Charging system

Abstract

To provide a charging system that supports various charging modes.SOLUTION: A first charging adapter is coupled with a second charging adapter, and the second charging adapter is coupled with an additional charging adapter compatible with the second charging adapter. A request receiving circuit receives a charging request requesting charging of a battery pack attached to a battery connector from the second charging adapter. A charging notification transmission circuit selects a target battery pack to be charged, and transmits a charging notification indicating the target battery pack to the connected second charging adapter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a technique for charging a battery pack.

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a charger that can charge two types of battery packs having different interfaces.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A user may own a plurality of battery packs of various types. Therefore, in order to charge such a plurality of battery packs, the user needs to prepare a plurality of chargers for charging the corresponding single battery pack, or a charger for simultaneously charging two or more battery packs having the same or different interfaces.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure aims to provide a charging system capable of accommodating various charging modes.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The charging system according to one aspect of this disclosure includes a power supply adapter, a first charging adapter, and a second charging adapter. The power supply adapter is configured to receive power from an external power source and output first power.

[0007] The first charging adapter includes a power receiving unit, a first connecting part, a first upstream connector, a power supply circuit, a request receiving circuit, and a charging notification transmitting circuit. The power receiving unit is configured to receive first power from a power supply adapter. The first connecting part is configured to be detachably attached to a second charging adapter.

[0008] The first upstream connector is disposed in the first connecting part. The power supply circuit is configured to output second power based on the first power input from the power receiving unit from the first upstream connector. The request receiving circuit is configured to receive, via the first upstream connector, a charging request for charging a battery pack attached to a battery connection part from the second charging adapter. The charging notification transmitting circuit is configured to select a target battery pack, which is the battery pack to be charged, according to the charging request received by the request receiving circuit. Further, the charging notification transmitting circuit is configured to transmit a charging notification indicating the target battery pack to the second charging adapter via the first upstream connector.

[0009] The second charging adapter includes a second connecting part, a battery connection part, a third connecting part, a second upstream connector, a downstream connector, a bypass circuit, a request transmitting circuit, and a charging execution circuit. The second connecting part is configured to be detachably attached to the first charging adapter. The battery connection part is configured to be detachably attached to a battery pack. The third connecting part is configured to be detachably attached to an additional charging adapter having compatibility with the second charging adapter.

[0010] The second upstream connector is disposed at the third connection portion and is compatible with the first upstream connector. The downstream connector is disposed at the second connection portion and is configured to be detachably connected to the first upstream connector. The bypass circuit electrically connects the downstream connector and the second upstream connector. The request transmission circuit is configured to transmit a charging request to the first charging adapter via the first upstream connector in response to the attachment of the battery pack to the battery connection portion. The charging execution circuit is configured to start or stop charging the battery pack connected to the battery connection portion using the second power received via the first upstream connector based on the charging notification received from the first charging adapter via the downstream connector.

[0011] According to such a configuration, an additional charging adapter compatible with the second charging adapter can be arbitrarily connected to the second charging adapter connected to the first charging adapter. Further, the first charging adapter can control the start and stop of charging the battery pack connected to the second charging adapter and the additional charging adapter by communication via the first upstream connector. Therefore, according to the charging system, various charging modes can be supported using one power supply adapter.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] [Summary of Embodiments] A charging system in an embodiment may include a power supply adapter. The power supply adapter may be configured to receive power from an external power source and output first power. Additionally / alternatively, the charging system may include a first charging adapter. Additionally / alternatively, the charging system may include a second charging adapter.

[0014] The first charging adapter may include a power receiving unit. The power receiving unit may be configured to receive first power from a power supply adapter. Additionally / Alternatively, the first charging adapter may include a first connecting part. The first connecting part may be configured to be detachably attached to the second charging adapter.

[0015] Additionally / Alternatively, the first charging adapter may include a first upstream connector. The first upstream connector may be disposed on the first connecting part. Additionally / Alternatively, the first charging adapter may include a power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be configured to output second power based on the first power input from the power receiving unit from the first upstream connector. Additionally / Alternatively, the first charging adapter may include a request receiving circuit. The request receiving circuit may be configured to receive a charging request for charging a battery pack attached to a battery connection part from the second charging adapter via the first upstream connector. Additionally / Alternatively, the first charging adapter may include a charging notification transmission circuit. The charging notification transmission circuit may be configured to select a target battery pack, which is the battery pack to be charged, according to the charging request received by the request receiving circuit. The charging notification transmission circuit may be configured to transmit a charging notification indicating the target battery pack to the second charging adapter via the first upstream connector.

[0016] The second charging adapter may include a second connecting part. The second connecting part may be configured to be detachably attached to the first charging adapter. Additionally / Alternatively, the second charging adapter may include a battery connection part. The battery connection part may be configured to allow a battery pack to be detachably attached. Additionally / Alternatively, the second charging adapter may include a third connecting part. The third connecting part may be configured to be detachably attached to an additional charging adapter having compatibility with the second charging adapter.

[0017] Additionally / alternatively, the second charging adapter may include a second upstream connector. The second upstream connector may be disposed in the third connection portion and compatible with the first upstream connector. Additionally / alternatively, the second charging adapter may include a downstream connector. The downstream connector may be disposed in the second connection portion and configured to be releasably connected to the first upstream connector. Additionally / alternatively, the second charging adapter may include a bypass circuit. The bypass circuit may electrically connect the downstream connector and the second upstream connector. Additionally / alternatively, the second charging adapter may include a request sending circuit. The request sending circuit may be configured to send a charging request to the first charging adapter via the first upstream connector in response to attachment of the battery pack to the battery connection portion. Additionally / alternatively, the second charging adapter may include a charging execution circuit. The charging execution circuit may start or stop charging the battery pack connected to the battery connection portion using the second power received via the first upstream connector based on a charging notification received from the first charging adapter via the downstream connector.

[0018] In one embodiment, the charging system can optionally connect additional charging adapters compatible with the second charging adapter connected to the first charging adapter. The first charging adapter can control the start and stop of charging the battery packs connected to the second charging adapter and the additional charging adapters by communicating via the first upstream connector. Therefore, the charging system can accommodate a variety of charging modes using a single power supply adapter.

[0019] The additional charging adapter may have a configuration identical to that of the second charging adapter. In some embodiments, the charging system can accommodate any number of additional charging adapters.

[0020] The power supply circuit may include a first conversion circuit. The first conversion circuit may be configured to convert first power into second power. The second power may be suitable for charging the target battery pack. Additionally / Alternatively, the second charging adapter may include a switch. The switch may be configured to interrupt the power supply path of the second power from the downstream connector to the battery connection portion. Additionally / Alternatively, the charge execution circuit may be configured to open and close the switch based on a charge notification or information obtained via the downstream connector.

[0021] In a certain embodiment, the charging system does not need to include a configuration corresponding to the first conversion circuit in the second charging adapter, so the configuration of the second charging adapter can be simplified.

[0022] The first charging adapter may be configured to output first power from the first upstream connector. Additionally / Alternatively, the second charging adapter may be configured to operate with the first power received via the downstream connector.

[0023] In a certain embodiment, the charging system can operate the second charging adapter regardless of whether the first conversion circuit is operating, as long as the first charging adapter receives the first power from the power supply adapter.

