Power supply device and power supply system

Abstract

To improve convenience of a user who uses both a low-output electric-powered work machine and a high-output electric-powered work machine.SOLUTION: A power supply feeding apparatus according to one aspect in the disclosure comprises at least two battery units, an attachment part, a voltage output part, and an output control part. The attachment part is configured so that adaptors connected between the power supply feeding apparatus and electric-powered work machines are detachably attached thereto. The voltage output part is configured to alternatively output at least a first voltage and a second voltage lower than the first voltage, using at least the two battery units. The output control part is configured to switch a voltage that is outputted by the voltage output part, between the first voltage and the second voltage, on the basis of electric signals outputted from the adaptors attached to the attachment part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device and a power supply system incorporating a battery unit.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a power supply device that includes a first DC power supply and a second DC power supply connected in parallel to each other, and supplies a power supply voltage to an external load by alternately switching between the first DC power supply and the second DC power supply.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, electric working machines have become higher in output. For example, there are electric working machines that are sufficient with a 36V power supply (hereinafter, low-output electric working machines) and electric working machines that lack power with a 36V power supply (hereinafter, high-output electric working machines). Therefore, when using a low-output electric working machine, it is necessary to use a power supply device (hereinafter, low-output power supply device) that supplies a power supply voltage corresponding to the low-output electric working machine, and when using a high-output electric working machine, it is necessary to use a power supply device (hereinafter, high-output power supply device) that supplies a power supply voltage corresponding to the high-output electric working machine. That is, a user who uses both a low-output electric working machine and a high-output electric working machine has to prepare a low-output power supply device and a high-output power supply device, which is inconvenient.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to improve the convenience of a user who uses both a low-output electric working machine and a high-output electric working machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A power supply device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes at least two battery units built in the power supply device, a mounting portion, a voltage output portion, and an output control portion. The mounting portion is configured such that an adapter connected between the power supply device and the electric working machine can be detachably mounted thereon.

[0007] The voltage output portion is configured to alternatively output at least a first voltage and a second voltage lower than the first voltage using at least two battery units. The output control portion is configured to switch the voltage output by the voltage output portion between the first voltage and the second voltage based on an electric signal output from the adapter mounted on the mounting portion.

[0008] Such a power supply device can switch and output the first voltage and the second voltage based on an electric signal output from an adapter connected to the electric working machine. Thereby, the above-described power supply device can output the first voltage when using a high-output electric working machine and can output the second voltage when using a low-output electric working machine. For this reason, the above-described power supply device can cope with power supply for both the low-output electric working machine and the high-output electric working machine, and can improve the convenience for a user who uses both the low-output electric working machine and the high-output electric working machine.

[0009] A power supply system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described power supply device and the above-described adapter. Such a power supply system can exhibit the same effects as the above-described power supply device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] [Summary of Embodiments] In one embodiment, the power supply device may include at least two battery units built into the power supply device. Additionally / Alternatively, the power supply device may include a mounting portion. The mounting portion may be configured such that an adapter connected between the power supply device and the electric working machine can be detachably mounted. Additionally / Alternatively, the power supply device may include a voltage output portion. The voltage output portion may be configured to alternatively output at least a first voltage and a second voltage lower than the first voltage using at least two battery units. Additionally / Alternatively, the power supply device may include an output control portion. The output control portion may be configured to switch the voltage output by the voltage output portion between the first voltage and the second voltage based on an electrical signal output from the adapter mounted on the mounting portion.

[0012] If the power supply device in a certain embodiment includes the above-mentioned mounting portion, the above-mentioned voltage output portion, and the above-mentioned output control portion, such a power supply device can improve the convenience for users who use both low-output electric working machines and high-output electric working machines.

[0013] Additionally / Alternatively, when the output control portion of the power supply device transitions from a state where the adapter is not mounted on the mounting portion to a state where the adapter is mounted on the mounting portion, the power supply device may cause the voltage output portion to output the second voltage. Such a power supply device eliminates the need for the user to operate the power supply device to output the second voltage, and can further improve the convenience for the user.

[0014] Additionally / Alternatively, the power supply device may further include a communication portion. The communication portion may be configured to perform data communication with the adapter. Such a power supply device can obtain, through data communication, an electrical signal for switching between the first voltage and the second voltage from the adapter.

[0015] In addition to and / or, when data communication is established with the adapter and a preset voltage switching condition is satisfied, the output control unit may cause the voltage output unit to output a first voltage. Such a power supply device eliminates the need for the user to operate the power supply device to output the first voltage, and can further improve the convenience for the user.

[0016] In addition to and / or, the voltage output unit may further include a first energization path for outputting the first voltage using at least two battery units. In addition to and / or, the voltage output unit may include a second energization path for outputting the second voltage using at least two battery units. In addition to and / or, the voltage output unit may include a switching circuit configured to selectively switch between the first energization path and the second energization path. Such a power supply device can switch the voltage output by the voltage output unit between the first voltage and the second voltage by switching between the first energization path and the second energization path.

[0017] In addition to and / or, at least two battery units may include a first battery unit and a second battery unit. In addition to and / or, the voltage output unit may further include a first switch and a second switch disposed on a first short-circuit path from the positive electrode to the negative electrode of the first battery unit. In addition to and / or, the voltage output unit may include a third switch and a fourth switch disposed on a second short-circuit path from the positive electrode to the negative electrode of the second battery unit. In addition to and / or, the voltage output unit may include a first interlock circuit. The first interlock circuit may be configured to control the first switch and the second switch so that the first switch and the second switch are not simultaneously in the on state. In addition to and / or, the voltage output unit may include a second interlock circuit. The second interlock circuit may be configured to control the third switch and the fourth switch so that the third switch and the fourth switch are not simultaneously in the on state. Such a power supply device can suppress the occurrence of a situation where the positive electrode and the negative electrode are short-circuited in the first and second battery units.

[0018] In addition to / alternatively, the power supply device may further include a connector for connecting to other devices different from the adapter. In addition to / alternatively, further, the connector may be configured to be connectable to an external device. The connector may include an external communication terminal connected to the external device for data communication with the external device. Such a power supply device can perform data communication with the external device.

[0019] In addition to / alternatively, further, the connector may be configured to be connectable to a charger configured to charge at least two battery units. Such a power supply device can charge at least two battery units using the charger.

[0020] In addition to / alternatively, data communication may be performed between the power supply device and the charger via the external communication terminal of the connector. Such a power supply device can perform data communication with the charger.

[0021] In addition to / alternatively, the at least two battery units may include a first battery unit and a second battery unit, and the negative electrode of the first battery unit may be connected to the positive electrode of the second battery unit so that the first battery unit and the second battery unit are connected in series with each other. In addition to / alternatively, the connector may further include a positive terminal and a negative terminal. In addition to / alternatively, the positive terminal may be connected to an intermediate voltage line to which the voltage of the positive electrode of the second battery unit is applied via a charging switch. In addition to / alternatively, the negative terminal may be connected to a negative line to which the voltage of the negative electrode of the second battery unit is applied. Such a power supply device can charge the first battery unit and the second battery unit individually.

[0022] In addition to / alternatively, the first voltage may exceed 42V, and the second voltage may be 42V or less. In a certain embodiment, the power supply system may include the above-described power supply device. Additionally / Alternatively, the power supply system may include the above-described adapter.

[0023] When the power supply system in a certain embodiment includes the above-described power supply device and the above-described adapter, it is possible to improve the convenience for users who use both low-output and high-output electric working machines.

