JP2010200561A - Charging equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide charging equipment connected even to either of two kinds or more of power supplies by using a common cord and being capable of charging a battery pack by receiving a feed. <P>SOLUTION: A power-supply cord 100 detachable to a body 200 is composed of the AC power-supply cord 100 and a DC power-supply plug 120 detachable to the AC power-supply cord 100. When the power supply is connected to the charging equipment 1 through the power-supply cord 100, a voltage discriminating circuit 21 discriminates an input voltage, and a switching circuit 23 switches a power-supply path to either of a first switching control circuit 24 or a second switching control circuit 25. A microcomputer 35 adjusts the output voltage of a winding 317 by switching an FET 32 to the first switching control circuit 24 and the FET 33 to the second switching control circuit 25 at specified timings, and charges the battery pack 2. The power-supply cord 100 can be stored in a storage 200, and a falling accident, a loss or the like can be prevented. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a charging device for charging a nickel cadmium battery, a lithium ion battery, or the like used as a power source for portable equipment such as a cordless electric tool.

  Conventionally, a charging device for charging a nickel cadmium battery (hereinafter referred to as a nickel cadmium battery) or a lithium ion battery is charged by feeding from a commercial power source. However, when a cordless electric tool or the like is used in a place where commercial power is not supplied, or when a user performs a lot of work, a number of spare batteries must be prepared. In order to solve such a problem, a charging device that can be charged from another power source other than a commercial power source, that is, a charging device that can use at least two types of power sources when charging a battery pack is proposed. Has been.

  As an example, a battery is provided by providing a plurality of voltage conversion devices according to the type of power source to be used, connecting a power source to a connection corresponding to the type of power source, and performing voltage conversion with the voltage conversion device corresponding to the type of power source. A charging device configured to charge a pack is described (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, some conventional charging devices can attach and detach a DC power cord to the charging device with a connection connector or the like. An example of such a charging device will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the conventional charging device 570 is a charging device that charges a battery pack 502 such as a nickel-cadmium battery or a lithium ion battery. The charging device 570 includes a charging circuit provided on the substrate 503 in FIG. 11, and includes a main body 550 on which the battery pack 502 is mounted, an AC power cord 520 connected to the main body 550, and a DC power source that is detachable from the main body 550. Code 510.

  The AC power cord 520 is a cord that is connected to the main body 550 through the connection portion 553 and is connected to a commercial power source via the cord 508 and the AC power plug 506. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a female connector 509 is provided near the boundary with the upper case 504 of the lower case 505 that forms the outer frame of the main body 550, and the DC power cord 510 is connected to the portion C of the main body 550, as shown in FIG. Removably connected. The DC power cord 510 is a cord that includes a DC power plug 513 including a male connector 515, a cord 518, and connection terminals 512 and 514, and is electrically connected to the DC power source through the connection terminals 512 and 514. The DC power cord 510 is detachably connected to the main body 550 by inserting the male connector 515 into the female connector 509, and is connected to the DC power source by connecting the DC power plug 513 to the connection portion of the DC power source.

  The charging device 570 configured as described above receives power by connecting the power source and the main body 550 using an individual AC power cord 520 or DC power cord 510 according to the type of power source that can be used, and receives power from the terminal holder 591. The battery pack 502 connected to is charged.

JP 2008-306925 A (page 3-6, FIG. 1)

  However, the conventional charging apparatus as described above has two power cords for each of at least two types of power sources, for example, an AC power cord for commercial power and a DC power cord for a DC power source such as an automobile. Provided. When a plurality of power cords are provided in this way, it is an obstacle to carrying around.

  In addition to the AC power cord, in the example of the charging device that can connect and disconnect the DC power cord to the charging device with a connector etc., the DC power cord is removed when the DC power source is not used. There is a problem that it is easy to do.

  Therefore, the present invention eliminates the troubles caused by providing power cords for two or more types of power sources, the risk of falling or injured by power cords, and loss of power cords disconnected from the charging device. Another object is to provide a charging device capable of preventing misplacement.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is an AC / DC shared connection means that can be electrically and structurally connected to either an AC power supply or a DC power supply, and power is input via the connection means. A charging circuit that charges the battery pack, and the charging circuit determines an input voltage input from either the AC power source or the DC power source via the connection means, and the input voltage A charging power generation circuit that generates charging power for charging the battery pack by inputting the battery voltage, and generates a desired charging power for charging the battery pack according to the input voltage determined by the input voltage determination circuit At least two charging power control circuits for controlling the charging power generation circuit and at least two charging power controls according to the input voltage determined by the input voltage determination circuit A switching circuit for switching to operate the one of the road is a charging device, characterized in that it comprises a.

