JP2024037594A - Electrical equipment with replaceable batteries - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To handle various batteries with different battery information and batteries of the same type but with different battery information, regardless of whether they are known or unknown at the time of shipment, the battery information items described in the communication content The purpose is to provide electrical equipment that can be flexibly adapted to additions, deletions, and changes. [Solution] An electrical device 1 requests battery information from a secondary battery 2, acquires some or all of the battery information from the secondary battery 2 based on the battery information obtained in response to the request, and Different battery information is transmitted and acquired depending on the type of battery 2. [Selection diagram] Figure 6

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to electrical equipment with replaceable batteries.

When the secondary battery is attached to an electrical device, the electrical device sends a communication start request signal to the secondary battery, and the secondary battery uses this communication start request signal as a trigger to determine whether communication is permitted. In this case, the electrical device receives information from the secondary battery that communication is permitted, determines that the secondary battery is compatible with serial communication, and periodically sends a request signal for battery information to the secondary battery, Electrical equipment is known that controls a motor or the like based on battery information responded to this request signal.

In this electrical device, if the determination of whether or not communication is permitted for the secondary battery is negative, it is determined that the secondary battery is not compatible with serial communication, and the electrical device controls the motor etc. without transmitting or receiving battery information.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-140686

Incidentally, items of battery information transmitted by a conventional secondary battery compatible with serial communication include, for example, battery temperature data, battery type data, and battery usage history data.

Here, suppose that the item of battery information transmitted by the secondary battery is changed or added. For example, as secondary batteries are improved, battery circuit temperature data is added to battery information in addition to battery temperature data, battery type data, and battery usage history data.

However, the electrical equipment of the prior art does not disclose a technique that corresponds to changing the content of serial communication with a secondary battery as described above.

In other words, conventional electrical equipment transmits and receives signals that permit communication of existing battery information that includes predetermined known items, while at the same time transmitting and receiving signals that permit communication of existing battery information that includes predetermined known items. does not allow communication of battery information including additional information, resulting in abnormal termination of electrical equipment. Therefore, conventional electrical equipment may interfere with communication of battery information and impair user convenience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical device that can flexibly respond to changes in the content of communication with a secondary battery, that is, addition, deletion, and modification of battery information items described in the communication content. shall be.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an electric device with a replaceable battery according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery mounting section into which a secondary battery that stores battery information can be mounted, and a battery mounting section into which a secondary battery that stores battery information can be mounted, and a secondary battery mounted on the battery mounting section. a transmitting/receiving unit that communicates the battery information with the battery; a load driven by power stored in the secondary battery; and supplying the battery information to the load based on the battery information received by the transmitting/receiving unit from the secondary battery. a control unit that controls the power that is generated, the transmitting and receiving unit transmits a battery information request requesting the battery information to the secondary battery, and the transmitting and receiving unit transmits a battery information request requesting the battery information to the secondary battery, and in response to the battery information request, the secondary battery The control unit determines some or all of the battery information items based on the battery information acquired from the secondary battery, and transmits the selected part or all of the battery information to the secondary battery. The battery information is transmitted and acquired, and the load is controlled based on the battery information acquired from the secondary battery.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an electrical device with a replaceable battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electrical device with a replaceable battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a version number of an electrical device with a replaceable battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The type identification information and battery status information included in the battery information of the secondary battery installed in the electrical equipment according to the embodiment of the present invention, and the type identification information request and battery status information request transmitted by the electrical equipment to the secondary battery. The figure explaining an example of . 1 is a flowchart showing in detail a first example of operation control of a load of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing details of reception control of type identification information of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a flowchart showing in detail a first example of control on the secondary battery side according to an embodiment of the present invention. Type identification information and a plurality of battery status information included in battery information of a secondary battery installed in an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a type identification information request and a plurality of batteries that the electrical device sends to the secondary battery. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a status information request. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail a second example of controlling the operation of a load of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail a second example of control on the secondary battery side according to the embodiment of the present invention. An example of a timing chart for transmitting and receiving battery information of a secondary battery installed in an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The type identification information and at least one piece of battery status information included in the battery information of the secondary battery installed in the electrical equipment according to the embodiment of the present invention, and the type identification information request and at least one piece of battery status information that the electrical equipment sends to the secondary battery. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of two battery status information requests. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail a third example of controlling the operation of a load of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing details of reception control of battery status information of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail a third example of control on the secondary battery side according to the embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail a fourth example of controlling the operation of a load of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing details of battery status information request cycle control of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. An example of a timing chart for transmitting and receiving battery information of a secondary battery installed in an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an electric device with a replaceable battery according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19. In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the same or equivalent structure in several drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an electrical device with a replaceable battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a battery-replaceable electric device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a load, for example, an electric motor 3, which is driven by electric power stored in a secondary battery 2. The secondary battery 2 is also called a storage battery, a rechargeable battery, or a rechargeable battery. The electric device 1 is, for example, a stick-type vacuum cleaner 5, and includes an electric blower 6 as a load with an electric motor 3 integrated therein.

The vacuum cleaner 5 includes a vacuum cleaner main body 12 that has a handle 11 and can be operated by hand, a secondary battery 2 that is detachable from the vacuum cleaner main body 12, an extension pipe 15 that is connected to the vacuum cleaner main body 12, and an extension tube 15 that is connected to the vacuum cleaner main body 12. A suction port body 16 connected to the pipe 15 is provided.

Note that the electric device 1 may be a canister-type vacuum cleaner 5, an upright-type vacuum cleaner 5, or a handy-type vacuum cleaner 5 that uses a removable secondary battery 2 as a power source. The electrical device 1 may be a tool that converts electrical energy supplied to the electric motor 3 into mechanical energy such as rotational driving force.

Further, the electrical equipment 1, the vacuum cleaner 5, and the vacuum cleaner main body 12 are used in various postures by users who hold the vacuum cleaner main body 12 in their hands. Therefore, in FIG. 1, the view in the direction of the solid line arrow P is taken as a plan view (top view), and the view in the direction opposite to the solid line arrow P is taken as the bottom view. In FIG. 1, a view in the direction of solid line arrow F is a front view (front view), and a view in the opposite direction of solid line arrow F is a rear view. In FIG. 1, a view in the direction of solid arrow L is a left side view, and a view in the opposite direction of the solid line arrow L is a right side view.

The vacuum cleaner main body 12 includes a main body case 17 having a handle 11, an electric blower 6 housed in the main body case 17 to generate suction negative pressure, and a dust separating/collecting part 19 detachably provided in the main body case 17. It includes a battery mounting part 21 to which the secondary battery 2 can be attached and detached, a charging terminal 22 for the secondary battery 2, and a main body control part 23 that mainly controls the driving of the electric blower 6 and the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2. ing.

The vacuum cleaner main body 12 drives an electric blower 6 using electric power stored in the secondary battery 2, generates negative pressure by driving the electric blower 6, and causes the generated suction negative pressure to act on the dust separation and collection section 19. The suction negative pressure that acts on the dust separation and collection section 19 acts on the extension pipe 15 and the suction port body 16 in sequence. The suction negative pressure that has reached the suction port body 16 acts on the suction port 31 of the suction port body 16 . The suction negative pressure acting on the suction port 31 sucks air containing dust (hereinafter referred to as "dust-containing air") from the floor surface into the suction port 31 . The dust-containing air sucked into the suction port 31 flows into the dust separation and collection section 19 through the suction port body 16 and the extension pipe 15. The dust separation and collection section 19 separates dust from the dust-containing air sucked in by the suction negative pressure, collects and accumulates the separated dust, and sends the air from which the dust has been separated to the electric blower 6 . The electric blower 6 exhausts the air from which dust has been separated to the outside of the main body case 17.

Further, the vacuum cleaner main body 12 charges the secondary battery 2 with electric power supplied from the charging terminal 22 . The charging terminal 22 is connected to the secondary battery 2 via the charging circuit of the main body control section 23.

Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner main body 12 includes an input section 27 arranged within a range in which a user who grips the handle 11 can move his or her fingers.

