Portable charger

Abstract

The amount of charging power supplied to the battery is appropriately controlled. [Solution] The portable charger (40) according to the embodiment charges a battery (20) used in a mobile device (1). The portable charger (40) comprises a power supply circuit (146) that outputs power, a control device (140) that controls the operation of the power supply circuit (146), a housing (41) that houses the power supply circuit (146) and the control device (140), and one or more sensors (51, 52) that detect at least one of the orientation of the housing (41) and mechanical disturbances applied to the portable charger (40). The control device (140) changes the magnitude of the charging power output from the portable charger (40) to charge the battery (20) based on the output signals of one or more sensors (51, 52).

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a portable charger for charging a battery used in a moving object.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of a moving object, there is an electric assist bicycle that assists the force of a user pedaling with an electric motor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The electric motor generates a driving force by being supplied with electric power from a battery mounted on the vehicle. In an electric assist bicycle, a driving force corresponding to the human power applied by the user to the pedals is generated in the electric motor, and for example, the burden on the user when traveling on a slope or when carrying luggage can be reduced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When electric power is supplied from the battery to the electric motor, the remaining capacity of the battery gradually decreases. The battery with a reduced remaining capacity can be repeatedly used by charging. For example, the battery can be charged using a portable charger that can be easily moved by hand by the user.

[0005] In charging a battery using such a portable charger, it is required to appropriately control the magnitude of the charging power supplied to the battery.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This specification discloses a portable charger described in the following items.

[0007] [Item 1] A portable charger for charging batteries used in mobile devices, A power supply circuit that outputs power, A control device that controls the operation of the power supply circuit, A housing that houses the power supply circuit and the control device, One or more sensors that detect at least one of the orientation of the housing and the mechanical disturbance applied to the portable charger, Equipped with, The control device modifies the amount of charging power output from the portable charger to charge the battery based on the output signals of one or more sensors.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the magnitude of the charging power for charging the battery is changed based on at least one of the orientation of the portable charger housing and the mechanical disturbance applied to the portable charger.

[0009] This allows users to change the amount of charging power simply by changing the orientation of the portable charger's casing. For example, users can switch between normal charging and fast charging by changing the orientation of the casing so that it faces upwards.

[0010] Furthermore, the amount of charging power can be changed according to factors such as the degree of shaking of the casing, the degree of tilting of the casing, and the degree of distortion of the casing.

[0011] [Item 2] The portable charger described in item 1, wherein one or more sensors include an accelerometer.

[0012] The amount of charging power can be changed based on the orientation of the housing, the magnitude of shaking, the degree of tilt, etc., detected using an acceleration sensor.

[0013] [Item 3] The portable charger according to item 1 or 2, wherein the one or more sensors include strain sensors for detecting distortion of the housing.

[0014] Based on the magnitude of the distortion of the housing detected using the distortion sensor, the magnitude of the charging power can be changed.

[0015] [Item 4] The portable charger according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the one or more sensors are disposed inside the housing.

[0016] Thereby it is possible to reduce the influence of water, noise, etc. applied from the outside of the portable charger.

[0017] [Item 5] The control device detects the orientation of the housing of the portable charger based on the output signal of the one or more sensors, and changes the magnitude of the charging power according to the orientation of the housing. The portable charger according to Item 1 or 2.

[0018] The user can change the magnitude of the charging power only by changing the orientation of the housing of the portable charger. For example, the user can switch between normal charging and rapid charging by changing the surface of the housing facing upward.

[0019] [Item 6] The housing includes a plurality of surfaces, and the control device changes the magnitude of the charging power according to which of the plurality of surfaces faces upward. The portable charger according to Item 5.

[0020] The user can change the magnitude of the charging power only by changing the surface facing upward.

[0021] [Item 7] further includes a notification device for notifying the user of information regarding the charging mode, [[ID=​​​Users can easily understand how to orient the device to charge the battery in the desired charging mode.

[0023] [Item 8] The aforementioned housing includes multiple surfaces, The portable charger further comprises two or more light-emitting devices that emit light from each of two or more of the multiple surfaces, The two or more light-emitting devices emit light of different colors from each other. The control device changes the magnitude of the charging power depending on which of the two or more surfaces is facing upward. The portable charger according to any one of items 5 to 7, wherein the control device causes the light-emitting device to emit light from the side of the two or more surfaces that is facing upward.

[0024] Users can easily recognize the charging mode simply by checking the color of the light emitted from the portable charger.

[0025] [Item 9] The housing includes a first surface and a second surface, The aforementioned portable charger is A first light-emitting device that emits light from the first surface side of the housing, A second light-emitting device that emits light from the side of the second surface of the housing, Furthermore, The first light-emitting device and the second light-emitting device emit light of different colors from each other. The control device makes the magnitude of the charging power different depending on whether the first surface is facing upward or the second surface is facing upward. The portable charger according to any one of items 5 to 7, wherein the control device causes the first light-emitting device to emit light when the first surface is facing upward, and the second light-emitting device to emit light when the second surface is facing upward.

[0026] Users can easily recognize the charging mode simply by checking the color of the light emitted from the portable charger.

[0027] [Item 10] The portable charger according to item 7, wherein the control device causes the notification device to display information indicating at least one of the current, voltage, and power output from the portable charger in a charging mode set according to the orientation of the housing.

[0028] The user can easily recognize the magnitude of at least one of the current, voltage, and power output from the portable charger.

[0029] [Item 11] It also includes sound-generating components, The control device is a portable charger according to any one of items 5 to 10, which generates sound in the sound-producing component when charging of the battery begins.

[0030] Users can easily recognize that battery charging has begun by hearing the sound produced by the sound-producing component.

[0031] [Item 12] It also includes sound-generating components, The control device is a portable charger according to any one of items 5 to 11, which periodically generates sound in the sound-producing component while the battery is being charged.

[0032] Users can easily recognize that the battery is charging by listening to the sounds periodically emitted by the sound-producing components.

[0033] [Item 13] The portable charger according to any one of items 5 to 12, wherein the control device does not change the magnitude of the charging power if the acceleration detected when the orientation of the housing changes is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0034] If there is a possibility that the orientation of the device has changed unintentionally, the charging mode can be prevented from changing.

[0035] [Item 14] The control device is Based on the output signals of one or more of the aforementioned sensors, the orientation of the housing of the portable charger is detected. A portable charger according to item 1 or 2, which changes the time for charging the battery depending on the orientation of the housing.

[0036] Users can change the battery charging time simply by changing the orientation of the portable charger's casing.

[0037] [Item 15] The control device is Based on the output signals of one or more of the aforementioned sensors, the orientation of the housing of the portable charger is detected. A portable charger according to item 1 or 2, which changes the charge level at which charging of the battery is terminated depending on the orientation of the housing.

[0038] Users can change the battery charge level at which charging ends simply by changing the orientation of the portable charger's casing.

[0039] [Item 16] The control device is Based on the output signals of one or more of the aforementioned sensors, the shaking of the housing of the portable charger is detected. A portable charger according to item 1 or 2, which changes the amount of charging power according to the magnitude of the shaking.

[0040] For example, the charging power can be changed depending on whether the portable charger's casing is stationary or moving.

[0041] [Item 17] The portable charger according to item 16, wherein the control device reduces the charging power when the magnitude of the shaking is greater than or equal to a first threshold, compared to when it is less than a first threshold.

[0042] The charging power can be reduced depending on the degree of shaking of the device. For example, the charging power can be reduced when the user is holding the portable charger in their hand.

[0043] [Item 18] The control device stops the output of the charging power when the magnitude of the vibration is equal to or greater than the second threshold. Here, the portable charger described in item 17, wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

[0044] If the device shakes excessively, battery charging can be stopped.

[0045] [Item 19] The portable charger according to item 18, wherein the control device stops the output of the charging power when the magnitude of the shaking is greater than or equal to the second threshold, and then resumes the output of the charging power when the magnitude of the shaking falls below the second threshold.

[0046] If the shaking subsides or is no longer detected, battery charging can be resumed.

[0047] [Item 20] The control device, when attempting to start charging the battery, will not start outputting the charging power if the magnitude of the shaking is greater than or equal to the second threshold. Here, the portable charger described in item 17, wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

[0048] If the device shakes significantly, the battery charging process can be prevented from starting.

[0049] [Item 21] The control device is If the magnitude of the aforementioned tremor is less than the first threshold, the current charging power is maintained. A portable charger according to item 16, which reduces the charging power if the magnitude of the shaking remains above the first threshold for a first predetermined time.

[0050] If the device continues to shake, the charging power can be reduced. For example, the charging power can be reduced when the user is holding the portable charger in their hand.

[0051] [Item 22] The control device stops outputting the charging power if the magnitude of the shaking remains above a second threshold for a second predetermined time. Here, the portable charger according to item 21, wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold and the second predetermined time is shorter than the first predetermined time.

[0052] If strong shaking continues, battery charging can be stopped early.

[0053] [Item 23] The portable charger according to item 22, wherein the control device stops the output of the charging power when the magnitude of the shaking remains above the second threshold for a second predetermined time, and then restarts the output of the charging power when the magnitude of the shaking remains below the second threshold for a third predetermined time.

[0054] If the shaking subsides or is no longer detected, battery charging can be resumed.

[0055] [Item 24] The control device is Based on the output signals of one or more of the aforementioned sensors, the degree of tilt of the housing of the portable charger is detected. A portable charger according to item 1 or 2, which changes the magnitude of the charging power according to the degree of the inclination.

[0056] For example, the charging power can be changed depending on the degree of stability of the mounted portable charger.

[0057] [Item 25] The portable charger according to item 24, wherein the control device reduces the charging power when the degree of inclination is greater than or equal to a third threshold, compared to when it is less than a third threshold.

[0058] The charging power can be reduced depending on the degree of tilt of the casing. For example, if a portable charger is placed at an angle, the charging power can be reduced.

[0059] [Item 26] The control device stops outputting the charging power when the degree of inclination is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold. Here, the portable charger described in item 25, wherein the fourth threshold is greater than the third threshold.

[0060] If the device is tilted too much, battery charging can be stopped.

[0061] [Item 27] The portable charger according to item 26, wherein the control device stops the output of the charging power when the degree of inclination is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, and then resumes the output of the charging power when the degree of inclination falls below the fourth threshold.

[0062] If the degree of tilt decreases, battery charging can be resumed.

