Discharge device and discharge system

Abstract

To appropriately handle a storage battery.SOLUTION: A discharge device 30 includes N (N is an integer of two or more, N=4 in the above example) storage battery slots 38, the N storage battery slots 38 each capable of receiving one storage battery 22; an output part 36 for outputting power discharged from one or more storage batteries 22 respectively attached to the N storage battery slots 38 to a connected power load; and a power meter 39 for displaying a load power value being a power value to be outputted to the power load, the power meter 39 capable of displaying the load power value by N displays.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a discharge device that performs discharge using a battery pack and a discharge system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a battery system including a battery pack and a charging device.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a discharge device and a discharge system capable of outputting power discharged simultaneously from a plurality of batteries, and a discharge device or the like that can handle the batteries appropriately.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A discharge device according to an aspect of the present invention includes N battery slots (N is an integer of 2 or more), N battery slots each capable of mounting one battery, an output unit that outputs power discharged from one or more of the batteries mounted in each of the N battery slots to a connected power load, and a power meter for displaying a load power value that is a power value output to the power load, the power meter being capable of displaying the load power value by N-stage step display.

[0006] Furthermore, a discharge device according to another aspect of the present invention comprises N battery slots (where N is an integer of 2 or more), each capable of mounting one battery; an output unit that outputs power discharged from one or more batteries mounted in each of the N battery slots to a connected power load; and a power meter for displaying the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output from the batteries mounted in the N battery slots, the power meter capable of displaying the total of the maximum power values ​​by the N displays, wherein the power meter displays the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output from the batteries in a pattern corresponding to the battery slots among the N battery slots in which the dischargeable batteries are mounted.

[0007] Furthermore, a discharge system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises the discharge device described above and one or more of the storage batteries. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the discharge device of the present invention, it is possible to ensure that the storage battery is handled appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external view of the discharge system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the discharge system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the terminal section of the discharge system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the display of the display unit of the discharge system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the display of the display unit of a discharge system according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is the first diagram illustrating the display of the power meter in the discharge system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is the second figure illustrating the display of the power meter in the discharge system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an external view of a discharge system according to another embodiment. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is the first figure showing an example of the display of the total maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output by a power meter in another embodiment. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is the second figure showing an example of the display of the total maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output by a power meter in another embodiment. [Figure 9C] Figure 9C is the third figure showing an example of the display of the total maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output by a power meter in another embodiment. [Figure 9D] Figure 9D is Figure 4, which shows an example of displaying the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output by a power meter in another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0011] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of the discharge system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an external view of the discharge system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the discharge system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the terminal portion of the discharge system according to the embodiment. In FIG. 3, (a) shows an external view of the battery pack 20 seen from below, and (b) shows an external view of the battery slot 38 (here, only the bottom surface portion) seen from above.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the discharge system 10 includes a battery pack 20 and a discharge device 30 to which the battery pack 20 is detachably connected. The user can use the discharge system 10 as a power source for the electrical device by connecting the electrical device (that is, the power load) to the output unit 36 provided in the discharge device 30.

[0014] First, the overall configuration of the discharge system 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, two or more battery packs 20 can be mounted on the discharge device 30. More specifically, two or more battery slots 38 having a shape for accommodating one battery pack 20 are provided. By mounting one battery pack 20 in one battery slot 38, it is possible to mount two or more battery packs 20. In the example of FIG. 1, four battery packs 20 can be mounted on one discharge device 30. Note that the number of battery packs 20 mounted on the discharge device 30 is not particularly limited, and two battery packs 20 may be mounted, three battery packs 20 may be mounted, or five or more battery packs 20 may be mounted. The discharge device 30 is provided with battery slots 38 corresponding to the number of battery packs 20 to be mounted.

[0015] The discharge device 30 in the present invention is configured to be able to mount at least two battery packs 20, and the mounted battery packs 20 form a parallel circuit inside. Thereby, it is possible to output electric power with a high current value according to the number of the mounted battery packs 20, and it is possible to attach and detach the battery packs 20 without stopping the discharge from the discharge device 30. However, depending on the electrical equipment connected to the discharge device 30, there may be a case where two or more battery packs 20 are required. In this case, if one is removed from the state where two battery packs 20 are mounted, a power value necessary for output to the electrical equipment cannot be obtained, and as a result, a situation may occur where the power output stops.

[0016] Therefore, the discharge device 30 in the present embodiment includes a power meter 39 for displaying the actually output power value, that is, the power value required by the connected electrical equipment (hereinafter also referred to as the load power value). The user can grasp the number of battery packs 20 that cannot be removed based on the load power value displayed on the power meter 39, so conversely, it becomes possible to grasp the number of battery packs 20 that may be removed.

