Electric device

Abstract

Provided is an electric device capable of detecting or performing notification of an abnormality in an electric device body in a state in which the electric device main body is not being driven. A control unit 20 of an electric device body 10 detects an abnormality in the electric device body 10 in a state in which the electric device body 10 is not driven, and stores non-driven-state abnormality information, which is information regarding the abnormality, in a storage unit 21. The control unit 20 is configured to be capable of executing processing for transmitting the non-driven-state abnormality information to a control unit 37 of a battery pack 30 attached to the electric device main body 10, and storing the information in a storage unit 38. The battery pack 30 is configured to be capable of transmitting the non-driven-state abnormality information to an external device 50.

Description

Electrical Equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to electrical equipment.

[0002] It is known that an electrical device having a main body driven by a battery pack switches from a normal driving mode to a power consumption reduction mode (energy saving mode) when a predetermined condition is met in order to reduce the power consumption of the battery pack (Patent Document 1). Also, a technology is known in which a usage history of the electrical device is stored and a fault is diagnosed based on the usage history (Patent Document 2).

[0003] JP 2006-198690 A JP 2019-025611 A

[0004] When the electrical device main body is not being operated, if a malfunction of the electrical device main body prevents the electrical device main body from switching to energy saving mode normally, or if a malfunction occurs that causes a large amount of current consumption even though the electrical device main body has switched to energy saving mode normally, the battery pack may continue to consume power and may become over-discharged.

[0005] Furthermore, if a button or the like on the electrical device body is accidentally operated for some reason while the electrical device body is not in operation, the electrical device body will not be able to switch to energy-saving mode, and the battery pack will continue to consume power, which may result in the battery pack becoming over-discharged.

[0006] In the case of an abnormality in the main body of the electrical device when the main body of the electrical device is not in operation, the main body of the electrical device may operate normally if another battery pack is connected, making it difficult for the user to notice the abnormality in the main body of the electrical device. Furthermore, when a user determines that the battery pack is faulty and requests repair or replacement of the battery pack, it may be difficult for the manufacturer or service provider (hereinafter referred to as "manufacturer, etc.") to find the abnormality in the main body of the electrical device that is the cause of the battery pack failure.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the following problems 1 and 2. Problem 1: To provide an electrical device that can detect or notify an abnormality in the electrical device main body even when the electrical device main body is not in operation. Problem 2: To provide an electrical device that makes it easy for a user to notice an abnormality in the electrical device main body and / or makes it easy for a manufacturer or the like to understand the cause of the abnormality.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is an electrical device having an electrical device main body that drives a drive unit using power from a battery pack, the electrical device including: a control unit that detects an abnormality in the electrical device main body when the drive unit is stopped; and a memory unit that stores abnormality information that is information related to the abnormality detected by the control unit.

[0009] The present invention may be expressed as an "electric working machine" or "electric tool", and such expressions are also valid aspects of the present invention.

[0010] According to the present invention, at least one of the above problems 1 and 2 can be solved.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a system including an electric device 5 and an external device 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a control flowchart of the electric device 5. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flow of operations in which, when a malfunction occurs in the electric device main body 10 that prevents the electric device main body 10 from switching to an energy saving mode, the electric device main body 10 detects an abnormality and stores the information in the battery pack 30, the user discovers the malfunction in the battery pack 30, and the external device 50 notifies the electric device main body 10 of the abnormality. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flow of operations in which, when a malfunction occurs in the electric device main body 10 that prevents the electric device main body 10 from switching to an energy saving mode, the electric device main body 10 detects an abnormality and stores the information in the battery pack 30, the user discovers the malfunction in the battery pack 30, and the external device 50 notifies the electric device main body 10 of the abnormality. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an alert display by the external device 50. FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram of a system including an electric device 5 and an external device 50 according to first and second modified examples of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a circuit block diagram of a system including an electric device 5 and an external device 50 according to a third modified example of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] This embodiment relates to an electric device 5 having an electric device main body 10, and a system including the electric device 5 and an external device 50. A battery pack 30 is detachably attached to the electric device main body 10, and the electric device main body 10 is driven by the power of the battery pack 30. The positive terminals (+ terminals), negative terminals (- terminals), and communication terminals (LS terminal and T terminal) of the electric device main body 10 and the battery pack 30 are connected to each other.

[0013] The battery pack 30 includes a battery cell 31 , a resistor 32 , a power supply unit 33 , a cell voltage detection unit 34 , a current detection unit 35 , a cell temperature detection unit 36 ​​, a control unit 37 , a memory unit 38 , a display unit 39 , an operation unit 40 , and a wireless communication unit 41 .