The main body case 17 includes a columnar front part 17a that is arranged on an extension line of the extension tube 15 and extends along the extension line of the extension tube 15, a center part 17b that hangs diagonally downward and rearward from the front part 17a, and a center part 17b. a cylindrical rear portion 17c extending rearward from the lower half of the rear surface of the central portion 17b; a handle 11 extending rearward from the upper half of the rear surface of the central portion 17b, curved in an arc shape and connected to the rear end of the upper surface of the rear portion 17c; It is equipped with

The front part 17a and the central part 17b of the main body case 17 cooperate to detachably hold the dust separation/collection part 19. The dust separation/collection section 19 has a cylindrical appearance as a whole. The front part 17a and the central part 17b hold the dust separating part 19 with the longitudinal direction parallel to the center line C of the dust separating part 19, or in other words, the extension line of the center line of the extension tube 15. . When the extension tube 15 and the dust separation and collection section 19 are attached to the main body case 17, the extension line of the center line of the extension tube 15 and the center line C of the dust separation and collection section 19 substantially extend from the left and right of the main body case 17. It is placed on the central longitudinal section that divides the area evenly. That is, the longitudinal front part 17a and the cylindrical dust separation/collection part 19 are arranged side by side so that their center lines are parallel to each other.

The front portion 17a of the main body case 17 is disposed on the extension of the extension tube 15 in the longitudinal direction, that is, in the extending direction, and extends in a tubular shape. The front portion 17a has a joint structure to which the extension tube 15 can be attached and detached. The front portion 17a has a main body connection port 25 which is a fluid inlet of the cleaner main body 12, and fluidly connects the extension pipe 15 and the dust separation/collection section 19. By removing the extension tube 15 from the cleaner body 12, the body connection port 25 also functions as a suction port when the cleaner body 12 is used alone.

The rear part 17c of the main body case 17 accommodates the electric blower 6 and the main body control section 23. The rear part 17c has an exhaust port 26 for discharging the exhaust air from the electric blower 6 from inside the main body case 17. A battery mounting part 21 to which the secondary battery 2 can be attached and detached is provided at the bottom of the rear part 17c.

The central part 17b of the main body case 17 covers and holds a part of the rear end of the dust separation/collection part 19 attached to the front part 17a, and connects the dust separation/collection part 19 and the electric blower 6. It houses a connecting air path (not shown). The central portion 17b is connected to the rear end portion of the front portion 17a, which extends substantially linearly, and bulges diagonally downward and rearward of the main body case 17. The central portion 17b has an appearance that slopes downward toward the rear of the main body case 17.

The handle 11 is provided integrally with the main body case 17. The handle 11 is a part that is held by the user's hand in order to clean the floor surface with the vacuum cleaner 5. Therefore, it is preferable that the handle 11 has an appropriate shape that is easy to grip with a person's fingers.

The handle 11 is installed between the front part 17a and the rear part 17c of the main body case 17. The handle 11 extends from the rear end of the front portion 17a in the direction of extension of the extension tube 15, curves in an arc, and connects to the rear end of the rear portion 17c. A continuous space is provided between the handle 11 and the back surface of the central part 17b of the main body case 17, and between the handle 11 and the top surface of the rear part 17c of the main body case 17 in the left-right direction (width direction) of the main body case 17. ). In this space, the four fingers of the user who grips the handle 11, including the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger, are arranged.

The input unit 27 is provided near the handle 11 and within a range where the user who grips the handle 11 can move his or her fingers. The input unit 27 includes a switch that accepts an operation request for the electric blower 6. This switch is electrically connected to the main body control section 23. The user of the vacuum cleaner 5 can operate the input unit 27 to alternately switch between operating and stopping the electric blower 6.

The input unit 27 may include a switch for switching the operation mode of the electric blower 6. In this case, the main body control unit 23 switches the driving mode in the order of strong → medium → weak → strong → medium → weak → every time it receives an operation signal from the driving mode changeover switch. In addition, the input unit 27 may be individually provided with a strong operation switch, a medium operation switch, and a weak operation switch instead of the operation mode changeover switch.

The dust separation/collection section 19 is arranged in an L-shaped housing space defined by the front part 17a of the main body case 17 and the central part 17b of the main body case 17. The dust separation and collection section 19 separates, collects, and accumulates dust from the dust-containing air flowing into the cleaner body 12, and sends clean air from which dust has been removed to the electric blower 6. The dust separation/collection unit 19 is of a centrifugal separation type that centrifugally separates dust and air by utilizing the difference in mass between the dust and air. A filter of a filtration separation type that filters out dust from dust-containing air may be provided downstream of the dust separation and collection section 19.

Further, the dust separation/collection section 19 extends in a cylindrical shape along the front-rear direction of the main body case 17. In other words, the dust separation and collection section 19 is a cylindrical container having a center line C extending in the front-rear direction of the main body case 17. The direction along the center line C of the dust separation and collection section 19, the extending direction of the dust separation and collection section 19, and the longitudinal direction of the dust separation and collection section 19 are substantially the same, and the direction along the center line C of the dust separation and collection section 19 is substantially the same. are in agreement. Therefore, the center line C of the dust separation and collection section 19 is substantially parallel to the center line of the extension tube 15. Further, the dust separation/collection section 19 is attached to the front section 17a of the main body case 17. That is, the longitudinal direction of the dust separation/collection section 19 follows the longitudinal direction of the front part 17a of the main body case 17. The diameter of the dust separation and collection part 19 is larger than the width dimension of the front part 17a of the main body case 17, and the diameter of the dust separation and collection part 19 is wider than the front part 17a of the main body case 17 in the left-right direction (width) of the cleaner main body 12. direction). Note that the left-right direction (width direction) of the cleaner body 12 corresponds to the normal direction of the central longitudinal section of the cleaner body 12. The center line C of the cylindrical dust separation/collection section 19 is substantially included in the central vertical section of the cleaner body 12 .

The central part 17b of the main body case 17 has a connection port fluidly connected to the exhaust side of the dust separation/collection section 19, and a separation section downstream air pipe that fluidly connects the connection port and the electric blower 6. We are prepared. The central portion 17b includes a portion sandwiched between the dust separation and collection portion 19 and the rear portion 17c of the main body case 17. A connecting port and a downstream air passage pipe of the separating section are arranged in this region.

The connection port is arranged at a portion facing the front of the central portion 17b. The connection port directly faces the rear end surface of the dust separation and collection section 19 when the dust separation and collection section 19 is attached to the main body case 17 . Therefore, the connection port is arranged on an extension of the center line C of the dust separation and collection section 19 when the dust separation and collection section 19 is attached to the main body case 17 .

The suction side of the electric blower 6 is connected to the dust separation and collection section 19 via a connection port and a downstream air path pipe of the separation section. The electric blower 6 sucks air from the dust separation/collection section 19 to generate suction negative pressure. The electric blower 6 includes an impeller, an electric motor 3 that generates rotational driving force for the impeller, and a rotating shaft that transmits the rotational driving force from the electric motor 3 to the impeller.

The impeller is, for example, a turbo fan and includes a plurality of blades. Each blade has a twisted shape that gradually rises in the radial direction of the hub from the center of the conical hub to the outer edge of the hub. In other words, each blade is a so-called three-dimensional airfoil in which the airfoil or wing section changes from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The impeller is covered by a case having a suction port.

The electric blower 6 has a cylindrical or columnar shape centered on the rotation axis. It is housed in the main body case 17 with the center line of the rotating shaft directed in the front-rear direction of the main case 17 and the suction port directed forward. Further, the center line of the rotating shaft of the electric blower 6 is substantially arranged on an extension of the center line C of the dust separation and collection section 19.

The main body control section 23 is arranged directly behind the electric blower 6. The main body control unit 23 includes a microprocessor and a storage device 28 as a storage unit that stores various calculation programs executed by the microprocessor, parameters, and the like. When implementing control that allows the operation mode of the electric blower 6 to be selectively selected from a plurality of operation modes, the storage device 28 stores various settings (arguments) related to the plurality of operation modes set in advance. Remember. The plurality of operation modes are associated with the output of the electric blower 6. Different input values (input value of the electric blower 6, target value of current flowing through the electric blower 6) are set for each operation mode. Each operation mode is associated with an operation request that the input unit 27 receives. The main body control unit 23 selectively selects an arbitrary operation mode corresponding to the operation request from the input unit 27 from a plurality of preset operation modes, reads out the settings of the selected operation mode from the storage device 28, and The electric blower 6 is operated according to the read operation mode setting.