[0017] Next, the battery pack 20 will be described. The battery pack 20 functions as a power source for the discharge device 30. The battery pack 20 has a main body part (for example, the outer shell part in the figure), a storage battery 22, a switch part 23, a remaining amount display part 24, a measurement circuit 25, a control part 26, a storage part 27, and a terminal part 28.

[0018] The main body part is a housing that houses the storage battery 22, the control part 26, and the storage part 27 inside. The main body part has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the height direction (vertical direction of the paper surface). The corners of the upper surface of the main body part and the corners of the side surfaces of the main body part are R-processed. The four side surfaces of the main body part have a symmetrical appearance. The main body part is formed of, for example, a resin material having insulating properties. Although not shown in detail, the switch part 23 and the remaining amount display part 24 are provided on the upper part of the main body part. Also, as shown in (a) of FIG. 3, the terminal part 28 is provided on the lower part (lower surface) of the main body part.

[0019] The storage battery 22 is a rechargeable battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. The storage battery 22 is implemented, for example, by a lithium-ion battery.

[0020] The switch unit 23 is a push-button switch operated by the user. When the switch unit 23 is operated by the user (specifically, pressed), the control unit 26 displays the remaining charge of the storage battery 22 on the remaining charge display unit 24. The switch unit 23 is not limited to a push-button switch, but may also be a slide switch or a rocker switch, etc.

[0021] The remaining charge display unit 24 displays the remaining charge of the storage battery. The remaining charge display unit 24 is implemented, for example, by a plurality of light-emitting elements, and the remaining charge of the storage battery 22 is displayed by the number of light-emitting elements that light up. The light-emitting elements are, for example, LED (Light Emitting Diode) elements, but may also be organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) elements. The remaining charge display unit 24 may also be implemented by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0022] The measurement circuit 25 measures the remaining charge of the battery 22. The measurement circuit 25 is, for example, a voltage measurement type measurement circuit (integrated circuit) that measures the terminal voltage of the battery 22, but it may also be a measurement circuit of another type, such as a Coulomb counter type.

[0023] The control unit 26 displays the remaining charge of the battery 22, measured by the measurement circuit 25, on the remaining charge display unit 24 based on the operation of the switch unit 23. Specifically, the control unit 26 is implemented by a microcomputer or processor. The functions of the control unit 26 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the control unit 26 executing a computer program stored in the memory unit 27.

[0024] The memory unit 27 is a storage device in which the above-mentioned computer program is stored. The memory unit 27 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory. The memory unit 27 may also be built into the control unit 26.

[0025] The terminal section 28 is a terminal structure for electrically connecting the battery pack 20 to the discharge device 30, and specifically, it is electrically and structurally connected to the terminal section 32 of the discharge device 30. The terminal section 28 has a plurality of terminals. The plurality of terminals include a communication terminal 28a for the battery pack 20 (control unit 26) to communicate with the discharge device 30 (discharge control unit 34), and a power transmission terminal 28b for the battery pack 20 to transmit power stored in the battery 22 to the discharge device 30.

[0026] Next, the discharge device 30 will be described. The discharge device 30 is a device that operates using the battery pack 20 as a power source. The discharge device 30 has a main body (for example, the outer shell in the figure), a terminal section 32, a power conversion circuit 33, a discharge control section 34, a storage section 35, multiple output sections 36 (only one is shown in Figure 1), a battery slot 38, a display section 37, a power meter 39, and an output switch 40. The discharge device 30 can be referred to as a discharger or the like.

[0027] The main body is a housing that contains a power conversion circuit 33, a discharge control unit 34, and a memory unit 35. The main body is roughly rectangular in shape when laid on its side, and a battery slot 38 is formed on one of its upward-facing sides, with an opening for the insertion of a battery pack 20. The opening of the battery slot 38 is shaped to roughly coincide with the outer surface of the battery pack 20, and plays a role in suppressing the wobbling of the battery pack 20 when installed. The battery pack 20 is inserted into the main body by passing through the opening, with its longitudinal direction perpendicular to the surface along the opening of the battery slot 38.

[0028] In particular, by providing a longer insertion length for the battery pack 20, the effect of suppressing the wobbling of the battery pack 20 is enhanced, and the overall size of the discharge system 10 after the battery pack 20 is installed can be made more compact. As shown in Figure 3(b), a terminal portion 32 is provided at the bottom of the battery slot 38. Furthermore, a diode, which is a rectifier 38a, is provided in the battery slot 38 downstream of the terminal portion 32 and before the power conversion circuit 33. As described above, multiple battery slots 38 are provided, and each is connected in parallel.

