Battery-type charging device, battery-type charging system, and high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery

Abstract

Provided are a charging system, an electricity storage-type charging device, and a high-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery with which it is possible to achieve size reduction using a simple configuration and to further reduce the charging time of a high-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery having a charging capacity that can drive an electronic device. The electricity storage-type charging device comprises: a charge object connection unit; a high-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery satisfying a high-current discharging specification; a compatible battery detection / switching unit; and a high-current passable current output path. The compatible battery detection / switching unit is provided in the high-current passable current output path. When detecting connection of a high-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery satisfying an in-use maximum voltage specification and a high-current charging specification to the charge object connection unit, the compatible battery detection / switching unit turns on to allow a high current to pass through the high-current passable current output path without the intervention of a voltage converter so that the high-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery can be charged with a high current output from the high-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery. The high current is a current corresponding to a rate of 10 C or higher with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power storage type charging device, a power storage type charging system, and a drive lithium ion battery capable of high current charging.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a charging system including an electric vehicle as an electric device and a charging device that charges a drive battery mounted on the electric vehicle. The charging device shown in Patent Document 1 includes a rectifier, a secondary battery for buffer, and a DC-DC converter. The secondary battery for buffer is a battery built in the charging device, and is, for example, a lithium ion battery. The charging device shown in Patent Document 1 is a power storage type charging device. First, in the first mode, power taken in from a commercial AC power supply through the rectifier is stored in the secondary battery for buffer. In the second mode, the voltage output from the secondary battery for buffer is stepped up or down by a DC-DC converter according to, for example, the voltage of a drive battery mounted on a vehicle, and supplied to the drive battery.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a power storage type charging device having a built-in battery. A battery to be charged by the power storage type charging device is charged through the built-in battery. The power storage type charging device of Patent Document 2 does not have a DC-DC converter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] There is a demand for storage-type charging devices that are simple in configuration and compact, while shortening the charging time of high-current rechargeable driving lithium-ion batteries that have a charging capacity sufficient to drive electrical devices.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an energy storage type charging device, a charging system, and a high-current rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can shorten the charging time of a high-current rechargeable lithium-ion battery having a charging capacity capable of driving an electrical device while being compact with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In the charging system having a storage type charging device shown in Patent Document 1, first, the storage type charging device charges an internal battery built into the storage type charging device itself with power supplied from an external source. Next, the storage type charging device supplies the power of the internal battery to a driving battery mounted on an electric device to charge the driving battery. When the driving battery discharges, the electric device is driven by the power output from the driving battery. The electric device is, for example, an electric vehicle, and the driving battery has a large charging capacity that can support the driving of the electric device.

[0008] The built-in battery of the storage type charging device outputs direct current. The drive battery of the electrical device receives a supply of direct current and is charged. The charging device in Patent Document 1 uses a DC-DC converter to step up or step down the voltage of the built-in battery before supplying power to the drive battery. This allows for adjustments to be made during the charging operation of the drive battery, which has a power capacity sufficient to drive an electric vehicle.

[0009] A DC-DC converter usually controls the output voltage by repeatedly accumulating and discharging instantaneous power in a power holding element such as a capacitance or an inductance by rapidly switching the on-off state of a switching element. Therefore, the current output by the DC-DC converter is subject to restrictions due to the electrical performance, thermal performance, and operating efficiency in the switching element and the power holding element. For this reason, when the power of the built-in battery in Patent Document 1 is supplied to the drive battery, the current output from the built-in battery may be restricted to a small amount with respect to the current that the built-in battery can output and the current that the drive battery can accept.

[0010] In the power storage type charging device of Patent Document 2, the built-in battery and the battery to be charged are connected without passing through a DC-DC converter. More specifically, the power storage type charging device of Patent Document 2 measures the voltage difference, which is the difference between the voltage of the built-in battery and the voltage of the battery to be charged, and when the voltage difference is equal to or less than the upper limit value, it supplies a current from the built-in battery to the battery to be charged for charging. The upper limit value is a value set to prevent overcurrent, that is, a large current from flowing into the battery to be charged. When the measured voltage difference is equal to or greater than the upper limit value, the power storage type charging device of Patent Document 2 does not perform charging with the power from the built-in battery and switches the path of the charging current via an AC-DC converter. In this way, the power storage type charging device of Patent Document 2 discriminates the charging state of the target battery by measuring the voltage difference and attempts to suppress a large current in the path without a DC-DC converter. In the power storage type charging device of Patent Document 2, the connection path changes according to the state of charge of the battery to be charged. That is, even when the same battery to be charged is connected, the connection path may change depending on the state of the battery at the time of connection. Further, in order to suppress the flow of a large current, the power storage type charging device of Patent Document 2 is required to measure the voltage difference between two batteries, namely, the built-in battery and the battery to be charged. For this reason, although the built-in battery and the battery to be charged may be connected without passing through a DC-DC converter, the structures of the power storage type charging device and the counterpart electrical device become complicated. Also, the charging time generally corresponds to the state of charge of the battery to be charged at the start of charging. It can be said that the state of charge is related to the amount of electric power that can be charged until the battery to be charged reaches a fully charged state. Generally, the smaller the state of charge at the start of charging, the longer the charging time. In addition, in the power storage type charging device of Patent Document 2, when the state of charge of the battery to be charged is smaller than a certain upper limit value, the path of the charging current is switched via an AC-DC converter, so that the charging time becomes extremely long.

[0011] The inventor focused on the attributes of the battery itself, rather than the states of different batteries at times. By focusing on the attributes of the battery itself, the inventor noticed that it is possible to shorten the charging time using a large current with a simple configuration.

[0012] More specifically, the inventor of the present invention adopted a high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery that satisfies the maximum voltage specification during use and the high-current charging specification as the battery for driving the electric device, and considered adopting a high-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery that satisfies the high-current discharge specification as the battery built in the power storage type charging device. Then, the inventor detected that the high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery that satisfies the maximum voltage specification during use and the high-current charging specification was connected to the charging device, and passed a high current through the high-current passable current output path without passing through a voltage converter so that the high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery was charged by the high current output from the high-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery that satisfies the high-current discharge specification. Here, the high-current charging specification is a battery specification that it is possible to charge with a current corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah. The high-current discharge specification is a battery specification that it is possible to discharge with a current corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah. Further, the high current is a current corresponding to a charging rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah.

[0013] Regarding the high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery having the above attributes, since a voltage converter is not included in the high-current passable current output path from the high-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery, a situation where the current is restricted by the voltage converter can be avoided. Also, for example, a situation where the charging path sometimes changes and the charging time becomes even longer is suppressed. When the high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery is charged at a charging rate of 10C or more by the power stored in the high-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery, for example, the power corresponding to half of the full charge amount is charged within about 3 minutes. Therefore, the high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery having a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more for driving the electric device is charged in a short time.

[0014] The charging system according to each aspect of the present invention completed based on the above findings has the following configuration.

[0015] (1) A power storage type charging device that is detachably connected to an electrical device equipped with a large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery and driven by the power of the large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery to charge the large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery, The power storage type charging device is, A charging target connection part electrically connected to the large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery, It is provided in the power storage type charging device, charged by the power supplied from a power source outside the power storage type charging device and outside the electrical device, and has a large current dischargeable built-in lithium ion battery that satisfies the large current discharge specification, It includes a large current passable current output path that connects the large current dischargeable built-in lithium ion battery and the charging target connection part without passing through a voltage converter, and is characterized by the following: The power storage type charging device is, Provided in the large current passable current output path, when the large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery that satisfies the maximum voltage specification and the large current charge specification during use is connected to the charging target connection part and is detected to be in the on state, the large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery is charged by the large current output from the large current dischargeable built-in lithium ion battery. It is provided with a compatible battery detection / switching part that passes the large current through the large current passable current output path that does not pass through the voltage converter, The power storage type charging device is configured not to have a function of switching the path through which the large current is passing from the large current passable current output path to another path according to the potential difference between the large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery and the large current dischargeable built-in lithium ion battery during charging with the large current, The large current discharge specification means the battery specification that it is possible to discharge with a maximum current during use corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5Ah, The large current charge specification means the battery specification that it is possible to be charged with a maximum current during use corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5Ah, The large current is a current corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5Ah.

[0016] (1)According to the configuration, the compatible battery detection / switching unit detects that a high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery that satisfies the maximum voltage specification during use and the high-current charging specification is connected and turns on. As a result, a high current passes through the high-current output path that allows high-current passage without passing through the voltage converter. As a result, a high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery that satisfies the high-current charging specification is charged by the high current output from the high-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery that satisfies the high-current discharge specification. The high-current charging specification is a specification that allows discharging at a maximum current during use corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah. The high-current discharge specification is a specification that allows discharging at a maximum current during use corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah. Also, the high current is a current corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah.

