Charging device

Abstract

To provide a charging device for improving the usability of an electrical device.SOLUTION: A charging device includes a charging unit electrically connected to a battery for charging the battery with direct current power converted from alternating current power, a control unit for detecting the percentage of charge of the battery being charged, and a notification unit. The control unit calculates the current possible operating time of the battery being charged based on a parameter including a detected charging ratio and output information in accordance with a load of an electrical device and notifies the calculated possible operation time with the notification unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 proposes a stand-type charging stand (desk stand) that can store a battery-powered electric vacuum cleaner in an upright position and charges the vacuum cleaner in the stored position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2019-514595 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There may be times when the battery runs out while you are cleaning with a battery-powered vacuum cleaner, requiring you to stop cleaning, put the vacuum cleaner back on the charging stand, and recharge the battery. For example, if the battery runs out when you have only 2-3 minutes left to complete cleaning, there is no need to fully charge the battery; you can simply charge it enough to allow the vacuum cleaner to operate for 2-3 minutes before resuming cleaning. However, the charging stand in Patent Document 1 does not allow the user to recognize the battery charge rate, so if the user intuitively determines that the battery has charged to a certain extent and removes the vacuum cleaner from the charging stand to resume cleaning, the battery may again run out of power before the cleaning is complete, requiring the user to charge the battery again, which is a redundant effort.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a charging device that has been made in consideration of the above circumstances. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is a charging device for a battery used as a power source for an electrical device, comprising: a charging unit electrically connected to the battery and charging the battery with DC power converted from AC power; a control unit detecting the charge rate of the battery during charging; and a notification unit; The control unit calculates the current operable time of the battery being charged based on parameters including the detected charging rate and output information according to the load of the electrical equipment, and notifies the calculated operable time by the notification unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the user can recognize the current remaining operating time of the battery being charged by the charging device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view showing a charging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention and an electric vacuum cleaner as an electric device powered by a battery. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a charging device and a battery according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the charging device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a charging device and a battery according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the charging device shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a charging device and a battery according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a state in which a battery-equipped vacuum cleaner is stored in and being charged in a charging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a left side view showing a state in which a battery-equipped vacuum cleaner is stored in and being charged in a charging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a state in which a battery-equipped vacuum cleaner is being charged by a charging device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0010] The present invention is a charging device for batteries used as power sources for electrical equipment, characterized by a configuration that can notify the current remaining operating time of the battery being charged. The batteries that this charging device targets include batteries that power electrical equipment such as electric vacuum cleaners, self-propelled vacuum cleaners, power tools, cordless irons, radios, televisions, and cameras, as well as portable office equipment, medical equipment, and various industrial electrical equipment. In the following description, a charging device capable of charging the battery of a battery-powered electric vacuum cleaner (cordless electric vacuum cleaner) will be described as a representative example.

[0011] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a charging device and an electric vacuum cleaner as an electrical device powered by a battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the charging device and battery according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the charging device shown in FIG. 2.

[0012] A charging device 1A of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 charges the battery of a detachable battery type electric vacuum cleaner 50 shown in the same figure. Generally, battery-powered vacuum cleaners are classified into a detachable battery vacuum cleaner 50 as shown in FIG. 1 and a battery-equipped vacuum cleaner with a built-in or fixed battery (a non-detachable battery vacuum cleaner, see FIGS. 7 to 9), and the first embodiment illustrates the former.

[0013] 1 (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "vacuum cleaner 50") includes a vacuum cleaner body 61 having an air blowing section 62 and a dust collecting section 63, a suction port body 70 having a rotating brush 72 driven to rotate by an electric motor 71, and an extension tube 80 airtightly connecting the vacuum cleaner body 61 and the suction port body 70. The vacuum cleaner body 61, extension tube 80, and suction port body 70 are electrically connected by an electrical wiring system (not shown).

[0014] The blower section 62 includes an electric component storage section 62a incorporating an electric blower 64 and a control section 65, a handle section 62b connected to the electric component storage section 62a, a cylindrical connection section 62c connected to the electric component storage section 62a on the side opposite the handle section 62b, an operating section 62d provided on the handle section 62b, and a battery holding section 62e provided near the handle section 62b of the electric component storage section 62a and holding a battery 66 in a detachable manner.

[0015] The operation unit 62d has a plurality of push button type switches. In this embodiment, the operation unit 62d has a stop switch 62da, a weak / strong operation mode switch 62db, and an automatic operation mode switch 62dc.