[0024] In a certain embodiment, the above-described features may be combined in any manner. In a certain embodiment, any of the above-described features may be excluded. [Specific Exemplary Embodiments] [First Embodiment] An exemplary first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply system 1 of the present embodiment includes a power supply device 2, a two-port adapter 3, and an electric working machine 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the electric working machine 4 of the present embodiment is in the form of a lawn mower as an example, and includes a motor unit 11 and a shaft pipe 12 connected to a first end of the motor unit 11.

[0026] The motor unit 11 houses a motor 23 (described later) and a control unit 24 (described later) that controls the motor 23 inside the motor unit 11. The electric working machine 4 includes a battery mounting portion 13 attached to a second end of the motor unit 11. A first battery pack 21 and a second battery pack 22 are detachably mounted on the battery mounting portion 13.

[0027] The battery mounting portion 13 is configured such that the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 can be individually detached by sliding the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 along the detachment direction D1 on the battery mounting portion 13.

[0028] The electric working machine 4 includes a first display unit 14 and a second display unit 15 attached to the outer cover of the motor unit 11. The first display unit 14 displays the state of the first battery pack 21. The second display unit 15 displays the state of the second battery pack 22.

[0029] The shaft pipe 12 is formed in a long and hollow rod shape. The motor unit 11 is attached to the first end of the shaft pipe 12, and the cutter mounting portion 16 is attached to the second end of the shaft pipe 12. A cutter 17 is detachably mounted on the cutter mounting portion 16.

[0030] The cutter 17 is formed as a substantially disc-shaped member as a whole, and a plurality of teeth are formed along the outer periphery of the disc. The cutter 17 can cut grass, small-diameter trees, etc. by rotating.

[0031] The electric working machine 4 includes a handle 18. The handle 18 is a member for the operator to grip when performing grass cutting work using the electric working machine 4. The handle 18 is connected to the shaft pipe 12 near the intermediate position in the length direction of the shaft pipe 12. The handle 18 is formed in a U shape, and grips are provided at both end portions of the U shape.

[0032] The electric working machine 4 includes a trigger switch 19. The trigger switch 19 is attached to one grip portion of the handle 18. The trigger switch 19 is an operation switch for inputting a drive command to the motor 23. The trigger switch 19 includes a tact switch that is turned on only when the operator presses it down.

[0033] Inside the shaft pipe 12, a driving force transmission shaft (hereinafter abbreviated as the transmission shaft), not shown, is accommodated. The first end of the transmission shaft is connected to the rotor of a motor 23, which will be described later, housed in the motor unit 11. The second end of the transmission shaft is connected to the cutter 17 via a plurality of gears, not shown, provided in the cutter mounting portion 16. Therefore, the rotational driving force of the motor 23 is transmitted to the cutter 17 via the transmission shaft and the plurality of gears.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply device 2 includes a main body portion 31, a pair of backpack belts 32, a power connector 33, and a power cord 34. The main body portion 31 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and houses a built-in battery 50, which will be described later.

[0035] The pair of backpack belts 32 are attached to the main body portion 31 so that an operator can carry the main body portion 31 on their back. The power connector 33 is a connector that is connected to the two-port adapter 3. The power cord 34 connects the built-in battery 50 housed in the main body portion 31 and the power connector 33 to each other.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the two-port adapter 3 includes a first adapter 41, a second adapter 42, a relay cord 43, an adapter connector 44, and an adapter cord 45. The first adapter 41 is a device that outputs a first voltage (72V in this embodiment) to the electric working machine 4.

[0037] The second adapter 42 is a device that outputs a second voltage (36V in this embodiment) to the electric working machine 4. The relay cord 43 connects the first adapter 41 and the second adapter 42 to each other. The adapter connector 44 is a connector that is connected to the power connector 33. The adapter cord 45 connects the adapter connector 44 and the first adapter 41 to each other.

[0038] The battery mounting part 13 includes a first mounting part 13a on which the first battery pack 21 is mounted and a second mounting part 13b on which the second battery pack 22 is mounted. A first adapter 41 is detachably mounted on the first mounting part 13a. A second adapter 42 is detachably mounted on the second mounting part 13b.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, the built-in battery 50 built in the main body part 31 of the power supply device 2 includes a first battery 51, a second battery 52, a power supply circuit 53, a battery MPU 54, a first current detection circuit 55, a first AFE 56, a second AFE 57, a first temperature detection part 58, a second temperature detection part 59, a discharge control part 60, a battery communication part 61, an identification part 62, a display part 63, a positive electrode line 64, a negative electrode line 65, an intermediate voltage line 66, a signal line 67, a communication line 68, an identification line 69, a second current detection circuit 70, and first to sixth terminals 191 to 196. MPU is the abbreviation of Micro Processing Unit. AFE is the abbreviation of Analog Front End.

[0040] The power supply connector 33 includes a positive electrode terminal 71, a negative electrode terminal 72, an intermediate voltage terminal 73, a signal terminal 74, a communication terminal 75, and an identification terminal 76. The power supply cord 34 includes a positive electrode line 81, a negative electrode line 82, an intermediate voltage line 83, a signal line 84, a communication line 85, and an identification line 86.

[0041] Each of the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 includes a plurality of secondary battery cells (not shown) connected in series to each other. In the present embodiment, the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 are lithium ion batteries, each having a rated voltage of 36V.

[0042] The positive electrode of the first battery 51 is connected to the first terminal 191 via the positive electrode line 64. The negative electrode of the first battery 51 is connected to the positive electrode of the second battery 52. The negative electrode of the second battery 52 is connected to the second terminal 192 via the negative electrode line 65. The connection point between the negative electrode of the first battery 51 and the positive electrode of the second battery 52 is connected to the third terminal 193 via the intermediate voltage line 66.

[0043] The power supply circuit 53 receives power supply from the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 via the positive electrode line 64, and generates an internal voltage for operating various circuits including the battery MPU 54, the first AFE 56, and the second AFE 57.

[0044] The battery MPU 54 includes a microcomputer 54d having a CPU 54a, a ROM 54b, and a RAM 54c. Various functions of the microcomputer 54d are realized by the CPU 54a executing a program stored in a non-transitory tangible recording medium. In this example, the ROM 54b corresponds to the non-transitory tangible recording medium storing the program. Also, by executing this program, a method corresponding to the program is executed. Note that part or all of the functions executed by the CPU 54a may be achieved by one or more electronic components such as an IC. Also, the battery MPU 54 may include one or more microcomputers.

[0045] The first current detection circuit 55 detects the value of the current flowing through the negative electrode line 65, and outputs a current detection signal indicating the detected current value to the second AFE 57. The second current detection circuit 70 is disposed on the current path between the connection point between the negative electrode of the first battery 51 and the positive electrode of the second battery 52 and the negative electrode of the first battery 51, and detects the current of the first battery 51. The second current detection circuit 70 outputs a current detection signal indicating the detected current value to the first AFE 56.

[0046] The first AFE56 and the second AFE57 are analog circuits and are configured to be communicable with the battery MPU54. The first AFE56 and the second AFE57 each detect the voltage of each secondary battery included in the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 according to a command from the battery MPU54, or execute a cell balancing process for equalizing the remaining capacities of a plurality of secondary batteries.

[0047] The first AFE56 transmits a digital signal indicating the detected value of the voltage of each secondary battery cell included in the first battery 51 and a digital signal indicating the current value detected by the second current detection circuit 70 to the battery MPU54. The second AFE57 transmits a digital signal indicating the detected value of the voltage of each secondary battery cell included in the second battery 52 and a digital signal indicating the current value detected by the first current detection circuit 55 to the battery MPU54.