[0017] The compatible battery detection / switching unit does not switch the high-current output path that allows high-current passage to a path other than the high-current output path that allows high-current passage according to the potential difference between the high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery and the high-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery, and detects that a high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery that satisfies the maximum voltage specification during use and the high-current charging specification is connected and turns on. That is, the compatible battery detection / switching unit charges through the high-current output path that allows high-current passage by identifying the attributes of the high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery, rather than switching the path according to, for example, the measurement result of the state of the high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery. In the charging of a high-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery that meets the maximum voltage specification and high-current charging specification during use, a voltage converter is not included in the high-current output path through which a high current can flow from the built-in lithium-ion battery capable of high-current discharge. Therefore, when it is identified that a high-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery is connected, a high current flows from the built-in lithium-ion battery capable of high-current discharge to the high-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery. Specifically, the high-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery is charged at a charging rate of 10C or more by the power stored in the built-in lithium-ion battery capable of high-current discharge. Moreover, the high-current output path becomes on according to the specification of the connected high-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery, and does not switch according to the charging state that changes according to the time. Therefore, a situation where the magnitude of the charging current changes due to the path switching sometimes is suppressed. Therefore, the variation in the charging time due to the charging state is suppressed. That is, it is suppressed that the charging time becomes extremely long due to the charging state. Therefore, a high-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery having a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more for driving an electric device is charged in a short time. Thus, in the configuration of (1), it is possible to perform charging by a high current in a natural course so that the charging time is shortened from the built-in lithium-ion battery capable of high-current discharge to the high-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery via the high-current output path. Charging in a natural course by a high current can be performed by leaving it to the natural course of both batteries. In charging in a natural course by a high current, there is no restriction on the current by a voltage converter. In charging in a natural course by a high current, the magnitude of the potential difference between the built-in lithium-ion battery capable of high-current discharge and the high-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery and the magnitude of the charging current reaching the high-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery via the high-current output path have a positive correlation. In charging in a natural course by a high current, the charging current decreases as the potential difference decreases. Charging in a natural course by a high current can be performed in a mode in which neither the voltage value nor the current value is controlled. In the configuration of (1), it is possible to perform charging in a natural course by a high current without changing the path. According to the configuration of (1) as described above, the power storage type charging device can be miniaturized with a simple configuration, and the charging time of the large current chargeable driving lithium ion battery having a charge capacity capable of driving the electric device can be shortened.

[0018] (2) The power storage type charging device of (1), The power storage type charging device detects that the large current chargeable driving lithium ion battery satisfying the maximum voltage specification and the large current charging specification during use is connected to the charge target connection portion by detecting that the charge target connection portion is mechanically connected to the large current chargeable driving lithium ion battery or the electric device, or by communicating with the electric device and acquiring information representing the attributes of the large current chargeable driving lithium ion battery.

[0019] According to the above configuration, it is possible to detect with a simple configuration that the large current chargeable driving lithium ion battery is connected to the charge target connection portion.

[0020] (3) The power storage type charging device of (1) or (2), The large current dischargeable built-in lithium ion battery has a negative electrode containing at least any one selected from the group consisting of spinel type lithium titanate, niobium titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the negative electrode of the large current dischargeable built-in lithium ion battery contains at least any one selected from the group consisting of spinel type lithium titanate, niobium titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite. A negative electrode containing at least one selected from the group consisting of spinel-type lithium titanate, niobium-titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite can reduce the possibility of internal short circuit due to lithium precipitation in the negative electrode. A built-in lithium-ion battery capable of discharging a large current having such a negative electrode can suppress shortening of the life even when outputting a maximum discharge current during use equal to or higher than the current corresponding to a charging rate of 10C in a lithium-ion battery capable of charging a large current and driving. Therefore, it is possible to charge a lithium-ion battery capable of charging a large current and driving in a short time while suppressing shortening of the life.

[0022] (4) A power storage type charging device according to any one of (1) to (3), The large-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery has a negative electrode containing at least one selected from the group consisting of spinel-type lithium titanate, niobium-titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite.

[0023] According to the above configuration, a lithium-ion battery capable of charging a large current and driving can suppress shortening of the life even when charged with a maximum discharge current during use equal to or higher than the current corresponding to a charging rate of 10C. Therefore, it is possible to charge a lithium-ion battery capable of charging a large current and driving in a short time while suppressing shortening of the life. Furthermore, for example, when a large-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery and a large-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery have a common positive electrode material and a common negative electrode material, the large-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery and the large-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery used in the charging system can be configured with a common cell. For this reason, management of the lithium-ion battery is easier.

[0024] (5) A power storage type charging device according to any one of (1) to (4), The power storage type charging device further includes a pre-charging unit that charges the large-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery with a voltage equal to or lower than the maximum charging voltage in the large-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery by electric power supplied from the power storage type charging device and an external power source of the electric device.

[0025] The pre-charging unit charges the large-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery prior to the discharge of the large-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery. According to the above configuration, the large-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery is charged at a voltage below the maximum charging voltage. The charged large-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery outputs a voltage smaller than the voltage applied during charging. Therefore, without providing a voltage converter in the large-current passable current output path, the charging voltage of the large-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery can be made below the maximum charging voltage of the large-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery. Therefore, the large-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery can be charged in a short time while maintaining the charging voltage of the large-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery below the maximum charging voltage. The pre-charging unit is built into the housing of the power storage type charging device, for example. However, the pre-charging unit is not particularly limited, and it may be a so-called AC adapter provided outside the housing of the power storage type charging device. Note that "the power source outside the power storage type charging device and the electrical device" refers to a power source that is not included in either the power storage type charging device or the electrical device, for example. The power source is not particularly limited. A commercial power source is an example of the power source. The commercial power source is, for example, a commercial AC power source.

[0026] (6) A charging system, (1) to (5) Any one of the power storage type charging devices, and An electrical device connected to the power storage type charging device and driven by the power of the large-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery charged by the power storage type charging device. A charging system comprising:

[0027] According to the above configuration, the power storage type charging device of the charging system can be miniaturized with a simple configuration, and the charging time of the large-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery can be shortened.

[0028] (7) The large-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery mounted on the electrical device of the charging system according to (6) and charged by the power storage type charging device.

[0029] According to the above configuration, the high-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery can be miniaturized with a simple configuration, and the charging time of the high-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery can be shortened.

[0030] The technical terms used in this specification are for the purpose of defining only specific embodiments and do not have the intention of limiting the invention. The term "and / or" used in this specification includes any or all combinations of one or more of the related listed components. When used in this specification, the use of the terms "including", "comprising", or "having" and their variations identify the presence of the described features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or their equivalents, but can include one or more of steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. When used in this specification, the terms "attached", "coupled", and / or their equivalents are widely used and include both direct and indirect attachment and coupling unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and this disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this specification. In the description of the present invention, it is understood that a number of techniques and processes are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefits and each can also be used in combination with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Therefore, for clarity, this description refrains from repeating all possible combinations of the individual steps unnecessarily. Notwithstanding, the specification and the claims should be read with the understanding that all such combinations are within the scope of the present invention. This specification describes a new rechargeable charging device. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. This disclosure should be considered as illustrative of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments shown in the following drawings or description.

[0031] A rechargeable charging device is a device that charges an electrical device. A rechargeable charging device is a charging device that can charge itself. A rechargeable charging device is, for example, smaller and lighter than an electrical device. A portable charging device is, for example, a portable charging device configured to move on the ground by being pushed or pulled by a person. A rechargeable charging device may be configured to be portable. A rechargeable charging device is, for example, a portable charging device. In the case of a portable charging device, for example, an electrical device can be charged even when the electrical device is in a location away from a commercial power source. However, a rechargeable charging device is not particularly limited and may be, for example, larger than an electrical device. Also, a rechargeable charging device may be a stationary device or a building.

[0032] An electrical device is a device that operates electrically. An electrical device is, for example, a vehicle, i.e., an EV (Electric Vehicle). The EV may be a BEV (Battery-powered Electric Vehicle) or a HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) having an internal combustion engine. An electrical device may be, for example, a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). When the electrical device is a vehicle, for example, it can be charged at a destination away from a commercial power source. Examples of vehicle types include, for example, electric saddle-riding type vehicles. A saddle-riding type vehicle refers to a vehicle in which the driver sits astride a saddle. Examples of electric saddle-riding type vehicles include, for example, electric two-wheelers and electric three-wheelers. In an electric saddle-riding type vehicle, attitude control is performed by the rider's weight shift during driving or turning. The vehicle body of a saddle-riding type vehicle is preferably lightened and miniaturized so that attitude control can be smoothly performed by the rider's weight shift. Therefore, generally, the installation space for a large-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery in a saddle-riding type vehicle is severely limited. In addition, the electric saddle-riding type vehicle may or may not include a bicycle capable of traveling by pedaling force. The electric device provided in the bicycle referred to here may be configured to output a driving force capable of driving the bicycle in a state where no pedaling force is input, or may be configured to output a driving force to assist traveling by pedaling force. In addition, the vehicle is not particularly limited to the above examples, and may be an electric vehicle, an electric truck, an electric bus, an electric ship, an electric drone, or an electric aircraft. In addition, the electric device is not particularly limited, and may be a device that does not move during operation, such as, for example, a pump device, an electric oven, or a machine tool.