  According to such a configuration, both the AC power source and the DC power source are connected by the connecting means. Further, charging power corresponding to the battery pack is generated regardless of whether an AC power source or a DC power source is input.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided first connection means that can be electrically and structurally connected to either an AC power supply or a DC power supply, and detachably connected to the first connection means. Is connected to either an AC power supply or a DC power supply that cannot be directly connected, and AC / DC shared connection means, first connection means, or first connection means. And a charging circuit that generates a desired charging power according to the battery pack by being supplied with power through the second connecting means and charges the battery pack. .

  According to such a configuration, charging is performed by receiving power from either the AC power supply or the DC power supply by using the first connection means or the first connection means and the second connection means.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the charging circuit may be any one of an AC power source and a DC power source via the first connection means or the first connection means and the second connection means. An input voltage discriminating circuit for discriminating an input voltage inputted from the battery, a charging power generating circuit for generating charging power for charging the battery pack by inputting the input voltage, and an input discriminated by the input voltage discriminating circuit According to the voltage, according to the input voltage determined by the input voltage determination circuit and at least two charge power control circuits that control the charge power generation circuit so as to generate the desired charging power for charging the battery pack And a switching circuit that switches to operate one of at least two charging power control circuits.

  According to such a configuration, charging power corresponding to the battery pack is generated regardless of whether an AC power source or a DC power source is input.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the first connection means is connectable to an AC power source via the first terminal and the second terminal, The second connecting means is detachably connected to the first connecting means via a third terminal connected to the first terminal and a fourth terminal connected to the second terminal, Connectable to a DC power source, the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the first terminal and the fourth terminal, and the second terminal and the third terminal are connected to each other. It is characterized in that an erroneous connection prevention means for preventing the connection is provided.

  According to such a configuration, the first connecting means and the second connecting means are always connected with the correct polarity.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1, 3, or 4, wherein the switching circuit is a relay switch having a relay coil, and the input voltage determination circuit is The switching circuit has a constant voltage diode connected in series to the relay coil, and the switching circuit switches to operate one of the charging power control circuits according to the magnitude of the input voltage with respect to a predetermined voltage value. Yes.

  According to such a configuration, when the voltage applied to the constant voltage diode exceeds the operating voltage, the relay switch is switched and the operating charging power control circuit is selected. Charging power is generated.

  The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that, in the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 5, the connecting means is electrically and structurally detachable from the charging circuit.

  According to such a structure, a connection means is attached or detached as needed.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the charging device has an outer frame that forms an outer shape of the charging device, and is formed in a part of the outer frame. It has a storage portion for storing the connection means or the second connection means.

  According to such a configuration, the connecting means or the second connecting means is accommodated in the accommodating portion when unnecessary.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a cover that covers the storage portion so as to be opened and closed.

  According to such a configuration, when the connecting means or the second connecting means is stored in the storage portion, it is covered with the cover.

  According to the configuration of the first aspect, the charging device can be connected to either the AC power source or the DC power source using one type of connecting means. In addition, it is possible to automatically determine whether it is connected to an AC power supply or a DC power supply by an input voltage determination circuit. By switching the charging power control circuit to be operated based on the result determined by the input voltage determining circuit, charging with charging power suitable for the battery pack can be performed using either an AC power supply or a DC power supply.

  According to the configuration of the second aspect, the second connecting means is attached to and detached from the first connecting means, whereby the connecting means can be used for both AC and DC. The battery pack can be charged by the connecting means.

  According to the configuration of the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the second aspect, it is possible to automatically determine whether it is connected to the AC power source or the DC power source by the input voltage determination circuit. By switching the charging power control circuit to be operated based on the result determined by the input voltage determining circuit, charging with charging power suitable for the battery pack can be performed using either an AC power supply or a DC power supply.

  According to the configuration of claim 4, in addition to the effect of claim 2 or claim 3, the polarity is reversed when connecting the second connection means for DC power supply to the first connection means for AC power supply. Can be prevented.

  According to the configuration of claim 5, in addition to the effect of any of claims 1, 3 or 4, the voltage is applied to the relay coil when the input voltage from the power source exceeds the operating voltage of the constant voltage diode. As a result, the relay switch is switched, so that it becomes possible to operate the charging power control circuit corresponding to each of the AC power source or the DC power source.

