Charging device, charging system, charging method, and program

Abstract

The present disclosure addresses the problem of improving convenience. A charging device (1) comprises a pack installation unit, a level acquisition unit (142), a level selection unit (143), a level outputting unit (144), and a power feed control unit (145). A battery pack (3) is detachably installed on the pack installation unit. The level acquisition unit (142) includes a power supply device (2) and acquires a plurality of output capability levels that each include a combination of an output voltage and an output current from the power supply device (2). The level selection unit (143) selects an output capability level from among the plurality of output capability levels acquired by the level acquisition unit (142). The level outputting unit (144) outputs the output capability level selected by the level selection unit (143) to the power supply device (2). The power feed control unit (145) performs control of power feed to the battery pack (3) in accordance with the output capability level selected by the level selection unit (143).

Description

Charging device, charging system, charging method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a charging device, a charging system, a charging method, and a program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a charging device capable of charging a battery using at least two types of power supply. The charging device is equipped with a DC / DC converter and an AC / DC converter serving as voltage conversion means, a microcomputer, an external selection means, and a charging current detection circuit. The microcomputer selects a power source to use based on a predetermined priority or a signal from the external selection means, and turns on only the corresponding voltage conversion means. The voltage conversion means converts the voltage from the power source to the desired voltage. The charging current detection circuit detects the charging current and sends it to the microcomputer. The microcomputer sends a constant current control signal to the voltage detection means, controlling the charging current to the desired current value according to the voltage detection means.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-245145

[0004] The charging device of Patent Document 1 is capable of charging a battery using a power source selected from two or more types of power supply. However, even if a single power supply has multiple output capacity levels, the charging device of Patent Document 1 cannot select an appropriate output capacity level to charge the battery. Therefore, there is room for improvement in convenience.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to improve convenience.

[0006] A charging device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a pack attachment unit, a level acquisition unit, a level selection unit, a level output unit, and a power supply control unit. A battery pack is detachably attached to the pack attachment unit. The level acquisition unit is included in a power supply device and acquires from the power supply device a plurality of output capability levels, each of which includes a combination of an output voltage and an output current. The level selection unit selects an output capability level from the plurality of output capability levels acquired by the level acquisition unit. The level output unit outputs the output capability level selected by the level selection unit to the power supply device. The power supply control unit controls power supply to the battery pack according to the output capability level selected by the level selection unit.

[0007] A charging system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the charging device, the power supply device, and a cable connecting the charging device and the power supply device.

[0008] A charging method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a charging method performed using a charging device. The charging device includes a pack mounting portion to which a battery pack is detachably attached. The charging method includes a level acquisition step, a level selection step, a level output step, and a power supply control step. The level acquisition step includes acquiring from the power supply device a plurality of output capability levels possessed by the power supply device, each of which includes a combination of an output voltage and an output current. The level selection step includes selecting an output capability level from the plurality of output capability levels acquired in the level acquisition step. The level output step includes outputting the output capability level selected in the level selection step to the power supply device. The power supply control step includes controlling power supply to the battery pack in accordance with the output capability level selected in the level selection step.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the charging method.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system including a charging device according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a side view of the charging device, a battery pack, and a power tool. Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a charging method using the charging device. Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a charging device according to a first modification. Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a charging device according to a second modification.

[0011] Charging devices and charging systems according to embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the following embodiments are merely a portion of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The following embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, the drawings described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] (1) Embodiment (1.1) Configuration A charging device 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) of this embodiment is a device that is interposed between a power supply device 2 and a battery pack 3, and supplies power from the power supply device 2 to the battery pack 3 to charge the battery pack 3. The charging device 1, together with the power supply device 2 and a cable 4 that connects the charging device 1 and the power supply device 2, constitutes a charging system 10. In other words, the charging system 10 includes the charging device 1, the power supply device 2, and the cable 4.