[0033] The large-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery and the large-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery are lithium-ion batteries. A lithium-ion battery is a battery capable of charging and discharging. A lithium-ion battery is a secondary battery that charges and discharges by a chemical reaction of electrodes. A lithium-ion battery charges and discharges by an oxidation and reduction reaction of electrodes. A lithium-ion battery converts stored chemical energy into electrical energy. The terminal voltage of a lithium-ion battery is not proportional to the amount of electric power stored in the battery. For example, a lithium-ion capacitor is not included in a lithium-ion battery. A lithium-ion battery contains a lithium oxide in the positive electrode. A lithium battery using lithium metal in the positive electrode is not included in a lithium-ion battery. A lithium-ion battery is, for example, a non-aqueous lithium-ion battery using a non-aqueous electrolyte such as an organic solvent.

[0034] For a battery to meet the high-current charging specification means that the battery can be charged at the current indicated by the high-current charging specification. For a battery to meet the high-current discharging specification means that the battery can be discharged at the current indicated by the high-current discharging specification. For a battery to meet the maximum operating voltage specification means that the battery can operate at a voltage equal to or lower than the voltage indicated by the maximum operating voltage specification. Meeting the maximum operating voltage specification means, for example, that the maximum voltage during battery use is equal to or higher than the voltage applied to the battery from the outside. More specifically, for a high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery to meet the maximum operating voltage specification means, for example, that the maximum voltage during use of the high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery is equal to or higher than the maximum discharge voltage of the high-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery connected to the high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery via a high-current passageable current output path without a voltage converter.

[0035] The high-current charging specification is set so as not to change regardless of the state of the high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery or its changes. The high-current charging specification is set so as not to change regardless of the state of the high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery or its changes. Also, the high-current charging specification is set so as not to change regardless of the state of the high-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery or its changes. The high-current discharging specification is set so as not to change regardless of the state of the high-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery or its changes. The high-current charging specification is set so as not to change regardless of the state of the high-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery or its changes. The current of the high-current charging specification (the maximum chargeable current during use) may be referred to as the rated charging current. The current of the high-current discharging specification (the maximum dischargeable current during use) may be referred to as the rated discharge current. The current of the high-current charging specification and the current of the high-current discharging specification are, for example, both fixed values. The high-current charging specifications and high-current discharging specifications can be set by selecting the performance of the batteries that make up the built-in lithium-ion battery capable of high-current discharging and the drive lithium-ion battery capable of high-current charging.

[0036] The maximum voltage specification during use of the drive lithium-ion battery capable of high-current charging is set so as not to change regardless of the state of the drive lithium-ion battery capable of high-current charging or its changes. Also, the maximum voltage specification during use is set so as not to change regardless of the state of the built-in lithium-ion battery capable of high-current discharging or its changes. The maximum voltage specification during use indicates the maximum voltage that can be applied to the battery. The maximum voltage specification during use is set, for example, during the design and manufacture of the battery. The maximum voltage specification during use is determined according to, for example, the number of battery cells that make up the battery and the type of electrodes of the battery cells. The maximum voltage specification during use is set as a fixed value, for example.

[0037] The capacity or charge capacity of the battery is the amount of charge that can be charged into the battery. The unit is Ah. The charge capacity of a certain battery is equal to the discharge capacity. The discharge capacity is, for example, the time integral amount of the current output from when a fully charged battery starts to output current together with the output of the initial voltage until the output voltage reaches the cut-off voltage. The discharge condition is, for example, a discharge of current such that the cut-off voltage is reached in a 10-hour discharge (10-hour rate). Each of the built-in lithium-ion battery capable of high-current discharging and the drive lithium-ion battery capable of high-current charging is composed of, for example, a series connection of lithium-ion battery cells. Therefore, the discharge voltage, which is a condition of the discharge capacity, differs depending on the number of lithium-ion battery cells that the lithium-ion battery has. However, the discharge capacity is determined regardless of the number of lithium-ion battery cells.

[0038] The rate in a battery represents the speed at which charge is accumulated or discharged. The unit is C. The high-current charging specification corresponds to the maximum charging rate allowed when charging. The current corresponding to the maximum charging rate is the maximum current during use. The magnitude of the current that fully charges the battery capacity in 1 hour is defined as 1C. For example, if the battery capacity is 2.5 Ah, 1C is 2.5 A. A high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery that meets the high-current charging specification with a charging rate of 10C or more is charged, for example, with a charging current of 10C equivalent or more and less than or equal to the current of the high-current charging specification. The high-current charging specification corresponds to the maximum discharge rate allowed when discharging. The current value corresponding to the maximum discharge rate is the current of the high-current charging specification.

[0039] The high-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery has a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more on the premise of meeting the high-current discharge specification. The high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery has a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more on the premise of meeting the high-current charging specification. For example, a high-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery or a high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery having a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more is smaller than a device for charging electrophysical energy such as a capacitor. Since the high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery has a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more, it can charge or discharge not only the power for information processing or information presentation in an electrical device but also the power consumed by the mechanical drive of the electrical device. For example, when the high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery has an output voltage of 12 V and a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah, outputting a current of 50 A for 20 seconds corresponds to about 10% power consumption. This consumption enables a drive of about 600 W, that is, simply about 0.8 ps for 20 seconds. A charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more is a capacity sufficient to continuously perform 5 drives of 20 seconds without charging at least, using 50% of the charging capacity.

[0040] The charging target connection part is, for example, a charging cable extending externally from the housing of the power storage type charging device and a connector provided at the tip of the charging cable. However, the charging target connection part is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be a connector provided on the housing of the power storage type charging device and configured to be connected to the charging cable.

[0041] The compatible battery detection / switching part includes, for example, a semiconductor element. The compatible battery detection / switching part is not limited thereto, and for example, it may be a component such as a relay that mechanically energizes or cuts off current.

[0042] The object being configured not to have a certain function means that the object does not have that function. The power storage type charging device is configured not to have a function of switching the path through which a large current is passing from a large-current-passable current output path to another path according to the potential difference between a large-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery and a large-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery during charging with a large current. For example, the compatible battery detection / switching part provided in the power storage type charging device, during charging with a large current, does not have a function of switching the path through which a large current is passing from a large-current-passable current output path to another path according to the potential difference between a large-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery and a large-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery. When a large-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery that satisfies the maximum voltage specification during use and the large-current charging specification is detected to be connected to the charging target connection part and becomes in an on state, a large current is passed through the large-current-passable current output path without passing through the voltage converter.

[0043] The large-current-passable current output path is connected via an output switch part without passing through a voltage converter. The voltage converter is a circuit device that converts an input voltage. The voltage converter converts the input voltage, for example, by rapidly switching the on-off state of a switching element. The large-current-passable current output path may have electrical components other than the voltage converter or the output switch part. The large-current-passable current output path may have, for example, one or a combination of wiring, a fuse, a connector, and a resistor for current measurement.

[0044] The information representing the attributes of a large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery is information that directly or indirectly corresponds to the maximum voltage specification during use and the large current charging specification of the large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery. For example, the information representing the attributes is the model number of the large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery, and the maximum voltage specification during use and the large current charging specification correspond to the model number. However, the information representing the attributes is not particularly limited, and may also indicate the class in the maximum voltage specification during use and the large current charging specification of the large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery.

Advantages of the Invention

[0045] According to the present invention, while miniaturizing the power storage type charging device with a simple configuration, it is possible to shorten the charging time of a large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery having a charging capacity capable of driving an electrical device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0046]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0048] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a charging system including a power storage type charging device according to the first embodiment.

[0049] The power storage type charging device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the charging system A. The charging system A includes the power storage type charging device 1 and the electrical device 2. The power storage type charging device 1 is a device for charging the electrical device 2. First, the object to be charged by the power storage type charging device 1 will be described.

[0050] [Electrical Device] The electrical device 2 is equipped with a large current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery 22. The electrical device 2 is driven by the power of the large current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery 22. The electrical device 2 includes a drive device 25. The drive device 25 operates by receiving power supply from the large current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery 22. The drive device 25 drives the electrical device 2 with the power of the large current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery 22. The electrical device 2 has a charging connector 21. Power is supplied from the power storage type charging device 1 to the drive lithium-ion battery 22 via the charging connector 21.

