomputer 341. The power supply voltage for microcomputer 341 is, for example, +5V. DC-DC converter 340 can also output voltage 385 that is used as a power supply voltage for a predetermined circuit in electrical device 2. Voltage 385 is, for example, +15V. Hereinafter, voltage 385 will be referred to as converter output voltage 385.

[0045] The converter output voltage 385 is input to each of the N connection parts 31. Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, a positive potential 385a and a negative potential (e.g., ground potential) 385b constituting the converter output voltage 385 are input to each of the N connection parts 31. The converter output voltage 385 input to the connection part 31, that is, the positive potential 385a and the negative potential 385b, are input to the connection part 20 of the electric device 2 connected to the connection part 31 via the connection cable 4.

[0046] The microcomputer 341 is capable of controlling the inverter 35. By controlling the inverter 35, the microcomputer 341 is capable of controlling the connection device 2 connected to the power supply device 3. The microcomputer 341 can also be considered a computer device. The microcomputer 341 can also be considered a control circuit that controls the connection device 2.

[0047] The microcomputer 341 controls the inverter 35 based on the sensor output signal from the connection device 2, thereby controlling the rotation of the motor 21 of the connection device 2. The microcomputer 341 controls the voltage at the control terminals of each switching element 350 of the inverter 35 based on the sensor output signal, thereby controlling the on / off state of each switching element 350. As a result, the inverter 35 supplies appropriate drive voltages to the U-phase coil 21a, V-phase coil 21b, and W-phase coil 21c of the motor 21, thereby controlling the rotation of the motor 21. The microcomputer 341 generates six control signals and supplies the six generated control signals to the control terminals of the six switching elements 350, respectively. How the six control signals are generated determines how the inverter 35 is controlled. In other words, how the six control signals are generated determines how the motor 21 of the electric device 2 is controlled. The control method of the inverter 35 is determined by the six control signals output by the microcomputer 341 to the inverter 35. It can be said that the method of controlling the electric device 2, specifically the method of controlling the motor 21 of the electric device 2, is determined by the six control signals that the microcomputer 341 outputs to the inverter 35.

[0048] 5 and 6, the power supply device 3 is provided with a sensor wiring 381 that transmits the sensor unit output signal and extends from the switching unit 37 to the control unit 34. The sensor wiring 381 is made up of three electric wires that transmit the three sensor output signals that make up the sensor unit output signal. The sensor unit output signal output by the switching unit 37 is input to the control unit 34 by the sensor wiring 381.

[0049] 6, for each of the N connection units 31, a sensor wiring 391 for transmitting a sensor unit output signal is individually provided between the connection unit 31 and the switching unit 37. The sensor wiring 391 is composed of three electric wires for transmitting the three sensor output signals that make up the sensor unit output signal. The N sensor wirings 391 connected to the N connection units 31, respectively, are provided in the integrated module 38.

[0050] The switching unit 37 can connect any one of the N sensor wirings 391 connected to the N connection units 31 to a sensor wiring 381 connected to the control unit 34. The switching unit 37 can switch the connection destination of the sensor wiring 381 among the N sensor wirings 391. The switching unit 37 can switch the sensor unit output signal supplied to the control unit 34 among the multiple sensor unit output signals supplied to the power supply device 3. A sensor unit output signal output by an electrical device 2 connected to a connection unit 31 connected to the sensor wiring 391 connected to the sensor wiring 381 is input to the control unit 34. It can also be said that the switching unit 37 can switch the connection destination of the control unit 34 among the N connection units 31. In other words, it can also be said that the switching unit 37 can switch the connection unit 31 connected to the control unit 34 among the N connection units 31. It can also be said that the switching unit 37 can switch the connection destination of the sensor wiring 381 among the N connection units 31.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 7 , the electric device 2 includes a microcomputer 23. The microcomputer 341 of the power supply device 3 and the microcomputer 23 of the electric device 2 are capable of communicating with each other. The microcomputer 23 of the electric device 2 stores identification information indicating the type of the electric device 2. The microcomputer 23 can transmit the identification information indicating the type of the electric device 2 to the microcomputer 341 of the power supply device 3. Hereinafter, when we simply refer to identification information, we mean the identification information indicating the type of the electric device 2.

[0052] In the power supply device 3, the microcomputer 341 outputs, for example, a single-ended communication signal to the interface 342. The interface 342 converts the input communication signal from single-ended to differential. The differential communication signal generated by the interface 342 is input to the connection unit 31 via the switching unit 37.

[0053] The communication signal input to the connection unit 31 is input to the connection unit 20 of the electric device 2 through the connection cable 4. The electric device 2 has an interface 24 connected to the connection unit 20. The communication signal input to the connection unit 20 is input to the interface 24. The interface 24 converts the input communication signal from differential to single-ended and inputs it to the microcomputer 23. This allows the microcomputer 23 of the electric device 2 to receive the communication signal transmitted by the microcomputer 341 of the power supply device 3.

[0054] The microcomputer 23 of the electrical device 2 outputs, for example, a single-ended communication signal to the interface 24. This communication signal may include identification information. The interface 24 converts the input communication signal from single-ended to differential. The differential communication signal generated by the interface 24 is input to the connection part 20.

[0055] The communication signal input to the connection unit 20 is input to the connection unit 31 of the power supply device 3 via the connection cable 4. The communication signal input to the connection unit 31 is input to the interface 342 via the switching unit 37. The interface 342 converts the input communication signal from differential to single-ended and inputs it to the microcomputer 341. This allows the microcomputer 341 of the power supply device 3 to receive the communication signal transmitted by the microcomputer 23 of the electric device 2.

[0056] The differential communication signals generated by the interface 342 and the interface 24 may be, for example, communication signals conforming to RS485 or communication signals conforming to other standards. Hereinafter, the differential communication signals generated by the interface 342 and the interface 24 may be referred to as differential communication signals.

[0057] In the electric device 2, a communication line 282 for transmitting a differential communication signal is provided between the connection unit 20 and the interface 24. The communication line 282 is composed of two electric wires that respectively transmit a pair of signals that make up the differential communication signal. The differential communication signal output by the interface 24 is input to the connection unit 20 through the communication line 282. In addition, the differential communication signal input to the connection unit 20 from the power supply device 3 is input to the interface 24 through the communication line 282.

[0058] In the power supply device 3, for each of the N connection units 31, a communication line 392 for transmitting a differential communication signal is individually provided between the connection unit 31 and the switching unit 37. The communication line 392 is composed of two electric wires that each transmit a pair of signals that make up the differential communication signal. The differential communication signal input from the electric device 2 to the connection unit 31 is input to the switching unit 37 through the communication line 392. Furthermore, the differential communication signal output from the switching unit 37 to the connection unit 31 is input to the connection unit 31 through the communication line 392. The N communication lines 392 connected to the N connection units 31, respectively, are provided in the integrated module 38.

[0059] Furthermore, in the power supply device 3, a communication line 382 for transmitting differential communication signals is provided between the control unit 34 and the switching unit 37. The communication line 382 is made up of two electric wires for transmitting a pair of signals that make up the differential communication signal. The differential communication signals are exchanged between the interface 342 and the switching unit 37 via the communication line 382.

[0060] The communication line 282 of the electric device 2 and the communication lines 382 and 392 of the power supply device 3 can be said to be communication lines for communication between the control unit 34 and the electric device 2, respectively.

[0061] The switching unit 37 is capable of connecting any one of the N communication lines 392 connected to the N connection units 31, respectively, to a communication line 382 connected to the control unit 34. The switching unit 37 is capable of switching the connection destination of the communication line 382 among the N communication lines 392. The microcomputer 341 of the control unit 34 is capable of communicating with the microcomputer 23 of the electric device 2 connected to the connection unit 31 connected to the communication line 392 connected to the communication line 382. By switching the connection destination of the communication line 382 among the N communication lines 392, the communication destination with the power supply device 3 is switched among the N connection devices 2 connected to the N connection units 31, respectively. It can also be said that the switching unit 37 is capable of switching the connection destination of the communication line 382 among the N connection units 31.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 7, the electrical device 2 includes an operation unit 26 that can detect a user's operation. The operation unit 26 is, for example, an operation switch. The operation unit 26 may be, for example, a trigger switch, a slide switch, or a push button switch. The operation unit 26 is turned on or off by a user's operation.

[0063] The operation unit 26 outputs an operation detection signal 26a indicating the detection result of the user's operation. When the operation unit 26 detects a predetermined user operation and turns on, the operation detection signal 26a indicates an on signal indicating that the operation unit 26 is in the on state. On the other hand, when the operation unit 26 detects a predetermined user operation and turns off, the operation detection signal 26a indicates an off signal indicating that the operation unit 26 is in the off state.