  According to the configuration of claim 6, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 5, the size of the charging device at the time of storage can be reduced compared to the case of storing with the connecting means attached. It becomes possible. In addition, it is possible to prevent a problem that a force is applied to the connecting portion between the connecting means and the charging circuit during storage or transportation, resulting in failure. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent dangers such as the operator getting involved in the connection means and falling or injured.

  According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to sixth aspects, the connection means or the second connection means can be stored, transported, etc. in a state where the connection means or the second connection means is stored in the storage portion. As a result, the space required for storage can be further reduced, and failure of the connecting portion during transportation can be prevented more reliably. It is also possible to prevent the removed connection means from being lost or left behind.

  According to the configuration of the eighth aspect, in addition to the effect of the seventh aspect, it is possible to protect the accommodated connecting portion from impacts and dust.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience caused by providing power cords for two or more types of power sources, and the risk of falling or injured in connection with the power cords. It becomes possible to prevent the power cord that has been disconnected from being lost or misplaced.

1 is an external view showing a charging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the connector for power cords of the charging device by 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the attachment or detachment part of the DC power plug of the charging device by 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the charging device by 1st Embodiment. The circuit block diagram which shows the charging device by 1st Embodiment. The operation | movement waveform of the voltage discrimination circuit of the charging device by 1st Embodiment. The external view which shows the charging device by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the charging device by 2nd Embodiment. The external view which shows an example of the conventional charging device. The figure which shows an example of the connector for connection cords of the conventional charging device. Sectional drawing which shows an example of the conventional charging device.

  A charging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the charging device 1 includes a main body 200 on which the battery pack 2 is detachably mounted, and a power cord 100 that is detachably connected to the main body 200 and is connected to a power source to receive power. It consists of and.

  The main body 200 has an outer frame composed of an upper case 4 and a lower case 5 that houses a circuit board 3 on which a charging circuit for charging the battery pack 2 is mounted. The upper case 4 is provided with a terminal adapter 91 for electrically connecting the battery pack 2, a guide rail 16 for detachably mounting structurally, and a storage portion 17 for storing the power cord 100. ing. A cover 18 is attached to the storage portion 17 so as to be openable and closable. The lower case 5 is provided with a circuit board 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a female connector 9 for electrically connecting to the circuit board 3 and connecting the power cord 100 is provided at a portion A of the mating portion of the upper case 4 and the lower case 5. It is pinched and fixed. The battery pack 2 is detachable by sliding on the guide rail 16 in the direction of the arrow 71.

  The power cord 100 includes an AC power cord 110 that can be connected to an AC power source, and a DC power plug 120 that can be connected to a DC power source that is detachably connected to the tip of the AC power cord 110. The AC power cord 110 includes an AC power plug 6, a male connector 7 and a cord 8. The power plug 6 includes an AC power plug blade 10 and an AC power plug blade 80. When the AC power plug blade 10 and the AC power plug blade 80 are inserted into a commercial power outlet (not shown), It is structurally detachably connected. The male connector 7 is electrically and structurally detachably connected to the female connector 9 of the main body 200. The cord 8 structurally and electrically connects the male connector 7 and the AC power plug 6. When the power cord 100 is stored in the storage unit 17 when not in use, the cord 8 may be bundled by the binding member 38.

  The DC power plug 120 includes a gripping connector 11 and a gripping connector 81, and a DC power supply terminal 12 and a DC power supply terminal 82 connected to the gripping connector 11 and the gripping connector 81, respectively. It is an adapter that is electrically connected to a DC power source through power terminals 12 and 82. The DC power plug 120 is structurally and electrically detachably connected to the AC power cord 110 when the grip connector 11 grips the AC power plug blade 10 and the grip connector 81 grips the AC power plug blade 10. Is done. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 which is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1, the AC power plug 6 is provided with a convex portion 14 and an insertion portion of the AC power plug 6 inside the DC power plug 120. 85 is provided with a recess 15 so that the DC power source cannot be connected to the charging device 1 in reverse polarity by being configured to engage with each other.

  FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram of the charging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the charging device 1 is a device that charges the battery pack 2 by being connected to and fed with an AC power source 19 such as a commercial power source and a DC power source 20 such as an automobile via a power cord 100. is there.

  The charging device 1 includes a power cord 100, a primary side rectifying / smoothing circuit 60, a switching circuit 23, a voltage determination circuit 21, a first switching control circuit 24, a second switching control circuit 25, a high-frequency transformer 31, a smoothing circuit 29, and a switching circuit. 50, a battery voltage detection circuit 36, a charging current detection circuit 44, a battery temperature detection circuit 38, an identification resistance detection circuit 37, a battery voltage setting circuit 45, a constant current / constant voltage control circuit 43, and a microcomputer 35.