[0016] Control unit 65 receives signals from operation unit 62d and controls the drive, stop, and output (load) of electric blower 64 and electric motor 71. In this embodiment, when electric blower 64 and electric motor 71 are stopped, pressing weak / strong operation mode switch 62db sets the output of electric blower 64 and electric motor 71 to the minimum output for weak operation mode. When weak / strong operation mode switch 62db is pressed in the weak operation mode, the operation mode switches to the strong operation mode and the output becomes maximum. When weak / strong operation mode switch 62db is pressed in the strong operation mode, the operation mode switches to the weak operation mode and the output becomes minimum. Furthermore, when automatic operation mode switch 62dc is pressed to enter automatic operation mode, the output of electric blower 64 and electric motor 71 becomes intermediate output or maximum output. For example, the intermediate output can be 1.5 times the minimum output, and the maximum output can be 2 times the minimum output.

[0017] In addition, in the automatic operation mode, the control unit 65 detects the current value of the electric motor 71, and controls the output of the electric blower 64 and the electric motor 71 so that when the current value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (when cleaning carpets, etc. with the rotating brush 72), the maximum output high operation mode is activated, and when the current value is less than the predetermined value (when cleaning flooring or tatami mats, etc. with the rotating brush 72), the medium output medium operation mode is activated.

[0018] 2, battery 66 includes charge / discharge terminals 66p, 66n, a plurality of signal terminals 66s, and a memory unit 66a. When battery 66 is attached to battery holding unit 62e of vacuum cleaner body 61, charge / discharge terminals 66p, 66n are detachably connected to power receiving terminals (not shown) of vacuum cleaner body 61. Furthermore, memory unit 66a (see FIG. 3) stores battery information (identification number, rated capacity, etc.) including the type of battery 66, and this battery information is transmitted to charging device 1A when battery 66 is charged by charging device 1A.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a charging device 1A for charging a battery 66 of such a detachable battery-type electric vacuum cleaner 50 comprises a main body (housing) 2 having a concave mounting portion 2a for placing the battery 66, power supply terminals 2p, 2n and multiple signal terminals 2s provided on the bottom of the mounting portion 2a, a charging portion 3 having a power conversion portion 3a and an output adjustment portion 3b etc. provided within the main body 2, a control portion 4 provided within the main body 2, and an alarm portion 5 provided on the top surface of the main body 2.

[0020] In this embodiment, the notification unit 5 is a display unit 5a that can display the remaining operating time of the battery 66 being charged, full charge, etc., and is composed of, for example, an LCD display, an organic EL display, a 7-segment LED, etc.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, the charging device 1A includes a plug 3c connected to an outlet of a commercial AC power supply 90, the power conversion unit 3a that converts AC power supplied via the plug 3c into DC power, and the output adjustment unit 3b that adjusts the output of the power conversion unit 3a to match the current / voltage characteristics of the battery 66 and supplies the adjusted output to the battery 66.

[0022] The charging device 1A further includes a current detector (e.g., a shunt resistor) 3d that detects the charging current supplied to the battery 66, and the control unit 4 that receives the output of the current detector 3d to control the output of the output adjustment unit 3b, and detects whether the battery 66 is fully charged and outputs the result to the notification unit 5. The control unit 4 is composed of a microcomputer.

[0023] The control unit 4 includes an information acquisition unit 4a, a memory unit 4b, and a calculation unit 4c, and is configured to detect the charge rate of the battery being charged, calculate the current operable time of the battery 66 being charged based on the detected charge rate and parameters including output information according to the load on the vacuum cleaner 50, and display the calculated operable time on the display unit 5a.

[0024] By inserting the battery 66 into the mounting portion 2a of the charging device 1A from above in the direction of arrow A (see Figure 2), the charging / discharging terminals 66p, 66n and multiple signal terminals 66s of the battery 66 are mechanically and electrically connected to the corresponding power supply terminals 2p, 2n and multiple signal terminals 2s of the charging device 1A, and the battery 66 is charged by the power conversion portion 3a and output adjustment portion 3b of the charging unit 3.

[0025] At this time, the battery information stored in the memory unit 66a of the battery 66 is transmitted to the information acquiring unit 4a. Also, the charging current to the battery 66 is detected by the current detector 3d, and the detection signal is transmitted to the information acquiring unit 4a.