[0064] The operation detection signal 26a output by the operation unit 26 is input to the connection unit 20. The operation detection signal 26a input to the connection unit 20 is input to the connection unit 31 of the power supply device 3 through the connection cable 4. The operation detection signal 26a input to the connection unit 31 is input to the switching unit 37.

[0065] The switching unit 37 can output the input operation detection signal 26a to the control unit 34. The microcomputer 341 of the control unit 34 can identify the content of the user's operation detected by the operation unit 26 of the connection device 2 based on the operation detection signal 26a input to the control unit 34. The microcomputer 341 can identify whether the operation unit 26 of the connection device 2 is in the ON state or the OFF state based on the operation detection signal 26a. The microcomputer 341 controls the inverter 35 based on the operation detection signal 26a. It can also be said that the microcomputer 341 controls the motor 21 of the connection device 2 based on the operation detection signal 26a. The function of the operation unit 26 will be described in detail later.

[0066] In the electric device 2, an operation unit wiring 283 for transmitting the operation detection signal 26a is provided between the operation unit 26 and the connection unit 20. The operation detection signal 26a output by the operation unit 26 is input to the connection unit 20 through the operation unit wiring 283.

[0067] In the power supply device 3, for each of the N connection units 31, an operation unit wiring 393 for transmitting the operation detection signal 26a is individually provided between the connection unit 31 and the switching unit 37. The operation unit wiring 393 is formed, for example, of a single electric wire. The N operation unit wirings 393 connected to the N connection units 31 respectively are provided in the integrated module 38. In addition, an operation unit wiring 383 for transmitting the operation detection signal 26a is provided between the switching unit 37 and the control unit 34. The operation unit wiring 383 is formed, for example, of a single electric wire.

[0068] The switching unit 37 can connect any one of the N operation unit wirings 393 connected to the N connection units 31 to the operation unit wiring 383 connected to the control unit 34. The switching unit 37 can switch the connection destination of the operation unit wiring 383 among the N operation unit wirings 393. It can also be said that the switching unit 37 can switch the connection destination of the operation unit wiring 383 among the N connection units 31.

[0069] An operation detection signal 26a output by the electric device 2 connected to the connection unit 31 connected to the operation unit wiring 393 connected to the operation unit wiring 383 is input to the microcomputer 341 of the control unit 34. The microcomputer 341 can identify the content of the operation detected by the operation unit 26 of the electric device 2 connected to the connection unit 31 connected to the operation unit wiring 393 connected to the operation unit wiring 383. The microcomputer 341 can identify whether the operation unit 26 of the electric device 2 connected to the connection unit 31 connected to the operation unit wiring 393 connected to the operation unit wiring 383 is in an on state or an off state. The switching unit 37 can switch the operation detection signal 26a to be supplied to the control unit 34 between the multiple operation detection signals 26a supplied to the power supply device 3.

[0070] Hereinafter, the motor wiring 380, sensor wiring 381, communication line 382, ​​and operation unit wiring 383 provided between the control unit 34 and the switching unit 37 may be collectively referred to as control side wiring 389 (see FIG. 6). In this example, the control side wiring 389 is made up of nine electric wires. The electric wires included in the control side wiring 389 may be referred to as first electric wires.

[0071] Furthermore, the motor wiring 390, the sensor wiring 391, the communication line 392, and the operation unit wiring 393 provided between one connection unit 31 and the switching unit 37 may be collectively referred to as connection side wiring 399 (see FIG. 6). The integrated module 38 is provided with N connection side wirings 399 connected to the N connection units 31, respectively. In this example, the connection side wiring 399 is made up of nine electric wires. The electric wires included in the connection side wiring 399 may be referred to as second electric wires.

[0072] The switching unit 37 can switch the connection destination of the control side wiring 389 among the N connection side wirings 399. In other words, the switching unit 37 can switch the connection side wiring 399 connected to the control side wiring 389 among the N connection side wirings 399.

[0073] The connection cable 4 connecting the connection part 31 of the power supply device 3 and the connection part 20 of the electric device 2 includes, for example, eleven electric wires. The eleven electric wires include three electric wires for transmitting the inverter output voltage, three electric wires for transmitting the sensor unit output signal, two electric wires for transmitting the differential communication signal, one electric wire for transmitting the operation detection signal 26a, and two electric wires for transmitting the converter output voltage 385.

[0074] The electrical device 2 includes a notification unit 27 that can notify the user. The notification unit 27 is controlled by the microcomputer 23. The microcomputer 23 controls the notification unit 27 to cause the notification unit 27 to execute a predetermined notification. The notification unit 27 has, for example, a light-emitting unit that notifies the user by emitting light. The light-emitting unit may be, for example, a light-emitting diode.

[0075] The notification unit 27 of the connection device 2 issues a predetermined notification when the control-side wiring 389 is connected to the connection unit 31 to which the connection device 2 is connected. For example, the light-emitting unit of the notification unit 27 of the connection device 2 lights up when the control-side wiring 389 is connected to the connection unit 31 to which the connection device 2 is connected. On the other hand, the light-emitting unit of the notification unit 27 of the connection device 2 turns off when the control-side wiring 389 is not connected to the connection unit 31 to which the connection device 2 is connected.

[0076] The notification unit 27 may have a sound output unit that notifies the user by sound. The sound output unit may be, for example, a buzzer or a speaker. The notification unit 27 may also have a display unit that notifies the user by displaying information. The display unit may be, for example, a liquid crystal display. The notification unit 27 may include at least two of a light-emitting unit, a sound output unit, and a display unit.

[0077] The electric device 2 includes a DC-DC converter 25. A converter output voltage 385 from the power supply device 3 is input to the connection unit 20 and is input to the DC-DC converter 25. The DC-DC converter 25 steps down the converter output voltage 385 and outputs it. The output voltage of the DC-DC converter 25 is, for example, +5 V. The output voltage of the DC-DC converter 25 is used as a power supply voltage for the sensor unit 22, the microcomputer 23, the interface 24, the operation unit 26, and the notification unit 27.

[0078] <Example of switching unit configuration> 6, the switching unit 37 includes, for example, a connection processing unit 370 and a control unit 371 that controls the connection processing unit 370. The switching unit 37 can also be referred to as, for example, a switching circuit. The connection processing unit 370 can also be referred to as, for example, a connection circuit. The control unit 371 can also be referred to as, for example, a control circuit.

[0079] The connection processing unit 370 can connect any one of the N connection side wirings 399 to the control side wiring 389. The connection processing unit 370 can switch the connection destination of the control side wiring 389 among the N connection side wirings 399 under the control of the control unit 371.

[0080] The connection processing unit 370 can connect any one of the N motor wirings 390 to the motor wiring 380. The connection processing unit 370 can switch the connection destination of the motor wiring 380 among the N motor wirings 390 under the control of the control unit 371. When focusing on one first electric wire included in the motor wiring 380, the connection processing unit 370 can switch the connection destination of the first electric wire among the N second electric wires included in the N motor wirings 390, respectively.

[0081] Furthermore, the connection processing unit 370 can connect any one of the N sensor wirings 391 to the sensor wiring 381. The connection processing unit 370 can switch the connection destination of the sensor wiring 381 among the N sensor wirings 391 under the control of the control unit 371.

[0082] Furthermore, the connection processing unit 370 can connect any one of the N communication lines 392 to the communication line 382. The connection processing unit 370 can switch the connection destination of the communication line 382 among the N communication lines 392 under the control of the control unit 371.

[0083] Furthermore, the connection processing unit 370 can connect any one of the N operation unit wirings 393 to the operation unit wiring 383. The connection processing unit 370 can switch the connection destination of the operation unit wiring 383 among the N operation unit wirings 393 under the control of the control unit 371.

[0084] The connection processing unit 370 may be configured with, for example, a plurality of relays (also referred to as electromagnetic relays). In this case, when focusing on one first electric wire included in the control-side wiring 389, one end of each of the N relays is connected to N second electric wires included in each of the N connection-side wirings 399, which are the connection destinations of the first electric wire. The first electric wire is connected to the other end of each of the N relays. The control unit 371 can switch the connection destination of the first electric wire between the N second electric wires by controlling the on / off of the N relays. Note that the connection processing unit 370 may be configured with a multiplexer.

[0085] The control unit 371 includes, for example, a microcomputer 373 and a DC-DC converter 372. The microcomputer 373 controls the connection processing unit 370. The connection processing unit 370 can switch the connection destination of the control-side wiring 389 among the N connection-side wirings 399 under the control of the microcomputer 373. The microcomputer 373 controls the connection processing unit 370 based on operation detection signals 26a output by the operation units 26 of the M connection devices 2. The microcomputer 373 causes the connection processing unit 370 to switch the connection destination of the control-side wiring 389 among the N connection units 31 based on operations detected by the operation units 26 of the M connection devices 2.