[0013] The power supply device 2 is a DC power supply that outputs DC power. The power supply device 2 has a plurality of output capability levels. Each of the plurality of output capability levels includes a combination of an output voltage and an output current. That is, the power supply device 2 can output output power according to the corresponding output voltage and output current for each of the plurality of output capability levels possessed by the power supply device 2.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1 , the power supply device 2 includes a power connection section 21 , a connection port 22 , a power supply circuit section 23 , and a control section 24 .

[0015] The power supply connector 21 includes, for example, a terminal connected to an AC power supply AC1. The power supply connector 21 is, for example, a plug connected to an AC outlet. The power supply connector 21 may also be a terminal (such as a quick-connect terminal) connected to a power line that transmits AC power. AC power (for example, AC power of 100 V, 110 V, 120 V, 220 V, 230 V, etc.) is supplied to the power supply device 2 from the AC power supply AC1 via the power supply connector 21.

[0016] The power supply circuit unit 23 converts AC power supplied to the power supply connection unit 21 into desired DC power. The power supply circuit unit 23 includes an AC / DC converter. The power supply circuit unit 23 includes, for example, one or more switching elements. The operation (on and off) of the switching elements is controlled by the control unit 24. By controlling the operation of the switching elements, the power supply circuit unit 23 converts AC power into desired DC power and outputs it.

[0017] The power supply circuit unit 23 is capable of generating variable DC power (output power). Under the control of the control unit 24, the power supply circuit unit 23 can generate output power (output current and output voltage) according to a plurality of output capability levels of the power supply device 2.

[0018] The control unit 24 controls the operation of the power supply circuit unit 23. The control unit 24 controls the operation of the switching elements of the power supply circuit unit 23. The control unit 24 also has a function of communicating via a wire with the charging device 1 connected via the connection port 22.

[0019] A cable 4 is connected to the connection port 22. As shown in FIG. 1 , the cable 4 has a first connector 41 and a second connector 42 at both ends. For example, the first connector 41 of the cable 4 is connected to the connection port 22. The cable 4 has a power supply path 401 and a signal path 402. The power supply path 401 is connected to the power supply circuit unit 23 of the power supply device 2 when the cable 4 is connected to the connection port 22, and carries DC power from the power supply circuit unit 23. The signal path 402 is connected to the control unit 24 of the power supply device 2 when the cable 4 is connected to the connection port 22, and transmits signals to and from the control unit 24.

[0020] The battery pack 3 is, for example, a battery pack for a power tool 5 (see FIG. 2 ). The battery pack 3 supplies power to the power tool 5 attached to the battery pack 3. There are various types of power tools 5, such as impact drivers, impact wrenches, drill drivers, hammer drills, hole saws, and cleaners. Furthermore, even the same type of power tool 5 comes in a variety of outputs depending on the application, etc. Battery packs 3 with various rated output voltages and rated capacities are available to accommodate various types and outputs of power tools 5.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 2, the battery pack 3 includes one or more batteries (battery cells) 30 (four in the example of Fig. 2) and a battery pack main body 31 that houses the batteries 30. The one or more batteries 30 are housed inside the battery pack main body 31. Each of the one or more batteries 30 is a secondary battery. Each of the one or more batteries 30 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery or an all-solid-state battery.

[0022] As described above, battery packs 3 are available with various rated output voltages and rated capacities. The rated output voltage of the battery pack 3 is determined, for example, by the number of batteries 30 connected in series. That is, the battery pack 3 has a rated output voltage determined by the product of the number of batteries 30 connected in series and the rated voltage of the batteries 30. When the rated voltage of the batteries 30 is 3.6 V, the types of rated output voltages of the battery pack 3 include, for example, 3.6 V, 7.2 V, 14.4 V, 18.0 V, and 28.8 V. The battery pack 3 also includes one or more sets of batteries 30 connected in series (hereinafter referred to as "series battery sets" for convenience). In a battery pack 3 including two or more series battery sets, the series battery sets are connected in parallel to each other, for example.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1 , the battery pack 3 further includes a connection terminal unit 32 , a memory unit 33 , and an identification resistor 34 .

