Power supply system, power supply device, and adapter

Abstract

To improve convenience of a user who uses an electric-powered work machine.SOLUTION: A power supply feeding system according to one aspect in the disclosure comprises an electric-powered work machine, a power supply feeding apparatus and adaptors. The power supply feeding apparatus outputs power supply voltages. The adaptors are connected between the power supply feeding apparatus and the electric-powered work machine, which relay power supply voltages outputted from the power supply feeding apparatus to the electric-powered work machine. A work machine communication part of the electric-powered work machine performs digital communication through which voltage levels of electric signals sequentially vary between a high level and a low level with time in accordance with contents of communication, with the adaptors. A power supply communication part of the power supply feeding apparatus performs digital communication with the adaptors. Adaptor communication parts of the adaptors perform digital communication with the electric-powered work machine and perform digital communication with the power supply feeding apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply system, a power supply device, and an adapter that supply a power supply voltage to a power-operated work machine.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a power supply device that houses a plurality of battery packs and outputs a power supply voltage suitable for a connected adapter based on adapter identification information acquired from the connected adapter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a power-operated work machine configured to control discharge from a power supply device based on discharge control parameters transmitted and received in digital communication with the power supply device, there has been a case where the power-operated work machine cannot be properly driven and convenience is impaired.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to improve the convenience of a user who uses a power-operated work machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A power supply system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a power-operated work machine, a power supply device, and an adapter. The power supply device is configured to output a power supply voltage for supplying to the power-operated work machine. The adapter is connected between the power supply device and the power-operated work machine and is configured to relay the power supply voltage output from the power supply device to the power-operated work machine.

[0007] The power-operated work machine includes a work machine communication unit. The work machine communication unit is configured to perform digital communication with an adapter, in which the voltage level of the electrical signal sequentially switches between a high level and a low level over time according to the communication content.

[0008] The power supply device includes a power supply communication unit. The power supply communication unit is configured to perform digital communication with an adapter. The adapter includes an adapter communication unit. The adapter communication unit is configured to perform digital communication with the power-operated work machine and perform digital communication with the power supply device.

[0009] Such a power supply system can perform data communication between the power supply device and the power-operated work machine via the adapter. As a result, the above-described power supply system can suppress the occurrence of a situation where the power-operated work machine cannot be appropriately driven without being able to transmit and receive discharge control parameters between the power supply device and the power-operated work machine, and can improve the convenience for the user who uses the power-operated work machine.

[0010] The power supply device according to another aspect of the present disclosure outputs a power supply voltage for supplying to a power-operated work machine, and includes an adapter mounting portion and a power supply communication unit. The adapter mounting portion is connected between the power supply device and the power-operated work machine, and is configured such that an adapter that relays the power supply voltage output from the power supply device to the power-operated work machine is detachably mounted.

[0011] The power supply communication unit is configured to perform digital communication with an adapter, in which the voltage level of the electrical signal sequentially switches between a high level and a low level over time according to the communication content.

[0012] Such a power supply device is a power supply device used in the above-described power supply system and can exhibit the same effects as the above-described power supply system. In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an adapter is connected between a power-operated work machine and a power supply device that outputs a power supply voltage for supplying the power-operated work machine, and includes a power supply mounting portion, a work machine mounting portion, and an adapter communication portion.

[0013] The power supply mounting portion is configured such that the power supply device can be detachably mounted. The work machine mounting portion is configured such that the power-operated work machine can be detachably mounted. The adapter communication portion is configured to perform digital communication with the power-operated work machine, in which the voltage level of an electrical signal sequentially switches between a high level and a low level over time according to the communication content, and to perform digital communication with the power supply device.

[0014] Such an adapter is an adapter used in the above-described power supply system and can exhibit the same effects as the above-described power supply system.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

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Figure 16

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] [Summary of Embodiments] The power supply system in a certain embodiment may include a power - operated work machine. Additionally / Alternatively, the power supply system may include a power supply device. The power supply device may be configured to output a power supply voltage for supplying to the power - operated work machine. Additionally / Alternatively, the power supply system may include an adapter. The adapter may be connected between the power supply device and the power - operated work machine and configured to relay the power supply voltage output from the power supply device to the power - operated work machine. Additionally / Alternatively, the power - operated work machine may include a work machine communication unit. The work machine communication unit may be configured to perform digital communication with the adapter, in which the voltage level of the electrical signal sequentially switches between high level and low level over time according to the communication content. Additionally / Alternatively, the power supply device may include a power supply communication unit. The power supply communication unit may be configured to perform digital communication with the adapter. Additionally / Alternatively, the adapter may include an adapter communication unit. The adapter communication unit may be configured to perform digital communication with the power - operated work machine and perform digital communication with the power supply device.

