Electrical devices with replaceable batteries

Abstract

To provide an electrical device with a replaceable battery in which various batteries having different battery characteristics and batteries having different battery characteristics even in the same type can be used in more appropriate setting whether the batteries are known or unknown at the time of shipping.SOLUTION: An electrical device 1 includes a battery mounting part 21 to and from which a secondary battery 2 storing battery characteristic information can be attached and detached, acquires first characteristic information 61 in a state where the secondary battery 2 is mounted, determines whether second characteristic information is necessary on the basis of the acquired first characteristic information 61, and acquires the second characteristic information from the secondary battery 2 when determining that the second characteristic information is necessary.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an electrical device with replaceable batteries. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an electric vacuum cleaner that, when a secondary battery is attached to the vacuum cleaner body, transmits a confirmation signal to the secondary battery, receives a signal transmitted by the secondary battery in response to this confirmation signal as a received signal, and compares this received signal with verification information to determine the authenticity of the attached secondary battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-064059 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Secondary batteries, also known as storage batteries, rechargeable batteries, and rechargeable batteries, include a wide variety of types, including lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium-ion polymer secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-cadmium secondary batteries, nickel-iron secondary batteries, nickel-zinc secondary batteries, silver oxide-zinc secondary batteries, and cobalt-titanium lithium secondary batteries. These secondary batteries differ in battery characteristics, such as usable temperature range, upper limit of discharge current, upper limit of charge current, lower limit of discharge voltage, and upper limit of charge voltage. Technological developments are also underway to improve the energy efficiency of these secondary batteries. In other words, different types of secondary batteries have different battery characteristics, and even batteries of the same type may have different battery characteristics depending on the manufacturing date. For example, the temperature range within which charging is possible varies depending on the type of secondary battery, and even batteries of the same type may differ depending on the manufacturing date.

[0005] When determining the authenticity of secondary batteries using the same verification information, regardless of whether they are different types or the same type, conventional vacuum cleaners are unable to detect differences in the battery characteristics of the installed secondary batteries. In this case, conventional vacuum cleaners may not be able to fully utilize the performance of the installed secondary batteries, or may deviate from the allowable usage range of the installed secondary batteries, shortening their lifespan or causing damage.

[0006] On the other hand, if the verification information is to be varied depending on the battery characteristics of the secondary battery, conventional vacuum cleaners must be pre-stored with multiple pieces of verification information corresponding to secondary batteries with known battery characteristics before shipping. In this case, while conventional vacuum cleaners can execute appropriate control in accordance with the battery characteristics of known secondary batteries, it is difficult to execute appropriate control in accordance with the battery characteristics of unknown secondary batteries that may be developed in the future.

[0007] For example, by identifying a known secondary battery using the first matching information and pre-storing battery characteristics corresponding to this first matching information, the secondary battery identified by the first matching information can be used appropriately. However, if a newly developed secondary battery that is unknown at the time of shipment is identified using the second matching information, it is difficult to pre-store battery characteristics corresponding to this second matching information and to determine that the secondary battery identified by the second matching information is genuine, making it impossible to use the newly developed secondary battery appropriately.

[0008] Furthermore, for example, while known secondary batteries are used by monitoring only the usable temperature range, new secondary batteries may be used more efficiently by monitoring the discharge current upper limit in addition to the usable temperature range. In such cases, it is difficult for conventional vacuum cleaners to accommodate the addition of monitoring items due to changes in the comparison information.

[0009] Furthermore, as the amount of information contained in secondary batteries increases due to improvements in secondary batteries, it is expected that secondary batteries with different amounts of information on battery characteristics may be installed in conventional vacuum cleaners. The amount of information on battery characteristics refers to the number of battery characteristics, such as the usable temperature range and the upper limit of discharge current, and when these items are expressed as digital values, it refers to the data length (bit length).

[0010] Generally, there are two communication methods for transmitting information between electrical devices: serial communication and parallel communication. Serial communication is a communication method that transmits data one bit at a time using a single signal line. Parallel communication is a communication method that transmits multiple bits of data at a time using multiple signal lines. Compared to parallel communication, serial communication requires fewer signal lines, is low cost, has relatively simple wiring, and is advantageous for long-distance communication. For these reasons, serial communication is often the primary method used for communication between electrical devices. For example, serial communication is sometimes applied to the communication method between a conventional vacuum cleaner and a secondary battery.

[0011] In serial communication, communication is sometimes handled in packets through framing. The data length per packet affects the capacity of the communication buffer that is reserved in advance on the conventional vacuum cleaner to receive the communication. Therefore, if the amount of information on battery characteristics cannot be contained in a single packet as development or improvement of secondary batteries progresses and the packet length is simply increased, the data length of a single packet may exceed the communication buffer capacity reserved in advance on conventional vacuum cleaners. Such an increase in packet length per packet or an insufficient communication buffer capacity may interfere with the communication of battery characteristics and hinder the proper use of secondary batteries.

[0012] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical device with replaceable batteries that can be used with more appropriate settings for various batteries with different battery characteristics, and batteries of the same type but with different battery characteristics, regardless of whether the characteristics are known or unknown at the time of shipment, and even if the maximum data capacity is unknown at the time of shipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, a battery-replaceable electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: A first characteristic information including only the first characteristic information having a finite length of information. Stores battery characteristics information The battery is either a first secondary battery or a second secondary battery that stores second battery characteristic information including the first characteristic information and at least one piece of second characteristic information. a battery mounting section in which a secondary battery can be mounted; The first battery characteristic information and the second battery characteristic information are a battery information acquisition unit capable of acquiring battery characteristic information; a load driven by power stored in the secondary battery attached to the battery attachment unit; and a power control unit that controls at least one of a discharge amount and a charge amount of the secondary battery based on the battery characteristic information acquired by the battery information acquisition unit. ,before The battery information acquisition unit Second Secondary battery The battery mounting part Is attached In the case of The first characteristic information is acquired, and based on the acquired first characteristic information, it is determined whether the second characteristic information is necessary, and it is determined that the second characteristic information is necessary. hand , the above Second acquiring the second characteristic information from the secondary battery; When the first secondary battery is mounted in the battery mounting portion, the first characteristic information is acquired, and based on the acquired first characteristic information, whether or not the second characteristic information is required is determined, and the second characteristic information is determined to be unnecessary; The power control unit Obtaining from the first secondary battery the battery characteristic information the first characteristic information and the second characteristic information included in the battery characteristic information acquired from the second secondary battery, Control is performed based on the [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an example of an electrical device with replaceable batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram of an electrical device with a replaceable battery according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of association between version numbers and battery characteristics of secondary batteries attached to an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of a version verification process during initial setting executed by the electrical device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6]5 is an example of a flowchart showing an operation setting process for an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of initial setting of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of initial setting of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the association between the version number and battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 attached to the electrical device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of a battery characteristic information acquisition process executed by an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of a battery characteristic information acquisition process executed by an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of a battery characteristic information acquisition process executed by an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of a battery characteristic information acquisition process executed by an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electrical device with replaceable batteries according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Note that the same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an electrical device with replaceable batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 1, a battery-replaceable electrical device 1 according to this embodiment includes a secondary battery 2 as a detachable power source, and a load, such as an electric motor 3, that is driven by the power stored in the secondary battery 2. The secondary battery 2 is also called a storage battery, a rechargeable battery, or a rechargeable battery. The electrical device 1 is, for example, a stick-type electric vacuum cleaner 5, and includes an electric fan 6 as a load integrated with the electric motor 3.

[0018] The electric vacuum cleaner 5 comprises a vacuum cleaner body 12 having a handle 11 and capable of being operated by hand, a secondary battery 2 detachable from the vacuum cleaner body 12, an extension tube 15 connected to the vacuum cleaner body 12, and a suction mouth body 16 connected to the extension tube 15.

[0019] The electrical device 1 may be a canister-type vacuum cleaner 5, an upright-type vacuum cleaner 5, or a handheld vacuum cleaner 5, powered by a detachable secondary battery 2. The electrical device 1 may also be a tool that uses the rotational driving force of the electric motor 3.

[0020] Furthermore, the electrical appliance 1, the vacuum cleaner 5, and the vacuum cleaner main body 12 are used in various positions by a user holding the vacuum cleaner main body 12 in their hands. Therefore, in Fig. 1, the view in the direction of the solid arrow P is a plan view (top view), and the view in the opposite direction of the solid arrow P is a bottom view. In Fig. 1, the view in the direction of the solid arrow F is a front view (front view), and the view in the opposite direction of the solid arrow F is a back view. In Fig. 1, the view in the direction of the solid arrow L is a left side view, and the view in the opposite direction of the solid arrow L is a right side view.

[0021] The vacuum cleaner main body 12 includes a main body case 17 having a handle 11, an electric blower 6 housed in the main body case 17 and generating a negative suction pressure, a dust separation and collection unit 19 removably attached to the main body case 17, a battery attachment unit 21 to which the secondary battery 2 can be attached and detached, a charging terminal 22 for the secondary battery 2, and a main body control unit 23 that mainly controls the operation of the electric blower 6 and the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2.

[0022] The vacuum cleaner body 12 drives the electric blower 6 using power stored in the secondary battery 2, which generates negative pressure and applies the generated negative suction pressure to the dust separation and collecting unit 19. The negative suction pressure acting on the dust separation and collecting unit 19 acts sequentially on the extension tube 15 and the suction port body 16. The negative suction pressure that reaches the suction port body 16 acts on the suction port 31 of the suction port body 16. The negative suction pressure acting on the suction port 31 sucks air containing dust (hereinafter referred to as "dust-containing air") from the floor surface into the suction port 31. The dust-containing air sucked into the suction port 31 flows into the dust separation and collecting unit 19 through the suction port body 16 and the extension tube 15. Dust separation and collection unit 19 separates dust from the dust-laden air sucked in by the negative suction pressure, captures and accumulates the separated dust, and sends the air from which the dust has been separated to electric blower 6. Electric blower 6 exhausts the air from which the dust has been separated to the outside of main body case 17.

[0023] Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner main body 12 charges the secondary battery 2 with power supplied from a charging terminal 22. The charging terminal 22 is connected to the secondary battery 2 via a charging circuit of the main body control unit .

[0024] Furthermore, the cleaner body 12 is provided with an input unit 27 that is arranged within a range where a user gripping the handle 11 can move their fingers.

[0025] The main body case 17 is arranged on the extension line of the extension tube 15 and comprises a columnar front portion 17a extending along the extension line of the extension tube 15, a central portion 17b hanging down diagonally rearward from the front portion 17a, a cylindrical rear portion 17c extending rearward from the lower half of the back surface of the central portion 17b, and a handle 11 extending rearward from the upper half of the back surface of the central portion 17b, curving in an arc shape and connecting to the rear end of the upper surface of the rear portion 17c.

[0026] The front portion 17a and the central portion 17b of the main body case 17 cooperate to detachably hold the dust separating dust collecting unit 19. The dust separating dust collecting unit 19 has a cylindrical appearance overall. The front portion 17a and the central portion 17b hold the dust separating dust collecting unit 19 with the center line C of the dust separating dust collecting unit 19 parallel to the extension line of the center line of the extension tube 15. When the extension tube 15 and the dust separating dust collecting unit 19 are attached to the main body case 17, the extension line of the center line of the extension tube 15 and the center line C of the dust separating dust collecting unit 19 are located on a central vertical cross section that divides the main body case 17 substantially equally into left and right halves. In other words, the longitudinal front portion 17a and the cylindrical dust separating dust collecting unit 19 are arranged side by side with their center lines parallel.

[0027] Front part 17a of main body case 17 extends in a tubular shape, disposed on the extension of the longitudinal direction of extension tube 15, i.e., the extension direction. Front part 17a has a joint structure to which extension tube 15 can be attached and detached. Front part 17a has main body connection port 25, which is the fluid inlet for vacuum cleaner main body 12, and fluidly connects extension tube 15 and dust separation and collection unit 19. By removing extension tube 15 from vacuum cleaner main body 12, main body connection port 25 also functions as a suction port when vacuum cleaner main body 12 is used alone.