[0048] The first temperature detection unit 58 and the second temperature detection unit 59 each detect the temperature of the first battery 51 and the second battery 52, and output a temperature detection signal indicating the detected battery temperature to the battery MPU54.

[0049] The discharge control unit 60 outputs a discharge permission signal or a discharge prohibition signal. The discharge control unit 60 is connected to the fourth terminal 194 via the signal line 67. The battery communication unit 61 performs serial communication with the dual-port adapter 3 based on the first communication protocol. The battery communication unit 61 is connected to the fifth terminal 195 via the communication line 68.

[0050] The identification unit 62 acquires the adapter ID of the dual-port adapter 3 and outputs the acquired adapter ID to the battery MPU54. The identification unit 62 is connected to the sixth terminal 196 via the identification line 69.

[0051] The display unit 63 displays the remaining capacities of the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 based on an instruction from the battery MPU54. The first terminal 191 is connected to the positive terminal 71 of the power connector 33 via the positive line 81. The second terminal 192 is connected to the negative terminal 72 of the power connector 33 via the negative line 82. The third terminal 193 is connected to the intermediate voltage terminal 73 of the power connector 33 via the intermediate voltage line 83. The fourth terminal 194 is connected to the signal terminal 74 of the power connector 33 via the signal line 84. The fifth terminal 195 is connected to the communication terminal 75 of the power connector 33 via the communication line 85. The sixth terminal 196 is connected to the identification terminal 76 of the power connector 33 via the identification line 86.

[0052] The battery MPU 54 determines whether the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 are in a dischargeable state based on the digital signals transmitted by the first AFE 56 and the second AFE 57 to the battery MPU 54 and the temperature detection signals output by the first temperature detection unit 58 and the second temperature detection unit 59 to the battery MPU 54. When the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 are in a dischargeable state, the battery MPU 54 outputs a discharge permission signal for permitting discharge from the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 to the discharge control unit 60. When the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 are not in a dischargeable state, the battery MPU 54 outputs a discharge prohibition signal for prohibiting discharge from the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 to the discharge control unit 60. The discharge control unit 60 outputs the discharge permission signal or the discharge prohibition signal input from the battery MPU 54 to the two-port adapter 3 via the signal line 84 and the signal terminal 74.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, the first adapter 41 of the two-port adapter 3 includes a positive terminal 91, a negative terminal 92, a signal terminal 93, a communication terminal 94, a detection terminal 95, and an internal circuit 96. The second adapter 42 of the two-port adapter 3 includes a positive terminal 101, a negative terminal 102, a signal terminal 103, a communication terminal 104, a detection terminal 105, and an internal circuit 106.

[0054] The relay code 43 of the two-port adapter 3 includes a negative electrode line 111, an intermediate voltage line 112, and a communication line 113. The adapter connector 44 of the two-port adapter 3 includes a positive electrode terminal 121, a negative electrode terminal 122, an intermediate voltage terminal 123, a signal terminal 124, a communication terminal 125, and an identification terminal 126. When the adapter connector 44 is connected to the power connector 33, the positive electrode terminal 121, the negative electrode terminal 122, the intermediate voltage terminal 123, the signal terminal 124, the communication terminal 125, and the identification terminal 126 are respectively connected to the positive electrode terminal 71, the negative electrode terminal 72, the intermediate voltage terminal 73, the signal terminal 74, the communication terminal 75, and the identification terminal 76.

[0055] The adapter code 45 of the two-port adapter 3 includes a positive electrode line 131, a negative electrode line 132, an intermediate voltage line 133, a signal line 134, a communication line 135, and an identification line 136.

[0056] The internal circuit 96 includes a first adapter MPU 141, a power supply circuit 142, a voltage detection unit 143, a discharge control unit 144, an adapter communication unit 145, an identification unit 146, a device connection detection unit 147, a discharge control unit 148, an adapter communication unit 149, and a connection detection unit 150.

[0057] The internal circuit 106 includes a second adapter MPU 151, a power supply circuit 152, a voltage detection unit 153, an adapter communication unit 154, a thermistor 155, a temperature detection unit 156, a device connection detection unit 157, a discharge control unit 158, an adapter communication unit 159, and a display unit 160.

[0058] The positive electrode terminal 91 of the first adapter 41 is connected to the positive electrode terminal 121 of the adapter connector 44 via the positive electrode line 131. The negative electrode terminal 92 is connected to the connection detection unit 150. The signal terminal 93 is connected to the discharge control unit 148. The communication terminal 94 is connected to the adapter communication unit 149. The detection terminal 95 is connected to the device connection detection unit 147.

[0059] The positive terminal 101 of the second adapter 42 is connected to the intermediate voltage terminal 123 via the intermediate voltage line 112 and the intermediate voltage line 133. The negative terminal 102 is connected to the negative terminal 122 via the negative line 111 and the negative line 132. The signal terminal 103 is connected to the discharge control unit 158. The communication terminal 104 is connected to the adapter communication unit 159. The detection terminal 105 is connected to the device connection detection unit 157.

[0060] The negative terminal 122 is connected to the first adapter MPU 141 via the negative line 132. The intermediate voltage terminal 123 is connected to the power supply circuit 142 via the intermediate voltage line 133. The intermediate voltage terminal 123 is connected to the power supply circuit 152 via the intermediate voltage line 133 and the intermediate voltage line 112.

[0061] The signal terminal 124 is connected to the discharge control unit 144 via the signal line 134. The communication terminal 125 is connected to the adapter communication unit 145 via the communication line 135. The communication terminal 125 is connected to the adapter communication unit 154 via the communication line 135 and the communication line 113.

[0062] The identification terminal 126 is connected to the identification unit 146 via the identification line 136. The first adapter MPU 141 includes a microcomputer 141d having a CPU 141a, a ROM 141b, and a RAM 141c. Various functions of the microcomputer 141d are realized by the CPU 141a executing a program stored in a non-transitory tangible recording medium. In this example, the ROM 141b corresponds to the non-transitory tangible recording medium storing the program. Further, by executing this program, a method corresponding to the program is executed. Note that part or all of the functions executed by the CPU 141a may be achieved by one or a plurality of electronic components such as an IC. Also, the first adapter MPU 141 may include one or a plurality of microcomputers.

[0063] The power supply circuit 142 generates an internal voltage for operating various circuits including the first adapter MPU 141 by receiving power supply from the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 via the intermediate voltage line 133.

[0064] The voltage detection unit 143 detects the voltage value of the positive electrode line 131 and outputs a voltage detection signal indicating the detected voltage value to the first adapter MPU 141. The discharge control unit 144 outputs the discharge permission signal or the discharge prohibition signal input via the signal terminal 124 and the signal line 134 to the first adapter MPU 141.

[0065] The adapter communication unit 145 performs serial communication with the battery communication unit 61 based on the first communication protocol via the communication terminal 125 and the communication line 135. The identification unit 146 outputs the adapter ID of the two-port adapter 3 to the power supply device 2 via the identification line 136 and the identification terminal 126.

[0066] The equipment connection detection unit 147 detects whether the electric working machine 4 is connected based on the voltage of the detection terminal 95 and outputs a connection detection signal indicating the detection result to the first adapter MPU 141.

[0067] The discharge control unit 148 outputs the discharge permission signal or the discharge prohibition signal input from the first adapter MPU 141 to the electric working machine 4 via the signal terminal 93. The adapter communication unit 149 performs serial communication with the electric working machine 4 based on the second communication protocol via the communication terminal 94. The second communication protocol is a communication protocol with a larger amount of communication data than the first communication protocol.