[0017] If a power supply system in a certain embodiment includes the above-described electric working machine, the above-described power supply device, and the above-described adapter, such a power supply system can improve the convenience for the user who uses the electric working machine.

[0018] In addition / Alternatively, the first communication protocol for digital communication between the power communication unit and the adapter communication unit may be different from the second communication protocol for digital communication between the working machine communication unit and the adapter communication unit. Such a power supply system can perform appropriate data communication between the power communication unit and the adapter communication unit, and between the working machine communication unit and the adapter communication unit, respectively.

[0019] In addition / Alternatively, the power supply device may be configured to alternatively output, as the power voltage, at least 0V, a first voltage higher than 0V, and a second voltage higher than 0V and lower than the first voltage, according to the connection status with the adapter and the electric working machine. Such a power supply system can output an appropriate power voltage according to the connection status with the adapter and the electric working machine.

[0020] In addition / Alternatively, the power supply device may be configured to output the second voltage when detecting that the adapter is connected to the power supply device. Such a power supply system can prevent the output of a first voltage higher than the second voltage from the mounting portion (hereinafter referred to as the working machine mounting portion) provided on the adapter side for mounting the electric working machine when the adapter is not mounted on the electric working machine. Thereby, even when a short circuit occurs due to water adhering to the working machine mounting portion, the power supply system can suppress a short circuit at a high voltage and suppress damage to the adapter. Also, even if a voltage is generated outside the adapter through water, since the voltage is low, the influence on other contacting objects can be suppressed. Further, such a power supply system can suppress the wasteful output of the power voltage when the adapter is not connected to the power supply device, and can reduce power consumption.

[0021] In addition to and / or, the power supply device may be configured to obtain voltage correspondence information indicating the voltage supported by the adapter by performing digital communication with the adapter. Such a power supply system can recognize the voltage supported by the adapter on the power supply device side.

[0022] In addition to and / or, the power supply device may be configured to determine whether to maintain the output power supply voltage at the second voltage or switch it from the second voltage to the first voltage based on the obtained voltage correspondence information. Such a power supply system can output an appropriate power supply voltage according to the adapter.

[0023] In addition to and / or, when the power supply device determines to switch from the second voltage to the first voltage, it may be configured to switch from the second voltage to the first voltage after the adapter is connected to the electric working machine. Such a power supply system can suppress the wasteful output of the first voltage when the electric working machine is not connected to the adapter and reduce power consumption.

[0024] In addition to and / or, the adapter corresponding to the first voltage may be composed of a first adapter and a second adapter. Such a power supply system can perform power supply using both the first adapter and the second adapter and power supply using either one of the first adapter and the second adapter.

[0025] In addition to and / or, the first adapter may be connected in series with the second adapter. Such a power supply system can output the first voltage by using both the first adapter and the second adapter, and can output the second voltage by using either one of the first adapter and the second adapter.

[0026] In addition to and / or, the electric working machine may further include a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The first mounting portion may be configured such that the first adapter can be detachably mounted thereon. The second mounting portion may be configured such that the second adapter can be detachably mounted thereon. In addition to and / or, the first mounting portion may further include a first working machine positive terminal and a first working machine negative terminal to which a power supply voltage is supplied from the first adapter. In addition to and / or, the second mounting portion may further include a second working machine positive terminal and a second working machine negative terminal to which a power supply voltage is supplied from the second adapter. In addition to and / or, the first working machine negative terminal may be connected to the second working machine positive terminal. In addition to and / or, the first adapter may further include a first adapter positive terminal and a first adapter negative terminal. The first adapter positive terminal may be connected to the first working machine positive terminal when mounted on the first mounting portion. The first adapter negative terminal may be connected to the first working machine negative terminal when mounted on the first mounting portion. In addition to and / or, the second adapter may further include a second adapter positive terminal and a second adapter negative terminal. The second adapter positive terminal may be connected to the second working machine positive terminal when mounted on the second mounting portion. The second adapter negative terminal may be connected to the second working machine negative terminal when mounted on the second mounting portion. In addition to and / or, the adapter may be configured to detect that the first adapter is mounted on the first mounting portion based on the voltage of the first adapter negative terminal. Such a power supply system can detect that the first adapter is mounted on the first mounting portion when the first adapter is further mounted on the first mounting portion while the second adapter is mounted on the second mounting portion.

[0027] In addition to and / or, the first adapter and the second adapter may each include a microcomputer. Such a power supply system can cause the first adapter and the second adapter to execute arithmetic processing using a program.

[0028] Additionally / alternatively, the ground of the microcomputer of the first adapter may be common with the ground of the microcomputer of the second adapter. Such a power supply system can make the reference voltages match between the microcomputer of the first adapter and the microcomputer of the second adapter.