[0028] Rear portion 17c of main body case 17 houses electric blower 6 and main body control unit 23. Rear portion 17c has exhaust port 26 through which exhaust air from electric blower 6 is discharged from inside main body case 17. A battery mounting section 21 to which secondary battery 2 can be attached and detached is provided at the bottom of rear portion 17c.

[0029] The central portion 17b of the main body case 17 covers and holds part of the rear end portion of the dust separating and collecting unit 19 that is provided next to the front portion 17a, and houses an air passage (not shown) that connects the dust separating and collecting unit 19 to the electric blower 6. The central portion 17b is connected to the rear end portion of the front portion 17a, which extends substantially linearly, and bulges diagonally downward and toward the rear of the main body case 17. The central portion 17b has an appearance that slopes downward toward the rear of the main body case 17.

[0030] Handle 11 is provided integrally with main body case 17. Handle 11 is the part that a user holds with their hand in order to clean a floor surface with vacuum cleaner 5. Therefore, handle 11 preferably has an appropriate shape that allows it to be easily held with human fingers.

[0031] The handle 11 is installed between the front part 17a and the rear part 17c of the main body case 17. The handle 11 extends from the rear end of the front part 17a in the extension direction of the extension tube 15, and curves in an arc to connect to the rear end of the rear part 17c. A continuous space penetrates the main body case 17 in the left-right direction (width direction) between the handle 11 and the back surface of the central part 17b of the main body case 17, and between the handle 11 and the top surface of the rear part 17c of the main body case 17. The fingers of the user gripping the handle 11, primarily four fingers including the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger, are positioned in this space.

[0032] Input unit 27 is provided near handle 11, within a range where a user gripping handle 11 can move their fingers. Input unit 27 has a switch that receives a request to operate electric blower 6. This switch is electrically connected to main body control unit 23. A user of vacuum cleaner 5 can operate input unit 27 to alternately switch electric blower 6 between operation and stop.

[0033] Input unit 27 may be provided with a switch for switching the operation mode of electric blower 6. In this case, main body control unit 23 switches the operation mode in the following order each time it receives an operation signal from the operation mode selector switch: strong → medium → weak → strong → medium → weak → .... Note that input unit 27 may be provided with a strong operation switch, a medium operation switch, and a weak operation switch individually instead of the operation mode selector switch.

[0034] The dust separation and collection unit 19 is disposed in an L-shaped storage space formed by the front part 17a and the center part 17b of the main body case 17. The dust separation and collection unit 19 separates, captures, and accumulates dust from the dust-laden air flowing into the vacuum cleaner body 12, while sending clean air from which the dust has been removed to the electric blower 6. The dust separation and collection unit 19 is of a centrifugal separation type that separates dust and air by centrifugal separation using the difference in mass between the dust and the air. A filtration and separation type filter that filters out dust from the dust-laden air may be provided downstream of the dust separation and collection unit 19.

[0035] The dust separating and collecting unit 19 extends cylindrically along the front-rear direction of the main body case 17. In other words, the dust separating and collecting unit 19 is a cylindrical container having a center line C extending in the front-rear direction of the main body case 17. The direction along the center line C of the dust separating and collecting unit 19, the extension direction of the dust separating and collecting unit 19, and the longitudinal direction of the dust separating and collecting unit 19 are substantially the same and substantially coincide with the front-rear direction of the main body case 17. Therefore, the center line C of the dust separating and collecting unit 19 is substantially parallel to the center line of the extension tube 15. The dust separating and collecting unit 19 is also provided adjacent to the front part 17a of the main body case 17. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the dust separating and collecting unit 19 follows the longitudinal direction of the front part 17a of the main body case 17. The diameter of the dust separating and collecting part 19 is larger than the width dimension of the front part 17a of the main body case 17, and the dust separating and collecting part 19 protrudes in the left-right direction (width direction) of the vacuum cleaner body 12 beyond the front part 17a of the main body case 17. The left-right direction (width direction) of the vacuum cleaner body 12 corresponds to the normal direction of the central vertical cross section of the vacuum cleaner body 12. The center line C of the cylindrical dust separating and collecting part 19 is substantially included in the central vertical cross section of the vacuum cleaner body 12.

[0036] Central portion 17b of main body case 17 is provided with a connecting port that is fluidly connected to the exhaust side of dust separation and collection unit 19, and a separation unit downstream air duct that fluidly connects the connecting port to electric blower 6. Central portion 17b includes a portion that is sandwiched between dust separation and collection unit 19 and rear portion 17c of main body case 17. The connecting port and separation unit downstream air duct are arranged in this portion.

[0037] The connecting port is located at a position facing the front of central portion 17b. The connecting port faces the rear end face of dust separation collecting unit 19 when dust separation collecting unit 19 is attached to main body case 17. Therefore, the connecting port is located on an extension of the center line C of dust separation collecting unit 19 when dust separation collecting unit 19 is attached to main body case 17.

[0038] The suction side of electric blower 6 is connected to dust separation and collection unit 19 via a connecting port and a separation unit downstream air duct. Electric blower 6 draws air from dust separation and collection unit 19 to generate negative suction pressure. Electric blower 6 includes an impeller, electric motor 3 that generates rotational driving force for the impeller, and a rotating shaft that transmits the rotational driving force from electric motor 3 to the impeller.

[0039] The impeller, such as a turbofan, is equipped with multiple blades. Each blade has a twisted shape that gradually rises in the radial direction of the hub from the center toward the outer edge of the conical hub. In other words, each blade is a so-called three-dimensional blade, in which the airfoil or wing section changes from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The impeller is enclosed in a case with an intake port.

[0040] Electric blower 6 has a cylindrical or columnar shape with a rotation axis as its center. It is housed in main body case 17 with the center line of the rotation axis facing the front-to-rear direction of main body case 17 and with the suction port facing forward. The center line of the rotation axis of electric blower 6 is substantially aligned with the center line C of dust separation and collection unit 19.

[0041] The main body control unit 23 is located directly behind the electric blower 6. The main body control unit 23 includes a microprocessor and a storage device 28 that stores various calculation programs executed by the microprocessor, parameters, and the like. When implementing control that allows the electric blower 6 to be selectively selected from multiple operating modes, the storage device 28 stores various settings (arguments) related to multiple pre-set operating modes. The multiple operating modes are associated with the output of the electric blower 6. Different input values ​​(input values ​​of the electric blower 6, target values ​​of the current flowing through the electric blower 6) are set for each operating mode. Each operating mode is associated with an operation request received by the input unit 27. The main body control unit 23 selectively selects an operating mode corresponding to the operation request from the input unit 27 from multiple pre-set operating modes, reads the settings for the selected operating mode from the storage device 28, and operates the electric blower 6 according to the read settings for the operating mode.

[0042] The input value of the electric blower 6 corresponds to the discharge amount of the secondary battery 2. The discharge amount of the secondary battery 2 is controlled by the level of the discharge current or discharge voltage of the secondary battery 2. It is simple and preferable to control the discharge amount of the secondary battery 2 by the level of the discharge current of the secondary battery 2.

[0043] Furthermore, when the charging terminal 22 of the vacuum cleaner body 12 is connected to a power source, for example, a charger, the main body control unit 23 controls the charging of the secondary battery 2. The amount of charge in the secondary battery 2 is controlled by the level of the charging current or charging voltage of the secondary battery 2.

[0044] The secondary battery 2 is a so-called battery pack. The electric blower 6 and the main body control unit 23 are driven by discharging the power stored in the secondary battery 2, and the power consumed by the electric blower 6 and the main body control unit 23 is stored in the secondary battery 2 by charging the secondary battery 2. The secondary battery 2 is detachable from the main body case 17. In other words, the vacuum cleaner 5 can use multiple secondary batteries 2 by replacing them as needed. If the charge rate of the secondary battery 2 installed in the vacuum cleaner 5 decreases, the vacuum cleaner 5 can continue to operate by replacing it with a charged secondary battery 2. In other words, the secondary battery 2 can be charged while installed in the main body case 17, or it can be removed from the main body case 17 and charged in a charger different from that of the vacuum cleaner 5, and then re-installed in the main body case 17 after charging. Note that the vacuum cleaner 5 may be one in which the secondary battery 2 is easily replaceable, or one in which the secondary battery 2 can be replaced by disassembling the vacuum cleaner body 12 to replace the secondary battery 2.

[0045] The notification unit 29 is controlled by the main body control unit 23 and notifies the charging state of the secondary battery 2, for example, that the secondary battery 2 is charging, that the secondary battery 2 is fully charged, or that the charging rate of the secondary battery 2 has dropped below a predetermined charging rate, i.e., the battery is dead. The notification unit 29 is, for example, at least one of a display that displays information such as text, a lit or blinking lamp or LED (Light Emitting Diode) that appeals to the user's visual sense, a sound device that emits an electrically synthesized voice or buzzer sound, or a vibrator that appeals to the user's tactile sense. The notification unit 29 is preferably provided near the input unit 27. Such an arrangement increases the recognizability of the notification content.

[0046] The extension pipe 15 and the suction port body 16 suck in dust on the floor surface together with air by the negative pressure applied by the electric blower 6 and guide it to the cleaner body 12 .

[0047] The extension pipe 15 is fluidly connected to the suction side of the electric blower 6 via the main body connection port 25 of the main body case 17 and the dust separation and collection unit 19. The extension pipe 15 has a length that allows the user to substantially reach the floor surface when holding the handle 11 of the vacuum cleaner main body 12. One end of the extension pipe 15 has a coupling structure that allows it to be detachably attached to the main body connection port 25 of the vacuum cleaner main body 12. The other end of the extension pipe 15 has a coupling structure that allows it to be detachably attached to the suction port body 16 of the vacuum cleaner main body 12. The extension pipe 15 may be extendable or may have a fixed length that is not extendable.

[0048] Suction port body 16 is capable of running or gliding on floor surfaces such as wooden floors or carpets, and has suction port 31 on its bottom surface that faces the floor surface when running or gliding. Suction port body 16 also includes a rotatable cleaning body 32 disposed at suction port 31 and an electric motor 33 that drives rotary cleaning body 32. One end of suction port body 16 has a detachable coupling structure that is connected to the other end of extension tube 15. Suction port body 16 is fluidly connected to the suction side of electric blower 6 via extension tube 15. Suction port body 16, extension tube 15, and dust separation and collection unit 19 form an intake air passage that runs from electric blower 6 to suction port 31.

[0049] The suction port body 16 may be provided with a windmill (not shown) that drives the rotary cleaning body 32 instead of the electric motor 33. The windmill rotates due to the flow of air sucked into the vacuum cleaner 5, thereby driving the rotary cleaning body 32.

[0050] When input unit 27 is operated while electric blower 6 is stopped, vacuum cleaner 5 starts electric blower 6. If an operation mode selector switch is installed, vacuum cleaner 5 first starts electric blower 6 in high operation mode, and when the operation mode selector switch is operated, changes the operation mode of electric blower 6 to medium operation mode. When the operation mode selector switch is operated again, changes the operation mode of electric blower 6 to low operation mode, and so on. High, medium, and low operation modes are multiple operation modes that are set in advance. The input value for electric blower 6 is largest in high operation mode and smallest in low operation mode. When electric blower 6 starts, it sucks air from dust separation and collection unit 19, creating a negative pressure inside dust separation and collection unit 19.

[0051] The negative pressure in dust separating and collecting unit 19 acts on suction port 31 via main body connection port 25, extension tube 15, and suction port body 16 in that order. Vacuum cleaner 5 uses the negative pressure acting on suction port 31 to suck in dust on the surface to be cleaned together with air, thereby cleaning the surface. Dust separating and collecting unit 19 separates and accumulates dust from the dust-laden air sucked into vacuum cleaner 5, while also sending the air separated from the dust-laden air to electric blower 6. Electric blower 6 exhausts the air sucked in from dust separating and collecting unit 19 to the outside of vacuum cleaner main body 12.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electrical device with replaceable batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] 2, the electrical device 1 according to this embodiment includes a battery mounting section 21 to which a secondary battery 2 can be attached / detached, a battery information acquisition section 41 capable of acquiring information about the secondary battery 2 from the secondary battery 2 mounted in the battery mounting section 21, a battery status acquisition section 42 capable of acquiring the status of the secondary battery 2, an electric motor 3 as a load driven by power stored in the secondary battery 2 mounted in the battery mounting section 21, a main body control section 23 as a power control section that controls at least one of the discharge amount and charge amount of the secondary battery 2 based on the information acquired by the battery information acquisition section 41, and an input section 27. For ease of explanation, "information about the secondary battery 2" will hereinafter be referred to as "battery characteristic information." "Information acquired by the battery information acquisition section 41," which is synonymous with "information about the secondary battery 2," will also hereinafter be referred to as "battery characteristic information."