[0051] [Drive Lithium-Ion Battery] The drive lithium-ion battery 22 stores power for driving the electrical device 2. The drive lithium-ion battery 22 is a secondary battery that can be recharged. The drive lithium-ion battery 22 has a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more. Therefore, the drive lithium-ion battery 22 can store power for driving the electrical device 2.

[0052] The large current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery 22 satisfies the maximum voltage specification during use and the large current charging specification. The large current charging specification means that it can be charged with a maximum current during use corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah. The maximum current during charging is also referred to as the maximum charging current. The large current is a current corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah. Hereinafter, in this specification, the high-current chargeable drive lithium-ion battery 22 is simply referred to as the drive lithium-ion battery 22. Also, the maximum current during use during charging is also referred to as the maximum charging current.

[0053] The drive lithium-ion battery 22 has a maximum charging voltage and a maximum discharging voltage. The maximum charging voltage is the maximum voltage that can be applied to the drive lithium-ion battery 22 when charging the drive lithium-ion battery 22. The maximum discharging voltage is the maximum voltage that can be output when the drive lithium-ion battery 22 discharges. The voltage output when the drive lithium-ion battery 22 discharges is smaller than the voltage applied when the drive lithium-ion battery 22 is charged. Therefore, the maximum discharging voltage is smaller than the maximum charging voltage. The maximum charging voltage is larger than the maximum discharging voltage. The maximum voltage specification during use of the drive lithium-ion battery 22 indicates the maximum voltage during use of the drive lithium-ion battery 22. The maximum voltage specification during use of the drive lithium-ion battery 22 indicates the maximum charging voltage of the drive lithium-ion battery 22.

[0054] The maximum charging voltage indicated by the maximum voltage specification during use of the drive lithium-ion battery 22 indicates the maximum voltage that can be applied when charging the drive lithium-ion battery 22. Hereinafter, in this specification, the maximum voltage specification during use of the drive lithium-ion battery 22 is also referred to as the maximum charging voltage of the drive lithium-ion battery 22. The maximum charging voltage of the drive lithium-ion battery 22 is set according to the operation specifications of the electrical device 2 during the design and manufacture of the drive lithium-ion battery 22. The set value of the maximum charging voltage of the drive lithium-ion battery 22 can be set, for example, according to the number of cells constituting the drive lithium-ion battery 22. The range in which the maximum charging voltage of the drive lithium-ion battery 22 is set is, for example, 12V or more and 72V or less. For example, when the maximum charging voltage of the drive lithium-ion battery 22 is set to a value of 12V or more, a current for rapidly charging the electric power required for driving the electric device 2 can be easily obtained as compared with the case where it is limited to less than 12V, for example. When the maximum charging voltage of the drive lithium-ion battery 22 is set to a value of, for example, 24V or more, the amount of current required to supply a specific amount of electric power can be suppressed as compared with the case of less than 24V. Further, when the maximum charging voltage of the drive lithium-ion battery 22 is, for example, 72V or less, the structure for electrical insulation in the power storage type charging device 1 and the electric device 2 can be simplified and made smaller as compared with the case where the maximum charging voltage exceeds 72V, for example. Further, when the maximum charging voltage of the drive lithium-ion battery 22 is less than, for example, 60V, it operates within the range belonging to "extra low voltage" (ELV, or safety extra low voltage: SELV) in the standard IEC60950 of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Therefore, the insulation structure is simpler and can be made smaller as compared with the case of 60V or more.

[0055] The electric device 2 shown in FIG. 1 includes a battery identification unit 26. The battery identification unit 26 causes the power storage type charging device 1 to detect that the drive lithium-ion battery 22 that satisfies the maximum voltage specification during use and the large current charging specification is connected. The battery identification unit 26 identifies, for example, the attributes of the drive lithium-ion battery 22. The battery identification unit 26 stores identification information representing the attributes of the drive lithium-ion battery 22, such as the type of the drive lithium-ion battery 22, for example. The battery identification unit 26 outputs the identification information to an externally connected device electrically. The battery identification unit 26 shown in FIG. 1 is built in the drive lithium-ion battery 22. However, the arrangement position of the battery identification unit 26 is not particularly limited, and it may be provided outside the drive lithium-ion battery 22, for example.

[0056] [Power storage type charging device] The rechargeable charging device 1 is a charging device that is detachably connected to the electrical device 2. When the rechargeable charging device 1 is connected to the electrical device 2, it charges the drive lithium-ion battery 22 of the electrical device 2. The rechargeable charging device 1 includes a charging target connection part 11, a built-in lithium-ion battery 12 capable of discharging a large current, a compatible battery detection / switch part 13, and a current output path 14 through which a large current can pass.

[0057] The charging target connection part 11 is electrically detachably connected to the drive lithium-ion battery 22. The charging target connection part 11 has a charging cable 11a and an output connector 11b. The charging cable 11a extends outside from the housing 16 of the rechargeable charging device 1. The output connector 11b is provided on the charging cable 11a. The output connector 11b is mechanically and electrically detachably connected to the charging connector 21 of the electrical device 2. When the charging target connection part 11 is electrically connected to the drive lithium-ion battery 22, power is supplied from the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 of the rechargeable charging device 1 to the drive lithium-ion battery 22 of the electrical device 2.

[0058] [Built-in lithium-ion battery capable of discharging a large current] The built-in lithium-ion battery 12 capable of discharging a large current is charged with the power supplied from the power source C outside the rechargeable charging device 1 and outside the electrical device 2. The built-in lithium-ion battery 12 capable of discharging a large current charges the drive lithium-ion battery 22 of the electrical device 2 with the power charged in the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 capable of discharging a large current. The built-in lithium-ion battery 12 capable of discharging a large current is a rechargeable secondary battery. The built-in lithium-ion battery 12 capable of discharging a large current has a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more. Therefore, the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 capable of discharging a large current can fully charge the drive lithium-ion battery 22 with one charge.

[0059] The built-in lithium-ion battery 12 capable of high-current discharge meets the high-current discharge specification. The high-current discharge specification means the specification of a battery that can discharge at a maximum current during use corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah. The high current is a current corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah. Hereinafter, in this specification, the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 capable of high-current discharge is also simply referred to as the built-in lithium-ion battery 12.

[0060] The built-in lithium-ion battery 12 has a maximum charging voltage and a maximum discharging voltage. The maximum charging voltage is the maximum voltage that can be applied to the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 when charging the built-in lithium-ion battery 12. The maximum discharging voltage is the maximum voltage that can be output when the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 discharges. The voltage output when the driving lithium-ion battery 22 discharges is smaller than the voltage applied when the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is charged. Therefore, the maximum discharging voltage is smaller than the maximum charging voltage. The maximum charging voltage is larger than the maximum discharging voltage. The maximum voltage specification during use of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 indicates the maximum voltage during use of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12. The maximum voltage specification during use of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 indicates the maximum charging voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12.

[0061] The maximum charging voltage indicated by the maximum voltage specification during use of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is set according to the operation specifications and charging speed requirements of the electrical device 2 during the design and manufacture of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12. The maximum charging voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 can be set according to the number of cells constituting the built-in lithium-ion battery 12. Hereinafter, in this specification, the maximum voltage specification during use of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is also referred to as the maximum charging voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12. The range in which the maximum charging voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is set is, for example, 12V or more and 72V or less. For example, when the maximum charging voltage of the driving lithium-ion battery 22 is set to a value of 12V or more, compared with the case where it is limited to less than 12V, for example, a current for rapidly charging the power required for driving the electric device 2 can be easily obtained. When the maximum charging voltage of the driving lithium-ion battery 22 is set to a value of, for example, 24V or more, compared with the case of less than 24V, the amount of current required to supply a specific power can be suppressed. Further, when the maximum charging voltage of the driving lithium-ion battery 22 is, for example, 72V or less, compared with the case where the maximum charging voltage exceeds 72V, for example, the structure for electrical insulation in the power storage type charging device 1 and the electric device 2 can be simplified and made smaller. Further, when the maximum charging voltage of the driving lithium-ion battery 22 is less than, for example, 60V, it operates within the range belonging to "extra low voltage" (ELV, or safety extra low voltage: SELV) in the standard IEC60950 of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Therefore, the insulation structure is simpler and can be made smaller compared with the case of 60V or more.

[0062] [Current output path capable of passing large current] The current output path 14 outputs current from the power storage type charging device 1. The current output path 14 is a current path that connects the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 and the charging target connection portion 11 without passing through a voltage converter. Hereinafter, in this specification, the large current capable current output path 14 is simply referred to as the current output path 14. The large current capable current output path 14 can pass a large current by connecting the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 and the charging target connection portion 11 without passing through a voltage converter.