[0026] In control unit 4, memory unit 4b pre-stores output information according to the load on vacuum cleaner 50 that corresponds to the acquired battery information. Here, output information according to the load on vacuum cleaner 50 that corresponds to the acquired battery information includes the minimum output in the low operation mode, the intermediate output in the medium operation mode, and the maximum output in the high operation mode of vacuum cleaner 50 that is driven using battery 66 as its power source.

[0027] In control unit 4, calculation unit 4c calculates the charge rate by integrating the amount of current stored in battery 66 based on the detection signal of the charging current detected by current detector 3d. Furthermore, calculation unit 4c calculates the current remaining operation time of battery 66 being charged based on the calculated charge rate and parameters including output information according to the load on vacuum cleaner 50, and displays the calculated remaining operation time on display unit 5a.

[0028] In this embodiment, the calculation unit 4c calculates the current operable time of the battery 66 being charged based on parameters including the charge rate, battery information, and output information (maximum output) corresponding to the strong operation mode of the vacuum cleaner 50. At this time, the calculation unit 4c calculates backwards how long the vacuum cleaner 50 can operate in the high operation mode with the current charge level, and displays the calculated remaining operation time on the display unit 5a, for example, as "3 minutes remaining operation time" or "3:00." Setting the maximum output (high operation mode) as the output information minimizes the calculated remaining operation time. Therefore, when a partially charged battery 66 is attached to the vacuum cleaner 50 and the vacuum cleaner 50 is operated in the high operation mode, the vacuum cleaner 50 can clean for the remaining operation time displayed on the display unit 5a. When the vacuum cleaner 50 is operated in the medium or low operation mode, the vacuum cleaner 50 can clean for a longer period of time than the remaining operation time displayed on the display unit 5a. Furthermore, the remaining operation time in the medium and low operation modes may be displayed simultaneously with the remaining operation time in the high operation mode. This configuration allows the user to simultaneously check the remaining operation time in each mode, improving convenience.

[0029] In this way, charging device 1A of this embodiment allows the user to recognize the current remaining operating time of battery 66 being charged by charging device 1A. Therefore, when the remaining battery power becomes zero when vacuum cleaner 50 is about to finish cleaning in a few minutes, and battery 66 is being charged by charging device 1A, vacuum cleaner 50 can resume cleaning as soon as the desired remaining operating time is reached, without having to wait until battery 66 is fully charged. This eliminates the need to recharge the battery after giving up and resuming cleaning, thereby improving the usability of vacuum cleaner 50.

[0030] When the battery 66 is fully charged by the charging device 1A, the display unit 5a displays information indicating full charge, such as "full charge," "charging completed," or "100%."

[0031] (Modification 1 of the first embodiment) In the charging device 1A of the first embodiment, the storage unit 4b of the control unit 4 may store the number of times the battery 66 has been charged. Additionally, calculation unit 4c may calculate the current remaining operating time of battery 66 during charging based on parameters including the charge rate, battery information, the number of charges, and output information (maximum output) according to the high operating mode of vacuum cleaner 50. With this configuration, control unit 4 calculates the remaining operating time by including the number of charges, which is effective for determining battery degradation, in the parameters, and therefore a more accurate calculated value can be obtained. This modified example 1 can also be applied to the second to fifth embodiments described later. An IC (=fuel gauge IC) that can grasp the deterioration state of the battery may be used.

[0032] (Modification 2 of the first embodiment) The latest discharge information may be stored in the memory unit 66a of the battery 66. The latest discharge information includes the discharge load conditions (including the operation mode used immediately before charging) and the discharge time under those discharge load conditions. In this case, in the charging device 1A of the first embodiment, the calculation unit 4c of the control unit 4 may calculate the current remaining operation time of the battery 66 being charged based on parameters including the charge rate, battery information, the latest discharge information, and output information (maximum output) according to the high operation mode of the vacuum cleaner 50. According to this configuration, the control unit 4 calculates the remaining operation time by including the latest discharge information of the battery in the parameters, and therefore, a more accurate calculation value can be obtained. The parameters may further include the number of charging times described in the first modification, and a more accurate calculated value (operable time) can be obtained. Moreover, this modified example 2 can also be applied to the second to fifth embodiments described later.