Note that the input value of the electric blower 6 corresponds to the amount of discharge of the secondary battery 2. The discharge amount of the secondary battery 2 is controlled by the level of the discharge current or discharge voltage of the secondary battery 2. It is convenient and preferable to control the discharge amount of the secondary battery 2 by adjusting the level of the discharge current of the secondary battery 2.

Further, the main body control unit 23 controls charging of the secondary battery 2 when the charging terminal 22 of the vacuum cleaner main body 12 is connected to a power source, for example, a charger. The amount of charge of the secondary battery 2 is controlled by the level of charging current or charging voltage of the secondary battery 2.

The secondary battery 2 is a so-called battery pack. By discharging the power stored in the secondary battery 2, the electric blower 6 and the main body control section 23 are driven, and by charging the secondary battery 2 with power, the electric blower 6 and the main body control section 23 consume power. is stored in the secondary battery 2. The secondary battery 2 can be attached to and detached from the main body case 17. In other words, the vacuum cleaner 5 can be used by replacing the plurality of secondary batteries 2 as appropriate. When the charging rate of the secondary battery 2 installed in the vacuum cleaner 5 decreases, the vacuum cleaner 5 can be restarted by replacing the secondary battery 2 with a charged secondary battery 2. can continue. That is, the secondary battery 2 can be charged while being attached to the main body case 17, or it can be removed from the main body case 17 and charged by being attached to a charger different from the vacuum cleaner 5, and after charging, the main body case 17 can be charged. It can also be reinstalled. The vacuum cleaner 5 may have a secondary battery 2 that can be easily replaced, or a vacuum cleaner 5 that has a secondary battery 2 that requires disassembly of the vacuum cleaner body 12 in order to replace the secondary battery 2. may be replaceable.

The notification unit 29 is controlled by the main body control unit 23 and informs the charging state of the secondary battery 2, for example, that the secondary battery 2 is being charged, that the secondary battery 2 is fully charged, and that the secondary battery 2 is being charged. It is notified that the charging rate has fallen below a predetermined charging rate and that the battery is dead. The notification unit 29 includes, for example, a display that displays information such as text, something that appeals to the visual sense of the user of the vacuum cleaner 5, such as a lit or flashing lamp or LED (Light Emitting Diode), an electrically synthesized voice, or a display that displays information such as text. The device may be at least one of a sound generator that emits a buzzer sound or the like that appeals to the sense of hearing of the user of the vacuum cleaner 5, or a vibrator that appeals to the tactile sense of the user of the vacuum cleaner 5. It is preferable that the notification section 29 is provided near the input section 27. By arranging it in this way, the perceivability of the notification content is enhanced.

The extension pipe 15 and the suction port body 16 suck dust on the floor together with air by the negative pressure applied from the electric blower 6 and guide it to the cleaner body 12 .

The extension pipe 15 is fluidly connected to the suction side of the electric blower 6 via the main body connection port 25 of the main body case 17 and the dust separation/collection section 19 . The extension tube 15 has a length that substantially reaches the floor surface when the user holds the handle 11 of the cleaner body 12. One end of the extension tube 15 has a joint structure that can be detachably attached to the main body connection port 25 of the cleaner main body 12. The other end of the extension tube 15 has a joint structure that allows the suction port 16 of the cleaner body 12 to be attached and detached. The extension tube 15 may be expandable or contractible, or may have a fixed length that is not expandable.

The suction port body 16 can freely run or slide on a floor surface such as a wooden floor or a carpet, and has a suction port 31 on the bottom surface facing the floor surface in a running state or a sliding state. Further, the suction port body 16 includes a rotatable rotary cleaning body 32 arranged at the suction port 31 and an electric motor 33 that drives the rotary cleaning body 32. One end of the suction port body 16 has a joint structure that can be detachably attached to the other end of the extension pipe 15. The suction port body 16 is fluidly connected to the suction side of the electric blower 6 via the extension pipe 15 . The suction port body 16, the extension pipe 15, and the dust separation/collection section 19 are a suction air path leading from the electric blower 6 to the suction port 31.

Note that the suction port body 16 may include a windmill (not shown) that drives the rotary cleaning body 32 instead of the electric motor 33. This windmill is rotated by the flow of air sucked into the vacuum cleaner 5, and drives the rotating cleaning body 32.

The vacuum cleaner 5 starts the electric blower 6 when the input unit 27 is operated while the electric blower 6 is stopped. When the operation mode changeover switch is installed, the vacuum cleaner 5 first starts the electric blower 6 in the strong operation mode, and when the operation mode changeover switch is operated, changes the operation mode of the electric blower 6 to the medium operation mode. When the operation mode changeover switch is operated again, the operation mode of the electric blower 6 is changed to the weak operation mode, and the same process is repeated. The strong operation mode, the medium operation mode, and the weak operation mode are a plurality of operation modes that are set in advance. The input value to the electric blower 6 is the largest in the strong operation mode and the smallest in the weak operation mode. The electric blower 6 that has been started sucks air from the dust separation and collection section 19 and makes the inside of the dust separation and collection section 19 a negative pressure.

The negative pressure within the dust separation and collection section 19 acts on the suction port 31 through the main body connection port 25, the extension pipe 15, and the suction port body 16 in this order. The vacuum cleaner 5 uses the negative pressure applied to the suction port 31 to suck in dust on the surface to be cleaned together with air, thereby cleaning the surface to be cleaned. The dust separation and collection section 19 separates and accumulates dust from the dust-containing air sucked into the vacuum cleaner 5 , while sending the air separated from the dust-containing air to the electric blower 6 . The electric blower 6 exhausts the air sucked in from the dust separation and collection section 19 to the outside of the cleaner body 12.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electrical device with a replaceable battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electrical device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a battery mounting part 21 to which a secondary battery 2 can be attached and detached, and information about the secondary battery 2 from the secondary battery 2 mounted in the battery mounting part 21. a transmitting/receiving unit 41 that transmits a request signal for acquiring information about the secondary battery 2 and acquires information regarding the secondary battery 2 from the secondary battery 2 in response to the request signal; 2, and a main body serving as a power control unit that controls at least one of the amount of discharge and the amount of charge of the secondary battery 2 based on the information acquired through the transmitter/receiver 41. It includes a control section 23 , an electric motor 3 as a load driven by power stored in a secondary battery 2 mounted on a battery mounting section 21 , an input section 27 , and a notification section 29 .

Note that for convenience of explanation, "information regarding the secondary battery 2" will be referred to as "battery information" hereinafter. "Information acquired via the transmitter/receiver 41" which is the same as "information regarding the secondary battery 2" will also be referred to as "battery information" hereinafter.

On the other hand, the secondary battery 2 is a battery pack. The secondary battery 2 includes at least one unit cell 45, a battery status observation unit 51 that monitors items included in the battery information of the secondary battery 2, and an internal memory 53 that stores the battery information of the secondary battery 2. A battery control unit 52 that controls charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2 based on observation information obtained from the battery status observation unit 51 and battery information stored in the internal memory 53 and a battery control unit 52 that controls charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2 based on observation information obtained from the battery status observation unit 51 and battery information issued by the electrical equipment 1. The battery transmitting/receiving unit 42 receives a request signal for acquisition and transmits battery information from the secondary battery 2 in response to the request signal.

The transmitter/receiver 41 of the electrical device 1 and the battery transmitter/receiver 42 of the secondary battery 2 are collectively referred to as a communication interface 43. The communication interface 43 has a signal line 44 that electrically connects the transmitter/receiver 41 and the battery transmitter/receiver 42 .

The battery mounting part 21 is provided in the main body of the electric device 1, that is, in the vacuum cleaner main body 12 of the vacuum cleaner 5. The battery mounting section 21 includes a mechanism that mechanically holds the secondary battery 2 in a removable manner and a terminal that electrically connects the secondary battery 2 and an electric circuit in the electric device 1. The mechanical mechanism of the battery mounting part 21, for example, applies a releasable lock to the fitted secondary battery 2 to prevent the secondary battery 2 from detaching or falling off.

The transmitter/receiver 41 is an output device that transmits a request signal for acquiring battery information to the secondary battery 2 via the signal line 44 . Further, the transmitter/receiver 41 is also an input device that acquires battery information transmitted from the secondary battery 2 in response to a request signal.