[0024] The connection terminal unit 32 has a power supply terminal, a first signal terminal, and a second signal terminal. The power supply terminal is connected to the battery 30. The first signal terminal is connected to the memory unit 33. The second signal terminal is connected to the identification resistor 34.

[0025] The connection terminal 32 is electrically connectable to the power tool 5. When the connection terminal 32 is connected to the power tool 5, power from the battery 30 is supplied to the power tool 5 via the power supply terminal. The connection terminal 32 is also electrically connectable to the charging device 1. When the connection terminal 32 is connected to the charging device 1, power from the charging device 1 is supplied to the battery 30 via the power supply terminal, thereby charging the battery 30.

[0026] The storage unit 33 is, for example, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc. The storage unit 33 stores information about the battery pack 3 in which the storage unit 33 is provided. The storage unit 33 stores the rated output voltage, identification information (product number, etc.) of the battery pack 3, etc. When the connection terminal unit 32 is connected to an external device such as the power tool 5 or the charging device 1, the external device can read the information stored in the storage unit 33 via the first signal terminal.

[0027] The identification resistor 34 has a resistance value corresponding to, for example, the rated output voltage of the battery pack 3. That is, the resistance value of the identification resistor 34 differs between battery packs 3 with different rated output voltages. For example, the resistance value of the identification resistor 34 differs between a battery pack 3 with a rated output voltage of 3.6 V and a battery pack 3 with a rated output voltage of 7.2 V. The external device can detect the resistance value of the identification resistor 34 by passing a current through the identification resistor 34 via the second signal terminal. The resistance value of the identification resistor 34 may differ between battery packs 3 with different performance characteristics, such as rated capacity, instead of or in addition to the rated output voltage.

[0028] The charging device 1 is connected to a power supply device 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the charging device 1 has a connection port 11. For example, a second connector 42 of a cable 4 is connected to the connection port 11. The second connector 42 of the cable 4 is connected to the connection port 11 of the charging device 1, and the first connector 41 of the cable 4 is connected to the connection port 22 of the power supply device 2, thereby connecting the charging device 1 and the power supply device 2 via the cable 4. Note that in the example of FIG. 2 , the connection port 11 is provided on a side surface of the housing of the charging device 1, but this is not limiting, and the connection port 11 may be provided on any surface of the housing, such as the top surface, front surface, or rear surface.

[0029] A battery pack 3 is detachably attached to the charging device 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the charging device 1 has a pack attachment section 12 to which the battery pack 3 is detachably attached. The pack attachment section 12 mechanically holds the attached battery pack 3. The pack attachment section 12 has, for example, a recessed structure, a protruding structure, a slide groove, or the like for holding the battery pack 3 by fitting.

[0030] The charging device 1 includes a connection terminal unit 13. The connection terminal unit 13 is electrically connected to (the connection terminal unit 32 of) the battery pack 3 attached to the pack attachment unit 12. The connection terminal unit 13 has a power supply terminal, a first signal terminal, and a second signal terminal. The power supply terminal of the connection terminal unit 13 is connected to the power supply terminal of the connection terminal unit 32 of the battery pack 3. The charging device 1 can supply power to the battery pack 3 via the power supply terminal of the connection terminal unit 13. The first signal terminal of the connection terminal unit 13 is connected to the first signal terminal of the connection terminal unit 32 of the battery pack 3. The charging device 1 can read information stored in the memory unit 33 from the battery pack 3 via the first signal terminal of the connection terminal unit 13. The second signal terminal of the connection terminal unit 13 is connected to the second signal terminal of the connection terminal unit 32 of the battery pack 3. The charging device 1 can detect the resistance value of the identification resistor 34 from the battery pack 3 via the second signal terminal of the connection terminal unit 13.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 1, the charging device 1 includes a processing unit 14. The processing unit 14 may be realized, for example, by a computer system including one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories. The one or more processors execute one or more programs stored in one or more memories to realize the functions of the processing unit 14. Here, the programs are pre-recorded in the memory of the processing unit 14, but they may also be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet or by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

[0032] 1 , the processing unit 14 includes a charging information acquisition unit 141, a level acquisition unit 142, a level selection unit 143, a level output unit 144, and a power supply control unit 145. In other words, the processing unit 14 has the functions of the charging information acquisition unit 141, the level acquisition unit 142, the level selection unit 143, the level output unit 144, and the power supply control unit 145.