[0033] (Second embodiment) Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a charging device and a battery according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the charging device shown in Fig. 4. In Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, elements similar to those in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The charging device 1B of the second embodiment is substantially the same as the charging device 1A of the first embodiment except for the following points. The following mainly describes the points in the second embodiment that are different from the first embodiment.

[0034] In the charging device 1B of the second embodiment, the control unit 104 has a timer unit 4d. The notification unit 105 has an alarm unit (not shown) in the main body unit 102 that can emit a sound. Furthermore, an operation unit 6 that can operate the timer unit 4d to set a desired operable time is provided on the top surface of the main body 102. In this embodiment, the operation unit 6 is a push button switch, and the desired operable time can be set using the operation unit 6 as follows.

[0035] For example, immediately after setting the battery 66 on the mounting section 2a of the charging device 1B, the display section 5a will display "Operating time 0 minutes", and when the operation section 6 is pressed and held for a few seconds, the screen will switch to the timer setting screen and the number portion displaying "Timer time 0 minutes" will start flashing, and with each short press of the operation section 6, the number portion will increase by one, and when the operation section 6 is left for a few seconds, the setting input to the timer section 4d will be completed and the current operating time will be displayed again on the display screen 5a.

[0036] In this charging device 1B, the control unit 104 is configured to sound an alarm when the calculated remaining operable time reaches the remaining operable time set and input in the timer unit 4d. For example, if five minutes is set and input in the timer unit 4d, the control unit 104 will display "5 minutes remaining operable time" on the display unit 5a when the calculated remaining operable time reaches five minutes, and will also cause the alarm unit to sound a predetermined alarm sound (electronic sound, voice, etc.). Therefore, even if the user is in a location far from the charging device 1B, the alarm sound will let the user know that charging has reached the desired remaining operable time. As an alternative to the operation unit 6, for example, numeric keys or up / down arrow switches may be provided to allow the operation time to be set. Alternatively, the display unit 5a may be a touch panel type, and the operation time may be set using soft keys on the panel. This alternative to the operation unit 6 is also applicable to the modified example of the second embodiment and the third embodiment described below.

[0037] (Modification 1 of the second embodiment) In the charging device 1B of the second embodiment, an LED light may be provided on the front or top surface of the main body 102 so that the LED light flashes simultaneously with the sound of the alarm, or the alarm unit and the LED light may be interchangeable.

[0038] (Third embodiment) Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a charging device and a battery according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which elements similar to those in Fig. 4 are given the same reference numerals. The charging device 1C of the third embodiment is substantially the same as the charging device 1B of the second embodiment except for the following points. The following mainly describes the points in the third embodiment that are different from the second embodiment.

[0039] The charging device 1C of the third embodiment includes an operation unit 7 in addition to the operation unit 6 of the charging device 1B of the second embodiment. The operation unit 7 is configured with a plurality of push button switches 7a, 7b, and 7c that can arbitrarily select one of a plurality of pieces of output information stored in the memory unit 4b. Specifically, the operation unit 7 includes a push button switch 7a for selecting the strong operation mode, a push button switch 7b for selecting the medium operation mode, and a push button switch 7c for selecting the weak operation mode.

[0040] According to this charging device 1C, a desired remaining operation time (e.g., three minutes) is set in timer section 4d using operation section 6, and an operation mode is selected by pressing one of multiple push-button switches 7a, 7b, and 7c on operation section 7. For example, when push-button switch 7b for medium operation mode is pressed, calculation section 4c of control section 104 calculates the current remaining operation time of battery 66 being charged based on parameters including the charge rate, battery information, and output information (medium output) corresponding to the medium operation mode of vacuum cleaner 50, and displays the calculated time on display section 5a. Then, when the time set in timer section 4d is reached, that is, when battery 66 has been charged to an amount sufficient to operate the vacuum cleaner for three minutes in medium operation mode, an alarm sounds to alert the user.

[0041] (Fourth embodiment) Fig. 7 is a front view showing a state in which a battery-equipped vacuum cleaner is stored in and being charged by a charging device of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 8 is a left side view showing a state in which a battery-equipped vacuum cleaner is stored in and being charged by a charging device of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In Figs. 7 and 8, elements that are the same as those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the charging device 1D of the fourth embodiment comprises a stand-type support section (support housing) 302 that supports a battery-equipped electric vacuum cleaner 350, and a charging unit 301 that combines a charging section 3 (see Figure 3), a control section 4 (see Figure 3), and an alarm section 5 (see Figure 3), and the charging unit 301 (see Figure 8) is housed in an upper storage section 302a of the support section 302.