  The primary side rectifying / smoothing circuit 60 includes a full-wave rectifying circuit 62 and a smoothing capacitor 61, and rectifies and smoothes the input alternating current and outputs it. The switching circuit 23 is a relay switch composed of a relay coil 26 and a switch 261. When no voltage is applied to the relay coil 26, the switch 261 is connected to the NC contact side, and a voltage is applied to the relay coil 26. Then, the switch 261 is configured to switch the connection to the NO contact side.

  The voltage determination circuit 21 is connected in series to the relay coil 26 of the switching circuit 23, and has a configuration in which a resistor 211, a Zener diode 22, and a diode 213 are connected in series with each other. When the voltage input via the power cord 100 does not apply a voltage exceeding the Zener voltage Vzd to the Zener diode 22, that is, as shown in FIG. When the input voltage to the circuit 21 is equal to or lower than the voltage Von, the voltage discriminating circuit 21 does not conduct, so no voltage is applied to the relay coil 26, and the switch 261 is connected to the NC contact side. When the input voltage exceeds the voltage Von, a voltage exceeding the Zener voltage Vzd is applied to the Zener diode 22, and the voltage is applied to the relay coil 26 when the voltage determination circuit 21 is turned on. Connected to the NO contact side.

  For example, if the switching circuit 23 and the voltage determination circuit 21 are configured so that a voltage exceeding the Zener voltage is applied to the Zener diode 22 when an input voltage of 100 volts of commercial power is input, the switch 261 is set to NO. Connected to the contact side. When an input voltage such as 12 volts or 24 volts of a DC power supply for automobiles is applied, if a voltage equal to or lower than the Zener voltage is applied to the Zener diode 22, the switch 261 is connected to the NC contact side. . With this operation, the voltage determination circuit 21 determines whether the input is alternating current or direct current. Here, for example, the Zener voltage Vzd can be set to 30 volts. When the switch 261 is connected to the NO contact side, the power transmission path is conducted to the first switching control circuit 24 side. When the switch 261 is connected to the NC contact side, the power transmission is sent to the second switching control circuit 25 side. The path is conducted.

  The high-frequency transformer 31 includes windings 311, 313, 315, 317, and 319. The input side of the winding 311 is connected to the NO contact of the switching circuit 23, and the output side is connected to the drain of the FET 32. The input side of the winding 313 is connected to the NO contact of the switching circuit 23 and the first switching control circuit 24, and the output side is connected to the first switching control circuit 24. The input side of the winding 315 is connected to the NC contact of the switching circuit 23, and the output side is connected to the drain of the FET 33.

  As described above, the FET 32 has a drain connected to the winding 311, a gate connected to the first switching control circuit 24, and a source connected to the reference potential. The FET 32 switches the input voltage to the winding 311 by controlling the drive pulse width by the first switching control circuit 24 and adjusts the output voltage of the windings 317 and 319.

  As described above, the FET 33 has a drain connected to the winding 315, a gate connected to the second switching control circuit 25, and a source connected to a reference potential. The FET 33 switches the input voltage to the winding 315 by controlling the drive pulse width by the second switching control circuit 25 and adjusts the output voltage of the windings 317 and 319.

  The winding 317 is connected to the smoothing circuit 29. The output output from the winding 317 and smoothed by the smoothing circuit 29 is output as electric power for charging the battery pack 2 via the switching circuit 50. The winding 319 is connected to the smoothing circuit 30, and the constant voltage circuit 34 is connected to the output side of the smoothing circuit 30. The constant voltage circuit 34 adjusts the output voltage output from the winding 319 and smoothed by the smoothing circuit 30 to a predetermined value, and outputs a voltage Vcc for driving the microcomputer 35.

  The microcomputer 35 includes a current voltage setting circuit 45 based on the output of the battery voltage detection circuit 36, the identification resistance detection circuit 37, the battery temperature detection circuit 38, the charge stop circuit 39, and the input voltage from the AC power source 19 or the DC power source 20. The fan motor drive circuit 41 and the display circuit 42 are controlled.

  The battery temperature detection circuit 38 outputs a signal based on the resistance value of the thermistor 47 of the battery pack 2 to the microcomputer 35 by being transmitted from the battery pack 2 via the connection terminal LS. The temperature of the unit cell of the battery pack 2 is detected from the signal. The identification resistance detection circuit 37 outputs a signal based on the resistance value of the identification resistance 46 of the battery pack 2 to the microcomputer 35, and the microcomputer 35 determines the battery type and the number of unit cells from the input signal. The microcomputer 35 determines the set values of the charging current and the charging voltage based on the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature detecting circuit 38, the battery type and the number of unit cells detected by the identification resistance detecting circuit 37, and sets the current voltage. Output to the circuit 45.

