JP2021136854A - Power supply device and system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a power supply device and a system, where usability is improved when a plurality of battery packs are mounted.SOLUTION: A power supply device comprises: a power supply box 2 to which a plurality of battery packs BT1 to BT4 can be connected concurrently, each battery pack including a plurality of cell units; a power source cord 4 that extends from the power supply box 2 and is capable of being connected to an external AC power supply; and an adapter 6 that is provided at a tip of a cable 5 extending from the power supply box 2 and is capable of being mounted on an external electric tool 50. Each of the battery packs BT1 to BT4 includes the plurality of cell units and can perform switching connection of the plurality of cell units between serial connection and parallel connection. The power supply box 2 can output DC voltage to the electric tool 50 by connecting in series the plurality of battery packs in each of which the plurality of cell units are connected in parallel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a power supply device and a system including a power supply device main body to which a plurality of battery packs for power tools can be mounted at the same time.

The following Patent Document 1 relates to a DC power supply device. This DC power supply can charge the battery pack and power the cordless tool via an adapter. Charging is stopped when driving the cordless tool, and the battery pack is charged when the cordless tool is stopped.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-184614

The power supply device of Patent Document 1 does not consider mounting a plurality of battery packs. Therefore, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of ease of use when a plurality of battery packs are attached.

An object of the present invention is to provide a power supply device and a system with improved usability when a plurality of battery packs are attached.

One aspect of the present invention is a power supply. This power supply
A power supply main body having a plurality of battery pack mounting portions capable of simultaneously mounting a plurality of battery packs having a plurality of cell units and capable of mounting the plurality of cell units in series, in parallel, or in an independent state.
A power supply device including an adapter portion whose one end side is connected to the power supply device main body and whose other end side can be attached to an external electric device.
The plurality of battery packs are connected in series so that a DC voltage can be output from the adapter unit to the external electric device.

With the plurality of cell units connected in parallel, the plurality of battery packs may be connected in series so that a DC voltage can be output.

With the plurality of cell units connected in series, the plurality of battery packs may be connected in parallel so that a DC voltage can be output.

The DC voltage may be output even when the battery pack is not mounted on a part of the plurality of battery pack mounting portions.

The other battery packs may be rechargeable while a plurality of battery packs are attached and some of the battery packs in the plurality of battery packs are discharged.

A charging circuit for charging some of the battery packs is provided.
The charging circuit may charge the battery packs one by one, or may charge a plurality of battery packs at the same time.

Each of the plurality of battery pack mounting portions may have a terminal portion for connecting the plurality of cell units in parallel.

Depending on the external electrical device to which the adapter unit is mounted, the plurality of battery packs may be connected in series to output a DC voltage, or the plurality of battery packs may not be connected in series to output a DC voltage. Is output from the adapter unit, or may be configured to be switchable.

The power supply main body has a control unit and has a control unit.
The adapter portion has an adapter-side terminal portion connected to a device-side terminal portion of the external electric device.
The adapter-side terminal portion is a short circuit between a first positive electrode terminal connected to the positive electrode terminal of the device-side terminal portion, a first negative electrode terminal connected to the negative electrode terminal of the device-side terminal portion, and the device-side terminal portion. A bar or a second terminal portion connected to the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal is provided.
The control unit may be configured to switch the connection state of the plurality of battery packs according to the connection state of the second terminal unit.

The short bar may be configured to connect the plurality of cell units in series with each other when the external electric device and the battery pack are connected.

The plurality of battery pack mounting portions may have at least one cell unit, and a plurality of non-variable battery packs whose rated output voltage cannot be switched may be mounted at the same time.

The non-variable battery pack has a rated output voltage lower than the output voltage when the plurality of cell units are connected in series.
While the battery pack can be directly attached to the external electric device, the non-variable battery pack may not be directly attached to the external electric device.

Another aspect of the invention is a system. This system
A variable battery pack having a plurality of cell units and capable of switching the plurality of cell units in series, in parallel, or in an independent state.
A non-variable battery pack that has at least one cell unit and cannot switch the rated output voltage,
A power supply main body having a plurality of battery pack mounting portions capable of mounting at least one of the variable battery pack and the non-variable battery pack at the same time, and one end side connected to the power supply main body and the other end side being external electricity. A power supply device having an adapter unit that can be attached to a device is provided.
When the variable battery pack is connected, the battery pack mounting portion connects the plurality of cell units in parallel, and the battery pack mounting portion connects the plurality of cell units in parallel.
The variable battery pack and / or the non-variable battery pack connected to the battery pack mounting portion are connected in series so that a DC voltage can be output from the adapter portion to the external electric device.

It should be noted that any combination of the above components, a conversion of the expression of the present invention between methods, and the like are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power supply device and a system with improved usability when a plurality of battery packs are attached.

The block diagram of the power supply device 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. Front view of the power supply box 2 of the power supply device 1. A perspective view of the power supply box 2. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a system in which the adapter 6 of the power supply device 1 is connected to the power tool 50 and the battery packs BT1 to BT4 are connected to the power supply box 2. The side view of the power tool 50 which directly connected the battery pack BT1. FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram of a configuration related to charging of the power supply box 2. FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram of a configuration related to discharge of the power supply box 2. The flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the power supply device 1. A table summarizing the operation examples of the power supply box 2 according to various states when the adapter 6 is connected to a power tool having a rated input voltage of 18 V. A table summarizing the operation examples of the power supply box 2 according to various states when the adapter 6 is connected to a power tool having a rated input voltage of 36 V. The circuit block diagram of the battery pack BT1 and the power tool 50 in an interconnected state.

In the following, the same or equivalent components, members, etc. shown in the drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted as appropriate. The embodiment is not limited to the invention but is an example. Not all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention.

The present embodiment relates to the power supply device 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply device 1 includes a power supply box 2 as a power supply device main body and an adapter 6. The power supply box 2 has ports P1 to P4 as battery pack mounting portions. As shown in FIG. 4, battery packs BT1 to BT4 can be simultaneously mounted (connected) to the ports P1 to P4. LEDs L1 to L4 as status display units are provided at each of the four corners on the upper surface of the housing 3 of the power supply box 2. The LEDs L1 to L4 notify the operator of the charging status of the battery packs BT1 to BT4 mounted on the ports P1 to P4 according to their own lighting state.

A power cord 4 for connecting to an external AC power source such as a commercial power source extends from the side surface of the housing 3 of the power supply box 2. The power supply box 2 can charge the battery packs BT1 to BT4 mounted on the ports P1 to P4 by the power supplied from the power cord 4. The cable 5 extends from the side surface of the housing 3. An adapter 6 is provided at the tip of the cable 5. As shown in FIG. 4, the adapter 6 can be detachably attached to the battery pack connection portion of the electric tool 50 as an electric device in place of the battery pack. The adapter portion includes a cable 5 and an adapter 6, one end side (cable 5) of the adapter portion is connected to the power supply box 2, and the other end side (adapter 6) of the adapter portion is connected to an external electric device. .. DC power can be supplied to the power tool 50 from a part (1 or 2) of the battery packs BT1 to BT4 mounted on the power supply box 2 via the cable 5 and the adapter 6. The rated input voltage of the power tool 50 is 36V. Although not shown, the adapter 6 can be detachably attached to the battery pack connection portion of a power tool having a rated input voltage of 18 V.

The battery packs BT1 to BT4 are battery packs for power tools having the same structure as each other. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the battery pack BT1 has cell units 11a and 11b. Hereinafter, as an example, it is assumed that the cell units 11a and 11b are each connected in series with five battery cells such as a lithium ion secondary battery cell. The rated output voltage per cell is 3.6V, and the rated output voltages of the cell units 11a and 11b are 18V, respectively.