[0086] Similar to DC-DC converter 340 of control unit 34, DC-DC converter 372 steps down the DC voltage supplied from AC-DC converter 360 and outputs the stepped down voltage. The output voltage of DC-DC converter 372 is used as the power supply voltage for microcomputer 373 and connection processing unit 370. The output voltage of DC-DC converter 372 is, for example, +5V.

[0087] The DC-DC converter 372 may step down the converter output voltage 385 output from the DC-DC converter 340 of the control unit 34 to generate a power supply voltage for the microcomputer 373 and the connection processing unit 370 .

[0088] Furthermore, the control unit 371 may include an AC-DC converter instead of the DC-DC converter 372. In this case, the AC-DC converter may convert the AC voltage output from the operation unit 33 into a DC voltage to generate a power supply voltage for the microcomputer 373 and the connection processing unit 370.

[0089] Here, switching noise generated by the switching operation of a relay included in the connection processing unit 370 may be superimposed on the power supply voltage of the microcomputer 373 of the switching unit 37 and the connection processing unit 370. Therefore, when the DC-DC converter 372 generates the power supply voltage of the microcomputer 373 and the connection processing unit 370 by stepping down the converter output voltage 385, switching noise may also be superimposed on the converter output voltage 385. Meanwhile, in the electric device 2, the voltage generated by the DC-DC converter 25 stepping down the converter output voltage 385 is used as the power supply voltage of the sensor unit 22. When switching noise is superimposed on the converter output voltage 385, switching noise may also be superimposed on the power supply voltage of the sensor unit 22.

[0090] As shown in the example of FIG. 6 , when the DC-DC converter 372 generates the power supply voltage for the microcomputer 373 and the connection processing unit 370 by stepping down the DC voltage supplied from the AC-DC converter 360, rather than the converter output voltage 385, even if switching noise is superimposed on the power supply voltage for the microcomputer 373 and the connection processing unit 370, the switching noise is less likely to be superimposed on the power supply voltage for the sensor unit 22. Furthermore, when an AC-DC converter provided instead of the DC-DC converter 372 converts the AC voltage output from the operation unit 33 into a DC voltage to generate the power supply voltage for the microcomputer 373 and the connection processing unit 370, even if switching noise is superimposed on the power supply voltage for the microcomputer 373 and the connection processing unit 370, the switching noise is less likely to be superimposed on the power supply voltage for the sensor unit 22. Since switching noise is less likely to be superimposed on the power supply voltage for the sensor unit 22, switching noise is also less likely to be superimposed on the sensor unit output signal. This makes it easier for the control unit 34 to appropriately control the inverter 35 based on the sensor output signal.

[0091] In this example, the power supply device 3 can supply power only to the motors 21 of the connection devices 2 that are connected to the connection units 31 to which the control-side wiring 389 is connected by the switching unit 37, among the motors 21 of the M connection devices 2. In other words, the power supply device 3 can drive only the motors 21 of the connection devices 2 that are connected to the connection units 31 to which the control-side wiring 389 is connected, among the motors 21 of the M connection devices 2. The power supply device 3 can control only the motors 21 of the connection devices 2 that are connected to the connection units 31 to which the control-side wiring 389 is connected, among the motors 21 of the M connection devices 2. In this example, the power supply device 3 cannot simultaneously drive the motors 21 of multiple connection devices 2 in the M connection devices 2. In other words, the power supply device 3 cannot simultaneously control multiple connection devices 2 in the M connection devices 2.

[0092] Hereinafter, among the M connected devices 2, a connected device 2 that can be controlled by the power supply device 3, that is, a connected device 2 connected to the connection unit 31 to which the control side wiring 389 is connected, may be referred to as a controlled device 2. The controlled device 2 can also be referred to as a motor-driven device 2. The switching unit 37 can switch the controlled device 2 among the M connected devices 2.

[0093] The microcomputer 341 of the power supply device 3 communicates with the microcomputer 373 of the control target device 2. The microcomputer 341 also receives a sensor unit output signal output by the sensor unit 22 of the control target device 2. The microcomputer 341 also receives an operation detection signal 26a output by the operation unit 26 of the control target device 2. The microcomputer 341 controls the inverter 35 based on the sensor unit output signal and the operation detection signal 26a received from the control target device 2. The microcomputer 341 controls the inverter 35 in accordance with the control target device 2.

[0094] As described above, in this example, the power supply device 3 is provided with multiple connection sections 31, so that multiple electric devices 2 can be connected to the power supply device 3 at the same time. This allows the user to connect multiple electric devices 2 that they plan to use to the power supply device 3 in advance, eliminating the need to connect a new electric device 2 to the power supply device 3 every time they change the electric device 2 they are using. As a result, work efficiency is improved, and the convenience of the power supply device 3 is enhanced.

[0095] <Microcomputer configuration example> Each of the microcomputers 341, 373 and 23 includes at least one processor to provide control and processing power for performing various functions, as described in more detail below.

[0096] According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be implemented as a single integrated circuit (IC) or as multiple communicatively connected integrated circuits ICs and / or discrete circuits. The at least one processor may be implemented according to various known techniques.

[0097] In one embodiment, a processor includes one or more circuits or units configured to perform one or more data computational procedures or processes, for example, by executing instructions stored in associated memory. In other embodiments, a processor may be firmware (e.g., discrete logic components) configured to perform one or more data computational procedures or processes.

[0098] According to various embodiments, the processor may include one or more processors, controllers, microcomputers, microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays, or any combination of these devices or configurations, or other known combinations of devices and configurations, to perform the functions described below.

[0099] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the microcomputer 341. As shown in FIG. 8, the microcomputer 341 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 400 as a processor, a storage unit 410, and a peripheral circuit 450. The storage unit 410 may include a non-transitory recording medium readable by the CPU 400, such as a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 410 can also be considered, for example, a memory circuit. The storage unit 410 stores, for example, a program 420 for controlling the operation of the microcomputer 341. Various functions of the CPU 400 are realized, for example, by the CPU 400 executing the program 420 in the storage unit 410.

[0100] The peripheral circuit 450 includes, for example, a communication circuit connected to the interface 342. The peripheral circuit 450 may also include, for example, a plurality of output ports and a plurality of input ports, and may also include an A / D converter that converts analog values ​​into digital data.

[0101] The CPU 400 can communicate with the microcomputer 23 of the connection device 2 through the peripheral circuit 450 and the interface 342. The CPU 400 can also receive the sensor unit output signal and the operation detection signal 26a output by the connection processing unit 370 of the switching unit 37 through the peripheral circuit 450.

[0102] The CPU 400 controls the peripheral circuit 450 based on the sensor unit output signal and the operation detection signal 26a, thereby causing the peripheral circuit 450 to output six control signals to the inverter 35. The CPU 400 controls the inverter 35 through the peripheral circuit 450, and by controlling the inverter 35, it is possible to control the motor 21 of the connection device 2. The CPU 400 can also be said to be a control circuit that controls the connection device 2.

[0103] The program 420 in the storage unit 410 includes, for example, a control program 421 for controlling multiple types of electric devices 2 that can be connected to the power supply device 3. Here, it is assumed that L types (L is an integer equal to or greater than 2) of electric devices 2 can be connected to the power supply device 3. L may be equal to or less than N, or may be greater than N. For example, when N=4, four or fewer types of electric devices 2 may be connectable to the power supply device 3, or five or more types of electric devices 2 may be connectable. At least one type of electric device 2 out of the L types of electric devices 2 is connected to the N connection units 31 of the power supply device 3. The M connection units 2 include at least one type of electric device 2 out of the L types of electric devices 2.

[0104] The control program 421 describes L types of control methods for the inverter 35, each corresponding to one of the L types of electric devices 2. It can be said that the microcomputer 341 stores L types of control methods, each corresponding to one of the L types of electric devices 2. The CPU 400 is able to control the L types of electric devices 2 based on the control program 421. In other words, the CPU 400 is able to control the L types of electric devices 2 by executing the control program 421.

[0105] For example, suppose that a disc grinder, an impact driver, a drill driver, a circular saw, a reciprocating saw, and a polisher can be connected to the electric device 2. In this case, the control program 421 describes a control method for the inverter 35 according to the disc grinder, a control method for the inverter 35 according to the impact driver, a control method for the inverter 35 according to the drill driver, a control method for the inverter 35 according to the circular saw, a control method for the inverter 35 according to the reciprocating saw, and a control method for the inverter 35 according to the polisher.

[0106] By executing the control program 421, the CPU 400 controls the inverter 35 using one of a plurality of control methods that corresponds to the type of the control-target device 2. The CPU 400 can identify the type of the control-target device 2 based on the identification information transmitted by the microcomputer 373 of the control-target device 2. The CPU 400 that executes the control program 421 controls the inverter 35 using a control method that corresponds to the type of the control-target device 2, thereby controlling the motor 21 of the control-target device 2 according to the type of the control-target device 2. The control method of the inverter 35 according to the type of the control-target device 2 can also be seen as a control method of the control-target device 2 according to the type of the control-target device 2. It can also be said that the microcomputer 341 that executes the control program 421 controls the inverter 35 so that the motor 21 of the control-target device 2 is controlled using a control method that corresponds to the type of the control-target device 2.