  The current / voltage setting circuit 45 sets the charging current and charging voltage for the battery pack 2 based on the output of the microcomputer 35. The battery voltage detection circuit 36 detects the battery voltage when charging the battery pack 2 with the charging device 1. The charging current detection circuit 44 detects a voltage generated when a charging current for the battery pack 2 flows through a shunt resistor (not shown).

  The constant current / constant voltage control circuit 43 is a first switching control circuit based on the output of the battery voltage detection circuit 36, the charging current detection circuit 44, the current voltage setting circuit 45, and the input voltage of the AC power supply 19 or the DC power supply 20. 24 outputs a signal for controlling the FET 32 or the second switching control circuit 25 outputs a signal for controlling the FET 33.

  The switching circuit 50 switches between conduction and non-conduction of the charging path between the charging device 1 and the battery pack 2 based on an output signal from the microcomputer 35.

  The charging device 1 further includes a charging stop circuit 39, a fan motor driving circuit 41, a fan motor 40, photocouplers 27 and 28, and a display circuit 42. When the overcharge is detected by the overcharge detection circuit 481 of the protection IC 48 of the battery pack 2 and an overcharge signal is output via the overcharge signal transmission switch 49 and the battery temperature terminal LS, the charge stop circuit 39 is connected to the microcomputer 35. The microcomputer 35 outputs a charge stop signal to the first switching control circuit 24 via the photocoupler 27, or outputs a charge stop signal to the second switching control circuit 25 via the photocoupler 28.

  The fan motor 40 is provided for cooling the battery pack 2, and the fan motor drive circuit 41 drives and controls the fan motor 40 by a signal from the microcomputer 35. The display circuit 42 is a display means composed of LEDs, and displays the charging state of the battery pack 2 and the input state of the DC power supply 20.

  The battery pack 2 charged by the charging device 1 configured as described above includes a unit cell set 51 in which unit cells 511 are connected in series, a protection IC 48, a thermal protector 52 that prevents excessive temperature rise during charging, and a battery type. And an identification resistor 46 having different resistance values for identifying the number of unit cells 511, an overcharge signal transmission switch 49 for outputting the power supply voltage of the voltage Vcc to the battery temperature terminal LS, and a thermistor 47, as shown in the figure. The charging device 1 is connected to the corresponding terminals (+, −, T, LS, LD).

  The protection IC 48 includes an overcharge detection circuit 481 and an overdischarge overcurrent detection circuit 483. When detecting that the battery set 51 is overcharged, the overcharge detection circuit 481 outputs a signal for turning on the overcharge signal transmission switch 49. The overdischarge overcurrent detection circuit 483 outputs a predetermined signal to the terminal LD when detecting that the battery set 51 is in an overdischarge or overcurrent state.

  Next, the operation of the charging device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. When connecting the AC power source 19 such as a commercial power source to the charging device 1, the male connector 7 of the power cord 110 with the DC power plug 120 removed from the power cord 100 is inserted into the female connector 9 of the main body 200. The power cord 110 and the charging device 1 are electrically connected. Further, the AC power plug 6 of the power cord 110 is inserted into an outlet of the AC power source 19 or the like, and the power cord 110 and the AC power source 19 are electrically connected.

  When the charging device 1 and the AC power source 19 are connected via the power cord 110 and an AC voltage is input, the AC is rectified and smoothed by the primary side rectifying and smoothing circuit 60, and the voltage discriminating circuit 21 is connected via the switching circuit 23. Is input. As described above, since the voltage applied to the Zener diode 22 exceeds the operating voltage Vzd when the input voltage exceeds the voltage Von, the Zener diode 22 becomes conductive. At this time, a voltage equal to or higher than the voltage Vc (on) is applied to the relay coil 26 of the switching circuit 23, the contact of the switch 261 is switched from the NC terminal to the NO terminal, and the first switching control which is a control circuit for AC power supply. The continuity is switched to the circuit 24 to start the switching operation.