The unit battery 45 is a lead acid battery, a lithium ion secondary battery, a lithium ion polymer secondary battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-iron battery, a nickel-zinc battery, a silver oxide-zinc battery, and a cobalt titanium lithium battery. It is used for a variety of types, including secondary batteries. In order to supply desired power to the load of the electrical device 1, a plurality of unit cells 45 are mounted on the secondary battery 2. When a plurality of unit cells 45 are mounted on the secondary battery 2, it is preferable that the plurality of unit cells 45 have substantially the same battery characteristics.

Internal memory 53 stores type identification information including version information of secondary battery 2 . Further, the internal memory 53 stores setting values or setting ranges corresponding to monitoring items of the secondary battery 2. When the monitoring item is the temperature of the unit cell 45, the setting value or setting range corresponding to the monitoring item is, for example, at least one setting value or setting range of the upper temperature limit, the lower temperature limit, and the allowable temperature range. .

The internal memory 53 may be a recording medium or a recording method that can provide type identification information without contact, such as a non-contact IC chip, a one-dimensional barcode, or a two-dimensional bar code, or may be a contact-type IC chip, etc. A recording medium or a recording method that can provide type identification information by contact may be used. Furthermore, the internal memory 53 may be a memory that is built into the secondary battery 2 and stores type identification information.

The battery condition observation section 51 measures at least one predetermined monitoring item at every required period, and transmits the obtained measurement results to the battery control section 52 at every specified period. The measurement period of the monitoring item and the transmission period of the measurement results may match or may not match. Generally, the measurement period is less than or equal to the transmission period. The battery condition observation section 51 includes a sensor section that measures a physical quantity of a monitoring item, and a circuit that reads the output of the sensor section and converts it into a physical quantity of a monitoring item. The battery condition observation unit 51 is roughly classified into three types depending on whether the sensor unit and circuit are provided in the secondary battery 2, in the vacuum cleaner body 12, or separately in the secondary battery 2 and the vacuum cleaner body 12. be done. The battery state observation unit 51 of the first acquisition method includes a sensor unit provided in the secondary battery 2 and a circuit provided in the cleaner body 12. The first acquisition method, for example, reads the resistance value of a thermistor provided in the secondary battery 2 to measure the temperature of the unit cell 45 and the thermistor provided in the vacuum cleaner body 12 and converts it into temperature. It is equipped with a circuit. The battery state observation unit 51 of the second acquisition method includes a sensor unit provided in the cleaner body 12 and a circuit provided in the cleaner body 12. The second acquisition method is, for example, a shunt resistor provided inside the vacuum cleaner body 12 to measure the discharge current from the secondary battery 2 to the load, and a shunt resistor provided inside the vacuum cleaner body 12 to read the resistance value of the shunt resistor. and a circuit that converts the discharge current into a discharge current. The battery state observation unit 51 of the third acquisition method includes a sensor unit provided in the secondary battery 2 and a circuit provided in the secondary battery 2. The battery state observation unit 51 of the third acquisition method converts the physical quantity converted by the circuit into an electrical signal and outputs it to the circuit of the vacuum cleaner main body 12. The third acquisition method includes, for example, a thermistor installed in the secondary battery 2 to measure the temperature of the unit cell 45, and a thermistor installed in the secondary battery 2 to read the resistance value of the thermistor and convert it into temperature. , and a circuit that outputs the measured temperature to the circuit of the vacuum cleaner main body 12.

For convenience of explanation, data obtained by measuring the measurement results at a predetermined period from the battery state observation unit 51 and quantized to enable transmission via serial communication will be referred to as "battery data." The battery data includes at least one monitoring item, that is, data regarding the battery state of the secondary battery 2. When the monitored item is the temperature of the unit battery 45, the battery data is the temperature data of the unit battery 45. The battery data is the data itself representing the battery state of the secondary battery 2, such as battery temperature data, battery type data, battery usage history data, etc., or the basis information for calculating the battery data of the secondary battery 2. . The battery data of the secondary battery 2 may be numerical data expressing the battery state quantity of the secondary battery 2. In accordance with the serial communication regulations, information including at least one piece of battery data is hereinafter referred to as "battery status information." The battery status information includes at least one piece of battery data that the battery status observation unit 51 acquires at a predetermined cycle. The battery data included in the battery status information is acquired by the battery status observation unit 51 using the third acquisition method.

The battery information includes, for example, type identification information including version information of the secondary battery 2 and battery status information including battery data of at least one secondary battery 2. The type identification information is also called "first battery information," and the battery status information is also called "second battery information." The type identification information is information for selecting monitoring items for suitably charging and discharging the secondary battery 2 to which the electrical device 1 is attached, and for initializing monitoring conditions.

The battery control unit 52 transmits battery status information including battery data acquired from the battery status observation unit 51 at predetermined intervals to the electrical device 1 via the battery transmitting/receiving unit 42.

The battery transmitter/receiver 42 is an input device that acquires a request signal transmitted from the electrical device 1 at a predetermined cycle via the transmitter/receiver 41 and sends it to the battery controller 52 . Further, the battery transmitting/receiving unit 42 is also an output device that transmits battery status information sent from the battery control unit 52 at a predetermined cycle to the electrical device 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating version information of a secondary battery installed in an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, version information 61 included in the type identification information of the secondary battery 2 according to the present embodiment includes a major version number 62 and a minor version number 63. That is, the secondary battery 2 is version-managed using the version information 61. Version information 61

In FIG. 3, the major version number 62 described by the character string “AAA” is a mechanical version number 62 that is identified by the supply of power from the secondary battery 2 installed in the battery installation unit 21 to the main body control unit 23. It may be the matching of the electrical interface, or it may be the battery information acquired by the transmitter/receiver 41, that is, the information described in the type identification information.

In FIG. 3, the minor version number 63 described by the character string "BBB" can identify changes in monitoring items for the secondary battery 2 and addition of monitoring items for the secondary battery 2 having the same major version number 62. This information is described as follows.

In addition, in FIG. 3, "." (period, dot) is written between the major version number 62 and the minor version number 63 so that the major version number 62 and the minor version number 63 can be easily distinguished.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of operation control of an electric device and a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the secondary battery 2 is installed in the battery mounting part 21 of the vacuum cleaner main body 12, the main body control unit 23 of the electric device 1 according to the present embodiment is supplied with power from the secondary battery 2. Powered by electricity.

The activated main body control unit 23 transmits a signal requesting type identification information to the secondary battery 2 via the transmitting/receiving unit 41 (step S1), and the type identification information transmitted from the secondary battery 2 in response to the request signal. (Step S2).

Here, when the electrical equipment 1 requests type identification information from the secondary battery 2 in step S1, the request signal sent from the electrical equipment 1 to the secondary battery 2 is hereinafter referred to as a "type identification information request." The type identification information request is also referred to as a "first battery information request."

In addition, when the major version number 62 of the secondary battery 2 is defined by matching mechanical and electrical interfaces, the major version number 62 and the secondary If the major version number 62 of the battery 2 matches, the main body control unit 23 continues to operate. If the major version number 62 compatible with the vacuum cleaner main body 12 and the major version number 62 of the secondary battery 2 do not match, the main body control unit 23 will abnormally stop after checking whether the type identification information matches. , does not work. In other words, if the major version number 62 compatible with the vacuum cleaner main body 12 and the major version number 62 of the secondary battery 2 do not match, the main body control unit 23 abnormally stops without performing the steps after step S3. and it doesn't work.

Subsequently, the activated main body control unit 23 requests the battery control unit 52 for at least one piece of battery status information corresponding to the acquired version information 61 (step S3).

Here, the request signal sent from the main body control section 23 to the battery control section 52 when requesting battery state information from the battery control section 52 in step S3 is hereinafter referred to as a "battery state information request." The battery status information request is also referred to as a "second battery information request."

The battery control section 52 transmits battery state information to the main body control section 23 at predetermined intervals based on the battery state information request received from the main body control section 23 (step S4).

The activated main body control unit 23 requests the secondary battery 2 for setting values or setting ranges corresponding to monitoring items of the secondary battery 2 separately from step S3, and separately from step S4. Then, the setting value or setting range corresponding to the monitoring item of the secondary battery 2 is acquired from the secondary battery 2. This acquisition process of the setting value or setting range corresponding to the monitoring item of the secondary battery 2 may be executed at least once after the secondary battery 2 is installed in the electrical device 1 and before step S3.

Next, when the main body control unit 23 detects the operation of the input unit 27, it sets the operation request of the input unit 27 to “operated” (step S5).