[0033] The charging information acquisition unit 141 acquires charging information from the battery pack 3 attached to the pack attachment portion 12. The charging information is information related to the charging of the battery pack 3. The charging information may include information on the rated output voltage of the battery pack 3, identification information of the battery pack 3, and the like. The charging information acquisition unit 141 acquires the charging information from the battery pack 3 by reading information stored in the memory unit 33 of the battery pack 3 via the first signal terminal of the connection terminal portion 13 or by detecting the resistance value of the identification resistor 34 via the second signal terminal. The charging information acquisition unit 141 may acquire additional information related to the charging of the battery pack 3 (e.g., the rated output voltage and rated capacity of the battery pack 3) by comparing the acquired charging information (e.g., the identification information of the battery pack 3) with various data tables stored in memory (e.g., data tables indicating the relationship between the identification information of the battery pack 3 and the rated output voltage and rated capacity of the battery pack 3). In short, the charging information acquired by the charging information acquisition unit 141 from the battery pack 3 includes information indicating the rated output voltage of the battery pack 3.

[0034] The level acquisition unit 142 acquires, from the power supply device 2 connected to the connection port 11, multiple output capacity levels possessed by the power supply device 2. As described above, the output capacity level includes a combination of an output voltage and an output current. That is, various power supply devices 2 having different output capacity levels may be connected to the charging device 1. Furthermore, the power supply device 2 connected to the charging device 1 may have multiple output capacity levels. Therefore, the processing unit 14 of the charging device 1 acquires, from the power supply device 2, information on the power that the power supply device 2 can output (output capacity level) using the level acquisition unit 142.

[0035] The level selection unit 143 selects an output capacity level from among the plurality of output capacity levels acquired by the level acquisition unit 142. The level selection unit 143 selects an output capacity level based on predetermined conditions. The level selection unit 143 selects an output capacity level based on the charging information acquired by the charging information acquisition unit 141.

[0036] Specifically, the level selection unit 143 selects the output capability level based on at least the rated output voltage of the battery pack 3. For example, the level selection unit 143 selects the output capability level so that the output voltage of the power supply device 2 is equal to or greater than the rated output voltage of the battery pack 3.

[0037] The level selection unit 143 may select the output capability level based on the number of series battery sets connected in parallel to each other in the battery pack 3 (hereinafter referred to as the "number of parallel battery sets" for convenience). For example, the level selection unit 143 may select the output capability level so that the output current of the power supply device 2 is larger when a battery pack 3 with M parallel battery sets (M is an integer equal to or greater than N+1) is attached than when a battery pack 3 with N parallel battery sets (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) is attached. In other words, the charging information includes information indicating the number of parallel battery sets, which is the number of battery sets connected in parallel in the battery pack 3, and the level selection unit 143 may select the output capability level so that the output current of the power supply device 2 is larger when the number of parallel battery sets is two than when it is one.

[0038] The level output unit 144 outputs the output capacity level selected by the level selection unit 143 to the power supply device 2. The level output unit 144 outputs the output capacity level to the power supply device 2 via the signal path 402 of the cable 4 connected to the connection port 11.

[0039] In the power supply device 2, the control unit 24 acquires the output capability level via the signal path 402 of the cable 4 connected to the connection port 22. The control unit 24 controls the operation of the power supply circuit unit 23 according to the acquired output capability level. That is, the control unit 24 controls the operation of the power supply circuit unit 23 so that an output voltage and output current corresponding to the acquired output capability level are output from the power supply circuit unit 23 to the power feed path 401 of the cable 4. In short, the level output unit 144 of the charging device 1 outputs the output capability level selected by the level selection unit 143 to the power supply device 2, and causes the power supply device 2 to output power corresponding to the output capability level (the output capability level selected by the level selection unit 143).