[0029] Furthermore, a power conversion circuit 33 is provided as the output destination for the power from the battery slot 38. Before the power is output to the power conversion circuit 33, under certain conditions, power may be transmitted and received between the battery packs 20 installed in the battery slot 38. Therefore, a rectifier 38a is provided to suppress the transmission and reception of power between the battery packs 20. The main body of the discharge device 30 is formed of, for example, an insulating resin material.

[0030] The terminal section 32 is a terminal structure for electrically connecting the discharge device 30 to the battery pack 20, and specifically, it is electrically and structurally connected to the terminal section 28 of the battery pack 20. The terminal section 32 has a plurality of terminals. The plurality of terminals include a communication terminal 32a and a power receiving terminal 32b. The communication terminal 32a is electrically connected to the communication terminal 28a of the battery pack 20, and the power receiving terminal 32b is electrically connected to the power transmission terminal 28b of the battery pack 20.

[0031] The power conversion circuit 33 acquires power stored in the battery 22 via the power receiving terminal 32b, converts the acquired power into power suitable for the output unit 36, and outputs the converted power to the output unit 36. The power conversion circuit 33 is implemented, for example, by a DC (Direct Current)-DC converter circuit that converts the DC power stored in the battery 22 into DC power suitable for the output unit 36. In cases where the output unit 36 ​​outputs AC power, the power conversion circuit 33 is implemented by a DC-AC (Alternating Current) converter circuit that converts the DC power stored in the battery 22 into AC power suitable for the output unit 36.

[0032] The discharge control unit 34 controls the on / off switching of power output via the output unit 36 ​​by switching the power conversion circuit 33 on and off and opening / closing the output switch 40. The output switch 40 is, for example, a relay. The discharge control unit 34 also controls the display mode of the display unit 37 and the power meter 39. More specifically, the discharge control unit 34 outputs display control signals to change the display mode of the display unit 37 and the power meter 39. The discharge control unit 34 is specifically implemented by a microcomputer or processor. The functions of the discharge control unit 34 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the discharge control unit 34 executing a computer program stored in the memory unit 35.

[0033] The memory unit 35 is a storage device in which the above-mentioned computer program is stored. The memory unit 35 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory. The memory unit 35 may also be built into the discharge control unit 34.

[0034] The output unit 36 ​​is a terminal structure to which other electrical equipment (external power loads) other than the discharge system 10 are connected. The output unit 36 ​​is provided, for example, on the side of the main body of the discharge device 30. The output unit 36 ​​outputs power stored in the battery 22, which has been converted by the power conversion circuit 33, to the equipment connected to the output unit 36. The output unit 36 ​​is implemented, for example, by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector. USB connectors include USB Type-A, USB Type-B, USB Type-C, and Mini. It includes various connectors such as USB Type-B, micro USB Type-B, USB-PD (Power Delivery), and Lightning.

[0035] It is not mandatory for the output unit 36 ​​to be implemented by a USB connector. The output unit 36 ​​may be implemented by, for example, an RJ-45 type connector compliant with the Ethernet® standard (a connector to which a so-called LAN (Local Area Network) cable is connected). Alternatively, the output unit 36 ​​may be implemented by a power transmission device for wireless power transmission such as electromagnetic induction and radiated waves. Furthermore, the output unit 36 ​​may be implemented by an AC outlet or a DC outlet. In addition, the multiple output units 36 provided by the discharge device 30 may all have the same type of terminal structure, or the multiple output units 36 provided by the discharge device 30 may include different types of terminal structures (for example, a USB connector and an AC outlet).

[0036] The display unit 37 is a display element that displays whether the battery pack 20 suitable for removal is located in each of the two or more battery slots 38, i.e., when two or more battery packs 20 are installed. The number of display units 37 is the same as the number of battery slots 38, corresponding to each battery slot 38, but the same number of sets may also be provided (as described later). The display unit 37 is preferably located near each corresponding battery slot 38, on a surface parallel to the opening through which each battery pack 20 is inserted and removed, for better visibility and identification. The display unit 37 indicates whether the battery pack 20 installed in the corresponding battery slot 38 is suitable for removal. For example, the display unit 37 displays a different display mode for the battery pack 20 that is suitable for removal, based on the remaining discharge amount that can be discharged from each of the two or more battery packs 20 to the discharge device 30 (i.e., the same amount as the remaining amount displayed by the remaining amount display unit 24), compared to the display mode for the other battery packs 20.