The interconnection state of the cell units 11a and 11b can be switched between series connection and parallel connection according to the terminal structure of the other party to which the battery pack BT1 is mounted. Further, when the battery pack BT1 is not connected to a power tool or the like and is independent, the cell units 11a and 11b are in an independent state. The battery pack BT1 has an upper positive electrode terminal 41, an upper negative electrode terminal 44, a lower positive electrode terminal 42, and a lower negative electrode terminal 43. The upper positive electrode terminal 41 is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the cell unit 11a. The upper negative electrode terminal 44 is connected to the negative electrode terminal of the cell unit 11a. The lower positive electrode terminal 42 is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the cell unit 11b. The lower negative electrode terminal 43 is connected to the negative electrode terminal of the cell unit 11b.

As shown in FIG. 4, the port P1 includes a terminal portion having a charging side positive electrode terminal C + and a charging side negative electrode terminal C−. The charging side positive electrode terminal C + is connected to the upper positive electrode terminal 41 and the lower positive electrode terminal 42 of the battery pack BT1 and short-circuits between both terminals. The charging side negative electrode terminal C- is connected to the upper negative electrode terminal 44 and the lower negative electrode terminal 43 of the battery pack BT1 and short-circuits between both terminals. The cell units 11a and 11b are connected in parallel to each other by the charging side positive electrode terminal C + and the charging side negative electrode terminal C−. That is, when the battery pack is attached to the port, the cell units 11a and 11b are automatically connected in parallel to each other. When the cell units 11a and 11b are connected in parallel to each other, the rated output voltage of the battery pack BT1 is 18V. Ports P2 to P4 have the same terminal structure (terminal portion) as port P1.

As shown in FIG. 5, the power tool 50 has a tool-side positive electrode terminal 61, a tool-side negative electrode terminal 62, and a short bar 63. The tool-side positive electrode terminal 61 is connected to the upper positive electrode terminal 41 of the battery pack BT1. The tool-side negative electrode terminal 62 is connected to the lower negative electrode terminal 43 of the battery pack BT1. The short bar 63 is connected to the lower positive electrode terminal 42 and the upper negative electrode terminal 44 of the battery pack BT1 and short-circuits between both terminals. The short bar 63 connects the cell units 11a and 11b in series with each other. When the cell units 11a and 11b are connected in series with each other, the rated output voltage of the battery pack BT1 is 36V.

As described above, the battery packs BT1 to BT4 have a rated output voltage variable between 18V and 36V. Such a battery pack will also be referred to as a "variable battery pack" below. In addition to the variable battery pack, a battery pack having a rated output voltage fixed at 18 V (hereinafter, also referred to as “non-variable battery pack”) can be connected to ports P1 to P4. The non-variable battery pack has only one cell unit similar to the cell unit 11a, or the cell units 11a and 11b are connected in parallel to a common positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal. The variable battery packs BT1 to BT4 can be directly mounted on the power tool 50 having a rated input voltage of 36 V, but the non-variable battery pack cannot be directly mounted on the power tool 50. However, since the non-variable battery pack can be mounted on the power supply box 2, the power tool 50 can be driven by the non-variable battery pack via the power supply device 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the adapter 6 includes an adapter-side terminal portion having a first positive electrode terminal M1 +, a first negative electrode terminal M1-, a second positive electrode terminal M2 +, and a second negative electrode terminal M2-. The second positive electrode terminal M1 + and the second negative electrode terminal M2- correspond to the second terminal portion. The first positive electrode terminal M1 + is connected to the tool-side positive electrode terminal 61. The first negative electrode terminal M1-is connected to the tool-side negative electrode terminal 62. The second positive electrode terminal M2 + and the second negative electrode terminal M2- are connected to the short bar 63 and short-circuited with each other. The tool-side positive electrode terminal 61, the tool-side negative electrode terminal 62, and the show bar 63 correspond to the device-side terminal portion.

FIG. 6 shows a circuit configuration related to charging the power supply box 2. The rectifier circuit 80 is, for example, a diode bridge, and rectifies the supply current from the external AC power supply 79. A switching element 82 such as a transformer 81 and an FET is provided between the output terminals of the rectifier circuit 80. The on / off of the switching element 82 is controlled by the switching control circuit 83. The rectifying and smoothing circuit 84 rectifies and smoothes the output current on the secondary side of the transformer 81. The transformer 81, the switching element 82, and the rectifying smoothing circuit 84 form a charging circuit. The 12V power supply 85 converts the output voltage of the rectifying / smoothing circuit 84 into a voltage for operating the cooling fan 78 (for example, DC12V). The fan control circuit 86 controls the drive of the cooling fan 78.

The voltage feedback circuit 87 detects the output voltage of the rectifying / smoothing circuit 84 and feeds it back to the switching control circuit 83. The shunt resistor 88 is provided in the path of the output current (charging current) from the rectifying smoothing circuit 84 to the ports P1 to P4. The current feedback circuit 89 detects the charging current by the voltage across the shunt resistor 88 and feeds it back to the switching control circuit 83. The current detection circuit 91 detects the charging current by the voltage across the shunt resistor 88 and feeds it back to the microcomputer 90. The overcharge detection circuit 92 detects the voltage of the battery pack to be charged and detects whether or not the battery pack is overcharged. The AC detection circuit 75 detects whether or not the external AC power supply 79 is connected by the voltage on the secondary side of the transformer 81, and feeds it back to the microcomputer 90.

The microcomputer (microcontroller) 90 functions as a control unit of the power supply box 2. The microcomputer 90 controls the switching control circuit 83, and the output voltage and output current of the rectifying smoothing circuit 84 are currently supplied with the charging current among the battery packs to be charged (the battery packs connected to the ports P1 to P4). Control the battery pack so that it has an appropriate value according to the state and type of the battery pack. Further, the microcomputer 90 controls the fan control circuit 86 and controls the drive of the cooling fan 78.

The transformer 98 and the switching control circuit 99 are provided between the output terminals of the rectifier circuit 80. The power supplies 100 and 101 are provided on the secondary side of the transformer 98. The power supply 100 supplies the operating voltage of the switching control circuit 83. The power supply 101 supplies the power supply voltage (for example, DC5V) of the microcomputer 90. The connection between the voltage feedback circuit 87, the current feedback circuit 89, the microcomputer 90, the power supply 100, and the switching control circuit 83 can be made between the primary side and the secondary side of the transformers 81 and 98 by using a photocoupler or the like. Insulation can be secured.

The charging-side positive electrode terminal C + (hereinafter also referred to as “C + terminal”) and the charging-side negative electrode terminal C- (hereinafter also referred to as “C-terminal”) provided in the ports P1 to P4 are terminals for supplying charging current. .. The LS terminal is a terminal for receiving a temperature detection signal indicating the temperature of the battery pack from the battery pack. The T terminal is a terminal for receiving an identification signal indicating the type of the battery pack (rated output voltage, etc.) from the battery pack.

The diodes D1 to D4 are provided in the current paths from the rectifying smoothing circuit 84 to the ports P1 to P4, respectively, to prevent backflow of current. Switches SW1 to SW4 such as a relay as a selection means are provided in the current path from the rectifying smoothing circuit 84 to the ports P1 to P4, respectively. The switches SW1 to SW4 correspond to the second switch, and are selectively turned on by the control of the microcomputer 90 depending on which of the ports P1 to P4 the battery pack connected to is the battery pack to be charged. .. The voltage detection circuits 94a to 94d detect the voltage of each battery pack connected to the ports P1 to P4 and feed it back to the microcomputer 90. The overvoltage detection circuits 95a to 95d detect the overvoltage signals output from the battery packs connected to the ports P1 to P4 and feed them back to the microcomputer 90. The LS terminal is configured to be able to receive the temperature detection signal and the overvoltage signal. The temperature detection circuits 96a to 96d detect the temperature of each battery pack connected to the ports P1 to P4 and feed it back to the microcomputer 90. The battery pack identification circuits 97a to 97d detect the type of each battery pack connected to the ports P1 to P4 and feed them back to the microcomputer 90. Each time the charging target battery pack is switched, the microcomputer 90 detects the type (rated output voltage, etc.) and state (voltage, temperature) of the charging target battery pack.