[0040] The power supply control unit 145 of the charging device 1 controls power supply to the battery pack 3 according to the output capacity level selected by the level selection unit 143. The power supply control unit 145 controls power supply to the battery pack 3, for example, by controlling the on / off of a switch 150 (e.g., a semiconductor switch such as a field effect transistor (FET)) provided in the power supply path 101 between the connection port 11 and the connection terminal unit 13 (power supply terminal). That is, the power supply control unit 145 controls power supply to the battery pack 3 using power output from the power supply device 2 according to the output capacity level selected by the level selection unit 143. The power supply control unit 145 charges the battery 30 of the battery pack 3 attached to the pack attachment unit 12 until it is fully charged, for example. The power supply control unit 145 detects the current battery voltage of the battery pack 3 by, for example, detecting the voltage of the power supply terminal of the connection terminal unit 13, and charges the battery pack 3 so that the detected battery voltage becomes the rated output voltage of the battery pack 3.

[0041] (1.2) Operation The charging operation of the battery pack 3 by the charging device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0042] When the charging device 1 is connected to the power supply device 2 via the cable 4, it acquires from the power supply device 2 the multiple output capacity levels of the power supply device 2 (level acquisition step ST1). When the battery pack 3 is attached to the pack attachment portion 12, the charging device 1 acquires charging information from the battery pack 3 (charging information acquisition step ST2). Then, the charging device 1 selects an output capacity level from the multiple output capacity levels acquired from the power supply device 2 based on the charging information (level selection step ST3) and outputs the selected output capacity level to the power supply device 2 (level output step ST4). When the power supply device 2 acquires the selected output capacity level from the charging device 1, it replies to the charging device 1 with a response (ACK signal) indicating the acquisition and outputs power to the cable 4 according to the output capacity level specified by the charging device 1. The charging device 1 charges the battery pack 3 with power supplied from the power supply device 2 via the cable 4 (power supply control step ST5).

[0043] 3 is merely an example of the operation of the charging device 1, and for example, the order of the processes may be changed as appropriate, or processes may be added or omitted as appropriate. For example, the order of the level acquisition step ST1 and the charging information acquisition step ST2 may be reversed. Furthermore, the level acquisition step ST1 and the charging information acquisition step ST2 may be performed after both the power supply device 2 and the battery pack 3 are connected to the charging device 1.

[0044] As described above, according to the charging device 1 of this embodiment, when the power supply device 2 has a plurality of output capacity levels, it is possible to cause the power supply device 2 to output power at an output capacity level suitable for the battery pack 3 attached to the pack attachment portion 12. Furthermore, according to the charging device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to charge various battery packs 3 at a charging voltage and charging current suitable for the battery pack 3. This allows the user to charge the battery pack 3 at a charging voltage and charging current suitable for the battery pack 3 without any effort, thereby improving user convenience.

[0045] (1.3) Specific Example In one specific example, the power supply device 2 may be a USB (Universal Serial Bus) PD (Power Delivery) charger. A USB PD charger has the functionality of a power supply device (source) of the USB PD standard and complies with the source power rules defined in the USB PD standard. The USB PD standard specifies the required output voltage and output current combinations, i.e., the required output capability levels, depending on the rated output of the charger. For example, a USB PD charger with a rated output of 60 W must be able to output (have output capability levels of) 5 V / 3 A, 9 V / 3 A, 15 V / 3 A, or 20 V / 3 A, and may optionally have other output capability levels (e.g., 12 V / 3 A). The USB PD charger may be a USB outlet embedded in the wall or floor of a building, or a device (charger) equipped with a plug that plugs into an AC outlet.