[0063] [Item 28] The control device, when attempting to start charging the battery, will not start outputting the charging power if the degree of inclination is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold. Here, the portable charger described in item 25, wherein the fourth threshold is greater than the third threshold.

[0064] If the device is tilted too much, the battery charging process can be prevented from starting.

[0065] [Item 29] The control device is If the degree of the slope is less than the third threshold, the current charging power is maintained. A portable charger according to item 24, which reduces the charging power if the degree of inclination remains above the third threshold for a fourth predetermined time.

[0066] If the device remains tilted, the charging power can be reduced.

[0067] [Item 30] The control device stops outputting the charging power if the degree of inclination remains above the fourth threshold for a fifth predetermined time. Here, the portable charger according to item 29, wherein the fourth threshold is greater than the third threshold and the fifth predetermined time is shorter than the fourth predetermined time.

[0068] If the device remains tilted significantly for an extended period, battery charging can be stopped prematurely.

[0069] [Item 31] The portable charger according to item 30, wherein the control device stops outputting the charging power when the degree of tilt is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold for a fifth predetermined time, and then restarts outputting the charging power when the degree of tilt is less than the fourth threshold for a sixth predetermined time.

[0070] If the degree of tilt decreases, battery charging can be resumed.

[0071] [Item 32] The aforementioned housing includes multiple surfaces, The one or more sensors include two or more strain sensors provided on each of the two or more surfaces among the plurality of surfaces, The control device is Based on the output signals of the two or more strain sensors, the distortion of the housing of the portable charger is detected. A portable charger according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the amount of charging power is changed according to the amount of the aforementioned distortion.

[0072] The amount of charging power can be changed based on the magnitude of the strain in the housing detected using a strain sensor. For example, the amount of charging power can be changed based on the compressive and tensile forces applied to the housing.

[0073] [Item 33] The portable charger according to item 32, wherein the control device reduces the charging power when the magnitude of the strain is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold, compared to when it is less than a fifth threshold.

[0074] The charging power can be reduced depending on the degree of distortion of the casing. For example, the charging power can be reduced if the user is holding the portable charger in their hand or if the power cord is being pulled tightly.

[0075] [Item 34] The control device stops the output of the charging power when the magnitude of the strain is equal to or greater than the sixth threshold. Here, the portable charger described in item 33, wherein the sixth threshold is greater than the fifth threshold.

[0076] If the casing is significantly warped, battery charging can be stopped.

[0077] [Item 35] The portable charger according to item 34, wherein the control device stops the output of the charging power when the magnitude of the strain is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold, and then resumes the output of the charging power when the magnitude of the strain falls below the sixth threshold.

[0078] If the distortion decreases or is no longer detected, battery charging can be resumed.

[0079] [Item 36] The control device, when attempting to start charging the battery, will not start outputting the charging power if the magnitude of the strain is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold. Here, the portable charger described in item 33, wherein the sixth threshold is greater than the fifth threshold.

[0080] If the casing is significantly warped, the battery charging process can be prevented from starting.

[0081] [Item 37] The control device is If the magnitude of the strain is less than the fifth threshold, the current charging power is maintained. A portable charger according to item 32, which reduces the charging power if the magnitude of the strain remains above the fifth threshold for a seventh predetermined time.

[0082] If the casing remains distorted, the charging power can be reduced. For example, the charging power can be reduced if the user is holding the portable charger in their hand.

[0083] [Item 38] The control device stops outputting the charging power if the magnitude of the strain remains above the sixth threshold for an eighth predetermined time. Herein, the sixth threshold is greater than the fifth threshold, and the eighth predetermined time is shorter than the seventh predetermined time, as described in item 37, for the portable charger.

[0084] If a significant distortion persists, battery charging can be stopped prematurely.

[0085] [Item 39] The portable charger according to item 38, wherein the control device stops the output of the charging power when the magnitude of the strain is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold for an eight predetermined time, and then restarts the output of the charging power when the magnitude of the strain is less than the sixth threshold for a ninth predetermined time.

[0086] If the distortion decreases or is no longer detected, battery charging can be resumed.

[0087] [Item 40] The control device stops the output of the charging power when the magnitude of the strain is greater than or equal to the seventh threshold. Here, the seventh threshold is greater than the sixth threshold, The portable charger according to item 34, wherein the control device, if it stops outputting the charging power when the magnitude of the strain is greater than or equal to the seventh threshold, does not restart outputting the charging power even if the magnitude of the strain falls below the sixth threshold.

[0088] If the distortion is very large, the portable charger may be damaged, and you can prevent it from charging the battery.

[0089] [Item 41] The portable charger according to item 40, wherein the control device causes a memory device to store information that the strain has been detected to be greater than or equal to the seventh threshold.

[0090] If a very large strain is detected, the battery charging operation can be kept disabled. [Effects of the Invention]

[0091] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the magnitude of the charging power for charging the battery is changed based on at least one of the orientation of the portable charger housing and the mechanical disturbance applied to the portable charger.

[0092] This allows users to change the amount of charging power simply by changing the orientation of the portable charger's casing. For example, users can switch between normal charging and fast charging by changing the orientation of the casing so that it faces upwards.

[0093] Furthermore, the amount of charging power can be changed according to factors such as the degree of shaking of the casing, the degree of tilting of the casing, and the degree of distortion of the casing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0094] [Figure 1] This is a right side view showing an electric assist bicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a battery 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This diagram shows how to attach and detach the battery 20 to an electric assist bicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows a charger 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the charging of a battery 20 attached to an electric assist bicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a portable charger 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows the housing 41 of a portable charger 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows the housing 41 of a portable charger 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a developed view of the outer surface of the housing 41 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of a process for changing the magnitude of the charging power according to the orientation of the housing 41 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows a light-emitting device 53a that emits light during charging of the battery 20 in a first charging mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows the state in which the outer surface of the upward-facing housing 41 according to an embodiment of the present invention changes from outer surface 41a to outer surface 41b. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows an example of a process for changing the magnitude of the charging power according to the magnitude of the shaking of the housing 41 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure shows the relationship between the magnitude of the vibration, the duration of the vibration, the first threshold, and the second threshold of the housing 41 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows an example of a process for changing the magnitude of the charging power according to the degree of inclination of the housing 41, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This figure shows the relationship between the degree of tilt of the housing 41 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the duration of the tilted state, and the third and fourth thresholds. [Figure 17] This figure shows a housing 41 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is an exploded view of the inner surface of the housing 41 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This flowchart shows an example of a process for changing the magnitude of the charging power according to the magnitude of the distortion of the housing 41 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This figure shows the relationship between the magnitude of distortion, the duration of the distorted state, and the fifth and sixth thresholds of the housing 41 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0095] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of embodiments, similar components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted if they are redundant. The numerals F, Re, U, and D in the drawings represent front, rear, top, and bottom, respectively. The mobile body according to this embodiment is, for example, an electric vehicle, an aircraft, a ship, a mobile robot, etc. The electric vehicle includes an electric assist vehicle. In the following description of embodiments, an electric assist bicycle is given as an example of a mobile body, but the mobile body according to the embodiment is not limited to an electric assist bicycle. The following embodiments are illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0096] [Mobile] Figure 1 is a right side view showing an electric assist bicycle 1, which is an example of a mobile device according to this embodiment.

[0097] The electric assist bicycle 1 has a frame 2 that extends in the front-to-back direction. The frame 2 includes a head pipe 11, a down tube 12, a top tube 14, a seat tube 16, a chain stay 18, a seat stay 19, and a bracket 24. The head pipe 11 is located at the front end of the frame 2. The handlebar column 13 is rotatably inserted into the head pipe 11. The handlebars 4 are fixed to the handlebar column 13. The handlebars 4 are equipped with a meter unit 5 that displays various information about the electric assist bicycle 1. A headlamp 22 is provided on the front part of the handlebars 4.

[0098] The front fork 15 is fixed to the lower end of the handlebar column 13. The lower end of the front fork 15 rotatably supports the front wheel 6, which is the steering wheel.

[0099] The down tube 12 extends diagonally downward and rearward from the head pipe 11. The seat tube 16 extends upward from the rear end of the down tube 12. The chainstay 18 extends rearward from the lower end of the seat tube 16. The bracket 24 connects the rear end of the down tube 12, the lower end of the seat tube 16, and the front end of the chainstay 18. The top tube 14 is provided to connect the head pipe 11 and the upper part of the seat tube 16. A seatpost 17 is inserted into the seat tube 16, and a saddle 3 on which the user sits is provided at the upper end of the seatpost 17.

[0100] The rear end of the chainstay 18 rotatably supports the rear wheel 7, which is the drive wheel. The seatstay 19 extends diagonally downward and rearward from the top of the seat tube 16. The lower end of the seatstay 19 is connected to the rear end of the chainstay 18. A derailleur 28 for changing the gear ratio is provided at the rear end of the chainstay 18. The derailleur may be provided around the pedal crank axle 35. A speed sensor 25 for detecting the rotation of the rear wheel 7 is provided at the rear of the chainstay 18. The speed sensor 25 may be provided at the bottom of the front fork 15 to detect the rotation of the front wheel 6.

[0101] A drive unit 30 is mounted on a bracket 24 located near the center of the vehicle frame 2. The housing of the drive unit 30 contains an electric motor 32, an MCU (motor control unit), a reduction gear, etc. The pedal crank shaft 35 is supported by passing through the drive unit 30 in the left-right direction. Crank arms 36 are provided at both ends of the pedal crank shaft 35. A pedal 37 is rotatably mounted at the tip of the crank arm 36.

[0102] The down tube 12 is equipped with a battery 20 that supplies power to the drive unit 30 and the like. In the example shown in Figure 1, the battery 20 is mounted inside the down tube 12. The down tube 12 may have a hollow shape. The down tube 12 may have a U-shaped cross-section in at least a portion of it, and may have a cover that covers the U-shaped portion.

[0103] The battery 20 may be located on the outer surface of the down tube 12. The battery 20 may be mounted on the bracket 24, the seat tube 16, or the top tube 14. The battery 20 can be mounted at any position on the electric assist bicycle 1. The battery 20 may be detachable from the electric assist bicycle 1. Two or more batteries 20 may be mounted on the electric assist bicycle 1.

[0104] The battery 20 has multiple battery cells and a BMS (Battery Management System). The multiple battery cells in the battery 20 are rechargeable batteries that can be charged and discharged. The BMS controls the charging and discharging of the battery 20 and monitors the output current and remaining capacity of the battery 20.