[0054] The battery mounting section 21 is provided on the main body of the electrical device 1, i.e., the vacuum cleaner main body 12 of the electric vacuum cleaner 5. The battery mounting section 21 includes a mechanism for mechanically holding the secondary battery 2 in a detachable manner, and terminals for electrically connecting the secondary battery 2 to the electrical circuitry within the electrical device 1. The mechanical mechanism of the battery mounting section 21, for example, applies a releasable lock to the fitted secondary battery 2 to prevent the secondary battery 2 from being detached or falling out.

[0055] The secondary battery 2 is a battery pack, and includes at least one cell 45 and an information recording section 46 on which battery characteristic information is recorded.

[0056] The cells 45 are selected from a variety of types, including lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium-ion polymer secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-iron batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, silver oxide-zinc batteries, and cobalt-titanium lithium secondary batteries. A plurality of cells 45 are mounted in the secondary battery 2 to supply the desired power to the load of the electrical device 1. When a plurality of cells 45 are mounted in the secondary battery 2, it is preferable that the plurality of cells 45 have substantially the same battery characteristics.

[0057] The battery characteristic information includes at least one of the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2, such as an upper usable temperature limit, a lower usable temperature limit, a temperature range combining the upper usable temperature limit and the lower usable temperature limit, an upper discharge current limit, an upper charge current limit, a lower discharge voltage limit, and an upper charge voltage limit, or includes basis information for calculating at least one of the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2. The battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 are based on the battery characteristics of the unit cell 45. For ease of explanation, in the following explanation, the battery characteristics themselves of the secondary battery 2 and the basis information for calculating the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 will be collectively referred to as the "battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2."

[0058] Furthermore, if the secondary battery 2 is equipped with cells 45 whose battery characteristics can be identified by a classification code consisting of letters, numbers, symbols, or a combination of these, the battery characteristic information may be information including this code and the number of cells 45. In this case, the memory device 28 is a table data storage unit that stores table information that associates the codes with the battery characteristics of the cells 45 identified by the codes.

[0059] Furthermore, the battery characteristic information includes a version number 51 associated with the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2. In other words, the secondary battery 2 is managed by the version number 51. The version number 51 has a major version number 52 and a minor version number 53.

[0060] The major version number 52 written as the string "AAA" in Figure 2 may be the mechanical and electrical interface consistency identified by the supply of power from the secondary battery 2 attached to the battery attachment section 21 to the main body control section 23, or may be information described in the battery characteristic information acquired by the battery information acquisition section 41.

[0061] In Figure 2, the minor version number 53 written as the string "BBB" is information written in the battery characteristic information so that changes to the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 and additions to the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 having the same major version number 52 can be identified.

[0062] In Figure 2, a period (dot) is placed between major version number 52 and minor version number 53 to make it easier to distinguish between them.

[0063] When the major version number 52 is determined by the compatibility of the mechanical and electrical interfaces, if the secondary battery 2 can be attached to the battery attachment section 21 and the secondary battery 2 and the main body control section 23 can normally exchange power and signals electrically, the secondary battery 2 is interpreted as having a major version number 52 that is compatible with the main body of the electrical device 1, i.e., the vacuum cleaner main body 12.

[0064] The major version number 52 and minor version number 53 described in the information may be simple integer values, or may be letters, numbers, symbols, or a code combining these for classification. These numbers 52 and 53 are assigned in ascending or descending order chronologically from the past to the future. Whether assigned in ascending or descending order, older numbers are assigned lower in the chronological order and future numbers are assigned higher.

[0065] When the major version number 52 is described as information, if the major version number 52 acquired from the secondary battery 2 via the battery information acquisition unit 41 matches the major version number 52 stored in the memory device 28, then the secondary battery 2 is interpreted as having a major version number 52 that is compatible with the main body of the electrical device 1, i.e., the vacuum cleaner main body 12.

[0066] Furthermore, when the major version number 52 is described as information, the authenticity of the secondary battery 2 can be determined by exchanging signals between the secondary battery 2 and the main body control unit 23, and if it is determined that the installed secondary battery 2 is genuine, it can be interpreted that the secondary battery 2 has a major version number 52 that is compatible with the main body of the electrical device 1, i.e., the vacuum cleaner main body 12.

[0067] Information recording unit 46 may be a recording medium or recording method capable of providing battery characteristic information without contact, such as a contactless IC chip, one-dimensional barcode, or two-dimensional barcode, or a recording medium or recording method capable of providing battery characteristic information through contact, such as a contact IC chip. Information recording unit 46 may also be a memory built into secondary battery 2 that stores battery characteristic information.

[0068] The battery information acquisition unit 41 is, for example, a contactless IC chip reader, a one-dimensional barcode reader, a two-dimensional barcode reader, or a contact IC chip reader, and is a device that can read battery characteristic information from an information recording unit 46 that is built into or attached to the secondary battery 2. The battery information acquisition unit 41 may also be an input device that acquires battery characteristic information from a memory built into the secondary battery 2 via a signal line.

[0069] The battery status acquisition unit 42 measures at least one of the following monitoring items as the status of the secondary battery 2: the temperature of the secondary battery 2, the discharge current and discharge voltage of the secondary battery 2, and the charge current and charge voltage of the secondary battery 2. The battery status acquisition unit 42 includes a sensor unit that measures the physical quantity of the monitoring item and a circuit that reads the output of the sensor unit and converts it into the physical quantity of the monitoring item. The battery status acquisition unit 42 is broadly classified into three types depending on whether the sensor unit and circuit are provided on the secondary battery 2 side, on the vacuum cleaner main body 12 side, or separately on the secondary battery 2 side and the vacuum cleaner main body 12 side. The battery status acquisition unit 42 of the first acquisition type includes a sensor unit that is provided on the secondary battery 2 side and a circuit that is provided on the vacuum cleaner main body 12 side. The first acquisition type includes, for example, a thermistor provided in the secondary battery 2 that measures the temperature of the unit cells 45, and a circuit provided in the vacuum cleaner main body 12 that reads the resistance value of the thermistor and converts it into a temperature. The battery status acquisition unit 42 of the second acquisition method includes a sensor unit provided on the vacuum cleaner main body 12 side and a circuit provided on the vacuum cleaner main body 12 side. The second acquisition method includes, for example, a shunt resistor provided in the vacuum cleaner main body 12 for measuring the discharge current from the secondary battery 2 to a load, and a circuit provided in the vacuum cleaner main body 12 for reading the resistance value of the shunt resistor and converting it into a discharge current. The battery status acquisition unit 42 of the third acquisition method includes a sensor unit provided on the secondary battery 2 side and a circuit provided on the secondary battery 2 side. The battery status acquisition unit 42 of the third acquisition method converts the physical quantity converted in the circuit into an electrical signal and outputs it to the circuit on the vacuum cleaner main body 12 side. The third acquisition method includes, for example, a thermistor provided in the secondary battery 2 for measuring the temperature of the battery cell 45, and a circuit provided in the secondary battery 2 for reading the resistance value of the thermistor, converting it into a temperature, and outputting the measured temperature to the circuit on the vacuum cleaner main body 12 side.

[0070] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electrical device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3, when the secondary battery 2 is attached to the battery attachment portion 21 of the cleaner body 12, the main body control portion 23 of the electric device 1 according to this embodiment is activated by power supplied from the secondary battery 2.

[0072] When the major version number 52 of the secondary battery 2 is determined by the compatibility of the mechanical and electrical interfaces, the main body control unit 23 will start up if the major version number 52 that the main body of the electrical device 1, i.e., the vacuum cleaner main body 12, can support matches the major version number 52 of the secondary battery 2. If the major version number 52 that the vacuum cleaner main body 12 can support does not match the major version number 52 of the secondary battery 2, the main body control unit 23 will not start up.

[0073] The activated main body control unit 23 acquires battery characteristic information via the battery information acquisition unit 41 (step S1) and performs initial settings of the electrical device 1 (step S2). In the initial settings, the operating state of the electric fan 6, which is the load, is set to "stopped," and the operation request of the input unit 27 is set to "no operation."

[0074] In addition, in the initial setting, the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 used to control the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2 are set based on the version number 51 of the secondary battery 2 .

[0075] If the battery characteristic information describes the battery characteristics themselves of the secondary battery 2, at least one of the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 is set from the battery characteristic information. If the battery characteristic information describes basis information for calculating the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2, at least one of the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 is calculated and set from the battery characteristic information. For ease of explanation, it is assumed that an upper temperature limit and a lower temperature limit at which the secondary battery 2 can be used are set, for example.

[0076] It is preferable that the initially set battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 be values ​​that allow for a safety margin with respect to the battery characteristics of the unit cell 45. For example, if the upper limit temperature value at which the secondary battery 2 can be used, obtained from the battery characteristic information, is 70 degrees Celsius, which is the battery characteristic of the unit cell 45 itself, then the initially set upper limit temperature value at which the secondary battery 2 can be used may be 70 degrees Celsius, or may be 69 degrees Celsius, which allows for a safety margin. Furthermore, the battery characteristic information may be set in advance to 69 degrees Celsius, which is a value that allows for a safety margin.

[0077] Furthermore, if the battery characteristic information includes a code for identifying the cells 45 of the secondary battery 2 and the number of cells 45, the table data stored in the memory device 28 is compared with the battery characteristic information to set at least one of the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2.

[0078] Next, when the main body control unit 23 detects an operation of the input unit 27, it sets the operation request of the input unit 27 to "operated" (step S3), and acquires the state of the secondary battery 2, in this case the temperature of the secondary battery 2, via the battery state acquisition unit 42 (step S4).

[0079] Next, main body control unit 23 sets the operation state of electric blower 6 based on the content of the operation request from input unit 27 and the result of comparing the state of secondary battery 2 with the battery characteristics of secondary battery 2 (step S5). In the operation setting process of step S5, the operation state of electric blower 6 is set to "stopped" or "operated" based on the content of the operation request from input unit 27 and the result of comparing the state of secondary battery 2 with the battery characteristics of secondary battery 2.

[0080] For ease of explanation, the following description will be given assuming that the operating state of electric blower 6 is either "stopped" or "operating." However, the operating state of electric blower 6 may include the operating mode of electric blower 6. In other words, the operating state of electric blower 6 may include two or more operating states, such as "stopped," "high mode operation," "medium mode operation," and "low mode operation." In this case, the operation request from input unit 27 preferably includes an operation to select an operating mode, such as "high mode operation performed," "medium mode operation performed," or "low mode operation performed," in addition to "no operation" and "operation performed."

[0081] Next, main body control unit 23 controls the operation of electric blower 6 according to the operating state of electric blower 6 (step S6). In other words, main body control unit 23 controls the discharge amount of secondary battery 2 according to the operating state of electric blower 6.

[0082] Then, the main body control unit 23 repeats steps S3 to S6 at predetermined intervals.

[0083] Here, the association between the version number 51 described in the battery characteristic information and the battery characteristics will be described.

[0084] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the association between the version number and battery characteristics of a secondary battery attached to an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] As shown in Figure 4, there is a secondary battery 2 whose version number 51 is "1.0" and whose battery characteristic information describes a usable upper temperature limit as a battery characteristic, and an electrical device 1 main body that can appropriately control this version "1.0" secondary battery 2. This version "1.0" compatible main body monitors the temperature of the secondary battery 2 and discharges or charges the version "1.0" secondary battery 2 so that this temperature does not exceed the upper temperature limit. The combination in which the version number 51 of this electrical device 1 main body and the secondary battery 2 are both version "1.0" is shown in Figure 4 as arrow α1.0.