[0046] In this case, the charging device 1 has a function of receiving power (sink) according to the USBPD standard and follows the sink power rules defined in the USBPD standard. The processing unit 14 of the charging device 1 realizes a function of negotiating with the USBPD charger as the power supply device 2 by using the level acquisition unit 142, level selection unit 143, level output unit 144, etc.

[0047] The cable 4 may be a USB Type-C cable, and each of the first connector 41 and the second connector 42 of the cable 4 may be a USB Type-C connector (plug). Each of the connection ports 11 and 22 may be a USB Type-C connector (receptacle).

[0048] The level selection unit 143 of the charging device 1 selects the output capacity level so that the output voltage of the power supply device 2 is greater than the rated output voltage of the battery pack 3 attached to the pack attachment unit 12. The level selection unit 143 may also select the output capacity level so that the output current is 3 A when the number of parallel battery sets in the battery pack 3 is one, and the output current is 5 A when the number of parallel battery sets is two or more (and the cable 4 is capable of supplying a current of 5 A).

[0049] According to the charging device 1 and charging system 10 of this example, it is possible to charge a battery pack 3 that does not have USBPD standard functions using power from the power supply device 2 as a USBPD charger, thereby improving user convenience.

[0050] (2) Modifications The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, functions similar to those of the charging device 1 according to the above embodiment may be embodied in a charging method, a computer program, a non-transitory recording medium on which a computer program is recorded, or the like.

[0051] Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0052] The processing unit 14 in the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program stored in the memory of the computer system to realize the functions of the processing unit 14 in the present disclosure. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integrations (VLSIs), or ultra-large-scale integrations (ULSIs). Furthermore, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices that allow the reconfiguration of internal connections or internal circuit partitions of the LSI, can also be used as processors. The electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or distributed across multiple chips. The chips may be integrated into one device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0053] Furthermore, it is not essential that the multiple functions of the processing unit 14 are concentrated in one housing. The components of the processing unit 14 may be distributed across multiple housings. Conversely, the multiple functions of the processing unit 14 may be concentrated in one housing. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the processing unit 14 may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0054] (2.1) Modification 1 In the charging device 1 of this modification, the level selection unit 143 selects two or more output capability levels from among the multiple output capability levels acquired by the level acquisition unit 142. The two or more output capability levels selected by the level selection unit 143 have, for example, the same output voltage but different output currents.

[0055] 4, the charging device 1 further includes a level setting unit 146 that sets one output capability level from the two or more output capability levels selected by the level selection unit 143. The level setting unit 146 sets one output capability level from the two or more output capability levels based on a predetermined criterion.

[0056] For example, a mode selection switch 16 that can be operated by a user is provided on the housing of the charging device 1. The mode selection switch 16 is a switch for selecting between a normal mode and a low power mode as the charging mode of the charging device 1. The mode selection switch 16 is, for example, a slide switch that switches the charging mode of the charging device 1 depending on the operating position.

[0057] The level setting unit 146 sets one output capability level from the two or more output capability levels selected by the level selection unit 143, depending on the charging mode selected by the mode selection switch 16. For example, when two output capability levels are selected by the level selection unit 143 and the low power mode is selected by the mode selection switch 16, the level setting unit 146 sets the output capability level with the smaller output power (output current) of the two output capability levels. On the other hand, when two output capability levels are selected by the level selection unit 143 and the normal mode is selected by the mode selection switch 16, the level setting unit 146 sets the output capability level with the larger output power (output current) of the two output capability levels.

[0058] The level output unit 144 outputs one output capacity level set by the level setting unit 146 to the power supply device 2. The power supply device 2 outputs power to the cable 4 in accordance with one output capacity level specified by the charging device 1 (the output capacity level set by the level setting unit 146).

[0059] As described above, the charging device 1 of this modified example allows the user to select the charging mode between the normal mode and the low-power mode. For example, a mobile battery (or a battery pack other than the battery pack 3) that stores a finite amount of power may be connected to the charging device 1 as the power supply device 2. In this case, the user can select the low-power mode as the charging mode and have the power supply device 2 supply (charge) the minimum amount of power required for working with the power tool 5 to the battery pack 3, thereby conserving the power stored in the power supply device 2 (such as a mobile battery). As described above, the charging device 1 of this modified example can further improve user convenience.