[0014] The battery cells 31 are provided between the positive and negative terminals of the battery pack 30. The resistors 32 are provided in the discharge paths of the battery cells 31. The power supply unit 33 converts the output voltage of the battery cells 31 into a power supply voltage for the control unit 37 and other components, and supplies it to the control unit 37 and other components. The cell voltage detection unit 34 detects the voltage of each cell constituting the battery cells 31 and sends it to the control unit 37. The current detection unit 35 detects the discharge current of the battery cells 31 from the voltage of the resistors 32 and sends it to the control unit 37. The cell temperature detection unit 36 ​​includes a temperature detection element such as a thermistor, and detects the temperature of the battery cells 31 and sends it to the control unit 37.

[0015] The display unit 39 includes a light-emitting element such as an LED, and displays the remaining capacity of the battery pack 30 and whether the wireless communication function of the wireless communication unit 41 is on or off, under the control of the control unit 37. The operation unit 40 is a switch that the user uses to switch the wireless communication function on or off and to instruct the control unit 37 to start displaying information on the display unit 39. Under the control of the control unit 37, the wireless communication unit 41 performs short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and communicates wirelessly with an external device 50. In other words, the battery pack 30 is a battery pack with a wireless communication function.

[0016] The control unit 37 includes a microcontroller and the like, and controls the overall operation of the battery pack 30. The control unit 37 communicates (wired communication) with the control unit 20 of the electrical device main body 10 via communication terminals (LS terminal and T terminal). The control unit 37 includes a storage unit 38 which is a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 38 may be built into the control unit 37 or may be separate from the control unit 37. The storage unit 38 stores abnormality information, which will be described later.

[0017] The external device 50 is a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal of a user or manufacturer, or a computer such as a personal computer. A management application (hereinafter referred to as a "management app") that manages the electrical device main body 10 and the battery pack 30 is installed in the external device 50. The specifications of the user's management app and the manufacturer's management app may be different. Although not shown in the figures, the external device 50 may be capable of wired connection and wired communication with the battery pack 30 and the electrical device main body 10 via an adapter or the like.

[0018] The external device 50 has an operation unit 51, a display unit 52, a control unit 53, and a wireless communication unit 54. If the display unit 52 is a touch panel, the display unit 52 also functions as the operation unit 51. The wireless communication unit 54 performs short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and communicates wirelessly with the battery pack 30 (wireless communication unit 41). The wireless communication unit 54 can receive abnormality information, which will be described later, from the battery pack 30. The wireless communication unit 54 also has a communication function using a wireless LAN and a mobile communication function such as 4G. The control unit 53 includes a CPU, memory, etc., and controls the overall operation of the external device 50.

[0019] The electrical device main body 10 has a motor 11, a trigger switch 12, a switching element 13, a resistor 14, a power supply unit 15, an operation unit 16, a battery voltage detection unit 17, a switch state detection unit 18, a current detection unit 19, a control unit 20, and a display unit 22.

[0020] A motor 11, a trigger switch 12, a switching element 13, and a resistor 14 are connected in series between the positive and negative terminals of the electrical device main body 10. The motor 11 is a drive unit that is driven by power from the battery pack 30. The trigger switch 12 is a mechanical switch that is provided in the current path of the motor 11 and is switched on and off by a user operating a trigger (operation unit, not shown). The switching element 13 is an FET or IGBT that is provided in the current path of the motor 11 and is switched on and off by the control unit 20. The resistor 14 is provided in the current path of the motor 11. Note that an inverter circuit may be configured by providing a plurality of switching elements 13.

[0021] The power supply unit 15 converts the voltage supplied from the battery pack 30 into a power supply voltage for the control unit 20 and the like, and supplies it to the control unit 20 and the like. The operation unit 16 is an operation unit separate from the trigger. When a user operates the operation unit 16, a signal is sent to the control unit 20 and an activation signal is sent to the power supply unit 15. Operation of the operation unit 16 may be a necessary condition for the control unit 20 to permit driving of the motor 11. The operation unit 16 is, for example, a lock-off button on a chainsaw or a push lever that is pressed against a target material on a nail gun. Chainsaws are generally designed so that the trigger cannot be pulled unless the lock-off button is operated. Nail guns are also generally designed so that a nail will not be fired even if the trigger is operated unless the push lever is pressed against the target material.

[0022] The battery voltage detection unit 17 detects the output voltage of the battery pack 30 (hereinafter referred to as "battery voltage") and sends it to the control unit 20. The switch state detection unit 18 detects the on / off state of the trigger switch 12, i.e., the trigger operation, and sends it to the control unit 20. The trigger switch 12 may be configured so that a mechanical switch in the current path of the motor 11 is omitted and only the trigger operation is sent to the control unit 20 via the switch state detection unit 18. The current detection unit 19 detects the current flowing through the motor 11 based on the voltage of the resistor 14 and sends it to the control unit 20. The display unit 22 includes a light-emitting element such as an LED, and displays the operating mode of the electrical device main body 10 under the control of the control unit 20. The display unit 22 is also used for anomaly notification, which will be described later. The operating mode can be switched by the user by operating a mode selector switch (not shown).