[0024] The power supply circuit may be configured to output the first power as the second power without conversion. Additionally / Alternatively, the second charging adapter may include a second conversion circuit. The second conversion circuit may be configured to convert the second power into third power. The third power may be suitable for charging the target battery pack. Additionally / Alternatively, the charge execution circuit may be configured to start or stop the second conversion circuit based on a charge notification or information obtained via the downstream connector.

[0025] In a certain embodiment, in each of the second charging adapters, since the second power is converted into the third power suitable for charging the target battery pack, a plurality of battery packs can be charged simultaneously.

[0026] The first charging adapter may include an additional battery connection part equal to the battery connection part. Additionally / alternatively, the first charging adapter may include an additional battery connection part equal to the request transmission circuit. Additionally / alternatively, the first charging adapter may include an additional charging execution circuit equal to the charging execution circuit.

[0027] The charging system in a certain embodiment can charge the battery pack, whether it is the first charging adapter or the second charging adapter. The first charging adapter may include a power supply capacity recognition circuit. The power supply capacity recognition circuit may be configured to recognize the power supply capacity of the power supply adapter attached to the power reception part according to the information collected through the power reception part. Additionally / alternatively, the first charging adapter may include an operation permission circuit. The operation permission circuit may be configured to permit charging of the battery pack when the power supply capacity recognized by the power supply capacity recognition circuit satisfies the required power of the first charging adapter.

[0028] In a certain embodiment, when the power supply capacity of the power supply adapter cannot satisfy the required capacity, charging of the battery pack is not performed, so the reliability of the system can be improved.

[0029] The power supply adapter may be configured such that its power supply capacity is variably set by changing the output voltage. Additionally / alternatively, the power supply capacity recognition circuit may be configured to set the power supply capacity of the power supply adapter by performing negotiation according to the Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery (USB-PD) standard through communication with the power supply adapter via the power reception part. Additionally / alternatively, the power supply capacity recognition circuit may be configured to recognize the power supply capacity from the result of the negotiation.

[0030] In an embodiment, the charging system may include a non - chargeable circuit in the first charging adapter. The non - chargeable circuit may be configured such that charging of the battery pack becomes impossible when the power supply capacity does not meet the required power of the first charging adapter.

[0031] In an embodiment, the charging system can cause the power supply system to supply power suitable for the requirements of the first charging adapter to the first charging adapter. Also, the first charging adapter can perform control according to the power supply capacity of the power supply adapter.

[0032] In an embodiment, the power receiving system may be configured such that the power supply adapter outputs a constant voltage. Additionally / or, the first charging adapter may include a second power supply capacity recognition circuit. The second power supply capacity recognition circuit may be configured to recognize the power supply capacity of the power supply adapter by measuring the terminal voltage of the power supply terminal to which the first power is input.

[0033] In an embodiment, the charging system can perform control according to the power supply capacity of the power supply adapter. The second charging adapter may include a status transmission circuit. The status transmission circuit may be configured to transmit the charging status of the battery pack mounted on the battery connection portion to the first charging adapter via the downstream connector. Additionally / or, the first charging adapter may include a status notification circuit. The status notification circuit may be configured to notify the charging status received from the second charging adapter via the first upstream connector.

[0034] In an embodiment, the charging system can allow the user of the system to check the charging status. [Specific Exemplary Embodiments] Hereinafter, specific exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0035] [1. First Embodiment] [1 - 1. Configuration] The charging system 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a system that charges one or more battery packs 7 sequentially or simultaneously. The battery packs 7 are attached to power tools and the like when used. The battery packs 7 may have a unique attachment / detachment structure and terminal shape for each power tool to which they are applied.

[0036] The charging system 1 includes a power supply adapter 2, a first charging adapter 3, and a plurality of second charging adapters 5. The power supply adapter 2 includes a power supply cable 21 and a charging adapter connector 22 .

[0037] The power supply cable 21 includes, for example, an AC plug 211 that is connected to a commercial power outlet. The charging adapter connection unit 22 includes a connector (hereinafter referred to as a USB connector) to which a USB TYPE-C cable (hereinafter referred to as a USB cable) 8 is attached and detached.

[0038] The first charging adapter 3 includes a housing 30, a power adapter connector 31, a battery connector 32, a first coupling part 33, and a notification part . The housing 30 has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, and the surface that comes into contact with the floor or the like during use is called the housing bottom surface, the surface opposite the housing bottom surface is called the housing top surface, and the four surfaces other than the housing top surface and housing bottom surface are called housing side surfaces. The battery connection portion 32 and the notification portion 34 are located on the housing top surface 30a. The power supply adapter connection portion 31 is located on one of the housing side surfaces 30b. The first coupling portion 33 is located on a housing side surface 30c that is different from the housing side surface 30b. The housing side surfaces 30b and 30c may face each other.

[0039] Similar to the charging adapter connection unit 22, the power supply adapter connection unit 31 includes a USB connector to which the USB cable 8 is attached and detached. The battery connection part 32 is provided with a battery connection mechanism for detachably mounting the battery pack 7. The battery connection mechanism may include a slide mechanism and a holding mechanism. The slide mechanism is a mechanism for moving the battery pack 7 along the housing 30 to the mounting position. The holding mechanism is a mechanism for holding the battery pack 7 at the mounting position. The battery connection part 32 is provided with battery connection terminals 321. The battery connection terminals 321 are electrically connected to the battery-side terminals provided in the battery pack 7 held at the mounting position by using the battery connection mechanism.

[0040] The first connection part 33 is provided with an adapter connection mechanism for detachably mounting the second charging adapter 5 to the first charging adapter 3. The first connection part 33 is provided with an upstream connector 331. The upstream connector 331 is electrically connected to the second charging adapter 5 mounted on the first connection part 33 by using the adapter connection mechanism. The upstream connector 331 includes a charging power supply terminal T1, a general-purpose power supply terminal T2, and a communication terminal T3. In another embodiment, the upstream connector 331 may be provided with two or more charging power supply terminals T1. The upstream connector 331 may be provided with two or more general-purpose power supply terminals T2. The upstream connector 331 may be provided with two or more communication terminals T3.

[0041] The notification part 34 is provided with a display panel for visually notifying the user of the state of the charging system 1, the state of the battery pack 7, etc. The notification part 34 may be provided with a lamp instead of / in addition to the display panel. The notification part 34 may be provided with a speaker or the like for audibly notifying the user instead of / in addition to the visual notification to the user.

[0042] The second charging adapter 5 includes a housing 50, a second connection part 51, a battery connection part 52, and a third connection part 53. Like the housing 30, the housing 50 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The surface of the housing 50 that comes into contact with the floor or the like during use is called the housing bottom surface, the surface opposite the housing bottom surface is called the housing top surface, and the four surfaces other than the housing top surface and housing bottom surface are called housing side surfaces. The battery connection portion 52 is located on the housing top surface 50a. The second connecting portion 51 is located on one of the housing side surfaces 50b. The third connecting portion 53 is located on a housing side surface 50c that is different from the housing side surface 50b. The housing side surface 50b and the housing side surface 50c may face each other.

[0043] The battery connection part 52 has the same configuration as the battery connection part 32 of the first charging adapter 3. That is, the battery connection part 52 includes a battery connection mechanism and a battery connection terminal 521.