[0037] For example, if the number of display units 37 is the same as the number of battery slots 38, they are implemented by light-emitting elements that emit light with a brightness proportional to the remaining discharge amount. The light-emitting elements emit, for example, monochromatic light. For example, Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the display of the display unit of the discharge system according to an embodiment. Figure 4 shows a situation in which a battery pack 20 is installed in each of the four battery slots 38. The four battery packs 20 are battery pack A, battery pack B, battery pack C, and battery pack D. The remaining discharge amount of battery pack A is 20% (i.e., 80% of the maximum capacity has been discharged and 20% is still dischargeable). The remaining discharge amount of battery pack B is 20% (i.e., 80% of the maximum capacity has been discharged and 20% is still dischargeable). The remaining discharge amount of battery pack C is 100% (i.e., 0% of the maximum capacity has been discharged and 100% is still dischargeable). The remaining discharge capacity of battery pack D is 70% (i.e., 30% of its maximum capacity has been discharged, and 70% remains available for discharge).

[0038] In this case, when the user selects one of two or more battery packs 20, they should select the battery pack 20 with the lowest luminescence of the display unit 37. In the example in Figure 4, the user should select either battery pack A or battery pack B, whichever has the lowest luminescence level. By doing so, the battery pack 20 with the smallest discharge amount to the discharge device 30 can be removed, and even when removing it while power is on, the possibility of disconnecting contacts through which a relatively large current flows is reduced, thereby suppressing problems such as contact wear caused by sparks.

[0039] Another example will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the display of the display unit of a discharge system according to another example of the embodiment. In this other example, the same number of display units 37a are provided as the number of battery slots 38, compared to the display unit 37 in the above example. In this case, each set of display units 37a is configured to include multiple light-emitting elements 37b (five in the figure) that are controlled to emit light in a number proportional to the remaining discharge amount. The light-emitting elements 37b emit, for example, monochromatic light. In the above example of the display unit 37, an example was described in which the brightness is proportional to the remaining battery charge, but in this other example, the light emission pattern is controlled so that the number of lit light-emitting elements 37b in the display unit 37a is proportional to the remaining discharge amount of the battery pack 20. When removing the battery pack 20, the user checks the number of lit light-emitting elements 37b in the display unit 37a in order to select one battery pack 20 suitable for removal from two or more battery packs 20. The user simply needs to select the battery pack 20 with fewer illuminated light-emitting elements 37b than the others as the battery pack 20 to remove.

[0040] By doing so, the battery pack 20 with the smallest discharge amount to the discharge device 30 can be removed. Therefore, similar to the example of the display unit 37 described above, even when removing the battery pack while power is supplied, the possibility of disconnecting contacts carrying relatively large currents is reduced, thereby suppressing problems such as contact wear caused by sparks.

[0041] Furthermore, the display method used by the display unit 37 to identify a battery pack 20 suitable for removal is not limited to a display unit having a monochromatic light-emitting element as shown in the two examples above. For example, the light-emitting color of the display unit 37 may change only for battery packs 20 whose remaining discharge level has fallen below a threshold. More specifically, the display unit 37 may emit green light until the remaining discharge level reaches 20%, and then emit red light when the remaining discharge level falls below 20%. This combination of light colors is just one example, and any combination can be used as long as the change in light color is distinguishable. Also, 20% as the threshold is just one example, and the light color may change at other remaining discharge levels. The display unit 37 is implemented, for example, by an LED element or an organic EL element. The display unit 37 emits light in response to a display control signal transmitted based on the remaining discharge level corresponding to the discharge voltage of each battery pack 20 measured by the discharge control unit 34, etc.

[0042] The power meter 39 is a display element for displaying the load power value, which is the power value output to the power load. The power meter 39 is configured to display the load power value in steps, with the same number of steps as the number of battery slots 38. More specifically, in the discharge device 30 of this example, the power meter 39 is composed of four light-emitting elements, and the load power value can be displayed in steps depending on how many of the four light-emitting elements are emitting light. Each of the four light-emitting elements may be further composed of multiple LED elements or the like. In this embodiment, the display of the power meter 39 can be controlled in N steps as the minimum display control unit, and as long as the number of battery slots 38 is N, the other configurations can be anything.

[0043] In this way, because the number of battery slots 38 and the number of control stages in the minimum display control unit of the power meter 39 match, it is possible to grasp at a glance how many battery packs 20 are currently needed as the load power value. Therefore, if two light-emitting elements are lit on the power meter 39, it is possible to remove all but two battery packs 20. This allows the number of removable battery packs 20 for the currently connected electrical equipment to be determined, and these can be removed and used for other purposes, or charged, etc. In this way, the battery packs 20 can be removed appropriately, and the battery packs 20 can be handled appropriately. Depending on the display state of the power meter 39, it may be necessary to temporarily stop the power supply to the load, so it is preferable that the output unit 36, power meter 39, and output switch 40 are located close to each other.