[0023] The control unit 20 includes a microcontroller and controls the overall operation of the electrical device main body 10. When the power supply unit 15 is activated by turning on the trigger switch 12 or operating the operation unit 16, power supply voltage is input from the power supply unit 15 to the control unit 20, activating the control unit 20. When activated, the control unit 20 transmits a maintenance signal to the power supply unit 15. Therefore, even if the activation signal from the operation unit 16 or the switch state detection unit 18 disappears, the power supply unit 15 remains activated, and the control unit 20 also remains activated. When the operation unit 16 is operated and the trigger switch 12 is turned on, the control unit 20 turns on the switching element 13 and drives the motor 11. The control unit 20 communicates (wired communication) with the control unit 37 of the battery pack 30 via communication terminals (LS terminal and T terminal). The control unit 20 includes a storage unit 21, which is a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 21 may be built into the control unit 20 or may be separate from the control unit 20. The storage unit 21 stores abnormality information, which will be described later.

[0024] The control unit 20 has multiple modes, including a normal mode and an energy-saving mode. In the normal mode, the control unit 20 is activated and is capable of executing various controls (active state). The energy-saving mode is a mode (power-saving mode) in which power consumption is reduced compared to the normal mode. In this embodiment, the energy-saving mode is a mode in which the control unit 20 enters a shutdown state. Specifically, if no trigger operation or operation of the operation unit 16 is performed for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 20 stops the sustain signal to the power supply unit 15, cuts off the supply of power from the power supply unit 15 to the control unit 20, and enters the shutdown state. The energy-saving mode may be, for example, a sleep state in which the control unit 20 continues to supply power from the power supply unit 15 to the control unit 20. Here, the absence of a trigger operation or operation of the operation unit 16 for a predetermined period of time corresponds to satisfying a predetermined condition.

[0025] In this embodiment, the control unit 20 detects an abnormality in the electrical device main body 10 when the motor 11 is stopped, i.e., when the electrical device main body 10 is not being driven (hereinafter referred to as a "non-driving state abnormality"), and stores abnormality information (hereinafter referred to as "non-driving state abnormality information") relating to the non-driving state abnormality in the storage unit 21, and transmits the non-driving state abnormality information to the control unit 37 of the battery pack 30. The control unit 37 stores the received abnormality information in the storage unit 38. Non-driving state abnormalities can be difficult to detect by simply checking the usage history, and there is a possibility that an appropriate response to the non-driving state abnormality cannot be taken. In this embodiment, by detecting and storing non-driving state abnormalities, users, manufacturers, etc. can easily notice abnormalities in the electrical device main body 10.

[0026] In this embodiment, the following abnormalities are detected and stored as examples of non-drive state abnormalities: First abnormality: An abnormality (failure) in which the control unit 20 cannot transition from normal mode to energy-saving mode. Second abnormality: An abnormality (failure) in which the power consumption of the electrical device main body 10 does not decrease (power consumption is high) even after the control unit 20 transitions from normal mode to energy-saving mode. Third abnormality: An abnormality (failure) in which the control unit 20 is prevented from transitioning from normal mode to energy-saving mode.

[0027] The first abnormality includes a power supply abnormality in which the supply of power from the power supply unit 15 to the control unit 20 cannot be cut off, and occurs due to a malfunction related to the function of the control unit 20 to stop the maintenance signal to the power supply unit 15, a malfunction of the power supply unit 15, etc. The second abnormality occurs due to leakage current caused by a malfunction of a circuit, etc. The third abnormality occurs when the trigger or operation unit 16 is improperly fixed with tape, etc., or when the trigger or operation unit 16 is left in an operating state inside the case that stores the electrical device main body 10, etc.

[0028] FIG. 2A is a control flowchart for the electrical device 5, specifically, a control flowchart for detecting and reporting a first abnormality. When the control unit 20 determines that a predetermined condition is met, it performs a transition process to the energy-saving mode, i.e., a process for stopping the sustain signal to the power supply unit 15 (S1). In other words, the control unit 20 instructs the power supply unit 15 to transition from the normal mode to the energy-saving mode. After a predetermined time has passed since the transition process to the energy-saving mode, the control unit 20 checks whether the transition to the energy-saving mode was successful (S3). If the transition to the energy-saving mode was successful (YES in S3), the control unit 20 enters a shutdown state. If the transition to the energy-saving mode was unsuccessful (NO in S3), the control unit 20 stores a determination result (non-driving state abnormality information) in the memory unit 21 that the transition to the energy-saving mode failed (S5) and executes an abnormality response process (S7). In addition to the condition in S3, a drop in battery voltage may be a condition for determining whether the transition to the energy-saving mode was successful. That is, the flow may proceed to S5 only after confirming that the battery pack 30's capacity was actually consumed and the battery voltage dropped due to the inability to transition to the energy-saving mode.