[0029] Additionally / alternatively, the power supply system may further include a level shift circuit. The level shift circuit may be configured to shift the voltage level of an electrical signal transmitted and received by digital communication between the first adapter and the power-operated work machine. Such a power supply system can perform appropriate digital communication between the first adapter and the power-operated work machine even when the reference voltages do not match between the first adapter and the power-operated work machine.

[0030] Additionally / alternatively, the first adapter may be configured to output a discharge prohibition signal input from the power supply device to the adapter to the power-operated work machine. Such a power supply system can reduce the processing load of the second adapter.

[0031] Additionally / alternatively, the second adapter may further include a temperature detection unit. The temperature detection unit may be configured to detect the temperature of the cord housed within the second adapter. Such a power supply system can simplify the configuration of the first adapter.

[0032] In one embodiment, the power supply device may output a power supply voltage for supplying an electric working machine and may include an adapter mounting portion. The adapter mounting portion may be configured such that an adapter that is connected between the power supply device and the electric working machine and relays the power supply voltage output from the power supply device to the electric working machine can be detachably mounted. Additionally / Alternatively, the power supply device may include a power supply communication portion. The power supply communication portion may be configured to perform digital communication with the adapter in which the voltage level of an electrical signal sequentially switches between a high level and a low level over time according to the communication content. Such a power supply device is a power supply device used in the above-described power supply system and can improve the convenience for a user who uses the electric working machine.

[0033] In one embodiment, an adapter is connected between an electric working machine and a power supply device that outputs a power supply voltage for supplying the electric working machine, and may include a power supply mounting portion. The power supply mounting portion may be configured such that the power supply device can be detachably mounted. Additionally / Alternatively, the adapter may include a working machine mounting portion. The working machine mounting portion may be configured such that the electric working machine can be detachably mounted. Additionally / Alternatively, the adapter may include an adapter communication portion. The adapter communication portion may be configured to perform digital communication with the electric working machine in which the voltage level of an electrical signal sequentially switches between a high level and a low level over time according to the communication content, and to perform digital communication with the power supply device. Such an adapter is an adapter used in the above-described power supply system and can improve the convenience for a user who uses the electric working machine.

[0034] In one embodiment, the above-described features may be combined in any manner. In one 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.

[0035] 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 a power - operated work machine 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the power - operated work machine 4 of the present embodiment is, for example, in the form of a lawn mower, and includes a motor unit 11 and a shaft pipe 12 connected to the first end of the motor unit 11.

[0036] The motor unit 11 houses a motor 23 (described later) and a control unit 24 (described later) for controlling the motor 23 inside the motor unit 11. The power - operated work machine 4 includes a battery mounting portion 13 attached to the second end of the motor unit 11. The first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 are detachably mounted on the battery mounting portion 13.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The power - operated work machine 4 includes a first display portion 14 and a second display portion 15 attached to the outer cover of the motor unit 11. The first display portion 14 displays the state of the first battery pack 21. The second display portion 15 displays the state of the second battery pack 22.

[0039] 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 a 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.

[0040] 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. By rotating, the cutter 17 can cut grass, small - diameter trees, etc.

[0041] The electric working machine 4 is provided with 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 ends of the U shape.

[0042] The electric working machine 4 is provided with 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 is pressing it down.

[0043] Inside the shaft pipe 12, a drive 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 drive force of the motor 23 is transmitted to the cutter 17 via the transmission shaft and the plurality of gears.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The pair of backpack belts 32 are attached to the main body portion 31 so that the operator can carry the main body portion 31 on the 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 connected to the power connector 33. The adapter cord 45 connects the adapter connector 44 and the first adapter 41 to each other.

[0048] The battery mounting portion 13 includes a first mounting portion 13a on which the first battery pack 21 is mounted and a second mounting portion 13b on which the second battery pack 22 is mounted. The first adapter 41 is detachably mounted on the first mounting portion 13a. The second adapter 42 is detachably mounted on the second mounting portion 13b.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, the built - in battery 50 built in the main body portion 31 of the power supply device 2 includes a first battery 51, a second battery 52, a power circuit 53, a battery MPU 54, a first current detection circuit 55, a first AFE 56, a second AFE 57, a first temperature detection unit 58, a second temperature detection unit 59, a discharge control unit 60, a battery communication unit 61, an identification unit 62, a display unit 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 an abbreviation for Micro Processing Unit. AFE is an abbreviation for Analog Front End.

[0050] The power 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 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.

[0051] Each of the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 includes a plurality of secondary battery cells (not shown) connected in series with 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The power supply circuit 53 generates an internal voltage for operating various circuits including the battery MPU 54, the first AFE 56, and the second AFE 57 by receiving power supply from the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 via the positive electrode line 64.