[0042] This charging device 1D is installed on a floor surface F along a wall surface W of a room, for example, with the side opposite to the wall surface W being the front side. The support section 302 has a mounting base section 302b placed on the floor surface F, the upper storage section 302a, a support section 302c connecting the mounting base section 302b and the upper storage section 302a, and a receiving section 302d provided on the upper part of the upper storage section 302a. An opening 302ba is formed on the side of the mounting base section 302b to pass an electric cord 304 (described later) through.

[0043] The charging device 1D has the electric cord 304 having a plug that can be connected to an outlet of the commercial AC power supply 90, and the electric cord 304 is mechanically and electrically connected to the power conversion unit 3a of the charging unit 3 (see Figure 3). 7, a display unit 305a is provided on the front surface of the upper storage unit 302a of the support unit 302 at a position that does not overlap with the stored vacuum cleaner 350 when viewed from the front.

[0044] The charging device 1D configured in this manner can charge the battery 366 of the battery-equipped vacuum cleaner 350, which has the battery 366 fixed to the blower unit 62, by inserting it from above into and hooking it onto the receptacle 302d, which is open upward and has a notch in the front. In this embodiment, the battery 366 has a hole-shaped input terminal 366a on the bottom side of the receptacle 302d, and the receptacle 302d has an output terminal 303 on its bottom. The output terminal 303 includes a power supply terminal and a signal terminal, and the input terminal 366a includes a power receiving terminal and a signal terminal.

[0045] When the electric vacuum cleaner 350 is stored in the charging device 1D, the input terminal 366a of the battery 366 and the output terminal 303 of the charging device 1D are mechanically and electrically connected to each other, and the charging device 1D is put into a charging state. In this charging device 1D, as in the charging device 1A of the first embodiment, the control unit 4 calculates the current operable time of the battery 366 being charged based on parameters including the detected charging rate and output information corresponding to the load (maximum output) of the vacuum cleaner 350, and displays the calculated operable time on the display unit 305a. In addition, the second embodiment (alarm unit), its modified example 1 (LED light), and the third embodiment (operation unit for selecting an operation mode) can also be applied to the fourth embodiment.

[0046] (Fifth embodiment) Fig. 9 is a front view showing a state in which a battery-equipped vacuum cleaner is being charged by a charging device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 9, elements that are the same as those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals. As shown in Figure 9, the charging device 1E of the fifth embodiment includes a box-shaped charging unit 401 that combines a charging section 3 (see Figure 3), a control section 4 (see Figure 3), and an alarm section 5 (see Figure 3), and a power supply cord 404 having an output terminal 404a at its tip that can be electrically connected to an input terminal 466a of a battery-equipped vacuum cleaner 450.

[0047] A plug (not shown) protrudes from the rear surface of charging unit 401, and this plug is inserted into a socket for commercial AC power supply 90 provided on a wall W inside the room. When charging unit 401 is plugged into the socket, display unit 405a serving as notification unit 5 is provided on the top surface of charging unit 401. Display unit 405a may also be provided on the front surface of charging unit 401.

[0048] This charging device 1E can be charged, for example, by leaning the vacuum cleaner 450 against a counter table T provided on a wall W, connecting the charging unit 401 to a commercial AC power supply 90 on the wall W, and inserting the output terminal 404a of the power supply cord 404 into a hole-shaped input terminal 466a of the battery 466. In this case, the input terminal 466a is provided, for example, on the surface of the battery 466 facing the handle portion 62b. The output terminal 404a includes a power supply terminal and a signal terminal, and the input terminal 466a includes a power receiving terminal and a signal terminal.

[0049] In the charging device 1E, a plug (not shown) is mechanically and electrically connected to the power conversion unit 3a of the charging unit 3, and the power supply cord 404 is mechanically and electrically connected to the output adjustment unit 3b of the charging unit 3 (see Figure 3).

[0050] With the charging device 1E configured in this manner, similar to the charging device 1A of the first embodiment, the control unit 4 calculates the current operable time of the battery 366 being charged based on parameters including the detected charging rate and output information corresponding to the load (maximum output) of the vacuum cleaner 350, and displays the calculated operable time on the display unit 405a. In addition, the second embodiment (alarm unit), its modified example 1 (LED light), and the third embodiment (operation unit for selecting an operation mode) can also be applied to the fifth embodiment.