[0105] The MCU of the drive unit 30 controls the operation of the electric motor 32 and the operation of each part of the electric assist bicycle 1. The MCU has a semiconductor integrated circuit such as a processor and a motor drive circuit. The rotation of the pedal crank shaft 35 generated by the user pressing the pedal 37 with their foot is transmitted to the rear wheel 7 via the drive sprocket 38 and chain 23. The MCU controls the electric motor 32 to generate a drive assist output corresponding to the rotation output of the pedal crank shaft 35 generated by the user pressing the pedal 37 with their foot. The assist force generated by the electric motor 32 is transmitted to the rear wheel 7 via the drive sprocket 38 and chain 23. A belt, shaft, etc. may be used instead of the chain 23.

[0106] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of battery 20.

[0107] The battery 20 comprises a BMS 120, a battery module 126, and a sensor group 127. The BMS 120 includes a processing unit 121, recording media such as ROM (Read Only Memory) 122 and RAM (Random Access Memory) 123, a communication device 124, and a cell monitor 125.

[0108] The processing unit 121 is a semiconductor integrated circuit such as a processor, and includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The processing unit 121 can be implemented by a microprocessor or a microcontroller. The processing unit 121 sequentially executes a computer program (a computer program stored in the ROM 122) that describes a set of instructions for performing various processes, thereby realizing the desired process.

[0109] The processing unit 121 may be an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) equipped with a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an ASSP (Application Specific Standard Product), or a combination of two or more circuits selected from these circuits.

[0110] ROM122 may be, for example, writable memory (e.g., PROM), rewritable memory (e.g., flash memory), or read-only memory. Again, ROM122 may store computer programs that cause the processing unit 121 to perform processing. Furthermore, ROM122 may store computer programs that control the operation of the processing unit 121. ROM122 does not have to be a single recording medium, but may be a collection of multiple recording media. Some of the collection of multiple recording media may be removable memory.

[0111] The computer program may be stored in the ROM 122 during the manufacturing of the battery 20. The computer program may also be provided to the battery 20 via a recording medium (e.g., semiconductor memory or optical disc) or a telecommunications line (e.g., the Internet). Such a computer program may be sold as commercial software.

[0112] RAM123 provides a workspace for temporarily unpacking computer programs stored in ROM122 during boot-up. RAM123 does not need to be a single storage medium; it may be a collection of multiple storage mediums.

[0113] The processing unit 121 sequentially executes a computer program (a computer program stored in the ROM 122) that describes a set of instructions for performing various processes, thereby realizing the desired process. The processing unit 121 controls the operation of the battery 20, such as charging and discharging operations, and also monitors the output current, output voltage, and remaining capacity of the battery 20.

[0114] The number of battery modules 126 in the battery 20 is arbitrary, and one or more battery modules 126 are provided in the battery 20. Each battery module 126 is equipped with multiple battery cells 126a. The number of battery cells 126a in each battery module 126 is arbitrary.

[0115] The sensor group 127 includes a current sensor for detecting the current of the battery 20, a voltage sensor for detecting the voltage of the battery 20, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the battery 20, and the like. The cell monitor 125 monitors the current, voltage, temperature, etc. of the battery 20 based on the output signals of the sensor group 127. The cell monitor 125 outputs information indicating the current, voltage, temperature, etc. to the processing unit 121. The sensor group 127 may also detect the current, voltage, temperature, etc. of each battery module 126.

[0116] The communication device 124 is a communication module for wired communication with the drive unit 30 and the charger 40, etc., which will be described later. Communication is performed using a communication method such as CAN (Controller Area Network). The communication device 124 may also communicate wirelessly with the drive unit 30 and the charger 40, etc.

[0117] The BMS120 controls various operations of the battery 20, such as charging and discharging, and also monitors various states of the battery 20. The BMS120 monitors the voltage, current, temperature, SOC (State of Charge), etc., of the battery 20.

[0118] Next, we will explain the charger used to charge the battery 20.

[0119] As described above, the battery 20 may be a portable battery that can be attached to and detached from the electric assist bicycle 1. Figure 3 shows how the battery 20 is attached to and detached from the electric assist bicycle 1. In this example, the battery 20 is mounted inside the down tube 12. The down tube 12 has a U-shaped cross-section in at least a portion thereof and has a cover 12a that covers the U-shaped portion. By opening the cover 12a, the battery 20 can be removed from the down tube 12 or attached to the down tube 12.

[0120] With the battery 20 removed from the electric assist bicycle 1, the battery 20 can be connected to a charger and charged.

[0121] Figure 4 shows a charger 40 according to this embodiment. Wiring 42 with a plug 42a and wiring 43 with a plug 43a extend from the housing 41 of the charger 40. The battery 20 can be charged by connecting plug 43a to a commercial power source (e.g., an outlet) 49 and plug 42a to the receptacle 21 of the battery 20.

[0122] Because the battery 20 is a detachable, portable battery, even if a charger for charging the battery 20 is not provided at the parking location, the battery 20 can be charged by transporting it to a location where a charger is available.

[0123] The battery 20 may be charged while it is attached to the electric assist bicycle 1. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the charging of the battery 20 attached to the electric assist bicycle 1. In the example shown in Figure 5, the battery 20 can be charged by connecting the plug 43a of the charger 40 to the commercial power supply 49 and the plug 42a of the charger 40 to the receptacle 12b provided on the electric assist bicycle 1.

[0124] The charger 40 of this embodiment is a portable charger that can be easily carried by the user. The user can easily carry the portable charger 40 and charge the battery 20 at any location.

[0125] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the portable charger 40. The portable charger 40 includes a control device 140, a power supply circuit 146, a sensor group 147, and an alert device 148. These components of the portable charger 40 can be housed within the housing 41 of the portable charger 40.

[0126] The control device 140 includes a processing unit 141, a ROM 142, a RAM 143, and a communication device 144. The description of the configuration of the processing unit 141, ROM 142, and RAM 143 is omitted here because it overlaps with the description of the processing unit 121, ROM 122, and RAM 123 of the battery 20.

[0127] ROM 142 stores a computer program (or firmware) that causes the processing unit 141 to perform processing. The computer program may be stored in ROM 142 during the manufacturing of the portable charger 40. The computer program may be provided to the portable charger 40 via a recording medium or telecommunication line. Such a computer program may be sold as commercial software. The processing unit 141 sequentially executes the computer program (the computer program stored in ROM 142) which describes a set of instructions for performing various processes, thereby realizing the desired processing. The processing unit 141 controls the charging operation of the portable charger 40. The processing unit 141 monitors the output current, output voltage, output power, temperature, etc., of the portable charger 40.

[0128] The power supply circuit 146 includes, for example, an AC / DC converter that converts the AC voltage supplied from the commercial power supply 49 into a DC voltage. The sensor group 147 includes a current sensor that detects the current of the power supply circuit 146, a voltage sensor that detects the voltage of the power supply circuit 146, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the power supply circuit 146, and the like. The processing unit 141 monitors the current, voltage, power, temperature, etc. of the power supply circuit 146 based on the output signals of the sensor group 147.

[0129] The communication device 144 is a communication module for wired communication with the battery 20. Communication is performed using a communication method such as CAN. The communication device 144 may also communicate wirelessly with the battery 20.

[0130] The control device 140 transmits and receives necessary information with the battery management system (BMS) 120 of the battery 20. The control device 140 receives battery information from the BMS 120, including the state of charge (SOC), temperature, voltage, etc. of the battery 20.

[0131] During charging of the battery 20, the battery 20 and the portable charger 40 are electrically connected. The processing unit 141 controls the operation of the power supply circuit 146. The power supply circuit 146 is supplied with alternating current from the commercial power supply 49 via wiring 43. The power supply circuit 146 generates a direct current to charge the battery 20. The direct current generated by the power supply circuit 146 is supplied to the battery 20 via wiring 42, and the battery 20 is charged.

[0132] The power supply circuit 146 in this embodiment can change the magnitude of the charging power it outputs to charge the battery 20. For example, the processing unit 141 changes the magnitude of the charging power by adjusting the duty cycle in the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control of the power supply circuit 146. The method for changing the magnitude of the charging power output by the power supply circuit 146 is arbitrary and not limited to the method described above.

[0133] The notification device 148 informs the user of information regarding the charging mode of the portable charger 40. The notification device 148 includes, for example, a light-emitting device and / or a sound-producing component. The processing device 141 causes the notification device 148 to output light and / or sound to inform the user of information regarding the charging mode. The notification device 148 may also inform the user of information regarding the charging mode by generating vibrations.

[0134] The notification device 148 may generate one or more of the following: light, sound, or vibration, when the portable charger 40 starts charging the battery 20. This allows the user to easily recognize that charging of the battery 20 has begun.

[0135] Figures 7 and 8 show the housing 41 of the portable charger 40. Figure 9 is an exploded view of the outer surface of the housing 41. To clearly explain the various components arranged inside the housing 41, Figure 8 shows the inside of the housing 41 transparently. The vertical direction is, for example, the direction parallel to the vertical.

[0136] Inside the housing 41, sensors are arranged to detect the orientation of the housing 41 and mechanical disturbances applied to the portable charger 40. Such sensors are included in the sensor group 147 (Figure 6). The sensors that detect the orientation of the housing 41 and mechanical disturbances applied to the portable charger 40 are, for example, acceleration sensors 51. The acceleration sensor 51 detects the acceleration of the housing 41. The acceleration sensor 51 is, for example, a piezoresistive or capacitive 3-axis acceleration sensor. A 3-axis acceleration sensor can measure acceleration in each of the three orthogonal axes (X axis, Y axis, Z axis). The processing unit 141 can use the output signal of the acceleration sensor 51 to detect the orientation of the housing 41, the magnitude of the shaking of the housing 41, the degree of tilt of the housing 41, and so on.

[0137] In this embodiment, the amount of charging power for charging the battery 20 is changed based on at least one of the orientation of the housing 41 and the mechanical disturbances applied to the housing 41. This allows, for example, the user to change the amount of charging power simply by changing the orientation of the housing 41 of the portable charger 40. For example, the user can switch between normal charging and rapid charging by changing the face of the housing 41 that is facing upwards. In addition, the amount of charging power can be changed according to, for example, the magnitude of the shaking of the housing 41, the degree of tilt of the housing 41, etc.

[0138] The housing 41 of this embodiment has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the housing 41 includes a plurality of outer surfaces 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, 41e, and 41f. Each of the outer surfaces 41a-41f has a planar shape in at least a portion thereof.