[0068] The connection detection unit 150 detects whether the first adapter 41 and the second adapter 42 are connected to the electric working machine 4 based on the voltage of the negative electrode terminal 92 and outputs a connection detection signal indicating the detection result to the first adapter MPU 141.

[0069] The second adapter MPU 151 includes a microcomputer 151d having a CPU 151a, a ROM 151b, and a RAM 151c. Various functions of the microcomputer 151d are realized by the CPU 151a executing a program stored in a non-transitory tangible recording medium. In this example, the ROM 151b corresponds to the non-transitory tangible recording medium storing the program. Also, by executing this program, a method corresponding to the program is executed. Note that part or all of the functions executed by the CPU 151a may be achieved by one or more electronic components such as an IC. Further, the second adapter MPU 151 may include one or more microcomputers.

[0070] The power supply circuit 152 generates an internal voltage for operating various circuits including the second adapter MPU 151 by receiving power supply from the second battery 52 via the intermediate voltage line 133 and the intermediate voltage line 112.

[0071] The voltage detection unit 153 detects the voltage value of the intermediate voltage line 112 and outputs a voltage detection signal indicating the detected voltage value to the second adapter MPU 151. The adapter communication unit 154 performs serial communication with the battery communication unit 61 based on the first communication protocol via the communication terminal 125, the communication line 135, and the communication line 113. Also, the adapter communication unit 154 performs serial communication with the adapter communication unit 145 based on the first communication protocol via the communication line 113.

[0072] The thermistor 155 is installed near the negative electrode line 111. The first end of the thermistor 155 is connected to the negative electrode line 111, and the second end of the thermistor 155 is connected to the temperature detection unit 156.

[0073] The temperature detection unit 156 calculates the temperature of the negative electrode line 111 by detecting the resistance value of the thermistor 155 and outputs a temperature detection signal indicating the calculated temperature to the second adapter MPU 151.

[0074] Based on the voltage of the detection terminal 105, the machine connection detection unit 157 detects whether the electric working machine 4 is connected, and outputs a connection detection signal indicating the detection result to the second adapter MPU 151.

[0075] The discharge control unit 158 outputs the discharge permission signal or the discharge prohibition signal input from the second adapter MPU 151 to the electric working machine 4 via the signal terminal 103. The adapter communication unit 159 performs serial communication with the electric working machine 4 based on the second communication protocol via the communication terminal 104.

[0076] The display unit 160 displays the remaining capacities of the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 based on an instruction from the second adapter MPU 151. The second adapter MPU 151 receives remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacities of the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 from the battery MPU 54, and based on the received remaining capacity information, causes the display unit 160 to display the remaining capacities of the first battery 51 and the second battery 52.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 7, the electric working machine 4 includes a motor 23, a control unit 24, and a rotation sensor 25. In the present embodiment, the motor 23 is a three-phase brushless motor. The battery mounting portion 13 includes a positive terminal 161, a negative terminal 162, a signal terminal 163, a communication terminal 164, a detection terminal 165, a positive terminal 166, a negative terminal 167, a signal terminal 168, a communication terminal 169, and a detection terminal 170.

[0078] When the first adapter 41 is mounted on the first mounting portion 13a, the positive terminal 161, the negative terminal 162, the signal terminal 163, the communication terminal 164, and the detection terminal 165 are respectively connected to the positive terminal 91, the negative terminal 92, the signal terminal 93, the communication terminal 94, and the detection terminal 95. Also, when the second adapter 42 is mounted on the second mounting portion 13b, the positive terminal 166, the negative terminal 167, the signal terminal 168, the communication terminal 169, and the detection terminal 170 are respectively connected to the positive terminal 101, the negative terminal 102, the signal terminal 103, the communication terminal 104, and the detection terminal 105.

[0079] The control unit 24 includes a work machine MPU 171, a drive circuit 172, a gate circuit 173, a positive electrode line 174, a negative electrode line 175, a current detection circuit 176, a power supply circuit 177, a voltage detection unit 178, a battery detection unit 179, a discharge control unit 180, a work machine communication unit 181, a display unit 182, a voltage detection unit 183, a battery detection unit 184, a discharge control unit 185, a work machine communication unit 186, and a display unit 187.

[0080] The positive electrode terminal 161 is connected to the drive circuit 172 and the gate circuit 173 via the positive electrode line 174. The negative electrode terminal 162 is connected to the voltage detection unit 183. The signal terminal 163 is connected to the discharge control unit 180. The communication terminal 164 is connected to the work machine communication unit 181. The detection terminal 165 is connected to the battery detection unit 179. The positive electrode terminal 166 is connected to the voltage detection unit 183. The negative electrode terminal 167 is connected to the drive circuit 172 and the gate circuit 173 via the negative electrode line 175. The signal terminal 168 is connected to the discharge control unit 185. The communication terminal 169 is connected to the work machine communication unit 186. The detection terminal 170 is connected to the battery detection unit 184.

[0081] The work machine MPU 171 includes a microcomputer 171d having a CPU 171a, a ROM 171b, and a RAM 171c. Various functions of the microcomputer 171d are realized by the CPU 171a executing a program stored in a non-transitory tangible recording medium. In this example, the ROM 171b corresponds to the non-transitory tangible recording medium storing the program. Further, by executing this program, a method corresponding to the program is executed. Note that part or all of the functions executed by the CPU 171a may be achieved by one or more electronic components such as an IC. Also, the work machine MPU 171 may include one or more microcomputers.

[0082] The drive circuit 172 is a circuit that receives power supply from the power supply device 2 and supplies current to each phase winding of the motor 23. In the present embodiment, the drive circuit 172 is in the form of a three-phase full-bridge circuit including six switching elements (not shown).

[0083] The gate circuit 173 is a circuit that supplies current to each phase winding of the motor 23 and rotates the motor 23 by turning on / off each switching element in the drive circuit 172 according to the control signal output from the work implement MPU 171.

[0084] The current detection circuit 176 detects the value of the current flowing through the negative electrode line 175 (i.e., the current flowing through the motor 23), and outputs a current detection signal indicating the detected current value to the work implement MPU 171.

[0085] The power supply circuit 177 generates an internal voltage for operating various circuits including the work implement MPU 171 by receiving power supply from the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 via the positive electrode line 174.

[0086] The voltage detection unit 178 detects the value of the voltage of the positive electrode line 174, and outputs a voltage detection signal indicating the detected voltage value to the work implement MPU 171. The battery detection unit 179 detects whether the built-in battery 50 is connected via the two-port adapter 3 based on the voltage of the detection terminal 165, and outputs a battery detection signal indicating the detection result to the work implement MPU 171.

[0087] The discharge control unit 180 outputs a discharge permission signal or a discharge prohibition signal input via the signal terminal 163 to the work implement MPU 171. The work implement communication unit 181 performs serial communication with the adapter communication unit 149 via the communication terminal 164 based on the second communication protocol.

[0088] The display unit 182 displays the remaining capacity of the first battery 51 based on an instruction from the work machine MPU 171. The work machine MPU 171 receives remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of the first battery 51 from the first adapter MPU 141, and based on the received remaining capacity information, causes the display unit 182 to display the remaining capacity of the first battery 51.

[0089] The voltage detection unit 183 detects the voltage values of the negative electrode terminal 162 and the positive electrode terminal 166, and outputs a voltage detection signal indicating the detected voltage values to the work machine MPU 171. The battery detection unit 184 detects whether the built-in battery 50 is connected via the two-port adapter 3 based on the voltage of the detection terminal 170, and outputs a battery detection signal indicating the detection result to the work machine MPU 171.