[0051] (Other embodiments) 1. If the battery-equipped vacuum cleaner has a display that displays the remaining operating time, the same remaining operating time may be displayed on the display of the charging device of the first to fifth embodiments while the battery is being charged, and on the display of the battery-equipped vacuum cleaner. In other words, by transmitting information about the current remaining operating time calculated by the charging device to the battery-equipped vacuum cleaner, the same current remaining operating time can be displayed on each display. 2. In the above-described embodiment, a battery-powered electric vacuum cleaner was used as an example of the battery-powered electrical equipment targeted by the charging device of the present invention, but the charging device of any of the first to fifth embodiments can also be applied to charge other battery-powered self-propelled vacuum cleaners, battery-powered power tools, etc.

[0052] (summary) As mentioned above, (1) A charging device according to the present invention is a charging device for a battery used as a power source for an electrical device, and includes a charging unit electrically connected to the battery and charging the battery with DC power converted from AC power, a control unit that detects the charge rate of the battery during charging, and an informing unit. The control unit calculates the current operable time of the battery being charged based on parameters including the detected charging rate and output information according to the load of the electrical equipment, and notifies the calculated operable time via the notification unit.

[0053] This configuration allows the user to recognize the current remaining operating time of the battery being charged by the charging device. For example, when cleaning with a battery-powered vacuum cleaner as an electrical appliance, if the remaining battery power runs out just a few minutes before cleaning is complete, the user can resume cleaning with the vacuum cleaner as soon as the desired remaining operating time is reached without having to wait for the battery to be fully charged. This eliminates the need to recharge the battery after giving up on cleaning, thereby improving the usability of the electrical appliance.

[0054] In the charging device of the present invention, the notification method by the notification unit is not particularly limited, and examples include displaying the remaining operation time by the display unit, uttering the remaining operation time by the alarm unit (announcing the time by voice), a combination of these, etc. Furthermore, the charging device of the present invention can be applied to various types of electrical equipment powered by a battery, and can be used as a charging device for, for example, an electric vacuum cleaner, a self-propelled vacuum cleaner, a power tool, etc. In addition, the control unit calculates the current available driving time based on the charging rate of the battery being charged and output information corresponding to the load of the electrical equipment (output, power consumption, etc.), thereby reducing the error in the calculated available driving time compared to the actual driving time.

[0055] The charging device according to the present invention may be configured as follows, or these may be appropriately combined. (2) Further comprising a mounting portion for mounting the battery; the control unit includes an information acquisition unit that acquires battery information including a type of the battery placed on the placement unit, and a storage unit that pre-stores the output information corresponding to the acquired battery information, The parameters may include the battery information.

[0056] This configuration can be used as a charging device (charging stand) for detachable battery electrical appliances. For example, when charging a detachable battery electric vacuum cleaner, the battery removed from the vacuum cleaner body can be placed on the charging stand. In addition, the information acquisition unit can identify the type of battery (rated capacity), and the memory unit can store the charge / discharge history of each battery. Therefore, the control unit can determine the degree of deterioration of each battery and calculate the remaining operating time more accurately.

[0057] (3) A support portion for supporting the battery-powered electrical device is further provided, the control unit includes an information acquisition unit that acquires battery information including a type of battery of the battery-powered electrical device supported by the support unit, and a storage unit that pre-stores the output information corresponding to the battery information, The parameters may include the battery information.

[0058] This configuration can be used as a charging device (charging stand) for battery-powered electrical appliances with built-in or fixed batteries. For example, when charging a battery-powered vacuum cleaner with a built-in or fixed battery, the vacuum cleaner can be charged in a stored state with the support part of the charging device supporting it. Furthermore, the information acquisition unit can identify the type of battery (rated capacity), and the memory unit can store the charge / discharge history of each battery. Therefore, the control unit can determine the degree of deterioration of each battery and calculate the remaining operating time more accurately.

[0059] (4) A power supply cord is further provided having an output terminal at its tip that can be electrically connected to the input terminal of the battery-powered electrical device, the control unit includes an information acquisition unit that acquires battery information including a type of battery of the battery-powered electrical device connected to the power supply cord, and a storage unit that pre-stores the output information corresponding to the battery information, The parameters may include the battery information.