FIG. 7 shows a circuit configuration related to discharge of the power supply box 2. In FIG. 7, the illustration of the power tool 50 is simplified. A more specific configuration example of the power tool 50 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, switches SW5 to SW14 such as a relay form a discharge circuit and correspond to the first switch. The SW5 to SW14 are selectively turned on under the control of the microcomputer 90, depending on which of the ports P1 to P4 the battery pack connected to is the battery pack to be discharged.

The switch SW14 is provided between the C + terminal of the port P1 and the first positive electrode terminal M1 + of the adapter 6. The switch SW5 is provided between the C + terminal of the port P2 and the first positive electrode terminal M1 + of the adapter 6. The switch SW6 is provided between the C + terminal of the port P3 and the first positive electrode terminal M1 + of the adapter 6. The switch SW7 is provided between the C + terminal of the port P4 and the first positive electrode terminal M1 + of the adapter 6.

The switch SW8 is provided between the C- terminal of the port P1 and the C + terminal of the port P2. The switch SW9 is provided between the C- terminal of the port P2 and the C + terminal of the port P3. The switch SW10 is provided between the C- terminal of the port P3 and the C + terminal of the port P4. The switch SW11 is provided between the C-terminal of the port P1 and the C-terminal of the port P4. The switch SW12 is provided between the C-terminal of the port P2 and the C-terminal of the port P4. The switch SW13 is provided between the C-terminal of the port P3 and the C-terminal of the port P4.

When discharging from only one of the battery packs connected to the ports P1 to P4, the procedure is as follows. When discharging from the battery pack connected to the port P1, the switches SW14 and SW11 are turned on. When discharging from the battery pack connected to the port P2, the switches SW5 and SW12 are turned on. When discharging from the battery pack connected to the port P3, the switches SW6 and SW13 are turned on. When discharging from the battery pack connected to the port P4, the switch SW7 is turned on. In this way, the microcomputer 90 can select and discharge any one of the battery packs connected to the ports P1 to P4.

When discharging from two of the battery packs connected to ports P1 to P4, do as follows. When two battery packs connected to ports P1 and P2 are connected in series and discharged from the two battery packs, switches SW14, SW8, and SW12 are turned on. When two battery packs connected to ports P2 and P3 are connected in series and discharged from the two battery packs, switches SW5, SW9, and SW13 are turned on. When two battery packs connected to ports P3 and P4 are connected in series and discharged from the two battery packs, switches SW6 and SW10 are turned on.

Although not shown, if a switch for connecting between the C- terminal of the port P1 and the C + terminal of the port P3 is provided, the two battery packs connected to the ports P1 and P3 can be connected in series. It can be discharged from two battery packs. If a switch for connecting between the C- terminal of the port P1 and the C + terminal of the port P4 is provided, the two battery packs connected to the ports P1 and P4 are connected in series and discharged from the two battery packs. can do. If a switch for connecting between the C- terminal of the port P2 and the C + terminal of the port P4 is provided, the two battery packs connected to the ports P2 and P4 are connected in series and discharged from the two battery packs. can do. In this way, the microcomputer 90 can select any two of the battery packs connected to the ports P1 to P4, connect the two selected battery packs in series, and discharge the battery packs.

When two battery packs connected to ports P1 and P2 are connected in parallel and discharged from the two battery packs, switches SW14, SW11, SW5, and SW12 are turned on. When two battery packs connected to ports P1 and P3 are connected in parallel and discharged from the two battery packs, switches SW14, SW11, SW6, and SW13 are turned on. When two battery packs connected to ports P1 and P4 are connected in parallel and discharged from the two battery packs, switches SW14, SW11, and SW7 are turned on. When two battery packs connected to ports P2 and P3 are connected in parallel and discharged from the two battery packs, switches SW5, SW12, SW6, and SW13 are turned on. When two battery packs connected to ports P2 and P4 are connected in parallel and discharged from the two battery packs, switches SW5, SW12, and SW7 are turned on. When two battery packs connected to ports P3 and P4 are connected in parallel and discharged from the two battery packs, switches SW6, SW13, and SW7 are turned on. In this way, the microcomputer 90 can select any two of the battery packs connected to the ports P1 to P4, connect the two selected battery packs in parallel, and discharge the battery packs.

A shunt resistor 74 is provided between the C-terminal of the port P4 and the M1-terminal of the adapter 6. The current detection circuit 76 detects the discharge current from the power supply box 2, that is, the supply current to the power tool 50 by the voltage across the shunt resistor 74, and feeds it back to the microcomputer 90. The microcomputer 90 detects on / off of the trigger switch 52 of the power tool 50 in addition to the discharge current from the power supply box 2 by the signal from the current detection circuit 76. When the trigger switch 52 is turned on, a closed circuit is formed between the battery pack and the power tool, and a discharge current flows through the closed circuit. Therefore, the on / off of the trigger switch 52 can be detected by detecting the presence / absence of the discharge current. The power supply 73 generates the power supply voltage (for example, DC5V) of the microcomputer 90 from the voltage of the battery pack connected to any of the ports P1 to P4.

The short bar detection circuit 77 detects whether or not the power tool to which the adapter 6 is connected has a short bar by the voltage of the second negative electrode terminal M2- of the adapter 6. As shown in FIG. 4, a power tool having a rated input voltage of 36 V (hereinafter, also referred to as “36 V tool”) has a short bar 63 for short-circuiting between the M2 + terminal and the M2- terminal of the adapter 6. A power tool having a rated input voltage of 18V (hereinafter, also referred to as “18V tool”) has a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal having the same shape as the C + terminal and C− terminal in FIG. The positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal short-circuit between the first positive electrode terminal M1 + and the second positive electrode terminal M2 + of the adapter 6, and also short-circuit between the first negative electrode terminal M1- and the second negative electrode terminal M2-. Therefore, the voltage of the second negative electrode terminal M2-of the adapter 6 differs depending on whether the adapter 6 is connected to the 36V tool or the 18V tool. The microcomputer 90 can detect the rated input voltage of the power tool to which the adapter 6 is connected by the output signal of the short bar detection circuit 77.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the power supply device 1. In parallel with the processing described in this flowchart, the microcomputer 90 checks the states of the ports P1 to P4 and whether or not the power supply box 2 is connected to the external AC power supply at any time. The states of ports P1 to P4 include whether or not the battery pack is connected, and whether or not the connected battery pack can be discharged and charged. Whether or not the battery can be discharged and whether or not it can be charged is affected not only by the remaining capacity of the battery pack (whether or not it is over-discharged and whether or not it is fully charged), but also by the presence or absence of abnormality in the battery pack. When discharging is prioritized over charging, it is determined that the battery pack being discharged is a non-rechargeable battery pack. When charging is prioritized over discharging, the battery pack being charged is judged to be a non-discharging battery pack.