[0044] It should be noted that the threshold load power value at which the number of stages displayed in the power meter 39 switches does not strictly coincide with an integer multiple of the maximum power value that can be continuously output by one battery pack 20. This point will be explained using Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is the first figure for explaining the display of the power meter of the discharge system according to the embodiment. Figure 7 is the second figure for explaining the display of the power meter of the discharge system according to the embodiment. For example, if the threshold load power value at which the number of stages displayed in the power meter 39 switches coincides with an integer multiple of the maximum power value that can be continuously output by one battery pack 20, then if the load power value fluctuates across this threshold, and it is determined that it is one stage, i.e., the load power value that can be output by one battery pack 20, and the battery pack 20 is removed, the electrical equipment may not operate normally due to insufficient power output.

[0045] Therefore, in practice, even if the load power value can be output by one battery pack 20, it is advisable to provide a margin of safety around integer multiples of the maximum power value that can be continuously output per battery pack 20. For example, as shown in Figure 6, if the maximum power value that can be continuously output per battery pack 20 is 300W, the threshold can be set to a value about 10% lower than the maximum power value, such as 270W. Then, the power meter 39 will display the second stage before the load power value actually reaches the value that requires two battery packs 20. In other words, it is possible to reduce the possibility of excessively removing battery packs 20 and suffering from insufficient output power. Furthermore, the above margin may be a predetermined fixed value, or it may be a variable value determined according to past measured load power values. The discharge control unit 34 may store past measured load power values ​​in the storage unit 35, etc., and set the above margin from the average value of the load power values ​​accumulated in an appropriate time range such as the most recent 1 hour, 30 minutes, or 5 minutes.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the threshold value of the load power value at which the number of stages displayed in the power meter 39 switches may have a hysteresis characteristic. In other words, the threshold value when the number of stages displayed in the power meter 39 decreases by one stage may be set to be smaller than the threshold value when the number of stages increases by one stage. This can reduce the possibility of excessive removal of the battery pack 20, which is particularly problematic and can lead to insufficient output power. Note that having a hysteresis characteristic and providing a margin in the threshold are not contradictory, so both may be performed.

[0047] Incidentally, the discharge device 30 described above has been configured to display the power output value from the discharge device 30 for the power load connected at that time. On the other hand, it would be convenient to simply display the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output when all battery packs 20 installed in all battery slots 38 at that time are combined.

[0048] The total maximum power output is equal to the number of dischargeable battery packs among the installed battery packs 20. Specifically, the total maximum power output is equal to the number of dischargeable battery packs 20 multiplied by the maximum power output per pack. Therefore, a power meter 39 consisting of a number of display elements that match the number of battery slots 38 has the advantage of displaying the total maximum power output.

[0049] Therefore, the following describes a discharge device according to another embodiment, which includes a power meter capable of displaying the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output. It should be noted that the device may combine the functions of both the above embodiment and the other embodiment described below. That is, the power meter may be configured to be switchable, allowing switching between a first mode that performs the functions described in the embodiment and a second mode that performs the functions of the other embodiment described below. This switching may be done arbitrarily by the user by pressing a switching button (not shown), or it may be configured to automatically switch repeatedly from the first mode to the second mode and from the second mode to the first mode in a time-division manner.

[0050] The following describes this alternative embodiment using Figures 8 to 9D. Figure 8 is an external view of the discharge system according to the alternative embodiment. In Figure 8, the discharge device 30a differs from the above embodiment in that it is equipped with a power meter 39a instead of a power meter 39. Specifically, the arrangement of the display elements of the power meter 39a matches the arrangement of the multiple battery slots 38. As a result, it is easy to recognize that each display element corresponds to each battery slot 38. That is, it is easy to recognize that the rightmost display element of the power meter 39a corresponds to the rightmost battery slot 38, and the leftmost display element of the power meter 39a corresponds to the leftmost battery slot 38. However, this matching of arrangement directions is not an essential configuration. As long as it is possible to recognize that each display element corresponds to each battery slot 38, the arrangement directions may be different, as in the power meter 39 of the embodiment. The advantages of each display element corresponding to each battery slot 38 will be described in Figure 9C and subsequent figures.