[0060] This configuration can be used as a charging device (charging adapter) for battery-powered electrical appliances with built-in or fixed batteries. For example, when charging a battery-powered vacuum cleaner with a built-in or fixed battery, the vacuum cleaner can be charged while leaning it against a wall, furniture, or the like. Furthermore, the information acquisition unit can identify the type of battery (e.g., rated capacity or manufacturing date), and the memory unit can store the charge / discharge history of each battery. Therefore, the control unit can determine the degree of deterioration of each battery and calculate the remaining operating time more accurately.

[0061] (5) The storage unit stores a plurality of pieces of output information corresponding to different loads, The output information of the parameter may be the output information with the greatest load among the plurality of pieces of output information. With this configuration, for an electrical device with variable output, the control unit can notify the shortest possible operating time when used at maximum output. Therefore, when the electrical device is used at maximum output after charging, it can be used for roughly the notified shortest possible operating time. Furthermore, when used at an output lower than the maximum output, the usable time is extended beyond the shortest possible operating time. Therefore, no matter how the electrical device is used, the user does not have to go through the trouble of recharging.

[0062] (6) The storage unit stores a plurality of pieces of output information corresponding to different loads, further comprising an operation unit capable of arbitrarily selecting at least one of the plurality of pieces of output information; The output information of the parameter may be at least one selected output information. According to this configuration, for a variable-output electrical appliance, the control unit can notify the remaining operating time when used at a selected output. Therefore, when the electrical appliance is used at the selected output after charging, it can be used for approximately the notified remaining operating time. Note that when the electrical appliance is used at an output other than the selected output, the remaining operating time may be shorter or longer than the remaining operating time, but this is intentional and does not cause confusion for the user. Note that not only the remaining operating time in high operating mode but also multiple remaining operating times, such as the remaining operating time in medium operating mode and low operating mode, may be notified. This allows the user to confirm the remaining operating time in multiple selected modes. For example, if the user selected medium operating mode and low operating mode and planned to clean in the medium operating mode but then changed their plan to cleaning in the low operating mode, the remaining operating time in the low operating mode and the remaining operating time in the medium operating mode would be notified, allowing the user to confirm that the charge in the low operating mode has reached the desired remaining operating time and begin cleaning. Note that if the notification method is audio, the audio may be sequentially notified, such as "10 minutes of remaining operating time in medium operating mode, 15 minutes of remaining operating time in low operating mode." When the notification is made by display, the remaining operation times for the selected modes may be displayed simultaneously or sequentially.

[0063] (7) The storage unit is capable of storing the number of times the battery has been charged, The parameters may include the number of times of charging. According to this configuration, the control unit calculates the remaining driving time by including the number of charging times, which is effective for determining battery deterioration, in the parameters, and therefore, a more accurate calculated value can be obtained.

[0064] (8) The parameters may include the latest discharge information stored in the battery. According to this configuration, the control unit calculates the operable time using the latest discharge information of the battery (discharge load conditions and the discharge time at that time, etc.) as parameters, so that a more accurate calculated value can be obtained.

[0065] (9) The notification unit may include a display unit that displays the remaining driving time. With this configuration, the current remaining operating time of the battery being charged, which is displayed on the display unit, can be recognized at a glance. It is possible to simultaneously or sequentially display not only the remaining operating time in the high operating mode but also the remaining operating time in the medium operating mode and the low operating mode. This configuration is convenient because the remaining operating times in multiple operating modes can be checked simultaneously or sequentially. For example, if the user selects the medium operating mode and the low operating mode and plans to clean in the medium operating mode, but then changes their plan to clean in the low operating mode, the remaining operating time in the low operating mode and the remaining operating time in the medium operating mode are displayed simultaneously or sequentially, allowing the user to confirm that the charge in the low operating mode has reached the desired remaining operating time and start cleaning.

[0066] (10) The control unit has a timer unit, The notification unit includes an alarm unit that can sound an alarm, Further, an operation unit is provided that can operate the timer unit to set a desired operable time, The control unit may cause the alarm unit to sound an alarm when the calculated available driving time reaches the available driving time set in the timer unit. With this configuration, even if the user is far away from the charging device, the alarm sound lets the user know that the battery has been charged to the desired operating time. The alarm sound can be, for example, a melody, a buzzer, or a voice message such as "Charging completed."