[0107] Here, the appropriate rotation speed of the motor 21, the rotation direction of the motor 21, and the appropriate method of accelerating and decelerating the rotation of the motor 21 vary depending on the type of the electric device 2. The CPU 400 controls the inverter 35 using a control method from among a plurality of control methods that corresponds to the type of the control-target device 2, thereby making it possible to appropriately control the motor 21 of the control-target device 2. In other words, the CPU 400 can control the motor 21 so that the rotation speed, rotation direction, and method of accelerating and decelerating the rotation of the motor 21 of the control-target device 2 correspond to the type of the control-target device 2.

[0108] The microcomputer 373 of the switching unit 37 has, for example, the same configuration as the microcomputer 341. The microcomputer 341 has, for example, a second CPU, a second storage unit, and a second peripheral circuit. The second storage unit stores a program executed by the second CPU. The second CPU can receive operation detection signals 26a output by the M connection devices 2 through the second peripheral circuit. The second CPU controls each relay of the connection processing unit 370 through the second peripheral circuit based on the operation detection signals 26a output by the M connection devices 2.

[0109] The microcomputer 23 of the electric device 2 has, for example, the same configuration as the microcomputer 341. The microcomputer 23 has, for example, a third CPU, a third storage unit, and a third peripheral circuit. The third storage unit stores programs executed by the third CPU, identification information, etc. The third CPU can communicate with the CPU 400 of the microcomputer 341 of the power supply device 3 through the third peripheral circuit and the interface 24. The third CPU can transmit the identification information in the third storage unit to the CPU 400 of the power supply device 3. The third CPU can also control the notification unit 27 through the third peripheral circuit. The third CPU can cause the notification unit 27 to execute a predetermined notification through the third peripheral circuit.

[0110] At least one type of electric device 2 among the L types of electric devices 2 that can be connected to the power supply device 3 may be equipped with a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the motor 21. In the controlled device 2 equipped with a temperature sensor, the microcomputer 373 may transmit the temperature detection result of the temperature sensor to the microcomputer 341 of the power supply device 3 via the interface 24. In this case, the microcomputer 341 may control the inverter 35 based on the received temperature detection result. For example, when the microcomputer 341 determines based on the temperature detection result that the temperature of the motor 21 of the controlled device 2 has reached or exceeded a threshold value, it may turn off each switching element 350 of the inverter 35 to stop the supply of drive voltage to the motor 21 of the controlled device 2.

[0111] Furthermore, at least one type of electric device 2 among the L types of electric devices 2 connectable to the power supply device 3 may include a second operation unit that detects a rotation direction instruction operation that indicates the rotation direction of the motor 21 (specifically, whether it is a forward direction or a reverse direction). The second operation unit may be, for example, an operation switch. The second operation unit outputs a rotation direction instruction operation detection signal that indicates the detected rotation direction instruction operation. In the controlled device 2 that includes the second operation unit, the microcomputer 373 may transmit the rotation direction instruction operation detection signal output by the second operation unit to the microcomputer 341 of the power supply device 3 via the interface 24. In this case, the microcomputer 341 sets the rotation direction of the motor 21 of the controlled device 2 in accordance with the rotation direction instruction operation indicated by the received rotation direction instruction operation detection signal. The microcomputer 341 can set the rotation direction of the motor 21 of the controlled device 2 to the forward direction or the reverse direction by controlling the inverter 35.

[0112] Furthermore, at least one type of electric device 2 among the L types of electric devices 2 connectable to the power supply device 3 may include a third operation unit that detects a rotational speed commanding operation that commands the rotational speed of the motor 21. The third operation unit outputs a rotational speed commanding operation detection signal that indicates the detected rotational speed commanding operation. The third operation unit may be, for example, an operation switch. Furthermore, if the operation unit 26 includes a trigger switch that outputs a detection signal that changes depending on the amount of depression, the trigger switch may function as the third operation unit, and the detection signal output by the trigger switch may be used as the rotational speed commanding operation detection signal. In the controlled device 2 that includes the third operation unit, the microcomputer 373 may transmit the rotational speed commanding operation detection signal output by the third operation unit to the microcomputer 341 of the power supply device 3 via the interface 24. In this case, the microcomputer 341 sets the rotational speed of the motor 21 of the controlled device 2 in accordance with the rotational speed commanding operation indicated by the received rotational speed commanding operation detection signal. The microcomputer 341 controls the inverter 35 to increase or decrease the rotation speed of the motor 21 of the device 2 to be controlled.

[0113] <System operation example> Next, a description will be given of an example of the operation of an electrical system including a power supply device 3 and M connection devices 2 connected to the power supply device 3. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electrical system when the motor 21 of a certain connection device 2 is driven by the power supply device 3.

[0114] 9, when an operation to turn on the operation unit 33 (in other words, the operation switch or the main switch) of the power supply device 3 is detected in step s1, the operation of the control unit 34 and the switching unit 37 starts in step s2. When the operation of the control unit 34 starts, each switching element 350 of the inverter 35 is in the off state, and no drive voltage is output from the inverter 35. Furthermore, when the operation of the switching unit 37 starts, all relays of the connection processing unit 370 are in the off state, and the control-side wiring 389 is not connected to any of the N connection units 31.

[0115] Hereinafter, an operation on an operation switch such as operation unit 33 or operation unit 26, which changes the operation switch from an off state to an on state, will be referred to as an on operation. Also, an operation on an operation switch, which changes the operation switch from an on state to an off state, will be referred to as an off operation.

[0116] When the control unit 34 starts operating, in step s3, the converter output voltage 385 output by the DC-DC converter 340 is supplied to each of the M connection devices 2. When the converter output voltage 385 is supplied to the connection device 2, a power supply voltage is supplied from the DC-DC converter 25 to the sensor unit 22, the microcomputer 23, the interface 24, the operation unit 26, and the notification unit 27. This causes the sensor unit 22 to start operating and output a sensor unit output signal. In addition, the operation unit 26 outputs an operation detection signal 26a. The operation detection signal 26a output by each connection device 2 is input to the microcomputer 373 of the switching unit 37 of the power supply device 3.

[0117] Next, in step s4, when the operation unit 26 of a connection device 2 (referred to as a first connection device 2) included in the M connection devices 2 detects an ON operation, the operation detection signal 26a (also referred to as a first operation detection signal 26a) output by the operation unit 26 of the first connection device 2 changes from an OFF signal to an ON signal. As a result, the first operation detection signal 26a input to the microcomputer 373 of the switching unit 37 of the power supply device 3 also changes from an OFF signal to an ON signal. The first connection device 2 may be any of the M connection devices 2. Note that, at the time step s4 is executed, the control-side wiring 389 is not connected to any of the N connection units 31, and therefore the first operation detection signal 26a is not input to the control unit 34. Therefore, the control unit 34 does not recognize that the operation unit 26 of the first connection device 2 has detected an ON operation in step s4.

[0118] When the first operation detection signal 26a input thereto changes from an OFF signal to an ON signal, the microcomputer 373 causes the connection processing unit 370 to connect the control-side wiring 389 to the connection unit 31 (also referred to as the first connection unit 31) to which the first connection device 2 is connected in step s5. This connects the output of the inverter 35 to the motor 21 of the first connection device 2, and connects the control unit 34 to the first connection device 2. As a result, the power supply device 3 becomes able to drive the motor 21 of the first connection device 2, and the first connection device 2 becomes the controlled device 2. This allows the user to use the first connection device 2. The control unit 34 receives a sensor unit output signal output by the sensor unit 22 of the first connection device 2 and the first operation detection signal 26a output by the operation unit 26 of the first connection device 2. Note that when step s5 is executed, that is, when the control-side wiring 389 is connected to the first connection unit 31, no drive voltage is output from the inverter 35. Therefore, when step s5 is executed, the motor 21 of the first connection device 2 does not rotate.

[0119] Hereinafter, the state in which the electric device 2 is connected to the connection part 31 to which the control side wiring 389 is connected may be referred to as the use mode. Also, the state in which the electric device 2 is connected to the connection part 31 to which the control side wiring 389 is not connected may be referred to as the non-use mode. When the operation part 33 of the power supply device 3 is turned on, each of the M connection devices 2 is in the non-use mode. Thereafter, when the operation part 26 of a connection device 2 is turned on, that connection device 2 changes from the non-use mode to the use mode. When the operation part 26 of a connection device 2 connected to a connection part 31 not connected to the control side wiring 389 detects an on operation, the switching part 37 connects the control side wiring 389 to that connection part 31 and sets that connection device 2 to the use mode.