[0060] (2.2) Modification 2 As shown in Fig. 5 , the charging device 1 of this modification includes a power conversion unit 151 instead of the switch 150. The power conversion unit 151 includes, for example, a DC / DC converter. The power supply control unit 145 controls the operation of the power conversion unit 151 to control the power supply to the battery pack 3.

[0061] According to the charging device 1 of this modified example, the voltage supplied from the power supply device 2 can be increased or decreased and supplied to the battery pack 3. The power supply control unit 145 may charge the battery pack 3 until it is fully charged, for example, by performing constant current charging at the beginning of charging (for example, when the battery voltage of the battery pack 3 is below a predetermined value) and performing constant voltage charging near the end of charging (for example, when the battery voltage of the battery pack 3 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value).

[0062] According to the charging device 1 of this modified example, it is possible to further improve convenience for the user.

[0063] (2.3) Other Modifications In one modification, the charging device 1 may be used connected to a power supply device 2 having a single output capacity level. In this case, if the output capacity level of the power supply device 2 is not suitable for charging the battery pack 3 (for example, if the rated output voltage of the battery pack 3 is greater than the output voltage of the power supply device 2), the charging device 1 may turn off the switch 150 to prohibit the power supply device 2 from charging the battery pack 3.

[0064] In one modified example, the charging device 1 may be a charging device dedicated to a specific type of battery pack 3. In that case, if the charging information of the battery pack 3 is known in advance, the processing unit 14 of the charging device 1 does not need to acquire the charging information from the battery pack 3. Therefore, the charging information acquisition unit 141 may be omitted.

[0065] (3) Aspect As described above, the charging device (1) of the first aspect includes a pack attachment section (12), a level acquisition section (142), a level selection section (143), a level output section (144), and a power supply control section (145). The pack attachment section (12) is detachably attached to the battery pack (3). The level acquisition section (142) acquires from the power supply device (2) a plurality of output capacity levels each including a combination of an output voltage and an output current. The level selection section (143) selects an output capacity level from the plurality of output capacity levels acquired by the level acquisition section (142). The level output section (144) outputs the output capacity level selected by the level selection section (143) to the power supply device (2). The power supply control section (145) controls power supply to the battery pack (3) according to the output capacity level selected by the level selection section (143).

[0066] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve convenience for the user.

[0067] The charging device (1) of the second aspect is the first aspect, and further includes a charging information acquisition unit (141). The charging information acquisition unit (141) acquires charging information related to charging of the battery pack (3) from the battery pack (3) attached to the pack attachment unit (12). The level selection unit (143) selects an output capacity level based on the charging information acquired by the charging information acquisition unit (141).

[0068] According to this aspect, it is possible to select an output capacity level according to the battery pack (3) attached to the pack attachment portion (12), so that it is possible to charge various battery packs (3), and it is possible to further improve convenience for the user.

[0069] In the charging device (1) of the third aspect, in the second aspect, the charging information includes information indicating the rated output voltage of the battery pack (3). The level selection unit (143) selects an output capacity level so that the output voltage of the power supply device (2) is equal to or greater than the rated output voltage of the battery pack (3).

[0070] According to this aspect, it is possible to charge the battery pack (3) at a voltage according to the rated output voltage of the battery pack (3).

[0071] In the charging device (1) of the fourth aspect, in the second or third aspect, the charging information includes information indicating the number of parallel battery sets, which is the number of battery sets connected in parallel in the battery pack (3). The level selection unit (143) selects the output capacity level so that the output current of the power supply device (2) is larger when the number of parallel battery sets is two than when it is one.

[0072] According to this aspect, it is possible to charge the battery pack (3) with a current according to the number of parallel-connected batteries in the battery pack (3).