[0054] 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. Further, by executing this program, a method corresponding to the program is executed. Note that some 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.

[0055] 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 of 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.

[0056] The first AFE 56 and the second AFE 57 are analog circuits and are configured to be communicable with the battery MPU 54. The first AFE 56 and the second AFE 57 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 MPU 54, or execute a cell balancing process for equalizing the remaining capacities of a plurality of secondary batteries.

[0057] The first AFE 56 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 MPU 54. The second AFE 57 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 MPU 54.

[0058] 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 MPU 54.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The identification unit 62 acquires the adapter ID of the dual - port adapter 3 and outputs the acquired adapter ID to the battery MPU 54. The identification unit 62 is connected to the sixth terminal 196 via the identification line 69.

[0061] 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 MPU 54. The first terminal 191 is connected to the positive - terminal 71 of the power connector 33 via the positive - electrode line 81. The second terminal 192 is connected to the negative - terminal 72 of the power connector 33 via the negative - electrode 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.

[0062] The battery MPU 54 determines whether the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 are in a discharge - enabled 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 discharge - enabled state, the battery MPU 54 outputs a discharge - permission signal that permits discharge from the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 to the discharge control unit 60. Also, when the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 are not in a discharge - enabled state, the battery MPU 54 outputs a discharge - prohibition signal that prohibits 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 dual - port adapter 3 via the signal line 84 and the signal terminal 74.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, the first adapter 41 of the two - port adapter 3 includes a positive - electrode terminal 91, a negative - electrode 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 - electrode terminal 101, a negative - electrode terminal 102, a signal terminal 103, a communication terminal 104, a detection terminal 105, and an internal circuit 106.

[0064] The relay cord 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.

[0065] The adapter cord 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The positive terminal 91 of the first adapter 41 is connected to the positive terminal 121 of the adapter connector 44 via the positive line 131. The negative 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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 electronic components such as one or more ICs. Also, the first adapter MPU 141 may include one or more microcomputers.

[0073] 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.

[0074] The voltage detection unit 143 detects the value of the voltage 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 a discharge permission signal or a discharge prohibition signal input via the signal terminal 124 and the signal line 134 to the first adapter MPU 141.

[0075] 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.

[0076] The device 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.

[0077] 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 via the communication terminal 94 based on the second communication protocol. The second communication protocol is a communication protocol with a larger amount of communication data than the first communication protocol.

[0078] 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 terminal 92, and outputs a connection detection signal indicating the detection result to the first adapter MPU 141.

[0079] 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. Further, by executing this program, a method corresponding to the program is executed. Note that some or all of the functions executed by the CPU 151a may be achieved by one or more electronic components such as an IC. Also, the second adapter MPU 151 may include one or more microcomputers.

[0080] 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.

[0081] The voltage detection unit 153 detects the value of the voltage 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] The device connection detection unit 157 detects whether the power-operated work machine 4 is connected based on the voltage of the detection terminal 105, and outputs a connection detection signal indicating the detection result to the second adapter MPU 151.

[0085] The discharge control unit 158 outputs the discharge permission signal or the discharge prohibition signal input from the second adapter MPU 151 to the power-operated work machine 4 via the signal terminal 103. The adapter communication unit 159 performs serial communication with the power-operated work machine 4 based on the second communication protocol via the communication terminal 104.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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. Further, 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.

[0089] The control unit 24 includes a working machine MPU 171, a drive circuit 172, a gate circuit 173, a positive line 174, a negative 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 working machine communication unit 181, a display unit 182, a voltage detection unit 183, a battery detection unit 184, a discharge control unit 185, a working machine communication unit 186, and a display unit 187.

[0090] The positive terminal 161 is connected to the drive circuit 172 and the gate circuit 173 via the positive line 174. The negative 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 implement communication unit 181. The detection terminal 165 is connected to the battery detection unit 179. The positive terminal 166 is connected to the voltage detection unit 183. The negative terminal 167 is connected to the drive circuit 172 and the gate circuit 173 via the negative line 175. The signal terminal 168 is connected to the discharge control unit 185. The communication terminal 169 is connected to the work implement communication unit 186. The detection terminal 170 is connected to the battery detection unit 184.

[0091] The work implement 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. 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 171a may be achieved by one or more electronic components such as an IC. Further, the work implement MPU 171 may include one or more microcomputers.

[0092] 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).

[0093] The gate circuit 173 is a circuit that turns on / off each switching element in the drive circuit 172 according to a control signal output from the work implement MPU 171, supplies current to each phase winding of the motor 23, and rotates the motor 23.

[0094] 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 machine MPU 171.

[0095] The power supply circuit 177 receives power supply from the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 via the positive electrode line 174, and generates an internal voltage for operating various circuits including the work machine MPU 171.