[0090] The discharge control unit 185 outputs a discharge permission signal or a discharge prohibition signal input via the signal terminal 168 to the work machine MPU 171. The work machine communication unit 186 performs data communication with the adapter communication unit 159 via the communication terminal 169.

[0091] The display unit 187 displays the remaining capacity of the second battery 52 based on an instruction from the work machine MPU 171. The work machine MPU 171 receives remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of the second battery 52 from the second adapter MPU 151, and based on the received remaining capacity information, causes the display unit 187 to display the remaining capacity of the second battery 52.

[0092] The rotation sensor 25 detects the rotation position and the rotation speed of the motor 23, and outputs a rotation detection signal indicating the detection result to the work machine MPU 171. As shown in FIG. 8, the built-in battery 50 includes first to sixth terminals 191 to 196, first to seventh transistors 201 to 207, a charging connector 208, a charging communication unit 209, a charging identification unit 210, and an 18V voltage conversion circuit 250.

[0093] The charging connector 208 includes a positive electrode terminal 211, a negative electrode terminal 212, a communication terminal 213, and an identification terminal 214. The positive terminal 211 is connected to the positive electrode of the first battery 51 via the fifth transistor 205 and the seventh transistor 207. The positive terminal 211 is connected to the negative electrode of the first battery 51 via the third transistor 203 and the seventh transistor 207. The positive terminal 211 is connected to the positive electrode of the second battery 52 via the second transistor 202, the third transistor 203 and the seventh transistor 207.

[0094] The negative terminal 212 is connected to the negative electrode of the first battery 51 via the fourth transistor 204. The negative terminal 212 is connected to the negative electrode of the second battery 52. The communication terminal 213 is connected to the charging communication unit 209. The identification terminal 214 is connected to the charging identification unit 210.

[0095] When the battery checker 216 for diagnosing the built-in battery 50 by acquiring information from the built-in battery 50 is connected to the charging connector 208, the charging communication unit 209 performs data communication with the battery checker 216 via the communication terminal 213. Also, when the charger 217 for charging the built-in battery 50 is connected to the charging connector 208, the charging communication unit 209 performs data communication with the charger 217 via the communication terminal 213.

[0096] When the battery checker 216 is connected to the charging connector 208, the charging identification unit 210 acquires the checker ID from the battery checker 216 via the identification terminal 214 and outputs the acquired checker ID to the battery MPU 54.

[0097] The first terminal 191 is connected to the positive terminal 71 of the power connector 33 via the positive line 81. Also, the first terminal 191 is connected to the positive electrode of the first battery 51 via the first transistor 201.

[0098] The second terminal 192 is connected to the negative terminal 72 via the negative line 82. Also, the second terminal 192 is connected to the negative electrode of the second battery 52. The third terminal 193 is connected to the intermediate voltage terminal 73 via the intermediate voltage line 83. The third terminal 193 is also connected to the negative electrode of the first battery 51 via the third transistor 203.

[0099] The fourth terminal 194 is connected to the signal terminal 74 via the signal line 84. The fifth terminal 195 is connected to the communication terminal 75 via the communication line 85. The sixth terminal 196 is connected to the identification terminal 76 via the identification line 86.

[0100] The first to seventh transistors 201 to 207 in this embodiment are in the form of N-channel metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs). For the first transistor 201, the drain is connected to the positive electrode of the first battery 51, and the source is connected to the first terminal 191.

[0101] For the second transistor 202, the drain is connected to the positive electrode of the second battery 52, and the source is connected to the negative electrode of the first battery 51. For the third transistor 203, the drain is connected to the third terminal 193, and the source is connected to the negative electrode of the first battery 51.

[0102] For the fourth transistor 204, the drain is connected to the negative electrode of the first battery 51, and the source is connected to the negative electrode of the first battery 51 and the negative electrode terminal 212 of the charging connector 208. For the fifth transistor 205, the drain is connected to the positive electrode of the first battery 51, and the source is connected to the third terminal 193.

[0103] For the sixth transistor 206, the drain is connected to the first terminal 191, and the source is connected to the third terminal 193. For the seventh transistor 207, the drain is connected to the third terminal 193, and the source is connected to the positive electrode terminal 211 of the charging connector 208.

[0104] The 18V voltage conversion circuit 250 is arranged on the energization path between the source of the sixth transistor 206 and the third terminal 193, and is configured to generate an 18V voltage. When outputting a 72V voltage from the built-in battery 50, the battery MPU 54 turns on the first to third transistors 201 to 203 and turns off the fourth to seventh transistors 204 to 207.

[0105] When outputting a 36V voltage from the first battery 51, the battery MPU 54 turns on the fourth to sixth transistors 204 to 206 and turns off the first transistor 201, the second transistor 202, the third transistor 203, and the seventh transistor 207.

[0106] When outputting a 36V voltage from the second battery 52, the battery MPU 54 turns on the second transistor 202, the third transistor 203, and the sixth transistor 206, and turns off the first transistor 201, the fourth transistor 204, the fifth transistor 205, and the seventh transistor 207.

[0107] When charging the first battery 51 by connecting the charger 217 to the charging connector 208, the battery MPU 54 turns on the fourth, fifth, and seventh transistors 204, 205, and 207, and turns off the first to third and sixth transistors 201 to 203 and 206.

[0108] When charging the second battery 52 by connecting the charger 217 to the charging connector 208, the battery MPU 54 turns on the second transistor 202, the third transistor 203, and the seventh transistor 207, and turns off the first transistor 201, the fourth transistor 204, the fifth transistor 205, and the sixth transistor 206.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 9, the built-in battery 50 includes first to third interlock circuits 221 to 223. The first interlock circuit 221 includes a first buffer 231, a second buffer 232, a first NOT circuit 233, a second NOT circuit 234, a first voltage application circuit 235, and a second voltage application circuit 236.

[0110] The first voltage application circuit 235 and the second voltage application circuit 236 each include a voltage input terminal and a voltage output terminal. When the voltage of each voltage input terminal becomes high level, the first voltage application circuit 235 and the second voltage application circuit 236 output a high level voltage capable of turning on the first to sixth transistors 201 to 206 from their respective voltage output terminals. Also, when the voltage of each voltage input terminal becomes low level, the first voltage application circuit 235 and the second voltage application circuit 236 output a low level voltage capable of turning off the first to sixth transistors 201 to 206 from their respective voltage output terminals.

[0111] The output terminal of the first buffer 231 is connected to the voltage input terminal of the first voltage application circuit 235 and the input terminal of the first NOT circuit 233. The output terminal of the second buffer 232 is connected to the voltage input terminal of the second voltage application circuit 236 and the input terminal of the second NOT circuit 234.

[0112] The output terminal of the first NOT circuit 233 is connected to the input terminal of the second buffer 232. The output terminal of the second NOT circuit 234 is connected to the input terminal of the first buffer 231. The voltage output terminal of the first voltage application circuit 235 is connected to the gate of the first transistor 201. The voltage output terminal of the second voltage application circuit 236 is connected to the gate of the sixth transistor 206.

[0113] In the first interlock circuit 221 configured as described above, when a high-level voltage is applied to the input terminal of the first buffer 231 to turn on the first transistor 201, a high-level voltage is output from the output terminal of the first buffer 231, and the first transistor 201 is turned on. Further, when a high-level voltage is output from the output terminal of the first buffer 231, a low-level voltage is output from the output terminal of the first NOT circuit 233. As a result, a low-level voltage is output from the output terminal of the second buffer 232, and the sixth transistor 206 is turned off. Similarly, when a low-level voltage is applied to the input terminal of the first buffer 231 to turn off the first transistor 201, the first transistor 201 is turned off and the sixth transistor 206 is turned on. Therefore, the first interlock circuit 221 can prevent the first transistor 201 and the sixth transistor 206 from being turned on simultaneously.