[0051] Figure 9A is the first figure showing an example of the display of the total maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output by the power meter 39a in another embodiment. In Figure 9A, the upper section shows whether or not the battery packs 20 are installed in the battery slots 38, and the lower section shows an example of the display of the power meter 39a. In the example of Figure 9A, battery packs 20 are installed in the remaining three battery slots 38, with the exception of the second battery slot 38 from the right, which is indicated by a dashed rectangle.

[0052] Here, the power meter 39a has two display elements with dot hatching lit up. That is, the total maximum power value is 2 / 4 times the power value when all four battery slots 38 are equipped with dischargeable battery packs 20. Therefore, it can be seen that two of the battery packs 20 are in a dischargeable state. However, it is unclear which of the installed battery packs 20 is in a non-dischargeable state.

[0053] Figure 9B is the second figure showing an example of the display of the total maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output by the power meter 39a in another embodiment. In Figure 9B, the upper section shows whether or not the battery packs 20 are installed in the battery slots 38, and the lower section shows an example of the display of the power meter 39a. In the example of Figure 9B, battery packs 20 are installed in the remaining three battery slots 38, with the exception of the second battery slot 38 from the right, which is indicated by a dashed rectangle.

[0054] Here, the power meter 39a has two display elements with dot hatching lit up. That is, the total maximum power value is 2 / 4 times the power value when all four battery slots 38 are equipped with dischargeable battery packs 20. Therefore, it can be seen that two of the battery packs 20 are in a dischargeable state. Similar to Figure 9A, it is unclear here which of the installed battery packs 20 is in a non-dischargeable state. On the other hand, in the example of Figure 9B, compared to the example of Figure 9A, the power meter 39a displays a value corresponding to the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output. Therefore, it can be seen at a glance here that 600W of power can be continuously output.

[0055] The numerical value corresponding to the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output may be printed on the casing or digitally displayed on a device such as an LCD. In the latter case, it is easy to change the value, so for example, even if a battery pack 20 with a maximum power value that can be continuously output 300W and another battery pack with a maximum power value that can be continuously output 600W are randomly installed, it is possible to accommodate this by changing the displayed value.

[0056] Figure 9C is the third figure showing an example of the display of the total maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output by the power meter 39a in another embodiment. In Figure 9C, the upper section shows whether or not the battery packs 20 are installed in the battery slots 38, and the lower section shows an example of the display of the power meter 39a. In the example of Figure 9C, battery packs 20 are installed in the remaining three battery slots 38, with the exception of the second battery slot 38 from the right, which is indicated by a dashed rectangle.

[0057] Here, the power meter 39a has two display elements with dot hatching lit up. That is, the total maximum power value is 2 / 4 times the power value when all four battery slots 38 are equipped with dischargeable battery packs 20. Therefore, it can be seen that two of the battery packs 20 are in a dischargeable state. In contrast to the example in Figure 9A above, in this example, the total maximum power value that can be continuously output is displayed in the pattern corresponding to the dischargeable battery packs 20 among the installed battery packs 20. In other words, of the three installed battery packs 20, the battery pack 20 installed in the battery slot 38 corresponding to the lit display element in the row direction is in a dischargeable state. Conversely, the battery pack 20 installed in the second battery slot 38 from the left can be identified as a non-dischargeable battery pack 20. If each of the display elements corresponds to each of the battery slots 38, then by matching the patterns in this way, it becomes possible to distinguish between a battery slot 38 equipped with a dischargeable battery pack 20 and a battery slot 38 equipped with a non-dischargeable battery pack 20.

[0058] Figure 9D is Figure 4, which shows an example of the display of the total maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output by the power meter 39a in another embodiment. In Figure 9D, the upper part shows whether or not the battery packs 20 are installed in the battery slots 38, and the lower part shows an example of the display of the power meter 39a. In the example of Figure 9D, battery packs 20 are installed in the remaining three battery slots 38, with the exception of the second battery slot 38 from the right, which is indicated by a dashed rectangle.

[0059] Here, the power meter 39a has two display elements with dot hatching lit up. That is, the total maximum power value is 2 / 4 times the power value when all four battery slots 38 are equipped with dischargeable battery packs 20. Therefore, it can be seen that two battery packs 20 are in a dischargeable state. Here, the power meter 39a displays a value corresponding to the maximum power value that can be continuously output from each battery. Therefore, it can be seen that two battery packs capable of continuously outputting 300W of power are installed. Thus, by calculation, it can be seen that 300W × 2 = 600W of power can be continuously output.

[0060] The numerical value corresponding to the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output may be printed on the casing or digitally displayed on a device such as an LCD.