[0029] The abnormality handling process (S7) includes at least one of the following processes 1 to 3. Processes 1 and 2 are notification processes, and process 3 is a storage process. The notification process allows the user to directly notice the abnormality through the operation of the electrical device main body 10 or the notification means, while the storage process is a process in which the user does not or cannot easily notice the abnormality through the operation or notification means. Process 1: A process of irreversibly rendering the electrical device main body 10 unusable, for example, by turning off the switching element 13 regardless of the trigger operation. Process 2: A process of notifying the user of the above determination result by sound, light (display unit 22), or the driving mode of the motor 11 (e.g., intermittent driving for a predetermined period of time) when a trigger operation is performed. Process 3: A process of transmitting the specific information of the electrical device main body 10 (information that can uniquely identify the electrical device main body 10, such as a combination of the model name and serial number) and the above determination result (non-driving state abnormality information) to the control unit 37 of the attached battery pack 30 and storing them in the storage unit 38.

[0030] By performing the above process 1 or 2, the user can become aware of the abnormality in the non-driving state of the electrical device main body 10. By performing the above process 3, for example, if a user determines that the battery pack 30 is faulty and brings it to a manufacturer, the manufacturer can confirm that the electrical device main body 10 is in an abnormal non-driving state by examining the battery pack 30. Furthermore, after the above process 3, the battery pack 30 wirelessly transmits the unique information of the electrical device main body 10 and the above determination result to the user's external device 50, and the external device 50 notifies the user by a push notification of a management app, etc., thereby enabling the user to become aware of the abnormal non-driving state of the electrical device main body 10. Note that, because the above determination result is stored in the memory unit 21 of the electrical device main body 10 in S5, the manufacturer can also confirm that the electrical device main body 10 is in an abnormal non-driving state by directly examining the electrical device main body 10.

[0031] 2B and 2C are control flowcharts for the electrical device 5, and are control flowcharts for detecting and reporting a second abnormality. Prior to transitioning to the energy-saving mode, the control unit 20 acquires information about the battery pack 30 (hereinafter referred to as "battery information") (S11). The battery information includes information specific to the battery pack 30 (information that can uniquely identify the battery pack 30, such as a combination of the model name and serial number), battery voltage, and discharge history. The discharge history includes the number of discharges and the time-integrated value of the discharge current. The control unit 20 stores the battery information before transitioning to the energy-saving mode (hereinafter referred to as "first battery information") in the memory unit 21 (S13). The control unit 20 then performs a process for transitioning to the energy-saving mode (S15).

[0032] When the control unit 20 returns from the energy-saving mode to the normal mode, it acquires battery information after the return (hereinafter, "second battery information") (S21). The control unit 20 reads the first battery information from the storage unit 21 (S23). The control unit 20 compares the first battery information with the second battery information. If the battery pack 30 is the same individual (YES in S25), and if the integrated value of the discharge current has not increased by a predetermined amount (or the number of discharges has not increased) between before the transition to the energy-saving mode and after the return from the energy-saving mode, i.e., the discharge history has not increased (YES in S27), and if the battery voltage after the return from the energy-saving mode is lower than before the transition to the energy-saving mode by a predetermined amount (YES in S29), the control unit 20 stores in the storage unit 21 a determination result (non-driving state abnormality information) that the power consumption of the electrical device main body 10 has not decreased (power consumption is high) even after the transition from the normal mode to the energy-saving mode (S31), and executes an abnormality handling process (S33). The abnormality handling process (S33) is similar to the abnormality handling process (S7) described above. In other cases (NO in S25, NO in S27, or NO in S29), the control unit 20 ends the process.

[0033] 2(D) is a control flowchart for the electrical device 5, specifically, for detecting and reporting a third abnormality. When the battery voltage is below a predetermined value, e.g., below the over-discharge protection threshold (the threshold for preventing the motor 11 from being driven to protect the battery cells 31 from over-discharge) (YES in S41), and an operation that prevents the transition to the energy-saving mode (such as turning on the trigger switch 12 or operating the operation unit 16) continues for a predetermined time (YES in S43), the control unit 20 stores a determination result (non-drive state abnormality information) in the memory unit 21 (S45) that an abnormal operation has continued, and executes an abnormality response process (S47). The abnormality response process (S47) is similar to the abnormality response process (S7) described above. In other cases (NO in S41 or NO in S43), the control unit 20 terminates the process.