[0120] When the control unit 34 and the first connection device 2 are connected, in step s6, communication begins between the microcomputer 341 of the power supply device 3 and the microcomputer 23 of the first connection device 2. When communication begins between the microcomputer 341 and the microcomputer 23, the microcomputer 23 transmits identification information indicating the type of the first connection device 2 to the microcomputer 341. If the first connection device 2 includes a temperature sensor, the microcomputer 23 may transmit a temperature detection result from the temperature sensor to the microcomputer 341. If the first connection device 2 includes a second operation unit that detects a rotation direction instruction operation, the microcomputer 23 may transmit a rotation direction instruction operation detection signal output by the second operation unit to the microcomputer 341. If the first connection device 2 includes a third operation unit that detects a rotation speed instruction operation, the microcomputer 23 may transmit a rotation speed instruction operation detection signal output by the third operation unit to the microcomputer 341.

[0121] When the microcomputer 23 of the first connection device 2 starts communication with the microcomputer 341, in step s7, the microcomputer 23 causes the notification unit 27 to execute a predetermined notification. For example, the microcomputer 23 turns on a light-emitting unit included in the notification unit 27. The notification unit 27 of the first connection device 2 issues a predetermined notification when the control-side wiring 389 is connected to the first connection unit 31. For example, the light-emitting unit included in the notification unit 27 turns on when the control-side wiring 389 is connected to the first connection unit 31.

[0122] After step s4, the operation unit 26 of the first connection device 2 is turned off. When the operation unit 26 of the first connection device 2 detects an on operation again after step s7 (step s8), the first operation detection signal 26a changes from an off signal to an on signal. When the first operation detection signal 26a input thereto changes from an off signal to an on signal, the microcomputer 341 of the control unit 34 controls the inverter 35 to output a drive voltage in step s9. This starts driving the motor 21 of the first connection device 2, causing the motor 21 to rotate. If the first connection device 2 is, for example, a disc grinder, the rotation of the motor 21 of the first connection device 2 rotates the grinding wheel provided in the first connection device 2. When the operation unit 26 of the connection device 2 connected to the connection unit 31 connected to the control side wiring 389 detects an on operation, the inverter 35 outputs a drive voltage to the motor 21 of the connection device 2.

[0123] When controlling the inverter 35, the microcomputer 341 identifies the type of the first connection device 2 based on the identification information received from the first connection device 2. Then, the microcomputer 341 controls the inverter 35 using a control method according to the identified type. As a result, the first connection device 2 is appropriately controlled according to its type. While the operation unit 26 of the first connection device 2 is in the on state, the motor 21 of the first connection device 2 rotates.

[0124] Thereafter, in step s10, when the operation unit 26 of the first connection device 2 detects an OFF operation, the first operation detection signal 26a input to the microcomputer 341 changes from an ON signal to an OFF signal. When the first operation detection signal 26a input thereto changes from an ON signal to an OFF signal, the microcomputer 341 sets each switching element 350 of the inverter 35 to the OFF state in step s11, causing the inverter 35 to stop outputting the drive voltage. This stops driving the motor 21 of the first connection device 2. When the drive voltage is being supplied from the inverter 35 to the connection device 2 connected to the connection unit 31 connected to the control-side wiring 389, and the operation unit 26 of the connection device 2 detects an OFF operation, the inverter 35 stops outputting the drive voltage.

[0125] After step s11, when the operation unit 26 of the first connection device 2 detects an ON operation (step s8), the driving of the motor 21 of the first connection device 2 resumes (step s9), and the motor 21 rotates again. Thereafter, the electrical system operates in the same manner.

[0126] As described above, in this example, each of the M connection devices 2 is initially set to the non-use mode. When the operation unit 26 of one of the M connection devices 2 in the non-use mode detects a predetermined operation, only that connection device 2 enters the use mode and becomes the control target device 2. When the operation unit 26 of a connection device 2 in the use mode detects a predetermined operation, a drive voltage is supplied from the power supply device 3 to the motor 21 of that connection device 2, causing the motor 21 to rotate. When the operation unit 26 of a connection device 2 in the use mode in which the motor 21 is rotating detects a predetermined operation, the supply of drive voltage from the power supply device 3 to the motor 21 is stopped, causing the motor 21 to stop driving. A user can rotate or stop the motor 21 of that connection device 2 by operating the operation unit 26 of a connection device 2 in the use mode. If the connection device 2 is a power tool, a user can perform work using the power tool by operating the operation unit 26 of the power tool in the use mode. The use mode can be said to be a state in which the motor 21 rotates when the operation unit 26 of the connection device 2 is operated, and the non-use mode can be said to be a state in which the motor 21 does not rotate even when the operation unit 26 of the connection device 2 is operated.

[0127] In this example, inverter 35 does not output a drive voltage when operation unit 26 detects only one on operation. In this example, inverter 35 outputs a drive voltage when operation unit 26 detects two on operations. This makes it difficult for the output voltage from inverter 35 to be inadvertently supplied to connection device 2, and makes it difficult for motor 21 of connection device 2 to rotate inadvertently.

[0128] Furthermore, in this example, when operation unit 26 detects an ON operation, notification unit 27 issues a predetermined notification (step s7), allowing the user to easily recognize that the next time the user operates operation unit 26, a drive voltage from inverter 35 will be supplied to connection device 2 and motor 21 will rotate. This improves the convenience of electric device 2. After confirming that notification unit 27 has issued the predetermined notification, the user can, for example, confirm that a light-emitting unit of notification unit 27 is lit, and then operate operation unit 26 to rotate motor 21. By confirming the notification from notification unit 27 of connection device 2, the user can easily recognize that connection device 2 has changed from the non-use mode to the use mode.

[0129] Next, an example of the operation of the electrical system when the control target device 2 is switched will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the electrical system when the control target device 2 is switched from the first connection device 2 to another connection device 2 (referred to as the second connection device 2). The second connection device 2 may be any one of the M connection devices 2 excluding the first connection device 2.

[0130] After the above-mentioned step s11, in step s21, when the operation unit 26 of the second connection device 2 detects an ON operation, the operation detection signal 26a (also referred to as the second operation detection signal 26a) output by the operation unit 26 of the second connection device 2 changes from an OFF signal to an ON signal. As a result, the second operation detection signal 26a input to the microcomputer 373 of the switching unit 37 also changes from an OFF signal to an ON signal.

[0131] When the second operation detection signal 26a input thereto changes from an OFF signal to an ON signal, the microcomputer 373 causes the connection processing unit 370 to connect the control-side wiring 389 to the connection unit 31 (also referred to as the second connection unit 31) to which the second connection device 2 is connected in step s22. This switches the connection destination of the control-side wiring 389 from the first connection unit 31 to the second connection unit 31. When the operation unit 26 of the second connection device 2 connected to the second connection unit 31 detects an ON operation while the control-side wiring 389 is connected to the first connection unit 31, the switching unit 37 switches the connection destination of the control-side wiring 389 from the first connection unit 31 to the second connection unit 31. It can also be said that the power supply device 3 switches the connection destination of the control-side wiring 389 from the first connection unit 31 to the second connection unit 31 based on the input to the power supply device 3.

[0132] When the connection destination of the control side wiring 389 is switched from the first connection unit 31 to the second connection unit 31, the first connection device 2 changes from use mode to non-use mode, and the second connection device 2 changes from non-use mode to use mode. The power supply device 3 becomes able to drive the motor 21 of the second connection device 2, and the second connection device 2 becomes the controlled device 2. This allows the user to use the second connection device 2. The control unit 34 receives as input a sensor unit output signal output by the sensor unit 22 of the second connection device 2 and a second operation detection signal 26a output by the operation unit 26 of the second connection device 2.

[0133] When the connection destination of the control-side wiring 389 is switched from the first connection portion 31 to the second connection portion 31, in step s23, communication between the microcomputer 341 and the microcomputer 23 of the first connection device 2 ends, and communication between the microcomputer 341 and the microcomputer 23 of the second connection device 2 starts. When communication between the microcomputer 341 and the microcomputer 23 of the second connection device 2 starts, the microcomputer 23 transmits identification information indicating the type of the second connection device 2 to the microcomputer 341. Furthermore, if the second connection device 2 includes a temperature sensor, the microcomputer 23 may transmit a temperature detection result of the temperature sensor to the microcomputer 341. Furthermore, if the second connection device 2 includes a second operation unit that detects a rotation direction instruction operation, the microcomputer 23 may transmit a rotation direction instruction operation detection signal output by the second operation unit to the microcomputer 341. Furthermore, if the second connection device 2 includes a third operation unit that detects a rotation speed instruction operation, the microcomputer 23 may transmit to the microcomputer 341 a rotation speed instruction operation detection signal output by the third operation unit.