[0139] The housing 41 is equipped with light-emitting devices 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53d. The housing 41 is also equipped with a sound-producing component 54. The light-emitting devices 53a-53d and the sound-producing component 54 are included in the notification device 148 (Figure 6).

[0140] Each of the light-emitting devices 53a-53d includes a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Light-emitting device 53a emits light to the outside from the side of its outer surface 41a. Light-emitting device 53b emits light to the outside from the side of its outer surface 41b. Light-emitting device 53c emits light to the outside from the side of its outer surface 41c. Light-emitting device 53d emits light to the outside from the side of its outer surface 41d. The colors of the light emitted by light-emitting devices 53a-53d may differ from those of the other.

[0141] The housing 41 is provided with openings 42o and 43o through which the wiring 42 and 43 pass. The housing 41 is also provided with a hole 54h for outputting the sound generated by the sound-producing component 54 to the outside.

[0142] Next, we will explain the process of changing the amount of charging power for charging the battery 20 according to the orientation of the housing 41 of the portable charger 40.

[0143] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process that changes the magnitude of the charging power according to the orientation of the housing 41.

[0144] When the portable charger 40 and the battery 20 are connected via the wiring 42, information is transmitted and received between the control device 140 of the portable charger 40 and the BMS 120 of the battery 20, and preparations are made for charging the battery 20.

[0145] The processing unit 141 of the portable charger 40 detects the orientation of the housing 41 based on the output signal of the acceleration sensor 51 (step S101). Based on the output signal of the acceleration sensor 51, the processing unit 141 determines which of the outer surfaces 41a-41d is facing upwards.

[0146] When the processing unit 141 determines that the outer surface 41a (first outer surface) is facing upward, it controls the power supply circuit 146 to perform charging of the battery 20 in the first charging mode (steps S102, S105). During charging of the battery 20 in the first charging mode, the processing unit 141 causes the light-emitting device 53a to emit light. Figure 11 shows the light-emitting device 53a emitting light during charging of the battery 20 in the first charging mode.

[0147] If the processing unit 141 determines that the outer surface 41b (second outer surface) is facing upward, it controls the power supply circuit 146 to perform charging of the battery 20 in the second charging mode (steps S103, S106). While charging the battery 20 in the second charging mode, the processing unit 141 causes the light-emitting device 53b to emit light.

[0148] If the processing unit 141 determines that the outer surface 41c (third outer surface) is facing upward, it controls the power supply circuit 146 to perform charging of the battery 20 in the third charging mode (steps S104, S107). While the battery 20 is being charged in the third charging mode, the processing unit 141 causes the light-emitting device 53c to emit light.

[0149] If the processing unit 141 determines that the outer surface 41d (fourth outer surface) is facing upward, it controls the power supply circuit 146 to perform charging of the battery 20 in the fourth charging mode (step S108). While the battery 20 is being charged in the fourth charging mode, the processing unit 141 causes the light-emitting device 53d to emit light.

[0150] The first to fourth charging modes differ in the magnitude of the charging power required to charge the battery 20. For example, the first charging mode is a normal charging mode, and the power supply circuit 146 outputs a charging power corresponding to the normal charging mode. The second charging mode is a fast charging mode, and the power supply circuit 146 outputs a charging power greater than that in the first charging mode. The third charging mode is another fast charging mode, and the power supply circuit 146 outputs a charging power greater than that in the second charging mode. The fourth charging mode is a slow charging mode, and the power supply circuit 146 outputs a charging power less than that in the first charging mode.

[0151] While the battery 20 is charging, the processing unit 141 repeatedly detects the orientation of the housing 41 (step S101). If the user changes the orientation of the housing 41 and the outer surface facing upwards changes during the charging of the battery 20, the processing unit 141 changes the charging mode to a charging mode corresponding to the newly upward-facing outer surface and proceeds to charge the battery 20.

[0152] Figure 12 shows the state in which the upward-facing outer surface changes from outer surface 41a to outer surface 41b. The processing unit 141 changes the charging mode to a second charging mode corresponding to the newly upward-facing outer surface 41b and starts charging the battery 20, and also causes the light-emitting device 53b to light up. The light-emitting device 53a is turned off.

[0153] Charging ends when predetermined conditions are met, such as when the State of Charge (SOC) of battery 20 reaches a desired value (step S109).

[0154] In this embodiment, the user can change the charging mode simply by changing the orientation of the housing 41 of the portable charger 40. For example, the user can switch between normal charging and fast charging by changing the orientation of the outer surface of the housing 41 so that it faces upwards. This enhances user convenience.

[0155] The processing unit 141 causes the light-emitting devices corresponding to the outer surface of the upward-facing housing 41 to emit light. The light-emitting devices 53a-53d emit light of different colors. The user can easily recognize the charging mode simply by checking the color of the light emitted from the housing 41.

[0156] As described above, the housing 41 is equipped with a sound-producing component 54. The processing unit 141 generates sound from the sound-producing component 54 when charging of the battery 20 begins. The user can easily recognize that charging of the battery 20 has begun by hearing the sound generated by the sound-producing component 54.

[0157] Furthermore, while the battery 20 is being charged, the processing unit 141 may periodically generate sound from the sound-producing component 54. The user can easily recognize that the battery 20 is being charged by listening to the sound periodically generated by the sound-producing component 54.

[0158] The notification device 148 may include, for example, a display panel. The processing device 141 may cause the notification device 148 to display information indicating at least one of the current, voltage, and power output from the portable charger 40 in a charging mode set according to the orientation of the housing 41. The display panel may display the information in, for example, a segment system or a dot matrix system. This allows the user to easily recognize the magnitude of the current, voltage, power, etc., output from the portable charger 40.

[0159] If the acceleration detected when the orientation of the housing 41 changes is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the processing unit 141 does not need to change the magnitude of the charging power. If the detected acceleration is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it is possible that an unintended change in the orientation of the housing 41 has occurred, and the charging mode can be avoided.

[0160] In the example above, the charging mode was changed according to the upward-facing side of the four sides of the housing 41, but the present invention is not limited to this. The charging mode may also be changed according to the upward-facing side of two sides of the housing 41. In this case, it is possible to switch between two types of charging modes. The charging mode may be changed according to the upward-facing side of two or more sides of the housing 41.

[0161] In the above-described embodiment, the amount of charging power was changed according to the orientation of the housing 41, but the present invention is not limited to that. The time for charging the battery 20 may be changed according to the orientation of the housing 41. This allows the user to change the time for charging the battery 20 simply by changing the orientation of the housing 41. Furthermore, the charge level at which charging of the battery 20 is completed may be changed according to the orientation of the housing 41. This allows the user to change the charge level at which charging of the battery 20 is completed simply by changing the orientation of the housing 41 of the portable charger 40.

[0162] Next, we will explain the process of changing the amount of charging power for charging the battery 20 according to the amount of shaking of the housing 41. For example, the charging power is changed depending on whether the housing 41 is stationary or moving.

[0163] For example, the charging power is reduced according to the magnitude of the shaking of the housing 41. This makes it possible to reduce the charging power when, for example, the user is holding the portable charger 40 in their hand.

[0164] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for changing the amount of charging power according to the amount of vibration of the housing 41. In this embodiment, if the amount of vibration of the housing 41 is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the charging power is reduced compared to when it is less than the first threshold. Furthermore, if the amount of vibration of the housing 41 is greater than or equal to a second threshold (greater than the first threshold), the output of charging power is stopped.

[0165] While the battery 20 is charging, the processing unit 141 detects the magnitude of the shaking of the housing 41 based on the output signal of the acceleration sensor 51 (step S201). The "magnitude of shaking" is, for example, the amplitude of the shaking.

[0166] The processing unit 141 determines whether the detected magnitude of the tremor is greater than or equal to the second threshold (step S202). If the detected magnitude of the tremor is less than the second threshold, the processing unit 141 determines whether the detected magnitude of the tremor is greater than or equal to the first threshold (step S203).

[0167] If the detected magnitude of the tremor is less than the first threshold, the processing unit 141 controls the power supply circuit 146 to output normal charging power (step S204).

[0168] In step S203, if the processing unit 141 determines that the magnitude of the detected shaking is greater than or equal to a first threshold, it controls the power supply circuit 146 to output a charging power smaller than the normal charging power (step S205).

[0169] In step S202, if the processing unit 141 determines that the magnitude of the detected shaking is equal to or greater than the second threshold, it controls the power supply circuit 146 to stop outputting the charging power (step S206).

[0170] In this embodiment, if the magnitude of the shaking of the housing 41 is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the charging power is reduced compared to when it is less than the first threshold. This makes it possible to reduce the charging power according to the magnitude of the shaking of the housing 41. For example, the charging power can be reduced when the user is holding the portable charger 40 in their hand.

[0171] Furthermore, if the magnitude of the shaking of the housing 41 exceeds the second threshold, the output of charging power is stopped. This allows charging of the battery 20 to be stopped if the shaking of the housing 41 is large.

[0172] The processing unit 141 repeatedly detects the magnitude of the shaking of the housing 41 (step S201).

[0173] The processing unit 141 stops outputting charging power when the magnitude of the shaking of the housing 41 exceeds the second threshold, and then resumes outputting charging power when the magnitude of the shaking falls below the second threshold. As a result, when the shaking of the housing 41 decreases or is no longer detected, charging of the battery 20 can be resumed.

[0174] Charging ends when predetermined conditions are met, such as when the State of Charge (SOC) of battery 20 reaches a desired value (step S207).

[0175] The processing unit 141 may perform control to prevent the output of charging power if the magnitude of the shaking of the housing 41 when attempting to start charging the battery 20 is greater than or equal to a second threshold. In this case, charging of the battery 20 may be started when the magnitude of the shaking of the housing 41 falls below the second threshold.

[0176] The processing unit 141 may reduce the charging power if the magnitude of the shaking of the housing 41 remains above a first threshold for a first predetermined time. The first predetermined time is, for example, 3-10 seconds, but is not limited to this value. This allows charging to continue at normal charging power if the shaking of the housing 41 subsides quickly. If the shaking of the housing 41 continues, the charging power is reduced. For example, the charging power can be reduced when the user is holding the portable charger 40 in their hand.