[0086] Assume that it is then possible to manufacture a secondary battery 2 having version number 51 "1.1" and battery characteristic information describing usable upper and lower temperature limits as battery characteristics, and an electrical device 1 main body capable of appropriately controlling this version "1.1" secondary battery 2. The version "1.1" secondary battery 2 is a higher version secondary battery 2 than the version "1.0" secondary battery 2, and the version "1.0" secondary battery 2 is a lower version secondary battery 2 than the version "1.1" secondary battery 2. The "upper temperature limit" is common to both the version "1.0" secondary battery 2 and the version "1.1" secondary battery 2. In other words, the battery characteristic information described in the version "1.1" secondary battery 2 includes the battery characteristics of the lower version "1.0." The version "1.0" battery characteristic information does not include a "lower temperature limit," while the higher version "1.1" battery characteristic information does include a "lower temperature limit." The main unit compatible with version "1.1" monitors the temperature of the secondary battery 2 and discharges or charges the secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" so that the temperature does not exceed the upper temperature limit or fall below the lower temperature limit. The combination in which the version number 51 of the main unit of this electrical device 1 and the secondary battery 2 are the same, both version "1.1," is shown in Figure 4 as arrow α1.1.

[0087] Next, the version verification process and the battery characteristic setting process in the initial setting process of step S2 will be described.

[0088] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the version verification process in the initial setting executed by the electrical device according to this embodiment.

[0089] Fig. 5 shows in detail a portion of the initial setting in step S2 of Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 5, the main body control unit 23 of the electrical device 1 according to this embodiment has a limit to the version number 51 that it can support. While the main body control unit 23 can use battery characteristic information to control the discharge amount and charge amount of a secondary battery 2 having the same major version number 52, there is an upper limit to the minor version number 53 that it can support. When a secondary battery 2 having a minor version number 53 higher than this upper limit is connected, the main body control unit 23 controls the discharge amount and charge amount of the secondary battery 2 based on the battery characteristics that correspond to the upper limit minor version number 53 that it can support, which are described in the battery characteristic information.

[0090] In addition, if the compatible version number 51 matches the version number 51 of the secondary battery 2, the main body control unit 23 controls the discharge amount and charge amount of the secondary battery 2 based on the battery characteristics corresponding to the highest minor version number 53 described in the battery characteristic information.

[0091] Furthermore, when a secondary battery 2 having a minor version number 53 lower than the compatible minor version number 53 is connected, the main body control unit 23 controls the discharge amount and charge amount of the secondary battery 2 based on the latest battery characteristics described in the battery characteristic information of the secondary battery 2.

[0092] The latest battery characteristics described in the battery characteristic information correspond to the battery characteristics corresponding to the highest minor version number 53. Therefore, when a secondary battery 2 having a minor version number 53 that is the same as or lower than the compatible minor version number 53 is connected, the main body control unit 23 controls the discharge amount and charge amount of the secondary battery 2 based on the battery characteristics corresponding to the highest minor version number 53 described in the battery characteristic information of the secondary battery 2.

[0093] Specifically, before setting the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2, the main body control unit 23 first acquires the version number 51 from the battery characteristic information of the secondary battery 2 (step S11), and determines whether the major version number 52 of the secondary battery 2 matches the major version number 52 that the main body is compatible with (step S12). If the major version number 52 of the secondary battery 2 is determined by compatibility of the mechanical and electrical interfaces, step S12 can be omitted. For example, in a main body compatible with version number "1.N" (N is an arbitrary minor version number 53), if the major version number 52 of the secondary battery 2 is "1", the determination in step S12 is affirmative, and if the major version number 52 is other than "1", the determination in step S12 is negative.

[0094] If the major version number 52 of the secondary battery 2 does not match the major version number 52 that the main body can support (No in step S12), the main body control unit 23 abnormally terminates step S2. If step S2 terminates abnormally, the main body control unit 23 does not operate the electric blower 6, regardless of an operation request from the input unit 27. Note that steps S11 and S12 are preferably performed by starting the main body control unit 23 with power supplied from the secondary battery 2, regardless of whether the major version number 52 of the secondary battery 2 matches the major version number 52 that the main body can support.

[0095] On the other hand, if the major version number 52 of the secondary battery 2 matches the major version number 52 that the main body can support (Yes in step S12), the main body control unit 23 determines whether the minor version number 53 of the secondary battery 2 is greater than the minor version number 53 that the main body can support (step S13). The minor version number 53 that the main body can support is the same as the upper limit minor version number 53 that the main body can support.

[0096] If the minor version number 53 of the secondary battery 2 is higher than the minor version number 53 that the main body can support (Yes in step S13), the main body control unit 23 sets a first threshold value to be used for controlling the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2 based on the battery characteristics described in the battery characteristic information and corresponding to the upper limit minor version number 53 that the main body can support (step S14), and ends step S2. In this case, among the battery characteristics described in the battery characteristic information, the battery characteristics associated with a minor version number 53 that is higher than the upper limit minor version number 53 that the main body can support are not used for controlling the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2.

[0097] In other words, when a higher version secondary battery 2 is installed in a main unit that supports a lower version, that is, when a version "1.1" secondary battery 2 is installed in a main unit that supports version "1.0", the main unit will control the version "1.1" secondary battery 2 using only the battery characteristics common to the version "1.0" secondary battery 2, which is the upper limit that the main unit can support, from the battery characteristic information described in the version "1.1" secondary battery 2.

[0098] As shown in Figure 4, the battery characteristic information of the version "1.1" secondary battery 2 includes an "upper temperature limit" and a "lower temperature limit." However, when the version "1.1" secondary battery 2 is attached to a main body compatible with version "1.0" (solid arrow A in Figure 4), the main body control unit 23 monitors the temperature of the secondary battery 2 and discharges or charges the version "1.1" secondary battery 2 to prevent this temperature from exceeding the upper temperature limit, but does not make any judgment regarding the lower temperature limit.

[0099] On the other hand, if the minor version number 53 of the secondary battery 2 is equal to or lower than the minor version number 53 that the main body can support (No in step S13), the main body control unit 23 sets a first threshold value used to control the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2 based on the battery characteristics corresponding to the highest minor version number 53 described in the battery characteristic information (step S15), and ends step S2. The battery characteristics corresponding to the highest minor version number 53 described in the battery characteristic information correspond to the latest battery characteristics described in the battery characteristic information.

[0100] In other words, when a lower version secondary battery 2 is installed in a main unit that supports a higher version, that is, when a version "1.0" secondary battery 2 is installed in a main unit that supports version "1.1", the main unit controls the version "1.0" secondary battery 2 using the battery characteristic information described in the version "1.0" secondary battery 2.

[0101] As shown in Figure 4, the battery characteristic information of the version "1.0" secondary battery 2 includes an "upper temperature limit" but does not include a "lower temperature limit." When the version "1.0" secondary battery 2 is installed in a main body compatible with version "1.1" (solid arrow B in Figure 4), the main body control unit 23 monitors the temperature of the secondary battery 2 and discharges or charges the version "1.0" secondary battery 2 so that the temperature does not exceed the upper temperature limit, but does not make a judgment regarding the lower temperature limit.

[0102] The upper temperature limit value of the secondary battery 2 for version "1.0" may be different from the upper temperature limit value of the secondary battery 2 for version "1.1." In such a case, the latest information on the upper temperature limit value that is compatible with a version number 51 that is the same as or lower than the version number 51 that the main body can support is used.

[0103] 4, the larger the version number 51 of the secondary battery 2, the more battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 are described in the battery characteristic information. The larger the minor version number 53 of the battery characteristic information, the more information that can set a first threshold value corresponding to any of the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 is included.

[0104] Next, the operation setting process in step S5 will be described.

[0105] FIG. 6 is an example of a flowchart showing an operation setting process for an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Fig. 6 shows in detail the operation setting process of step S5 in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 6, when the operation request of the input unit 27 is "operation performed" (step S21: Yes), the main body control unit 23 of the electric device 1 according to this embodiment sets the operation request of the input unit 27 to "no operation performed" (step S22).

[0107] Next, main body control unit 23 determines the operating state of electric blower 6 (step S23). If the operating state of electric blower 6 is "operating" (step S23 Yes), main body control unit 23 sets the operating state of electric blower 6 to "stopped" (step S24), and if the operating state of electric blower 6 is "stopped" (step S23 No), main body control unit 23 sets the operating state of electric blower 6 to "operating" (step S25), and proceeds to a process of checking minor version number 53 of secondary battery 2 (step S27).

[0108] Furthermore, if the operation request from input unit 27 is "no operation" (step S21 No) and the operation state of electric blower 6 is "operating" (step S26 Yes), main body control unit 23 proceeds to a process of checking minor version number 53 of secondary battery 2 (step S27). If the operation request from input unit 27 is "no operation" (step S21 No) and the operation state of electric blower 6 is "stopped" (step S26 No), main body control unit 23 ends the operation setting process of step S5.

[0109] Next, the main body control unit 23 determines whether the minor version number 53 of the secondary battery 2 is greater than the minor version number 53 that the main body can support (step S27). If the minor version number 53 of the secondary battery 2 is greater than the minor version number 53 that the main body can support (step S27 Yes), the main body control unit 23 executes a process of comparing the state of the secondary battery 2 with the first threshold value set in step S14 (step S28).

[0110] For example, when a version "1.1" secondary battery 2 is attached to a version "1.0" compatible main body (arrow A in FIG. 4), the main body control unit 23 compares the temperature of the secondary battery 2, acquired as the state of the secondary battery 2 via the battery state acquisition unit 42, with the upper temperature limit of the secondary battery 2, which is the first threshold value. If the temperature of the secondary battery 2 is greater than the upper temperature limit of the secondary battery 2, i.e., if (the temperature of the secondary battery 2) > (the upper temperature limit of the secondary battery 2), the main body control unit 23 judges the result of the comparison between the state of the secondary battery 2 and the first threshold value as "Yes" in step S28, sets the operation state of the electric blower 6 to "stop" (step S29), and ends the operation setting process of step S5. At this time, the version "1.0" compatible main body control unit 23 does not use the "lower temperature limit" of the version "1.1" secondary battery 2 in the comparison process.

[0111] If the temperature of the secondary battery 2 is equal to or lower than the upper temperature limit of the secondary battery 2, that is, if (the temperature of the secondary battery 2)≦(the upper temperature limit of the secondary battery 2), the main body control unit 23 denies the comparison process between the state of the secondary battery 2 and the first threshold value (No in step S28), and terminates the operation setting process in step S5 while maintaining the operating state of the electric blower 6 at “operating”.

[0112] On the other hand, if the minor version number 53 of the secondary battery 2 is equal to or lower than the minor version number 53 that the main body can support (No in step S27), the main body control unit 23 performs a comparison process between the state of the secondary battery 2 and the first threshold value set in step S15 (step S30).

[0113] For example, if a version "1.1" secondary battery 2 is attached to a main body compatible with version "1.1," the main body control unit 23 compares the temperature of the secondary battery 2, acquired as the state of the secondary battery 2 via the battery state acquisition unit 42, with the lower limit temperature value of the secondary battery 2, which is the first threshold value. If the temperature of the secondary battery 2 is lower than the lower limit temperature value of the secondary battery 2, that is, if (temperature of the secondary battery 2)<(lower limit temperature value of the secondary battery 2), the main body control unit 23 determines that the result of the comparison between the state of the secondary battery 2 and the first threshold value is positive (Yes in step S30), sets the operation state of the electric blower 6 to "stopped" (step S31), and ends the operation setting process of step S5.

[0114] Furthermore, if the temperature of the secondary battery 2 is equal to or higher than the lower limit temperature of the secondary battery 2, that is, if (the temperature of the secondary battery 2)≧(the lower limit temperature of the secondary battery 2), the main body control unit 23 compares the temperature of the secondary battery 2 with another first threshold, which is the upper limit temperature of the secondary battery 2. This comparison process is the same as that of the main body control unit 23 compatible with version "1.0." If the temperature of the secondary battery 2 is higher than the upper limit temperature of the secondary battery 2, that is, if (the temperature of the secondary battery 2)>(the upper limit temperature of the secondary battery 2), the main body control unit 23 determines that the result of the comparison between the state of the secondary battery 2 and the first threshold is Yes (step S30 Yes), sets the operation state of the electric blower 6 to "stop" (step S31), and ends the operation setting process of step S5.