[0061] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the discharge device 30 comprises N battery slots 38 (where N is an integer of 2 or more, in the above example N=4), each capable of holding one battery 22; an output unit 36 ​​that outputs power discharged from one or more batteries 22 installed in each of the N battery slots 38 to a connected power load; and a power meter 39 for displaying the load power value, which is the power value output to the power load, and the power meter 39 capable of displaying the load power value in N steps.

[0062] Such a discharge device 30 can display the load power value in stages, with the same number of stages as the number of battery slots 38, using a power meter 39. As a result, the user can understand how much of the power from the batteries 22 installed in the battery slots 38 is being output to the power load, and also understand the power that is not being output, i.e., the surplus power. For example, in a discharge device 30 with four battery slots 38, if three batteries 22 are installed, and the stage display of the load power value shows stage 2 out of 4, it can be estimated that about two of the maximum load power values ​​of four batteries 22 are being output. And since three batteries 22 are installed, it can be estimated that one of them is a surplus battery 22, and the user can understand that this surplus battery can be removed while still outputting power to the power load. In this way, the number of removable batteries 22 can be determined and the battery 22 can be removed. In other words, this has the effect of ensuring that the battery 22 is handled properly, as it is less likely to be mishandled, such as by being removed from the battery 22 which is necessary to discharge power for output to the power load.

[0063] Furthermore, for example, the load power value displayed by the power meter 39 may change in steps by one for each threshold corresponding to the power value obtained by multiplying the maximum continuously outputtable power value per battery 22 by an integer less than or equal to N.

[0064] According to this, the user can determine how many batteries 22's worth of power from the batteries 22 installed in the battery slot 38 are being output to the power load, and can also determine the amount of power that is not being output, i.e., the number of surplus batteries 22, converted to the number of batteries 22.

[0065] Furthermore, for example, the threshold may be a power value obtained by subtracting a predetermined margin from the power value obtained by multiplying the maximum continuously outputtable power value per battery 22 by each integer less than or equal to N.

[0066] According to this, the step in the step display can be increased by a predetermined margin at low output values. Therefore, the power meter 39 can display that another battery 22 is needed at an output value lower than the actual power output value, at least by a predetermined margin. In other words, the load power value can be displayed higher by at least a predetermined margin. This prevents power shortages from occurring due to transient increases or decreases in the load power value when the load power value and the actual power output value from the installed battery 22 are approximately the same.

[0067] Furthermore, for example, a predetermined margin may be determined according to actual measured values ​​of past load power values.

[0068] According to this, a predetermined margin (larger than the power value being increased or decreased) can be determined that can cover transient increases or decreases in load power values ​​that can be expected from past load power values.

[0069] Furthermore, for example, the threshold may have a hysteresis characteristic such that the value when the step display decreases by one step is smaller than the value when the step display increases by one step.

[0070] According to this, it is less likely that the number of installed batteries 22 will decrease after the number of installed batteries 22 increases due to an increase in the indicator level, due to a decrease in the indicator level. Therefore, once installed, batteries 22 are less likely to be removed until they are deemed to be sufficiently surplus, thus preventing a shortage of output power.

[0071] Furthermore, for example, if two or more batteries 22 are installed in N battery slots 38, the system may also include a display unit 37 that indicates which battery 22 is suitable for removal among the two or more batteries 22.

[0072] According to this, among two or more storage batteries 22, the storage battery 22 that is more suitable for removal can be removed preferentially.

[0073] Furthermore, for example, the display unit 37 may display a different display mode for a battery 22 that is suitable for removal from each of the two or more batteries 22, based on the remaining discharge amount that can be discharged from each of the batteries 22 to the discharge device 30.

[0074] According to this, based on the remaining discharge capacity that can be discharged to the discharge device 30, the battery 22 that is more suitable for removal can be preferentially removed from among the two or more storage batteries 22.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, the power meter 39 can switch between (i) a first mode that displays the load power value, which is the power value output to the power load, and (ii) a second mode that displays the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output from the batteries 22 installed in the N battery slots 38 using N displays. In the second mode, the power meter 39 may display the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output from the batteries 22 in a pattern corresponding to the battery slots 38 in which the dischargeable batteries 22 are installed among the N battery slots 38.