[0177] The processing unit 141 may perform control to stop the output of charging power if the magnitude of the shaking remains above a second threshold for a second predetermined time. Here, the second predetermined time is shorter than the first predetermined time. The second predetermined time is, for example, 0.5-3 seconds, but is not limited to this value. This allows the charging of the battery 20 to be stopped earlier if large shaking continues.

[0178] After stopping the output of charging power, if the magnitude of the shaking remains below the second threshold for a third predetermined time, the processing unit 141 may perform control to restart the output of charging power. The third predetermined time is, for example, 5-60 seconds, but is not limited to that value. This allows charging of the battery 20 to be restarted when the shaking decreases or is no longer detected.

[0179] The duration of shaking, which serves as the criterion for deciding to change the charging power, may be changed depending on the magnitude of the shaking.

[0180] Figure 14 shows the relationship between the amplitude of the vibration of the housing 41, the duration of the vibration, and the first and second thresholds. The vertical axis represents the duration of the vibration, and the horizontal axis represents the amplitude of the vibration. The dashed line represents the first threshold, and the dotted line represents the second threshold.

[0181] In the example shown in Figure 14, the charging power is reduced when the product of the magnitude of the vibration of the housing 41 and the duration of the vibration reaches a first threshold. If the vibration is small, the charging power is reduced when the duration of the vibration is long. If the vibration is large, the charging power is reduced when the duration of the vibration is short.

[0182] The power output for charging is stopped when the product of the magnitude of the tremor and the duration of the tremor reaches a second threshold. If the tremor is small, the power output for charging is stopped when the duration of the tremor is long. If the tremor is large, the power output for charging is stopped when the duration of the tremor is short.

[0183] Thus, the duration of the shaking, which serves as the criterion for deciding to change the charging power, may be changed according to the magnitude of the shaking.

[0184] Next, we will explain the process of changing the amount of charging power for charging the battery 20 according to the degree of tilt of the housing 41. For example, the charging power is changed according to the degree of stability of the mounted portable charger 40.

[0185] For example, the charging power is reduced depending on the degree of tilt of the housing 41. This makes it possible to reduce the charging power when, for example, the portable charger 40 is placed in a tilted position.

[0186] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a process that changes the amount of charging power according to the degree of tilt of the housing 41. In this embodiment, if the degree of tilt of the housing 41 is greater than or equal to the third threshold, the charging power is reduced compared to when it is less than the third threshold. Furthermore, if the degree of tilt of the housing 41 is greater than the third threshold, equal to or equal to the fourth threshold, the output of charging power is stopped.

[0187] While the battery 20 is charging, the processing unit 141 detects the degree of tilt of the housing 41 based on the output signal of the acceleration sensor 51 (step S301). The “degree of tilt” is, for example, the degree of tilt of the planar portion of the outer surface of the housing 41 that faces downward with respect to a horizontal plane. The “degree of tilt” may be the angle between the planar portion and the horizontal plane. The horizontal plane may be a plane that extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0188] The processing unit 141 determines whether the detected degree of inclination is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold (step S302). If the detected degree of inclination is less than the fourth threshold, the processing unit 141 determines whether the detected degree of inclination is equal to or greater than the third threshold (step S303).

[0189] If the detected degree of inclination is less than the third threshold, the processing unit 141 controls the power supply circuit 146 to output normal charging power (step S304).

[0190] In step S303, if the processing unit 141 determines that the detected degree of inclination is greater than or equal to the third threshold, it controls the power supply circuit 146 to output a charging power smaller than the normal charging power (step S305).

[0191] In step S302, if the processing unit 141 determines that the detected degree of inclination is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold, it controls the power supply circuit 146 to stop outputting charging power (step S306).

[0192] In this embodiment, if the degree of tilt of the housing 41 is greater than or equal to a third threshold, the charging power is reduced compared to when it is less than the third threshold. This makes it possible to reduce the charging power according to the degree of tilt of the housing 41. For example, if the portable charger 40 is placed on the housing 41 while it is tilted, the charging power can be reduced.

[0193] Furthermore, if the degree of tilt of the housing 41 exceeds the fourth threshold, the output of charging power is stopped. This allows charging of the battery 20 to be stopped if the degree of tilt of the housing 41 is large.

[0194] The processing unit 141 repeatedly detects the degree of tilt of the housing 41 (step S301).

[0195] The processing unit 141 stops outputting charging power when the degree of tilt of the housing 41 is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, and then resumes outputting charging power when the degree of tilt falls below the fourth threshold. As a result, when the degree of tilt of the housing 41 decreases, charging of the battery 20 can be resumed.

[0196] Charging ends when predetermined conditions are met, such as when the State of Charge (SOC) of battery 20 reaches a desired value (step S307).

[0197] The processing unit 141 may perform control to prevent the output of charging power if the degree of tilt of the housing 41 when attempting to start charging the battery 20 is greater than or equal to a fourth threshold. In this case, charging of the battery 20 may be started when the degree of tilt of the housing 41 falls below the fourth threshold.

[0198] The processing unit 141 may reduce the charging power if the degree of tilt of the housing 41 remains above a third threshold for a fourth predetermined time. The fourth predetermined time is, for example, 3-10 seconds, but is not limited to this value. This allows charging to continue at normal charging power if the tilt of the housing 41 subsides in a short time. If the tilt of the housing 41 continues, the charging power is reduced. For example, the charging power can be reduced if the housing 41 remains tilted or if a user continues to hold the housing 41 in their hand.

[0199] The processing unit 141 may perform control to stop the output of charging power if the degree of tilt remains above a fourth threshold for a fifth predetermined time. Here, the fifth predetermined time is shorter than the fourth predetermined time. The fifth predetermined time is, for example, 0.5-3 seconds, but is not limited to this value. This allows the charging of the battery 20 to be stopped early if the housing 41 remains tilted significantly.

[0200] If, after stopping the output of charging power, the degree of inclination remains below the fourth threshold for a sixth predetermined time, the processing unit 141 may perform control to restart the output of charging power. The sixth predetermined time is, for example, 5-60 seconds, but is not limited to that value. This allows charging of the battery 20 to be restarted when the degree of inclination decreases.

[0201] The duration of the tilted state, which serves as the criterion for deciding to change the charging power, may be changed depending on the degree of tilt.

[0202] Figure 16 shows the relationship between the degree of tilt of the housing 41, the duration of the tilt, and the third and fourth thresholds. The vertical axis represents the duration of the tilt, and the horizontal axis represents the degree of tilt. The dashed line represents the third threshold, and the dotted line represents the fourth threshold.

[0203] In the example shown in Figure 16, the charging power is reduced when the product of the degree of tilt of the housing 41 and the duration of the tilted state reaches a third threshold. If the tilt is small, the charging power is reduced when the duration of the tilted state is long. If the tilt is large, the charging power is reduced when the duration of the tilted state is short.

[0204] The power output for charging is stopped when the product of the degree of inclination and the duration of the inclined state reaches the fourth threshold. If the inclination is small, the power output for charging is stopped when the duration of the inclined state is long. If the inclination is large, the power output for charging is stopped when the duration of the inclined state is short.

[0205] Thus, the duration of the tilted state, which serves as the criterion for deciding to change the charging power, may be changed according to the degree of the tilt.

[0206] Next, we will explain the process of changing the amount of charging power for charging the battery 20 according to the amount of distortion of the housing 41. For example, the amount of charging power can be changed based on the compressive force and tensile force applied to the housing 41.

[0207] For example, the charging power is reduced according to the degree of distortion of the casing 41. This allows the charging power to be reduced, for example, when the user is holding the casing 41 in their hand or when the wiring 42 and 43 are being pulled strongly.

[0208] Figure 17 shows the housing 41 of the portable charger 40 of this embodiment. Figure 18 is an exploded view of the inner surface of the housing 41. To clearly explain the various components arranged inside the housing 41, the inside of the housing 41 is shown transparently in Figure 17.

[0209] Multiple sensors 52 are arranged inside the housing 41 to detect mechanical disturbances applied to the portable charger 40. The sensors 52 are included in the sensor group 147 (Figure 6). The sensors 52 are strain sensors that detect the strain of the housing 41. In the example shown in Figures 17 and 18, six strain sensors 52a-52f are arranged inside the housing 41 as sensors 52. The strain sensors 52a-52f detect the strain of the housing 41. The strain sensors 52a-52f are, for example, strain gauges, piezoelectric sensors, or load cells. The processing unit 141 can use the output signals of the strain sensors 52a-52f to detect the magnitude of the strain on each surface of the housing 41.

[0210] In this embodiment, the amount of charging power is changed based on the degree of strain of the housing 41 detected using strain sensors 52a-52f. For example, the amount of charging power is changed based on the compressive and tensile forces applied to the housing 41.

[0211] As shown in Figure 18, the housing 41 includes a plurality of inner surfaces 241a, 241b, 241c, 241d, 241e, and 241f. A strain sensor 52a is provided on inner surface 241a, a strain sensor 52b is provided on inner surface 241b, a strain sensor 52c is provided on inner surface 241c, a strain sensor 52d is provided on inner surface 241d, a strain sensor 52e is provided on inner surface 241e, and a strain sensor 52f is provided on inner surface 241f.

[0212] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a process that changes the amount of charging power according to the amount of distortion of the housing 41. In this embodiment, if the amount of distortion of the housing 41 is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, the charging power is reduced compared to when it is less than the fifth threshold. Furthermore, if the amount of distortion of the housing 41 is greater than the fifth threshold, equal to or equal to the sixth threshold, the output of charging power is stopped.

[0213] While the battery 20 is charging, the processing unit 141 detects the magnitude of the strain in the housing 41 based on the output signals of the strain sensors 52a-52f (step S401). For example, strain occurs in the housing 41 when a user is holding the housing 41 in their hand or when the wiring 42 and 43 are pulled strongly.

[0214] The processing unit 141 determines whether the detected strain magnitude is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold (step S402). If the detected strain magnitude is less than the sixth threshold, the processing unit 141 determines whether the detected strain magnitude is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold (step S403).

[0215] If the detected strain is less than the fifth threshold, the processing unit 141 controls the power supply circuit 146 to output normal charging power (step S404).

[0216] In step S403, if the processing unit 141 determines that the detected strain is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, it controls the power supply circuit 146 to output a charging power smaller than the normal charging power (step S405).

[0217] In step S402, if the processing unit 141 determines that the detected strain is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold, it controls the power supply circuit 146 to stop outputting the charging power (step S406).