[0096] 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 machine 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 machine MPU 171.

[0097] The discharge control unit 180 outputs the discharge permission signal or the discharge prohibition signal input via the signal terminal 163 to the work machine MPU 171. The work machine communication unit 181 performs serial communication with the adapter communication unit 149 via the communication terminal 164 based on the second communication protocol.

[0098] 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.

[0099] The voltage detection unit 183 detects the values of the voltages 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.

[0100] The discharge control unit 185 outputs the discharge permission signal or the discharge prohibition signal input via the signal terminal 168 to the work implement MPU 171. The work implement communication unit 186 performs data communication with the adapter communication unit 159 via the communication terminal 169.

[0101] The display unit 187 displays the remaining capacity of the second battery 52 based on an instruction from the work implement MPU 171. The work implement MPU 171 receives the 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.

[0102] 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 implement 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.

[0103] 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 electrode 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 electrode 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 electrode 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.

[0104] The negative electrode terminal 212 is connected to the negative electrode of the first battery 51 via the fourth transistor 204. The negative electrode 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.

[0105] 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. Further, 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] The first terminal 191 is connected to the positive terminal 71 of the power connector 33 via the positive line 81. The first terminal 191 is also connected to the positive electrode of the first battery 51 via the first transistor 201.

[0108] The second terminal 192 is connected to the negative terminal 72 via the negative line 82. The second terminal 192 is also 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] The first to seventh transistors 201 to 207 in the present embodiment are in the form of N-channel metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs). The first transistor 201 has its drain connected to the positive electrode of the first battery 51 and its source connected to the first terminal 191.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] When the second battery 52 outputs a 36V voltage, 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.

[0117] 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, 206.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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 of the first voltage application circuit 235 and the second voltage application circuit 236 becomes high level, they 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 of the first voltage application circuit 235 and the second voltage application circuit 236 becomes low level, they output a low level voltage capable of turning off the first to sixth transistors 201 to 206 from their respective voltage output terminals.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] Also, when switching from the state where the first transistor 201 is in the on state (i.e., the state where the sixth transistor 206 is in the off state) to the state where the first transistor 201 is in the off state (i.e., the state where the sixth transistor 206 is in the on state), 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.

[0125] The second interlock circuit 222, similar to 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. 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 in this way can prevent the third transistor 203 and the fifth transistor 205 from being simultaneously in the on state.

[0126] The third interlock circuit 223, similar to 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. 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 simultaneously in the on state.

[0127] 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 electric working machine 4 are at the same potential with each other. 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 working machine MPU 171 in the electric working machine 4 are at the same potential with each other.

[0128] The first adapter 41 includes a first level shift circuit 241, and the electric working 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 working machine communication unit 181 in the electric working machine 4.

[0129] Also, the second level shift circuit 242 raises the voltage level of the digital signal output from the working machine communication unit 181 in the electric working machine 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.

[0130] 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 that starts when the first and second adapter MPUs 141 and 151 are activated.

[0131] When the adapter connection control process is executed, the CPUs 141a and 151a of the first and second adapters MPU 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, ROMs 141b and 151b. The operation pattern identification information stored in ROM 141b indicates that it is a master, and the operation pattern identification information stored in ROM 151b indicates that it is a slave.

[0132] Next, at S20, the CPUs 141a and 151a determine whether it is a master based on the acquired operation pattern identification information. Here, if it is not a master, the CPUs 141a and 151a proceed 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.

[0133] When proceeding 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, if the second adapter 42 is not connected, the CPU 151a repeats the process of S30 and waits until the second adapter 42 is connected. When the second adapter 42 is connected, the CPU 151a transmits the second connection information indicating that the second adapter 42 is connected to the first adapter 41 at S40.

[0134] Furthermore, at S50, in the same manner as at S30, the CPU 151a determines 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 repeats the process at S50 and waits until the second adapter 42 is not connected to the second mounting portion 13b. Then, when the second adapter 42 is not connected to the second mounting portion 13b, the CPU 151a transmits, at S60, second non-connection information indicating that the second adapter 42 is not connected to the first adapter 41 and proceeds to S30.

[0135] Also, at S20, if it is the master, the CPUs 141a and 151a proceed to S70. In this embodiment, since the first adapter 41 is the master, the processes from S70 to S140 described later are executed by the CPU 141a.

[0136] When proceeding to S70, the CPU 141a transmits 72V compatibility information indicating that the dual-port adapter 3 is compatible with a 72V voltage to the power supply device 2. Next, at S80, the CPU 141a transmits 72V prohibition information indicating that the output of the 72V voltage is prohibited to the power supply device 2.