[0073] In a fifth aspect of the charging device (1), in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the level selection unit (143) selects two or more output capacity levels from a plurality of output capacity levels. The charging device (1) further includes a level setting unit (146) that sets one output capacity level from the two or more output capacity levels. The level output unit (144) outputs the one output capacity level set by the level setting unit (146) to the power supply device (2).

[0074] According to this aspect, it is possible to further improve convenience for the user.

[0075] A charging system (10) of a sixth aspect includes a charging device (1) of any one of the first to fifth aspects, a power supply device (2), and a cable (4) connecting the charging device (1) and the power supply device (2).

[0076] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve convenience for the user.

[0077] A seventh aspect of the charging method is a charging method performed using a charging device (1). The charging device (1) has a pack mounting portion (12) to which a battery pack (3) is detachably attached. The charging method includes a level acquisition step (ST1), a level selection step (ST3), a level output step (ST4), and a power supply control step (ST5). The level acquisition step (ST1) includes acquiring from the power supply device (2) a plurality of output capacity levels each of which includes a combination of an output voltage and an output current. The level selection step (ST3) includes selecting an output capacity level from the plurality of output capacity levels acquired in the level acquisition step (ST1). The level output step (ST4) includes outputting the output capacity level selected in the level selection step (ST3) to the power supply device (2). The power supply control step (ST5) includes controlling power supply to the battery pack (3) in accordance with the output capacity level selected in the level selection step (ST3).

[0078] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve convenience for the user.

[0079] A program according to an eighth aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the charging method according to the seventh aspect.

[0080] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve convenience for the user.

[0081] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Charging device 12 Pack attachment section 141 Charging information acquisition section 142 Level acquisition section 143 Level selection section 144 Level output section 145 Power supply control section 146 Level setting section 2 Power supply device 3 Battery pack 4 Cable 10 Charging system ST1 Level acquisition step ST3 Level selection step ST4 Level output step ST5 Power supply control step

Claims

1. A charging device comprising: a pack attachment section to which a battery pack is detachably attached; a level acquisition section owned by a power supply device and which acquires a plurality of output capability levels from the power supply device, each of which includes a combination of output voltage and output current; a level selection section which selects an output capability level from the plurality of output capability levels acquired by the level acquisition section; a level output section which outputs the output capability level selected by the level selection section to the power supply device; and a power supply control section which controls power supply to the battery pack in accordance with the output capability level selected by the level selection section.

2. The charging device as described in claim 1, further comprising a charging information acquisition unit that acquires charging information regarding the charging of the battery pack from the battery pack attached to the pack mounting portion, and the level selection unit selects the output capability level based on the charging information acquired by the charging information acquisition unit.

3. The charging device according to claim 2, wherein the charging information includes information indicating a rated output voltage of the battery pack, and the level selection unit selects the output capability level so that the output voltage of the power supply device is equal to or greater than the rated output voltage of the battery pack.

4. The charging device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the charging information includes information indicating a number of parallel battery groups, which is the number of battery groups connected in parallel in the battery pack, and the level selection unit selects the output capability level so that the output current of the power supply device is larger when the number of parallel battery groups is 2 than when it is 1.

5. A charging device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the level selection unit selects two or more output capability levels from the plurality of output capability levels, and further comprises a level setting unit that sets one output capability level from the two or more output capability levels, and the level output unit outputs the one output capability level set by the level setting unit to the power supply device.

6. A charging system comprising: a charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; the power supply device; and a cable connecting the charging device and the power supply device.

7. A charging method performed using a charging device having a pack attachment portion to which a battery pack can be detachably attached, comprising: a level acquisition step of acquiring from a power supply device a plurality of output capability levels each of which includes a combination of an output voltage and an output current; a level selection step of selecting an output capability level from the plurality of output capability levels acquired in the level acquisition step; a level output step of outputting the output capability level selected in the level selection step to the power supply device; and a power supply control step of controlling power supply to the battery pack in accordance with the output capability level selected in the level selection step.

8. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the charging method of claim 7.

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