[0218] In this embodiment, if the magnitude of the distortion of the housing 41 is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, the charging power is reduced compared to when it is less than the fifth threshold. This makes it possible to reduce the charging power according to the magnitude of the distortion of the housing 41. For example, the charging power can be reduced when the user is holding the housing 41 in their hand or when the wiring 42 and 43 are being pulled strongly.

[0219] Furthermore, if the distortion of the housing 41 exceeds the sixth threshold, the output of charging power is stopped. This allows charging of the battery 20 to be stopped if the distortion of the housing 41 is large.

[0220] The processing unit 141 repeatedly detects the magnitude of the distortion of the housing 41 (step S401).

[0221] The processing unit 141 stops outputting charging power when the magnitude of the distortion of the housing 41 is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold, and then resumes outputting charging power when the magnitude of the distortion falls below the sixth threshold. As a result, when the magnitude of the distortion of the housing 41 decreases, charging of the battery 20 can be resumed.

[0222] Charging ends when predetermined conditions are met, such as when the State of Charge (SOC) of battery 20 reaches a desired value (step S407).

[0223] The processing unit 141 may perform control to prevent the output of charging power if the magnitude of the distortion of the housing 41 is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold when attempting to start charging the battery 20. In this case, charging of the battery 20 may be started when the magnitude of the distortion of the housing 41 falls below the sixth threshold.

[0224] The processing unit 141 may reduce the charging power if the magnitude of the distortion of the housing 41 remains above a fifth threshold for a seventh predetermined time. The seventh predetermined time is, for example, 3-10 seconds, but is not limited to this value. This allows charging to continue at normal charging power if the distortion of the housing 41 subsides in a short time. If the distortion of the housing 41 continues, the charging power is reduced. For example, the charging power can be reduced if the user continues to hold the housing 41 in their hand or if the wiring 42 and 43 are continuously pulled strongly.

[0225] The processing unit 141 may perform control to stop the output of charging power if the magnitude of the strain remains above the sixth threshold for an eighth predetermined time. Here, the eighth predetermined time is shorter than the seventh predetermined time. The eighth predetermined time is, for example, 0.5-3 seconds, but is not limited to this value. This allows the charging of the battery 20 to be stopped early if the strain of the housing 41 remains high for an extended period.

[0226] If, after stopping the output of charging power, the strain magnitude remains below the sixth threshold for a ninth predetermined time, the processing unit 141 may perform control to restart the output of charging power. The ninth predetermined time is, for example, 5-60 seconds, but is not limited to that value. This allows charging of the battery 20 to be restarted when the strain magnitude decreases.

[0227] The duration of the distorted state, which serves as the criterion for deciding to change the charging power, may be changed depending on the magnitude of the distortion.

[0228] Figure 20 shows the relationship between the magnitude of distortion in the enclosure 41, the duration of the distortion, and the fifth and sixth thresholds. The vertical axis represents the duration of the distortion, and the horizontal axis represents the magnitude of the distortion. The dashed line represents the fifth threshold, and the dotted line represents the sixth threshold.

[0229] In the example shown in Figure 20, the charging power is reduced when the product of the magnitude of the distortion of the housing 41 and the duration of the distorted state reaches the fifth threshold. If the distortion is small, the charging power is reduced when the duration of the distorted state is long. If the distortion is large, the charging power is reduced when the duration of the distorted state is short.

[0230] The charging power output is stopped when the product of the magnitude of the strain and the duration of the strained state reaches the sixth threshold. If the strain is small, the charging power output is stopped when the duration of the strained state is long. If the strain is large, the charging power output is stopped when the duration of the strained state is short.

[0231] Thus, the duration of the distorted state, which serves as the criterion for deciding to change the charging power, may be changed according to the magnitude of the distortion.

[0232] If the detected distortion of the housing 41 is very large, the output of charging power may be stopped and charging may not be resumed.

[0233] The processing unit 141 stops outputting charging power if the magnitude of the strain in the housing 41 is greater than the sixth threshold, i.e., the seventh threshold. If the processing unit 141 stops outputting charging power when the magnitude of the strain is greater than the seventh threshold, it will not restart outputting charging power even if the magnitude of the strain subsequently falls below the sixth threshold. If the strain is very large, the portable charger 40 may be damaged, so the battery 20 charging operation can be prevented.

[0234] The processing unit 141 stores information in the ROM 142 (Figure 6) that it has detected a strain of magnitude greater than or equal to the seventh threshold. This allows the system to maintain the prohibition of charging the battery 20 when a very large strain is detected.

[0235] In the example above, strain sensors 52 were provided on all six sides of the housing 41, but the present invention is not limited to this. The strain sensors 52 may be provided on only two sides of the housing 41. The strain sensors 52 may be provided on two or more sides of the housing 41.

[0236] For example, by providing strain sensors 52 on two opposing sides of the housing 41, it is possible to detect the distortion of the housing 41 when a user grasps the housing 41 with their fingers. If strain sensors 52 are provided on the two sides through which the wiring 42 and 43 pass, it is possible to detect the distortion of the housing 41 when the wiring 42 and 43 are pulled.

[0237] The above-mentioned processes of changing the amount of charging power according to the amount of shaking of the housing 41, changing the amount of charging power according to the degree of tilt of the housing 41, and changing the amount of charging power according to the amount of distortion of the housing 41 may be combined. In this case, the amount of charging power may be controlled according to the determination result that results in the smallest amount of charging power.

[0238] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above. This specification discloses portable chargers as described in the following sections.

[0239] [Item 1] A portable charger 40 for charging a battery 20 used in a mobile device 1, A power supply circuit 146 that outputs power, A control device 140 that controls the operation of the power supply circuit 146, A housing 41 that houses the power supply circuit 146 and the control device 140, One or more sensors 51, 52 that detect at least one of the orientation of the housing 41 and the mechanical disturbances applied to the portable charger 40, Equipped with, The control device 140 changes the magnitude of the charging power output from the portable charger 40 to charge the battery 20 based on the output signals of one or more sensors 51, 52.

[0240] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the magnitude of the charging power for charging the battery 20 is changed based on at least one of the orientation of the housing 41 of the portable charger 40 and the mechanical disturbances applied to the portable charger 40.

[0241] This allows, for example, a user to change the amount of charging power simply by changing the orientation of the casing 41 of the portable charger 40. For example, a user can switch between normal charging and fast charging by changing the side of the casing 41 that is facing upwards.

[0242] Furthermore, the amount of charging power can be changed according to, for example, the magnitude of the shaking of the casing 41, the degree of tilt of the casing 41, the magnitude of the distortion of the casing 41, etc.

[0243] [Item 2] One or more sensors 51, 52 include an accelerometer 51, and the portable charger 40 as described in item 1.

[0244] The amount of charging power can be changed based on the orientation, magnitude of shaking, and degree of tilt of the housing 41 detected using the acceleration sensor 51.

[0245] [Item 3] The portable charger 40 according to item 1 or 2, wherein one or more sensors 51, 52 include a strain sensor 52 that detects the strain of the housing 41.

[0246] Based on the magnitude of the strain of the housing 41 detected using the strain sensor 52, the magnitude of the charging power can be changed.

[0247] [Item 4] The portable charger 40 according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein one or more sensors 51, 52 are arranged inside the housing 41.

[0248] Thereby, the influences of water, noise, etc. applied from the outside of the portable charger 40 can be reduced.

[0249] [Item 5] The control device 140 detects the orientation of the housing 41 of the portable charger 40 based on the output signals of one or more sensors 51, and changes the magnitude of the charging power according to the orientation of the housing 41. The portable charger 40 according to item 1 or 2.

[0250] The user can change the magnitude of the charging power only by changing the orientation of the housing 41 of the portable charger 40. For example, the user can switch between normal charging and rapid charging by changing the surface of the housing 41 facing upward.

[0251] [Item 6] The housing 41 includes a plurality of surfaces 41a - 41d, <000092​​​​​​​​​​​ The portable charger 40 according to item 5 or 6, wherein the control device 140 causes the notification device 148 to notify it of information regarding the charging mode set according to the orientation of the housing 41.

[0254] The user can easily understand how to set the orientation of the housing 41 to charge the battery 20 in the desired charging mode.

[0255] [Item 8] The housing 41 includes multiple surfaces 41a-41d, The portable charger 40 further comprises two or more light-emitting devices 53a-53d that emit light from each side of two or more of the multiple surfaces 41a-41d, Two or more light-emitting devices 53a-53d emit light of different colors from each other. The control device 140 changes the magnitude of the charging power depending on which of the two or more surfaces is facing upwards. The control device 140 causes a light-emitting device to emit light from the side of one of two or more faces that is facing upward, a portable charger 40 as described in any of items 5 to 7.

[0256] Users can easily recognize the charging mode simply by checking the color of the light emitted from the portable charger 40.

[0257] [Item 9] The housing 41 includes a first surface 41a and a second surface 41b. The portable charger 40 is A first light-emitting device 53a that emits light from the side of the first surface 41a of the housing 41, A second light-emitting device 53b that emits light from the side of the second surface 41b of the housing 41, Furthermore, The first light-emitting device 53a and the second light-emitting device 53b emit light of different colors from each other. The control device 140 makes the magnitude of the charging power different depending on whether the first surface 41a is facing upward or the second surface 41b is facing upward. The control device 140 causes the first light-emitting device 53a to emit light when the first surface 41a faces upward, and causes the second light-emitting device 53b to emit light when the second surface 41b faces upward, the portable charger 40 according to any one of items 5 to 7.

[0258] The user can easily recognize the charging mode just by checking the color of the light emitted from the portable charger 40.

[0259] [Item 10] The control device 140 causes the notification device 148 to display information indicating at least one of the current, voltage, and power output from the portable charger 40 in a charging mode set according to the orientation of the housing 41, the portable charger 40 according to item 7.

[0260] The user can easily recognize the magnitude of at least one of the current, voltage, and power output from the portable charger 40.

[0261] [Item 11] Further includes a sounding component 54 that generates sound, The control device 140 causes the sounding component 54 to generate sound when charging of the battery 20 starts, the portable charger 40 according to any one of items 5 to 10.

[0262] The user can easily recognize that charging of the battery 20 has started by listening to the sound generated by the sounding component 54.

[0263] [Item 12] Further includes a sounding component 54 that generates sound, The control device 140 causes the sounding component 54 to generate sound periodically during charging of the battery 20, the portable charger 40 according to any one of items 5 to 11.

[0264] The user can easily recognize that the battery 20 is being charged by listening to the sound generated periodically by the sounding component 54.