[0034] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the flow of events that occur when a first abnormality occurs in the electrical device main body 10, including abnormality detection by the electrical device main body 10 and storage in the battery pack 30, detection of a malfunction in the battery pack 30 by the user, and notification of an abnormality in the electrical device main body 10 by the external device 50.

[0035] When the electrical device main body 10 (device X) detects a failure that prevents it from switching to the energy saving mode, it transmits the unique information and abnormality information of the electrical device main body 10 to the battery pack 30 (battery 1) attached to the electrical device main body 10 (S101). The battery pack 30 (battery 1) stores the unique information and abnormality information of the electrical device main body 10 (device X) (S103).

[0036] Although the electrical device main body 10 (device X) cannot switch to energy saving mode, it can still operate normally (S105). The battery pack 30 (battery 1) was stored attached to the electrical device main body 10 (device X) which cannot switch to energy saving mode, and as a result, it consumed too much capacity and broke down (S107). However, because the electrical device main body 10 (device X) can still operate normally, the electrical device main body 10 can be used by attaching another battery pack 30 (battery 2) to the electrical device main body 10 (device X) (S109). This allows the user to recognize the failure of the battery pack 30 (battery 1).

[0037] The battery pack 30 (battery 1) transmits the stored unique information and abnormality information of the electrical device main body 10 to an external device 50 of a user or manufacturer, etc. (S111). Based on the received unique information and abnormality information, the external device 50 notifies the user or manufacturer, etc., that there is an abnormality in the electrical device main body 10 (device X) (the cause of the battery pack 30 failure) (S113). This allows the user or manufacturer, etc., to recognize that the abnormality in the electrical device main body 10 (device X) is the cause of the battery pack 30 failure.

[0038] Although not shown in the figures, the flow when a second abnormality occurs in the electrical device main body 10 is the same as when the "failure that prevents transition to energy saving mode" in Figure 3 is read as "failure that results in high power consumption even when transitioning to energy saving mode."

[0039] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the flow of events that occur when a third abnormality occurs in the electrical device main body 10, including abnormality detection by the electrical device main body 10 and storage in the battery pack 30, detection of a malfunction in the battery pack 30 by the user, and notification of the abnormality in the electrical device main body 10 by the external device 50.

[0040] If an operation that prevents the transition to the energy saving mode continues for a predetermined time while the battery voltage is below a predetermined value, the electrical device main body 10 (device X) determines that this is an abnormal operation and transmits the unique information and abnormality information of the electrical device main body 10 to the battery pack 30 (battery 1) attached to the electrical device main body 10 (S121). The battery pack 30 (battery 1) stores the unique information and abnormality information of the electrical device main body 10 (device X) (S123).

[0041] The electrical device main body 10 (device X) is a normal device with no malfunctions and is capable of normal operation (S125). The battery pack 30 (battery 1) was stored attached to the electrical device main body 10 (device X) that did not switch to energy saving mode due to abnormal operation, and as a result consumed too much capacity, it malfunctioned (S127). However, because the electrical device main body 10 (device X) is capable of normal operation, the electrical device main body 10 can be used by attaching another battery pack 30 (battery 2) to the electrical device main body 10 (device X) (S129). This allows the user to recognize the malfunction of the battery pack 30 (battery 1).

[0042] The battery pack 30 (battery 1) transmits the stored unique information and abnormality information of the electrical device main body 10 to an external device 50 of a user or manufacturer, etc. (S131). Based on the received unique information and abnormality information, the external device 50 notifies the user or manufacturer, etc. that an abnormal operation on the electrical device main body 10 (device X) is the cause of the failure of the battery pack 30 (S133). This allows the user or manufacturer, etc. to recognize that an abnormal operation on the electrical device main body 10 (device X) is the cause of the failure of the battery pack 30.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an alert displayed by the external device 50. As shown in FIG.

[0044] Alert example 1 upon detection of an abnormality is an example of a display by the external device 50 when a first abnormality and a second abnormality occur and abnormality information is sent from the electrical device main body 10 to the external device 50 via the battery pack 30. Alert example 2 upon detection of an abnormality is an example of a display by the management app of the external device 50 when a third abnormality occurs and abnormality information is sent from the electrical device main body 10 to the external device 50 via the battery pack 30.

[0045] Example of an alert (for user) 1 when diagnosing a faulty battery and Example of an alert (for service) 1 when diagnosing a faulty battery are examples of displays when a battery pack 30 that has developed an over-discharge failure due to being stored attached to an electrical device main body 10 in which a first abnormality and a second abnormality have occurred is diagnosed using a management app on an external device 50 of a user or manufacturer, etc.