[0115] Furthermore, if the temperature of the secondary battery 2 is below the upper temperature limit of the secondary battery 2, that is, if (temperature of the secondary battery 2)≦(upper temperature limit of the secondary battery 2), the main body control unit 23 denies the comparison process between the state of the secondary battery 2 and the first threshold value (No in step S30), and terminates the operation setting process in step S5 while maintaining the operating state of the electric blower 6 at “operating”.

[0116] Furthermore, when a version "1.0" secondary battery 2 is attached to a main body compatible with version "1.1" (solid arrow B in FIG. 4), the main body control unit 23 compares the temperature of the secondary battery 2, acquired as the state of the secondary battery 2 via the battery state acquisition unit 42, with the upper temperature limit of the secondary battery 2, which is the first threshold value. At this time, the version "1.0" secondary battery 2 does not include a "lower temperature limit" that the version "1.1"-compatible main body control unit 23 can use for comparison processing. Therefore, the version "1.1"-compatible main body control unit 23 does not use the "lower temperature limit" that the version "1.0" secondary battery 2 does not include in the comparison processing between the state of the secondary battery 2 and the first threshold value.

[0117] In other words, if the temperature of the secondary battery 2 is greater than the upper temperature limit of the secondary battery 2, that is, if (temperature of the secondary battery 2) > (upper temperature limit of the secondary battery 2), the main body control unit 23 will confirm the result of the comparison process between the state of the secondary battery 2 and the first threshold value (Yes in step S30), set the operating state of the electric blower 6 to "stopped" (step S31), and terminate the operation setting process in step S5.

[0118] Furthermore, if the temperature of the secondary battery 2 is equal to or lower than the upper temperature limit of the secondary battery 2, that is, if (the temperature of the secondary battery 2)≦(the upper temperature limit of the secondary battery 2), the main body control unit 23 denies the comparison process between the state of the secondary battery 2 and the first threshold value (No in step S30), and terminates the operation setting process in step S5 while maintaining the operating state of the electric blower 6 at “operating”.

[0119] In steps S28 and S30, if the state of the secondary battery 2 deviates from the first threshold (temperature condition) set from the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2, i.e., the battery characteristic information acquired via the battery information acquisition unit 41, the operating state of the electric blower 6 is immediately set to "stopped." However, the input to the electric blower 6 may be gradually reduced, i.e., the discharge amount of the secondary battery 2 may be gradually reduced, to continuously monitor the state of the secondary battery 2, and if the state of the secondary battery 2 deviates from the first threshold after a predetermined time has elapsed, the electric blower 6, which is a load, may be stopped, and if the state of the secondary battery 2 is within the first threshold, the operation of the electric blower 6, which is a load, may be maintained.

[0120] The main body control unit 23 according to the present embodiment, configured as described above, sets the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 based on a comparison process between the version number 51 of the secondary battery 2 and a version number 51 compatible with the main body (step S2), and then compares the state of the secondary battery 2 with the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 (step S5). In this comparison process, if the state of the secondary battery 2 deviates from a first threshold set based on the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2, i.e., battery characteristic information acquired via the battery information acquisition unit 41, the main body control unit 23 reduces the input power of the electric blower 6, which is a load, or stops the electric blower 6. However, if the state of the secondary battery 2 is within the first threshold, the main body control unit 23 maintains operation of the electric blower 6, which is a load. In other words, the main body control unit 23 controls the discharge amount of the secondary battery 2 using the version number 51 acquired from the secondary battery 2 via the battery information acquisition unit 41 and the first threshold. Such control can be similarly performed even when controlling the discharge amount of the secondary battery 2 (i.e., the amount of power supplied to the load) using battery characteristics such as a temperature range consisting of an upper temperature limit and a lower temperature limit, a discharge current upper limit, and a discharge voltage lower limit as the first threshold. Furthermore, such control can be similarly performed even when the charge amount of the secondary battery 2 is controlled using battery characteristics such as the temperature range, upper limit of charging current, and upper limit of charging voltage as first threshold values.

[0121] In other words, the main body control unit 23 sets a first threshold value to be used for controlling at least one of the discharge amount and charge amount of the secondary battery 2 based on battery characteristic information acquired from the secondary battery 2 via the battery information acquisition unit 41, and if the state of the secondary battery 2 acquired by the battery state acquisition unit 42 exceeds the first threshold value of the discharge amount, reduces the discharge amount of the secondary battery 2 or terminates discharging, and if the state of the secondary battery 2 acquired by the battery state acquisition unit 42 exceeds the first threshold value of the charge amount, reduces the charge amount of the secondary battery 2 or terminates charging.

[0122] Next, another example of the initial setting in step S2 will be described.

[0123] In this example, the storage device 28 of the main body control unit 23 stores a second threshold value used for at least one of controlling the discharge amount and the charge amount of the secondary battery 2.

[0124] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the initial setting of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] As shown in Figure 7, when both a first threshold value and a second threshold value exist for the same state quantity among multiple state quantities indicating the state of the secondary battery 2, the main body control unit 23 of the electrical device 1 in this embodiment adopts a threshold value that is safe for both the vacuum cleaner main body 12 and the secondary battery 2 and controls the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2.

[0126] For example, assume that the storage device 28 stores the upper limit of the discharge current of the secondary battery 2 as the second threshold, and the battery characteristic information acquired via the battery information acquisition unit 41 in step S1 includes the upper limit of the discharge current of the secondary battery 2 as the first threshold. In this case, in the initial setting (step S2), the main body control unit 23 compares the first threshold set based on the battery characteristic information with the second threshold stored in the storage device 28 (step S41). Then, the main body control unit 23 performs the initial setting by adopting the threshold that is safer for the secondary battery 2 out of the first and second thresholds. Specifically, if the first threshold is smaller than the second threshold, i.e., if (the first threshold set based on the battery characteristic information)<(the second threshold stored in the storage device 28), the main body control unit 23 performs the initial setting by adopting the first threshold that is safer for the secondary battery 2 (step S42). Otherwise, if (the first threshold)≧(the second threshold), the main body control unit 23 performs the initial setting by adopting the second threshold that is safer for the vacuum cleaner body 12 (step S43). The threshold value (first threshold value or second threshold value) employed in this process is used instead of the first threshold value used in steps S28 and S30 in FIG.

[0127] The second threshold value stored in memory device 28 is set for the convenience of the electric vacuum cleaner 5. For example, it is possible that the current value allowable by the electric blower 6, which is a load, or the circuit on the electric vacuum cleaner 5 side connecting the electric blower 6 and the secondary battery 2, is lower than the upper limit of the discharge current of the secondary battery 2. If the first threshold value is used for initial setup under such conditions, there is a risk of damaging the electric blower 6 or the circuit on the electric vacuum cleaner 5 side. Therefore, main body control unit 23 stores the current value allowable by the circuit on the electric blower 6 or the electric vacuum cleaner 5 side as the second threshold value in memory device 28, and if adopting the first threshold value would risk damaging the circuit on the electric blower 6 or the electric vacuum cleaner 5 side, adopts the second threshold value regardless of the version number 51 of the secondary battery 2, and prioritizes protection of the circuit on the electric blower 6 or the electric vacuum cleaner 5 side.

[0128] Note that, when both the first threshold value and the second threshold value exist for the same state quantity among the multiple state quantities indicating the state of the secondary battery 2, the main body control unit 23 may adopt a threshold value that prioritizes the safety of either the vacuum cleaner main body 12 or the secondary battery 2 to control the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2. In other words, when both the first threshold value and the second threshold value exist for the same state quantity among the multiple state quantities indicating the state of the secondary battery 2, the main body control unit 23 may adopt a threshold value that is safer for the secondary battery 2 to control the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2, or may adopt a threshold value that is safer for the vacuum cleaner main body 12 to control the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2.

[0129] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the initial setting of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] 8, when a first threshold value does not exist for a state quantity indicating the state of the secondary battery 2, the main body control unit 23 of the electric device 1 according to this embodiment employs a second threshold value to control charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2. In other words, when the main body control unit 23 cannot acquire a first threshold value from the secondary battery 2 for a monitoring item of the secondary battery 2, the main body control unit 23 employs a second threshold value stored in the storage device 28 to perform initial setting.

[0131] For example, assume that the version "1.0" compatible storage device 28 stores the upper temperature limit value of the secondary battery 2 as the second threshold value, and the battery characteristic information acquired in step S1 via the battery information acquisition unit 41 does not include the upper temperature limit value as the first threshold value. In such a case, there is no first threshold value for the upper temperature limit value that is set based on the battery characteristic information in the initial setting (step S2).

[0132] Therefore, the main body control unit 23 determines whether a first threshold value for the upper temperature limit corresponding to the monitoring item of the secondary battery 2 can be set based on the battery characteristic information, i.e., whether the battery characteristic information includes the first threshold value itself or whether the battery characteristic information includes basis information used to calculate the first threshold value (step S45). If the battery characteristic information includes the first threshold value itself or the basis information used to calculate the first threshold value (Yes in step S45), the main body control unit 23 performs initial setting using the first threshold value (step S46). Otherwise, if the battery characteristic information does not include the first threshold value itself or the basis information used to calculate the first threshold value, the main body control unit 23 performs initial setting using the second threshold value (step S47). The threshold value (first threshold value or second threshold value) used in this process is used instead of the first threshold value used in steps S28 and S30 of FIG. 6.

[0133] In the case of an electrical device 1 of the same type, for example a lithium-ion secondary battery, where an upper temperature limit is commonly used in version "1.0", the upper temperature limit is not described in the battery characteristics information and the device is shipped with the second threshold value as the initial setting. If technological innovation advances and the upper temperature limit is relaxed and increased, the battery characteristics information can include this relaxed upper temperature limit, allowing the electrical device 1 to suitably use the secondary battery 2 that incorporates the latest lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0134] Incidentally, it is expected that the amount of battery characteristic information included in the secondary battery 2 will increase as the secondary battery 2 improves. In other words, it is expected that secondary batteries 2 with different amounts of battery characteristic information will be selectively installed in the same electrical device 1. The amount of battery characteristic information refers to the number of battery characteristic items of the secondary battery 2, such as the usable temperature range and the upper limit of discharge current, and when these items are expressed as digital values, it refers to the data length (bit length).

[0135] Furthermore, serial communication or parallel communication can be used as the communication method for transmitting information between the electrical device 1 and the secondary battery 2. Serial communication is a communication method that transmits data one bit at a time using a single signal line. Parallel communication is a communication method that transmits multiple bits of data at once using multiple signal lines. Compared to parallel communication, serial communication requires fewer signal lines, is low cost, has relatively simple wiring, and is advantageous for long-distance communication. For these reasons, we will assume that serial communication is used for communication between the electrical device 1 and the secondary battery 2.

[0136] In serial communication, communication may be handled in packets by framing. Note that, for example, in a mobile phone, a data length of 128 bytes may be expressed as one packet, but the data length per packet, i.e., the packet length, in communication with the electrical device 1 according to this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0137] This packet length affects the capacity of the communication buffer that is reserved in advance in the electrical device 1 and that receives the communication. Therefore, as the development or improvement of the secondary battery 2 progresses, it is expected that the amount of battery characteristic information will increase, and the battery characteristic information will no longer fit into a single packet. In such a case, simply extending the packet length may result in the packet length exceeding the capacity of the communication buffer that is reserved in advance in a lower version electrical device 1. Such an extension of the packet length or an insufficient communication buffer capacity may interfere with the communication of battery characteristic information, hindering the appropriate use of the secondary battery 2.

[0138] Here, it is assumed that the amount of battery characteristic information on the secondary battery 2 has increased with the progress of development or improvement.

[0139] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of the association between the version number and battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 attached to the electrical device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] As shown in Figure 9, there is a secondary battery 2 whose version number 51 is "1.1" and whose battery characteristic information describes a usable upper temperature limit as a battery characteristic, and a main body of electrical device 1 that is compatible with version "1.1" and can appropriately control this version "1.1" secondary battery 2. This version "1.1" compatible main body monitors the temperature of the secondary battery 2 and discharges or charges the version "1.1" secondary battery 2 so that this temperature does not exceed the upper temperature limit. The combination in which the main body of this electrical device 1 and the secondary battery 2 have the same version "1.1" version number 51 is shown as arrow α1.1 in Figure 9.