The microcomputer 90 detects whether or not the adapter 6 is connected to the power tool (S1). When the adapter 6 is connected to the power tool (Yes in S1), the microcomputer 90 detects the rated input voltage of the power tool (S2). As described above, the rated input voltage of the power tool is detected by detecting the presence or absence of the short bar 63 with the short bar detection circuit 77. Step S1 is also detected by the short bar detection circuit 77. When the adapter 6 is connected to the power tool, the short bar 63 is connected to the second positive electrode terminal M2 + and the second negative electrode terminal M2- of the adapter 6 in the case of a power tool having a rated input voltage of 36 V, and the rated input voltage is 18 V. In the case of a power tool, since the same positive electrode terminal and negative electrode terminal as the terminals connected to the first positive electrode terminal M1 + and the first negative electrode terminal M1- are connected, the signal input to the short bar detection circuit 77 changes. The microcomputer 90 can detect the connection to the power tool by detecting the change in this signal. When the rated input voltage is 18V (Yes in S2), if there is one or more dischargeable battery packs (Yes in S4) and the trigger switch of the power tool connected to the adapter 6 is on (Yes in S5). ), The microcomputer 90 controls to discharge from one of the dischargeable battery packs to the power tool (S6). When the rated input voltage of the power tool is 36V in step S2 (No in S2), there are two or more dischargeable battery packs (Yes in S8), and the trigger switch of the power tool connected to the adapter 6 is on. For example (Yes in S9), the microcomputer 90 controls to discharge two of the dischargeable battery packs to the power tool (S10).

If the power tool is not connected to the adapter 6 in step S1 (No in S1), or if the number of battery packs that can be discharged in steps S4 and S8 is insufficient (No in S4 and No in S8), steps S5 and S9 When the trigger switch of the power tool is off (No in S5, No in S9), that is, when the power tool is not driven with the battery pack connected to the port, or during discharge control in steps S6 and S10. When there is a rechargeable battery pack (Yes in S13), that is, when there is a battery pack that is not involved in discharging, the microcomputer 90 performs charge control (S14). The microcomputer 90 detects that the battery pack is connected to the port and automatically starts charging. Charging control is, for example, control to fully charge one battery pack at a time, control to charge multiple battery packs at the same time (in parallel), and stepwise switching between multiple battery packs while repeatedly switching the battery packs to be charged. It is one of the controls to charge the battery. In the case of the variable battery pack, the cell units 11a and 11b are connected in parallel when connected to the port, so that the rated output voltage of the battery pack is 18V. Therefore, in S8, when there is one dischargeable battery pack, the output voltage of the adapter 6 does not reach 36V, so that the 36V tool cannot be driven.

Further, instead of detecting the connection of the power tool (S1), the on / off detection of the trigger switch (S5, S9) may be performed. In this case, step S6 and step S10 are executed after step S4 and step S8. Whether or not it is connected to the power tool is determined by detecting whether or not the power tool is driven (whether or not the trigger switch is on). When the trigger switch is turned on and the discharge current is detected by the shunt resistance 74 and the current detection circuit 76, the microcomputer 90 determines that the power tool is connected (the power tool is driven) (Yes in S1). ). If the adapter 6 is only connected to the power tool and the power tool is not driven (when the discharge current is not flowing), it is determined that the adapter 6 is not connected to the power tool (No in S1).

Further, in step S6, one battery pack is discharged, but when there are two or more battery packs that can be discharged, they may be connected in parallel to discharge. In this case, a manual switch may be provided in the power supply box 2 so that the operator can arbitrarily switch between one discharge and parallel discharge according to the work content and the power tool used. Alternatively, it can be driven by the first 18V tool driven by one battery pack and two battery packs (two battery packs connected in parallel to each other) by the short bar detection circuit 77 or the discrimination circuit of the 18V tool. The second 18V tool may be distinguished from the second 18V tool, and the tool may be automatically switched according to the connected power tool. Even when a second 18V tool is connected with one battery pack, if the 18V tool can be driven, the usability can be improved.

FIG. 9 shows an operation example of the power supply box 2 according to various states when the adapter 6 is connected to the 18V tool. FIG. 10 shows an operation example of the power supply box 2 according to various states when the adapter 6 is connected to the 36V tool. In the examples of these figures, when the trigger switch of the power tool connected to the adapter 6 is on, discharge is prioritized, and while discharging, charging is performed in parallel if there is a rechargeable battery pack. .. Further, it is not necessary that the battery packs are connected to all the ports P1 to P4, and if even one battery pack is connected to any of the ports, the 18V tool can be driven. In addition, both discharge and charge are targeted in order from the smallest port number. When the discharged battery pack falls below a predetermined discharge stop condition, for example, the voltage or remaining capacity of the battery pack becomes a predetermined value or less, the current charging current of the battery packs to be discharged (the battery packs connected to ports P1 to P4) is supplied. Switch the target battery pack) to another dischargeable battery pack. When the rechargeable battery pack is fully charged, the rechargeable battery pack is switched to another rechargeable battery pack. Even when the battery pack is not attached to a part of the ports P1 to P4, the battery pack attached to the other port can be discharged, and the battery pack attached to the other port can be charged. ..

An operation example when the 18V tool shown in FIG. 9 is mounted will be specifically described. Here, it is assumed that the 18V tool can be driven by one battery pack. First, a state in which the battery pack BT1 is connected only to the port P1 and the power supply box 2 is connected to the external AC power supply 79 (AC power supply) will be described.

When the trigger switch of the 18V tool is turned on (case 1), the microcomputer 90 turns on (conducts) the switches SW14 and SW11 shown in FIG. As a result, the C + terminal of the port P1 (the positive electrode terminal of the battery pack BT1), the switch SW14, the first positive electrode terminal M1 + of the adapter 6, the trigger switch (switch circuit), the motor 51, the first negative electrode terminal M1-of the adapter 6, and the switch. A closed circuit (discharge circuit) is formed via the SW11 and the C-terminal of the port P1 (the negative electrode terminal of the battery pack BT1). As a result, a discharge current flows from the battery pack connected to the port P1 to drive the 18V tool.

On the other hand, when the trigger switch of the 18V tool is not turned on (case 2), the microcomputer 90 turns on the switch SW1 shown in FIG. 6 (continuity) in order to charge the battery pack BT1 connected to the port P1 without discharging. ). As a result, a closed circuit (charging circuit) is formed via the charging circuit (rectifying and smoothing circuit 84, etc.), the diode D1, the switch SW1, the charging side positive electrode terminal C + of the port P1, the battery pack BT1, and the charging side negative electrode terminal of the port P1. Will be done. As a result, the battery pack BT1 connected to the port P1 is charged.

Next, a state in which the battery pack BT1 is connected only to the port P1 and the power supply box 2 is not connected to the external AC power supply 79 (AC power supply) will be described.

When the trigger switch of the 18V tool is turned on (case 3), a discharge current flows from the battery pack BT1 connected to the port P1 to drive the 18V tool as in the case 1.

On the other hand, when the trigger switch of the 18V tool is not turned on (case 4), the battery pack BT1 connected to the port P1 does not discharge, and the battery pack BT1 cannot be charged by the external AC power supply 79. Therefore, the power supply device 1 does not discharge or charge the battery pack BT1 (does not output).

Next, a state in which the battery packs BT1 and BT2 are connected to the ports P1 and P2, respectively, and the power supply box 2 is connected to the external AC power supply 79 (AC power supply) will be described.

When the trigger switch of the 18V tool is turned on (case 5), the microcomputer 90 turns on (conducts) the switches SW14 and SW11 shown in FIG. 7 and turns on (conducts) the switch SW2 shown in FIG. As a result, as in the case 1, a discharge circuit is formed by the battery pack BT1 connected to the port P1 and the 18V tool, and the 18V tool can be driven. At the same time, as in case 2, the closed circuit (charging) is performed via the charging circuit (rectifying and smoothing circuit 84, etc.), the diode D2, the switch SW2, the charging side positive electrode terminal C + of the port P2, the battery pack BT2, and the charging side negative electrode terminal of the port P2. Circuit) is formed. As a result, the battery pack BT2 connected to the port P2 is charged. That is, the battery pack BT2 connected to the port P2 can be charged while discharging the battery pack BT1 connected to the port P1. In other words, when a plurality of battery packs are connected at the same time, one battery pack can be discharged and another battery pack can be charged at the same time. The battery pack connected to the port with the smaller number was used for discharging, but which battery pack is used for discharging or charging is arbitrary, and the battery pack connected to the port with the higher number or the balance remains. A battery pack having a large capacity may be used for discharging. Further, the battery pack for discharging and charging may be switched during discharging or charging. In this case, the battery pack being charged may be fully charged, or the voltage (remaining capacity) of the battery pack being discharged may be switched to a predetermined value or less.