[0044] The second connecting portion 51 includes an adapter connecting mechanism for detachably attaching to the first charging adapter 3. The second connecting portion 51 includes an adapter connecting mechanism that links with the adapter connecting mechanism of the first connecting portion 33 to connect the first charging adapter 3 and the second charging adapter 5. The second connecting portion 51 includes a downstream connector 511. Like the upstream connector 331, the downstream connector 511 includes a charging power terminal T1, a general-purpose power terminal T2, and a communication terminal T3.

[0045] The third connecting portion 53 is configured to be compatible with the first connecting portion 33 of the first charging adapter 3. That is, the third connecting portion 53 includes an adapter connecting mechanism. The adapter connecting mechanism is a mechanism for detachably attaching an additional charging adapter that is compatible with the second charging adapter 5. The additional charging adapter here may have the same configuration as the second charging adapter 5. The third connecting portion 53 also includes an upstream connector 531 that is compatible with the upstream connector 331.

[0046] Therefore, the upstream connector 531 is electrically connected to an additional charging adapter attached to the third connecting portion 53 using the adapter connecting mechanism. Similar to the upstream connector 331 and the downstream connector 511, the upstream connector 531 includes a charging power terminal T1, a general-purpose power terminal T2, and a communication terminal T3.

[0047] The adapter connection mechanism provided in the first connection portion 33, the second connection portion 51, and the third connection portion 53 may include a positioning mechanism and a holding mechanism. The positioning mechanism is a mechanism for determining the positions of the upstream adapter and the downstream adapter to be connected. The holding mechanism is a mechanism for maintaining the state positioned by the positioning mechanism. When the first charging adapter 3 and the second charging adapter 5 are connected, the first charging adapter 3 having the first connection portion 33 is the upstream adapter, and the second charging adapter 5 having the second connection portion 51 is the downstream adapter. When two second charging adapters 5 are connected, the second charging adapter 5 connected using the third connection portion 53 is the upstream adapter, and the second charging adapter 5 connected using the second connection portion 51 (i.e., the additional charging adapter) is the downstream adapter.

[0048] When the upstream adapter and downstream adapter are integrally connected using the adapter connection mechanism, the upstream connector 331 or 531 of the upstream adapter is electrically connected to the downstream connector 511 of the downstream adapter.

[0049] That is, the charging system 1 has a structure that allows any number of second charging adapters 5 to be connected in series, with the first charging adapter 3 at the head. Note that the terms upstream and downstream are used here to refer to the physical positions between any two directly connected adapters in the connected first charging adapter 3 and one or more second charging adapters 5. In other words, the side closer to the first charging adapter 3 at the head of the connection is upstream, and the side closer to the end of the connection is downstream.

[0050] The first charging adapter 3 and the second charging adapter 5 may have variations in the structure of the battery connectors 32, 52 depending on the type of battery pack 7 to be applied. The power supply adapter 2 may also have variations in the upper limit power that can be supplied.

[0051] [1-2. Functional configuration] [1-2-1. Power supply adapter] The functional configuration of each unit constituting the charging system 1 will be described.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply adapter 2 includes an AC / DC converter 23 and a control integrated circuit (hereinafter referred to as control IC) 24. The AC / DC converter 23 includes an AC plug 211 and receives AC power supply from an AC power source such as a commercial power supply. The AC / DC converter 23 converts the input power from AC to DC. The power converted by the AC / DC converter 23 is output as the first power from the USB connector of the charging adapter connection portion 22. The output voltage of the AC / DC converter 23 is variably set by the control IC 24.

[0053] The control IC 24 includes at least the functions of the source side in the USB-PD standard. The control IC 24 performs negotiation according to the USB-PD standard with the control IC 43 provided in the first charging adapter 3 which is the connection destination of the charging adapter connection portion 22. The control IC 24 notifies the power information indicating the power that can be supplied to the connection destination of the charging adapter connection portion 22 through negotiation, and the control IC 43 determines the required power. The control IC 24 sets the output voltage of the AC / DC converter 23 according to the determined required power. Note that the set value of the output voltage before negotiation is set to the lowest voltage (for example, 5V) among the selectable voltages defined in the USB-PD standard.

[0054] [1-2-2. First Charging Adapter] The first charging adapter 3 includes a USB connector 311, a battery connection terminal 321, an upstream connector 331, a notification unit 34, and a first circuit 35.

[0055] The first circuit 35 includes a first switch (hereinafter referred to as first SW) 41, a second switch (hereinafter referred to as second SW) 42, a control IC 43, and a control power supply 44. Further, the first circuit 35 includes a DC / DC converter 45, a load switch (hereinafter referred to as LDSW) 46, a battery interface (hereinafter referred to as BTIF) 47, and a microcontroller unit (hereinafter referred to as MCU) 48.

[0056] The first SW 41 is provided on the first power supply path L1. The first power supply path L1 is a path that extends from a power supply terminal of the USB connector 311, to which the first power is input, to the DC / DC converter 45 and the control power supply 44. The first SW 41 connects and disconnects the first power supply path L1 in accordance with an instruction from the control IC 43.

[0057] The second SW42 is provided on the second power supply path L2. The second power supply path L2 is a path that extends from a power supply terminal of the USB connector 311, to which the first power is input, to the control power supply 44. The second SW42 turns the second power supply path L2 on and off in accordance with an instruction from the control IC 43.

[0058] The control IC 43 has at least the function of operating as a sink side of the USB-PD standard. The control IC 43 operates when a first power is input from the power supply adapter 2 via the USB connector 311. The control IC 43 determines whether to operate as a source or a sink based on the setting of a control terminal of the USB connector 311 provided in the power supply adapter connection unit 31. In this example, the control IC 43 operates as a sink, which receives power. The control IC 43 determines the second power to receive from the power supply adapter 2 through negotiation with the control IC 24 of the power supply adapter 2 via the power supply adapter connection unit 31. The control IC 43 turns on either the first SW 41 or the second SW 42 according to the negotiation result. The control IC 43 also notifies the MCU 48 of the negotiation result. Details of the processing performed by the control IC 43 will be described later.

[0059] The control power supply 44 operates by receiving the first power via either the first power supply path L1 or the second power supply path L2. The control power supply 44 converts the input voltage into a voltage (e.g., 3.3 V) suitable for the operation of the MCU 48 and outputs it to the MCU 48.

[0060] The DC / DC converter 45 is started or stopped according to an instruction from the MCU 48. The DC / DC converter 45 converts the first power input via the first power supply path L1 into the second power used for charging the battery pack 7. Specifically, the DC / DC converter 45 controls the output voltage so that a constant charging current (for example, 3 A) is supplied to the subsequent stage.

[0061] The LDSW 46 is connected to the third power supply path L3 leading from the output side of the DC / DC converter 45 to the battery connection terminal 321. The LDSW 46 interrupts the third power supply path L3 according to an instruction from the MCU 48 or the BTIF 47.

[0062] The BTIF 47 may receive information such as the specifications of the battery pack 7 and the state of the battery pack 7 (hereinafter referred to as battery information) through communication with the control circuit in the battery pack 7 connected to the battery connection portion 32. Further, the BTIF 47 may transmit the acquired battery information to the MCU 48. If the BTIF 47 attempts to receive battery information but fails to receive it, it may recognize that the battery pack 7 is not connected to the battery connection portion 32. Further, the BTIF 47 may be provided with a protection function of forcibly turning off the LDSW 46 when an abnormality of the battery pack 7 is detected.

