Charging adapters, chargers and charging systems

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of alleviating labor of preparation to charge a plurality of kinds of battery packs.SOLUTION: A charging system comprises a first charging adapter, a second charging adapter, and a power feeding adapter. The first charging adapter outputs a first charging voltage for charging a first battery pack. The second charging adapter outputs a second charging voltage for charging a second battery pack. The second charging voltage is different from the first charging voltage. The power feeding adapter is detachably connected with the first and second charging adapters. The power feeding adapter outputs a DC voltage corresponding to a request power feeding capability represented by first power feeding information transmitted from the first or second charging adapter connected with the power feeding adapter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to charging battery packs. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a charger configured to output a charging voltage to a battery pack. In this charger, a predetermined input voltage is input to an input section of the charger, and a conversion section provided inside the charger converts the input voltage into a charging voltage suitable for charging the battery pack, and outputs the charging voltage from an output section of the charger. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-044888 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The output voltage of a battery pack can vary depending on the type / model of the battery pack, and a charger is generally configured to charge a single type of battery pack and outputs a fixed charging voltage.

[0005] When charging multiple types of battery packs, it is necessary to prepare multiple types of chargers corresponding to the types of battery packs, which places a heavy burden on the user in preparing the chargers.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable that one aspect of the present disclosure provide a technique that can reduce the effort required to prepare for charging multiple types of battery packs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a charging adapter includes a first connection portion. The first connection portion is detachably connected to a power adapter. The power adapter outputs a DC voltage. The first connection portion is configured to receive a DC voltage in accordance with the Universal Serial Bus-Power Delivery standard (USB-PD standard) (USB is a registered trademark). The charging adapter includes a conversion portion. The conversion portion converts the DC voltage received at the first connection portion into a charging voltage for charging a battery pack. The battery pack is connected to an electric power tool. The charging adapter includes a second connection portion. The second connection portion is detachably connected to the battery pack. The charging adapter includes a power supply path. The power supply path is configured to electrically connect the first connection portion to the second connection portion via the conversion portion. The charging adapter includes a communication portion. The communication portion transmits first power supply information to the power adapter. The first power supply information represents a required power supply capacity of the charging adapter. The communication portion receives second power supply information from the power adapter. The second power supply information represents the power supply capability of the power supply adapter. The charging adapter includes a status monitoring unit. The status monitoring unit monitors the status of the battery pack. The charging adapter includes a control unit. The control unit controls charging of the battery pack based on the status of the battery pack and / or the first power supply information and / or the second power supply information. The charging control of the battery pack includes outputting a conversion execution command or a conversion stop command to a conversion unit. The charging control of the battery pack includes control of a charging voltage applied to the battery pack. The charging control of the battery pack includes control of a DC voltage output by the power supply adapter.

[0008] The charging adapter includes a control power supply. The control power supply converts a DC voltage into an internal voltage supplied to the inside of the charging adapter. The charging adapter includes a first switch. The first switch is provided in the power supply path between the first connection part and the conversion part. The first switch switches between a conductive state and a cut-off state. The charging adapter includes a first internal path. The first internal path electrically connects the power supply path and the control power supply. The first internal path is electrically connected in the power supply path between the first switch and the conversion part. The charging adapter includes a second internal path. The second internal path electrically connects the first connection part and the control power supply. The charging adapter includes a second switch. The second switch is provided in the second internal path. The second switch switches between a conductive state and a cut-off state. The charging adapter includes a starting part. The starting part switches the first switch or the second switch to a conductive state in response to the first connection part being connected to the power adapter.

[0009] Such charging adapters are equipped with a converter that converts the DC voltage received in accordance with the USB-PD standard into a charging voltage, enabling them to output a charging voltage suitable for charging a battery pack. If the DC voltage that can be set in accordance with the USB-PD standard is a discrete voltage value rather than a continuous voltage value, some battery packs may be unable to be charged using DC voltage alone because the voltage value cannot be set to an appropriate value. The charging adapter can charge such battery packs by using the charging voltage converted from DC voltage by the converter.

[0010] Furthermore, by preparing multiple types of charging adapters with different output charging voltages, it is possible to charge multiple types of battery packs with different charging voltages. In this case, in a charger equipped with a power supply adapter and a charging adapter, it is possible to charge different types of battery packs by replacing only the charging adapter, which is part of the charger, rather than the entire charger. In this way, preparing multiple types of charging adapters according to the type of battery pack reduces the burden of preparing the charger compared to preparing multiple types of chargers according to the type of battery pack. Therefore, the charging adapter of the present disclosure can reduce the effort required to prepare a charger when charging multiple types of battery packs.

[0011] Furthermore, such a charging adapter can switch the state of transmission of DC voltage to the conversion unit and the control power supply by switching the first switch or the second switch to a conductive state.

[0012] A charger according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes any one of the charging adapters described above. The charger includes a power supply adapter. The power supply adapter is detachably connected to the charging adapter. The power supply adapter outputs a DC voltage corresponding to a required power supply capacity indicated by the first power supply information received from the charging adapter.

[0013] By selecting a charging adapter according to the type of battery pack, such a charger can output a charging voltage with a required voltage value for each of multiple types of battery packs, each of which requires a different voltage value during charging. In other words, the charger can charge multiple types of battery packs by simply changing the charging adapter, without having to replace the entire charger. Therefore, the charger of the present disclosure can reduce the effort required to prepare a charger when charging multiple types of battery packs.

[0014] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a charging system includes a first charging adapter. The first charging adapter is any one of the charging adapters described above. The first charging adapter outputs a first charging voltage for charging a first battery pack. The charging system includes a second charging adapter. The second charging adapter is any one of the charging adapters described above. The second charging adapter outputs a second charging voltage for charging a second battery pack. The second charging voltage is different from the first charging voltage. The charging system includes a power supply adapter. The power supply adapter is detachably connected to the first charging adapter and the second charging adapter. The power supply adapter outputs a DC voltage corresponding to a required power supply capacity indicated by first power supply information transmitted from the first charging adapter or the second charging adapter connected to the power supply adapter.

[0015] This charging system can change the charging voltage output by changing the charging adapter connected to the power supply adapter to either the first charging adapter or the second charging adapter. Therefore, this charging system can charge a first battery pack compatible with the first charging adapter, and can charge a second battery pack compatible with the second charging adapter. In other words, this charging system can charge multiple types of battery packs by simply changing the charging adapter, without replacing the entire charger. Therefore, the charging system of the present disclosure can reduce the effort required to prepare chargers when charging multiple types of battery packs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a charger. [Figure 2] 1 is a first portion of a flowchart of a charging process for charging a battery pack using a charger. [Figure 3] 10 is a second portion of a flowchart of a charging process for charging a battery pack using a charger. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a charging system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] [Summary of the embodiment] In an embodiment, the charging adapter may include a first connection unit. The first connection unit may be detachably connected to the power adapter. The power adapter may output a DC voltage. The first connection unit may be configured to receive a DC voltage in accordance with the USB-PD standard. Additionally / alternatively, the charging adapter may include a conversion unit. The conversion unit may convert the DC voltage received at the first connection unit into a charging voltage for charging the battery pack. The battery pack may be connected to an electric power tool. Additionally / alternatively, the charging adapter may include a second connection unit. The second connection unit may be detachably connected to the battery pack. Additionally / alternatively, the charging adapter may include a power supply path. The power supply path may be configured to electrically connect the first connection unit to the second connection unit via the conversion unit. Additionally / alternatively, the charging adapter may include a communication unit. The communication unit may transmit first power supply information to the power adapter. The first power supply information may represent a required power supply capacity of the charging adapter. The communication unit may receive second power supply information from the power adapter. The second power supply information may represent the power supply capability of the power supply adapter. Additionally / alternatively, the charging adapter may include a status monitoring unit. The status monitoring unit may monitor the status of the battery pack. The charging adapter may include a control unit. The control unit may control charging of the battery pack based on the status of the battery pack, and / or the first power supply information, and / or the second power supply information. The charging control of the battery pack may include outputting a conversion execution command or a conversion stop command to a conversion unit. The charging control of the battery pack may include control of a charging voltage applied to the battery pack. The charging control of the battery pack may include control of a DC voltage output by the power supply adapter.

[0018] Additionally / alternatively, the charging adapter may include a control power supply. The control power supply may convert the DC voltage into an internal voltage supplied inside the charging adapter. Additionally / alternatively, the charging adapter may include a first switch. The first switch may be provided between the first connection portion and the conversion portion in the power supply path. The first switch may be switched between a conductive state and a cut-off state. Additionally / alternatively, the charging adapter may include a first internal path. The first internal path may electrically connect the power supply path and the control power supply. The first internal path may be electrically connected between the first switch and the conversion portion in the power supply path. Additionally / alternatively, the charging adapter may include a second internal path. The second internal path may electrically connect the first connection portion and the control power supply. Additionally / alternatively, the charging adapter may include a second switch. The second switch may be provided in the second internal path. The second switch may be switched between a conductive state and a cut-off state. Additionally / alternatively, the charging adapter may include a start-up unit. The activation unit may switch the first switch or the second switch to a conductive state in response to the first connection unit being connected to the power supply adapter.

[0019] In one embodiment, if a charging adapter includes the first connection unit, conversion unit, second connection unit, power supply path, status monitoring unit, communication unit, control unit, control power supply, first switch, first internal path, second internal path, second switch, and activation unit, such a charging adapter can output a charging voltage suitable for charging a battery pack by including a conversion unit that converts DC voltage to a charging voltage.Even if a battery pack cannot be charged using DC voltage alone because the DC voltage that can be set according to the USB-PD standard is a discrete voltage value, the charging adapter can charge such a battery pack by using the charging voltage converted by the conversion unit.