[0114] Also, when switching from a state where the first transistor 201 is on (i.e., a state where the sixth transistor 206 is off) to a state where the first transistor 201 is off (i.e., a state where the sixth transistor 206 is on), first, a high-level voltage is applied to the input terminal of the second buffer 232, and then, a low-level voltage is applied to the input terminal of the first buffer 231.

[0115] The second interlock circuit 222 includes, similarly to the first interlock circuit 221, a first buffer 231, a second buffer 232, a first NOT circuit 233, a second NOT circuit 234, a first voltage application circuit 235, and a second voltage application circuit 236. However, the voltage output terminal of the first voltage application circuit 235 of the second interlock circuit 222 is connected to the gate of the third transistor 203. The voltage output terminal of the second voltage application circuit 236 of the second interlock circuit 222 is connected to the gate of the fifth transistor 205. The second interlock circuit 222 configured as described above can prevent the third transistor 203 and the fifth transistor 205 from being turned on simultaneously.

[0116] Similar to the first interlock circuit 221, the third interlock circuit 223 includes a first buffer 231, a second buffer 232, a first NOT circuit 233, a second NOT circuit 234, a first voltage application circuit 235, and a second voltage application circuit 236. However, the voltage output terminal of the first voltage application circuit 235 of the third interlock circuit 223 is connected to the gate of the second transistor 202. The voltage output terminal of the second voltage application circuit 236 of the third interlock circuit 223 is connected to the gate of the fourth transistor 204. The third interlock circuit 223 configured in this way can prevent the second transistor 202 and the fourth transistor 204 from being turned on simultaneously.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 10, the ground of the built-in battery 50 of the power supply device 2, the ground of the internal circuit 96 of the first adapter 41, the ground of the internal circuit 106 of the second adapter 42, and the ground of the control unit 24 of the power-operated work machine 4 are at the same potential. Specifically, the ground of the battery MPU 54 in the power supply device 2, the ground of the first adapter MPU 141 in the first adapter 41, the ground of the second adapter MPU 151 in the second adapter 42, and the ground of the work machine MPU 171 in the power-operated work machine 4 are at the same potential.

[0118] The first adapter 41 includes a first level shift circuit 241, and the power-operated work machine 4 includes a second level shift circuit 242. The first level shift circuit 241 raises the voltage level of the digital signal output from the adapter communication unit 149 in the internal circuit 96 by a fixed voltage and outputs it to the second level shift circuit 242. Then, the second level shift circuit 242 lowers the voltage level of the digital signal output from the first level shift circuit 241 by a fixed voltage and outputs it to the work machine communication unit 181 in the power-operated work machine 4.

[0119] Further, the second-level shift circuit 242 raises the voltage level of the digital signal output from the work implement communication unit 181 in the electric work implement 4 by a fixed voltage and outputs it to the first-level shift circuit 241. Then, the first-level shift circuit 241 lowers the voltage level of the digital signal output from the second-level shift circuit 242 by a fixed voltage and outputs it to the adapter communication unit 149 in the internal circuit 96.

[0120] Next, the procedure of the adapter connection control process executed by the first and second adapters 41 and 42 will be described. The adapter connection control process is a process started when the first and second adapter MPUs 141 and 151 are activated.

[0121] When the adapter connection control process is executed, the CPUs 141a and 151a of the first and second adapter MPUs 141 and 151 first acquire the operation pattern identification information stored in advance at S10 as shown in FIG. 11. The operation pattern identification information is information indicating whether it is a master or a slave. In this embodiment, the operation pattern identification information is stored in, for example, the ROMs 141b and 151b. The operation pattern identification information stored in the ROM 141b indicates that it is a master, and the operation pattern identification information stored in the ROM 151b indicates that it is a slave.

[0122] Next, the CPUs 141a and 151a determine whether it is a master based on the acquired operation pattern identification information at S20. Here, if it is not a master, the CPUs 141a and 151a shift to S30. In this embodiment, since the second adapter 42 is a slave, the processes of S30 to S60 described later are executed by the CPU 151a.

[0123] When shifting to S30, the CPU 151a determines whether the second adapter 42 is connected to the second mounting portion 13b of the electric working machine 4 based on the connection detection signal from the device connection detection unit 157. Here, when the second adapter 42 is not connected, the CPU 151a waits until the second adapter 42 is connected by repeating the process of S30. Then, when the second adapter 42 is connected, the CPU 151a transmits second connection information indicating that the second adapter 42 is connected to the first adapter 41 in S40.

[0124] Furthermore, in S50, the CPU 151a determines in the same manner as in S30 whether the second adapter 42 is connected to the second mounting portion 13b of the electric working machine 4. Here, when the second adapter 42 is connected, the CPU 151a waits until the second adapter 42 is not connected to the second mounting portion 13b by repeating the process of S50. Then, when the second adapter 42 is not connected to the second mounting portion 13b, the CPU 151a transmits second non - connection information indicating that the second adapter 42 is not connected to the first adapter 41 in S60 and shifts to S30.

[0125] Also in S20, when being the master, the CPUs 141a and 151a shift to S70. In this embodiment, since the first adapter 41 is the master, the processes of S70 to S140 described later are executed by the CPU 141a.

[0126] When shifting to S70, the CPU 141a transmits 72V compatibility information indicating that the dual - port adapter 3 is compatible with 72V voltage to the power supply device 2. Next, in S80, the CPU 141a transmits 72V prohibition information indicating prohibition of output of 72V voltage to the power supply device 2.

[0127] Then, the CPU 141a determines, at S90, whether it has received the second connection information from the second adapter 42. Here, if it has not received the second connection information, the CPU 141a waits until it receives the second connection information by repeating the process at S90. Then, when it receives the second connection information, the CPU 141a determines, at S100, based on the connection detection signal from the connection detection unit 150, whether the first adapter 41 is connected to the first mounting portion 13a of the electric working machine 4. Here, if the first adapter 41 is not connected, the CPU 141a waits until the first adapter 41 is connected by repeating the process at S100.

[0128] Then, when the first adapter 41 is connected, the CPU 141a transmits, at S110, 72V permission information indicating permission to output a 72V voltage to the power supply device 2. Next, the CPU 141a performs transmission and reception of current output setting information at S120. Specifically, when the CPU 141a receives the current output setting information from the electric working machine 4, it transmits the received current output setting information to the power supply device 2. Note that when the battery MPU 54 of the power supply device 2 receives the current output setting information from the first adapter 41, it sets the upper limit value of the current output by the power supply device 2 to the current value indicated by the current output setting information.

[0129] Then, the CPU 141a determines, at S130, whether the first adapter 41 and the second adapter 42 are connected to the electric working machine 4. Specifically, the CPU 141a determines whether the first adapter 41 is connected based on the connection detection signal from the device connection detection unit 147, and determines whether the second adapter 42 is connected based on the second connection information and the second non - connection information from the second adapter 42.

[0130] Here, if the first adapter 41 and the second adapter 42 are connected to the electric working machine 4, the CPU 141a proceeds to S120. On the other hand, if at least one of the first adapter 41 and the second adapter 42 is not connected to the electric working machine 4, the CPU 141a proceeds to S80.

[0131] Next, the procedure of the battery connection control process executed by the power supply device 2 will be described. The battery connection control process is a process that starts when the battery MPU 54 is activated. When the battery connection control process is executed, the CPU 54a of the battery MPU 54 first determines whether the dual-port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2 at S210 as shown in FIG. 12. Specifically, when the CPU 54a acquires the adapter ID via the identification unit 62, it determines that the dual-port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2.