[0076] According to this, the function of displaying the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output in the second mode, which can be switched from the first mode, can be realized by using the power meter 39 in conjunction with the power meter 39. As a result, a discharge device 30 that also has the function of displaying the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output in the second mode can be realized while reducing the number of additional parts. Furthermore, in this second mode, the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output from the battery 22 can be displayed in a pattern corresponding to the battery slot 38 in which a dischargeable battery 22 is installed among the N battery slots 38, so that a battery 22 that cannot be discharged can be identified from the displayed pattern. Therefore, by simply checking the power meter 39, it becomes possible to remove only the battery 22 that cannot be discharged due to insufficient charge from among the batteries 22 installed in multiple battery slots 38. Thus, it is less likely that a battery 22 necessary for discharging power to be output to a power load will be removed, and the battery 22 can be handled appropriately.

[0077] Furthermore, a discharge device 30a according to another embodiment comprises N battery slots (where N is an integer of 2 or more), each capable of holding one battery; an output unit that outputs power discharged from one or more batteries installed in each of the N battery slots to a connected power load; and a power meter for displaying the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output from the batteries installed in the N battery slots, the power meter capable of displaying the total of the maximum power values ​​using N displays, the power meter displays the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output from the batteries in a pattern corresponding to the battery slots among the N battery slots in which dischargeable batteries are installed.

[0078] Such a discharge device 30a is equipped with a power meter 39a that has a function to display the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output. Furthermore, the power meter 39a can display the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output from the battery 22 in a pattern corresponding to the battery slot 38 in which a dischargeable battery 22 is installed among the N battery slots 38, so that a battery 22 that cannot be discharged can be identified from the displayed pattern.Therefore, by simply checking the power meter 39a, it is possible to remove only the battery 22 that cannot be discharged due to insufficient charge from among the batteries 22 installed in multiple battery slots 38.As a result, it is less likely that a battery 22 necessary for discharging power to be output to a power load will be removed, thus ensuring that the batteries 22 are handled appropriately.

[0079] Furthermore, the discharge system 10 comprises the discharge device 30 or discharge device 30a described above, and one or more storage batteries.

[0080] According to this, a discharge system 10 that produces the same effect as the discharge device 30 described above can be realized.

[0081] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0082] For example, the components of the discharge system described in the above embodiment may be distributed among the battery pack and the discharge device in any way. For instance, some or all of the power conversion circuit of the discharge device may be provided in the battery pack.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processing units may be changed, or multiple processing units may be executed in parallel.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0085] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. Each component may also be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0086] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0087] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a discharge device according to the above embodiment. Alternatively, the present invention may be implemented as a control method for a discharge system according to the above embodiment. The present invention may be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute such a control method, or as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0088] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 10 Discharge Systems 22 Storage batteries 30, 30a discharge device 36 Output section 37 Display section 38 battery slots 39, 39a Power Meter

Claims

1. N battery slots (where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2), each capable of holding one battery, An output unit that outputs power discharged from one or more batteries installed in each of the N battery slots to a connected power load, A power meter for displaying a load power value, which is a power value output to the aforementioned power load, comprising a power meter capable of displaying the load power value by N displays, The load power value displayed by the power meter changes in steps for each threshold value corresponding to the power value obtained by multiplying the maximum continuously output power value per battery by an integer less than or equal to N. Discharge device.

2. The threshold value is the power value obtained by multiplying the maximum continuously output power value per battery by an integer less than or equal to N, and then subtracting a predetermined margin from that power value. The discharge device according to claim 1.

3. The predetermined margin is determined according to the measured values ​​of the load power in the past. The discharge device according to claim 2.

4. The threshold has a hysteresis characteristic in which the value when the step display decreases by one step is smaller than the value when the step display increases by one step. The discharge device according to claim 1.

5. Furthermore, when two or more of the storage batteries are installed in the N storage battery slots, the system includes a display unit that indicates which of the two or more storage batteries is suitable for removal. A discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The display unit displays a different display pattern for the battery suitable for removal from the other batteries, based on the remaining discharge amount that can be discharged from each of the two or more batteries to the discharge device. The discharge device according to claim 5.

7. N battery slots (where N is an integer of 2 or more), each of which is capable of holding one battery, An output unit that outputs power discharged from one or more batteries installed in each of the N battery slots to a connected power load, A power meter for displaying a load power value, which is a power value output to the aforementioned power load, comprising a power meter capable of displaying the load power value by N displays, The aforementioned power meter is (i) A first mode that displays the load power value, which is the power value output to the power load, and (ii) a second mode that displays the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output from the batteries installed in the N battery slots, using the N displays. Discharge device.

8. In the second mode, the power meter displays the total of the maximum power values ​​that can be continuously output from the battery in a pattern corresponding to the battery slots among the N battery slots in which the dischargeable battery is installed. The discharge device according to claim 7.

9. A discharge device according to claim 1 or 7, The system comprises one or more of the aforementioned storage batteries. Discharge system.

Images