[0020] Furthermore, by preparing multiple types of charging adapters with different output charging voltages, it is possible to charge multiple types of battery packs with different charging voltages. In this case, different types of battery packs can be charged by replacing the charging adapter, which is part of the charger, rather than the entire charger. In this way, preparing multiple types of charging adapters according to the type of battery pack reduces the burden of preparing chargers compared to preparing multiple types of chargers as a whole. Therefore, the charging adapter of the present disclosure can reduce the effort required to prepare chargers when charging multiple types of battery packs.

[0021] Furthermore, such a charging adapter can switch the state of transmission of DC voltage to the conversion unit and the control power supply by switching the first switch or the second switch to a conductive state.

[0022] Additionally / alternatively, the activation unit may switch the first switch to a conductive state and the second switch to a cut-off state in response to the power supply adapter being suitable for the charging adapter, and may switch the first switch to a cut-off state and the second switch to a conductive state in response to the power supply adapter being unsuitable for the charging adapter.

[0023] In one embodiment, if the charging adapter includes such an activation unit, the charging adapter transmits a DC voltage to both the conversion unit and the control power supply when the power supply adapter is suitable for the charging adapter. When the power supply adapter is not suitable for the charging adapter, the charging adapter transmits a DC voltage to the control power supply without transmitting a DC voltage to the conversion unit. This allows the charging adapter to supply power to the charging adapter from the control power supply while preventing damage to the charging adapter due to an inappropriate DC voltage. The charging adapter can perform a predetermined operation using the power supplied from the control power supply. For example, if the power supplied from the power supply adapter is insufficient to charge the battery pack, the charging adapter can perform an operation to notify the user that the battery pack cannot be charged due to insufficient power.

[0024] Additionally / alternatively, the first power supply information may include a magnitude of a DC voltage and / or a magnitude of a current to be output from the power supply adapter. Such a power supply adapter can control the magnitude of the DC voltage and / or the magnitude of the current depending on the type of battery pack.

[0025] In an embodiment, the charging adapter may include a path switch. The path switch may be provided between the conversion unit and the second connection unit in the power supply path. The path switch may be configured to switch between a conductive state and a cut-off state. Additionally / alternatively, the charging adapter may include a switching control unit. The switching control unit may switch the path switch to the conductive state in response to a first switching condition being satisfied. The first switching condition may be satisfied in response to the power supply capacity of the power adapter connected to the first connection unit satisfying the required power supply capacity and the battery pack connected to the second connection unit being chargeable. The switching control unit may switch the path switch to the cut-off state in response to a second switching condition being satisfied. The second switching condition may be satisfied in response to the power supply capacity of the power adapter connected to the first connection unit not satisfying the required power supply capacity and / or the battery pack connected to the second connection unit being unable to be charged.

[0026] In an embodiment, if the charging adapter includes a path switch and a switching control unit, the charging adapter can prevent the battery pack from being charged by a power supply adapter that is not suitable for charging the battery pack, thereby preventing damage to the battery pack caused by the use of an inappropriate power supply adapter.

[0027] Additionally / alternatively, the status monitoring unit may switch the path switch to a blocking state in response to the satisfaction of a predetermined forced shutdown condition. The status monitoring unit may switch the path switch to a conductive state in response to the non-satisfaction of the forced shutdown condition. The path switch may be switched to a blocking state in response to the switching control unit and / or the status monitoring unit switching the path switch to a blocking state. The path switch may be switched to a conductive state in response to both the switching control unit and the status monitoring unit switching the path switch to a conductive state.

[0028] In this charging adapter, the status monitoring unit can switch the path switch to the cut-off state in addition to the switching control unit. In other words, even if an abnormality occurs in the switching control unit, the status monitoring unit can switch the path switch to the cut-off state, thereby preventing unnecessary power from being supplied to the battery pack.

[0029] The forced shutoff condition may be met when the battery pack is abnormal. For example, the battery pack may be determined to be abnormal when the temperature of the battery pack exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold. This causes the path switch to be switched to the shutoff state when the battery pack is abnormal. Therefore, the charging adapter can prevent continued charging of the abnormal battery pack and prevent problems caused by continued charging.

[0030] Additionally / alternatively, the switching control unit may switch the path switch to the interrupted state in response to the first condition being satisfied. In an embodiment, if the switching control unit switches the path switch in this manner, the charging adapter can prevent damage to the battery pack caused by continuous output of the charging voltage to the battery pack.

[0031] Additionally / alternatively, the first condition may be met when the battery pack is charged to 100% of its charge capacity. Additionally / alternatively, the first condition may be met when the battery pack becomes unable to be charged. In one embodiment, if the first condition is set in this manner, the charging adapter can stop outputting the charging voltage when charging of the battery pack is completed. Alternatively, the charging adapter can stop outputting the charging voltage when the battery pack enters an abnormal state.

[0032] Additionally / alternatively, the control unit may set the first power supply information so that the DC voltage becomes the lowest voltage selectable by the power adapter when the first condition is satisfied. In an embodiment, if the control unit sets the first power supply information in this manner, the charging adapter can control the DC voltage to the lowest voltage when the first condition is satisfied, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.

[0033] Additionally / alternatively, the control unit may set the first power supply information so that the DC voltage is the lowest voltage selectable by the power supply adapter when a battery pack is not connected to the second connection unit. When a battery pack is not connected to the second connection unit, such a charging adapter can control the DC voltage to the lowest voltage, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.

[0034] Additionally / alternatively, the control unit may perform charging control based on the state of the battery pack in response to (i) the charging adapter supplying a charging voltage to the battery pack and (ii) a change in the state of the battery pack. In an embodiment, if the control unit performs charging control in this manner, the charging adapter can change the DC voltage output by the power supply adapter in response to a change in the state of the battery pack. A change in the state of the battery pack includes a change from a normal state to an abnormal state of the battery pack. The normal state of the battery pack includes a state in which the battery pack can be charged. The abnormal state of the battery pack includes a state in which the battery pack cannot be charged. Therefore, the charging adapter can reduce unnecessary power consumption during charging of the battery pack by performing charging control corresponding to the abnormal state in response to the abnormal state of the battery pack.

[0035] Additionally / alternatively, the first connection portion may be in the form of a USB-Type-C connector. In an embodiment, if the first connection portion of the charging adapter has such a configuration, the charging adapter can be detachably connected to the power supply adapter via the USB-Type-C connector. Examples of the USB-Type-C connector may include a USB-Type-C port, a USB-Type-C plug, and a USB-Type-C receptacle.

[0036] Additionally / alternatively, the battery pack may include an information terminal. The information terminal may transmit information about the battery pack to the electric work machine. Additionally / alternatively, the battery pack may include a first battery cell and a second battery cell connected in series. Such a battery pack may have different output voltages depending on the type / model of the electric work machine. The above-mentioned charging adapter can charge multiple types of battery packs with different output voltages, thereby reducing the burden of preparing chargers and / or charging adapters when charging multiple types of battery packs. Note that the transmission of information via the information terminal may include transmission by digital communication or transmission by analog communication. Digital communication may include serial communication and parallel communication. In digital communication, a digital value representing information about the battery pack may be transmitted based on a predetermined communication protocol. In analog communication, an analog value representing information about the battery pack may be transmitted. The analog value may be a voltage value or a current value.

[0037] In some embodiments, the charging adapter may be configured to transmit the first power supply information to the power supply adapter according to any standard for supplying power via a USB connector. Additionally / alternatively, the first connection portion may receive a DC voltage according to any of the aforementioned standards. Examples of the aforementioned standards include a standard that allows the charging adapter to change the DC voltage output from the power supply adapter.

[0038] In an embodiment, the charger may include any one of the charging adapters described above. Additionally / alternatively, the charger may include a power supply adapter. The power supply adapter may be detachably connected to the charging adapter. The power supply adapter may output a DC voltage corresponding to the required power supply capacity indicated by the first power supply information received from the charging adapter.

[0039] In one embodiment, a charger equipped with the charging adapter and power supply adapter can charge multiple types of battery packs by switching the charging adapter depending on the type of battery pack, thereby outputting a charging voltage with a required voltage value. Furthermore, since the charger can change the DC voltage in response to changes in the battery pack status, it can perform charging control appropriate to the abnormal state when the battery pack is in an abnormal state. Therefore, because the charger can perform charging control appropriate to the abnormal state of the battery pack, it can reduce unnecessary power consumption when charging the battery pack.

[0040] Additionally / alternatively, the power supply adapter may include a voltage generating unit. The voltage generating unit generates a DC voltage. Additionally / alternatively, the power supply adapter may include a power supply control unit. The power supply control unit may receive first power supply information transmitted from the charging adapter. The power supply control unit may control the voltage generating unit to generate a DC voltage corresponding to the required power supply capacity indicated by the first power supply information. Additionally / alternatively, the power supply adapter may include a voltage output unit. The voltage output unit may be detachably connected to a first connection unit of the charging adapter and output the DC voltage.

[0041] In one embodiment, if a power adapter includes the voltage generating unit, power supply control unit, and voltage output unit, the power adapter can output a DC voltage set according to the first power supply information from the charging adapter. A charger including the power adapter can output a DC voltage corresponding to each of multiple types of battery packs. Therefore, the charger can change the DC voltage according to the type of battery pack, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption in the charger when charging the battery pack.