[0132] Here, when the dual-port adapter 3 is not connected to the power supply device 2, the CPU 54a waits until the dual-port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2 by repeating the process of S210.

[0133] When the dual-port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2, the CPU 54a outputs a 36V voltage at S220. Specifically, the CPU 54a turns on the fourth transistor 204, the fifth transistor 205, and the sixth transistor 206 and turns off the first transistor 201, the second transistor 202, the third transistor 203, and the seventh transistor 207 in order to output a 36V voltage from the first battery 51. Note that the CPU 54a may turn on the second transistor 202, the third transistor 203, and the sixth transistor 206 and turn off the first transistor 201, the fourth transistor 204, the fifth transistor 205, and the seventh transistor 207 in order to output a 36V voltage from the second battery 52.

[0134] Next, the CPU 54a determines whether data communication has been performed with the dual-port adapter 3 at S230. Here, when data communication has been performed with the dual-port adapter 3, the CPU 54a determines whether 72V correspondence information has been received from the dual-port adapter 3 at S240.

[0135] Here, when receiving 72V-compatible information, the CPU 54a determines at S250 whether or not 72V permission information has been received from the dual-port adapter 3. Here, if the 72V permission information has not been received, the CPU 54a proceeds to S270. On the other hand, if the 72V permission information has been received, the CPU 54a outputs a 72V voltage at S260 and proceeds to S270. Specifically, the CPU 54a turns on the first to third transistors 201 to 203 and turns off the fourth to seventh transistors 204 to 207.

[0136] When proceeding to S270, the CPU 54a determines, in the same manner as at S210, whether or not the dual-port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2. Here, if the dual-port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2, the CPU 54a proceeds to S250. On the other hand, if the dual-port adapter 3 is not connected to the power supply device 2, the CPU 54a stops voltage output at S280 and proceeds to S210.

[0137] Also, at S230, if data communication is not being performed with the dual-port adapter 3, the CPU 54a proceeds to S290. Also, at S240, if 72V-compatible information has not been received, the CPU 54a proceeds to S290.

[0138] When proceeding to S290, the CPU 54a determines, in the same manner as at S210, whether or not the dual-port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2. Here, if the dual-port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2, the CPU 54a waits by repeating the process of S290 until the dual-port adapter 3 is not connected to the power supply device 2.

[0139] Then, when the dual-port adapter 3 is not connected to the power supply device 2, the CPU 54a proceeds to S280. Such a power supply device 2 can switch and output a first voltage and a second voltage based on an electrical signal output from a two - port adapter 3 connected to the electric working machine 4. Thereby, when using a high - output electric working machine, the power supply device 2 can output the first voltage, and when using a low - output electric working machine, the power supply device 2 can output the second voltage. For this reason, the power supply device 2 can support the power supply of both the low - output electric working machine and the high - output electric working machine, and can improve the convenience for users who use both the low - output electric working machine and the high - output electric working machine.

[0140] The user does not need to operate the power supply device 2 to output the second voltage, and the convenience for the user can be further improved. The power supply device 2 can obtain, through data communication, an electrical signal for switching between the first voltage and the second voltage from the two - port adapter 3.

[0141] When data communication is established between the power supply device 2 and the two - port adapter 3 and a preset voltage - switching condition is satisfied, the power supply device 2 outputs the first voltage. The voltage - switching condition in this embodiment is to receive 72V permission information from the two - port adapter 3. Such a power supply device 2 eliminates the need for the user to operate the power supply device to output the first voltage, and can further improve the convenience for the user.

[0142] The power supply device 2 can switch the output voltage between the first voltage and the second voltage by switching between a first current - conducting path and a second current - conducting path. The power supply device 2 can suppress the occurrence of a situation where the positive and negative electrodes are short - circuited in the first battery 51 and the second battery 52.

[0143] The power supply device 2 can perform data communication with external devices different from the two - port adapter 3 (for example, a battery checker 216 and a charger 217). The power supply device 2 can charge the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 using the charger 217.

[0144] The power supply device 2 can perform data communication with the charger 217. Since the positive electrode terminal 211 is connected to the intermediate voltage line 66 and the negative electrode terminal 212 is connected to the negative electrode line 65, the power supply device 2 can charge the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 individually.

[0145] In the embodiment described above, the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 correspond to an example of at least two battery units in the present disclosure, the dual-port adapter 3 corresponds to an example of the adapter in the present disclosure, and the battery mounting portion 13 corresponds to an example of the mounting portion in the present disclosure.

[0146] Also, the built-in battery 50 corresponds to an example of the voltage output unit in the present disclosure, the battery MPU 54 corresponds to an example of the output control unit in the present disclosure, and the battery communication unit 61 corresponds to an example of the communication unit in the present disclosure.

[0147] Also, the path from the positive electrode of the first battery 51 to the first terminal 191 via the first transistor 201 and the path from the negative electrode of the second battery 52 to the second terminal 192 correspond to an example of the first energization path in the present disclosure.

[0148] Also, the path from the positive electrode of the first battery 51 to the first terminal 191 via the first transistor 201 and the path from the negative electrode of the first battery 51 to the third terminal 193 via the third transistor 203 correspond to an example of the second energization path in the present disclosure.

[0149] Also, the path from the positive electrode of the second battery 52 to the third terminal 193 via the second transistor 202 and the third transistor 203 and the path from the negative electrode of the second battery 52 to the second terminal 192 correspond to an example of the second energization path in the present disclosure.

[0150] In addition, the first to seventh transistors 201 to 207 correspond to an example of a switching circuit in the present disclosure, the first battery 51 corresponds to an example of a first battery unit in the present disclosure, and the second battery 52 corresponds to an example of a second battery unit in the present disclosure.

[0151] In addition, the third transistor 203 corresponds to an example of a first switch in the present disclosure, the fifth transistor 205 corresponds to an example of a second switch in the present disclosure, the second transistor 202 corresponds to an example of a third switch in the present disclosure, and the fourth transistor 204 corresponds to an example of a fourth switch in the present disclosure.

[0152] In addition, the second interlock circuit 222 corresponds to an example of a first interlock circuit in the present disclosure, and the third interlock circuit 223 corresponds to an example of a second interlock circuit in the present disclosure.

[0153] In addition, the battery checker 216 and the charger 217 correspond to an example of an external device in the present disclosure, the charging connector 208 corresponds to an example of a connector in the present disclosure, the communication terminal 213 corresponds to an example of an external communication terminal in the present disclosure, and the power supply device 2 and the two-port adapter 3 correspond to an example of a power supply system in the present disclosure.

[0154] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, the parts different from the first embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals are given to the common configurations.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 13, the power supply system 1 of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it includes a first adapter 41 instead of the two-port adapter 3, and as shown in FIG. 14, the adapter connection control process is changed.

[0156] Next, the procedure of the adapter connection control process executed by the first adapter 41 will be described. The adapter connection control process is a process started when the first adapter MPU 141 is activated. When the adapter connection control process of the second embodiment is executed, the CPU 141a of the first adapter MPU 141 first transmits 36V compatibility information indicating that the first adapter 41 is compatible with a 36V voltage to the power supply device 2 at S410.

[0157] Next, the CPU 141a transmits 72V prohibition information to the power supply device 2 at S420. Then, at S430, the CPU 141a determines whether the first adapter 41 is connected to the first mounting portion 13a of the electric working machine 4 based on the connection detection signal from the device connection detection unit 147. Here, when the first adapter 41 is not connected, the CPU 141a waits until the first adapter 41 is connected by repeating the process of S430.