[0046] Example of an alert (for user) 2 when diagnosing a faulty battery and Example of an alert (for service) 2 when diagnosing a faulty battery are examples of displays when a battery pack 30 that has developed an over-discharge failure due to being stored attached to an electrical device main body 10 in which a third abnormality has occurred is diagnosed using a management app on an external device 50 of a user or manufacturer, etc.

[0047] This embodiment has the following advantages.

[0048] (1) The control unit 20 detects an abnormal non-driving state of the electric device main body 10 and stores the abnormal non-driving state information in the storage unit 21. Therefore, by diagnosing the electric device main body 10 using a management application of the external device 50, the abnormal non-driving state of the electric device main body 10 can be notified to a user, a manufacturer, etc. from the management application, thereby improving convenience.

[0049] (2) The control unit 20 can transmit information about the abnormal non-driving state of the electric device main body 10 to the battery pack 30 attached to the electric device main body 10. The battery pack 30 is configured to be able to transmit the abnormal non-driving state information to the external device 50. For this reason, for example, the wireless communication function of the battery pack 30 can be used to transmit the abnormal non-driving state information about the electric device main body 10 to a management app of the external device 50, and the abnormal non-driving state of the electric device main body 10 can be notified to a user, manufacturer, etc. from the management app, thereby improving convenience.

[0050] (3) The control unit 20 is configured to be able to execute a process of transmitting information about the non-driving state abnormality of the electric device main body 10 to the control unit 37 of the battery pack 30 attached to the electric device main body 10 and storing the information in the memory unit 38. Therefore, by diagnosing the battery pack 30 that has become over-discharged due to the non-driving state abnormality of the electric device main body 10 using the management app of the external device 50, the non-driving state abnormality of the electric device main body 10 can be confirmed by the management app and notified to the user, manufacturer, etc. from the management app, thereby improving convenience.

[0051] (4) When the control unit 20 detects a non-driving state abnormality, the control unit 20 is configured to execute a process to disable the electric device main body 10. Therefore, the user can recognize the abnormality of the electric device main body 10 by the fact that the electric device main body 10 cannot be driven even when the trigger is operated, thereby improving convenience.

[0052] (5) When the control unit 20 detects an abnormal non-driving state, for example, when a trigger operation is performed, the control unit 20 is configured to execute a process of notifying the user by sound or light (display unit 22) or by changing the driving mode of the motor 11 (for example, intermittent driving for a predetermined period of time). This allows the user to recognize the abnormality in the electric device main body 10 through the notification operation of the electric device main body 10, thereby improving convenience.

[0053] (6) When the control unit 20 confirms that the transition to the energy-saving mode has not been successful after executing the transition process from the normal mode to the energy-saving mode, it determines that a first abnormality has occurred and stores abnormality information related to the first abnormality in the storage unit 21. This allows the control unit 20 to suitably detect a failure that prevents the transition from the normal mode to the energy-saving mode.

[0054] (7) Based on the information on the battery pack 30 before transition to the energy-saving mode (first battery information) and the information on the battery pack 30 after returning from the energy-saving mode to the normal mode (second battery information), if the battery voltage is lower by a predetermined amount or more for the same battery pack 30 before transition to the energy-saving mode and after returning to the normal mode, even though the discharge amount has not increased by a predetermined amount or more, the control unit 20 determines that a second abnormality has occurred and stores abnormality information related to the second abnormality in the memory unit 21. Therefore, the control unit 20 can preferably detect a failure in which the power consumption of the electrical device main body 10 does not decrease (power consumption is high) even after transitioning from the normal mode to the energy-saving mode.

[0055] (8) If the trigger or operation unit 16 is operated continuously for a predetermined time while the battery voltage is below a predetermined value, the control unit 20 determines that a third abnormality has occurred and stores abnormality information related to the third abnormality in the memory unit 21. This makes it possible to effectively detect an abnormality that prevents the control unit 20 from switching from the normal mode to the energy saving mode.

[0056] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Various modifications can be made to the details specifically described in the embodiments within the scope of the claims.

[0057] 6 is a circuit block diagram of a system including an electrical device 5 and an external device 50 according to Modifications 1 and 2 of the embodiment of the present invention. Differences from FIG. 1 will be mainly described.

[0058] A switch unit 23 is provided in a power supply path connecting the positive terminal of the electrical device main body 10 (the positive terminal of the battery pack 30) and the power supply unit 15. The switch unit 23 may be configured with a semiconductor element as a switching element. The switch unit 23 is configured to switch the power supply path between conduction (ON) and interruption (OFF) in response to a signal from the control unit 20.