[0042] In an embodiment, the charging system may include a first charging adapter. The first charging adapter may be any of the charging adapters described above. The first charging adapter may output a first charging voltage for charging the first battery pack. Additionally / alternatively, the charging system may include a second charging adapter. The second charging adapter may be any of the charging adapters described above. The second charging adapter may output a second charging voltage for charging the second battery pack. The second charging voltage may be different from the first charging voltage. Additionally / alternatively, the charging system may include a power supply adapter. The power supply adapter may be detachably connected to each of the first charging adapter and the second charging adapter. The power supply adapter may output a DC voltage corresponding to the required power supply capacity indicated by the first power supply information transmitted from the first charging adapter or the second charging adapter connected to the power supply adapter.

[0043] In one embodiment, if a charging system includes the first charging adapter, the second charging adapter, and the power supply adapter, the charging voltage output by the charging system can be changed by changing the charging adapter connected to the power supply adapter between the first charging adapter and the second charging adapter. Therefore, the charging system can charge a first battery pack compatible with the first charging adapter and a second battery pack compatible with the second charging adapter. In other words, the charging system can charge multiple types of battery packs by changing the charging adapters without replacing the entire charger. Therefore, the charging system of the present disclosure can reduce the effort required to prepare chargers when charging multiple types of battery packs.

[0044] Specific Exemplary Embodiments Specific exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. [1. First embodiment] [1-1.Configuration] 1 is configured to charge a battery pack 8. The charger 1 includes a power supply adapter 3 and a charging adapter 5.

[0045] The power supply adapter 3 is configured to be detachably connected to the charging adapter 5. The battery pack 8 is configured to be connected to an electric work machine (not shown). The battery pack 8 is configured to supply power to the electric work machine. The battery pack 8 has a specific attachment / detachment structure and terminal shape depending on the type of electric work machine to be connected. The electric work machine may be, for example, an electric drill.

[0046] The functional configuration of each part constituting the charger 1 will be described. [1-2. Power supply adapter] As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply adapter 3 includes a power input unit 32, a power output unit 33, an AC / DC converter 35, and a power supply control integrated circuit 36 ​​(hereinafter also referred to as a power supply control IC 36).

[0047] The power input unit 32 includes an AC plug 32a and a cable 32b. The AC plug 32a is configured to be connectable to an AC power supply (not shown). The cable 32b is configured to transmit a first power PW1 supplied from the AC power supply. The first power PW1 is AC power including an AC voltage and an AC current. In other words, the power input unit 32 is configured to receive the first power PW1 from the AC power supply. The AC power supply may be a commercial power supply. The first power PW1 may be, for example, 100V AC power.

[0048] The power output unit 33 is configured to output a second power PW2, which will be described later. The second power PW2 is DC power including a DC voltage and a DC current. The power output unit 33 is configured to be detachably connected to the charging adapter 5. The power output unit 33 includes a power terminal 33a and a signal terminal 33b. The power terminal 33a is electrically connected to the AC / DC converter 35. The signal terminal 33b is electrically connected to the power supply control IC 36. The power output unit 33 complies with any standard for supplying power via a USB connector, and may be, for example, a USB-TypeC connector that complies with the USB-PD standard. The USB-TypeC connector may include a CC terminal (not shown). The USB-TypeC connector may be any of a USB-TypeC port, a USB-TypeC plug, and a USB-TypeC receptacle.

[0049] The AC / DC converter 35 receives the first power PW1. The AC / DC converter 35 converts the first power PW1 into the second power PW2. The second power PW2 is output to the charging adapter 5 via the power output unit 33.

[0050] The power supply control IC 36 implements at least the source-side functions of the USB-PD standard. The power supply control IC 36 executes negotiation in accordance with the USB-PD standard with a device connected to the power output unit 33. When the power output unit 33 is connected to the charging adapter 5, the power supply control IC 36 executes negotiation with the charging adapter 5.

[0051] The power supply control IC 36 determines the power to be supplied to the charging adapter 5 through negotiation. The power supply control IC 36 sets the output voltage of the AC / DC converter 35 (i.e., the voltage of the second power PW2) according to the determined supply power. The voltage value of the second power PW2 corresponds to the power supply voltage value of the charging adapter 5. The power supply voltage of the charging adapter 5 corresponds to the voltage required for the charging adapter 5 to operate. Note that the voltage value of the second power PW2 before negotiation is set to a default value. This default value is the lowest voltage (e.g., 5 V) among the selectable voltages defined by the USB-PD standard. The DC voltage that can be set in the power supply adapter 3 according to the USB-PD standard is not a continuous voltage value but a discrete voltage value. The discrete voltage values ​​that can be set to the DC voltage of the power supply adapter 3 include, for example, voltage values ​​of 5, 9, 12, 15, and 20 V.

[0052] The power supply adapter 3 is configured to output the second power PW2 corresponding to a control value (a control value Pc of the second power PW2 described later) based on information transmitted from the charging adapter 5 (charging setting information Si described later).

[0053] [1-3. Charging adapter] The charging adapter 5 includes an adapter connector 52, a battery connector 53, a notification section 54, and a circuit section 56.

[0054] The adapter connection unit 52 is configured to be detachably connected to the power output unit 33 of the power supply adapter 3. The adapter connection unit 52 is configured to receive the second power PW2 output from the power supply adapter 3. The adapter connection unit 52 includes a first adapter terminal 52a and a second adapter terminal 52b. When the adapter connection unit 52 is connected to the power output unit 33, the first adapter terminal 52a is electrically connected to the power terminal 33a, and the second adapter terminal 52b is electrically connected to the signal terminal 33b. The adapter connection unit 52 may be, for example, a USB-TypeC connector conforming to the USB-PD standard. The USB-TypeC connector may include a CC terminal (not shown).

[0055] The battery connection unit 53 is configured to be detachably connected to the battery pack 8. The battery connection unit 53 is configured to supply the battery pack 8 with a DC voltage of charging power PWb for charging the battery pack 8. The DC voltage of the charging power PWb corresponds to a DC voltage obtained by converting the DC voltage of the second power PW2. In other words, the battery connection unit 53 outputs the DC voltage of the charging power PWb obtained by voltage conversion of the DC voltage of the second power PW2 to the battery pack 8. The battery connection unit 53 includes a first connection terminal 53a and a second connection terminal 53b.

[0056] The circuit unit 56 includes a first switch 61 (hereinafter also referred to as the first SW 61), a second switch 62 (hereinafter also referred to as the second SW 62), a charge control integrated circuit 63 (hereinafter also referred to as the charge control IC 63), and a control power supply 64. The circuit unit 56 further includes a microcontroller unit 68 (hereinafter also referred to as the MCU 68), a load switch 69 (hereinafter also referred to as the LDSW 69), a first battery interface 70 (hereinafter also referred to as the first BTIF 70), and a DC / DC converter 71. The circuit unit 56 further includes a first power supply path L1, a second power supply path L2, and a third power supply path L3.

[0057] The first power supply path L1, the second power supply path L2, and the third power supply path L3 are each electrically connected to the first adapter terminal 52a. The charging control IC 63 is electrically connected to the second adapter terminal 52b. The first power supply path L1 is electrically connected to the first connection terminal 53a. The first BTIF 70 is electrically connected to the second connection terminal 53b.

[0058] The first power supply path L1 includes an electrical path that runs from the adapter connector 52 to the battery connector 53 via the first switch 61, the DC / DC converter 71, and the LDSW 69. The first power supply path L1 electrically connects the adapter connector 52 to the battery connector 53. In other words, the first power supply path L1 transmits the DC voltage of the second power PW2 received from the power supply adapter 3 via the adapter connector 52 to the DC / DC converter 71.

[0059] The DC / DC converter 71 receives the second power PW2. The DC / DC converter 71 converts the second power PW2 into charging power PWb. Specifically, the DC / DC converter 71 converts the DC voltage of the second power PW2 into the DC voltage of the charging power PWb. The DC voltage of the charging power PWb corresponds to the voltage for charging the battery pack 8. The DC / DC converter 71 is provided on the first power supply path L1, and executes or stops voltage conversion from the DC voltage of the second power PW2 to the DC voltage of the charging power PWb in accordance with an instruction from the charging control IC 63. In other words, the charging control IC 63 outputs a conversion execution command or a conversion stop command to the DC / DC converter 71. As a result, the charging control IC 63 controls charging of the battery pack 8.

[0060] The charging control IC 63 may output a command for specifying a charging voltage value and / or a charging current value to the DC / DC converter 71. Based on the command received from the charging control IC 63, the DC / DC converter 71 may perform feedback control so as to output a DC voltage and / or a DC current corresponding to the charging voltage value and / or the charging current value.

[0061] Furthermore, the first power supply path L1 electrically connects the DC / DC converter 71 to the battery connection unit 53 so as to transmit the DC voltage of the charging power PWb output by the DC / DC converter 71 to the battery pack 8 via the battery connection unit 53. The first power supply path L1 includes an electrical path that branches from a branch point P1 between the first SW 61 and the DC / DC converter 71 and leads to the control power supply 64. This electrical path electrically connects the adapter connection unit 52 to the control power supply 64.

[0062] The first SW 61 is provided on the first power supply path L1, and connects or disconnects the first power supply path L1 in response to being turned on or off in accordance with an instruction from the charging control IC 63. In particular, when the first SW 61 is turned on, the adapter connection unit 52 is electrically connected to each of the DC / DC converter 71 and the control power supply 64 via the first power supply path L1. When the first SW 61 is turned off, the adapter connection unit 52 is electrically disconnected from each of the DC / DC converter 71 and the control power supply 64 in the first power supply path L1.