[0265] [Item 13] The control device 140 does not change the magnitude of the charging power if the acceleration detected when the orientation of the housing 41 changes is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, as described in any of items 5 to 12 of the portable charger 40.

[0266] If there is a possibility that the orientation of the casing 41 has changed unintentionally, the charging mode can be prevented from being changed.

[0267] [Item 14] The control device 140 is The orientation of the housing 41 of the portable charger 40 is detected based on the output signals of one or more sensors 51. A portable charger 40 as described in item 1 or 2, which changes the charging time of the battery 20 depending on the orientation of the housing 41.

[0268] The user can change the charging time of the battery 20 simply by changing the orientation of the housing 41 of the portable charger 40.

[0269] [Item 15] The control device 140 is The orientation of the housing 41 of the portable charger 40 is detected based on the output signals of one or more sensors 51. A portable charger 40 as described in item 1 or 2, which changes the charge level at which charging of the battery 20 is terminated depending on the orientation of the housing 41.

[0270] The user can change the charge level at which charging of the battery 20 ends simply by changing the orientation of the housing 41 of the portable charger 40.

[0271] [Item 16] The control device 140 is Based on the output signals of one or more sensors 51, the shaking of the housing 41 of the portable charger 40 is detected. A portable charger 40 as described in item 1 or 2, which changes the amount of charging power according to the magnitude of the shaking.

[0272] For example, the charging power can be changed depending on whether the casing 41 of the portable charger 40 is stationary or moving.

[0273] [Item 17] The control device 140 reduces the charging power when the magnitude of the shaking is greater than or equal to a first threshold, compared to when it is less than a first threshold, as described in item 16, for the portable charger 40.

[0274] The charging power can be reduced depending on the magnitude of the shaking of the housing 41. For example, the charging power can be reduced when the user is holding the portable charger 40 in their hand.

[0275] [Item 18] The control device 140 stops outputting the charging power if the magnitude of the shaking is greater than or equal to the second threshold. Here, the second threshold is greater than the first threshold, as described in item 17, for the portable charger 40.

[0276] If the chassis 41 shakes excessively, charging of the battery 20 can be stopped.

[0277] [Item 19] The portable charger 40 described in item 18, wherein the control device 140 stops outputting charging power when the magnitude of the shaking is greater than or equal to a second threshold, and then resumes outputting charging power when the magnitude of the shaking falls below the second threshold.

[0278] If the shaking subsides or is no longer detected, you can resume charging the battery 20.

[0279] [Item 20] The control device 140 will not start outputting charging power if the magnitude of the shaking when attempting to start charging the battery 20 is greater than or equal to the second threshold. Here, the second threshold is greater than the first threshold, as described in item 17, for the portable charger 40.

[0280] If the chassis 41 is shaking significantly, the charging of the battery 20 can be prevented from starting.

[0281] [Item 21] The control device 140 is If the magnitude of the shaking is below the first threshold, the current charging power will be maintained. A portable charger 40 as described in item 16, which reduces the charging power if the magnitude of the shaking exceeds a first threshold for a first predetermined time.

[0282] If the casing 41 continues to shake, the charging power can be reduced. For example, the charging power can be reduced when the user is holding the portable charger 40 in their hand.

[0283] [Item 22] The control device 140 stops outputting the charging power if the magnitude of the shaking remains above the second threshold for a second predetermined time. Here, the second threshold is greater than the first threshold, and the second predetermined time is shorter than the first predetermined time, as described in item 21, for the portable charger 40.

[0284] If strong shaking continues, the charging of battery 20 can be stopped early.

[0285] [Item 23] The portable charger 40 described in item 22, wherein the control device 140 stops outputting charging power when the magnitude of the shaking remains above a second threshold for a second predetermined time, and then resumes outputting charging power when the magnitude of the shaking remains below the second threshold for a third predetermined time.

[0286] If the shaking subsides or is no longer detected, you can resume charging the battery 20.

[0287] [Item 24] The control device 140 is Based on the output signals of one or more sensors 51, the degree of tilt of the housing 41 of the portable charger 40 is detected. A portable charger 40 as described in item 1 or 2, which changes the amount of charging power according to the degree of inclination.

[0288] For example, the charging power can be changed according to the degree of stability of the mounted portable charger 40.

[0289] [Item 25] The control device 140 reduces the charging power when the degree of inclination is greater than or equal to the third threshold, compared to when it is less than the third threshold, as described in item 24 for the portable charger 40.

[0290] The charging power can be reduced depending on the degree of tilt of the housing 41. For example, if the portable charger 40 is placed in a tilted position, the charging power can be reduced.

[0291] [Item 26] The control device 140 stops outputting the charging power if the degree of inclination is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold. Here, the fourth threshold is greater than the third threshold, as described in item 25 for the portable charger 40.

[0292] If the tilt of the casing 41 is significant, charging of the battery 20 can be stopped.

[0293] [Item 27] The portable charger 40 described in item 26, wherein the control device 140 stops outputting charging power when the degree of tilt is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, and then resumes outputting charging power when the degree of tilt falls below the fourth threshold.

[0294] If the degree of tilt decreases, charging of battery 20 can be resumed.

[0295] [Item 28] The control device 140 will not start outputting charging power if the degree of inclination when attempting to start charging the battery 20 is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold. Here, the fourth threshold is greater than the third threshold, as described in item 25 for the portable charger 40.

[0296] If the tilt of the casing 41 is significant, the charging of the battery 20 can be prevented from starting.

[0297] [Item 29] The control device 140 is If the degree of the slope is less than the third threshold, maintain the current charging power. If the degree of tilt remains above the third threshold for a specified period of time, the portable charger 40 described in item 24 reduces the charging power.

[0298] If the casing 41 remains tilted, the charging power can be reduced.

[0299] [Item 30] The control device 140 stops outputting the charging power if the degree of inclination remains above the fourth threshold for a fifth predetermined time. Here, the fourth threshold is greater than the third threshold, and the fifth predetermined time is shorter than the fourth predetermined time, as described in item 29, for the portable charger 40.

[0300] If the chassis 41 remains tilted significantly, the charging of the battery 20 can be stopped prematurely.

[0301] [Item 31] The portable charger 40 described in item 30, wherein the control device 140 stops outputting charging power when the degree of tilt remains at or above the fourth threshold for a fifth predetermined time, and then resumes outputting charging power when the degree of tilt remains below the fourth threshold for a sixth predetermined time.

[0302] If the degree of tilt decreases, charging of battery 20 can be resumed.

[0303] [Item 32] The housing 41 includes multiple surfaces 41a-41f, One or more sensors 51, 52 include two or more strain sensors 52 provided on each of two or more of the multiple surfaces 41a-41f, The control device 140 is Based on the output signals of two or more strain sensors 52, the strain of the housing 41 of the portable charger 40 is detected. A portable charger 40, as described in any of items 1 to 4, which changes the amount of charging power according to the amount of distortion.

[0304] The amount of charging power can be changed based on the magnitude of the strain in the housing 41 detected using the strain sensor 52. For example, the amount of charging power can be changed based on the compressive and tensile forces applied to the housing 41.

[0305] [Item 33] The portable charger 40 described in item 32, wherein the control device 140 reduces the charging power when the magnitude of strain is greater than or equal to the fifth threshold, compared to when it is less than the fifth threshold.

[0306] The charging power can be reduced depending on the degree of distortion of the casing 41. For example, the charging power can be reduced when the user is holding the portable charger 40 in their hand or when the power cord is being pulled tightly.

[0307] [Item 34] The control device 140 stops outputting the charging power if the magnitude of the strain is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold. Here, the sixth threshold is greater than the fifth threshold, as described in item 33, for the portable charger 40.

[0308] If the distortion of the casing 41 is significant, charging of the battery 20 can be stopped.

[0309] [Item 35] The portable charger 40 described in item 34, wherein the control device 140 stops outputting charging power when the magnitude of strain is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold, and then resumes outputting charging power when the magnitude of strain falls below the sixth threshold.

[0310] If the distortion decreases or is no longer detected, you can resume charging the battery 20.

[0311] [Item 36] The control device 140 will not start outputting charging power if the magnitude of the strain when attempting to start charging the battery 20 is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold. Here, the sixth threshold is greater than the fifth threshold, as described in item 33, for the portable charger 40.

[0312] If the distortion of the casing 41 is significant, the charging of the battery 20 may be prevented from starting.

[0313] [Item 37] The control device 140 is If the magnitude of the strain is below the fifth threshold, the current charging power is maintained. If the magnitude of the strain remains above the fifth threshold for a specified period of time, the portable charger 40 described in item 32 reduces the charging power.

[0314] If the housing 41 remains distorted, the charging power can be reduced. For example, the charging power can be reduced when the user is holding the portable charger 40 in their hand.

[0315] [Item 38] The control device 140 stops outputting the charging power if the strain magnitude remains above the sixth threshold for an eighth predetermined time. Here, the sixth threshold is greater than the fifth threshold, and the eighth predetermined time is shorter than the seventh predetermined time, as described in item 37, for the portable charger 40.

[0316] If the significant distortion persists, the charging of battery 20 can be stopped prematurely.

[0317] [Item 39] The portable charger 40 described in item 38, wherein the control device 140 stops outputting charging power when the magnitude of strain remains above the sixth threshold for an eighth predetermined time, and then resumes outputting charging power when the magnitude of strain remains below the sixth threshold for a ninth predetermined time.

[0318] If the distortion decreases or is no longer detected, you can resume charging the battery 20.

[0319] [Item 40] The control device 140 stops outputting the charging power if the magnitude of the strain is greater than or equal to the seventh threshold. Here, the seventh threshold is greater than the sixth threshold. The portable charger 40 described in item 34, wherein the control device 140 stops outputting charging power when the magnitude of strain is greater than or equal to the 7th threshold, and does not restart outputting charging power even if the magnitude of strain falls below the 6th threshold.

[0320] If the distortion is very large, the portable charger 40 may be damaged, and therefore the battery 20 may not be charged.

[0321] [Item 41] The control device 140 is a portable charger 40 as described in item 40, which stores in a memory device information that a strain of magnitude greater than or equal to the seventh threshold has been detected.