Next, the main body control unit 23 sets the operating state of the electric blower 6 based on the content of the operation request from the input unit 27 (step S6). In the operation setting process of step S5, the content of the operation request from the input unit 27 and the monitoring data of the secondary battery 2 obtained from the battery status information are compared with the setting value or setting range corresponding to the monitoring item of the secondary battery 2. Based on the result, the operating state of the electric blower 6 is set to "stop" or "operate".

For convenience of explanation, the operating state of the electric blower 6 will be described as either "stop" or "running", but the operating state of the electric blower 6 includes the operation mode of the electric blower 6. It's okay to stay. That is, the operating state of the electric blower 6 may include two or more operating states, such as "stop", "strong mode operation", "medium mode operation", and "weak mode operation". In that case, the operation request of the input unit 27 may include "strong mode operation available", "medium mode operation available", and "weak mode operation available" in addition to "no operation" and "operation available". , preferably includes an operation for selecting a driving mode.

Next, the main body control unit 23 controls the operation of the electric blower 6 according to the operating state of the electric blower 6 (step S7). In other words, the main body control unit 23 controls the amount of discharge of the secondary battery 2 according to the operating state of the electric blower 6.

Then, the main body control unit 23 repeats steps S3 to S7 at a predetermined period. That is, the main body control unit 23 repeats steps S3 to S4 at a predetermined period to acquire battery data of the secondary battery 2, and in step S5, the main body control unit 23 acquires battery data of the secondary battery 2 and monitor items of the secondary battery 2. By comparing the corresponding set values or setting ranges, operation settings are made in step S6, and the operating state of the load is controlled in step S7.

When charging or discharging the secondary battery 2, that is, when power is being supplied to the electric blower 6, the main body control unit 23 transmits a battery status information request at a first predetermined period, for example, every 1.0 seconds. , when the secondary battery 2 is not being charged or discharged, a battery state information request is transmitted at a second predetermined cycle that is longer than the first predetermined cycle, for example every 5 minutes. In other words, the main body control unit 23 acquires battery data at a first predetermined cycle when the secondary battery 2 is being charged and when the electric blower 6 as a load is being operated. If the secondary battery 2 is not being charged and the electric blower 6, which is a load, is stopped, battery data is acquired at a second predetermined cycle, and this is monitored. By doing so, the electrical equipment 1 can sequentially monitor the state of the secondary battery 2 when the secondary battery is being charged and discharged, and the electrical equipment 1 can be If not, it is possible to monitor the self-discharge of the secondary battery 2 to detect sudden abnormalities in the secondary battery 2.

Note that the type identification information, type identification information request, battery status information request, and battery status information are transmitted and received by serial communication through the communication interface 43. In addition, a request signal to the secondary battery 2 for the setting value or setting range corresponding to the monitoring item of the secondary battery 2, and the setting value or setting range corresponding to the monitoring item of the secondary battery 2 are transmitted serially via the communication interface 43. Preferably, the information is transmitted and received via communication.

FIG. 5 shows the type identification information and battery status information included in the battery information of the secondary battery installed in the electrical equipment according to the embodiment of the present invention, and the type identification information request and battery status information sent by the electrical equipment to the secondary battery. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a status information request.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing in detail a first example of controlling the operation of a load of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail the reception control of the type identification information of the electrical equipment according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing in detail a first example of control on the secondary battery side according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Using FIG. 5 as an example, a process for acquiring battery status information in a combination of an electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.0" and a secondary battery 2 of version "1.0" will be illustrated.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the main body control unit 23 of the electrical device 1 according to the present embodiment requests type identification information (see FIG. 5 “Va”). This process corresponds to step S1 in FIGS. 4 and 6. At this time, the battery control unit 52 determines whether there is a request for battery information from the electrical device 1 (step S21). The battery information request is a type identification information request or a battery status information request. If it is determined that there is a request for battery information (step S31 Yes), the battery control unit 52 moves to the process of step S32. If there is no request for battery information (No in step S31), the battery control unit 52 repeats the process in step S21.

The type identification information request includes communication start data for identifying the start of a set of type identification information transmitted from the electrical device 1 to the secondary battery 2 through the communication interface 43, and a request for version information 61 of the secondary battery 2. and communication end data for identifying the end of a set of type identification information transmitted from the electrical device 1 to the secondary battery 2 through the communication interface 43.

Next, the battery control unit 52 determines whether the request for battery information is a type identification information request (step S32). If it is determined that the battery information request is a type identification information request (Step S32 Yes), the battery control unit 52 transmits the type identification information (see FIG. "Vb") (step S2), and the process returns to step S31.

The type identification information includes communication start data for identifying the start of a set of information transmitted from the secondary battery 2 to the electrical device 1 through the communication interface 43, version information 61, and information on the secondary battery 2 through the communication interface 43. communication end data for identifying the end of a set of information transmitted from to the electrical device 1.

On the other hand, the main body control unit 23, which sent the type identification information request in step S1, waits to receive type identification information from the secondary battery 2 (step S21).

If the type identification information request is received from the secondary battery 2 (step S21 Yes), the main body control unit 23 normally ends the type identification information acquisition process and proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if the type identification information is not received from the secondary battery 2 (No in step S21), the elapsed time during which the type identification information has not been obtained is counted, and based on this elapsed time, it is determined whether or not to perform the timeout process. (Step S22). For example, if the upper limit of the elapsed time in the state where type identification information has not been acquired is set to 1.0 seconds, the main body control unit 23 controls when the elapsed time in the state in which type identification information has not been acquired exceeds 1.0 seconds. A timeout process is performed (step S22 Yes), and the process is abnormally terminated.

Next, the main body control unit 23 determines whether the major version number 62 of the secondary battery 2 and the major version number 62 compatible with the main body match (step S11). For example, in a main body compatible with version number "1.N" (N is an arbitrary minor version number 63), if the major version number 62 of the secondary battery 2 is "1", the determination in step S2 is affirmed; If the major version number 62 is other than "1", the determination in step S2 is negative.

When the major version number 62 is described as information, if the major version number 62 acquired from the secondary battery 2 via the transmitter/receiver 41 and the major version number 62 stored in the storage device 28 match, , the secondary battery 2 is interpreted to have a major version number 62 compatible with the main body of the electrical device 1, that is, the vacuum cleaner main body 12.

In addition, when the major version number 62 is described as information, the authenticity of the secondary battery 2 is determined by transmitting and receiving signals between the secondary battery 2 and the main body control unit 23, and the installed secondary battery 2 If it is determined that the secondary battery 2 is a genuine product, it may be interpreted that the secondary battery 2 has a major version number 62 compatible with the main body of the electric device 1, that is, the vacuum cleaner main body 12.

When the major version number 62 is defined by matching mechanical and electrical interfaces, the secondary battery 2 can be installed in the battery mounting section 21, and the secondary battery 2 and the main body control section 23 are electrically connected. If power and signals can be normally transferred to and from the secondary battery 2, it is interpreted that the secondary battery 2 has a major version number 62 compatible with the main body of the electric device 1, that is, the vacuum cleaner main body 12. In this case, step S11 is omitted.

The major version number 62 and minor version number 63 described in the information may be simple integer values, or may be letters, numbers, symbols, or codes that are a combination of these for classification. These numbers 62 and 63 are assigned in ascending or descending chronological order from past to future. Regardless of whether they are assigned in ascending or descending order, they are managed in chronological order with the past at the bottom and the future at the top.

If the major version number 62 of the secondary battery 2 and the major version number 62 compatible with the main body do not match (No in step S11), the main body control unit 23 abnormally terminates the process. If the process ends abnormally, the main body control section 23 does not operate the electrical equipment 1 regardless of the operation request from the input section 27. Note that in steps S1 and S11, the main unit is controlled by the power supplied from the secondary battery 2, regardless of whether the major version number 62 of the secondary battery 2 and the major version number 62 compatible with the main unit match or not. It is preferable to start the unit 23 and process the information.

On the other hand, if the major version number 62 of the secondary battery 2 and the major version number 62 compatible with the main body match (Step S11 Yes), the main body control unit 23 uses the version number acquired from the battery control unit 52. Based on this, a battery status information request ("1a" in FIG. 5) for acquiring battery data of the secondary battery 2 is transmitted via the transmitter/receiver 41. This process corresponds to step S3 in FIGS. 4 and 6.