[0137] Then, at S90, the CPU 141a determines whether it has received the second connection information from the second adapter 42. Here, when the second connection information has not been received, the CPU 141a repeats the process at S90 and waits until the second connection information is received. Then, when the second connection information is received, at S100, based on the connection detection signal from the connection detection unit 150, the CPU 141a determines whether the first adapter 41 is connected to the first mounting portion 13a of the electric working machine 4. Here, when the first adapter 41 is not connected, the CPU 141a repeats the process at S100 and waits until the first adapter 41 is connected.

[0138] 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 current output setting information from the electric working machine 4, it transmits the received current output setting information to the power supply device 2. 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.

[0139] Then, at S130, the CPU 141a determines 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.

[0140] Here, when 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, when 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.

[0141] 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, at S210 as shown in FIG. 12, whether the two-port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2. Specifically, when the CPU 54a acquires the adapter ID via the identification unit 62, it determines that the two-port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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 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 to output a 36V voltage from the second battery 52.

[0144] Next, the CPU 54a determines at S230 whether data communication has been performed with the dual-port adapter 3. Here, when data communication has been performed with the dual-port adapter 3, the CPU 54a determines at S240 whether 72V correspondence information has been received from the dual-port adapter 3.

[0145] Here, when the 72V correspondence information is received, the CPU 54a determines at S250 whether 72V permission information has been received from the dual-port adapter 3. Here, when the 72V permission information has not been received, the CPU 54a proceeds to S270. On the other hand, when the 72V permission information is 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.

[0146] When shifting to S270, the CPU 54a determines, in the same manner as in S210, whether the two - port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2. Here, if the two - port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2, the CPU 54a shifts to S250. On the other hand, if the two - port adapter 3 is not connected to the power supply device 2, the CPU 54a stops the voltage output at S280 and shifts to S210.

[0147] Also, at S230, if data communication is not being performed with the two - port adapter 3, the CPU 54a shifts to S290. Also, at S240, if the 72V - compatible information has not been received, the CPU 54a shifts to S290.

[0148] When shifting to S290, the CPU 54a determines, in the same manner as in S210, whether the two - port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2. Here, if the two - port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2, the CPU 54a waits by repeating the processing of S290 until the two - port adapter 3 is not connected to the power supply device 2.

[0149] Then, when the two - port adapter 3 is not connected to the power supply device 2, the CPU 54a shifts to S280. Such a power supply system 1 can perform data communication between the power supply device 2 and the electric working machine 4 via the two - port adapter 3. Thereby, the power supply system 1 suppresses the occurrence of a situation where it is impossible to appropriately drive the electric working machine 4 without being able to transmit and receive discharge control parameters (for example, current output setting information) between the power supply device 2 and the electric working machine 4, and can improve the convenience for the user who uses the electric working machine 4.

[0150] The power supply system 1 can perform appropriate data communication between the battery communication unit 61 and the adapter communication unit 145, and between the working machine communication units 181, 186 and the adapter communication units 149, 159, respectively.

[0151] The power supply system 1 can output an appropriate power supply voltage according to the connection status with the two - port adapter 3 and the electric working machine 4. Even when a short - circuit occurs due to water adhering to the exposed terminals 91 - 95 when the power supply system 1 is not attached to the electric working machine 4, the power supply system 1 can suppress a short - circuit at 72V and suppress damage to the first adapter 41.

[0152] The power supply system 1 can suppress the unnecessary output of the first voltage or the second voltage and reduce power consumption. The power supply system 1 can output an appropriate power supply voltage according to the two - port adapter 3.

[0153] The power supply system 1 can perform power supply using both the first adapter 41 and the second adapter 42, and power supply using either the first adapter 41 or the second adapter 42.

[0154] The power supply system 1 can output the first voltage by using both the first adapter 41 and the second adapter 42, and output the second voltage by using either the first adapter 41 or the second adapter 42.

[0155] When the first adapter 41 is further attached to the first attachment portion 13a while the second adapter 42 is attached to the second attachment portion 13b, the power supply system 1 can detect that the first adapter 41 has been attached to the first attachment portion 13a.

[0156] The power supply system 1 can cause the first adapter 41 and the second adapter 42 to execute arithmetic processing using a program. The power supply system 1 can make the reference voltages match between the microcomputer 141d of the first adapter 41 and the microcomputer 151d of the second adapter 42.

[0157] Even when the reference voltages of the first adapter 41 and the electric working machine 4 do not match, the power supply system 1 can perform appropriate digital communication between the first adapter 41 and the electric working machine 4.

[0158] Since the first adapter 41 outputs the discharge prohibition signal input from the power supply device 2 to the two - port adapter 3 to the electric working machine 4, the power supply system 1 can reduce the processing load of the second adapter 42.