[0134] When the microcomputer 23 of the second connection device 2 starts communication with the microcomputer 341, in step s24, the microcomputer 23 causes the notification unit 27 to execute a predetermined notification. For example, the microcomputer 23 turns on a light-emitting unit of the notification unit 27. On the other hand, when the microcomputer 23 of the first connection device 2 ends communication with the microcomputer 341, in other words, when communication with the microcomputer 341 becomes impossible, the microcomputer 23 turns off the light-emitting unit of the notification unit 27. This allows the user to easily recognize that the first connection device 2 has changed from the use mode to the non-use mode.

[0135] After step s21, the operation unit 26 of the second connection device 2 is turned off, and when the operation unit 26 of the second connection device 2 detects an on operation again after step s24 (step s25), the second operation detection signal 26a changes from an off signal to an on signal. When the second operation detection signal 26a input thereto changes from an off signal to an on signal, the microcomputer 341 of the control unit 34 causes the inverter 35 to output a drive voltage in step s26. This starts driving the motor 21 of the second connection device 2, causing the motor 21 to rotate.

[0136] In step s26, when controlling the inverter 35, the microcomputer 341 identifies the type of the second connection device 2 based on the identification information received from the second connection device 2. Then, the microcomputer 341 controls the inverter 35 using a control method according to the identified type.

[0137] After step s26, when the operation unit 26 of the second connection device 2 detects an OFF operation in step s27, the second operation detection signal 26a input to the microcomputer 341 changes from an ON signal to an OFF signal. When the second operation detection signal 26a input thereto changes from an ON signal to an OFF signal, the microcomputer 341 sets each switching element 350 of the inverter 35 to the OFF state in step s28, causing the inverter 35 to stop outputting the drive voltage. This stops driving the motor 21 of the second connection device 2.

[0138] After step s28, when the operation unit 26 of the second connection device 2 detects the ON operation (step s25), the driving of the motor 21 of the second connection device 2 resumes (step s26), and the motor 21 rotates again. Thereafter, the electrical system operates in the same manner. The electrical system also operates in the same manner when the control target device 2 is switched from the second connection device 2 to another connection device 2.

[0139] The operation unit 26 of the electric device 2 may include a first operation switch for connecting the control-side wiring 389 to the connection unit 31 to which the electric device 2 is connected, and a second operation switch for rotating the motor 21 of the electric device 2. In this case, when the first operation switch detects an ON operation in steps s4 and s21, steps s5 and s22 are executed, and when the second operation switch detects an ON operation in steps s8 and s25, steps s5 and s26 are executed. The first operation switch can also be considered an operation switch that accepts an operation to change the connection device 2 from a non-use mode to a use mode. The second operation switch can also be considered an operation switch that accepts an operation to start rotation of the motor 21 of the connection device 2.

[0140] As described above, in this example, the switching unit 37 can switch the connection destination of the motor wiring 380, which transmits the output voltage of the inverter 35, between the multiple connection units 31 to which the multiple electric devices 2 are respectively connected. This makes it possible to use one inverter 35 to supply voltage to the multiple electric devices 2 and drive the motors 21 of the multiple electric devices 2. This reduces the circuit size of the power supply device 3. When two of the N connection units 31 are focused on, the switching unit 37 switching the connection destination of the motor wiring 380 between the two focused connection units 31 can also be said to be switching the connection destination of the motor wiring 380 between the two focused connection units 31.

[0141] Furthermore, since the switching unit 37 switches the connection destination of the control-side wiring 389 between the multiple connection units 31 based on an operation detected by the operation unit 26 of the connection device 2, the user can easily switch the electric device 2 that can be used by operating the operation unit 26 of the electric device 2. It can also be said that the power supply device 3 can switch the connection destination of the control-side wiring 389 between the multiple connection units 31 based on an input to the power supply device 3 (for example, an input from the connection device 2).

[0142] In addition, the notification unit 27 of the connection device 2 issues a predetermined notification when the control side wiring 389 is connected to the connection unit 31 to which the connection device 2 is connected, so that the user can easily understand that the connection device 2 is available for use.

[0143] When the control-side wiring 389 is connected to the first connection portion 31, the switching portion 37 may switch the connection destination of the control-side wiring 389 from the first connection portion 31 to the second connection portion 31 without any other conditions when the operation portion 26 of the second connection device 2 detects an ON operation. In this case, step s22 is executed not only when step s21 is executed after step s11 as in the above example, but also when, for example, step s21 is executed between steps s9 and s10. That is, when the output voltage of the inverter 35 is supplied to the first connection device 2 and the operation portion 26 of the second connection device 2 detects an ON operation (i.e., when the second operation detection signal 26a changes from an OFF signal to an ON signal), the switching portion 37 switches the connection destination of the control-side wiring 389 from the first connection portion 31 to the second connection portion 31. Furthermore, if step s21 is executed after step s11, regardless of whether the rotation of the motor 21 of the first connection device 2 has stopped, step s22 is executed.

[0144] When the control-side wiring 389 is connected to the first connection portion 31 and the output voltage of the inverter 35 is not supplied to the first connection device 2, and the operation portion 26 of the second connection device 2 detects an ON operation, the switching portion 37 may switch the connection destination of the control-side wiring 389 from the first connection portion 31 to the second connection portion 31. In this case, even if step s21 is executed between step s9 and step s10, step s22 is not executed. In other words, when the control-side wiring 389 is connected to the first connection portion 31 and the output voltage of the inverter 35 is supplied to the first connection device 2, the switching portion 37 maintains the connection between the control-side wiring 389 and the first connection portion 31 and does not switch the connection destination of the control-side wiring 389 from the first connection portion 31 to the second connection portion 31, even if the second operation detection signal 26a changes from an OFF signal to an ON signal. On the other hand, if step s21 is executed after step s11, regardless of whether the rotation of the motor 21 of the first connection device 2 has stopped, step s22 is executed.

[0145] When the control-side wiring 389 is connected to the first connection unit 31 and the rotation of the motor 21 of the first connection device 2 is stopped, and the operation unit 26 of the second connection device 2 detects an ON operation, the switching unit 37 may switch the connection destination of the control-side wiring 389 from the first connection unit 31 to the second connection unit 31. In this case, even if step s21 is executed between step s9 and step s10, step s22 is not executed. Furthermore, if step s21 is executed after step s11 while the motor 21 of the first connection device 2 is still rotating, step s22 is not executed. On the other hand, if the rotation of the motor 21 of the first connection device 2 stops after step s21 and then step s21 is executed, step s22 is executed. When the operation unit 26 of the second connection device 2 detects an ON operation while the control-side wiring 389 is connected to the first connection unit 31 and the motor 21 of the first connection device 2 is rotating, the switching unit 37 does not switch the connection destination of the control-side wiring 389 from the first connection unit 31 to the second connection unit 31. In this example, for each of the N sensor wirings 391, at least one of the three electric wires constituting the sensor wiring 391 is connected to the microcomputer 373 of the switching unit 37. As a result, at least one sensor signal of the three sensor signals output by the sensor unit 22 of the connection device 2 for each of the M connection devices 2 is input to the microcomputer 373. The microcomputer 373 can determine whether the motor 21 of the connection device 2 is rotating based on at least one sensor output signal of the three sensor output signals output by the connection device 2.

[0146] In this way, by preventing the connection of the control-side wiring 389 from being switched from the first connection unit 31 to the second connection unit 31 while the motor 21 of the first connection device 2 is rotating, it is possible to prevent the control target device 2 from switching from the first connection device 2 to the second connection device 2 while the motor 21 of the first connection device 2 is rotating. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the motor 21 of the first connection device 2 and the motor 21 of the second connection device 2 from rotating simultaneously.

[0147] Power supply device 3 may include multiple inverters 35. Hereinafter, the number of multiple inverters 35 included in power supply device 3 will be represented by P, where P is an integer equal to or greater than 2. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of power supply device 3 when P=2.

[0148] In this example, the control unit 34 can individually control each of the P inverters 35. Furthermore, the power supply device 3 is provided with P control-side wirings 389. The P control-side wirings 389 include P motor wirings 380 connected to the P inverters 35, respectively. Furthermore, the P control-side wirings 389 each include P sensor wirings 381 connected to the control unit 34. Furthermore, the P control-side wirings 389 each include P communication lines 382 connected to the control unit 34. Furthermore, the P control-side wirings 389 each include P operation unit wirings 383 connected to the control unit 34.

[0149] The switching unit 37 can, for example, connect each of the P control-side wirings 389 to one of the N connection units 31. One control-side wiring 389 is connected to a connection-side wiring 399 connected to that connection unit 31, thereby being connected to that connection unit 31. The switching unit 37 can switch the connection destination of each of the P control-side wirings 389 between the N connection units 31. This allows the switching unit 37 to switch the supply destination of the output voltage of each of the P inverters 35 between the N connection units 31.