On the other hand, when the trigger switch of the 18V tool is not turned on (case 6), the microcomputer 90 turns on (conducts) the switch SW1 shown in FIG. 6 in order to charge the battery pack BT1 connected to the port P1 in order. As a result, the battery pack BT1 is charged in the same manner as in the case 2. When the battery pack BT1 is fully charged, the microcomputer 90 turns off (cuts off) the switch SW1 shown in FIG. 6 and turns on (conducts) the switch SW2. As a result, the battery pack BT2 connected to the port P2 is charged. When the battery pack BT2 is fully charged, the microcomputer 90 turns off (cuts off) the switch SW2 to finish charging the battery pack. When charging multiple battery packs, the switches SW1 to SW4 corresponding to the port to which the battery pack is connected are turned on at the same time instead of charging the next battery pack when one battery pack is fully charged. You can also charge the battery packs connected to the port by (conducting) at the same time, or you can switch the switches SW1 and SW2 on and off to charge multiple battery packs little by little before the battery is fully charged. good.

Next, a state in which the battery packs BT1 and BT2 are connected to the ports P1 and P2, respectively, and the power supply box 2 is not connected to the external AC power supply 79 (AC power supply) will be described.

When the trigger switch of the 18V tool is turned on (case 7), the microcomputer 90 first turns on (conducts) the switches SW14 and SW11 shown in FIG. As a result, the battery pack BT1 is discharged as in the case 1. When the battery pack BT1 satisfies a predetermined discharge stop condition, for example, when the voltage of the battery pack BT1 becomes equal to or lower than the over-discharge threshold value, the microcomputer 90 turns off (cuts off) switches SW14 and SW11 and turns on (conducts) switches SW5 and SW12. ). As a result, the discharge of the battery pack BT1 is stopped and the battery pack BT2 is discharged. The order and switching timing of the battery packs to be discharged can be set arbitrarily. Let me.

On the other hand, when the trigger switch of the 18V tool is not turned on (case 8), the battery packs BT1 and BT2 connected to the ports P1 and P2 are not discharged, and the battery packs BT1 and BT2 are charged by the external AC power supply 79. Can't. Therefore, the power supply device 1 does not discharge or charge the battery packs BT1 and BT2 (does not output).

If one or two battery packs are connected to other ports, the same control may be performed. The same applies when three or four battery packs are connected. When connected to an external AC power supply 79 and the trigger switch is turned on, one battery pack may be discharged and the remaining battery packs may be charged, and when the trigger switch is off, a plurality of battery packs may be charged. The battery packs may be charged in sequence or at the same time. On the other hand, when the trigger switch is turned on without being connected to the external AC power supply 79, the discharge switch SW corresponding to the port to which the battery pack to be discharged is connected is turned on (conducting), and the remaining battery pack is turned on. The charging switch SW corresponding to the connected port may be turned on (conducting), and when the trigger switch is off, none of the battery packs may be charged or discharged. ..

Further, when the 18V tool can be driven by connecting two battery packs in parallel, the cases 1 to 4 may be controlled in the same manner. Regarding the case 5, the microcomputer 90 turns on (conducts) the switches SW14, SW11, SW5, and SW12 to discharge the two battery packs BT1 and BT2 at the same time (Case 5-1). Case 6 may be controlled in the same manner as described above. Case 7 is the same as Case 5-1. To drive the 18V tool when three or more battery packs are connected at the same time, if they are connected to the external AC power supply 79, the two battery packs may be discharged and the rest charged. If it is not connected to the external AC power supply 79, the battery pack to be discharged may be switched at an arbitrary timing (for example, based on the discharge time and the remaining capacity).

An operation example when the 36 tools shown in FIG. 10 are mounted will be specifically described. First, a state in which the battery pack BT1 is connected only to the port P1 will be described. Since the battery pack BT1 has a rated output voltage of 18V, it cannot accurately drive a 36V tool having a rated input voltage of 36V. Therefore, the battery pack BT1 is not discharged regardless of whether or not the external AC power supply 79 is connected and whether the trigger switch 52 of the 36V tool is turned on or off.

When the power supply box 2 is connected to the external AC power supply 79 (AC power supply) and the trigger switch of the 36V tool is turned on (case 9), or when the trigger switch of the 36V tool is turned off (case 10), the microcomputer 90 turns on the switch SW1 shown in FIG. 6 to charge the battery pack BT1.

On the other hand, when the power supply box 2 is not connected to the external AC power supply 79 (AC power supply) and the trigger switch of the 36V tool is turned on (case 11), or when the trigger switch of the 36V tool is turned off (case 12). ), The power supply box 2 does not charge or discharge the battery pack BT1.

Next, a state in which the battery packs BT1 and BT2 are connected to the ports P1 and P2, respectively, and the power supply box 2 is connected to the external AC power supply 79 (AC power supply) will be described.

When the trigger switch 52 of the 36V tool is turned on (case 13), the microcomputer 90 turns on the switches SW14, SW8 and SW12 shown in FIG. As a result, the battery pack BT1 and the battery pack BT2 are connected in series, and a discharge circuit is formed between the two battery packs BT1 and BT2 and the 36V tool to drive the 36V tool.

On the other hand, when the trigger switch 52 of the 36V tool is not turned on (case 14), the microcomputer 90 presses the switch SW1 shown in FIG. 6 in order to charge the battery pack BT1 connected to the port P1 in order as in the case 6. Turn on and charge the battery pack BT1. When the battery pack BT1 is fully charged, the microcomputer 90 turns off the switch SW1 shown in FIG. 6 and turns on the switch SW2 to charge the battery pack BT2. When the battery pack BT2 is fully charged, the microcomputer 90 turns off the switch SW2 to finish charging the battery pack. The charging method for charging a plurality of battery packs is as described above.

Next, a state in which the battery packs BT1 and BT2 are connected to the ports P1 and P2, respectively, and the power supply box 2 is not connected to the external AC power supply 79 (AC power supply) will be described.

When the trigger switch 52 of the 36V tool is turned on (case 15), the microcomputer 90 controls in the same manner as in the case 13.

On the other hand, when the trigger switch 52 of the 36V tool is not turned on (case 16), the power supply box 2 does not charge or discharge the battery packs BT1 and BT2 as in the case 12.

Next, a state in which the battery packs BT1 to BT3 are connected to the ports P1 to P3 and the power supply box 2 is connected to the external AC power supply 79 (AC power supply) will be described.

When the trigger switch 52 of the 36V tool is turned on (case 17), the microcomputer 90 first turns on the switches SW14, SW8 and SW12 shown in FIG. As a result, the battery pack BT1 and the battery pack BT2 are connected in series, and a discharge circuit is formed between the two battery packs BT1 and BT2 and the 36V tool to drive the 36V tool. At the same time, the microcomputer 90 turns on the switch SW3 shown in FIG. 6 to charge the undischarged battery pack BT3. In this state, when the battery pack BT1 satisfies a predetermined discharge stop condition, the battery pack BT1 is charged and the battery packs BT2 and BT3 are discharged. The microcomputer 90 turns off the switches SW14, SW8 and SW12, and turns on the switches SW5, SW9 and SW13. As a result, the battery packs BT2 and BT3 can be discharged. At the same time, the microcomputer 90 turns off the switch SW3 and turns on the switch SW1. As a result, the battery pack BT1 can be charged. After that, when the battery pack BT2 satisfies the predetermined discharge stop condition, the battery packs BT3 and BT1 may be discharged and the battery pack BT2 may be charged in the same manner.