[0063] The MCU 48 operates by receiving power supply from the control power supply 44. The MCU 48 receives notifications from the control IC 43 and battery information from the BTIF 47. Further, the MCU 48 receives battery information from the second charging adapter 5 connected to the first charging adapter 3 via the communication terminal T3 of the upstream connector 331. For the communication between the first charging adapter 3 and the second charging adapter 5 via the communication terminal T3, for example, serial communication such as UART may be used. The MCU 48 controls the charging of the battery pack 7 attached to the battery connection portion 32 of the first charging adapter 3 or the battery connection portion 52 of the second charging adapter 5 according to the various information received. Further, the MCU 48 may notify the user of the state of the charging system 1 and the state of the battery pack 7 being charged, etc. via the notification unit 34 according to the various information received.

[0064] The MCU 48 is equipped with a microcomputer. Therefore, the MCU 48 includes a CPU 481 and a memory 482. Instead of or in addition to the microcomputer, the MCU 48 may be equipped with any one or any combination of the following configurations. For example, the MCU 48 may be equipped with a combination of electronic components such as discrete elements. The MCU 48 may be equipped with an Application Specified Integrated Circuit (ASIC). The MCU 48 may be equipped with an Application Specific Standard Product (ASSP). The MCU 48 may be equipped with a programmable logic device such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

[0065] The memory 482 is in the form of a semiconductor memory including a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The CPU 481 executes various processes by executing various programs stored in the memory 482.

[0066] The charging power supply terminal T1 of the upstream connector 331 is connected to the third power supply path L3 between the DC / DC converter 45 and the LDSW 46. That is, the second power is output to all the second charging adapters 5 (hereinafter, the connection adapter group) connected to the first connection part 33 via the charging power supply terminal T1 of the upstream connector 331.

[0067] The general-purpose power supply terminal T2 of the upstream connector 331 is connected to the first power supply path L1 between the first SW 41, the DC / DC converter 45, and the control power supply 44. That is, the first power is output to the connection adapter group via the general-purpose power supply terminal T2 of the upstream connector 331.

[0068] The communication terminal T3 of the upstream connector 331 is connected to the communication port included in the MCU 48. That is, the MCU 48 communicates with the MCU 64 mounted on each of the connection adapter groups via the communication terminal T3 of the upstream connector 331.

[0069] [1-2-3. Second Charging Adapter] As shown in FIG. 4, the second charging adapter 5 includes a downstream connector 511, a battery connection terminal 521, an upstream connector 531, and a second circuit 54.

[0070] Each terminal T1 to T3 of the downstream connector 511 is connected to each terminal T1 to T3 of the upstream connector 531 via a bypass circuit L5. The bypass circuits L5 of all the second charging adapters 5 belonging to the connection adapter group are connected in series with each other to form a single bus line. That is, all the second charging adapters 5 belonging to the connection adapter group are electrically connected in parallel.

[0071] The second circuit 54 includes a control power supply 61, an LDSW 62, a BTIF 63, and an MCU 64. The control power supply 61 operates by receiving first power via the general-purpose power supply terminal T2 of the downstream connector 511. Similar to the control power supply 44, the control power supply 61 converts the input voltage into a voltage suitable for the operation of the MCU 64 and outputs it to the MCU 64.

[0072] The LDSW 62 is connected to the fourth power supply path L4. The fourth power supply path L4 is a path from the charging power supply terminal T1 of the downstream connector 511 to the battery connection terminal 521. The LDSW 62 interrupts the fourth power supply path L4 according to an instruction from the MCU 64.

[0073] The BTIF 63 may receive battery information through communication with a control circuit in the battery pack 7 connected to the battery connection portion 52. The BTIF 63 may transmit the received battery information to the MCU 64. If the BTIF 63 attempts to receive battery information but fails to receive it, it may recognize that the battery pack 7 is not connected to the battery connection portion 52. Further, the BTIF 63 may have a protection function of forcibly turning off the LDSW 62 when an abnormality of the battery pack 7 is detected.

[0074] The MCU 64 is configured in the same way as the MCU 48 and operates by receiving power supply from the control power supply 61. The MCU 64 receives battery information from the BTIF 63. Also, the MCU 64 communicates with the MCU 48 of the first charging adapter 3 via the communication terminal T3 of the downstream connector 511. The MCU 64 transmits the battery information received from the BTIF 63 to the MCU 48 via the communication terminal T3. Also, the MCU 64 receives a charging notification or the like from the MCU 48 via the communication terminal T3. The MCU 64 operates the LDSW 62 based on a charging notification or the like to start or stop charging the battery pack 7 connected to the battery connection part 52.

[0075] [1-3. Processing] [1-3-1. Adapter Connection Processing] Next, the adapter connection processing executed by the control IC 43 of the first charging adapter 3 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 5.

[0076] The adapter connection processing starts when the control IC 43 is activated. The control IC 43 operates by receiving first power from the power supply adapter 2 connected to the power supply adapter connection part 31 via the power supply terminal of the USB connector 311. The initial states of the first SW 41, the second SW 42, and the LDSW 46 are all off.

[0077] When the adapter connection processing is started, in S110, the control IC 43 checks the power supply and reception specifications between the power supply adapter 2 connected via the USB cable 8 and the first charging adapter 3. The power supply and reception specifications indicate which of the power supply adapter 2 and the first charging adapter 3 operates as the source that provides power and which operates as the sink that receives power. Specifically, between the control IC 43 and the control IC 24 of the power supply adapter 2, the negotiation of the power supply and reception specifications is executed via the USB connector 311 in a method according to the USB-PD standard.

[0078] In the subsequent S120, the control IC 43 determines whether the power supply and reception specifications match between the power supply adapter 2 and the first charging adapter 3. If the control IC 43 determines that the power supply and reception specifications match, the process proceeds to S130; if it determines that they do not match, the process proceeds to S150. When the power supply and reception specifications match, the power supply adapter 2 starts an output that satisfies the required power of the first charging adapter 3. That is, it means that the first charging adapter 3 can receive the power necessary for charging the battery pack 7 from the power supply adapter 2.

[0079] For example, when both the control IC 24 and the control IC 43 are attempting to operate as sources, it is determined that the power supply and reception specifications do not match. Also, when the supplied power of the power supply adapter 2 cannot satisfy the required power of the first charging adapter 3, it is determined that they do not match. When the power supply and reception specifications do not match, the output voltage of the power supply adapter 2 is set to a predetermined voltage (e.g., 5V).

[0080] In S130, the control IC 43 outputs a compatibility notification to the MCU 48. The compatibility notification is a notification indicating that the power supply and reception specifications match between the power supply adapter 2 and the first charging adapter 3.

[0081] In the subsequent S140, the control IC 43 switches the first SW 41 to the on state and ends the process. When the first SW 41 is turned on, the control power supply 44 and the DC / DC converter 45 receive the first power via the first power supply path L1. Also, when the first SW 41 is turned on, the first power is output toward the connection adapter group via the general-purpose power supply terminal T2 of the upstream connector 331.

[0082] When the control power supply 44 that has received the first power operates, the MCU 48 also starts up. The DC / DC converter 45 that has received the first power becomes capable of operating according to instructions from the MCU 48.