[0150] In this example, the power supply device 3 can simultaneously drive the motors 21 of a maximum of P connection devices 2. For example, when the operation unit 26 of the first connection device 2 detects an on operation, the switching unit 37 connects a certain control side wiring 389 (first control side wiring 389) included in the P control side wirings 389 to the first connection unit 31. This allows a drive voltage to be supplied to the motor 21 of the first connection device 2 from an inverter 35 (also referred to as the first inverter 35) connected to a motor wiring 380 included in the first control side wiring 389. The control unit 34 can also receive a sensor unit output signal and an operation detection signal 26a from the first connection device 2. The control unit 34 can also communicate with the microcomputer 373 of the first connection device 2.

[0151] Thereafter, when the operation unit 26 of the first connection device 2 detects the ON operation again, the control unit 34 causes the first inverter 35 to output a drive voltage, which causes the motor 21 of the first connection device 2 to rotate.

[0152] When the operation unit 26 of the second connection device 2 detects an ON operation while the motor 21 of the first connection device 2 is rotating, the switching unit 37 connects a control side wiring 389 (also referred to as a second control side wiring 389) other than the first control side wiring 389, out of the P control side wirings 389, to the second connection unit 31. This makes it possible to supply a drive voltage to the motor 21 of the second connection device 2 from the inverter 35 (also referred to as a second inverter 35) connected to the motor wiring 380 included in the second control side wiring 389. In addition, the control unit 34 can receive a sensor unit output signal and an operation detection signal 26a from the second connection device 2. In addition, the control unit 34 can communicate with the microcomputer 373 of the second connection device 2.

[0153] Thereafter, when the operation unit 26 of the second connection device 2 detects the ON operation again, the control unit 34 causes the second inverter 35 to output a drive voltage. As a result, the motor 21 of the second connection device 2 rotates while the motor 21 of the first connection device 2 rotates. In other words, the motor 21 of the first connection device 2 and the motor 21 of the second connection device 2 are driven simultaneously. For example, when P=3, the power supply device 3 can similarly rotate the motors 21 of three connection devices 2 simultaneously.

[0154] The switching unit 37 may switch the connection destination of at least some of the P control-side wirings 389 between a plurality of connection units 31 that constitute some of the N connection units 31 .

[0155] For example, consider the case where P=2 and N=4, as in the example of FIG. 11 . Here, it is assumed that the two control-side wirings 389 are composed of a first control-side wiring 389 and a second control-side wiring 389, and the four connection parts 31 are composed of a first connection part 31, a second connection part 31, a third connection part 31, and a fourth connection part 31. The connection destination of the first control-side wiring 389 may be switched, for example, between the first connection part 31 and the second connection part 31, and the connection destination of the second control-side wiring 389 may be switched, for example, between the third connection part 31 and the fourth connection part 31. In this case, the power supply device 3 can simultaneously drive the motor 21 of the connection device 2 connected to either the first connection part 31 or the second connection part 31 and the motor 21 of the connection device 2 connected to either the third connection part 31 or the fourth connection part 31. Furthermore, the connection destination of the first control side wiring 389 may be switched among the first connection portion 31, the second connection portion 31, and the third connection portion 31, and the connection destination of the second control side wiring 389 may be switched, for example, among the second connection portion 31, the third connection portion 31, and the fourth connection portion 31. In this case, the power supply device 3 can simultaneously drive the motor 21 of the connection device 2 connected to any of the first connection portion 31, the second connection portion 31, and the third connection portion 31, and the motor 21 of the connection device 2 connected to any of the second connection portion 31, the third connection portion 31, and the fourth connection portion 31.

[0156] In addition to the power supply device 3, a power supply device 300 having only one connection part 31 may be provided. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the power supply device 300. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of the power supply device 300.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 13, the power supply device 300 includes a housing 301 that houses multiple components. The external shape of the housing 301 is similar to, for example, the housing 30 of the power supply device 3. The housing 301 includes, for example, a side panel 301a that exposes the connection portions 31 and 32, and a housing main body 301b to which the side panel 301a is attached. The housing main body 301b is generally a rectangular parallelepiped with one side open. The side panel 301a is attached to the housing main body 301b so as to cover the opening of the housing main body 301b. The operation unit 33 is partially exposed from the housing main body 301b. As shown in FIG. 12, the power supply device 300 does not include a switching unit 37, and the control-side wiring 389 is directly connected to one connection portion 31.

[0158] For example, L types of electric devices 2 can be connected to the connection unit 31 of the power supply device 300, just like the power supply device 3. The control unit 34 of the power supply device 300 can control the L types of electric devices 2 by performing the same operation as the control unit 34 of the power supply device 3. The program 420 stored in the control unit 34 of the power supply device 300 is the same as the program 420 stored in the control unit 34 of the power supply device 3. An example of the operation of an electric system (also referred to as a second electric system) including the power supply device 300 and the connection device 2 connected to the connection unit 31 of the power supply device 300 will be described below.

[0159] When the operation unit 33 of the power supply device 300 detects an on operation, the control unit 34 starts operating, and the converter output voltage 385 output by the DC-DC converter 340 of the control unit 34 is supplied to the connection device 2. When the converter output voltage 385 is supplied to the connection device 2, the connection device 2 outputs a sensor unit output signal and an operation detection signal 26a to the control unit 34. In addition, communication between the control unit 34 and the microcomputer 23 of the connection device 2 starts, and identification information indicating the type of the connection device 2 is input to the control unit 34. When the microcomputer 23 starts communication with the control unit 34, it causes the notification unit 27 to execute a predetermined notification, as described above.

[0160] Thereafter, when the operation unit 26 of the connection device 2 detects an ON operation, the operation detection signal 26a input to the control unit 34 changes from an OFF signal to an ON signal. When the second operation detection signal 26a input to the control unit 34 changes from an OFF signal to an ON signal, the control unit 34 causes the inverter 35 to output a drive voltage. This starts driving the motor 21 of the connection device 2, causing the motor 21 to rotate. When controlling the inverter 35, the control unit 34 identifies the type of connection device 2 based on the identification information received from the connection device 2, as described above. Then, the control unit 34 controls the inverter 35 using a control method according to the identified type.

[0161] Thereafter, when the operation unit 26 of the connection device 2 detects an OFF operation, the first operation detection signal 26a input to the control unit 34 changes from an ON signal to an OFF signal. When the first operation detection signal 26a input thereto changes from an ON signal to an OFF signal, the control unit 34 sets each switching element 350 of the inverter 35 to the OFF state, causing the inverter 35 to stop outputting the drive voltage. This stops the drive of the motor 21 of the connection device 2. Thereafter, when the operation unit 26 of the connection device 2 detects an ON operation, the drive of the motor 21 of the connection device 2 resumes, and the motor 21 starts rotating again. Thereafter, the second electrical system operates in the same manner.

[0162] The housing body 30b of the power supply device 3 and the housing body 301b of the power supply device 300 may be made of common materials. For example, by providing an empty space in the housing body 301b of the power supply device 300 in which the integrated module 38 of the power supply device 3 can be placed instead of the connection portion 31, the housing body 301b of the power supply device 300 and the housing body 30b of the power supply device 3 can be made of common materials. This allows the power supply device 3 and the power supply device 300 to share parts, thereby reducing the costs of the power supply device 3 and the power supply device 300.

[0163] Furthermore, the power supply device 300 may be changed into the power supply device 3 by actually placing the integrated module 38 of the power supply device 3 in place of the connection portion 31 inside the housing main body 301b of the power supply device 300.

[0164] The electric device 2 may be something other than a power tool. For example, the electric device 2 may be a fan, a refrigerator, or another electric device. In the electric device 2 that is a fan, the blades are rotated by a motor. In the electric device 2 that is a refrigerator, the compressor is driven by a motor.

[0165] The M connection devices 2 connected to the power supply device 3 may include multiple types of fans or multiple types of refrigerators. Furthermore, the multiple types of electric devices 2 connected to the power supply device 3 may include at least two types of electric devices from among a power tool, a fan, and a refrigerator.

[0166] The power supply device 3 may include a battery. In this case, the power supply unit 36 ​​may, for example, step down the DC voltage output from the battery and output it to the inverter 35, the control unit 34, and the switching unit 37. The battery may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. The battery may be detachable from the power supply device 3. The operation unit 33 may be provided, for example, between the battery and the power supply unit 36.

[0167] The L types of electric devices 2 that can be connected to the power supply device 3 may include an electric device 2 (also referred to as a specific electric device 2) that does not have a sensor unit 22. In this case, the control unit 34 may, for example, detect the current flowing through the motor 21 of the specific electric device 2 and determine the rotational position of the motor 21 based on the detection result. Note that the method by which the control unit 34 determines the rotational position of the motor 21 of the specific electric device 2 is not limited to this.