  When the first switching control circuit 24 starts a switching operation by the FET 32, first, the winding 311 is operated to generate a voltage in the windings 313, 317, and 319. The voltage generated in the winding 319 is smoothed through the smoothing circuit 30 and output to the constant voltage circuit 34. The constant voltage circuit 34 controls the input voltage and generates a voltage Vcc that is a power source of the microcomputer 35. When the generated voltage Vcc is input to the microcomputer 35 and the operation is started, the first switching control circuit 24 controls the on / off operation of the FET 32 at a predetermined timing by a signal from the constant current / constant voltage control circuit 43. By controlling the FET 32 in this manner, the operation of the winding 311 is controlled, and by the operation of the winding 311, a predetermined output voltage is generated in the winding 317 and the winding 319, and the outputs of the smoothing circuit 29 and the smoothing circuit 30. Is controlled to a predetermined value. On the other hand, when the predetermined power is generated in the winding 313, the first switching control circuit 24 is operated by being supplied with the power generated in the winding 313.

  On the other hand, when using a DC power source such as an automobile, the male connector 7 of the power cord 100 with the DC power plug 120 connected is inserted into the female connector 9 of the main body 200, and the power cord 100, the charging device 1, Are electrically connected. Further, the DC power supply 20 and the power supply cord 100 are electrically connected by inserting the distal end portion 13 of the power supply cord 100 into the DC power supply 20.

  When the charging device 1 and the DC power source 20 are connected via the power cord 100 and a DC voltage is input, the DC voltage is input to the voltage determination circuit 21 via the primary side rectifying and smoothing circuit 60 and the switching circuit 23. As described above, since the voltage applied to the Zener diode 22 does not exceed the operating voltage Vzd until the input voltage exceeds the voltage Von, no voltage is applied to the relay coil 26 and the relay coil 26 does not operate. For this reason, the contact point of the switch 216 remains connected to the NC contact point, and the second switching control circuit 25 becomes conductive. When the second switching control circuit 25 starts the switching operation of the FET 33, a voltage is generated in the winding 317 and the winding 319 by the winding 315. The voltage generated in the winding 317 is output to the smoothing circuit 29. The smoothing circuit 29 smoothes the input voltage and outputs it. The smoothing circuit 30 smoothes the output voltage of the winding 317 and outputs it to the constant voltage circuit 34. The constant voltage circuit 34 controls the input voltage to generate the voltage Vcc.

  When the microcomputer 35 starts to operate when the voltage Vcc is input, the second switching control circuit 25 controls the on / off operation of the FET 33 at a predetermined timing by a signal from the constant current / constant voltage control circuit 43. By controlling the FET 33 in this manner, the operation of the winding 315 is controlled to generate a predetermined output voltage at the winding 317 and the winding 319, and the outputs of the smoothing circuit 29 and the smoothing circuit 30 are controlled to a predetermined value. The

  The following operations are common operations regardless of whether the AC power supply 19 or the DC power supply 20 is connected. When the battery pack 2 is inserted into the guide rail 16 of the charging device 1, the battery temperature detection circuit 38 detects a voltage based on the resistance value of the thermistor 47 of the battery pack 2, and detects the detected value from the battery temperature detection circuit 38 to the microcomputer 35. Is output to detect the battery temperature. Further, the identification resistance detection circuit 37 detects a voltage based on the resistance value of the identification resistance 46 and is output from the identification resistance detection circuit 37 to the microcomputer 35 to determine the battery type and the number of unit cells.

  At this time, if the battery pack 2 is at a high temperature, the microcomputer 35 causes the display circuit 42 to display at a high temperature (a charging completion display if charging is in progress) and waits until the battery temperature decreases. If it is determined that the battery pack 2 is not hot, the current / voltage setting circuit 45 selects an optimum setting value based on the output of the identification resistance detection circuit 37. Specifically, the input voltage from the power source is input to the microcomputer 35 (not shown) by detecting the output voltage of the primary side rectifying and smoothing circuit 60, for example, and from which power source the microcomputer 35 is supplied with power Recognize When the microcomputer 35 determines that power is supplied from the DC power supply 20, the microcomputer 35 reduces the charging current as compared with the case where it is determined that power is supplied from the commercial power supply 19. This is an important control in the sense that charging is performed in accordance with the capability of the DC power supply 20. Further, if the charging current is reduced as the number of unit cells is increased, the efficiency of the power supply circuit can be improved and the life of the battery pack 2 can be improved.

  Next, the microcomputer 35 makes the display circuit 42 display during charging, switches the switching circuit 50 to the conductive state, and starts charging at a predetermined current voltage setting value previously selected and set by the microcomputer 35.