[0063] The LDSW 69 is provided in the first power supply path L1 and is switched ON (in other words, conductive state) or OFF (in other words, cut-off state). The LDSW 69 conducts or cuts off the first power supply path L1 in response to being turned ON or OFF in accordance with an instruction from the MCU 68. In detail, when the LDSW 69 is turned ON, the DC / DC converter 71 is electrically connected to the battery connection unit 53 via the first power supply path L1. When the LDSW 69 is turned OFF, the DC / DC converter 71 is electrically cut off from the battery connection unit 53.

[0064] The second power supply path L2 is an electrical path configured to electrically connect the adapter connector 52 and the control power supply 64. The second SW 62 is provided on the second power supply path L2, and turns on or off in accordance with an instruction from the charging control IC 63 to connect or disconnect the second power supply path L2. In particular, when the second SW 62 turns on, the adapter connector 52 is electrically connected to the control power supply 64 via the second power supply path L2. When the second SW 62 turns off, the adapter connector 52 is electrically disconnected from the control power supply 64 via the second power supply path L2.

[0065] The third power supply path L3 is an electrical path that extends from the adapter connector 52 to the charging control IC 63. When power is supplied to the adapter connector 52 from a device connected to the adapter connector 52, the power is supplied to the charging control IC 63.

[0066] The charging control IC 63 performs at least the functions of a source and a sink in the USB-PD standard. The source functions as a source that supplies power to other USB devices. The sink functions as a sink that receives power from other USB devices. The charging control IC 63 starts up in response to receiving the second power PW2 via the adapter connector 52. Because the charging control IC 63 starts up before negotiation, the power supply voltage of the charging adapter 5 at this time is a default value. The charging control IC 63 determines whether to operate as a source or a sink based on the setting of the CC terminal of the adapter connector 52 (specifically, the USB-Type C connector). Here, the charging control IC 63 operates as a sink that receives power. The charging control IC 63 negotiates with the power supply control IC 36 of the power supply adapter 3 via the adapter connector 52. The power supply voltage of the charging adapter 5 switches to a voltage corresponding to the supply power determined by negotiation. The charging control IC 63 may turn on the first SW 61 or the second SW 62 according to the result of the negotiation, and may also notify the MCU 68 of the result of the negotiation.

[0067] The control power supply 64 is activated in response to receiving the second power PW2 via the first power supply path L1 or the second power supply path L2. The control power supply 64 converts the DC voltage of the second power PW2 into an operating voltage Vd of the MCU 68 and supplies the power to the MCU 68. The operating voltage Vd of the MCU 68 corresponds to a voltage required for the MCU 68 to operate. The operating voltage Vd may be, for example, 5 V. In other words, the control power supply 64 converts the DC voltage of the second power PW2 into the operating voltage Vd to be supplied to the inside of the charging adapter 5.

[0068] The first BTIF 70 receives battery information through communication with the battery pack 8 connected to the battery connector 53. The battery information includes the specifications and state of the battery pack 8. The first BTIF 70 transfers the battery information to the MCU 68. The first BTIF 70 is configured to monitor the state of the battery pack 8. The first BTIF 70 may have a protection function that forcibly turns off the LDSW 69 in response to receiving battery information indicating an abnormality in the battery pack 8. In other words, the first BTIF 70 may switch the LDSW 69 off (to the cutoff state) in response to the establishment of a predetermined forced cutoff condition. The forced cutoff condition may be established in response to an abnormality in the battery pack 8. For example, the battery pack 8 may be determined to be abnormal in response to the temperature of the battery pack 8 exceeding a predetermined temperature threshold. The temperature threshold may be set to an upper limit of the temperature at which the battery pack 8 can operate normally. The first BTIF 70 may also switch the LDSW 69 on (to the conductive state) in response to the failure of the forced cutoff condition.

[0069] The LDSW 69 may be configured to switch off in response to the MCU 68 and / or the first BTIF 70 switching off the LDSW 69. The LDSW 69 may be configured to switch on in response to both the MCU 68 and the first BTIF 70 switching on the LDSW 69.

[0070] In such a charging adapter 5, the first BTIF 70 can also switch off the LDSW 69 in addition to the MCU 68. In other words, even if some abnormality occurs in the MCU 68, the first BTIF 70 can switch off the LDSW 69, thereby preventing unnecessary power from being supplied to the battery pack 8.

[0071] The MCU 68 starts up in response to receiving power supply from the control power supply 64. The MCU 68 acquires various information from the charging control IC 63 and the first BTIF 70. The MCU 68 controls each part of the charging adapter 5 according to the acquired information. The MCU 68 notifies the user of the status of the charger 1 and the status of the battery pack 8 being charged via the notification unit 54 according to the acquired information.

[0072] The MCU 68 is configured as a microcontroller including a microcomputer. The MCU 68 includes a CPU 681 and a memory 682. Instead of or in addition to a microcomputer, the MCU 68 may include a combination of electronic components such as discrete elements, an ASIC, an ASSP, a programmable logic device such as an FPGA, or any combination thereof.

[0073] The memory 682 includes semiconductor memory including volatile memory and nonvolatile memory. The CPU 681 executes various programs stored in the memory 682 to perform various processes.

[0074] The MCU 68 calculates charging setting information Si including a control value Pc of the second power PW2 according to the state of the battery pack 8. The control value Pc includes a set value Pa of the voltage and / or current value at the second power PW2. In other words, the set value Pa indicates the magnitude of the DC voltage to be output from the power adapter 3 and / or the magnitude of the DC current to be output from the power adapter 3. The charging control IC 63 transmits the charging setting information Si received from the MCU 68 to the power adapter 3.

[0075] [1-4. Battery pack] The battery pack 8 includes a second battery interface 81 (hereinafter also referred to as a second BTIF 81), a cell unit 83, and a pack connection portion 85.

[0076] The second BTIF 81 transmits battery information to the first BTIF 70 through communication with the first BTIF 70 of the charging adapter 5. The second BTIF 81 is configured to detect the state of the battery pack 8. The state includes the charging state of the battery pack 8, an abnormal state of the battery pack 8, etc.

[0077] The cell unit 83 includes a first battery cell 83a and a second battery cell 83b. The first battery cell 83a and the second battery cell 83b include secondary batteries that can be charged and discharged. The battery pack 8 is not limited to a configuration including two battery cells, and may include three or more battery cells.

[0078] The pack connection part 85 is configured to be detachably connected to the charger 1 (specifically, the charging adapter 5; more specifically, the battery connection part 53). The pack connection part 85 is configured to receive the second power PW2 from the charger 1 when charging the cell unit 83. The pack connection part 85 is configured to output the discharge power of the cell unit 83 when discharging the cell unit 83.

[0079] Pack connection portion 85 includes a first pack terminal 85a and a second pack terminal 85b. First pack terminal 85a is electrically connected to cell unit 83. Second pack terminal 85b is electrically connected to second BTIF 81. When pack connection portion 85 is connected to battery connection portion 53, first pack terminal 85a is electrically connected to first connection terminal 53a, and second pack terminal 85b is electrically connected to second connection terminal 53b.

[0080] The second pack terminal 85b may be configured to transmit information about the battery pack 8 to an electric work machine (not shown) in response to the battery pack 8 being connected to the electric work machine. In particular, the second BTIF 81 may transmit information about the battery pack 8 via the second pack terminal 85b by executing a communication process with the electric work machine.

[0081] The transmission of information via the second pack terminal 85b may include digital communication and analog communication. Digital communication includes serial communication and parallel communication. In digital communication, a digital value representing information about the battery pack 8 is transmitted based on a predetermined communication protocol. In analog communication, an analog value representing information about the battery pack 8 is transmitted. The analog value may be a voltage value or a current value. For example, a thermistor configured to detect the temperature of the battery pack 8 may be used, and the voltage value of the detected voltage generated in the thermistor may be used as the analog value representing information about the battery pack 8. Specifically, the battery pack 8 may include a thermistor, and the electric power tool may include a pull-up resistor. A circuit may be formed from a reference voltage line to a ground line via the pull-up resistor and thermistor, and the detected voltage may be generated at the connection point between the pull-up resistor and thermistor. In this case, a microcomputer (MCU) included in the electric power tool receives the voltage value (analog value) of the detected voltage, and information about the battery pack 8 is transmitted to the electric power tool.

[0082] [1-5. Charging process] Next, the charging process for charging the battery pack 8 using the charger 1 (specifically, the power supply adapter 3 and the charging adapter 5) will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0083] First, in S110 (S represents step), the user connects the power supply adapter 3 and the charging adapter 5. In detail, the power output unit 33 and the adapter connection unit 52 are connected.

[0084] In the next step S120, the power supply adapter 3 starts outputting the second power PW2 from the power output unit 33. That is, in response to being connected to the charging adapter 5, the power supply adapter 3 outputs the second power PW2 to the charging adapter 5. At this time, because negotiation has not yet taken place between the power supply adapter 3 and the charging adapter 5 (more specifically, between the power supply control IC 36 and the charging control IC 63), the voltage value of the second power PW2 is set to a default value. In this embodiment, the default value is 5 V.

[0085] In the next step S130, the charging control IC 63 is activated in response to the charging adapter 5 receiving the second power PW2. That is, the charging control IC 63 is activated in response to receiving the second power PW2 from the power supply adapter 3 via the third power supply path L3. Immediately after the charging control IC 63 is activated, the first switch 61, the second switch 62, and the laser diode switch 69 are all in the off state (shutoff state).