[0063] [Compatible battery detection / switching unit] The compatible battery detection and switch unit 13 is provided in the current output path 14. The compatible battery detection and switch unit 13 controls the supply or cutoff of the current output from the built-in lithium-ion battery 12. The compatible battery detection and switch unit 13 turns on when it detects that the driving lithium-ion battery 22 that satisfies the maximum voltage specification during use and the large current charging specification is connected to the charging target connection portion 11. When the compatible battery detection and switch unit 13 does not detect that the driving lithium-ion battery 22 that satisfies the maximum voltage specification during use and the large current charging specification is connected to the charging target connection portion 11, it does not turn on.

[0064] The compatible battery detection and switch unit 13 turns on so that the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 and the charging target connection portion 11 are electrically connected, or turns off so as to be electrically disconnected. The compatible battery detection and switch unit 13 has, for example, a semiconductor element.

[0065] For example, when the compatible battery detection and switch unit 13 is electrically connected to the battery identification unit 26 of the electrical device 2, it communicates with the battery identification unit 26 and acquires information representing the attributes of the driving lithium-ion battery 22 from the battery identification unit 26. As a result of the identification based on the acquired attributes of the driving lithium-ion battery 22, when the driving lithium-ion battery 22 satisfies the maximum voltage specification during use and the large current charging specification, the compatible battery detection and switch unit 13 becomes an on state and conducts current. The compatible battery detection and switch unit 13 determines, as the maximum voltage specification during use, for example, that the maximum charging voltage of the driving lithium-ion battery 22 is equal to or higher than the maximum discharge voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 connected to the driving lithium-ion battery 22 via the current output path 14. The compatible battery detection and switch unit 13 determines, as the large current charging specification, for example, that it is possible to be charged with the maximum current during use. Thereby, the large current output from the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 passes through the current output path 14 that does not pass through the voltage converter so that the driving lithium-ion battery 22 is charged by the large current output from the built-in lithium-ion battery 12.

[0066] The rechargeable charging device 1 is configured not to have a function of switching the path through which a large current passes from the current output path 14 to another path according to the potential difference between the driving lithium-ion battery 22 and the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 during charging with a large current. The compatible battery detection / switching unit 13 does not switch the current output path 14 to a path other than the current output path 14 according to the potential difference between the driving lithium-ion battery 22 and the built-in lithium-ion battery 12. The compatible battery detection / switching unit 13 is turned on when it detects that the driving lithium-ion battery 22 that satisfies the maximum voltage specification and the large current charging specification during use is connected. That is, the compatible battery detection / switching unit 13 does not switch the path according to the measurement result of the state of the driving lithium-ion battery 22, but identifies the attribute of the driving lithium-ion battery 22 to perform charging through the current output path 14.

[0067] In this way, when the driving lithium-ion battery 22 that satisfies the large current charging specification is connected to the charging target connection part 11, current flows from the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 to the driving lithium-ion battery 22 through the compatible battery detection / switching unit 13.

[0068] More specifically, the driving lithium-ion battery 22 can be charged with a maximum current during use corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more. On the other hand, the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 can discharge with a maximum current during use corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more. Also, the current output path 14 can allow a large current corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah to pass through.

[0069] The compatible battery detection / switching unit 13 does not switch the path according to the measurement result of the state of the driving lithium-ion battery 22, but identifies the attribute of the driving lithium-ion battery 22 to perform charging through the current output path 14. When charging the driving lithium - ion battery 22 to meet the maximum voltage specification and high - current charging specification during use, the voltage converter is not included in the current output path 14 through which the current flows from the built - in lithium - ion battery 12. Therefore, when it is identified that the driving lithium - ion battery 22 is connected, a large current flows from the built - in lithium - ion battery 12 to the driving lithium - ion battery 22. Specifically, the driving lithium - ion battery 22 is charged at a charging rate of 10C or more by the power stored in the built - in lithium - ion battery 12. Moreover, the current output path 14 is turned on according to the specification of the connected driving lithium - ion battery 22, rather than being turned on according to the charging state that changes over time. Therefore, the situation where the magnitude of the charging current changes due to the switching of the path according to different charging states at times is suppressed. Therefore, the extreme decrease in the charging time due to the charging state is suppressed. That is, the situation where the charging time becomes extremely long according to different charging states is suppressed. Therefore, the driving lithium - ion battery 22 having a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more for driving the electrical device 2 is charged in a short time. According to the power storage type charging device 1, the power storage type charging device 1 can be miniaturized with a simple configuration, and the charging time of the driving lithium - ion battery 22 having a charging capacity capable of driving the electrical device 2 can be shortened.

[0070] When the built - in lithium - ion battery 12 is electrically connected to the driving lithium - ion battery 22, the built - in lithium - ion battery 12 applies a voltage equal to or lower than the maximum charging voltage of the driving lithium - ion battery 22 to the driving lithium - ion battery 22.

[0071] Before the built - in lithium - ion battery 12 is electrically connected to the driving lithium - ion battery 22, the built - in lithium - ion battery 12 is charged with the power supplied from the external power source C. At this time, the built - in lithium - ion battery 12 is charged with a charging voltage equal to or lower than the maximum charging voltage of the built - in lithium - ion battery 12. After the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is charged, the voltage output by the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is smaller than the charging voltage. When the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is electrically connected to the driving lithium-ion battery 22, the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 applies a voltage equal to or lower than the maximum charging voltage of the driving lithium-ion battery 22 to the driving lithium-ion battery 22.

[0072] [Configuration Example of Driving Lithium-Ion Battery] FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing a configuration example of the driving lithium-ion battery 22 shown in FIG. 1. The driving lithium-ion battery in FIG. 2(a) is an example of the driving lithium-ion battery 22 shown in FIG. 1, and for easy understanding of the functions, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 are used for description.

[0073] The driving lithium-ion battery 22 includes a plurality of lithium-ion battery cells 22c. The driving lithium-ion battery 22 also includes an electrical connection connector 22e and a plurality of busbars 22b. The lithium-ion battery cells 22c are, for example, connected in series without being connected in parallel to each other. The lithium-ion battery cells 22c of the driving lithium-ion battery 22 have a series connection structure without parallel connection. Each lithium-ion battery cell 22c has a variation in internal resistance. However, the current flowing through each of the lithium-ion battery cells 22c connected in series is substantially equal regardless of the difference in internal resistance. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the balance of the charge amount in each lithium-ion battery cell 22c. For example, when charging starts from a state where the charge amount of each lithium-ion battery cell 12c is 0, the current integration amount of each lithium-ion battery cell 22c at any given time is substantially equal. That is, the charge amount of each lithium-ion battery cell 22c is substantially equal. In this way, by eliminating the parallel connection of the lithium-ion battery cells 22c, the driving lithium-ion battery 22 can simplify or eliminate the circuit for monitoring each lithium-ion battery cell 22c, and thus can be miniaturized with a simple configuration. The lithium-ion battery cell 22c has a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more.

[0074] The lithium-ion battery cell 22c contains, for example, a lithium oxide in the positive electrode. The lithium-ion battery cell 22c is a non-aqueous lithium-ion battery using a non-aqueous electrolyte. The maximum charging current of the lithium-ion battery cell 22c is larger than that of a battery of the same size using other positive electrode materials such as lead batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries. The lithium-ion battery cell 22c can be charged, for example, at a rate of 10C or more. The driving lithium-ion battery 22 has a negative electrode 22n. More specifically, each lithium-ion battery cell 22c has a negative electrode 22n. The negative electrode 22n contains at least any one selected from the group consisting of spinel-type lithium titanate, niobium-titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite. The negative electrode 22n of the driving lithium-ion battery 22 contains, for example, a niobium-titanium-containing composite oxide. Such a driving lithium-ion battery 22 has a large maximum charging current. For example, the maximum charging current value in the driving lithium-ion battery 22 is smaller than the maximum discharge current value, similar to a general secondary battery. However, the difference between the maximum charging current value and the maximum discharge current value in the driving lithium-ion battery 22 is 30% or less of the maximum charging current value. The standard operating voltage of each lithium-ion battery cell 22c is, for example, 2.3V. Each lithium-ion battery cell 22c can be charged at a voltage exceeding the standard operating voltage. Each lithium-ion battery cell 22c can be charged, for example, at a voltage of 2.6V. The maximum charging voltage of the lithium-ion battery cell 22c is 2.6V.