[0168] Although the power supply device and the electrical device have been described in detail above, the above description is illustrative in all respects and does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the various examples described above can be combined and applied as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. It is understood that countless examples not illustrated can be envisioned without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0169] This disclosure includes the following:

[0170] In one embodiment, (1) a power supply device includes a plurality of connection parts to which a plurality of electrical devices can be respectively connected, a first inverter, a first wiring, and a switching part, the plurality of connection parts including a first connection part and a second connection part, the first wiring transmitting a first output voltage of the first inverter to the switching part, and the switching part being capable of switching the connection destination of the first wiring between the first connection part and the second connection part.

[0171] (2) The power supply device of (1) above, comprising a control unit, wherein the plurality of electrical devices include a first electrical device that can be connected to the first connection part, and when the first electrical device is connected to the first connection part that is connected to the first wiring by the switching part, the control unit is capable of controlling the first inverter according to the type of the first electrical device.

[0172] (3) A power supply device as described above in (2), wherein the first electrical device has a second wiring that can be connected to the first connection portion, and the switching unit is capable of switching the connection destination of the control unit between the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

[0173] (4) In the power supply device according to (3) above, the second wiring includes a communication line for communication between the first electric device and the control unit.

[0174] (5) In the power supply device according to (3) above, the first electric device has a sensor unit, and the second wiring includes a sensor wiring that transmits an output signal from the sensor unit.

[0175] (6) A power supply device according to any one of (2) to (5) above, wherein the plurality of electrical devices includes a second electrical device connectable to the second connection portion, the first electrical device has a first operating unit that detects a user's operation, the second electrical device has a second operating unit that detects a user's operation, and the switching unit is capable of switching the connection destination of the first wiring between the first connection portion and the second connection portion based on the operation detected by the first operating unit and the second operating unit.

[0176] (7) In the power supply device of (6) above, when the first operating unit detects a first operation while the first wiring is not connected to the first connection unit and the first electric device is connected to the first connection unit, the switching unit can connect the first wiring to the first connection unit, and when the first operating unit detects a second operation while the first wiring is connected to the first connection unit and the first electric device is connected to the first connection unit, the first inverter can output the first output voltage.

[0177] (8) In the power supply device of (7) above, when the first wiring is connected to the first connection portion and the second electric device is connected to the second connection portion and the second operating portion of the second electric device detects a third operation, the switching portion is capable of switching the connection destination of the first wiring from the first connection portion to the second connection portion, and when the first wiring is connected to the second connection portion and the second electric device is connected to the second connection portion and the second operating portion detects a fourth operation, the first inverter is capable of outputting the first output voltage.

[0178] (9) In the power supply device of (8) above, the first electrical device has a motor, and when the first wiring is connected to the first connection portion and the second electrical device is connected to the second connection portion, the second operating portion of the second electrical device detects the third operation and the motor is rotating, the switching portion is capable of not switching the connection destination of the first wiring from the first connection portion to the second connection portion.

[0179] (10) A power supply device according to any one of (1) to (9) above, comprising a second inverter and a third wiring, wherein the plurality of connection parts have a third connection part and a fourth connection part, the third wiring transmits a second output voltage of the second inverter to the switching part, and the switching part is capable of switching the connection destination of the third wiring between the third connection part and the fourth connection part.

[0180] (11) A power supply device according to any one of (1) to (9) above, comprising a second inverter and a third wiring, wherein the plurality of connection parts have a third connection part, the third wiring transmits a second output voltage of the second inverter to the switching part, and the switching part is capable of switching the connection destination of the third wiring between the first connection part and the third connection part.

[0181] (12) A power supply device according to any one of (1) to (9) above, comprising a second inverter and a third wiring, the third wiring transmitting a second output voltage of the second inverter to the switching unit, and the switching unit being capable of switching the connection destination of the third wiring between the first connection unit and the second connection unit.

[0182] (13) The electrical device is an electrical device that can be connected to the first connection part of any one of the power supply devices (1) to (12) above, and has a notification part that issues a predetermined notification when the first wiring is connected to the first connection part.

[0183] (14) A device set includes a power supply device according to any one of (1) to (12) above, and a first electric device connected to the first connection part of the power supply device.

[0184] (15) A switching method is a switching method for any one of the power supply devices (1) to (12) above, and includes a step of switching the connection destination of the first wiring between the first connection portion and the second connection portion based on an input to the power supply device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0185] 1 device set 2. Electrical equipment 3 Power supply 21 Motor 22 Sensor section 27 Notification Department 31 Connection 34 Control Unit 35 inverter 37 Switching section 380 Motor wiring 391 Sensor wiring 392 Communication Line 393 Wiring for operation section

Claims

1. a plurality of connection portions to which a plurality of electrical devices can be respectively connected; a first inverter; A first wiring; Switching section and Equipped with the plurality of connection portions include a first connection portion and a second connection portion, the first wiring transmits a first output voltage of the first inverter to the switching unit; The power supply device, wherein the switching unit is capable of switching a connection destination of the first wiring between the first connection unit and the second connection unit.

2. 2. The power supply device according to claim 1, A control unit is provided, the plurality of electrical devices includes a first electrical device connectable to the first connection portion; A power supply device, wherein when the first electric device is connected to the first connection part that is connected to the first wiring by the switching part, the control part is capable of controlling the first inverter depending on the type of the first electric device.

3. 3. The power supply device according to claim 2, the first electrical device has a second wiring connectable to the first connection portion; The power supply device, wherein the switching unit is capable of switching the connection destination of the control unit between the first connection unit and the second connection unit.

4. 4. The power supply device according to claim 3, A power supply device, wherein the second wiring includes a communication line for communication between the first electric device and the control unit.

5. 4. The power supply device according to claim 3, the first electrical device has a sensor unit; The second wiring includes a sensor wiring for transmitting an output signal of the sensor unit.

6. 6. The power supply device according to claim 2, the plurality of electrical devices includes a second electrical device connectable to the second connection portion; the first electrical device has a first operation unit that detects an operation by a user; the second electrical device has a second operation unit that detects an operation by a user; A power supply device, wherein the switching unit is capable of switching the connection destination of the first wiring between the first connection unit and the second connection unit based on operations detected by the first operation unit and the second operation unit.

7. 7. The power supply device according to claim 6, when the first operation unit detects a first operation in a state where the first wiring is not connected to the first connection unit and the first electric device is connected to the first connection unit, the switching unit can connect the first wiring to the first connection unit; A power supply device, wherein when the first wiring is connected to the first connection portion and the first electrical device is connected to the first connection portion and the first operating portion detects a second operation, the first inverter is capable of outputting the first output voltage.

8. 8. The power supply device according to claim 7, when the second operation unit of the second electric device detects a third operation in a state in which the first wiring is connected to the first connection unit and the second electric device is connected to the second connection unit, the switching unit is capable of switching the connection destination of the first wiring from the first connection unit to the second connection unit, A power supply device, wherein when the first wiring is connected to the second connection portion and the second electrical device is connected to the second connection portion and the second operating portion detects a fourth operation, the first inverter is capable of outputting the first output voltage.

9. 9. The power supply device according to claim 8, the first electrical device comprises a motor; A power supply device wherein, when the first wiring is connected to the first connection portion and the second electrical device is connected to the second connection portion, the second operating portion of the second electrical device detects the third operation and the motor is rotating, the switching portion is capable of not switching the connection destination of the first wiring from the first connection portion to the second connection portion.

10. 6. The power supply device according to claim 1, a second inverter; The third wiring Equipped with the plurality of connection portions include a third connection portion and a fourth connection portion, the third wiring transmits the second output voltage of the second inverter to the switching unit; The power supply device, wherein the switching unit is capable of switching a connection destination of the third wiring between the third connection unit and the fourth connection unit.

11. 6. The power supply device according to claim 1, a second inverter; The third wiring Equipped with the plurality of connection portions include a third connection portion, the third wiring transmits the second output voltage of the second inverter to the switching unit; The power supply device, wherein the switching unit is capable of switching a connection destination of the third wiring between the first connection unit and the third connection unit.

12. 6. The power supply device according to claim 1, a second inverter; The third wiring Equipped with the third wiring transmits the second output voltage of the second inverter to the switching unit; The power supply device, wherein the switching unit is capable of switching a connection destination of the third wiring between the first connection unit and the second connection unit.

13. An electric device connectable to the first connection part of the power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, An electric device having a notification unit that issues a predetermined notification when the first wiring is connected to the first connection unit.

14. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; a first electric device connected to the first connection portion of the power supply device; An apparatus set comprising:

15. A switching method for the power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A switching method comprising: switching a connection destination of the first wiring between the first connection portion and the second connection portion based on an input to the power supply device.

Images