[0086] At the next step S140, the power supply control IC 36 and the charging control IC 63 start communicating with each other. First, the power supply control IC 36 and the charging control IC 63 negotiate with each other in accordance with the USB-PD standard. The power supply control IC 36 checks the CC terminal of the power output unit 33 to confirm the power receiving specifications / power supply specifications of the power supply adapter 3. The charging control IC 63 checks the CC terminal of the adapter connection unit 52 to confirm the power receiving specifications / power supply specifications of the charging adapter 5. In other words, it is confirmed which of the power supply adapter 3 and the charging adapter 5 functions as a source that supplies power, and which functions as a sink that receives power. In this embodiment, the power supply control IC 36 realizes the source-side function, and the charging control IC 63 realizes the sink-side function.

[0087] In the next step S150, the power supply control IC 36 and the charging control IC 63 determine whether their specifications are compatible. If the power supply control IC 36 and the charging control IC 63 are compatible (YES), the process proceeds to S160. If the power supply control IC 36 and the charging control IC 63 are not compatible (NO), the process proceeds to S180. For example, if the power supply adapter 3 and the charging adapter 5 are both attempting to operate as a source or both attempting to operate as a sink, the charging control IC 63 determines that they are not compatible. The charging control IC 63 also determines that they are not compatible if the power supply adapter 3 cannot satisfy the power required by the charging adapter 5 as a result of negotiation. In other words, the charging control IC 63 determines whether the power supply adapter 3 is compatible with the charging adapter 5.

[0088] In the next step S160, the power supply control IC 36 and the charging control IC 63 switch the second power PW2 according to the result of the negotiation. Specifically, the power supply control IC 36 and the charging control IC 63 set the voltage value of the second power PW2 to correspond to the power supply voltage value of the charging adapter 5. At this time, the voltage value of the second power PW2 may be set to a value equal to or greater than the default value. For example, the voltage value of the second power PW2 may be any of 5, 9, 12, 15, and 20 V.

[0089] In S170, the charging control IC 63 turns on the first SW 61. Furthermore, the charging control IC 63 turns off the second SW 62. That is, the charging control IC 63 starts supplying the second power PW2 to the control power supply 64 and the DC / DC converter 71 via the first power supply path L1.

[0090] In S180, the charging control IC 63 turns on the second SW 62. Furthermore, the charging control IC 63 turns off the first SW 61. That is, the charging control IC 63 starts supplying the second power PW2 to the control power supply 64 via the second power supply path L2.

[0091] In the following S190, the second power PW2 is supplied to the control power supply 64, and the MCU 68 is started up. In the next step S200, communication between the MCU 68 and the charging control IC 63 is started.

[0092] In the next step S210, the MCU 68 determines whether the power supply adapter 3 connected to the adapter connection unit 52 is compatible with the charging adapter 5. If the power supply adapter 3 is compatible with the charging adapter 5 (YES), the MCU 68 proceeds to step S220, and if the power supply adapter 3 is not compatible with the charging adapter 5 (NO), the MCU 68 proceeds to step S300.

[0093] In S220, the MCU 68 determines whether or not the battery pack 8 is connected to the battery connection unit 53 via the first BTIF 70. If the battery pack 8 is connected to the battery connection unit 53 (YES), the MCU 68 proceeds to S225. If the battery pack 8 is not connected to the battery connection unit 53 (NO), the MCU 68 waits by repeating the same step.

[0094] In S225, the MCU 68 determines whether the battery pack 8 can be charged by the power adapter 3. If the battery pack 8 can be charged (YES), the MCU 68 proceeds to S230, and if the battery pack 8 cannot be charged (NO), the MCU 68 proceeds to S300. The MCU 68 determines whether the battery pack 8 can be charged by comparing the power that the power adapter 3 can supply with the power required to charge the battery pack 8. In other words, the MCU 68 determines whether the power adapter 3 is suitable for charging the battery pack 8. The power that the power adapter 3 can supply may also be determined based on the voltage that it can output.

[0095] In S225, the MCU 68 may determine whether the battery pack 8 is chargeable or not based on the temperature of the battery pack 8. For example, the MCU 68 may determine that charging of the battery pack 8 is not possible when the temperature of the battery pack 8 exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold. The MCU 68 may determine that charging of the battery pack 8 is possible when the temperature of the battery pack 8 is equal to or lower than the temperature threshold. In other words, the MCU 68 may determine that charging of the battery pack 8 is not possible when the battery pack 8 is in a high-temperature state exceeding the temperature threshold. The MCU 68 may determine that charging of the battery pack 8 is possible when the battery pack 8 is in a normal state equal to or lower than the temperature threshold.

[0096] Furthermore, in S225, the MCU 68 is not limited to immediately determining whether the battery pack 8 is chargeable based on a single determination result, but may determine whether the battery pack 8 is chargeable multiple times during a predetermined standby time. That is, if the MCU 68 determines in the first determination that the battery pack 8 is not chargeable, the MCU 68 may determine again during the standby time whether the battery pack 8 is chargeable, rather than immediately making a negative determination in S225. For example, if the temperature of the battery pack 8 exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold in the first determination, the MCU 68 may determine again during the standby time whether the temperature of the battery pack 8 exceeds the temperature threshold. Then, if the temperature of the battery pack 8 is equal to or lower than the temperature threshold, the MCU 68 may make a positive determination in S225. Note that the number of times the re-determination is performed during the standby time is not limited to one, but may be two or more times. By making such a determination multiple times, the temperature of the battery pack 8 drops, and the battery pack 8 transitions from a high temperature state where charging is not possible to a normal state where charging is possible, and the battery pack 8 can be charged.

[0097] Furthermore, the MCU 68 may change the voltage value of the second power PW2 to a default value during the standby time. Specifically, the power supply control IC 36 and the charging control IC 63 may change the voltage value of the second power PW2 in response to a command from the MCU 68. Thereafter, in response to a positive determination in S225, the MCU 68 may return the voltage value of the second power PW2 to the value set in S160. This allows the voltage value of the second power PW2 to be reduced during the standby time, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption in the power supply adapter 3.

[0098] Furthermore, the determination of "whether or not charging is possible" in S225 may be made based on whether or not the battery pack 8 is in a normal state or in a faulty state. If the battery pack 8 is in a normal state, a positive determination (YES) may be made, and if the battery pack 8 is in a faulty state, a negative determination (NO) may be made. The faulty state in this case means a faulty state from which normal recovery is impossible. Examples of faulty states from which normal recovery is impossible include a wire break failure inside the battery pack 8. A temporary abnormal state such as an abnormally high temperature in the battery pack 8 is not included in faulty states from which normal recovery is impossible, because normal recovery is possible over time.

[0099] If the battery pack 8 is in a temporary abnormal state at the time of the determination in S225, after making a positive determination in S225, the MCU 68 may wait until the temporary abnormal state is resolved before proceeding to S230 (in other words, before starting charging of the battery pack 8). For example, after making a positive determination in S225, the MCU 68 may execute an abnormality determination step to determine whether the battery pack 8 is in a temporary abnormal state. In this abnormality determination step, if the battery pack 8 is in a temporary abnormal state, the MCU 68 may wait until the temporary abnormal state is resolved by repeatedly executing the same step, and if the battery pack 8 is not in a temporary abnormal state, the MCU 68 may proceed to S230. In other words, if the battery pack 8 is in a high temperature abnormality, after making a positive determination in S225, the MCU 68 may repeatedly make a negative determination in the abnormality determination step and wait until the temperature of the battery pack 8 drops to a normal range, and proceed to S230 when the temperature of the battery pack 8 drops to a normal range. Furthermore, if the battery pack 8 is in a high temperature abnormality, the battery pack 8 may be actively cooled by a cooling fan or the like.

[0100] In S230, the MCU 68 switches on the LDSW 69. As a result, the DC / DC converter 71 and the battery connection unit 53 are electrically connected to each other. In the following S235, the MCU 68 switches the DC / DC converter 71 from the conversion stop state to the conversion execution state. The conversion stop state corresponds to a state in which the DC / DC converter 71 does not convert the DC voltage of the second power PW2 into the DC voltage of the charging power PWb. The conversion execution state corresponds to a state in which the DC / DC converter 71 converts the DC voltage of the second power PW2 into the DC voltage of the charging power PWb. As a result, the charging adapter 5 outputs the DC voltage of the charging power PWb from the battery connection unit 53. In this way, the charging power PWb is supplied to the battery pack 8, and charging of the battery pack 8 begins.

[0101] In the next step S240, the MCU 68 controls the notification unit 54 to notify that the battery pack 8 is being charged. The notification unit 54 may include, for example, an LCD panel, an LED lamp, a speaker, or a buzzer. The notification may be in the form of a text display, a lighted lamp, a voice notification, or a sound output. For example, the notification unit 54 may display the text "Charging." By notifying that the battery pack 8 is being charged, it is possible to notify that the device (power supply adapter 3) connected to the adapter connection unit 52 is compatible with the charging adapter 5.

[0102] In S300, the MCU 68 executes an abnormality process. The abnormality process includes an abnormality notification process and a self-pause process. By executing the abnormality notification process, the MCU 68 controls the notification unit 54 to notify an abnormality. For example, the notification unit 54 may display the word "abnormal." The concept of "abnormal" here includes at least one of a power adapter incompatibility and a battery pack incompatibility, depending on the determination made in S210 or S225. A power adapter incompatibility corresponds to a device (power adapter 3) connected to the adapter connector 52 not being compatible with the charging adapter 5. A battery pack incompatibility corresponds to a battery pack 8 connected to the battery connector 53 not being compatible with the charging adapter 5. In other words, a battery pack incompatibility also corresponds to a battery pack 8 not being compatible with the second power PW2 output from the power adapter 3.

[0103] In S300, the MCU 68 may also switch off the LDSW 69. In S300, the MCU 68 may also switch the DC / DC converter 71 from the conversion execution state to the conversion stop state.