[0141] Assume that it is then possible to manufacture a secondary battery 2 having version number 51 "1.2" and battery characteristic information describing usable upper and lower temperature limits as battery characteristics, and a version "1.2"-compatible electrical device 1 main body capable of appropriately controlling this version "1.2" secondary battery 2. The version "1.2" secondary battery 2 is a higher version secondary battery 2 than the version "1.1" secondary battery 2, and the version "1.1" secondary battery 2 is a lower version secondary battery 2 than the version "1.2" secondary battery 2. The "upper temperature limit" is common to both the version "1.1" secondary battery 2 and the version "1.2" secondary battery 2. In other words, the battery characteristic information described in the version "1.2" secondary battery 2 encompasses the battery characteristics of the lower version "1.1." The lower version "1.1" battery characteristic information does not include a "discharge current upper limit," while the higher version "1.2" battery characteristic information does include a "discharge current upper limit."

[0142] The main body compatible with version "1.2" monitors the temperature and discharge current of the secondary battery 2, and discharges or charges the version "1.2" secondary battery 2 so that the temperature does not exceed the upper temperature limit, does not fall below the lower temperature limit, and does not exceed the upper discharge current limit. The combination in which the version number 51 of the main body of this electrical device 1 and the secondary battery 2 are the same, both version "1.2," is shown as arrow α1.2 in Figure 9.

[0143] Therefore, as improvements or development of the secondary battery 2 progresses, the amount of battery characteristic information contained in the secondary battery 2 increases. For example, the major version number is the same but the minor version number is higher, such as when the version of the secondary battery 2 before improvement is "1.1" and the version of the secondary battery 2 after improvement is "1.2," and the version number is "1.2," the version of the electrical device compatible with the version "1.2" of the secondary battery 2. It is assumed that the battery characteristic information contained in the higher version of the secondary battery 2 exceeds the communication buffer capacity reserved for the electrical device 1 compatible with the lower version by the amount of increased information.

[0144] In other words, as development or improvement of the secondary battery 2 progresses, the amount of battery characteristic information of a higher version secondary battery 2 may exceed the communication buffer capacity previously reserved for a lower version compatible electrical device 1. In such a case, the electrical device 1 cannot properly acquire the battery characteristic information contained in the secondary battery 2, and the secondary battery 2 cannot be used appropriately.

[0145] With regard to the battery characteristic information contained in the version "1.2" secondary battery 2, the leading part of the battery characteristic information that can be transmitted and received with the communication buffer capacity reserved in advance in the electrical device 1 compatible with the lower version, i.e., version "1.1", is called first characteristic information 61, and the part that overflows from this communication buffer capacity is called second characteristic information 62. In other words, the battery characteristic information contained in the version "1.2" secondary battery 2 includes first characteristic information 61 having information of finite length and at least one piece of second characteristic information 62.

[0146] In addition, a communication buffer is reserved in the storage device 28.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 9, there are multiple correspondences between the versions of the secondary battery 2 and the versions that the main body of the electric device 1 can support.

[0148] First, consider the case where a version "1.1" secondary battery 2 is attached to the main body of a version "1.1"-compatible electrical device 1, as indicated by the solid arrow α1.1. In this case, the communication buffer capacity of the version "1.1"-compatible electrical device 1 can be secured in advance so that battery characteristic information of the version "1.1" secondary battery 2 can be appropriately acquired. Furthermore, the packet length in serial communication between the secondary battery 2 and the electrical device 1 can be secured in advance so that battery characteristic information of the version "1.1" secondary battery 2 can be appropriately communicated. Therefore, the version "1.1"-compatible electrical device 1 can appropriately acquire all battery characteristic information of the version "1.1" secondary battery 2. The main body control unit 23 executes appropriate control based on the acquired battery characteristic information.

[0149] In addition, the maximum amount of information in the battery characteristic information of the secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" is the same as the maximum amount of information in the first characteristic information 61, which is the battery characteristic information of the first characteristic information 61 and the second characteristic information 62 included in the secondary battery 2 of version "1.2".

[0150] Consider the case where a version "1.2" secondary battery is attached to the main body of a version "1.2"-compatible electrical device 1, as indicated by the solid arrow α1.2. In this case, the communication buffer capacity of the version "1.2"-compatible electrical device 1 can be ensured in advance so that all of the battery characteristic information of the version "1.2" secondary battery 2, i.e., the first characteristic information 61 and the second characteristic information 62, can be appropriately acquired. Therefore, the communication buffer capacity of the version "1.2"-compatible electrical device 1 can naturally be ensured in advance so that all of the battery characteristic information of the version "1.1" secondary battery 2, i.e., the first characteristic information 61, can be appropriately acquired. Furthermore, the packet length in the serial communication between the secondary battery 2 and the electrical device 1 can also be ensured in advance so that the battery characteristic information of the version "1.1" secondary battery 2 can be appropriately communicated.

[0151] If the amount of information in the first characteristic information 61 is greater than the amount of information in the second characteristic information 62, the communication buffer capacity of the version "1.2"-compatible electrical device 1 only needs to be secured in advance so that it can appropriately acquire the first characteristic information 61. In this case, the second characteristic information 62 is transmitted from the secondary battery 2 to the electrical device 1 in a packet different from the packet containing the first characteristic information 61. In other words, the version "1.2"-compatible electrical device 1 uses two packets to acquire the battery characteristic information of the "1.2" secondary battery 2.

[0152] Furthermore, if the amount of information in the second characteristic information 62 is greater than the amount of information in the first characteristic information 61, the communication buffer capacity of the version "1.2"-compatible electrical device 1 only needs to be secured in advance so that the second characteristic information 62 can be suitably acquired. In this case, the second characteristic information 62 is transmitted from the secondary battery 2 to the electrical device 1 in a packet different from the packet containing the first characteristic information 61. In other words, the version "1.2"-compatible electrical device 1 acquires the battery characteristic information of the "1.2" secondary battery 2 using two packets. Note that if the amount of information in the second characteristic information 62 is more than twice the amount of information in the first characteristic information 61, the second characteristic information 62 may be divided into multiple pieces and transmitted using two or more packets.

[0153] Therefore, an electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.2" can acquire all battery characteristic information (first characteristic information 61 and second characteristic information 62) of a secondary battery 2 of version "1.2." The main body control unit 23 executes appropriate control based on the acquired battery characteristic information. Furthermore, an electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.2" can acquire all battery characteristic information (i.e., first characteristic information 61) of a secondary battery 2 of version "1.1."

[0154] Furthermore, as indicated by the solid arrow B2, consider the case where a secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" is installed in the main body of an electrical device 1 that is compatible with version "1.2."

[0155] As described above, the communication buffer capacity reserved for the electrical device 1 with the higher version "1.2" can be greater than or equal to the communication buffer capacity reserved for the electrical device 1 with the lower version "1.1." Furthermore, all of the battery characteristic information for the secondary battery 2 with version "1.1," i.e., the amount of information in the first characteristic information 61, is known. Therefore, in the case of the combination indicated by the solid arrow B2, the amount of battery characteristic information contained in the secondary battery 2 does not exceed the communication buffer capacity reserved for the electrical device 1. Therefore, all of the battery characteristic information can be suitably acquired. The main body control unit 23 executes appropriate control based on the acquired battery characteristic information.

[0156] Incidentally, in order to accommodate a secondary battery 2 of version "1.2" which has an increased amount of information in the battery characteristic information, it is conceivable to increase the communication buffer capacity of the electrical device 1 so that the battery characteristic information of a secondary battery 2 of version "1.2" can be acquired in one packet.

[0157] However, as shown by the solid arrow B2, when a secondary battery 2 of lower version "1.1" with a small amount of information in the battery characteristic information is used in an electrical device 1 compatible with higher version "1.2" with an increased communication buffer capacity, the communication buffer capacity for reading the second characteristic information 62 that is not included in the secondary battery 2 of lower version "1.1" is wasted, and the communication time for reading the packet into the buffer, which has become longer by the amount allocated to the second characteristic information 62, also becomes longer.

[0158] In other words, if the communication buffer capacity of the electrical device 1 is simply increased to accommodate a secondary battery 2 of version "1.2" which has an increased amount of information in the battery characteristic information, if the version of the secondary battery 2 is lower than the version that the electrical device 1 can support, the communication buffer capacity of the electrical device 1 and the time required for communication will be wasted.

[0159] Next, consider the case where a version "1.2" secondary battery 2 is attached to the main body of a version "1.1"-compatible electrical device 1, as indicated by solid arrow A2. The battery characteristic information of the version "1.2" secondary battery 2 includes first characteristic information 61 and second characteristic information 62. In other words, the amount of information in the battery characteristic information of the version "1.2" secondary battery 2 is greater than the communication buffer capacity of the version "1.1"-compatible electrical device 1. In other words, the total amount of information in the battery characteristic information of the version "1.2" secondary battery 2 is unknown to the version "1.1"-compatible electrical device 1. If all of the battery characteristic information of the version "1.2" secondary battery 2 were aggregated into a single packet and sent to the version "1.1"-compatible electrical device 1, the battery characteristic information would overflow the communication buffer capacity reserved for the version "1.1"-compatible electrical device 1, and acquisition of the battery characteristic information would fail.

[0160] In other words, if a secondary battery 2 of higher version "1.2" is attached to an electrical device 1 compatible with lower version "1.1," and the first characteristic information 61 and the second characteristic information 62 are transmitted in a single packet, the battery characteristic information of the secondary battery 2 of higher version "1.2" will exceed the communication buffer capacity of the electrical device 1 compatible with lower version "1.1," and overflow. If a secondary battery 2 of version "1.2" containing battery characteristic information with an increased amount of information is combined with an electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.1" that is incompatible with battery characteristic information with an increased amount of information, the communication buffer capacity of the electrical device 1 will not be able to receive the battery characteristic information by the amount of the increased second characteristic information 62.

[0161] Therefore, an electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.1" reads only the first characteristic information 61 from among the battery characteristic information of a secondary battery 2 compatible with version "1.2." In other words, when a secondary battery 2 of a higher version is combined with an electrical device 1 compatible with a lower version, control is performed using only the first characteristic information 61, without using the second characteristic information 62.

[0162] As described above, the communication buffer capacity of the electrical device 1 compatible with the lower version "1.1" is ensured to enable acquisition of the battery characteristic information of the secondary battery 2 of the lower version "1.1," i.e., the first characteristic information 61 of the secondary battery 2 of version "1.2." The amount of battery characteristic information of the secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" is known. Therefore, in the case of the combination of the solid arrow A2, the amount of first characteristic information 61 of the battery characteristic information contained in the secondary battery 2 of version "1.2" does not exceed the communication buffer capacity of the electrical device 1. Therefore, the electrical device 1 compatible with the lower version "1.1" can appropriately acquire the battery characteristic information required for control, i.e., the first characteristic information 61 of the secondary battery 2 of version "1.2." The main body control unit 23 executes appropriate control based on the acquired battery characteristic information.

[0163] The version number 51 is preferably included in the first characteristic information 61. Regardless of the version supported by the electrical device 1, the first characteristic information 61 can be acquired in advance, and the amount of battery characteristic information for the secondary battery 2, i.e., whether or not the second characteristic information 62 is required, can be determined based on the version number 51 included in the first characteristic information 61. Furthermore, determining whether or not the second characteristic information 62 is required based on the version number 51 can prevent unnecessary reading. For example, when a secondary battery 2 with a higher version is combined with an electrical device 1 with a lower version support, determining whether or not the second characteristic information 62 is required based on the version number 51 of the first characteristic information 61 can reduce unnecessary communication. Reducing unnecessary communication shortens reading time, thereby eliminating wasted response time between the information recording unit 46 of the secondary battery 2 and the storage device 28 of the electrical device 1.

[0164] 10 to 13 are sequence diagrams of the battery characteristic information acquisition process executed by the electrical device according to this embodiment.

[0165] 10 to 13 show the battery characteristic information acquisition process for the mutual combination of a secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" and a secondary battery 2 of version "1.2" with an electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.1" and an electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.2." The battery characteristic information acquisition process is executed in step S1 of FIG.