  Further, when the voltage of the DC power supply 20 detected by the microcomputer 35 is out of the predetermined range, it is determined that there is an abnormality, the switching circuit 50 is made non-conductive, and the display circuit 42 is set to display a power supply abnormality. For example, when the DC power supply 20 has a voltage lower than a predetermined value, charging of the battery pack 2 is prohibited, thereby suppressing discharge of the battery, for example, when the DC power supply 20 is a battery in an automobile. It becomes a function.

  Next, the microcomputer 35 performs a full charge detection process. As is well known, there are various methods for full charge detection. For example, if the battery pack 2 is a nickel-cadmium battery, -ΔV detection that is detected by a predetermined amount drop from the peak voltage at the end of charging, and per predetermined time during charging. One or a plurality of full charge detection methods such as a ΔT / Δt detection method for detecting a time point when the battery temperature increase rate (temperature gradient) suddenly increases may be used.

  If the battery pack 2 is a lithium ion battery, the charging voltage of the unit cell may be controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined voltage value (for example, 4.2 V) by a known general constant voltage / constant current control.

  When the battery pack 2 is detected to be fully charged by the above method, the charging stop circuit 39 makes the switching circuit 50 non-conductive, sets the display circuit 42 to display the charging completion, and the charging is completed.

  As described above, according to the charging device 1 according to the first embodiment, both the AC power source 19 and the DC power source 20 are structurally attachable to and detachable from the charging device body 200 and the DC power plug 120 is attached and detached. In addition, by using the common power cord 100 that can be electrically connected, the battery pack 2 can be charged by receiving power from either an AC power source or a DC power source. When the DC power plug 120 is connected to the AC power cord 110, the convex portion 14 and the concave portion 15 are fitted so as to be engaged with each other.

  Further, the AC power source 19 or the DC power source 20 connected using the power cord 100 can be discriminated by detecting whether the input voltage is lower or higher than the predetermined voltage by the voltage discriminating circuit 21 by the operation of the Zener diode 22. It is. In addition, regardless of which of the AC power supply 19 and the DC power supply 20 is connected, the user selects and drives the corresponding charge control circuit inside the charging device 1 without operating anything, and the battery pack 2 is selected. Charging with charging power is performed.

  Since the power cord 100 can be attached to and detached from the main body 200, the power cord 100 can be removed when not in use, and an operator can be prevented from getting involved in the cord and falling or injured. Further, since the removed power cord 100 can be stored in the storage portion 17, it is easy to carry, saves space during storage, protects the connection between the power cord 100 body, and is lost or misplaced. There are effects such as prevention. Further, the storage portion 17 is provided with a cover 18, which can protect the power cord 100 from dust and dust, and can prevent the power cord 100 from dropping from the main body 200 during storage.

  Furthermore, since one power cord 100 is provided, power can be supplied from either an AC power source or a DC power source, so that the configuration can be avoided and the usability can be improved.

  In the charging device 1 according to the first embodiment, the power cord 100 corresponds to the connecting means of the present invention, the circuit configuration provided on the circuit board 3 of the charging device 1 corresponds to the charging circuit, and the voltage determination circuit. 21 is equivalent to an input voltage discriminating circuit, and the primary side rectifying and smoothing circuit 60, windings 311 to 317, FET 32, FET 33 and smoothing circuit 29 are equivalent to a charging power generating circuit, and the first switching control circuit 24 and the second switching circuit. The control circuit 25 corresponds to a charging power control circuit, and the switching circuit 32 corresponds to a switching circuit of the present invention. The power cord 110 corresponds to first connection means, and the DC power plug 120 corresponds to second connection means. If the terminal 10 is a first terminal and the terminal 80 is a second terminal, the terminal 11 corresponds to a third terminal and the terminal 81 corresponds to a fourth terminal. The convex portion 14 and the concave portion 15 correspond to erroneous connection preventing means. The upper case 504 corresponds to the outer frame of the present invention.

  Next, a charging apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. In the charging apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment, the same components as those of the charging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the difference between the charging device 1 according to the first embodiment and the charging device 300 according to the second embodiment is that the AC power plug 6, the cord 8, and the cord connecting portion 53 are different. And a power cord 450 comprising a DC power plug 120 that is detachably connected to the AC power plug 6 is fixedly connected to the main body 400 by the cord connecting portion 53, and The case 404 is provided with a storage portion 417 that stores only the DC power plug 120, and the storage portion 417 is provided with a cover 418 that can be opened and closed. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  When connecting the charging device 300 to an AC power source, the DC power plug 120 is removed from the power cord 450 and the AC power plug 6 is connected to the AC power source. When connecting to the DC power source, the DC power plug 120 is connected to the DC power source using the power cord 450 with the DC power plug 120 connected. The charging device 300 charges the battery pack 2 by the same operation as the charging device 1.