[0104] By executing the self-pause process, the MCU 68 sets the DC voltage output by the power adapter 3 to the lowest voltage selectable by the power adapter 3 (hereinafter also referred to as the adapter minimum voltage Vamin). Specifically, the MCU 68 calculates charging setting information Si including a control value Pc indicating the adapter minimum voltage Vamin, and transmits the charging setting information Si to the charging control IC 63. The charging control IC 63 transmits the charging setting information Si to the power supply control IC 36. In other words, the charging adapter 5 transmits the control value Pc indicating the adapter minimum voltage Vamin to the power adapter 3. As a result, the power adapter 3 outputs a DC voltage corresponding to the adapter minimum voltage Vamin to the charging adapter 5.

[0105] In this embodiment, the minimum voltage selectable by the power adapter 3 is 3.3 [V]. The minimum voltage at which the MCU 68 of the charging adapter 5 can operate is 5.0 [V]. Therefore, when the MCU 68 executes the self-pause process, the DC voltage (=3.3 [V]) output by the power adapter 3 falls below the minimum voltage (=5.0 [V]) at which the MCU 68 can operate, causing the MCU 68 to enter an inoperable state. In other words, by executing the self-pause process, the MCU 68 transitions itself to an inoperable state. This makes it possible to prevent abnormal operation of the MCU 68 and, ultimately, to prevent charging of a battery pack 8 that is incompatible with the power adapter 3.

[0106] Furthermore, with regard to the battery cells provided in the battery pack 8, if the maximum charging voltage of one battery cell is higher than the adapter minimum voltage Vamin, the MCU 68 executes self-pause processing to prevent overcharging of the battery pack 8. For example, if the maximum charging voltage of one battery cell is 4.2 [V] and the adapter minimum voltage Vamin is 3.3 [V], after execution of self-pause processing, the voltage value output by the charging adapter 5 to the battery pack 8 will be lower than the maximum charging voltage of one battery cell. As a result, even if charging of the battery pack 8 is performed by the power supply adapter 3 and the charging adapter 5 for some reason, only a DC voltage lower than the maximum charging voltage of one battery cell is applied, thereby preventing overcharging of the battery pack 8.

[0107] In S250 following S240, the MCU 68 communicates with the charge control IC 63. First, the MCU 68 acquires battery information of the battery pack 8 via the first BTIF 70. The MCU 68 determines the state of charge of the battery pack 8 based on the battery information.

[0108] In the following S260, the charging control IC 63 communicates with the power supply control IC 36. The charging control IC 63 transmits charging setting information Si to the power supply control IC 36. In response to this, the charging adapter 5 transmits a control value Pc including the appropriate charging power to the power supply adapter 3.

[0109] In the next S270, the MCU 68 determines whether or not the charging stop condition of the battery pack 8 is satisfied. First, the MCU 68 acquires battery information of the battery pack 8 via the first BTIF 70. The MCU 68 determines whether or not the charging stop condition of the battery pack 8 is satisfied based on the battery information. If the MCU 68 determines that the charging stop condition is satisfied (YES), the MCU 68 proceeds to S275, and if it determines that the charging stop condition has not been satisfied (NO), the MCU 68 proceeds again to S250.

[0110] The charge stop condition may be met, for example, when the battery pack 8 is charged to 100% of its charge capacity. The charge stop condition may be met when the battery pack 8 enters an abnormal state in which charging is not possible. The charge stop condition may be met when the battery pack 8 is not connected to the battery connection unit 53.

[0111] The charge capacity is a value corresponding to a predetermined ratio of the rated capacity of the battery pack 8. The rated capacity of the battery pack 8 corresponds to the amount of power that the battery pack 8 can store when it is unused (in other words, when the battery cells of the battery pack 8 are not deteriorated). The battery pack 8 deteriorates due to repeated charging and discharging. The charge capacity corresponds to the amount of power that the battery pack 8 can store and varies depending on the deterioration state of the battery pack 8. The charge capacity is set to a value equal to or smaller than the rated capacity. For example, for a battery pack 8 with a rated capacity of 5.0 Ah, the charge capacity may be set to 4.9 Ah. To ensure a large number of allowable charge / discharge cycles before the battery pack 8 reaches the end of its life, the charge capacity may be set to a smaller value. The allowable number of charge / discharge cycles is the cumulative number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery pack 8, and corresponds to the upper limit of the cumulative number of cycles that the battery pack 8 can operate normally. The charge capacity may be changed depending on the cumulative number of charge / discharge cycles. For example, if the cumulative number of charge / discharge cycles exceeds a predetermined reference value, the charge capacity may be changed to a smaller value.

[0112] If it is determined in S270 that the battery pack 8 is in an abnormal state, the same processing as the above-described abnormality notification processing may be executed in the steps executed thereafter. As the charger 1 repeatedly executes the processes of S250 and S260, the MCU 68 changes the charging setting information Si based on the state of the battery pack 8 in response to (i) the charging adapter 5 supplying the DC voltage of the second power PW2 to the battery pack 8 and (ii) a change in the state of the battery pack 8. For example, if an abnormality (error) occurs in the battery pack 8 while the battery pack 8 is being charged, the charging control IC 63 changes the charging setting information Si to reduce the amount of power supplied by the power supply adapter 3. This makes it possible to reduce unnecessary power consumption.

[0113] In the next step S275, the MCU 68 switches the DC / DC converter 71 from a conversion execution state to a conversion stop state, causing the charging adapter 5 to stop outputting the DC voltage of the charging power PWb from the battery connection unit 53. In this way, the supply of the charging power PWb to the battery pack 8 is stopped, and charging of the battery pack 8 is terminated.

[0114] In S280, the MCU 68 switches off the LDSW 69. This electrically isolates the DC / DC converter 71 and the battery connector 53 from each other. Alternatively, in S280, the charging control IC 63 and the MCU 68 may calculate charging setting information Si for setting the DC voltage of the second power PW2 to a default value and transmit the charging setting information Si to the power supply control IC 36. In response to the charging control IC 63 transmitting the charging setting information Si to the power supply control IC 36 via the adapter connection unit 52, the power supply control IC 36 controls the DC voltage of the second power PW2 to the default value. This allows the charger 1 to control the DC voltage of the second power PW2 to the minimum voltage and reduce unnecessary power consumption.

[0115] In S290, the MCU 68 controls the notification unit 54 to notify that charging of the battery pack 8 has stopped. For example, the notification unit 54 may display the text "Charging stopped." Alternatively, when charging of the battery pack 8 has completed to 100% of its charge capacity, the notification unit 54 may display the text "Charging completed." When the battery pack 8 is in an abnormal state, the notification unit 54 may display the text "Battery pack abnormal."

[0116] The charger 1 completes the charging process by completing the process of S290 or S300. In the charger 1 configured to perform the charging process in this manner, the charging adapter 5 receives the second power PW2 from the power supply adapter 3 in accordance with the USB-PD standard. The charging adapter 5 includes a DC / DC converter 71 that converts the DC voltage of the second power PW2 into the DC voltage of the charging power PWb, thereby enabling it to output a charging voltage suitable for charging the battery pack 8.

[0117] [1-6.Effects] According to the first embodiment described above in detail, the following effects are achieved. (1a) In the charger 1, the charging adapter 5 includes a DC / DC converter 71, which allows it to output a charging voltage (a DC voltage of charging power PWb) suitable for charging the battery pack 8. By using a charging voltage converted from a DC voltage, the charging adapter 5 can charge a battery pack that cannot be charged with a DC voltage alone.

[0118] (1b) In the charger 1, by preparing multiple types of charging adapters 5 with different output charging voltages as the charging adapter 5, it is possible to charge multiple types of battery packs 8 with different charging voltages. In this case, by replacing the charging adapter 5, which is part of the charger 1, rather than the entire charger 1, it becomes possible to charge different types of battery packs 8.

[0119] In this way, preparing multiple types of charging adapters 5 according to the types of battery packs 8 reduces the burden of preparing the charger 1 compared to preparing multiple types of chargers according to the types of battery packs 8. The burden here includes the financial burden required to prepare the charger 1 and the labor burden required to prepare the charger 1. Therefore, the charging adapter 5 can reduce the effort required to prepare the charger 1 when charging multiple types of battery packs 8.

[0120] (1c) The charging adapter 5 can switch the transmission state of the DC voltage of the second power PW2 to the DC / DC converter 71 and the control power supply 64 by switching the first switch 61 or the second switch 62 to the conductive state.

[0121] If the power supply adapter 3 is suitable for the charging adapter 5, the charging adapter 5 transmits the DC voltage of the second power PW2 to both the DC / DC converter 71 and the control power supply 64. If the power supply adapter 3 is not suitable for the charging adapter 5, the charging adapter 5 does not transmit the DC voltage of the second power PW2 to the DC / DC converter 71, but transmits the DC voltage of the second power PW2 to the control power supply 64.

[0122] This allows the charging adapter 5 to supply power to the inside of the charging adapter from the control power supply 64 while preventing damage to the charging adapter 5 due to an inappropriate DC voltage. The charging adapter 5 can perform a predetermined notification operation using the power supplied from the control power supply 64. For example, if the power supplied from the power supply adapter 3 is insufficient as the amount of power required to charge the battery pack 8, charging of the battery pack 8 is impossible. The charging adapter 5 can perform an operation to notify the user of such a situation in which charging of the battery pack 8 is impossible.