[0083] In S150, the control IC 43 outputs a non - conformity notification to the MCU 48. The non - conformity notification is a notification indicating that the power supply and reception specifications do not match between the power supply adapter 2 and the first charging adapter 3. Note that the control IC 43 may output the non - conformity notification to the notification unit 34. In this case, the notification unit 34 may give a non - conformity notification according to the non - conformity notification from the control IC 43.

[0084] In the subsequent S160, the control IC 43 switches the second SW 42 to on and ends the process. When the second SW 42 is turned on, the control power supply 44 receives the first power via the second power supply path L2. When the control power supply 44 that has received the first power operates, the MCU 48 also starts up.

[0085] [1 - 3 - 2. Information Aggregation Processing] Next, the information aggregation process executed by the MCU 48 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 6.

[0086] The information aggregation process is repeatedly executed when the MCU 48 starts up. When the information aggregation process is started, in S210, the MCU 48 acquires the battery information received via the BTIF 47 regarding the battery pack 7 connected to the battery connection part 32 of the first charging adapter 3.

[0087] In the subsequent S220, the MCU 48 acquires the battery information received via the communication terminal T3 of the upstream connector 331 regarding the battery pack 7 connected to the battery connection part 52 of the second charging adapter 5.

[0088] In the subsequent S230, the MCU 48 determines whether there is a change in the status of the battery pack 7 connected to the battery connection part 32 or the battery connection part 52. The status of the battery pack 7 may include the presence or absence of connection of the battery pack 7 and the charging state of the battery pack 7. If the MCU 48 determines that there is a change in the status of the battery pack 7, the process proceeds to S240, and if it determines that there is no change in the status of the battery pack 7, the process ends.

[0089] In S240, the MCU 48 updates the charging list according to the battery information indicating that there has been a change in the status of the battery pack 7 and then ends the process. The charging list is a list that aggregates by associating the acquired battery information of the battery pack 7 with the information identifying the first charging adapter 3 or the second charging adapter 5 that is the connection destination of the battery pack 7. The charging list may be arranged in the order of charging. The order of charging may be, for example, the order of receiving the battery information. The order of charging is not limited to the order of receiving the battery information and may be determined according to the priorities pre-assigned to the first charging adapter 3 and the second charging adapter 5, the charging state of the battery pack 7 indicated in the battery information, etc.

[0090] That is, the MCU 48 repeats the update of the charging list every time there is a change in the acquired battery information. Note that the charging list does not necessarily have to be arranged in the order of charging. The MCU 48 may select the battery pack 7 to be charged in real time each time without using the charging list.

[0091] [1-3-3. Power Supply Side Processing] Next, the power supply side processing executed by the MCU 48 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 7.

[0092] The power supply side processing starts when the MCU 48 is activated. When the power supply side processing starts, in S310, the MCU 48 determines whether it has received a notification from the control IC 43. If the MCU 48 determines that it has received a notification, the process proceeds to S320. If the MCU 48 determines that it has not received a notification, it waits by repeating the process of S310.

[0093] In S320, if the notification from the control IC 43 is a conformity notification, the process proceeds to S330. If it is a non-conformity notification, the process proceeds to S340. In S330, the MCU 48 performs power supply adapter compatibility notification via the notification unit 34 and ends the process. The power supply adapter compatibility notification is a notification indicating that the power supply and reception specifications are compatible between the power supply adapter 2 and the first charging adapter 3. The power supply adapter compatibility notification may be omitted.

[0094] In the subsequent S340, the MCU 48 performs power supply adapter incompatibility notification via the notification unit 34 and ends the process. The power supply adapter incompatibility notification is a notification indicating that the power supply and reception specifications are incompatible between the power supply adapter 2 and the first charging adapter 3.

[0095] [1-3-4. Charging side processing] Next, the charging side processing executed by the MCU 48 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 8.

[0096] The charging side processing is started when it is confirmed that the power supply and reception specifications are compatible between the power supply adapter 2 and the first charging adapter 3 and it is possible to receive the power required for charging the battery pack 7 from the power supply adapter 2.

[0097] When the charging side processing is started, in S410, the MCU 48 performs charging in progress notification via the notification unit 34. The charging in progress notification is a notification indicating that the battery pack 7 is being charged.

[0098] In the subsequent S420, the MCU 48 refers to the charging list and determines whether there is a chargeable battery pack 7. If the MCU 48 determines that there is a chargeable battery pack 7, the process proceeds to S430, and if it determines that there is no chargeable battery pack 7, the process proceeds to S480.

[0099] In S430, the MCU 48 instructs the target charging adapter to start charging. The target charging adapter is the charging adapter to which the target battery is connected. The target battery is, for example, the battery pack 7 described at the top of the charging list.

[0100] Specifically, the MCU 48 activates the DC / DC converter 45. Thereafter, the DC / DC converter 45 controls the output voltage so that a constant charging current flows through the third power supply path L3. Further, when the target charging adapter is the first charging adapter 3, the MCU 48 turns on the LDSW 46. When the LDSW 46 is turned on, the battery pack 7 connected to the battery connection part 32 and the third power supply path L3 are electrically connected. Also, when the target charging adapter is the second charging adapter 5 belonging to the connection adapter group, the MCU 48 transmits a charging notification indicating information for identifying the target charging adapter via the communication terminal T3 of the upstream connector 331.

[0101] In the subsequent S440, the MCU 48 determines whether the charging of the target battery has ended based on the latest battery information of the target battery. Note that the battery information of the target battery refers to, for example, information aggregated in the charging wait list by the information aggregation process. When the MCU 48 determines that the charging of the target battery has ended, the process proceeds to S460, and when the MCU 48 determines that the charging of the target battery has not ended, the process proceeds to S450.

[0102] In S450, the MCU 48 performs a charging status notification via the notification unit 34 and returns the process to S440. The charging status notification is a notification for indicating the charging status of the target battery shown in the battery information.

[0103] In S460, the MCU 48 may perform a single charging end notification indicating that the charging of the target battery has ended via the notification unit 34. In subsequent S470, the MCU 48 performs a charging end confirmation and returns the process to S420. When the target charging adapter is the first charging adapter 3, the MCU 48 turns off the LDSW 46 as the charging end confirmation. When the LDSW 46 is turned off, the battery pack 7 connected to the battery connection part 32 and the third power supply path L3 are electrically disconnected. When the target charging adapter is the second charging adapter 5, the MCU 48 receives a charging end notification from the connection adapter group via the communication terminal T3 of the upstream connector 331 as the charging end confirmation. The charging end notification is a notification output from the second charging adapter 5 when the second charging adapter 5 turns off the LDSW 62. After the charging end confirmation, the MCU 48 stops the DC / DC converter 45 to stop the output of the second power to the third power supply path L3 and the charging power supply terminal T1 of the upstream connector 331.

[0104] In S480, the MCU 48 performs a charging completion notification via the notification unit 34 and ends the process. The charging completion notification may be a notification indicating that the charging of all the battery packs 7 has been completed.

[0105] [1-3-4. Second Charging Adapter Processing] Next, the charging execution process executed by the MCU 64 of the second charging adapter 5 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 9.

[0106] The charging execution process is repeatedly executed when the MCU 64 is activated. The MCU 64 is activated when power is supplied from the control power supply 61 to the MCU 64. Also, the control power supply 61 is activated when the second charging adapter 5 is connected to the upstream adapter and receives the first power via the general-purpose power supply terminal T2 of the downstream connector 511.