On the other hand, when the trigger switch 52 of the 36V tool is not turned on (case 18), the microcomputer 90 turns the switches SW1 to 3 on and off so that the battery packs BT1, BT2, and BT3 are charged in this order as in the case 14. Control. The charging method is as described above.

Next, a state in which the battery packs BT1 to BT3 are connected to the ports P1 to P3 and the power supply box 2 is not connected to the external AC power supply 79 (AC power supply) will be described.

When the trigger switch 52 of the 36V tool is turned on (case 19), the microcomputer 90 turns on the switches SW14, SW8 and SW12 as in the case 17, and when the battery pack BT1 satisfies a predetermined discharge stop condition, the battery pack BT1 In order to stop the discharge of the battery pack BT2 and discharge the battery packs BT2 and BT3, the microcomputer 90 turns off the switches SW14, SW8 and SW12, and turns on the switches SW5, SW9 and SW13.

On the other hand, when the trigger switch 52 of the 36V tool is not turned on (case 20), the power supply box 2 does not charge or discharge the battery packs BT1 and BT2 as in the case 16. It should be noted that the same control may be performed when the ports to which the battery packs are connected are different or when the battery packs are connected to all the ports. The same applies when four battery packs are connected. When connected to an external AC power supply 79 and the trigger switch is turned on, one battery pack may be discharged and the remaining battery packs may be charged, and when the trigger switch is off, a plurality of battery packs may be charged. The battery packs may be charged in sequence or at the same time. On the other hand, when the trigger switch is turned on without being connected to the external AC power supply 79, the discharge switch SW corresponding to the port to which the battery pack to be discharged is connected is turned on (conducting), and the remaining battery pack is turned on. The charging switch SW corresponding to the connected port may be turned on (conducting), and when the trigger switch is off, none of the battery packs may be charged or discharged. ..

In FIG. 9, the battery pack is charged when the battery pack is connected to any one of the ports and the power tool is not connected to the adapter 6 or the trigger switch of the power tool connected to the adapter 6 is not turned on. However, when the trigger switch is turned on in that state, charging is stopped and discharging is started. The same applies to FIG. That is, in FIGS. 9 and 10, discharge is prioritized over charging, but charging may be prioritized.

Further, when giving priority to discharge, in FIG. 9, when the battery pack BT1 is removed from the port P1 in the state of the case 1, the microcomputer 90 turns off the switches SW14 and SW11 that have been turned on, and the battery pack is connected to the port. It will not be charged or discharged because it will be in an uncharged state. Further, when the battery pack BT1 is removed from the port P1 in the state of the case 5, the microcomputer 90 controls the switch SW so as to switch the battery pack BT2 of the port P2 from charging to discharging. Similarly, in FIG. 10, when the discharging battery pack is removed from the port, the charging battery pack is switched to discharging and used. The microcomputer 90 controls the switch SW so as to stop the discharge when there is no battery pack being charged other than the battery pack being discharged. That is, when the discharging battery pack is removed from the port, another battery pack, for example, the charging battery pack may be switched for discharging and used. When there are a plurality of battery packs being charged, the battery pack with the smaller port number may be discharged, or the battery pack with the higher remaining capacity (voltage) may be discharged. Further, when a new battery pack is connected to the port during discharging, the microcomputer 90 turns on the charging switch SW to start charging.

Similarly, when charging is prioritized, when the charging battery pack is removed from the port, the discharging battery pack is switched to charging. Alternatively, charging may be switched to after discharging until the work during discharging is completed (until the trigger switch is turned off).

In addition, when the battery pack being discharged or being charged is removed from the port in the middle of the process, the operator selects whether to temporarily stop all charging and discharging and then charge or discharge the remaining battery pack. You may be able to do it. In this case, the housing 3 may be provided with a switch for selecting which control is prioritized. Alternatively, if there are a plurality of battery packs, it may be possible to select which battery pack to discharge or charge. Alternatively, if the power tool can be operated with the remaining battery pack after stopping once, the power tool may be discharged, or if the remaining battery pack is insufficient in number and the power tool cannot be operated, charge the power tool. May be good. That is, if the battery pack is removed from the port during discharging or charging, the remaining battery pack may be used for discharging or charging, and a new battery pack is connected during discharging or charging. In that case, charging may be started, or the battery may be discharged instead of the battery pack for discharging. At this time, the switching may be automatically performed by the control unit, or may be manually switched by the operator.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a state in which the power tool 50 (36V tool) and the battery pack BT1 are connected to each other. The battery pack BT1 and the power tool 50 each include an LS terminal, a V terminal, a T terminal, and an LD terminal in addition to the terminals shown in FIG. The terminals of the same name of the battery pack BT1 and the power tool 50 are electrically connected to each other.

In the battery pack BT1, the cell voltage monitoring IC 12 monitors the voltage of each battery cell of the cell units 11a and 11b, and when the voltage of at least one battery cell becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, it determines that the battery is over-discharged, and the control unit ( An over-discharge detection signal is transmitted to the battery-side control unit) 15. A cell voltage monitoring IC may be provided for each cell unit. A resistor R1 for current detection is connected in series to the cell unit 11a. The current detection circuit 14 detects the output current of the cell unit 11a by the voltage across the resistor R1 and transmits the detection result to the control unit 15. The power supply circuit 13 generates the power supply voltage VDD1 of the cell voltage monitoring IC 12 and the control unit 15 from the output voltage of the cell unit 11a. The battery voltage detection circuit 16 detects the voltage of the upper positive electrode terminal 41 and transmits the detection result to the control unit 15. The remaining capacity display means 17 is, for example, an LED, and displays (notifies) the remaining capacity of the battery pack BT1 to the user under the control of the control unit 15. The cell temperature detecting means 18 detects the temperature of the battery cell by the voltage of the thermistor TH arranged in the vicinity of the cell units 11a and 11b, and transmits the detection result to the control unit 15. The remaining capacity display switch 19 is a switch for the user to instruct the remaining capacity display means 17 to display the remaining capacity.

The battery pack BT1 includes a serial communication receiving circuit 31 that forms a path for the control unit 15 to receive a serial communication signal (digital signal) transmitted from the electric tool 50, and an analog voltage (of the battery cell) at one end of the thermista TH. It has a temperature information transmission circuit 32 that forms a path for transmitting the temperature information) to the electric tool 50. The LS terminal of the battery pack BT1 is selectively connected to either the serial communication receiving circuit 31 or the temperature information transmitting circuit 32 via the first switching circuit 21. One end of the first switching circuit 21 is connected to the LS terminal, the control terminal is connected to the V terminal, and the other end is the serial communication receiving circuit 31 and the temperature information transmitting circuit 32 according to the signal input from the V terminal. It is connected to any of the above. Here, when the signal from the V terminal is low level, the other end of the first switching circuit 21 is connected to the serial communication receiving circuit 31, and when the signal from the V terminal is high level, the first switching circuit 21 The other end is connected to the temperature information transmission circuit 32. One end of the thermistor TH is connected to the other end of the first switching circuit 21. A switching element Q1 such as an FET is provided between the other end of the thermistor TH and the ground. One end of the third switching circuit 23 is connected to the V terminal, the control terminal is connected to the control unit 15, and the other end is the control terminal (gate) of the switching element Q1 and the other end according to the signal input from the control unit 15. It is selectively connected to one end of the thermistor TH (the other end of the first switching circuit 21).