  According to charging apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment having the above-described configuration, battery pack 2 can be charged by receiving power from either an AC power supply or a DC power supply by one power cord 450. it can. When power is supplied from a DC power source, the DC power plug 120 may be connected to the tip of the power cord 420, which is convenient. When the charging device 300 is not used and when an AC power supply is used, the DC power plug 120 can be stored in the storage portion 417. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the DC power plug 120 from being lost or misplaced.

  In the charging apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment, the power cord 420 for AC power supply is fixedly connected to the main body 400. However, the power cord for DC power supply is fixedly connected to the main body 400 and the power plug for AC power supply is used. May be detachably connected to a DC power supply cord.

  In the charging apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment, the power cord 450 corresponds to the connecting means of the present invention, the power cord 420 corresponds to the first connecting means, and the DC power plug 120 is the second connecting means. It corresponds to.

  The charging device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be made within the scope described in the claims. For example, the specific configuration of the circuit in the charging device is not limited to the above, and other elements and configurations may be used as long as they have similar functions and operations. As long as the power cord has a similar function, it is within the scope of the present invention.

  The charging device of the present invention can be used for charging a battery pack serving as a power source for an electric tool or the like.

1: Charging device 2: Battery pack 6: AC power plug, 7: Male connector 8: Cord 9: Female connector, 120: DC power plug 17: Storage portion 18: Cover 19: AC power source 20: DC power source 21: Voltage detection circuit 22: Zener diode 23: Switching circuit 24: First switching control circuit 25: Second switching control circuit 26: Relay coil 31: High-frequency transformer 35: Microcomputer 39: Charge stop circuit 50: Switching circuit 53: Code connection

Claims (8)

AC / DC shared connection means that can be electrically and structurally connected to either an AC power supply or a DC power supply;
A charging circuit for charging the battery pack by inputting power through the connecting means,
The charging circuit is
An input voltage discriminating circuit for discriminating an input voltage input from either the AC power source or the DC power source via the connection means;
A charging power generation circuit that generates charging power for charging the battery pack by receiving the input voltage;
At least two charging power control circuits for controlling the charging power generation circuit to generate desired charging power for charging the battery pack according to the input voltage determined by the input voltage determination circuit;
A switching circuit that switches to operate one of the at least two charging power control circuits according to the input voltage determined by the input voltage determination circuit;
A charging device comprising: A first connection means electrically and structurally connectable to either an AC power supply or a DC power supply;
Second connection means that is detachably connected to the first connection means, and that allows the first connection means to be connected to either an AC power source or a DC power source that cannot be directly connected;
AC / DC shared connection means constituted by:
By supplying power via the first connection means or the first connection means and the second connection means, a desired charging power corresponding to the battery pack is generated, and the battery pack is charged. A charging circuit to
A charging device comprising: The charging circuit is
An input voltage discriminating circuit for discriminating an input voltage input from either the AC power source or the DC power source via the first connecting means or the first connecting means and the second connecting means;
A charging power generation circuit that generates charging power for charging the battery pack by receiving the input voltage;
At least two charging power control circuits for controlling the charging power generation circuit to generate desired charging power for charging the battery pack according to the input voltage determined by the input voltage determination circuit;
A switching circuit that switches to operate one of the at least two charging power control circuits according to the input voltage determined by the input voltage determination circuit;
The charging device according to claim 2, further comprising: The first connection means can be connected to an AC power source via a first terminal and a second terminal;
The second connection means is detachably connected to the first connection means via a third terminal connected to the first terminal and a fourth terminal connected to the second terminal. And can be connected to a DC power supply,
The first terminal and the fourth terminal are connected to the first terminal and the second terminal, and the second terminal and the third terminal are connected to the first terminal and the second terminal. The charging device according to claim 2, further comprising an erroneous connection preventing means for preventing the occurrence of the malfunction. The switching circuit is a relay switch provided with a relay coil,
The input voltage determination circuit has a constant voltage diode connected in series to the relay coil,
5. The switching circuit according to claim 1, wherein the switching circuit switches so as to operate one of charging power control circuits according to a magnitude of the input voltage with respect to a predetermined voltage value. The charging device according to claim 1.   The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the connection unit is detachable from the charging circuit electrically and structurally. The charging device has an outer frame that forms an outer shape of the charging device;
The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a storage portion that stores the connection means or the second connection means in a part of the outer frame.   The charging device according to claim 7, further comprising a cover that covers the storage portion so as to be opened and closed.

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