[0107] When the charging execution process is started, in S610, the MCU 64 notifies the MCU 48 of the first charging adapter 3 via the communication terminal T3 of the downstream connector 511 that it is connected to the charging system 1.

[0108] In S620, the MCU 64 receives battery information about the battery pack 7 connected to the battery connection part 52 via the BTIF 63. In subsequent S630, the MCU 64 determines whether the battery pack 7 is connected or not. When the MCU 64 can receive the battery information in S630, it determines that the battery pack 7 is connected and shifts the process to S640. Also, when the MCU 64 cannot receive the battery information in S630, it determines that the battery pack 7 is not connected and returns the process to S620.

[0109] In S640, the MCU 64 transmits the battery information acquired in S620 to the MCU 48 of the first charging adapter 3 via the communication terminal T3 of the downstream connector 511. The battery information transmitted in S640 includes identification information for identifying the second charging adapter 5 that is the transmission source.

[0110] In subsequent S650, the MCU 64 determines whether it has received a charging start notification in which its own adapter is designated as the target power receiving adapter via the communication terminal T3 of the downstream connector 511. When the MCU 64 determines that it has received the charging start notification, it shifts the process to S660, and when it determines that it has not received the charging start notification, it waits by repeating the process of S650.

[0111] In S660, the MCU 64 turns on the LDSW 62. When the LDSW 62 is turned on, the battery pack 7 connected to the battery connection part 52 and the charging power supply terminal T1 are electrically connected, and charging of the battery pack 7 is started.

[0112] In subsequent S670, the MCU 64 acquires battery information about the battery pack 7 connected to the battery connection part 52 via the BTIF 63. Further, the MCU 64 transmits the acquired battery information to the MCU 48 of the first charging adapter 3 via the communication terminal T3 of the downstream connector 511.

[0113] In the subsequent S680, the MCU 64 determines whether the charging of the battery pack 7 connected to the battery connection part 52 has been completed based on the latest battery information acquired in S670. When the MCU 64 determines that the charging of the battery pack 7 has been completed, the process proceeds to S690. When the MCU 64 determines that the charging of the battery pack 7 has not been completed, the process returns to S670.

[0114] In S690, the MCU 64 turns off the LDSW 62. When the LDSW 62 is turned off, the battery pack 7 connected to the battery connection part 52 and the charging power supply terminal T1 are electrically disconnected, and the charging of the battery pack 7 stops.

[0115] In the subsequent S700, the MCU 64 transmits a charging completion notification to the MCU 48 of the first charging adapter 3 via the communication terminal T3 of the downstream connector 511, and ends the process.

[0116] [1-4. Correspondence of Terms] In the present embodiment, the USB connector 311 corresponds to an example of the power receiving part in the present disclosure. The upstream connector 331 corresponds to an example of the first upstream connector in the present disclosure. The upstream connector 531 corresponds to an example of the second upstream connector in the present disclosure. The DC / DC converter 45 corresponds to an example of the power supply circuit and the first conversion circuit in the present disclosure. The LDSW 62 corresponds to an example of the switch in the present disclosure. S210 to S240 correspond to an example of the request receiving circuit in the present disclosure. S420 to S430 correspond to an example of the charging notification transmission circuit in the present disclosure. S620 to S640 correspond to an example of the request transmission circuit in the present disclosure. S650 to S660 correspond to an example of the charging execution circuit in the present disclosure. S110 corresponds to an example of the power supply ability recognition circuit in the present disclosure. S120 to S140 correspond to an example of the operation permission circuit in the present disclosure. S120, S150 to S160 correspond to an example of the non-charging circuit in the present disclosure. S640, S670 correspond to an example of the situation transmission circuit in the present disclosure. S450 corresponds to an example of the situation notification circuit in the present disclosure.

[0117] [1-5. Effects] According to the first embodiment described in detail above, the following effects can be achieved. (1a) In the charging system 1, any number of second charging adapters 5 can be connected to the first charging adapter 3 connected to the power supply adapter 2. Note that there are variations in the second charging adapter 5 in which the structure of the battery connection portion 52 differs according to the battery pack 7. Also, the first charging adapter 3 can control the start and stop of charging the battery pack connected to the second charging adapter 5 through communication via the upstream connector 331. Therefore, according to the charging system 1, in a configuration that receives power from a single power supply adapter 2, it is possible to support various charging modes.

[0118] (1b) In the charging system 1, the first charging adapter 3 converts the first power into the second power for charging the battery pack 7 and supplies the second power to the connection adapter group via the charging power supply terminal T1 of the upstream connector 331. Therefore, the second charging adapter 5 does not need to include a DC / DC converter necessary for generating charging power, and the device configuration can be simplified.

[0119] (1c) In the charging system 1, the first charging adapter 3 supplies the first power to the connection adapter group via the general-purpose power supply terminal T2 of the upstream connector 331. Therefore, the second charging adapter 5 can operate the second circuit 54 regardless of whether the second power is being supplied from the first charging adapter 3.

[0120] (1d) In the charging system 1, the first charging adapter 3 is connected to the power supply adapter 2 via a USB connector compliant with the USB-PD standard. Therefore, various devices equipped with a USB connector compliant with the USB-PD standard can be used as the power supply adapter 2.

[0121] (1e) In the charging system 1, the first charging adapter 3 determines whether the power receiving and supplying specifications match between itself and the power supply adapter 2, and only when they match, charges the battery pack 7. Therefore, the reliability of the system can be improved.

[0122] [2. Second Embodiment] [2-1. Differences from the First Embodiment] Since the basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the differences will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment denote the same configurations, and reference is made to the previous description.

[0123] In the charging system 1 of the first embodiment described above, the first charging adapter 3 includes a battery connection portion 32. In contrast, in the charging system 1a of the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first charging adapter 3a does not include a battery connection portion 32, which is different from the first embodiment.

[0124] [2-2. Functional Configuration of the First Charging Adapter] As shown in FIG. 12, the first charging adapter 3a has a first circuit 35a that is different from the first circuit 35 of the first charging adapter 3. Specifically, in the first circuit 35a, the LDSW 46 and the BTIF 47 are omitted from the first circuit 35.

[0125] [2-3. Processing] The MCU 48 executes the information aggregation process, the power supply side process, and the charging side process described in the first embodiment. That is, the information aggregation process via the battery connection portion 32 is excluded from the processes executed by the MCU 48. However, in this embodiment, the process of S210 is omitted in the information aggregation process. Also, in this embodiment, the processes related to the LDSW 46 and the BTIF 47 are omitted in the power supply side process and the charging side process.

[0126] [2-5. Effects] According to the second embodiment described in detail above, the effects (1a) to (1e) of the first embodiment described above are achieved, and further, the following effects are achieved.

[0127] (2a) In the charging system 1a, since the battery pack 7 is not connected to the first charging adapter 3a, the configuration of the first charging adapter 3a can be simplified. [3. Third Embodiment] [3-1. Differences from the First Embodiment] The basic configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the differences will be described below. The same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment denote the same components, and reference may be made to the previous description.

[0128] The appearance of the charging system 1b of the third embodiment is the same as that of the charging system 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, a part of the configuration of the first charging adapter 3b and the second charging adapter 5b is different from that of the first charging adapter 3 and the second charging adapter 5.