[0075] The electrical connection connector 22e is connected to the charging connector 21. When the power storage type charging device 1 is connected to the charging connector 21, the driving lithium-ion battery 22 is charged. Also, the electric power stored in the driving lithium-ion battery 22 is supplied to the driving device 25. The driving device 25 that receives power supply from the charged driving lithium-ion battery 22 is connected to the driving lithium-ion battery 22 via, for example, an electrical connection connector 22e. However, the connection to the driving device 25 is not limited to this. For example, the driving lithium-ion battery 22 may have a connector for connecting to the driving device 25 that is different from the electrical connection connector 22e. The bus bar 22b is a plate-shaped conductor having a thickness. The bus bar 22b serially connects the lithium-ion battery cells 22c and the electrical connection connector 22e. The bus bar 22b serially connects the lithium-ion battery cells 22c without parallel connection. As the conductor, not limited to the bus bar 22b, for example, a wire can be adopted. The bus bar 22b has an electrical resistance smaller than that of a wire having the same conductor diameter as the thickness of the bus bar 22b and the same length as the bus bar 22b. For this reason, when the bus bar 22b is adopted, the electrical resistance in the conductor can be suppressed, and the driving lithium-ion battery 22 can be charged in a shorter time.

[0076] [Configuration Example of Built-in Lithium-Ion Battery] FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing a configuration example of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 shown in FIG. 1. The built-in lithium-ion battery 12 in FIG. 2(b) is an example of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 shown in FIG. 1, and for easy understanding of the functions, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 are used for explanation.

[0077] The built-in lithium-ion battery 12 includes a plurality of lithium-ion battery cells 12c. The built-in lithium-ion battery 12 also includes an electrical connection connector 12e and a plurality of bus bars 12b. The lithium-ion battery cells 12c are connected in series, for example, without being connected in parallel to each other. The lithium-ion battery cells 12c of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 have a series connection structure without parallel connection. Each lithium-ion battery cell 12c has variations in internal resistance. However, the current flowing through each lithium-ion battery cell 12c connected in series is substantially equal regardless of the difference in internal resistance. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the balance of the charge amount in each lithium-ion battery cell 12c. For example, when charging starts from a state where the charge amount of each lithium-ion battery cell 12c is 0, the current integration amount of each lithium-ion battery cell 12c at any given time is substantially equal. That is, the charge amount of each lithium-ion battery cell 12c is substantially equal. By eliminating the parallel connection of the lithium-ion battery cells 12c, the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 can simplify or eliminate the circuit for monitoring each lithium-ion battery cell 12c, and thus can be miniaturized with a simple configuration. Thus, by eliminating the parallel connection of the lithium-ion battery cells 12c, the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 can simplify or eliminate the circuit for monitoring each lithium-ion battery cell 12c, and thus can be miniaturized with a simple configuration.

[0078] The lithium-ion battery cell 12c contains, for example, a lithium oxide in the positive electrode. The lithium-ion battery cell 12c is a non-aqueous lithium-ion battery using a non-aqueous electrolyte. The maximum charging current of the lithium-ion battery cell 12c is larger than that of a battery of the same size using other positive electrode materials such as lead batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries, for example. The lithium-ion battery cell 12c can be charged, for example, at a rate of 10C or more for a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah. The built-in lithium-ion battery 12 has a negative electrode 12n. More specifically, each lithium-ion battery cell 12c has a negative electrode 12n. The negative electrode 12n contains at least any one selected from the group consisting of spinel-type lithium titanate, niobium-titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite. The negative electrode 12n of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 contains, for example, a niobium-titanium-containing composite oxide. Such a built-in lithium-ion battery 12 has a large maximum charging current. For example, the maximum charging current value in the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is smaller than the maximum discharge current value, similar to general secondary batteries. However, the difference between the maximum charging current value and the maximum discharge current value in the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is 30% or less of the maximum charging current value. The standard operating voltage of each lithium-ion battery cell 12c is, for example, 2.3V. Each lithium-ion battery cell 12c can be charged at a voltage exceeding the standard operating voltage. Each lithium-ion battery cell 12c can be charged at a voltage of, for example, 2.6V. The maximum charging voltage of the lithium-ion battery cell 22c is 2.6V. Hereinafter, the lithium-ion battery cell 22c and the lithium-ion battery cell 12c are collectively referred to simply as battery cells.

[0079] The respective standard operating voltages, maximum charging voltages, and maximum discharge voltages of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 and the driving lithium-ion battery 22 shown in FIG. 1 are determined by the number of battery cells connected in series. The maximum charging voltage is the maximum voltage that can be applied during charging. The maximum discharge voltage is the maximum voltage that can be output during discharge. The standard operating voltage is the nominal voltage that is standardly used. The standard operating voltage is a voltage determined by the battery manufacturer as a specification standard with reference to the characteristics of the battery cell. In contrast, the maximum charging voltage and the maximum discharge voltage are voltages technically derived from the characteristics of the battery cell.

[0080] [Examples of combinations of battery cells] Here, as examples of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 and the drive lithium-ion battery 22 used in the charging system A shown in FIG. 1, an example in which 20 battery cells of 2.4 Ah are connected in series will be described.

[0081] For example, the drive lithium-ion battery 22 shown in FIG. 2(a) has 20 lithium-ion battery cells 22c. The maximum charging voltage of the drive lithium-ion battery 22 is 52 V. Also, the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 shown in FIG. 2(b) has 20 lithium-ion battery cells 12c. The maximum charging voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is 52 V. In addition, the maximum discharge voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is lower than the maximum charging voltage at which the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 can be charged. The maximum discharge voltage is the maximum voltage output by the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 during discharge. More specifically, the maximum discharge voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is lower than the maximum charging voltage at which the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 can be charged by the voltage loss due to the internal resistance and relaxation resistance. The internal resistance and relaxation resistance are components of the resistance parasitic on each cell constituting the battery. Due to the voltage loss caused by the internal resistance and relaxation resistance, the maximum discharge voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is usually 0.8 to 0.95 times the maximum charging voltage. The maximum discharge voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 provided in the rechargeable battery charging device 1 that charges the electric device 2 is equal to or lower than the maximum charge voltage of the drive lithium-ion battery 22 provided in the electric device 2. In other words, the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 has a maximum discharge voltage equal to or lower than the maximum charge voltage of the drive lithium-ion battery 22. The built-in lithium-ion battery 12 has a maximum charge voltage based on the maximum discharge voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 described above. More specifically, the value of the maximum charge voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is less than 1 / 0.8 times the maximum discharge voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 described above. That is, the value of the maximum charge voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is less than 1 / 0.8 times the maximum charge voltage of the drive lithium-ion battery 22 described above. The voltage at which the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 discharges is equal to or lower than the maximum charge voltage in the drive lithium-ion battery 22. The built-in lithium-ion battery 12 outputs a voltage that can charge the drive lithium-ion battery 22 at the maximum current during use. Note that the voltage output by the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 decreases as the charging of the drive lithium-ion battery 22 progresses. However, since the drive lithium-ion battery 22 is charged at the maximum current during use corresponding to a rate of 10C or more, it is charged in a short time. The drive lithium-ion battery 22 is charged within the time during which the voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is maintained within a chargeable range.

[0082] Note that since each of the lithium-ion battery cells 12c in the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is connected in series, the amount of current output from the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is the same as the amount of current flowing through each of the lithium-ion battery cells 12c. And the amount of current received by the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 from the outside is the same as the amount of current flowing through each of the lithium-ion battery cells 12c. Therefore, in the built-in lithium-ion battery 12, as long as the standard use voltage, the maximum charge voltage, and the maximum discharge voltage are set in proportion to the number of lithium-ion battery cells 12c, the capacity (Ah) of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is substantially the same as the capacity of each lithium-ion battery cell 12c. For example, if there are 10 lithium-ion battery cells 12c with built-in lithium-ion batteries 12 connected in series, and each of the lithium-ion battery cells 12c has a standard operating voltage of 2.3 V and a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah, the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 has a standard operating voltage of 23 V. Also, the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 has a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah. The built-in lithium-ion battery 12 has substantially the same charging capacity as each of the lithium-ion battery cells 12c. However, since the standard operating voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is 10 times that of the lithium-ion battery cell 12c, the amount of electric power of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is 10 times the amount of electric power of each of the lithium-ion battery cells 12c. The relationship of the capacity in series connection can also be applied to the driving lithium-ion battery 22. The standard operating voltage and the number of battery cells of the driving lithium-ion battery 22 are determined according to the specifications of the electrical device 2 at the time of design. The standard operating voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is determined in consideration of the charging time to the driving lithium-ion battery 22 at the time of design.

[0083] The driving lithium-ion battery 22 and the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 in the above-described example can be charged with a large current. FIG. 2(c) is a chart showing the maximum current of the driving lithium-ion battery 22 and the built-in lithium-ion battery 12. For example, the maximum charging current value in the driving lithium-ion battery 22 is smaller than the maximum discharging current value of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12. More specifically, the maximum charging current values in the driving lithium-ion battery 22 and the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 are smaller than the maximum discharging current value, similar to general secondary batteries. However, the difference between the maximum charging current value and the maximum discharging current value in the driving lithium-ion battery 22 and the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is 30% or less of the maximum charging current value. The maximum charging current value corresponds to a rate of 10C or more. In addition, when such a driving lithium-ion battery 22 and the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 are connected via a large-current output path 14 capable of passing a large current without going through a voltage converter, the voltage output from the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is smaller than the maximum output voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12. For this reason, the current flowing from the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 to the driving lithium-ion battery 22 is smaller than the maximum charging current value. However, as described above, since the maximum charging current value corresponds to a rate of 10C or more, it is charged in a short time.