The battery pack BT1 has an identification information transmission circuit 35 forming a path for transmitting an analog voltage (identification information of the battery pack BT1) at one end of the identification resistor Ra to the power tool 50, and the control unit 15 directed to the power tool 50. It has a serial communication transmission circuit 36 that forms a path for transmitting a serial communication signal (digital signal). The T terminal of the battery pack BT1 is selectively connected to either the identification information transmission circuit 35 or the serial communication transmission circuit 36 via the second switching circuit 22. One end of the second switching circuit 22 is connected to the T terminal, the control terminal is connected to the control unit 15, and the other end is the identification information transmission circuit 35 and the transmission for serial communication according to the signal input from the control unit 15. It is selectively connected to any of the circuits 36. One end of the identification resistor Ra is connected to the other end of the second switching circuit 22. A switching element Q2 such as an identification resistor Rb and an FET is connected in parallel between the other end of the identification resistor Ra and the ground. The control terminal (gate) of the switching element Q2 is connected to the V terminal. When the signal input from the V terminal is at a high level, the switching element Q2 is turned on and no current flows through the identification resistor Rb. When the signal input from the V terminal is low level, the switching element Q2 is turned off and a current flows through the identification resistor Rb.

In the battery pack BT1, a switching element Q3 such as an FET is provided between the LD terminal and the ground. The control terminal (gate) of the switching element Q3 is connected to the control unit 15. When the signal input from the control unit 15 to the control terminal is at a high level, the switching element Q3 is turned on, and when the signal is at a low level, the switching element Q3 is turned off.

In the power tool 50, the motor 51 that serves as a drive source is a brushless motor. The motor 51 may be a brushed motor. As is well known, the inverter circuit 65 includes switching elements such as FETs and IGBTs connected by a three-phase bridge, and supplies a drive current to the motor 51. Switching control (for example, PWM control) of each switching element is performed by a control unit 55 (device side control unit) such as a microcontroller. The drive current of the motor 51 is converted into a voltage by the resistor R5, detected by the current detection circuit 54 that receives the voltage, and transmitted to the control unit 55. The temperature of the inverter circuit 65 is converted into a voltage by a temperature detection element 66 such as a thermistor arranged in the vicinity of the inverter circuit 65, detected by the inverter temperature detection circuit 67, and transmitted to the control unit 55.

The trigger switch 52 is connected in series with the inverter circuit 65. The switch state detection circuit 53 detects the on / off of the trigger switch 52 by the terminal voltage on the inverter circuit 65 side of the trigger switch 52, and transmits the detection result to the control unit 55. When the trigger switch 52 is turned on, the control unit 55 controls each switching element of the inverter circuit 65 and supplies a drive current to the motor 51. The power supply circuit 56 generates the operating voltage VDD2 of the control unit 55 from the input voltage (output voltage of the battery cell) from the positive terminal 61. The battery voltage detection circuit 57 detects the output voltage of the battery cell by the voltage of the positive terminal 61, and transmits the detection result to the control unit 55. The trigger switch 52 does not need to be connected in series with the inverter circuit 65, and may be connected to the control unit 15 to transmit a trigger signal to the control unit 15.

In the power tool 50, the control unit 55 has terminals connected to the LS terminal, the V terminal, the T terminal, and the LD terminal, respectively. One end of the resistor R6 is connected to the power supply line. A switching element Q6 such as a resistor R7 and an FET is connected in series between the other end of the resistor R6 and the ground. The interconnection point of the resistor R6 and the resistor R7 is connected to the LS terminal. The control terminal (gate) of the switching element Q6 is connected to the control unit 55. The resistor R8 is provided between the power supply line and the T terminal. The resistor R9 is provided between the power supply line and the LD terminal.

The control unit 55 of the power tool 50 can switch the function of the LS terminal by a signal transmitted to the battery pack BT1 via the V terminal. Specifically, when the control unit 55 transmits a high-level signal from the V terminal, the connection destination of the other end of the first switching circuit 21 becomes the temperature information transmission circuit 32, via the first switching circuit 21 and the LS terminal. Therefore, the voltage at one end of the thermistor TH can be received. Since the control unit 15 of the battery pack BT1 normally uses the connection destination of the other end of the third switching circuit 23 as the control terminal of the switching element Q1, the switching element Q1 is used when the signal of the V terminal is high level. When turned on, an analog voltage corresponding to the temperature of the battery cell is output to one end (temperature information transmission circuit 32) of the thermistor TH. When the signal of the V terminal is high level, the switching element Q2 is turned on, and the voltage of the T terminal is the first identification voltage obtained by dividing the power supply voltage VDD2 of the power tool 50 by the resistor R8 and the resistor Ra.

On the other hand, when the control unit 55 transmits a low-level signal from the V terminal, the connection destination of the other end of the first switching circuit 21 becomes the serial communication receiving circuit 31, and the control unit 15 of the battery pack BT1 via the LS terminal. Can transmit serial communication signals to. The serial communication signal is created by turning on / off the switching element Q6. When the signal of the V terminal is low level, the switching element Q2 is turned off, and the voltage of the T terminal is the power supply voltage VDD2 of the electric tool 50, the resistor R8, and the series combined resistor of the resistor Ra and the resistor Rb. It becomes the second identification voltage divided by. The control unit 55 can obtain information on the battery pack BT1 based on both the first and second identification voltages.

The control unit 15 of the battery pack BT1 can switch the function of the T terminal by switching the connection destination of the other end of the second switching circuit 22. Specifically, if the connection destination of the other end of the second switching circuit 22 is the transmission circuit 36 for serial communication, the control unit 15 serializes to the power tool 50 via the second switching circuit 22 and the T terminal. Communication signals can be transmitted. On the other hand, if the connection destination of the second switching circuit 22 is the identification information transmission circuit 35, the control unit 15 connects the power tool 50 to the power tool 50 via the second switching circuit 22 and the T terminal, and the analog voltage at one end of the identification resistor Ra. Can be output.

The contents of the serial communication signal transmitted from the power tool 50 to the battery pack BT1 include, for example, the type and model number of the power tool 50, notification of over-discharge stop, instruction of over-discharge display, and threshold value for abnormality detection (for example, over-discharge threshold value). , Overcurrent threshold, high temperature protection threshold of battery cell), display threshold of remaining amount display (threshold for switching remaining capacity display), error log, usage history information, information required for battery pack BT1 and the like. All the information may be transmitted from the power tool 50 to the battery pack BT1, or only the information requested by the battery pack BT1 may be transmitted. The contents of the serial communication signal transmitted from the battery pack BT1 to the power tool 50 are, for example, the type and model number of the battery pack BT1, the type of the battery cell, the error log, the usage history information, the information required for the power tool 50, and the like. .. All the information may be transmitted from the battery pack BT1 to the power tool 50, or only the information requested by the power tool 50 may be transmitted. In serial communication, the identification information of the battery pack BT1 can be notified in more or more detail than the voltages of the identification resistors Ra and Rb. In serial (digital) communication, a high signal or a low signal output from one control unit (microcomputer) is input / output to the other control unit (microcomputer), and one signal is output to the other.

When the battery pack BT1 is connected to the charging device and the charging stop condition is satisfied, the control unit 15 of the battery pack BT1 connects the other end of the third switching circuit 23 to one end of the thermistor TH (first switching). The other end of the circuit 21). Since the charger sets the signal of the V terminal to a high level during charging, the connection destination of the other end of the first switching circuit 21 is the temperature information transmission circuit 32. Therefore, the signal (high level) of the V terminal is transmitted to the charger via the third switching circuit 23, the first switching circuit 21, and the LS terminal, and the fact that charging is stopped is notified.