[0067] (11) The output information may be output information according to a load of the electric appliance, such as an electric vacuum cleaner, a self-propelled electronic device, or a power tool. According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a charging device for an electric vacuum cleaner, a self-propelled vacuum cleaner, or a power tool.

[0068] Preferred aspects of the present invention also include combinations of any of the above-mentioned aspects. In addition to the above-described embodiment, various modifications of the present invention are possible. These modifications should not be interpreted as not falling within the scope of the present invention. The present invention should include all modifications within the scope of the claims and the equivalent meanings thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E: charging device, 2, 102, 202: main body, 2a: placing section, 2n, 2p: power supply terminal, 2s: signal terminal, 3: charging section, 3a: power conversion section, 3b: output adjustment section, 3c: plug, 3d: current detector, 4, 104: control section, 4a: information acquisition section, 4b: memory section, 4c: calculation section, 4d: timer section, 5, 105: notification section, 5a, 305a, 405a: display section, 6, 7: operation section, 7a, 7b, 7c: push button switch, 50, 350, 450: electric vacuum cleaner, 61: vacuum cleaner main body, 62: blower section, 62a: electrical component storage section, 62b: handle section, 62c: cylindrical connection section, 62d: operation unit, 62da: stop switch, 62db: low operation mode switch, 62dc: automatic operation mode switch, 62e: battery holder, 63: dust collection unit, 64: electric blower, 65: control unit, 66, 366, 466: battery, 66a: memory unit, 66n, 66p: charge / discharge terminals, 66s: signal terminal, 70: suction port body, 71: electric motor, 72: rotating brush, 80: extension tube, 90: commercial AC power supply, 301, 401: charging unit, 302: support unit, 302a: upper storage unit, 302b: mounting base unit, 302ba: opening, 302c: support column unit, 302d: receiving unit, 303, 404a: output terminal, 304: electric cord, 366a, 466a: Input terminal, 404: Power cord, A: Arrow, F: Floor, T: Counter table, W: Wall

Claims

1. A charging device for a battery used as a power source for an electrical device, comprising: a charging unit electrically connected to the battery and charging the battery with DC power converted from AC power; a control unit detecting a charging rate of the battery during charging; and an alarm unit; The control unit calculates a current operable time of the battery being charged based on parameters including the detected charging rate and output information corresponding to the load of the electrical equipment, and notifies the calculated operable time by the notification unit.

2. Further, a mounting portion for mounting the battery is provided, the control unit includes an information acquiring unit that acquires battery information including a type of the battery placed on the battery placement unit, and a storage unit that stores in advance the output information corresponding to the acquired battery information, The charging device of claim 1 , wherein the parameters include the battery information.

3. The battery-powered electric device further includes a support portion for supporting the battery-powered electric device. the control unit includes an information acquisition unit that acquires battery information including a type of a battery of the battery-equipped electrical device supported by the support unit, and a storage unit that pre-stores the output information corresponding to the battery information, The charging device of claim 1 , wherein the parameters include the battery information.

4. a power supply cord having an output terminal at a tip thereof which can be electrically connected to an input terminal of the battery-powered electrical device; the control unit includes an information acquisition unit that acquires battery information including a type of a battery of the battery-equipped electrical device connected to the power supply cord, and a storage unit that prestores the output information corresponding to the battery information, The charging device of claim 1 , wherein the parameters include the battery information.

5. The storage unit stores a plurality of pieces of output information corresponding to different loads, 5. The charging device according to claim 2, wherein the output information of the parameter is the output information with the greatest load among the plurality of output information.

6. The storage unit stores a plurality of pieces of output information corresponding to different loads, An operation unit capable of arbitrarily selecting at least one of the plurality of pieces of output information, The charging device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the output information of the parameter is at least one selected piece of the output information.

7. The storage unit is capable of storing the number of times the battery has been charged, The charging device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the parameters include the number of times of charging.

8. 8. The charging device of claim 1, wherein the parameters include the latest discharge information stored in the battery.

9. The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the notification unit includes a display unit that displays the remaining driving time.

10. The control unit has a timer unit, The notification unit includes an alarm unit capable of sounding an alarm, Further, an operation unit is provided that can operate the timer unit to set a desired operable time, 10. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the alarm unit to sound an alarm when the calculated operable time reaches the operable time set in the timer unit.

11. The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the output information is output information corresponding to a load of the electric device, which is a vacuum cleaner, a self-propelled electronic device, or a power tool.

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