[0159] Since the second adapter 42 further includes a temperature detection unit 156, the power supply system 1 can simplify the configuration of the first adapter 41. In the embodiment described above, the two - port adapter 3 corresponds to an example of the adapter in the present disclosure, the battery communication unit 61 corresponds to an example of the power supply communication unit in the present disclosure, and the 72V - compatible information corresponds to an example of the voltage - compatible information in the present disclosure.

[0160] Also, the positive terminal 161 corresponds to an example of the first working machine positive terminal in the present disclosure, the negative terminal 162 corresponds to an example of the first working machine negative terminal in the present disclosure, the positive terminal 166 corresponds to an example of the second working machine positive terminal in the present disclosure, and the negative terminal 167 corresponds to an example of the second working machine negative terminal in the present disclosure.

[0161] Also, the positive terminal 91 corresponds to an example of the first adapter positive terminal in the present disclosure, the negative terminal 92 corresponds to an example of the first adapter negative terminal in the present disclosure, the positive terminal 101 corresponds to an example of the second adapter positive terminal in the present disclosure, and the negative terminal 102 corresponds to an example of the second adapter negative terminal in the present disclosure.

[0162] Also, the power connector 33 corresponds to an example of the adapter mounting portion in the present disclosure, the adapter connector 44 corresponds to an example of the power supply mounting portion in the present disclosure, and the terminals 91 - 95 and the terminals 101 - 105 correspond to an example of the working machine mounting portion in the present disclosure.

[0163] [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.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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 that starts 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.

[0166] Next, the CPU 141a transmits 72V prohibition information to the power supply device 2 at S420. Then, based on the connection detection signal from the device connection detection unit 147 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. 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] Such a power supply system 1 can perform data communication between a power supply device 2 and a power-operated work machine 4 via a first adapter 41. As a result, the power supply system 1 can suppress the occurrence of a situation where it is impossible to appropriately drive the power-operated work machine 4 without being able to transmit and receive discharge control parameters (for example, current output setting information) between the power supply device 2 and the power-operated work machine 4, and can improve the convenience for the user who uses the power-operated work machine 4.

[0169] In the embodiment described above, the first adapter 41 corresponds to an example of the adapter in the present disclosure, and the 36V compatibility information corresponds to an example of the voltage compatibility information 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 will be given to the common configurations.

[0170] 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 dual-port adapter 3 and the configuration of the battery mounting portion 13 is changed.

[0171] The single-port adapter 6 is different from the dual-port adapter 3 of the first embodiment in that the second adapter 42 and the relay cord 43 are omitted from the dual-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. 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. 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, when outputting a 36V voltage, the battery MPU 54 may turn off the sixth transistor 206.

[0172] Further, the battery mounting portion 13 of the third embodiment is different 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.

[0173] The power supply system 1 of the fourth embodiment is different 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.

[0174] 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 in the fourth embodiment are different from the first embodiment in that the number of terminals for connecting to each other is reduced. The first adapter 41 of the fourth embodiment includes at least a positive terminal 91 and a negative 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 with each other.

[0175] 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. The second adapter 42 in the fourth embodiment includes at least a positive electrode terminal 101 and a negative electrode terminal 102.

[0176] 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 electrode terminal 72 of the power connector 33 becomes 0V, the intermediate voltage terminal 73 becomes 36V, and the positive electrode terminal 71 becomes 18V.

[0177] 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 electrode terminal 72 of the power connector 33 becomes 0V, the intermediate voltage terminal 73 becomes 36V, and the positive electrode terminal 71 becomes 18V.

[0178] 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 of performing serial communication between the power supply device 2 and the two-port adapter 3 and between the two-port adapter 3 and the electric working machine 4 is shown. However, the communication between the power supply device 2 and the two-port adapter 3 and the communication between the two-port adapter 3 and the electric working machine 4 may be digital communication in which the voltage level of the electrical signal sequentially switches between a high level and a low level over time according to the communication content. For example, parallel communication may be used.

[0179] A 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. Further, a plurality of functions of a plurality of components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by a plurality of components may be realized by one component. Further, a part of the configuration of the above-described embodiment may be omitted. Further, 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.

[0180] In addition to the power supply system 1 described above, the present disclosure can also be realized in various forms such as a system having the power supply system 1 as a component, a program for causing a computer to function as the power supply system 1, a non-transitory tangible recording medium such as a semiconductor memory recording this program, and a power supply method.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0181] 1... Power supply system, 2... Power supply device, 3... Two-port adapter, 4... Electric work machine, 33... Power connector, 44... Adapter connector, 61... Battery communication section, 91, 101... Positive electrode terminals, 92, 102... Negative electrode terminals, 93, 103... Signal terminals, 94, 104... Communication terminals, 95, 105... Detection terminals, 145, 149, 154, 159... Adapter communication sections, 181, 186... Work machine communication sections

Claims

1. An electric working machine, a power supply device configured to output a power supply voltage for supplying the electric working machine, and an adapter connected between the power supply device and the electric working machine and configured to relay the power supply voltage output from the power supply device to the electric working machine, wherein the electric working machine includes a working machine communication unit configured to perform digital communication with the adapter in which the voltage level of an electrical signal sequentially switches between a high level and a low level over time according to the communication content, the power supply device includes a power supply communication unit configured to perform the digital communication with the adapter, and the adapter includes an adapter communication unit configured to perform the digital communication with the electric working machine and perform the digital communication with the power supply device, a power supply system.

2. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein a first communication protocol of the digital communication between the power supply communication unit and the adapter communication unit is different from a second communication protocol of the digital communication between the working machine communication unit and the adapter communication unit, a power supply system.

3. The power supply system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the power supply device is configured to alternatively output, as the power supply voltage, at least 0V, a first voltage higher than 0V, and a second voltage higher than 0V and lower than the first voltage according to a connection state with the adapter and the electric working machine, a power supply system.

4. The power supply system according to claim 3, wherein the power supply device is configured to output the second voltage when detecting that the adapter is connected to the power supply device, a power supply system.

5. The power supply system according to claim 4, wherein the power supply device is configured to obtain voltage correspondence information indicating a voltage corresponding to the adapter by performing the digital communication with the adapter, a power supply system.

6. The power supply system according to claim 5, wherein the power supply device is configured to determine whether to maintain the output power supply voltage at the second voltage or switch the output power supply voltage from the second voltage to the first voltage based on the obtained voltage correspondence information, a power supply system.

7. The power supply system according to claim 6, When it is determined to switch from the second voltage to the first voltage, the power supply device is configured to switch from the second voltage to the first voltage after the adapter is connected to the power-operated work machine.

8. The power supply system according to any one of Claims 3 to 7, wherein the adapter corresponding to the first voltage is a power supply system composed of a first adapter and a second adapter.

9. The power supply system according to Claim 8, wherein the first adapter is a power supply system connected in series with the second adapter.

10. The power supply system according to Claim 9, wherein the power-operated work machine further includes a first mounting portion configured such that the first adapter is detachably mounted thereon, and a second mounting portion configured such that the second adapter is detachably mounted thereon, the first mounting portion further includes a first work machine positive terminal and a first work machine negative terminal to which the power supply voltage is supplied from the first adapter, the second mounting portion further includes a second work machine positive terminal and a second work machine negative terminal to which the power supply voltage is supplied from the second adapter, the first work machine negative terminal is connected to the second work machine positive terminal, the first adapter further includes a first adapter positive terminal connected to the first work machine positive terminal when mounted on the first mounting portion, and a first adapter negative terminal connected to the first work machine negative terminal when mounted on the first mounting portion, the second adapter further includes a second adapter positive terminal connected to the second work machine positive terminal when mounted on the second mounting portion, and a second adapter negative terminal connected to the second work machine negative terminal when mounted on the second mounting portion, the adapter is configured to detect that the first adapter is mounted on the first mounting portion based on the voltage of the first adapter negative terminal.

11. The power supply system according to any one of Claims 8 to 10, wherein each of the first adapter and the second adapter includes a microcomputer.

12. The power supply system according to Claim 11, wherein the ground of the microcomputer of the first adapter is common to the ground of the microcomputer of the second adapter.

13. The power supply system according to claim 12, further comprising: A power supply system comprising a level shift circuit configured to shift the voltage level of the electrical signal transmitted and received by the digital communication between the first adapter and the electric working machine.

14. The power supply system according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein: The first adapter is configured to output a discharge prohibition signal input to the adapter from the power supply device to the electric working machine.

15. The power supply system according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein: The second adapter further comprises a temperature detection unit configured to detect the temperature of the cord housed in the second adapter.

16. A power supply device that outputs a power supply voltage for supplying to an electric working machine, comprising: An adapter mounting portion configured such that an adapter that is connected between the power supply device and the electric working machine and relays the power supply voltage output from the power supply device to the electric working machine is detachably mounted; A power supply communication unit configured to perform digital communication in which the voltage level of an electrical signal sequentially switches between a high level and a low level over time according to the communication content with the adapter. A power supply device comprising the above.

17. An adapter connected between an electric working machine and a power supply device that outputs a power supply voltage for supplying to the electric working machine, comprising: A power supply mounting portion configured such that the power supply device is detachably mounted; A working machine mounting portion configured such that the electric working machine is detachably mounted; An adapter communication unit configured to perform digital communication in which the voltage level of an electrical signal sequentially switches between a high level and a low level over time according to the communication content with the electric working machine and to perform the digital communication with the power supply device. An adapter comprising the above.

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