The battery status information request includes communication start data for identifying the start of a set of battery status information transmitted from the electrical device 1 to the secondary battery 2 through the communication interface 43, and a request for battery data of the secondary battery 2. , and communication end data for identifying the end of a set of battery status information transmitted from the electrical device 1 to the secondary battery 2 through the communication interface 43.

On the other hand, the battery control unit 52, which is waiting for a request for battery information in step S31, determines whether the request for battery information is a request for battery status information after determining Yes in step S32 and determining No in step S32. A judgment is made (step S33). If it is determined that the battery information request is a battery status information request (step S33 Yes), the battery control unit 52 transmits the battery status information (FIG. "1b") (step S4), and the process returns to step S31.

The battery status information includes communication start data for identifying the start of a set of information transmitted from the secondary battery 2 to the electrical device 1 through the communication interface 43, at least one piece of battery data, and information on the secondary battery through the communication interface 43. and communication end data for identifying the end of a set of information transmitted from the battery 2 to the electrical device 1.

The main body control unit 23, which sent the battery status information request in step S3, waits to receive battery status information from the secondary battery 2 (step S12). When the battery status information is received (step S12 Yes), the battery control unit 52 controls the operation of the load based on the received battery status information (step S7). Thereafter, the main body control unit 23 acquires the battery status information and determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S13). If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S13 Yes), the process returns to step S3. Repeat the process.

On the other hand, if the battery status information is not received from the secondary battery 2 (step S12 No), the elapsed time during which the battery status information has not been acquired is counted, and based on this elapsed time, it is determined whether or not to perform the timeout process. (Step S14). For example, if the upper limit of the elapsed time when the battery status information has not been acquired is set to 1.0 seconds, the main body control unit 23 determines that the elapsed time when the battery status information has not been acquired exceeds 1.0 seconds. When this happens, timeout processing is performed (step S14 Yes) and the processing is abnormally terminated.

As described above, the battery replaceable electric device 1 according to the present embodiment determines some or all of the battery information items based on the battery information acquired from the secondary battery 2, and The battery information is transmitted to and acquired from the secondary battery 2, and the electric blower 6, which is a load, is controlled based on the battery information acquired from the secondary battery. In other words, when the electrical device 1 is connected to the secondary battery 2 having known battery information including known items predetermined based on the battery information acquired from the secondary battery 2, the electrical device 1 can detect the known range. Requests battery information from the secondary battery 2 and obtains battery information from the secondary battery 2 within a known range. Further, the electrical device 1 is connected to a secondary battery 2 having battery information in which known items are changed to unknown items based on the battery information acquired from the secondary battery 2 or battery information including additional unknown items. If so, do not request battery information from the secondary battery 2 in the unknown range, request battery information from the secondary battery 2 in the known range, and request battery information from the secondary battery 2 in the known range. Get battery information. Therefore, changes and additions to the battery information of the secondary battery 2 can be easily and appropriately handled. Therefore, the electrical device 1 can easily use battery data that allows the replacement of the secondary battery 2 and allows the installed secondary battery 2 to be used appropriately, which may cause an abnormal stoppage of operation. Reduce the risk.

By the way, conventional electrical equipment transmits and receives signals that permit communication of existing battery information that includes predetermined known items, while transmitting and receiving signals that permit communication of existing battery information that includes known items that have been determined in advance. does not allow communication of battery information including additional information, resulting in abnormal termination of electrical equipment.

Therefore, the electrical device 1 according to the present embodiment determines some or all of the battery information items based on the battery information acquired from the secondary battery 2, and transfers the determined part or all of the battery information to the secondary battery. The electric blower 6, which is a load, is controlled based on the battery information acquired from the secondary battery. By doing so, the electrical device 1 enables communication of battery information in which a known item is changed to an unknown item or battery information that additionally includes an unknown item. Here, for convenience of explanation, the secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" is referred to as the secondary battery 2 of the higher version, and the secondary battery 2 of version "1.0" is referred to as the secondary battery 2 of the lower version. The electrical equipment 1 compatible with version "1.1" is called the electrical equipment 1 of the higher version, and the electrical equipment 1 compatible with version "1.0" is called the electrical equipment 1 of the lower version. The secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" is a minor version upgrade product of the secondary battery 2 of version "1.0", and the electrical equipment 1 compatible with version "1.1" is version "1.0". This is a minor version upgrade of the compatible electrical equipment 1.

A combination of an electrical device 1 compatible with a higher version of the secondary battery 2 and a lower version and a higher version of the secondary battery 2 will be described.

FIG. 9 shows type identification information and a plurality of pieces of battery status information included in battery information of a secondary battery installed in an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a type identification information request sent from the electrical device to the secondary battery. and a plurality of battery status information requests.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail a second example of the operation control of the load of the electrical equipment according to the embodiment of the present invention. Note that in the process in FIG. 10, the same steps as in FIG. 6 are given the same step numbers as in FIG. 6, and repetitive explanations will be omitted.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing in detail a second example of control on the secondary battery side according to the embodiment of the present invention. Note that in the process of FIG. 11, the same steps as those of FIG. 8 are given the same step numbers as those of FIG. 8, and repetitive explanations will be omitted.

Taking FIG. 9 as an example, a process for acquiring battery status information in a combination of an electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.1" and a secondary battery 2 of lower version "1.0" and a process compatible with version "1.1" A comparison will be made with the battery status information acquisition process in a combination of the electrical device 1 and the secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" in which some battery data has been changed.

For convenience of explanation, the battery status information of the secondary battery 2 of the lower version "1.0" is called the first battery status information ("1b" in FIG. 9), and the battery status information of the secondary battery 2 of the lower version "1.0" is referred to as the first battery status information ("1b" in FIG. 9). "Battery state information of the secondary battery 2 is called second battery state information ("2b" in FIG. 9).

The first battery status information and the second battery status information each include "common battery data" that is at least one battery data common to each. For example, the battery temperature data, battery type data, and battery usage history data included in the first battery status information are common to the battery temperature data, battery type data, and battery usage history data included in the second battery status information. This is the battery data.

Further, the second battery state information includes "uncommon battery data" which is at least one piece of battery data that is not common to the first battery state information. For example, the battery circuit temperature data included in the second battery status information is non-common battery data.

As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the battery control unit 52 of the secondary battery 2 according to the present embodiment transmits information to the electrical equipment via the battery transmitting/receiving unit 42 based on the type identification information request acquired via the transmitting/receiving unit 41. The type identification information is transmitted to the transmitter/receiver 41 of No. 1. For example, when the secondary battery 2 of version "1.0" is installed in the electrical device 1, the battery control unit 52 stores the type identification information (FIG. 9 " V1b”). Further, when the secondary battery 2 of version “1.1” is installed in the electrical device 1, the battery control unit 52 stores the type identification information (FIG. 9 “ V2b”). These processes correspond to step S2 in FIG. 4 and step S2 in FIG. 6.

Thereafter, the main body control unit 23 transmits a battery status information request for acquiring battery data of the secondary battery 2 via the transmitting/receiving unit 41 based on the version number acquired from the battery control unit 52. For example, when the version number acquired by the main body control unit 23 is “1.0”, the main body control unit 23 transmits a first battery status information request signal (“1a” in FIG. 9). Further, when the version number acquired by the main body control unit 23 is “1.1”, the main body control unit 23 transmits a request signal for second battery status information (“2a” in FIG. 9). This process is the process from step S41 to step S43 in FIG.

Here, when requesting the battery control unit 52 for first battery status information, the battery status information request transmitted from the main body control unit 23 to the battery control unit 52 will be referred to as a “first battery status information request” hereinafter. Further, when requesting the second battery status information from the battery control unit 52, the battery status information request transmitted from the main body control unit 23 to the battery control unit 52 will be referred to as a “second battery status information request” hereinafter.

In other words, if the major version number 62 of the secondary battery 2 and the major version number 62 compatible with the main body match (Step S11 Yes), the main body control unit 23 sets the minor version number 63 of the secondary battery 2 and the major version number 62 compatible with the main body. It is compared with the minor version number 63 compatible with the main body (step S41). If the minor version number 63 of the secondary battery 2 is greater than or equal to the minor version number 63 that can be supported by the main body (step S41 Yes), the main body control unit 23 transmits a second battery state information request as a battery state information request. (Step S42), if the minor version number 63 of the secondary battery 2 is smaller than the minor version number 63 that can be supported by the main body (Step S41 No), the main body control unit 23 sends the first request as a battery status information request. A battery status information request is transmitted (step S43).