[0123] (1d) The charger 1 can output a charging voltage according to the voltage value required for charging multiple types of battery packs by selecting a charging adapter 5 according to the type of battery pack 8. In other words, the charger 1 can charge multiple types of battery packs 8 by simply replacing the charging adapter 5 without replacing the entire charger. Therefore, the charger 1 can reduce the effort required to prepare a charger when charging multiple types of battery packs 8.

[0124] (1e) In the charging adapter 5, the MCU 68 switches the LDSW 69 to the cut-off state when the power supply adapter 3 is not suitable for charging the battery pack 8. Such a charging adapter 5 can prevent the battery pack 8 from being charged by a power supply adapter 3 that is not suitable for charging the battery pack 8. This allows the charging adapter 5 to prevent damage to the battery pack 8 caused by using a power supply adapter 3 that is not suitable for charging.

[0125] (1f) In the charging adapter 5, when the charging stop condition is met, the MCU 68 stops the output of the second power PW2 to the battery pack 8. This allows the charging adapter 5 to prevent the battery pack 8 from being damaged due to the continued output of the second power PW2 to the battery pack 8.

[0126] (1g) In the charging adapter 5, when the charging stop condition is met, the MCU 68 calculates the charging setting information Si so as to control the DC voltage of the second power PW2 to the default value. This allows the charger 1 to control the DC voltage of the second power PW2 to the minimum voltage, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.

[0127] [1-7. Terminology] In this embodiment, the adapter connection unit 52 corresponds to an example of a first connection unit in the present disclosure, the DC / DC converter 71 corresponds to an example of a conversion unit in the present disclosure, the battery connection unit 53 corresponds to an example of a second connection unit in the present disclosure, and the first power supply path L1 corresponds to an example of a power supply path in the present disclosure. The first BTIF 70 corresponds to an example of a status monitoring unit in the present disclosure, the MCU 68 corresponds to an example of a control unit in the present disclosure, and the charging control IC 63 corresponds to an example of a communication unit in the present disclosure. The charging setting information Si corresponds to an example of first power supply information in the charging adapter of the present disclosure.

[0128] The LDSW 69 corresponds to an example of a path switch in the present disclosure, and the MCU 68 corresponds to an example of a switching control unit in the present disclosure. The charging control IC 63 corresponds to an example of a starting unit in the present disclosure. The electrical path from the branch point P1 in the first power supply path L1 to the control power supply 64 corresponds to an example of a first internal path in the present disclosure, and the second power supply path L2 corresponds to an example of a second internal path in the present disclosure. The charging stop condition of S270 corresponds to an example of a first condition in the present disclosure.

[0129] The power supply control IC 36 corresponds to an example of a power supply control unit in the present disclosure, the AC / DC converter 35 corresponds to an example of a voltage generating unit in the present disclosure, and the second pack terminal 85b corresponds to an example of an information terminal in the present disclosure.

[0130] [2. Second Embodiment] [2-1.Configuration] A charging system 101 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is configured to charge a first battery pack 8a and a second battery pack 8b.

[0131] The first battery pack 8a and the second battery pack 8b are connected to different types of electric power tools. The first battery pack 8a and the second battery pack 8b have the same basic configuration as the battery pack 8 of the first embodiment. The first battery pack 8a and the second battery pack 8b have different DC voltages of charging power PWb depending on the type of electric power tool connected to them. The first battery pack 8a and the second battery pack 8b may have different attachment / detachment structures and terminal shapes of the battery connectors 53 depending on the type of electric power tool connected to them. In the second embodiment, the appropriate charging voltage of the first battery pack 8a is 12.0 [V]. The appropriate charging voltage of the second battery pack 8b is 42.0 [V]. Note that these appropriate charging voltage values ​​are merely examples, and the appropriate charging voltage values ​​in the present disclosure are not limited to these. Any appropriate charging voltage value may be adopted depending on conditions such as the application and usage environment.

[0132] The charging system 101 includes a first charger 1a and a second charger 1b. The first charger 1a and the second charger 1b each have the same basic configuration as the charger 1 of the first embodiment. The first charger 1a and the second charger 1b charge different types of battery packs. The first charger 1a is configured to charge a first battery pack 8a. The second charger 1b is configured to charge a second battery pack 8b.

[0133] The first charger 1a includes a power supply adapter 3 and a first charging adapter 5a. The power supply adapter 3 is the same as the power supply adapter 3 of the first embodiment. The first charging adapter 5a has a basic configuration similar to that of the charging adapter 5 of the first embodiment. The first charging adapter 5a is configured to be detachably connected to the first battery pack 8a. The battery connection portion 53 of the first charging adapter 5a is configured to be detachably connected to the pack connection portion 85 of the first battery pack 8a. The DC voltage of the charging power PWb output by the first charging adapter 5a is 14.4 V.

[0134] The second charger 1b includes a power supply adapter 3 and a second charging adapter 5b. The power supply adapter 3 is the same as the power supply adapter 3 of the first embodiment. The second charging adapter 5b has a basic configuration similar to that of the charging adapter 5 of the first embodiment. The second charging adapter 5b is configured to be detachably connected to the second battery pack 8b. The battery connection portion 53 of the second charging adapter 5b is configured to be detachably connected to the pack connection portion 85 of the second battery pack 8b. The DC voltage of the charging power PWb output by the second charging adapter 5b is 40.0 V.

[0135] The power supply adapter 3 is detachably connected to each of the first charging adapter 5a and the second charging adapter 5b. The power supply adapter 3 outputs a DC voltage corresponding to the charging setting information Si transmitted from the first charging adapter 5a or the second charging adapter 5b connected to the power supply adapter 3.

[0136] [2-2. Changing the charging voltage by changing the charging adapter] The charging system 101 can output a charging voltage of 14.4 [V] to charge the first battery pack 8a by connecting the first charging adapter 5a to the power supply adapter 3 to form a first charger 1a. The charging system 101 can output a charging voltage of 40.0 [V] to charge the second battery pack 8b by connecting the second charging adapter 5b to the power supply adapter 3 to form a second charger 1b.

[0137] That is, the charging system 101 can change the charging voltage output by changing the charging adapter connected to the power supply adapter 3 to either the first charging adapter 5a or the second charging adapter 5b.

[0138] [2-3. Effects] According to the second embodiment described above in detail, the following effects are achieved. (2a) By changing the charging adapter used by the charging system 101 to the first charging adapter 5a or the second charging adapter 5b, the charging voltage output by the charging system 101 can be changed to 14.4 V or 40.0 V. Therefore, the charging system 101 can charge the first battery pack 8a that is compatible with the first charging adapter 5a, and can also charge the second battery pack 8b that is compatible with the second charging adapter 5b.

[0139] That is, the charging system 101 can charge the first battery pack 8a and the second battery pack 8b by simply switching between the first charging adapter 5a and the second charging adapter 5b without replacing the entire charger. Therefore, the charging system 101 can reduce the effort required to prepare chargers when charging multiple types of battery packs.

[0140] 3. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0141] (3a) In the above embodiment, the charging system 101 is described as having two charging adapters (first charging adapter 5a and second charging adapter 5b), but the charging system of the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The charging system of the present disclosure may also have three or more charging adapters that output different charging voltages.

[0142] For example, the charging system may be equipped with four charging adapters with maximum output charging voltages of 12.0 [V], 17.0 [V], 21.0 [V], and 42.0 [V]. In this case, the charging system may be equipped with only one power supply adapter. By changing the charging adapter connected to the power supply adapter, the charging system can output four different charging voltages.

[0143] The charging system of the present disclosure can increase the number of types of charging voltages that can be output by increasing the number of types of charging adapters. (3b) The second connection part of the charging adapter may have a shape specified corresponding to the magnitude of the charging voltage in the conversion part. Similarly, the pack connection part of the battery pack may have a shape specified corresponding to the magnitude of the appropriate charging voltage. Furthermore, the shape of the second connection part may be such that it can be removably connected to the pack connection part of a battery pack whose charging voltage corresponds to the appropriate charging voltage. In this case, the second connection part cannot be connected to a pack connection part whose charging voltage does not match the appropriate charging voltage because it has a different shape. This prevents the charging adapter from connecting to a battery pack whose charging voltage does not match the appropriate charging voltage, thereby preventing problems such as battery pack damage and charging failure due to mismatched charging voltages.

[0144] (3c) In the above embodiment, the charging adapter 5 transmits charging setting information Si to the power adapter 3 in accordance with the USB-PD standard when changing the DC voltage of the second power PW2 of the power adapter 3. However, the charging system of the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The charging system of the present disclosure may be configured so that the charging adapter and the power adapter transmit and receive charging setting information in accordance with any standard other than the USB-PD standard in order to change the DC voltage of the second power PW2. The any standard may be any standard that allows the charging adapter to change the DC voltage output by the power adapter.

[0145] (3d) In the above embodiment, the charging adapter 5 performs the abnormality notification process (S300) in the abnormality process to notify the user of an incompatible power adapter and an incompatible battery pack without distinguishing between the two. However, the charging adapter of the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The charging adapter of the present disclosure may also notify the user of an incompatible power adapter and an incompatible battery pack separately. For example, the charging adapter of the present disclosure may notify the user of the abnormality by displaying the text "Incompatible Power Adapter" or "Incompatible Battery Pack." The charging adapter of the present disclosure may also notify the user of abnormalities other than these.

[0146] (3e) In the above embodiment, the charging adapter 5 does not communicate with the power supply adapter 3 when charging of the battery pack 8 is completed (S270: YES). However, the charging adapter of the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The charging adapter of the present disclosure may transmit charging setting information including a control value for charging stop power to the power supply adapter when charging of the battery pack is completed. The charging stop power may correspond to the power required for the charging adapter to operate when the battery pack is not being charged. The voltage value of the charging stop power may be set to a default value. The default value may be the lowest voltage (e.g., 5V) among the selectable voltages defined in the USB-PD standard.