[0129] [3-2. Functional configuration] [3-2-1. First charging adapter] As shown in FIG. 13, in the first charging adapter 3b, the upstream connector 331b of the first connection part 33b is different from the upstream connector 331 of the first connection part 33.

[0130] The upstream connector 331b includes a general-purpose power supply terminal T2 and a communication terminal T3. That is, in the upstream connector 331b, the charging power supply terminal T1 is omitted as compared with the upstream connector 331.

[0131] In the first circuit 35 of the first charging adapter 3b, since it is not necessary to connect the output of the DC / DC converter 45 to the charging power supply terminal T1, the DC / DC converter 45 and the LDSW 46 may be configured as an integrated circuit.

[0132] [3-2-2. Second charging adapter] As shown in FIG. 14, in the second charging adapter 5b, the downstream connector 511b of the second connection part 51b, the upstream connector 531b of the third connection part 53b, and the second circuit 54b are different from those of the second charging adapter 5.

[0133] In both the downstream connector 511b and the upstream connector 531b, the charging power supply terminal T1 is omitted, and the wiring related to the charging power supply terminal T1 is also omitted. In the second circuit 54b, a DC / DC converter 65 is inserted into the power supply path from the general-purpose power supply terminal T2 to the LDSW62. The DC / DC converter 65 starts and stops according to an instruction from the MCU64. The DC / DC converter 65 has the same function as the DC / DC converter 45.

[0134] Note that the DC / DC converter 65 and the LDSW62 may be configured as an integrated circuit. [3-3. Processing] The processing executed by the MCU48 of the first charging adapter 3b is the same as the processing executed by the MCU48 of the first charging adapter 3 described in the first embodiment.

[0135] The processing executed by the MCU64 of the second charging adapter 5b is basically the same as the processing executed by the MCU64 of the second charging adapter 5 described in the first embodiment. However, in the charging execution processing of this embodiment, at S660, the MCU64 turns on the LDSW64 and starts the DC / DC converter 65, and at S690, turns off the LDSW and stops the DC / DC converter 65.

[0136] [3-4. Term Correspondence] In this embodiment, the DC / DC converter 65 corresponds to the second conversion circuit in the present disclosure.

[0137] [3-5. Effects] According to the second embodiment described in detail above, the effects (1a), (1d), and (1e) of the first embodiment described above are achieved, and further, the following effects are achieved.

[0138] (3a) In the charging system 1b, both the first charging adapter 3b and the second charging adapter 5b receive the first power and convert it into charging power within their respective adapters. Therefore, within the range of the power that the power supply adapter 2 can supply, a plurality of battery packs 7 can be charged simultaneously.

[0139] [4. Fourth Embodiment] [4-1. Differences from the Third Embodiment] The basic configuration of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment, and thus the differences will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the third embodiment denote the same configurations, and reference may be made to the previous description.

[0140] In the charging system 1b of the third embodiment described above, the first charging adapter 3b includes a battery connection portion 32. In contrast, the charging system 1c of the fourth embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that the first charging adapter 3c does not include a battery connection portion 32. Note that the second charging adapter 5b is the same as that in the third embodiment.

[0141] The appearance of the charging system 1c of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the charging system 1a of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. [4-2. Functional Configuration of First Charging Adapter] As shown in FIG. 15, the first charging adapter 3c is different from the first circuit 35 of the first charging adapter 3b in that the battery connection portion 32 is omitted. Specifically, in the first circuit 35c, the DC / DC converter 45, the LDSW 46, and the BTIF 47 are omitted from the first circuit 35.

[0142] [4-3. Processing] The processing executed by the MCU 48 of the first charging adapter 3c is basically the same as that in the case of the second embodiment.

[0143] The processing executed by the MCU 64 of the second charging adapter 5b is the same as that in the case of the third embodiment. [4-4. Effects] According to the fourth embodiment described in detail above, the effects (1a), (1d), and (1e) of the first embodiment, the effect (2a) of the second embodiment, and the effect (3a) of the third embodiment are achieved.

[0144] [5. Fifth Embodiment] [5-1. Differences from the First Embodiment] The basic configuration of the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the differences will be described below. The same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment denote the same components, and reference is made to the previous description.

[0145] In the first embodiment described above, the power supply adapter 2 and the first charging adapter 3 are configured to be communicable, and the power supplied from the power supply adapter 2 to the first charging adapter 3 is determined by negotiation. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, the power supply adapter 2d and the first charging adapter 3d are not communicable, and the setting of the output voltage of the power supply adapter 2d is fixed, which is different from the first embodiment.

[0146] The appearance of the charging system 1d of the fifth embodiment is the same as the appearance of the charging system 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [5-2. Functional Configuration] [5-2-1. Power Supply Adapter] As shown in FIG. 16, the power supply adapter 2d includes a power supply cable 21d, a charging adapter connection part 22d, and a power supply part 23d.

[0147] The power supply cable 21d may be provided with a plug connected to an AC power source such as a commercial power source, or may be provided with a plug connected to a DC power source such as an in-vehicle battery.

[0148] When the power supply cable 21d is connected to an AC power source, the power supply part 23d includes an AC / DC converter. The AC / DC converter is controlled so that the output of the power supply part 23d becomes a constant voltage.

[0149] When the power supply cable 21d is connected to a DC power source, the power supply part 23d includes a DC / DC converter. The DC / DC converter is controlled so that the output of the power supply part 23d becomes a constant voltage. However, the DC / DC converter may be omitted and the input from the power supply cable 21d may be output as it is.

[0150] The charging adapter connection part 22d is a connector having a power supply terminal connected to the output of the power supply part 23d. [5-2-2. First charging adapter] The first charging adapter 3d is different from the power supply adapter connection part 31d and the first circuit 35d of the first charging adapter 3 in the power supply adapter connection part 31 and the first circuit 35 of the first charging adapter 3.

[0151] The power supply adapter connection part 31d includes an arbitrary connector 311d connected directly or via a cable to the charging adapter connection part 22d of the power supply adapter 2d. The connector 311d has a power supply terminal.

[0152] The first circuit 35d omits the second SW 42 and the control IC 43 from the first circuit 35 and adds a voltage detector 49. The first power supply path L1 is connected to the power supply terminal of the power supply adapter connection part 31d.

[0153] Both the input of the control power supply 44 and the general-purpose power supply terminal T2 of the first connection part 33 are connected to the input side of the first SW 41. The voltage detector 49 detects the terminal voltage of the power supply terminal and outputs it to the MCU 48.

[0154] [5-3. Processing] The MCU 48 of the first charging adapter 3d executes information aggregation processing, power supply side processing, and charging side processing. The information aggregation processing and the charging side processing are the same as in the first embodiment. Since the power supply side processing is partly different from that in the first embodiment, this difference will be described.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 17, the power supply side processing in this embodiment is different from the power supply side processing shown in FIG. 7 in that it executes S300 and S305 instead of S310 and S320 and executes S335 following S330.

[0156] When the power supply side processing is started, in S300, the MCU 48 detects the voltage of the power supply terminal of the connector 311d by the voltage detector 49. In the subsequent S305, the MCU 48 determines whether the detected voltage in S300 is the appropriate voltage. The appropriate voltage refers to a voltage that can satisfy the required power assumed by the first charging adapter 3d and the second charging adapter 5 connected to the first charging adapter 3d.