Note that although this embodiment describes two minor version numbers 63, ".0" and ".1", the number of minor version numbers 63 may be three or more. In this case, steps S41 to S43 are further subdivided into multiple stages, and different minor version numbers 63 can be identified, and a quantity of battery status information requests corresponding to each minor version number 63 can be set. is desirable. The same applies to the following explanation.

The battery control unit 52 transmits battery status information to the transmitting/receiving unit 41 of the electrical device 1 via the battery transmitting/receiving unit 42 based on the battery status information request acquired via the transmitting/receiving unit 41 . For example, when the version number acquired by the main body control unit 23 is “1.0”, the battery control unit 52 transmits the first battery status information (“1b” in FIG. 9). Further, when the version number acquired by the main body control unit 23 is “1.1”, the battery control unit 52 transmits the second battery status information (“2b” in FIG. 9). This process is the process from step S51 to step S54 in FIG.

That is, when the first battery state information request is received (step S51 Yes), the battery control section 52 transmits the first battery state information to the transmitting/receiving section 41 of the electrical device 1 (step S52). Moreover, when the second battery state information request is received (step S51 No, step S53 Yes), the battery control section 52 transmits the second battery state information to the transmitting/receiving section 41 of the electrical device 1 (step S54). .

When the version "1.1" compatible electrical device 1 is connected to the version "1.1" secondary battery 2, the electrical device 1 acquires the second type identification information from the secondary battery 2, and A second battery status information request is transmitted in correspondence with the type identification information, and second battery status information is acquired from the secondary battery 2. The electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.1" that has acquired the second battery status information recognizes the status of the secondary battery 2 based on the second battery status information, and executes load operation control in accordance with this in step S7. do.

In addition, when the version "1.1" compatible electrical device 1 is connected to the version "1.0" secondary battery 2, the electrical equipment 1 acquires the first type identification information from the secondary battery 2, and A first battery status information request is transmitted in correspondence with the first type identification information, and first battery status information is acquired from the secondary battery 2. The electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.1" that has acquired the first battery status information recognizes the status of the secondary battery 2 based on the first battery status information, and executes load operation control in accordance with this in step S7. do.

Note that the electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.0" does not use the minor version number 63 for control decisions as shown in FIG. In other words, the electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.0" sends a type identification information request that is substantially the same as the first type identification information request to the version "1.1" secondary battery 2, and First type identification information that is the same as the type identification information is acquired, a battery status information request that is substantially the same as the first battery status information request is transmitted in correspondence with this type identification information, and the battery status information is substantially changed from the secondary battery 2. Obtain first battery status information that is the same as the status information. The electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.0" that has acquired the battery status information recognizes the status of the secondary battery 2 based on the battery status information, and executes load operation control in accordance with this in step S7.

Then, the main body control unit 23 repeats the processes of step S3 in FIGS. 4, 6, and 10 and step S4 of FIGS. 4, 8, and 11 at a predetermined cycle.

In other words, the main body control unit 23 uses the first battery status information when the version number of the secondary battery 2 is lower, and uses the second battery status information when the version number of the secondary battery 2 is higher. Then, control of charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2 is executed.

FIG. 12 is an example of a timing chart for transmitting and receiving battery information of a secondary battery installed in an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows the temporal relationship between the transmission and reception of a type identification information request and type identification information, and the transmission and reception of battery status information requests and battery status information, which are performed between the electrical equipment 1 and the secondary battery 2. show.

FIG. 12A shows the temporal relationship between the type identification information request, the type identification information, the first battery status information request, and the transmission and reception of the first battery status information in FIG. 6. FIG. 12(b) shows the temporal relationship between the type identification information request, type identification information, second battery status information request, and transmission and reception of the second battery status information in FIG. 6. Note that it is assumed that the second battery status information in FIG. 12(b) has a larger amount of information than the first battery status information in FIG. 12(a), and that the time required for communication processing is longer.

As shown in FIG. 12(a), the main body control unit 23 transmits a type identification information request signal to the secondary battery 2 via the transmitting/receiving unit 41 (step S1a), and in response to the type identification request signal, 2 (step S2a).

Subsequently, the main body control unit 23 transmits a first battery status information request signal corresponding to the acquired version information 61 to the secondary battery 2 via the transmitting/receiving unit 41 (step S3a). Next, the first battery status information transmitted from the secondary battery 2 in response to the first battery status information request signal is acquired (step S4a).

Thereafter, the main body control unit 23 transmits and receives the first battery state information request signal and obtains the first battery state information at predetermined intervals in the order of sending and receiving the first battery state information request signal (repeating steps S3a and S4a). For example, as shown in FIG. 12(a), based on the process of transmitting the first battery status information request signal at a predetermined period, for example, every 1.0 seconds, the transmission of the first battery status information request signal, the first This is a case where transmission and reception are repeated in the order in which battery status information is acquired.

Note that steps S3 and S4 in FIG. 4 are repeatedly performed before step S5 in FIG. In other words, in the case of FIG. 12(a), a series of processes performed in the order of first battery status information request (step S3a) and first battery status information acquisition (step S4a) are repeated before acquiring the operation request. It will be done.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the main body control unit 23 transmits a type identification information request signal to the secondary battery 2 via the transmitting/receiving unit 41 (step S1b), and performs two type identification information requests in response to the type identification request signal. The type identification information transmitted from the secondary battery 2 is acquired (step S2b).

Subsequently, the main body control unit 23 transmits a second battery status information request signal corresponding to the acquired version information 61 to the secondary battery 2 via the transmitting/receiving unit 41 (step S3b). Next, the second battery status information transmitted from the secondary battery 2 in response to the second battery status information request signal is acquired (step S4b).

Thereafter, the main body control unit 23 transmits and receives the second battery state information request signal and obtains the second battery state information at predetermined intervals in this order (repeating steps S3b and S4b). For example, as shown in FIG. 12(b), based on the process of transmitting the second battery status information request signal at a predetermined period, for example, every 1.0 seconds, the transmission of the second battery status information request signal, the second This is a case where transmission and reception are repeated in the order of obtaining battery status information.

Note that steps S3 and S4 in FIG. 4 are repeatedly performed before step S5 in FIG. In other words, in the case of FIG. 12(b), a series of processes performed in the order of requesting second battery status information (step S3b) and acquiring second battery status information (step S4b) are repeated before acquiring the operation request. It will be done.

The battery-replaceable electric device 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above stores some or all of the first battery status information and the second battery status information based on the version information 61 acquired from the secondary battery 2. The battery information items are determined, some or all of the determined battery information is transmitted to and acquired from the secondary battery 2, and the electric blower 6, which is a load, is controlled based on the battery information acquired from the secondary battery. In other words, the electrical device 1 can use the battery status information to control the discharge amount and charge amount of the secondary battery 2 having the same major version number 62, but the When the secondary battery 2 having the higher minor version number 63 is connected, the battery data corresponding to the upper limit compatible minor version number 63 described in the battery information is acquired as battery status information. Based on this battery state information, control of the amount of discharge and amount of charge of the secondary battery 2 is executed. Therefore, the electrical device 1 can appropriately acquire battery status information used for charging and discharging from various types of secondary batteries 2 that are managed by the version information 61 and assigned the same major version number 62. The electrical device 1 capable of such version-compatible processing can easily and appropriately respond to changes and additions to the battery status information of the secondary battery 2. That is, the electrical device 1 allows replacement of the secondary battery 2 and can appropriately and easily utilize a new secondary battery 2 having more different battery status information.

Furthermore, when the compatible version information 61 and the version information 61 of the secondary battery 2 match, the battery-replaceable electrical device 1 according to the present embodiment has the latest version described in the battery information. Based on the battery state information of the secondary battery 2 corresponding to the upper minor version number 63, control of the discharge amount and charge amount of the secondary battery 2 is executed. Therefore, the electrical equipment 1 is a product with version information 61 (generation) that allows replacement of the secondary battery 2 and allows appropriate and easy use of a new secondary battery 2 having different battery status information. , it is possible to provide the convenience of easily reusing the secondary battery 2 with different version information 61 from the product with the previous version information 61.