[0084] When each of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 and the driving lithium-ion battery 22 has a common maximum discharge current value and maximum charging current value, it is easy to manage the battery cells in manufacturing and maintenance.

[0085] The electrical connection connector 12e is connected to the charging target connection portion 11 (see FIG. 1). The power stored in the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is supplied to the charging target connection portion 11 through the electrical connection connector 12e. In addition, the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 receives power supply from an external power source C via the electrical connection connector 12e. Note that the connection to the external power source C is not particularly limited. For example, the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 may have a connector for connecting to the external power source C that is different from the electrical connection connector 12e.

[0086] [Modification Example 1] In the above-described configuration example, an example has been described in which the driving lithium-ion battery 22 has 20 lithium-ion battery cells 22c having a capacity of 2.4 Ah, and the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 has 20 lithium-ion battery cells 12c having a charging capacity of 2.4 Ah. The capacity and number of battery cells that can be adopted are not limited to this. Subsequently, a modification example will be described.

[0087] For example, a driving lithium-ion battery 22 and a built-in lithium-ion battery 12 are adopted with a battery cell charge capacity of 5 Ah. Even in this case, as the lithium-ion battery cell 22c of the driving lithium-ion battery 22, a battery cell capable of being charged with a maximum current during use corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charge capacity of 2.5 Ah is adopted. Also, as the lithium-ion battery cell 12c of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12, a battery cell capable of discharging with a maximum current during use corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charge capacity of 2.5 Ah is adopted. However, if the driving lithium-ion battery 22 having a charge capacity of 5 Ah can be charged with a maximum current during use corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to the charge capacity of 5 Ah, and the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 having a charge capacity of 5 Ah can be discharged with a maximum current during use corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to the charge capacity of 5 Ah, then the electric power equivalent to half of the charge capacity of 5 Ah can be charged within about 3 minutes.

[0088] [Modification Example 2] The maximum current during use at which the driving lithium-ion battery 22 is charged and the maximum current during use at which the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is discharged correspond to a rate of, for example, 20C or more. In this case, the driving lithium-ion battery 22 is charged in an even shorter time.

[0089] [Modification Example 3] For example, in a configuration where the driving lithium-ion battery 22 has a lithium-ion battery cell 22c with a capacity of 5 Ah and the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 has a lithium-ion battery cell 12c with a capacity of 5 Ah, when a charging current of 100 A or more is supplied from the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 to the driving lithium-ion battery 22, the rates of charging and discharging are 20C or more. Also, for example, in a configuration where the drive lithium-ion battery 22 has lithium-ion battery cells 22c with a capacity of 20 Ah and the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 has lithium-ion battery cells 12c with a capacity of 20 Ah, when a charging current of 400 A or more is supplied from the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 to the drive lithium-ion battery 22, the charging and discharging rates are 20C or more.

[0090] [Modification Example 4] The charging capacity of the drive lithium-ion battery 22 and the charging capacity of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 may be different. The charging capacity of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 may be equal to or greater than the charging capacity of the drive lithium-ion battery 22. For example, when the charging capacity of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is larger than the charging capacity of the drive lithium-ion battery 22, it is possible to charge the electrical device 2 multiple times without charging the power storage type charging device 1.

[0091] [Modification Example 5] The number of lithium-ion battery cells 22c included in the drive lithium-ion battery 22 and the number of lithium-ion battery cells 12c included in the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 can be set according to the maximum charging voltage. The maximum discharge voltage at which the drive lithium-ion battery 22 can be charged is set within a range of 12 V or more and 72 V or less. For example, when the drive lithium-ion battery 22 is configured by connecting five lithium-ion battery cells 22c having a maximum discharge voltage of 2.8 V in series, the maximum discharge voltage at which the drive lithium-ion battery 22 can be discharged is 14 V. Also, when the drive lithium-ion battery 22 is configured by connecting 26 lithium-ion battery cells 22c in series, the maximum discharge voltage at which the drive lithium-ion battery 22 can be discharged is approximately 72 V. The above voltage setting can also be applied to the built-in lithium-ion battery 12.

[0092] [Modification Example 6] The number of lithium-ion battery cells 22c included in the drive lithium-ion battery 22 and the number of lithium-ion battery cells 12c included in the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 are different. For example, even if the number of lithium-ion battery cells 12c included in the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is larger than the number of lithium-ion battery cells 22c included in the driving lithium-ion battery 22, the maximum charging voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 may be larger than the maximum charging voltage of the driving lithium-ion battery 22. The built-in lithium-ion battery 12 may be configured such that the maximum output voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 itself is smaller than the maximum charging voltage of the driving lithium-ion battery 22. For example, the driving lithium-ion battery 22 may have 20 lithium-ion battery cells 22c with a capacity of 5 Ah, and the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 may have 21 lithium-ion battery cells 12c with a charging capacity of 5 Ah. The built-in lithium-ion battery 12 can be charged at a voltage 5% higher than in the case of the driving lithium-ion battery 22. In this case, since the maximum discharge voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is 0.8 to 0.95 times the charging voltage, it is equal to or lower than the maximum charging voltage of the driving lithium-ion battery 22. If the number of lithium-ion battery cells 12c included in the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is 5% or less larger than or the same as the number of lithium-ion battery cells 22c included in the driving lithium-ion battery 22, the maximum charging voltages of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 and the lithium-ion battery cells 22c can be effectively utilized. Note that the number of battery cells can be applied to any form having any charging capacity and C-rate.

[0093] [Modification Example 7] For example, when both the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 and the driving lithium-ion battery 22 used in the charging system A have a positive electrode containing a lithium oxide and further have a negative electrode 22n containing at least any one selected from the group consisting of spinel-type lithium titanate, niobium titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite, the maintenance of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 and the driving lithium-ion battery 22 used in the charging system A is easier. Also in this case, in a configuration where the maximum discharge voltage of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is smaller than the maximum charge voltage of the drive lithium-ion battery 22, the maximum current during use at a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah is set via the current output path 14 without passing through a voltage converter, making it easy to manufacture the battery cells.

[0094] The built-in lithium-ion battery 12 may, for example, satisfy a large current charging specification in addition to the large current discharge specification. For example, the difference between the current value (maximum discharge current value) of the large current discharge specification and the current value (maximum charge current value) of the large current charging specification is smaller than the smaller value of the maximum discharge current value or the maximum charge current value. Also, the drive lithium-ion battery 22 may, for example, satisfy a large current discharge specification in addition to the large current charging specification. For example, the difference between the maximum discharge current value and the maximum charge current value is smaller than the smaller value of the maximum discharge current value or the maximum charge current value. In this case, in a situation where the power stored in the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is supplied to the drive lithium-ion battery 22 without the intervention of a voltage converter for charging the drive lithium-ion battery 22, a situation where the supply current is limited to less than half by the low current discharge specification is suppressed. For this reason, the drive lithium-ion battery 22 can be charged in a short time.

[0095] For example, if the difference between the maximum discharge current value and the maximum charge current value in the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is 30% or less of the smaller value of the maximum discharge current value and the maximum charge current value, the decrease in the supply current described above can be more effectively suppressed. Also, for example, if the difference between the maximum discharge current value and the maximum charge current value in the drive lithium-ion battery 22 is 30% or less of the smaller value of the maximum discharge current value and the maximum charge current value, the decrease in the supply current described above can be more effectively suppressed.

[0096] Note that, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 may be connected in series with a plurality of lithium-ion battery cells 12c and include a current cut-off device 12d that cuts off the current flowing through the plurality of lithium-ion battery cells 12c. By providing the current cut-off device 12d, it is possible to suppress a situation where the current of the plurality of lithium-ion battery cells 12c inadvertently flows to the outside. For example, assume that when the charging target connection part 11 is removed from the electric device 2 or during the operation of attaching the charging target connection part 11 to the electric device 2, the charging target connection part 11 inadvertently contacts some conductor outside the power storage type charging device 1. At this time, it is possible to suppress a situation where the conductor is welded to the charging target connection part 11 due to a large current caused by a short circuit. The current cut-off device 12d cuts off the current when a current equal to or greater than a predetermined allowable current flows from the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 to the current output path 14. The current cut-off device 12d performs cut-off and connection according to the current value flowing through the built-in lithium-ion battery 12. However, this is not a function of switching the path through which the large current is passing from the current output path 14 to another path according to the potential difference between the driving lithium-ion battery 22 and the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 during charging of the driving lithium-ion battery 22 with a large current. The current cut-off device 12d only cuts off the circuit of the built-in lithium-ion battery 12, and after the cut-off, the driving lithium-ion battery 22 cannot be discharged for charging, and it does not correspond to path switching for charging. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 2(a), the driving lithium-ion battery 22 may also be connected in series with a plurality of lithium-ion battery cells 22c and include a current cut-off device 22d that cuts off the current flowing through the plurality of lithium-ion battery cells 22c. Also in this case, during charging of the driving lithium-ion battery 22 with a large current, it is not a function of switching the path through which the large current is passing from the current output path 14 to another path according to the potential difference between the driving lithium-ion battery 22 and the built-in lithium-ion battery 12.