[0166] The battery information acquisition unit 41 acquires first characteristic information 61 while the secondary battery 2 is attached, determines whether or not second characteristic information 62 is required based on the acquired first characteristic information 61, and if it determines that second characteristic information 62 is required, acquires the second characteristic information 62 from the secondary battery 2. The main body control unit 23 executes control based on the battery characteristic information acquired by the battery information acquisition unit 41 from the secondary battery 2.

[0167] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the battery characteristic information acquisition process in a combination of a secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" and an electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.1."

[0168] As shown in FIG. 10, the battery information acquisition unit 41 of the version "1.1" compatible electric device 1 requests battery characteristic information, that is, first characteristic information 61, from the version "1.1" secondary battery 2 (step S61).

[0169] The battery information acquisition unit 41 may be activated when the secondary battery 2 is attached to the battery attachment unit 21 and request battery characteristic information from the secondary battery 2, or may request battery characteristic information from the secondary battery 2 when the input unit 27 is operated while the secondary battery 2 is attached to the battery attachment unit 21.

[0170] The version "1.1" secondary battery 2 transmits first characteristic information 61 to the "1.1"-compatible electrical device 1 in response to a request from the electrical device 1 (step S62). The first characteristic information 61 includes, for example, the version number 51 and an upper temperature limit. The electrical device 1 then stores the battery characteristic information acquired from the version "1.1" secondary battery 2 in the storage device 28 of the main body control unit 23.

[0171] Incidentally, the version "1.1" secondary battery 2 only includes battery characteristic information equivalent to the first characteristic information 61 of the version "1.2" secondary battery 2, and does not include the second characteristic information 62 of the version "1.2" secondary battery 2. In other words, the first characteristic information 61 in Figure 10 is the same as the entire battery characteristic information of the version "1.1" secondary battery 2. However, for convenience of the following explanation, the battery characteristic information of the version "1.1" secondary battery 2 is referred to as the first characteristic information 61 in Figure 10.

[0172] Once the battery characteristic information, i.e., the first characteristic information 61, is stored in the storage device 28, the main body control unit 23 performs initial settings based on the acquired battery characteristic information, and then controls the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2 of version "1.1."

[0173] In addition to the combination of a secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" that does not have the second characteristic information 62 and an electrical device 1 that is compatible with version "1.1," the same battery characteristic information acquisition process as in Fig. 10 may also be performed for combinations of versions that are lower than "1.1" but are the same version. For example, for a combination of a secondary battery 2 of version "1.0" and an electrical device 1 that is compatible with version "1.0," the same battery characteristic information acquisition process as in Fig. 10 is performed.

[0174] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the battery characteristic information acquisition process in a combination of a secondary battery 2 of version "1.2" and an electrical device 1 of version "1.2."

[0175] Here, the secondary battery 2 of version "1.2" includes first characteristic information 61 and second characteristic information 62 as battery characteristic information. The storage device 28 of the electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.2" pre-stores a version number 51 of the secondary battery 2 including the first characteristic information 61 and the second characteristic information 62 as battery characteristic information. In FIG. 11 , the storage device 28 of the electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.2" pre-stores version "1.2" as the version number 51 of the secondary battery 2 including the first characteristic information 61 and the second characteristic information 62 as battery characteristic information. It is assumed that the version number 51 of the secondary battery 2 including the first characteristic information 61 and the second characteristic information 62 as battery characteristic information is not limited to version "1.2" and that there may be multiple versions. Therefore, information on multiple version numbers 51 of secondary batteries 2 including the first characteristic information 61 and the second characteristic information 62 as battery characteristic information is hereinafter referred to as "multiple characteristic version group information." In other words, the storage device 28 of the electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.2" pre-stores multiple characteristic version group information. Furthermore, information on multiple version numbers 51 of the secondary battery 2 that includes only the portion corresponding to the first characteristic information 61 as battery characteristic information will hereinafter be referred to as "single characteristic version group information." For the version numbers 51 of the secondary battery 2 according to this embodiment, it is assumed that versions "1.0" to "1.1" are included in the single characteristic version group information, and versions "1.2" and above are included in the multiple characteristic version group information.

[0176] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, an electrical device 1 that is capable of determining whether the version number 51 of the installed secondary battery 2 is included in the multiple characteristic version group information will be referred to as a multiple characteristic version group compatible electrical device 1, and for ease of explanation, an electrical device 1 that does not have the function of determining whether the version number 51 of the installed secondary battery 2 is included in the multiple characteristic version group information will be referred to as a multiple characteristic version group non-compatible electrical device 1.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 11, the battery information acquisition unit 41 of the electrical device 1, which is compatible with multiple characteristic version groups and is compatible with version "1.2", requests the first characteristic information 61 from the secondary battery 2 of version "1.2" (step S71).

[0178] The version "1.2" secondary battery 2 transmits the first characteristic information 61 to the version "1.2" compatible electrical device 1 (step S72). After that, the electrical device 1 stores the first characteristic information 61 of the version "1.2" secondary battery 2 in the storage device 28 of the main body control unit 23.

[0179] The battery information acquisition unit 41 of the electric device 1 compatible with version "1.2" determines whether the second characteristic information 62 is required (step S73). Specifically, the battery information acquisition unit 41 compares the version number 51 included in the first characteristic information 61 acquired from the secondary battery 2 with the multiple characteristic version group information. If the version number 51 included in the first characteristic information 61 acquired from the secondary battery 2 is included in the multiple characteristic version group information, the battery information acquisition unit 41 determines that the secondary battery 2 connected to the electric device 1 is a secondary battery 2 that includes the second characteristic information 62. If the version number 51 included in the first characteristic information 61 acquired from the secondary battery 2 is not included in the multiple characteristic version group information, the battery information acquisition unit 41 determines that the secondary battery 2 connected to the electric device 1 is a secondary battery 2 that does not include the second characteristic information 62.

[0180] That is, if the version number 51 included in the first characteristic information 61 is "1.1", the battery information acquisition unit 41 determines that the secondary battery 2 connected to the electrical device 1 is a secondary battery 2 that does not include the second characteristic information 62. If the version number 51 included in the first characteristic information 61 is "1.2", the battery information acquisition unit 41 determines that the secondary battery 2 connected to the electrical device 1 is a secondary battery 2 that includes the second characteristic information 62. In FIG. 11 , the version number 51 included in the first characteristic information 61 is "1.2", and the battery information acquisition unit 41 determines that the second characteristic information 62 needs to be acquired.

[0181] Next, the battery information acquisition unit 41 of the version "1.2" electric device 1 requests the second characteristic information 62 of the battery characteristic information from the version "1.2" secondary battery 2 (step S74).

[0182] The version "1.2" secondary battery 2 transmits the second characteristic information 62 to the version "1.2" compatible electrical device 1 (step S75). After that, the electrical device 1 stores the second characteristic information 62 of the version "1.2" secondary battery 2 in the storage device 28 of the main body control unit 23.

[0183] Once the first characteristic information 61 and the second characteristic information 62 are stored in the storage device 28, the main body control unit 23 performs initial settings based on the acquired battery characteristic information (the first characteristic information 61 and the second characteristic information 62). Thereafter, it controls the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2 of version "1.2."

[0184] In addition to the combination of a secondary battery 2 of version "1.2" having the second characteristic information 62 and an electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.2," the same battery characteristic information acquisition process as that shown in Fig. 11 may also be performed for a combination of a secondary battery 2 and an electrical device 1 of the same version but higher than "1.2." For example, for a combination of a secondary battery 2 of version "1.3" and an electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.3," the same battery characteristic information acquisition process as that shown in Fig. 11 is performed.

[0185] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the battery characteristic information acquisition process in a combination of a secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" and an electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.2."

[0186] As shown in FIG. 12, the battery information acquisition unit 41 of the electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.1" requests the first characteristic information 61 from the secondary battery 2 compatible with version "1.2" (step S81).

[0187] The secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" transmits the first characteristic information 61 to the electrical device 1 that supports version "1.2" (step S82). After that, the electrical device 1 stores the first characteristic information 61 of the secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" in the storage device 28 of the main body control unit 23.

[0188] The battery information acquisition unit 41 of the electric device 1 compatible with version "1.2" determines whether the second characteristic information 62 is required (step S83). Specifically, the battery information acquisition unit 41 compares the version number 51 included in the first characteristic information 61 acquired from the secondary battery 2 with the multiple characteristic version group information. If the version number 51 included in the first characteristic information 61 acquired from the secondary battery 2 is included in the multiple characteristic version group information, the battery information acquisition unit 41 determines that the secondary battery 2 connected to the electric device 1 is a secondary battery 2 that includes the second characteristic information 62. If the version number 51 included in the first characteristic information 61 acquired from the secondary battery 2 is not included in the multiple characteristic version group information, the battery information acquisition unit 41 determines that the secondary battery 2 connected to the electric device 1 is a secondary battery 2 that does not include the second characteristic information 62.

[0189] 12, the version number 51 included in the first characteristic information 61 is “1.1,” which is a version number 51 that is not included in the multiple characteristic version group information. Therefore, the battery information acquisition unit 41 determines that it is not necessary to acquire the second characteristic information 62.

[0190] When the first characteristic information 61 is stored in the storage device 28 and the battery information acquisition unit 41 determines that it is not necessary to acquire the second characteristic information 62, the main body control unit 23 performs initial settings based on the acquired battery characteristic information, i.e., the first characteristic information 61. Thereafter, it executes control of charging and discharging the secondary battery 2 of version "1.1."

[0191] In addition to the combination of a secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" that does not have second characteristic information 62 and an electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.2", a battery characteristic information acquisition process similar to that shown in Figure 12 may also be performed in a combination of an electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.2" and a secondary battery 2 of an even lower version "1.0".

[0192] 12 may be performed in a combination of a secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" that does not have second characteristic information 62 and an electrical device 1 that supports version "1.2." In addition, a combination of an electrical device 1 that supports the higher version "1.3" and a secondary battery 2 of version "1.1." In a combination of an electrical device 1 that supports the higher version "1.3" and a secondary battery 2 of the lower version "1.0," a battery characteristic information acquisition process similar to that shown in FIG. 12 may be performed.

[0193] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the battery characteristic information acquisition process in a combination of a secondary battery 2 of version "1.2" and an electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.1."

[0194] As shown in FIG. 13, the battery information acquisition unit 41 of the electrical device 1 that is not compatible with multiple characteristic version groups and is compatible with version "1.1" requests the first characteristic information 61 from the secondary battery 2 of version "1.2" (step S91).

[0195] The secondary battery 2 of version "1.2" transmits the first characteristic information 61 to the electrical device 1 of version "1.1" (step S92). After that, the electrical device 1 stores the first characteristic information 61 of the secondary battery 2 of version "1.2" in the storage device 28 of the main body control unit 23.

[0196] Here, the version "1.1" electrical device 1 is a multiple characteristic version group compatible type, and the battery information acquisition unit 41 of the version "1.1" electrical device 1 is an electrical device 1 developed and manufactured before the version "1.2" secondary battery 2, and is unaware of the existence of the second characteristic information 62 and does not have the function to acquire the second characteristic information 62. Therefore, the main body control unit 23 does not perform the process to acquire the second characteristic information 62 of the version "1.2" secondary battery 2. In other words, the battery information acquisition unit 41 of the version "1.1" electrical device 1 does not have the function to execute step S73 in FIG. 11 and does not perform the process from step S73 onwards.

[0197] Once the first characteristic information 61 is stored in the storage device 28, the main body control unit 23 performs initial settings based on the acquired battery characteristic information, i.e., the first characteristic information 61. Thereafter, it executes control of charging and discharging the secondary battery 2 of version "1.2".

[0198] In addition to the combination of a secondary battery 2 of version "1.2" having the second characteristic information 62 and an electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.1", the same battery characteristic information acquisition process as in Fig. 13 may also be performed for a combination of a secondary battery 2 of version "1.2" or higher and an electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.1" or lower. For example, for a combination of a secondary battery 2 of version "1.3" and an electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.0", the same battery characteristic information acquisition process as in Fig. 13 is performed.