[0059] The switch unit 23 operates as follows: The switch unit 23 is initially in an energized (ON) state. When the battery pack 30 is connected to the electrical device main body 10, battery voltage is supplied from the battery cell 31 to the power supply unit 15 via the switch unit 23. This enables the electrical device main body 10 to perform normal operation.

[0060] In the non-driving state, the control unit 20 executes the control shown in Fig. 2A. Here, as anomaly response processing, in addition to the above-described processes 1 to 3, processes 4 and 5 may be added. Note that processes 4 and 5 are notification processing. Process 4: A process of prohibiting the supply of power from the battery pack 30 to the power supply unit 15 by turning the switch unit 23 to a cut-off (OFF) state in response to a signal from the control unit 20. Process 5: A process of transmitting an abnormality signal from the control unit 20 to the control unit 37 of the battery pack 30 via a signal terminal (e.g., LS terminal) and notifying the determination result (abnormality information) on the display unit 39 of the battery pack 30.

[0061] Execution of process 4 can reduce unnecessary power consumption of the battery pack 30 when an abnormality occurs. Furthermore, execution of process 4 prevents the control unit 20 from starting, rendering the electrical device main body 10 inoperable, allowing the user to notice the abnormality in the non-driving state of the electrical device main body 10. Execution of process 5 can also allow the user to notice the abnormality in the non-driving state of the electrical device main body 10. Note that once the switch unit 23 is turned off, it cannot be restored by user operation, and may be configured to remain in operation only if the electrical device main body 20 is returned to the manufacturer, such as a retailer. Furthermore, when both process 4 and process 5 are executed, execution of process 5 before execution of process 4 allows the abnormality signal to be transmitted at a timing when the control unit 20 is operable before the power supply from the battery pack 30 to the power supply unit 15 is cut off. Furthermore, the non-driving state abnormality can be continuously notified even after the power supply from the battery pack 30 to the power supply unit 15 is cut off, i.e., even after the control unit 20 becomes inoperable.

[0062] Furthermore, when the battery pack connected to the electrical device main body 10 is replaced with another battery pack, or when the previously connected battery pack is reconnected, an abnormality signal may be input to the control unit of the connected battery pack using a communication terminal (e.g., LS terminal) so that the user can know that the electrical device main body 10 has malfunctioned.

[0063] 1, the control unit 20 operates when the battery pack is connected to the electrical device main body 10, and an abnormality signal can be output from the control unit 20 to the control unit of the battery pack via the LS terminal. Then, the non-driving state abnormality can be notified on the display unit of the battery pack.

[0064] On the other hand, in the configuration of Modification 1, the switch unit 23 is cut off (off), preventing the control unit 20 from operating. Therefore, in Modification 2, the electrical device main body 10 may be provided with a power source separate from the battery pack 30, such as an internal battery 24. Since the control unit 20 can be powered by power from the internal battery 24, an abnormality signal can be output to the battery pack's control unit, and the non-operating state abnormality can be notified on the battery pack's display. Alternatively, a switch may be provided to connect the internal battery 24 and the control unit 20, and the control unit 20 may cut off the switch when a predetermined time has elapsed since the control unit 20 output the abnormality signal. This reduces unnecessary power consumption from the internal battery 24. Furthermore, a circuit or mechanism may be provided that turns on the switch in conjunction with the connection of the battery pack when the battery pack is connected.

[0065] As a third modification, as shown in FIG. 7 , the electrical device main body 10 may be provided with a power source separate from the battery pack 30, such as an internal battery 24, and a wireless unit 25 or display unit powered by the internal battery 24. The wireless unit 25 or display unit remains operational even after the power supply to the power supply unit 15 is cut off by the switch unit 23. The wireless unit 25 performs short-range wireless communication with the wireless communication unit 54 of the external device 50, and can notify the display unit 52 of the external device 50 of an abnormal non-operating state. The display unit powered by the internal battery 24 may also serve as the display unit 22. While FIG. 7 includes the switch unit 23 and the internal battery 24, as in FIG. 6 , the configuration of FIG. 1 may also include the wireless unit 25 or display unit. In this case, the power supply unit 15 can still be operated even if an abnormality occurs, so the wireless unit 25 may operate using the voltage from the power supply unit 15.

[0066] 5...electrical equipment, 10...electrical equipment main body, 11...motor, 12...trigger switch, 13...switching element, 14...resistor, 15...power supply unit, 16...operation unit, 17...battery voltage detection unit, 18...switch state detection unit, 19...current detection unit, 20...control unit, 21...memory unit, 22...display unit, 30...battery pack, 31...battery cell, 32...resistor, 33...power supply unit, 34...cell voltage detection unit, 35...current detection unit, 36...cell temperature detection unit, 37...control unit, 38...memory unit, 39...display unit, 40...operation unit, 41...wireless communication unit, 50...external equipment, 51...operation unit, 52...display unit, 53...control unit, 54...wireless communication unit.