When the control unit 15 of the battery pack BT1 detects any of overcurrent, overdischarge, and abnormally high temperature of the battery cell, the control unit 15 turns on the switching element Q3. As a result, the voltage of the LD terminal drops from the power supply voltage VDD2 of the power tool 50 to the ground potential, and the control unit 55 is notified that discharge is prohibited (an abnormality detection signal is transmitted).

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) Direct current can be discharged from other battery packs while charging some of the battery packs connected to ports P1 to P4, which can improve usability.

(2) When the discharge target battery pack satisfies a predetermined discharge stop condition, for example, when the voltage of the battery pack becomes a predetermined value or less, an adapter 6 is connected in order to switch the discharge target battery pack to another dischargeable battery pack. The continuous usable time of the power tool can be extended, and the ease of use can be improved.

(3) The adapter 6 can be selectively attached to the 36V tool and the 18V tool, and the usability can be improved.

(4) Since the ports P1 to P4 each have a terminal structure in which the cell units 11a and 11b of the connected battery pack are connected in parallel, the charging circuit need only correspond to the rated output voltage of 18V, and the structure is simplified. can. On the other hand, 36V can be output by connecting two battery packs in series to the 36V tool, and the usability can be improved. Further, since the switches SW5 to 14 for switching the connection state of the plurality of battery packs are arranged in the power supply box 2, the burden on the operator can be reduced as compared with the case where the switches SW5 to 14 are arranged in the adapter 6.

(5) When the trigger switch of the power tool to which the adapter 6 is connected is turned off, the battery pack discharged to the power tool can be immediately started to be charged as the battery pack to be charged, improving usability. Can be done.

Although the present invention has been described above by taking the embodiment as an example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to each component and each processing process of the embodiment within the scope of the claims. By the way. Hereinafter, a modified example will be touched upon.

In the power supply box 2, the number of ports to which the battery pack can be connected is not limited to four, and any plurality of ports may be used. Numerical values specifically shown in the embodiment, such as the number of battery cells connected in series in the cell units 11a and 11b, the rated output voltage per battery cell, and the number of cell units in one battery pack, are examples and are appropriate. It can be changed. Instead of or in addition to being connected in parallel to each other, the cell units 11a and 11b may be in an independent state, that is, a state in which they are not connected to each other. The power supply box 2 may have a terminal structure in which the cell units 11a and 11b are connected in series with each other. The power supply box 2 may be capable of outputting a DC voltage by connecting a plurality of battery packs in which the cell units 11a and 11b are connected in series to each other in parallel.

1 power supply, 2 power supply box, 3 housing, 4 power cord, 5 cable, 6 adapter, 11a, 11b cell unit, 12 cell voltage monitoring IC, 13 power supply circuit, 14 current detection circuit, 15 control unit (battery side control unit) ), 16 Battery voltage detection circuit, 17 Remaining capacity display means, 18 Cell temperature detection means, 19 Remaining capacity display switch, 21 1st switching circuit, 22 2nd switching circuit, 23 3rd switching circuit, 31 Serial communication receiving circuit , 32 Temperature information transmission circuit, 35 Identification information transmission circuit, 36 Serial communication transmission circuit, 41 Upper positive terminal, 42 Lower positive terminal, 43 Lower negative terminal, 44 Upper negative terminal, 50 Power supply, 51 Motor, 52 Trigger switch, 53 switch status detection circuit, 54 current detection circuit, 55 control unit (main unit side control unit), 56 power supply circuit, 57 battery voltage detection circuit, 58 LED light, 59 light lighting switch, 61 tool side positive terminal, 62 Tool side negative terminal, 63 short bar, 65 inverter circuit, 66 temperature detection element, 67 inverter temperature detection circuit, 73 power supply, 74 shunt resistance, 76 current detection circuit (trigger on / off detection circuit), 77 short bar detection circuit, 78 cooling Fan, 79 AC power supply, 80 rectifier circuit, 81 transformer, 82 switching element, 83 switching control circuit, 84 rectification smoothing circuit, 85 12V power supply, 86 fan control circuit, 87 voltage feedback circuit, 88 shunt resistance, 89 current feedback circuit, 90 Microcomputer (control unit), 91 current detection circuit, 92 overcharge detection circuit, 94a to 94d voltage detection circuit, 95a to 95d overvoltage detection circuit, 96a to 96d temperature detection circuit, 97a to 97d battery pack identification circuit, 98 transformer, 99 switching control circuit, 100 power supply, 101 power supply, BT1 to BT4 battery pack, L1 to L4 LEDs, P1 to P4 ports, SW1 to 14 switches.

Claims (13)

A power supply main body having a plurality of battery pack mounting portions capable of simultaneously mounting a plurality of battery packs having a plurality of cell units and capable of mounting the plurality of cell units in series, in parallel, or in an independent state.
A power supply device including an adapter portion whose one end side is connected to the power supply device main body and whose other end side can be attached to an external electric device.
A power supply device in which a plurality of battery packs are connected in series so that a DC voltage can be output from the adapter unit to the external electric device. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of battery packs are connected in series in a state where the plurality of cell units are connected in parallel so that a DC voltage can be output. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of battery packs are connected in parallel to output a DC voltage while the plurality of cell units are connected in series. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a DC voltage can be output even when a battery pack is not mounted on a part of a plurality of battery pack mounting portions. Any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a plurality of battery packs are attached and another battery pack can be charged while discharging from a part of the plurality of battery packs. The power supply as described in the section. A charging circuit for charging some of the battery packs is provided.
The power supply device according to claim 5, wherein the charging circuit charges battery packs one by one, or charges a plurality of battery packs at the same time. The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of battery pack mounting portions has a terminal portion for connecting the plurality of cell units in parallel. Depending on the external electrical device to which the adapter unit is mounted, the plurality of battery packs may be connected in series to output a DC voltage, or the plurality of battery packs may not be connected in series to output a DC voltage. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the power supply device is configured to be switchable from the adapter unit. The power supply main body has a control unit and has a control unit.
The adapter portion has an adapter-side terminal portion connected to a device-side terminal portion of the external electric device.
The adapter-side terminal portion is a short circuit between a first positive electrode terminal connected to the positive electrode terminal of the device-side terminal portion, a first negative electrode terminal connected to the negative electrode terminal of the device-side terminal portion, and the device-side terminal portion. A bar or a second terminal portion connected to the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal is provided.
The power supply device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit is configured to switch the connection state of the plurality of battery packs according to the connection state of the second terminal unit. The power supply device according to claim 9, wherein the short bar is configured to connect the plurality of cell units in series to each other when the external electric device and the battery pack are connected. The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of battery pack mounting portions has at least one cell unit, and a plurality of non-variable battery packs whose rated output voltage cannot be switched can be mounted at the same time. Power supply. The non-variable battery pack has a rated output voltage lower than the output voltage when the plurality of cell units are connected in series.
The power supply device according to claim 11, wherein the battery pack can be directly attached to the external electric device, while the non-variable battery pack cannot be directly attached to the external electric device. A variable battery pack having a plurality of cell units and capable of switching the plurality of cell units in series, in parallel, or in an independent state.
A non-variable battery pack that has at least one cell unit and cannot switch the rated output voltage,
A power supply main body having a plurality of battery pack mounting portions capable of mounting at least one of the variable battery pack and the non-variable battery pack at the same time, and one end side connected to the power supply main body and the other end side being external electricity. A power supply device having an adapter unit that can be attached to a device is provided.
When the variable battery pack is connected, the battery pack mounting portion connects the plurality of cell units in parallel, and the battery pack mounting portion connects the plurality of cell units in parallel.
A system in which the variable battery pack and / or the non-variable battery pack connected to the battery pack mounting portion is connected in series so that a DC voltage can be output from the adapter portion to the external electric device.

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