[0158] When the first adapter 41 is connected, the CPU 141a performs transmission and reception of current output setting information at S440. Furthermore, the CPU 141a determines at S450 whether the first adapter 41 is connected to the electric working machine 4. Here, when the first adapter 41 is connected to the electric working machine 4, the CPU 141a proceeds to S440. On the other hand, when the first adapter 41 is not connected to the electric working machine 4, the CPU 141a proceeds to S430.

[0159] In the embodiment described above, the first adapter 41 corresponds to an example of the adapter in the present disclosure. [Third Embodiment] The third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the third embodiment, the parts different from the first embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals are given to the common configurations.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 15, the power supply system 1 of the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it includes a single - port adapter 6 instead of the two - port adapter 3 and the configuration of the battery mounting portion 13 is changed.

[0161] The single-port adapter 6 differs from the two-port adapter 3 of the first embodiment in that the second adapter 42 and the relay cord 43 are omitted from the two-port adapter 3. Note that the power supply device 2 of the third embodiment outputs a 36V voltage in the same manner as the first embodiment. That is, when outputting a 36V voltage from the first battery 51, the battery MPU 54 turns on the fourth to sixth transistors 204 to 206 and turns off the first to third and seventh transistors 201 to 203, 207. Also, when outputting a 36V voltage from the second battery 52, the battery MPU 54 turns on the second, third, and sixth transistors 202, 203, 206 and turns off the first, fourth, fifth, and seventh transistors 201, 204, 205, 207. Note that the battery MPU 54 selects the battery with the higher open-circuit voltage between the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 and outputs a 36V voltage. Also, the battery MPU 54 may turn off the sixth transistor 206 when outputting a 36V voltage.

[0162] Also, the battery mounting portion 13 of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second mounting portion 13b is omitted. [Fourth Embodiment] The fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the fourth embodiment, the parts different from the first embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals are given to the common configurations.

[0163] The power supply system 1 of the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the configurations of the two-port adapter 3 and the battery mounting portion 13 are changed, and the control method of the first to seventh transistors 201 to 207 is changed.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 16, the first adapter 41 of the two-port adapter 3 and the first mounting portion 13a of the battery mounting portion 13 of the fourth embodiment differ from the first embodiment in that the number of terminals for connecting to each other is reduced. Note that the first adapter 41 of the fourth embodiment includes at least a positive electrode terminal 91 and a negative electrode terminal 92. Since the interfaces of the two-port adapter 3 of the first embodiment and the two-port adapter 3 of the fourth embodiment are different, they are not compatible.

[0165] The second adapter 42 of the two-port adapter 3 and the second mounting portion 13b of the battery mounting portion 13 in the fourth embodiment are different from the first embodiment in that the number of terminals for connecting to each other is reduced. Note that the second adapter 42 in the fourth embodiment includes at least a positive terminal 101 and a negative terminal 102.

[0166] Also, when the battery MPU 54 outputs a 36V voltage from the first battery 51, the fourth to sixth transistors 204 to 206 are turned on, and the first transistor 201, the second transistor 202, the third transistor 203, and the seventh transistor 207 are turned off. As a result, the negative terminal 72 of the power connector 33 becomes 0V, the intermediate voltage terminal 73 becomes 36V, and the positive terminal 71 becomes 18V.

[0167] Also, when the battery MPU 54 outputs a 36V voltage from the second battery 52, the battery MPU 54 turns on the second transistor 202, the third transistor 203, and the sixth transistor 206, and turns off the first transistor 201, the fourth transistor 204, the fifth transistor 205, and the seventh transistor 207. As a result, the negative terminal 72 of the power connector 33 becomes 0V, the intermediate voltage terminal 73 becomes 36V, and the positive terminal 71 becomes 18V.

[0168] As described above, one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications. For example, in the above embodiment, a form in which the first voltage is 72V and the second voltage is 36V is shown. However, the first voltage may exceed 42V, or the second voltage may be 42V or less.

[0169] The plurality of functions of one component in the above-described embodiment may be realized by a plurality of components, or one function of one component may be realized by a plurality of components. Also, the plurality of functions of a plurality of components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by a plurality of components may be realized by one component. Further, a part of the configuration of the above-described embodiment may be omitted. Also, at least a part of the configuration of the above-described embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configuration of another of the above-described embodiments.

[0170] In addition to the power supply device 2 described above, the present disclosure can also be realized in various forms such as a system having the power supply device 2 as a component, a program for causing a computer to function as the power supply device 2, a non-transitory tangible recording medium such as a semiconductor memory recording this program, and a power supply method.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0171] 2... Power supply device, 3... Two-port adapter, 4... Electric working machine, 13... Battery mounting portion, 50... Built-in battery, 51... First battery, 52... Second battery, 54... Battery MPU

Claims

1. A power supply device, at least two battery units built in the power supply device; a mounting portion configured to removably mount an adapter connected between the power supply device and an electric working machine; a voltage output portion configured to alternately output at least a first voltage and a second voltage lower than the first voltage using the at least two battery units; an output control portion configured to switch the voltage output by the voltage output portion between the first voltage and the second voltage based on an electrical signal output from the adapter mounted on the mounting portion; A power supply device comprising the above.

2. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein when the adapter transitions from a state of not being mounted on the mounting portion to a state of being mounted on the mounting portion, the output control portion causes the voltage output portion to output the second voltage.

3. The power supply device according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a communication portion configured to perform data communication with the adapter.

4. The power supply device according to claim 3, wherein when data communication is established with the adapter and a preset voltage switching condition is satisfied, the output control portion causes the voltage output portion to output the first voltage.

5. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the voltage output portion further comprises a first energization path for outputting the first voltage using the at least two battery units; a second energization path for outputting the second voltage using the at least two battery units; A switching circuit configured to alternatively switch between the first current path and the second current path A power supply device comprising the same. **Claim 6** The power supply device according to claim 5, wherein the at least two battery units include a first battery unit and a second battery unit, the voltage output unit further includes a first switch and a second switch disposed on a first short-circuit path from the positive electrode to the negative electrode of the first battery unit, a third switch and a fourth switch disposed on a second short-circuit path from the positive electrode to the negative electrode of the second battery unit, a first interlock circuit configured to control the first switch and the second switch so that the first switch and the second switch are not simultaneously in an on state, a second interlock circuit configured to control the third switch and the fourth switch so that the third switch and the fourth switch are not simultaneously in an on state A power supply device comprising the same. **Claim 7** The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising A connector for connecting to another device different from the adapter. **Claim 8** The power supply device according to claim 7, further comprising the connector is configured to be connectable to an external device, the connector includes an external communication terminal connected to the external device for performing data communication with the external device. **Claim 9** The power supply device according to claim 8, further comprising the connector is configured to be connectable to a charger configured to charge the at least two battery units. **Claim 10** The power supply device according to claim 9, wherein Data communication is performed between the power supply device and the charger via the external communication terminal of the connector.

11. The power supply device according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein The at least two battery units include a first battery unit and a second battery unit, and the negative electrode of the first battery unit is connected to the positive electrode of the second battery unit, so that the first battery unit and the second battery unit are connected in series with each other. The connector further includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The positive terminal is connected to an intermediate voltage line to which the voltage of the positive electrode of the second battery unit is applied via a charging switch. The negative terminal is connected to a negative line to which the voltage of the negative electrode of the second battery unit is applied.

12. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The first voltage exceeds 42V, and the second voltage is 42V or less.

13. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and The adapter A power supply system comprising.

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