Claims

1. An electrical device having an electrical device main body that drives a drive unit using power from a battery pack, comprising: a control unit that detects an abnormality in the electrical device main body when the drive unit is stopped; and a memory unit that stores abnormality information that is information related to the abnormality detected by the control unit.

2. An electrical device according to claim 1, further comprising the battery pack, and the memory unit is provided in the battery pack.

3. An electrical device according to claim 2, characterized in that the battery pack is configured to be able to transmit the abnormality information to an external device, and the abnormality information is configured to be able to be notified by the external device.

4. An electrical device having: a battery pack capable of communicating with an external device; and an electrical device main body that drives a drive unit using power from the battery pack; the electrical device further comprising: a control unit that detects an abnormality in the electrical device main body when the drive unit is stopped; and a memory unit that stores abnormality information which is information relating to the abnormality detected by the control unit; and the abnormality information is configured to be notifiable to the external device via the battery pack.

5. An electrical device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit has a plurality of modes including a normal mode and a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced compared to the normal mode, and the abnormality includes a first abnormality in which the control unit is unable to transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode.

6. An electrical device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, if the control unit is unable to transition to the energy saving mode after executing the transition process from the normal mode to the energy saving mode, the control unit is configured to store the anomaly information relating to the first anomaly in the memory unit.

7. An electrical device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit has a normal mode and an energy saving mode in which power consumption is reduced compared to the normal mode, and is configured to transition from the normal mode to the energy saving mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and when the control unit does not transition from the normal mode to the energy saving mode even when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit is configured to execute an alarm process to notify a user, and / or execute a storage process to store abnormality information, which is information relating to the abnormality detected by the control unit, in a storage unit so that the abnormality information can be displayed on an external device.

8. An electrical device as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a power supply unit which supplies power to the control unit, and which is configured to execute the notification process and / or the storage process when the power supply unit does not transition to the energy saving mode despite the control unit instructing the power supply unit to transition from the normal mode to the energy saving mode.

9. An electrical device according to claim 5, further comprising a power supply unit that supplies power to the control unit, and the first abnormality is a power supply abnormality in which the supply of power from the power supply unit to the control unit cannot be cut off.

10. An electrical device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit has a plurality of modes including a normal mode and an energy saving mode in which power consumption is reduced compared to the normal mode, and the abnormality includes a second abnormality in which power consumption of the electrical device body is large after the control unit transitions from the normal mode to the energy saving mode.

11. An electrical device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the memory unit is configured to store battery information which is information on the battery pack, the battery information including the number of discharges of the battery pack and the voltage of the battery pack, and the control unit is configured to store the abnormality information in the memory unit, based on the battery information before transitioning to the energy saving mode and the battery information when returning to the normal mode after transitioning to the energy saving mode, if the number of discharges has not increased and the voltage has decreased between before transitioning to the energy saving mode and when returning to the normal mode after transitioning to the energy saving mode.

12. An electrical device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a voltage detection unit that detects the voltage of the battery pack, and wherein the control unit, when detecting the abnormality when the voltage is below a predetermined value, stores the abnormality information in the memory unit.

13. An electrical device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the control unit has a plurality of modes including a normal mode and an energy saving mode in which power consumption is reduced compared to the normal mode, and the abnormality includes an abnormality that prevents a transition from the normal mode to the energy saving mode.

14. An electrical device as claimed in claim 13, further comprising an operating unit operated by a user, and wherein the abnormality includes a state in which the operating unit is operated continuously for a predetermined period of time while the voltage is below a predetermined value.

15. An electrical device according to claim 4, wherein the memory unit is provided in the battery pack.

16. An electrical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit is configured to disable the electrical device body when the abnormality is detected.

17. An electrical device having an electrical device main body that drives a drive unit using power from a battery pack, comprising a control unit that detects an abnormality in the electrical device main body when the drive unit is stopped, the control unit having a normal mode and an energy-saving mode that reduces power consumption compared to the normal mode, and is configured to transition from the normal mode to the energy-saving mode when a specified condition is satisfied, and if the control unit does not transition from the normal mode to the energy-saving mode even when the specified condition is satisfied, the control unit is configured to execute an alert process to alert a user and / or execute a storage process to store abnormality information, which is information regarding the abnormality detected by the control unit, in a storage unit so that it can be displayed on an external device.

18. An electrical device as claimed in claim 17, further comprising a power supply unit which supplies power to the control unit, and when the power supply unit does not transition to the energy saving mode despite the control unit instructing the power supply unit to transition from the normal mode to the energy saving mode, the control unit is configured to execute the notification process and / or the storage process.

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