[0322] If a very large distortion is detected, the charging operation of battery 20 can be kept prohibited. [Industrial applicability]

[0323] The present invention is particularly useful in the field of portable chargers for charging batteries used in mobile devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0324] 1: Mobile unit (electric assist bicycle), 2: Frame, 3: Saddle, 4: Handlebars, 5: Meter unit, 6: Front wheel, 7: Rear wheel, 11: Head pipe, 12: Down tube, 12a: Cover, 12b: Receptacle, 13: Handlebar column, 14: Top tube, 15: Front fork, 16: Seat tube, 17: Seat post, 18: Chainstay, 19: Seatstay, 20: Battery, 21: Receptacle, 22: Headlamp, 23: Chain, 24: Bracket, 25: Speed ​​sensor, 28: Gear shifter, 30: Drive unit, 32: Electric motor, 35: Pedal crank axle, 36: Crank arm, 37: Pedal, 38: Drive sprocket, 40: Portable charger, 41: Housing, 41a: First outer surface, 41b: Second outer surface, 41c: Third outer surface, 41d: Fourth outer surface, 41e: Fifth outer surface, 41f: Sixth outer surface, 42: Wiring, 42a: Plug, 42o: Opening, 43: Wiring, 43a: Plug, 43o: Opening, 49: Commercial power supply (outlet), 51: Accelerometer, 52: Strain sensor, 53a: First light-emitting device, 53b: Second light-emitting device, 53c: Third light-emitting device, 53d: Fourth light-emitting device, 54: Sound-generating component, 54h: Hole, 120: BMS, 121: Processing unit, 122: ROM, 123: RAM, 124: Communication device, 125: Cell monitor, 126: Battery module, 126a: Battery cell, 127: Sensor group, 140: Control device, 141: Processing unit, 142: ROM, 143: RAM, 144: Communication device, 146: Power supply circuit, 147: Sensor group, 148: Notification device, 241a: First inner surface, 241b: Second inner surface, 241c: Third inner surface, 241d: Fourth inner surface, 241e: Fifth inner surface, 241f: Sixth inner surface

Claims

1. A portable charger for charging batteries used in mobile devices, A power supply circuit that outputs power, A control device that controls the operation of the power supply circuit, A housing that houses the power supply circuit and the control device, One or more sensors that detect at least one of the orientation of the housing and the mechanical disturbance applied to the portable charger, Equipped with, The control device modifies the amount of charging power output from the portable charger to charge the battery based on the output signals of one or more sensors.

2. The portable charger according to claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors include an acceleration sensor.

3. The portable charger according to claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors include strain sensors for detecting distortion of the housing.

4. The portable charger according to claim 1, wherein one or more sensors are arranged inside the housing.

5. The control device is Based on the output signals of one or more of the aforementioned sensors, the orientation of the housing of the portable charger is detected. A portable charger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the magnitude of the charging power is changed according to the orientation of the housing.

6. The aforementioned housing includes multiple surfaces, The portable charger according to claim 5, wherein the control device changes the magnitude of the charging power depending on which of the plurality of surfaces is facing upward.

7. It is further equipped with a notification device that informs the user about the charging mode, The portable charger according to claim 5, wherein the control device causes the notification device to notify the notification device of information regarding the charging mode set according to the orientation of the housing.

8. The aforementioned housing includes multiple surfaces, The portable charger further comprises two or more light-emitting devices that emit light from each of two or more of the multiple surfaces, The two or more light-emitting devices emit light of different colors from each other. The control device changes the magnitude of the charging power depending on which of the two or more surfaces is facing upward. The portable charger according to claim 5, wherein the control device causes the light-emitting device to emit light from the side of the two or more surfaces that is facing upward.

9. The housing includes a first surface and a second surface, The aforementioned portable charger is A first light-emitting device that emits light from the first surface side of the housing, A second light-emitting device that emits light from the side of the second surface of the housing, Furthermore, The first light-emitting device and the second light-emitting device emit light of different colors from each other. The control device makes the magnitude of the charging power different depending on whether the first surface is facing upward or the second surface is facing upward. The portable charger according to claim 5, wherein the control device causes the first light-emitting device to emit light when the first surface is facing upward, and causes the second light-emitting device to emit light when the second surface is facing upward.

10. The portable charger according to claim 7, wherein the control device causes the notification device to display information indicating at least one of the current, voltage, and power output from the portable charger in a charging mode set according to the orientation of the housing.

11. It also includes sound-generating components, The portable charger according to claim 5, wherein the control device generates sound in the sound-producing component when charging of the battery begins.

12. It also includes sound-generating components, The portable charger according to claim 5, wherein the control device periodically generates sound in the sound-producing component while the battery is being charged.

13. The portable charger according to claim 5, wherein the control device does not change the magnitude of the charging power if the acceleration detected when the orientation of the housing changes is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

14. The control device is Based on the output signals of one or more of the aforementioned sensors, the orientation of the housing of the portable charger is detected. A portable charger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the time for charging the battery is changed according to the orientation of the housing.

15. The control device is Based on the output signals of one or more of the aforementioned sensors, the orientation of the housing of the portable charger is detected. A portable charger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the charge level at which charging of the battery is terminated is changed according to the orientation of the housing.

16. The control device is Based on the output signals of one or more of the aforementioned sensors, the shaking of the housing of the portable charger is detected. A portable charger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount of charging power is changed according to the magnitude of the shaking.

17. The portable charger according to claim 16, wherein the control device reduces the charging power when the magnitude of the shaking is greater than or equal to a first threshold, compared to when it is less than a first threshold.

18. The control device stops the output of the charging power when the magnitude of the vibration is equal to or greater than the second threshold. The portable charger according to claim 17, wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

19. The portable charger according to claim 18, wherein the control device stops outputting the charging power when the magnitude of the shaking is greater than or equal to the second threshold, and then restarts outputting the charging power when the magnitude of the shaking falls below the second threshold.

20. The control device, when attempting to start charging the battery, will not start outputting the charging power if the magnitude of the shaking is greater than or equal to the second threshold. The portable charger according to claim 17, wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

21. The control device is If the magnitude of the aforementioned tremor is less than the first threshold, the current charging power is maintained. The portable charger according to claim 16, wherein the charging power is reduced if the magnitude of the shaking remains above the first threshold for a first predetermined time.

22. The control device stops outputting the charging power if the magnitude of the shaking remains above a second threshold for a second predetermined time. The portable charger according to claim 21, wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold, and the second predetermined time is shorter than the first predetermined time.

23. The portable charger according to claim 22, wherein the control device stops outputting the charging power if the magnitude of the shaking remains above the second threshold for a second predetermined time, and then restarts outputting the charging power if the magnitude of the shaking remains below the second threshold for a third predetermined time.

24. The control device is Based on the output signals of one or more of the aforementioned sensors, the degree of tilt of the housing of the portable charger is detected. A portable charger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the magnitude of the charging power is changed according to the degree of the inclination.

25. The portable charger according to claim 24, wherein the control device reduces the charging power when the degree of inclination is greater than or equal to a third threshold, compared to when it is less than the third threshold.

26. The control device stops outputting the charging power when the degree of inclination is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold. The portable charger according to claim 25, wherein the fourth threshold is greater than the third threshold.

27. The portable charger according to claim 26, wherein the control device stops outputting the charging power when the degree of inclination is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold, and then restarts outputting the charging power when the degree of inclination falls below the fourth threshold.

28. The control device, when attempting to start charging the battery, will not start outputting the charging power if the degree of inclination is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold. The portable charger according to claim 25, wherein the fourth threshold is greater than the third threshold.

29. The control device is If the degree of the slope is less than the third threshold, the current charging power is maintained. The portable charger according to claim 24, wherein the charging power is reduced if the degree of inclination remains above the third threshold for a fourth predetermined time.

30. The control device stops outputting the charging power if the degree of inclination remains above the fourth threshold for a fifth predetermined time. The portable charger according to claim 29, wherein the fourth threshold is greater than the third threshold, and the fifth predetermined time is shorter than the fourth predetermined time.

31. The portable charger according to claim 30, wherein the control device stops outputting the charging power when the degree of tilt is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold for a fifth predetermined time, and then restarts outputting the charging power when the degree of tilt is less than the fourth threshold for a sixth predetermined time.

32. The aforementioned housing includes multiple surfaces, The one or more sensors include two or more strain sensors provided on each of the two or more surfaces among the plurality of surfaces, The control device is Based on the output signals of the two or more strain sensors, the distortion of the housing of the portable charger is detected. A portable charger according to claim 1, wherein the amount of charging power is changed according to the amount of the aforementioned distortion.

33. The portable charger according to claim 32, wherein the control device reduces the charging power to a lower value than when the magnitude of the strain is less than a fifth threshold when the magnitude of the strain is greater than or equal to a fifth threshold.

34. The control device stops the output of the charging power when the magnitude of the strain is equal to or greater than the sixth threshold. Here, the portable charger according to claim 33, wherein the sixth threshold is greater than the fifth threshold.

35. The portable charger according to claim 34, wherein the control device stops the output of the charging power when the magnitude of the strain is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold, and then restarts the output of the charging power when the magnitude of the strain falls below the sixth threshold.

36. The control device, when attempting to start charging the battery, will not start outputting the charging power if the magnitude of the strain is greater than or equal to the sixth threshold. Here, the portable charger according to claim 33, wherein the sixth threshold is greater than the fifth threshold.

37. The control device is If the magnitude of the strain is less than the fifth threshold, the current charging power is maintained. The portable charger according to claim 32, wherein the charging power is reduced if the magnitude of the strain remains above the fifth threshold for a seventh predetermined time.

38. The control device stops outputting the charging power if the magnitude of the strain remains above the sixth threshold for an eighth predetermined time. The portable charger according to claim 37, wherein the sixth threshold is greater than the fifth threshold, and the eighth predetermined time is shorter than the seventh predetermined time.

39. The portable charger according to claim 38, wherein the control device stops outputting the charging power if the magnitude of the strain remains at or above the sixth threshold for an eight predetermined time, and then restarts outputting the charging power if the magnitude of the strain remains below the sixth threshold for a ninth predetermined time.

40. The control device stops the output of the charging power when the magnitude of the strain is greater than or equal to the seventh threshold. Here, the seventh threshold is greater than the sixth threshold, The portable charger according to claim 34, wherein if the control device stops outputting the charging power when the magnitude of the strain is greater than or equal to the seventh threshold, it does not restart outputting the charging power even if the magnitude of the strain falls below the sixth threshold.

41. The portable charger according to claim 40, wherein the control device causes a device to store in a storage device information that it has detected a strain of a magnitude greater than or equal to the seventh threshold.

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