[0097] Each lithium-ion battery cell 12c included in the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is connected in series without being connected in parallel to each other. Each lithium-ion battery cell 12c has variations in internal resistance. However, the current flowing through each lithium-ion battery cell 12c connected in series is substantially equal regardless of the difference in internal resistance. For this reason, it is easy to maintain the balance of the charge amounts in each lithium-ion battery cell 12c. For example, when charging starts from a state where the charge amount of each lithium-ion battery cell 12c is 0, the current integration amounts of each lithium-ion battery cell 12c at any given time are substantially equal. That is, the charge amounts of each lithium-ion battery cell 12c are substantially equal. Also, when each lithium-ion battery cell 12c discharges, the current flowing through each lithium-ion battery cell 12c is substantially equal. For this reason, the charge amounts of each lithium-ion battery cell 12c at any given time are substantially equal. Therefore, the timing at which each lithium-ion battery cell 12c becomes fully charged during charging is also substantially equal. Therefore, even if the control device 25b (see FIG. 3) for monitoring and controlling the state of each lithium-ion battery cell 12c is simple and small, it is possible to maintain the balance of the charge amounts in each lithium-ion battery cell 12c. Therefore, the power storage type charging device 1 can be miniaturized with a simple configuration.

[0098] The maximum voltage specification (maximum charging voltage) at which the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 can be charged during use is 12V or more and 72V or less. In this case, the maximum voltage that can be applied across both ends of a plurality of lithium-ion battery cells 12c connected in series is 72V or less. For example, the maximum voltage that can be applied across both ends of 20 lithium-ion battery cells 12c connected in series is, for example, 58V.

[0099] [Modification Example 8] The compatible battery detection / switching unit 13 detects that a driving lithium-ion battery 22 that satisfies the maximum voltage specification during use and the large current charging specification is connected when a charging connector 21 having a structure unique to the attributes of the battery is connected to an output connector 11b. For example, the charging connector 21 has a shape unique to the specifications of the driving lithium-ion battery 22, for example. That is, the shape of the charging connector 21 is different from the shape of the connector of a battery having specifications different from those of the driving lithium-ion battery 22. The output connector 11b can be connected to the charging connector 21 having this unique shape, and the compatible battery detection / switching unit 13 is configured to detect that the output connector 11b is connected to the charging connector 21. The compatible battery detection / switching unit 13 detects that a driving lithium-ion battery 22 that satisfies the maximum voltage specification during use and the large current charging specification is connected by detecting that the output connector 11b is connected to the charging connector 21. In this case, compared with the case of acquiring information by communication, the configuration for information storage, communication, and discrimination processing can be made simpler.

[0100] [Application Example] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an application example of the power storage type charging device and the charging system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3(a) is a block diagram showing a pre-charging state of the power storage type charging device 1. FIG. 3(b) is a block diagram showing a charging state of the driving lithium-ion battery 22 by the power storage type charging device 1. A saddle-riding type vehicle 2' is shown in FIG. 3 as an example of an electric device. The saddle-riding type vehicle 2' includes a motor 25a as a driving device 25 and a control device 25b for the motor 25a. The reference numerals of the remaining elements in the charging system A are the same as those of the corresponding elements in FIG. 1, and differences from the configuration of FIG. 1 in particular will be described.

[0101] First, the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 of the power storage type charging device 1 is charged with electric power supplied from an external power source Cb. For example, a pre-charging unit Ca is provided outside the power storage type charging device 1 and the straddle-type vehicle 2'. The pre-charging unit Ca charges the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 with a voltage equal to or lower than the maximum charging voltage in the driving lithium-ion battery 22 using the electric power supplied from a commercial AC power source, which is an external power source Cb for the power storage type charging device 1 and the straddle-type vehicle 2'. The built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is charged to a built-in battery voltage equal to or lower than the maximum charging voltage.

[0102] After the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is charged, when the charging target connection part 11 is connected to the driving lithium-ion battery 22, the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 is electrically connected to the driving lithium-ion battery 22. When the charging target connection part 11 is connected to the driving lithium-ion battery 22, the compatible battery detection / switching part 13 energizes the current output from the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 through the current output path 14. A current flows from the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 to the driving lithium-ion battery 22. The driving lithium-ion battery 22 is charged at a charging rate of 10C or more.

[0103] [Second Embodiment] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power storage type charging device according to the second embodiment. The power storage type charging device 3 shown in FIG. 4 is different from the power storage type charging device 1 shown in FIG. 1 in that it incorporates a pre-charging unit Ca'. The pre-charging unit Ca' charges the built-in lithium-ion battery 12 with the electric power supplied from a commercial AC power source, which is an external power source Cb.

[0104] Note that the above-described modification examples may be individually applied to each embodiment, or may be applied in combination. Any two modification examples out of Modification Examples 1 to 8 may be applied to each embodiment. Further, any three modification examples out of Modification Examples 1 to 8 may be applied to each embodiment. Further, any four modification examples out of Modification Examples 1 to 8 may be applied to each embodiment. Further, any five modification examples out of Modification Examples 1 to 8 may be applied to each embodiment. Further, any six modification examples out of Modification Examples 1 to 8 may be applied to each embodiment.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0105] 1 Power storage type charging device 2, 2' Electrical device 3 Power storage type charging device 11 Charging target connection part 12 Built-in lithium ion battery 12b Bus bar 12c Lithium ion battery cell 12n Negative electrode 13 Compatible battery detection / switching part 14 Current output path 17 Compatible battery detection part 18 Output switching part 22 Driving lithium ion battery 22b Bus bar 22c Lithium ion battery cell 22n Negative electrode A Charging system

Claims

1. A power storage type charging device that is detachably connected to an electrical device equipped with a large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery and driven by the power of the large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery to charge the large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery, comprising: The power storage type charging device is: A charging target connection part electrically connected to the large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery; A large current dischargeable built-in lithium ion battery provided in the power storage type charging device, charged by power supplied from a power source outside the power storage type charging device and outside the electrical device, and satisfying a large current discharge specification; A large current passageable current output path that connects the large current dischargeable built-in lithium ion battery and the charging target connection part without passing through a voltage converter, and is characterized by the following: The power storage type charging device is: Provided in the large current passageable current output path, when it is detected that the large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery satisfying the maximum voltage specification during use and the large current charging specification is connected to the charging target connection part and becomes on, the large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery is charged by the large current output from the large current dischargeable built-in lithium ion battery, and is provided with a compatible battery detection / switching part that passes the large current through the large current passageable current output path that does not pass through the voltage converter; The power storage type charging device is configured not to have a function of switching the path through which the large current passes from the large current passageable current output path to another path according to the potential difference between the large current chargeable drive lithium ion battery and the large current dischargeable built-in lithium ion battery during charging with the large current; The large current discharge specification means a battery specification that it is possible to discharge at a maximum current during use corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah; The large current charging specification means a battery specification that it is possible to be charged at a maximum current during use corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah; The large current is a current corresponding to a rate of 10C or more with respect to a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah.

2. The power storage type charging device according to Claim 1, The rechargeable charging device detects that the large-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery or the electrical device is mechanically connected to the charge target connection part, or communicates with the electrical device to obtain information representing the attributes of the large-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery, thereby detecting that the large-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery that satisfies the maximum voltage specification and the large-current charging specification during use is connected to the charge target connection part.

3. The rechargeable charging device according to claim 1 or 2, The large-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery has a negative electrode containing at least any one selected from the group consisting of spinel-type lithium titanate, niobium-titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite.

4. The rechargeable charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The large-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery has a negative electrode containing at least any one selected from the group consisting of spinel-type lithium titanate, niobium-titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite.

5. The rechargeable charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The rechargeable charging device further includes a pre-charging unit that charges the large-current dischargeable built-in lithium-ion battery with electric power supplied from a power source outside the rechargeable charging device and the electrical device at a voltage below the maximum charging voltage in the large-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery.

6. A charging system, The rechargeable charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and A charging system comprising the rechargeable charging device and an electrical device connected to the rechargeable charging device and driven by the power of the large-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery charged by the rechargeable charging device.

7. The large-current chargeable driving lithium-ion battery mounted on the electrical device of the charging system according to claim 6 and charged by the rechargeable charging device.

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