[0157] If the MCU 48 determines that the detected voltage is the appropriate voltage, the process proceeds to S330. If it determines that the detected voltage is not the appropriate voltage, the process proceeds to S370.

[0158] In S335, the MCU 48 switches the first SW 41 to on. [5-4. Correspondence of Terms] In this embodiment, S300 corresponds to an example of the power supply capacity recognition circuit in the present disclosure. S305 and S335 correspond to an example of the operation permission circuit in the present disclosure.

[0159] [5-5. Effects] According to the fifth embodiment described in detail above, the effects (1a) to (1c) of the first embodiment described above are achieved.

[0160] [6. Other Embodiments] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing embodiments and can be implemented in various modifications.

[0161] (6a) Although the second to fourth embodiments obtained by modifying the first embodiment have been shown, the configurations shown in the second to fourth embodiments may be applied to the fifth embodiment. (6b) In the above embodiments, the battery pack to be charged by the charger to which the technology of the present disclosure is applied is applied to a power tool. The power tool to which the battery pack is applied may be, for example, an impact driver, a circular saw, etc. Further, the application target of the battery pack is not limited to power tools, and may be various electric working machines used at work sites such as DIY, manufacturing, gardening, and construction. More specifically, for example, it may be an electric lawn mower, an electric lawn trimmer, an electric brush cutter, an electric cleaner, an electric blower, an electric sprayer, an electric spreader, an electric dust collector, etc.

[0162] (6c) In the above embodiment, a plurality of functions of one component may be realized by a plurality of components, or one function of one component may be realized by a plurality of components. Also, a plurality of functions of a plurality of components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by a plurality of components may be realized by one component. Further, a part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted. Also, at least a part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configuration of another above embodiment.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0163] 1, 1a to 1d... charging system, 2, 2d... power supply adapter, 3, 3a to 3d... first charging adapter, 5, 5b... second charging adapter, 7... battery pack, 8... USB cable, 21, 21d... power supply cable, 211... AC plug, 22, 22d... charging adapter connection part, 23... AC / DC converter, 23d... power supply unit, 24, 43... control IC, 30, 50... housing, 30a, 50a... upper surface of the housing, 30b, 30c, 50b, 50c... side surface of the housing, 31, 31d... power supply adapter connection part, 32, 52... battery connection part, 33, 33b... first connection part, 34... notification part, 35, 35a, 35c, 35d... first circuit, 44, 61... control power supply, 45, 65... DC / DC converter, 46, 62... load switch (LDSW), 47, 63... battery interface (BTIF), 48, 64... microcontroller unit (MCU), 49... voltage detector, 51, 51b... second connection part, 53, 53b... third connection part, 54, 54b... second circuit, 311... USB connector, 311d... connector, 321, 521... battery connection terminal, 331, 331b, 531, 531b... upstream connector, 481... CPU, 482... memory, 511, 511b... downstream connector, L1... first power supply path, L2... second power supply path, L3... third power supply path, L4... fourth power supply path, L5... bypass circuit, T1... charging power supply terminal, T2... general-purpose power supply terminal, T3... communication terminal.

Claims

1. A charging system, comprising: A power supply adapter configured to receive power from an external power source and output first power; A first charging adapter, comprising: A power receiving unit configured to receive the first power from the power supply adapter; A first connecting portion configured to be detachably attached to a second charging adapter; A first upstream connector disposed at the first connecting portion; A power supply circuit configured to output second power based on the first power input from the power receiving unit from the first upstream connector; A request receiving circuit configured to receive, via the first upstream connector, a charging request for charging a battery pack attached to a battery connection portion from the second charging adapter; A charging notification transmission circuit configured to select a target battery pack, which is the battery pack to be charged, according to the charging request received by the request receiving circuit, and transmit a charging notification indicating the target battery pack to the second charging adapter via the first upstream connector; The first charging adapter, and The second charging adapter, comprising: A second connecting portion configured to be detachably attached to the first charging adapter; The battery connection portion configured to be detachably attached to the battery pack; A third connecting portion configured to be detachably attached to an additional charging adapter compatible with the second charging adapter; A second upstream connector disposed at the third connecting portion and compatible with the first upstream connector; A downstream connector disposed at the second connecting portion and configured to be detachably connected to the first upstream connector; A bypass circuit electrically connecting the downstream connector and the second upstream connector; A request transmission circuit configured to transmit the charging request to the first charging adapter via the first upstream connector in response to the battery pack being attached to the battery connection portion; A charging execution circuit configured to start or stop charging the battery pack connected to the battery connection portion using the second power received via the first upstream connector based on the charging notification received from the first charging adapter via the downstream connector; The second charging adapter, and Comprising A charging system.

2. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein The additional charging adapter has a configuration equal to that of the second charging adapter. Charging system.

3. The charging system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the power supply circuit comprises a first conversion circuit configured to convert the first power into the second power, the second power being suitable for charging the target battery pack, the second charging adapter further comprises a switch configured to interrupt the power supply path of the second power from the downstream connector to the battery connection part, and the charging execution circuit is configured to open and close the switch based on the charging notification or information obtained via the downstream connector. Charging system.

4. The charging system according to claim 3, wherein the first charging adapter is configured to output the first power from the first upstream connector, and the second charging adapter is configured to operate with the first power received via the downstream connector. Charging system.

5. The charging system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the power supply circuit is configured to output the second power without converting the first power, the second charging adapter further comprises a second conversion circuit configured to convert the second power into a third power, the third power being suitable for charging the target battery pack, and the charging execution circuit is configured to start or stop the second conversion circuit based on the charging notification or information obtained via the downstream connector. Charging system.

6. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first charging adapter further comprises an additional battery connection part equal to the battery connection part, an additional request transmission circuit equal to the request transmission circuit, and an additional charging execution circuit equal to the charging execution circuit. The charging system comprising Charging system.

7. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first charging adapter further comprises a power supply capacity recognition circuit configured to recognize the power supply capacity of the power supply adapter attached to the power reception part according to information collected via the power reception part, and an operation permission circuit configured to permit charging of the battery pack when the power supply capacity recognized by the power supply capacity recognition circuit satisfies the required power of the first charging adapter. The charging system comprising Charging system.

8. The charging system according to claim 7, wherein the first charging adapter further comprises a non-chargeable circuit configured such that charging of the battery pack becomes impossible when the power supply capacity does not satisfy the required power of the first charging adapter. Charging system.

9. The charging system according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the power supply adapter is configured such that the power supply capacity is variably set by changing the output voltage, and the power supply capacity recognition circuit sets the power supply capacity of the power supply adapter by performing negotiation according to the USB-PD standard through communication with the power supply adapter via the power reception unit, and recognizes the power supply capacity from the result of the negotiation. Charging system.

10. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the power supply adapter is configured to output a constant voltage, and the first charging adapter further comprises a second power supply capacity recognition circuit configured to recognize the power supply capacity of the power supply adapter by measuring the voltage of the power supply terminal to which the first power is input. Charging system.

11. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second charging adapter further comprises a status transmission circuit configured to transmit the charging status of the battery pack attached to the battery connection part to the first charging adapter via the downstream connector, and the first charging adapter further comprises a status notification circuit configured to notify the charging status received from the second charging adapter via the first upstream connector. Charging system.

Images