[0199] 9 to 13, it is assumed that secondary batteries 2 of versions "1.0" to "1.1" are secondary batteries 2 included in the single characteristic version group information, and secondary batteries 2 of version "1.2" or higher are secondary batteries 2 included in the multiple characteristic version group information. In other words, both the secondary batteries 2 included in the single characteristic version group information and the secondary batteries 2 included in the multiple characteristic version group information may include one or more version numbers 51.

[0200] In other words, when the version number 51 of the secondary battery 2 is included in the single characteristic version group information, the main body control unit 23 uses only the first characteristic information 61, and when the version number 51 of the secondary battery 2 is included in the multiple characteristic version group information, the main body control unit 23 uses both the first characteristic information 61 and the second characteristic information 62 to control the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2.

[0201] The battery-replaceable electrical device 1 according to the present embodiment, configured as described above, can use battery characteristic information to control the discharge and charge amounts of a secondary battery 2 having the same major version number 52. When a secondary battery 2 having a minor version number 53 higher than the upper limit of the supported minor version numbers 53 is connected, the electrical device 1 controls the discharge and charge amounts of the secondary battery 2 based on the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 corresponding to the upper limit of the supported minor version number 53, as described in the battery characteristic information. Therefore, the electrical device 1 can appropriately acquire battery characteristics to be used for charging and discharging from various types of secondary batteries 2 managed by version number 51 and assigned the same major version number 52. Such a version-compatible electrical device 1 can easily and appropriately accommodate changes and additions to the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 without needing to pre-set an appropriate first threshold in the main body control unit 23 according to the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2. In other words, the electrical device 1 allows the replacement of the secondary battery 2 and can appropriately and easily use a new secondary battery 2 having different battery characteristics.

[0202] Furthermore, when the compatible version number 51 matches the version number 51 of the secondary battery 2, the battery-replaceable electrical device 1 according to this embodiment controls the discharge amount and charge amount of the secondary battery 2 based on the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 corresponding to the highest minor version number 53 described in the battery characteristic information. Therefore, the electrical device 1 allows replacement of the secondary battery 2, and provides the convenience of easily reusing secondary batteries 2 with different version numbers 51 between products with version numbers 51 (generations) that can appropriately and easily use new secondary batteries 2 with different battery characteristics and products with earlier version numbers 51.

[0203] Furthermore, when a secondary battery 2 having a minor version number 53 lower than the compatible minor version number 53 is connected to the battery-replaceable electrical device 1 according to this embodiment, the electrical device 1 controls the discharge amount and charge amount of the secondary battery 2 based on the latest battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 described in the battery characteristic information. Therefore, the electrical device 1 allows the secondary battery 2 to be replaced, and provides the convenience of easily reusing a secondary battery 2 with a lower version number 51 in a new main body that is capable of performing more recent charge and discharge control.

[0204] Furthermore, when both a first threshold value and a second threshold value exist for the same state quantity among a plurality of state quantities indicating the state of the secondary battery 2, the battery-replaceable electrical device 1 according to this embodiment adopts a threshold value that is safe for both the vacuum cleaner main body 12 and the secondary battery 2 to control charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2. Therefore, the electrical device 1 does not need to set an appropriate first threshold value in advance in the main body control unit 23 according to the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2, and can make optimal use of the secondary battery 2 even if the circuitry on the main body side of the electrical device 1 does not have sufficient resistance to accommodate the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2.

[0205] Furthermore, when a first threshold value does not exist for the state quantity indicating the state of the secondary battery 2, the battery-replaceable electrical device 1 according to this embodiment employs a second threshold value stored in the storage device 28 to control the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2. Therefore, if the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 improve in the future, the electrical device 1 will be able to use a secondary battery 2 with even better battery characteristics. Also, if the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 are unknown, by setting a second threshold value that allows for a sufficient safety margin, the electrical device 1 will be able to use a secondary battery 2 with unknown battery characteristics.

[0206] Furthermore, in the battery-replaceable electrical device 1 according to this embodiment, the larger the minor version number 53, the more battery characteristic information the battery information acquisition unit 41 acquires, which includes more information that allows setting of a first threshold corresponding to at least one of the upper temperature limit of the secondary battery 2, the lower temperature limit of the secondary battery 2, the upper discharge current limit of the secondary battery 2, the upper charge current limit of the secondary battery 2, the lower discharge voltage limit of the secondary battery 2, and the upper charge voltage limit of the secondary battery 2. Therefore, the electrical device 1 does not need to set an appropriate first threshold in advance in the main body control unit 23 according to the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2, and can easily and appropriately respond to changes in the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2.

[0207] Furthermore, in the battery-replaceable electrical device 1 according to this embodiment, when a secondary battery 2 including only the first characteristic information 61 is attached, the multiple characteristic version group compatible electrical device 1 employs only the first characteristic information 61 of the secondary battery 2, stores it in the storage device 28, and controls charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2. Furthermore, when a secondary battery 2 including the first characteristic information 61 and at least one piece of second characteristic information 62, i.e., a secondary battery 2 included in the multiple characteristic version group, is attached, the multiple characteristic version group compatible electrical device 1 employs the first characteristic information 61 and the second characteristic information 62 of the secondary battery 2, stores it in the storage device 28, and controls charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2.

[0208] Note that an electrical device 1 that is not compatible with multiple characteristic version groups acquires only battery characteristic information corresponding to the first characteristic information 61 from the secondary battery 2, regardless of the version number 51 of the secondary battery 2, and controls the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2. Therefore, a secondary battery 2 that has battery characteristic information divided into the first characteristic information 61 and the second characteristic information 62 can be used in an electrical device 1 regardless of whether it is compatible with multiple characteristic version groups or not.

[0209] Therefore, the electric device 1 according to this embodiment can easily accommodate future increases in the amount of battery characteristic information of the secondary battery 2, and can appropriately utilize the secondary battery 2. In other words, the electric device 1 according to this embodiment can appropriately acquire battery characteristic information regardless of the version number 51 of the secondary battery 2 or regardless of restrictions or regulations on communication between the secondary battery 2 and the electric device 1, and can easily prevent unnecessary increases in the time required to acquire the battery characteristic information.

[0210] In addition, the process of matching the version number 51 in the electrical device 1 of this embodiment is particularly effective in determining compatibility between the secondary battery 2 and the vacuum cleaner main body 12 when the easily detachable secondary battery 2 is attached to the vacuum cleaner main body 12, while the battery characteristic information acquisition process enables the appropriate exchange of battery characteristic information of the increased secondary battery 2 not only when the secondary battery 2 is easily detachable from the vacuum cleaner main body 12, but also when replacing the secondary battery 2 requires considerable skill and effort, such as when replacing the secondary battery 2 involves disassembling the vacuum cleaner main body 12.

[0211] Furthermore, the battery-replaceable electrical device 1 according to this embodiment may request battery characteristic information of the secondary battery 2 when the secondary battery 2 is attached to the battery attachment section 21. In such a case, the electrical device 1 can quickly instruct the load, i.e., the electric fan 6.

[0212] Furthermore, the battery-replaceable electrical device 1 according to this embodiment may request battery characteristic information of the secondary battery 2 when the input unit 27 is operated while the secondary battery 2 is attached to the battery attachment unit 21. In other words, the electrical device 1 does not request or receive battery characteristic information when the secondary battery 2 is attached and the input unit is not operated. In such a case, the electrical device 1 can reduce power consumption of the secondary battery 2 when it is acceptable to stop the load, that is, when the electrical device 1 is not in use, and can prevent the secondary battery 2 from being worn out early.

[0213] Furthermore, the second characteristic information 62 acquired by the battery-replaceable electrical device 1 according to this embodiment includes information expressing the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2. Therefore, the electrical device 1 divides the battery characteristic information of the secondary battery 2 into first characteristic information 61 and second characteristic information 62, and distributes and describes the information expressing the battery characteristics of the secondary battery 2 in each piece of characteristic information, thereby making it possible to easily and appropriately respond to an increase in the amount of transmission characteristic information that accompanies battery improvement and progress in development.

[0214] Furthermore, the first characteristic information 61 acquired by the battery-replaceable electrical device 1 according to this embodiment includes the version number 51 of the secondary battery 2. The electrical device 1 then determines whether or not the second characteristic information 62 is required based on the version number 51 of the secondary battery 2. Therefore, the electrical device 1 first acquires the first characteristic information 61 from the secondary battery 2 and compares the version number 51 described in this first characteristic information 61 with the multiple characteristic version group information, thereby easily determining whether or not the connected secondary battery 2 includes the second characteristic information 62. Furthermore, if the electrical device 1 determines that the connected secondary battery 2 is a secondary battery 2 included in the single characteristic version group information that does not include the second characteristic information 62, it can prevent unnecessary reading of the second characteristic information 62.

[0215] Furthermore, when a secondary battery 2 included in the multiple characteristic version group information is combined with an electrical device 1 corresponding to a secondary battery 2 included in the single characteristic version group information, the electrical device 1 does not send a request to send the second characteristic information 62 to the secondary battery 2, thereby reducing wasted communication time between the secondary battery 2 and the electrical device 1.

[0216] Therefore, according to the electrical device 1 of this embodiment, various secondary batteries 2 with different battery characteristics, and secondary batteries 2 of the same type but with different battery characteristics, can be used with more appropriate settings, regardless of whether the characteristics are known or unknown at the time of shipment, and even if the maximum data capacity is unknown at the time of shipment.

[0217] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0218] 1...electrical equipment, 2...secondary battery, 3...electric motor, 5...electric vacuum cleaner, 6...electric blower, 11...handle, 12...vacuum cleaner body, 15...extension tube, 16...suction port body, 17...main body case, 17a...front part, 17b...central part, 17c...rear part, 19...dust separation and collection section, 21...battery mounting section, 22...charging terminal, 23...main body control section, 25...main body connection port, 26...exhaust port, 27...input section, 28...memory device, 29...alarm section, 31...suction port, 32...rotating cleaning body, 33...electric motor, 41...battery information acquisition section, 42...battery status acquisition section, 45...cell, 46...information recording section, 51...version number, 52...major version number, 53...minor version number, 61...first characteristic information, 62...second characteristic information.

Claims

1. A battery mounting section capable of mounting a secondary battery, which is either a first secondary battery that stores first battery characteristic information including only first characteristic information having information of a finite length, or a second secondary battery that stores second battery characteristic information including the first characteristic information and at least one piece of second characteristic information; a battery information acquiring unit capable of acquiring battery characteristic information, which is either the first battery characteristic information or the second battery characteristic information, from the secondary battery attached to the battery attachment unit; a load driven by power stored in the secondary battery attached to the battery attachment section; a power control unit that controls at least one of a discharge amount and a charge amount of the secondary battery based on the battery characteristic information acquired by the battery information acquisition unit, The battery information acquisition unit When the second secondary battery is mounted in the battery mounting portion, the first characteristic information is acquired, and whether or not the second characteristic information is required is determined based on the acquired first characteristic information. If the second characteristic information is determined to be required, the second characteristic information is acquired from the second secondary battery. When the first secondary battery is mounted in the battery mounting portion, the first characteristic information is acquired, and based on the acquired first characteristic information, it is determined whether the second characteristic information is necessary, and it is determined that the second characteristic information is unnecessary; The power control unit is an electrical device that performs control based on the first characteristic information included in the battery characteristic information acquired from the first secondary battery, or based on the first characteristic information and the second characteristic information included in the battery characteristic information acquired from the second secondary battery.

2. The electrical device according to claim 1 , wherein the battery information acquisition unit is activated when the secondary battery is attached to the battery attachment unit, and requests the secondary battery for the battery characteristic information.

3. an input unit that receives an operation request for the load; The electrical device according to claim 1 , wherein the battery information acquisition unit requests the battery characteristic information from the secondary battery when the input unit is operated while the secondary battery is attached.

4. The electrical device according to claim 1 , wherein the second characteristic information includes information representing a characteristic of the battery.

5. the first characteristic information includes a version number of the secondary battery and information representing battery characteristics; The electrical device according to claim 1 , wherein the battery information acquisition unit determines whether the second characteristic information of the secondary battery is required based on the version number.

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