[0147] To realize such a configuration in the above embodiment, when charging of the battery pack 8 is completed, the MCU 68 may transmit a control value Pc including the charging stop power to the charging control IC 63. Subsequently, the charging control IC 63 may transmit charging setting information Si including the control value Pc to the power supply control IC 36. In other words, when charging of the battery pack 8 is completed, the charging adapter 5 may transmit the charging setting information Si including the charging stop power to the power supply adapter 3.

[0148] (3f) In the above embodiment, the MCU 68 immediately determines whether the charging stop condition is satisfied in S270 based on the result of a single determination. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, in S270, the MCU 68 may determine whether the charging stop condition is satisfied multiple times during a predetermined temporary suspension period. That is, when the MCU 68 determines that the charging stop condition is satisfied in the first determination, the MCU 68 may temporarily reduce the charging power PWb supplied to the battery pack 8, rather than immediately making a positive determination in S270, and then determine again during the temporary suspension period whether the charging stop condition is satisfied.

[0149] For example, if the temperature of the battery pack 8 exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold in the first determination, the MCU 68 may determine that the charge stop condition is met and reduce the charging power PWb supplied to the battery pack 8. Thereafter, the MCU 68 may again determine whether the temperature of the battery pack 8 exceeds the temperature threshold during the temporary suspension period. At this time, if the temperature of the battery pack 8 is equal to or lower than the temperature threshold, the MCU 68 may determine that the charge stop condition is not met, return the charging power PWb supplied to the battery pack 8 to its original value, and make a negative determination in S270. Alternatively, if the temperature of the battery pack 8 exceeds the temperature threshold, the MCU 68 may determine that the charge stop condition is met and make a positive determination in S270.

[0150] The number of times the re-determination is performed during the temporary suspension period is not limited to one, and the re-determination may be performed two or more times. By performing the determination multiple times in this manner, the temperature of the battery pack 8 decreases, and the battery pack 8 transitions from a high-temperature state in which charging is not possible to a normal state in which charging is possible, allowing charging of the battery pack 8 to continue.

[0151] Furthermore, the MCU 68 may change the voltage value of the second power PW2 to a default value during the temporary suspension period. Specifically, the power supply control IC 36 and the charging control IC 63 may change the voltage value of the second power PW2 in response to a command from the MCU 68. Thereafter, in response to a negative determination in S270, the MCU 68 may return the voltage value of the second power PW2 to the value set in S160. This allows the voltage value of the second power PW2 to be reduced during the temporary suspension period, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption in the power supply adapter 3.

[0152] (3g) In the above embodiment, an electric drill has been described as an example of an electric work machine to which power is supplied by the battery pack 8, but the electric work machine may have other forms. The electric work machine may be, for example, an impact driver, a circular saw, or other power tool. The electric work machine may also be various electric work machines used at work sites for DIY, manufacturing, gardening, construction, and the like. More specifically, the electric work machine may be, for example, an electric lawn mower, an electric lawn trimmer, an electric brush cutter, an electric cleaner, an electric blower, an electric sprayer, an electric dust collector, or the like.

[0153] (3h) Multiple functions of one component in the above embodiments may be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions of multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Also, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...charger, 1a...first charger, 1b...second charger, 3...power supply adapter, 5...charging adapter, 5a...first charging adapter, 5b...second charging adapter, 8...battery pack, 8a...first battery pack, 8b...second battery pack, 32...power input section, 33...power output section, 35...AC / DC converter, 36...power supply control integrated circuit, 52...adapter connection section, 52a...first adapter terminal, 52b...second adapter terminal, 53...battery connection section , 54...alarm unit, 61...first switch, 62...second switch, 63...charge control integrated circuit, 64...control power supply, 68...microcontroller unit, 69...load switch, 70...first battery interface, 71...DC / DC converter, 83a...first battery cell, 83b...second battery cell, 85...pack connection unit, 101...charging system, L1...first power supply path, L2...second power supply path, L3...third power supply path.

Claims

1. A charging adapter, a first connection portion configured to be detachably connected to a power supply adapter configured to output a DC voltage and configured to receive the DC voltage in accordance with the USB-PD standard; a conversion unit configured to convert the DC voltage received at the first connection unit into a charging voltage for charging a battery pack configured to be connected to an electric operating machine; a second connection portion configured to be detachably connected to the battery pack; a power supply path configured to electrically connect the first connection portion to the second connection portion via the conversion portion; a communication unit configured to transmit first power supply information representing a required power supply capacity of the charging adapter to the power supply adapter and to receive second power supply information representing a power supply capacity of the power supply adapter from the power supply adapter; a status monitoring unit configured to monitor a status of the battery pack; a control unit configured to perform charging control of the battery pack based on a state of the battery pack, and / or the first power supply information, and / or the second power supply information, wherein the charging control of the battery pack includes outputting a conversion execution command or a conversion stop command to the conversion unit; a control power supply configured to convert the DC voltage into an internal voltage supplied to an interior of the charging adapter; a first switch provided between the first connection portion and the conversion portion in the power supply path and configured to be switched between a conductive state and a cut-off state; a first internal path configured to electrically connect the power supply path and the control power supply, the first internal path being electrically connected between the first switch and the conversion unit in the power supply path; a second internal path configured to electrically connect the first connection portion and the control power supply; a second switch provided in the second internal path and configured to be switched between a conductive state and a cut-off state; a start-up unit configured to switch the first switch or the second switch to the conductive state in response to the first connection unit being connected to the power supply adapter; A charging adapter.

2. 2. The charging adapter according to claim 1, The startup unit Switching the first switch to the conductive state and the second switch to the cut-off state in response to the power supply adapter being compatible with the charging adapter; and switching the first switch to the blocking state and the second switch to the conducting state in response to the power supply adapter being incompatible with the charging adapter. Charging adapter.

3. 3. The charging adapter according to claim 1, the first power supply information includes a magnitude of the DC voltage and / or a magnitude of a current to be output from the power supply adapter; Charging adapter.

4. The charging adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a path switch provided between the conversion unit and the second connection unit in the power supply path and configured to be switched between a conductive state and a cut-off state; a switching control unit configured to switch the path switch to the conductive state in response to the establishment of a first switching condition, and to switch the path switch to the cut-off state in response to the establishment of a second switching condition, wherein the first switching condition is established in response to the power supply capacity of the power supply adapter connected to the first connection portion satisfying the required power supply capacity and the battery pack connected to the second connection portion being chargeable, and the second switching condition is established in response to the power supply capacity of the power supply adapter connected to the first connection portion not satisfying the required power supply capacity and / or the battery pack connected to the second connection portion being unchargeable; A charging adapter comprising:

5. 5. The charging adapter according to claim 4, the state monitoring unit is configured to switch the path switch to the cutoff state in response to a predetermined forced cutoff condition being satisfied, and to switch the path switch to the conduction state in response to a failure of the forced cutoff condition being satisfied, The path switch is configured to switch to the interrupted state in response to the switching control unit and / or the state monitoring unit switching the path switch to the interrupted state, and to switch to the conductive state in response to both the switching control unit and the state monitoring unit switching the path switch to the conductive state. Charging adapter.

6. 6. The charging adapter according to claim 4 or claim 5, The switching control unit is configured to switch the path switch to the interrupted state in response to a first condition being satisfied. Charging adapter.

7. 7. The charging adapter according to claim 6, The first condition is met when the battery pack is charged to 100% of its charge capacity or when the battery pack becomes unable to be charged. Charging adapter.

8. The charging adapter according to claim 6 or 7, the control unit is configured to set the first power supply information so that the DC voltage becomes a minimum voltage selectable by the power supply adapter when the first condition is satisfied. Charging adapter.

9. The charging adapter according to any one of claims 6 to 8, the control unit is configured to set the first power supply information so that the DC voltage becomes a minimum voltage selectable by the power supply adapter when the battery pack is not connected to the second connection unit. Charging adapter.

10. The charging adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the control unit is configured to perform the charging control based on a state of the battery pack in response to (i) the charging adapter supplying the charging voltage to the battery pack and (ii) a change in the state of the battery pack. A charging adapter.

11. The charging adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The first connection portion is in the form of a USB-Type C connector. Charging adapter.

12. The charging adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The battery pack an information terminal configured to transmit information about the battery pack to the electric operating machine; a first battery cell and a second battery cell connected in series with each other; Equipped with Charging adapter.

13. The charging adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 12; a power supply adapter configured to be detachably connected to the charging adapter, the power supply adapter configured to output the DC voltage corresponding to the required power supply capacity indicated by the first power supply information received from the charging adapter; A charger comprising:

14. 14. The charger of claim 13, The power adapter is a voltage generating unit configured to generate the DC voltage; a power supply control unit configured to receive the first power supply information transmitted from the charging adapter and control the voltage generation unit to generate the DC voltage corresponding to the required power supply capacity indicated by the first power supply information; a voltage output unit detachably connected to the first connection unit of the charging adapter and configured to output the DC voltage; A charger comprising:

15. a first charging adapter configured to output a first charging voltage for charging a first battery pack; 13. The charging adapter of claim 1, wherein the second charging adapter is configured to output a second charging voltage for charging a second battery pack, the second charging voltage being different from the first charging voltage; and a power supply adapter configured to be detachably connected to each of the first charging adapter and the second charging adapter, and configured to output the DC voltage corresponding to the required power supply capacity indicated by the first power supply information transmitted from the first charging adapter or the second charging adapter connected to the power supply adapter; A charging system comprising:

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