Furthermore, when the rechargeable battery 2 having a minor version number 63 lower than the compatible minor version number 63 is connected to the battery-replaceable electric device 1 according to the present embodiment, the battery information is described in the battery information. Control of the amount of discharge and amount of charge of the secondary battery 2 is executed based on the latest battery state of the secondary battery 2. Therefore, the electrical equipment 1 is a new main body that allows the replacement of the secondary battery 2 and can perform more advanced charge/discharge control, making it convenient to easily reuse the secondary battery 2 with the lower version number 51. can provide sex.

By the way, it is assumed that, for example, as the secondary battery 2 is improved, that is, upgraded, the amount of battery status information increases or decreases. In other words, a case is assumed in which secondary batteries 2 having different amounts of battery status information are alternatively attached to the same electrical device 1. Note that the amount of battery status information is the number of items of battery data of the secondary battery 2, such as battery temperature data and battery type data, and when these items are expressed as digital values, the data length (bit length).

Furthermore, serial communication or parallel communication may be employed as a communication method for transmitting information between the electrical device 1 and the secondary battery 2. Serial communication is a communication method that sequentially transmits data bit by bit using a single signal line. Parallel communication is a communication method that transmits multiple bits of data at once using multiple signal lines. Compared to parallel communication, serial communication has fewer signal lines, is lower in cost, has relatively simple wiring, and is advantageous in communicating over long distances. Based on this, it is assumed that serial communication is adopted for communication between the electrical device 1 and the secondary battery 2.

In serial communication, communication may be handled in packet units by framing. Note that, for example, in a mobile phone, a data length of 128 bytes is sometimes expressed as one packet, but the data length per packet in communication of the electrical device 1 according to the present embodiment, that is, the packet length is not limited to this. do not have.

This packet length affects the capacity of a communication buffer secured in advance in the electrical device 1 to receive communication. Therefore, as the development or improvement of the secondary battery 2 progresses, it is assumed that the amount of battery information will increase and the battery data will no longer fit into one packet. In such a case, if the packet length is simply expanded, there is a risk that the packet length will exceed the capacity of the communication buffer reserved in advance for the lower version electrical device 1. These increases in packet length and lack of communication buffer capacity may impede communication of battery information and prevent appropriate use of the secondary battery 2.

In other words, as the development or improvement of the secondary battery 2 progresses, there is a possibility that the amount of battery status information of the higher version of the secondary battery 2 will exceed the communication buffer capacity secured in advance in the electrical equipment 1 compatible with the lower version. In some cases, the electrical device 1 cannot normally acquire battery status information included in the secondary battery 2 and cannot properly utilize the secondary battery 2.

Therefore, the electrical device 1 according to the present embodiment stores a plurality of pieces of battery status information when new battery data is added to the battery information due to improvements in the secondary battery 2 and the communication buffer capacity is expected to be exceeded. The first battery status information is divided into two, and communication processing is performed for a plurality of pieces of battery status information in the order of the first battery status information and the second battery status information to avoid exceeding the communication buffer capacity.

FIG. 13 illustrates type identification information and at least one battery status information included in battery information of a secondary battery installed in an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and type identification information transmitted from the electrical device to the secondary battery. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a request and at least one battery status information request.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing in detail a third example of the operation control of the load of the electrical equipment according to the embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in the process of FIG. 14, the same step numbers as in FIG. 6 are given to processes similar to those of FIG. 6, and repetitive explanations are omitted.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of reception control of battery status information of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing in detail a third example of control on the secondary battery side according to the embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in the process of FIG. 16, the same step numbers as in FIG. 8 are given to processes similar to those of FIG. 8, and repetitive explanations are omitted.

Using FIG. 13 as an example, the process of acquiring battery status information in a combination of the electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.1" and the secondary battery 2 of lower version "1.0" and the process compatible with version "1.1" A comparison will be made with the battery status information acquisition process in the combination of the electrical device 1 and the secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" to which battery data has been added.

For convenience of explanation, the battery status information of the secondary battery 2 of version "1.0", which is a lower version, is assumed to be basic battery status information that does not exceed the maximum packet length allowed under the serial communication regulations. The battery status information of the secondary battery 2 of version "1.1", which is the higher version, includes basic battery status information and additional battery data that is newly added beyond the packet length allowed for the basic battery status information. It shall include battery status information. In other words, the additional battery status information exceeds the maximum packet length allowed for the basic battery status information and includes battery data that cannot be accommodated in the basic battery status information. However, the additional battery status information shall not exceed the maximum packet length allowed for the basic battery status information.

For example, the battery status information of the secondary battery 2 of version "1.0" is basic battery status information including battery temperature data, battery type data, and battery usage history data, and the battery status information of the secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" is The battery status information No. 2 includes basic battery status information including battery temperature data, battery type data, and battery usage history data, as well as additional battery status information including battery circuit temperature data.

Note that the basic battery status information of the secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" may have the same configuration as the basic battery status information of the secondary battery 2 of version "1.0", or may be different. good. For example, the battery status information of the secondary battery 2 of version "1.0" has only basic battery status information including battery temperature data and battery type data, and the battery status information of the secondary battery 2 of version "1.1" has only basic battery status information including battery temperature data and battery type data. When the status information includes basic battery status information that includes new data such as battery usage history data in addition to battery temperature data and battery type data, and additional battery status information that includes battery circuit temperature data. It is. The basic battery status information does not need to exceed the maximum packet length allowed by the serial communication regulations.

The basic battery status information includes communication start data for identifying the start of a set of information transmitted from the secondary battery 2 to the electrical device 1 via the communication interface 43, at least one battery data, and each via the communication interface 43. It includes communication end data for identifying the end of a set of information transmitted from the secondary battery 2 to the electrical device 1.

The additional battery status information includes communication start data for identifying the start of a set of information transmitted from the secondary battery 2 to the electrical device 1 through the communication interface 43, and at least one battery not included in the basic battery status information. data, and communication end data for identifying the end of a set of information transmitted from the secondary battery 2 to the electrical device 1 through the communication interface 43, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, when the major version number 62 of the secondary battery 2 and the major version number 62 compatible with the main body match, the main body control unit 23 of the electrical device 1 according to the present embodiment (Step S11 Yes), the minor version number 63 of the secondary battery 2 is compared with the minor version number 63 compatible with the main body (Step S71). If the minor version number 63 of the secondary battery 2 is smaller than the minor version number 63 that can be supported by the main body (step S71 No), the main body control unit 23 sends a signal requesting basic battery state information as a battery state information request. is transmitted to the secondary battery 2 (step S72).

Note that the request signal sent from the main body control section 23 to the battery control section 52 when requesting the basic battery state information from the battery control section 52 is hereinafter referred to as a "basic battery state information request."

If the minor version number 63 of the secondary battery 2 is greater than or equal to the minor version number 63 that can be supported by the main body, the main body control unit 23 determines whether the previously transmitted request is a basic battery status information request (step S73). If the previously transmitted request is a basic battery status information request (Step S73 Yes), the main body control unit 23 transmits a signal requesting additional battery status information as a battery status information request to the secondary battery 2 (Step S74). ).

Note that the request signal sent from the main body control section 23 to the battery control section 52 when requesting additional battery state information from the battery control section 52 will be referred to as "additional battery state information request" hereinafter.

On the other hand, if the previously transmitted request is not a basic battery status information request, that is, if the previously transmitted request is an additional battery status information request (step S73 No), the main body control unit 23 sends the basic battery status information request as a battery status information request. A status information request is transmitted to the secondary battery 2 (step S72).

In other words, if the minor version number 63 of the secondary battery 2 is greater than or equal to the minor version number 63 that can be supported by the main unit, the basic battery status information request and the additional battery status information request are sent alternately to the secondary battery 2. be done. This process of exchanging the basic battery status information request and the additional battery status information request can be easily performed by determining whether the count value is an even number or an odd number.

Next, the battery control unit 52 transmits battery status information to the transmitting/receiving unit 41 of the electrical device 1 via the battery transmitting/receiving unit 42 based on the battery status information request acquired via the transmitting/receiving unit 41 . This process is the process from step S81 to step S84 in FIG.

That is, when the basic battery state information request is received (step S81 Yes), the battery control section 52 transmits the basic battery state information to the transmitting/receiving section 41 of the electrical device 1 (step S82). Moreover, when the additional battery state information request is received (step S81 No, step S83 Yes), the battery control section 52 transmits the additional battery state information to the transmitting/receiving section 41 of the electrical device 1 (step S84).

When the version "1.1" compatible electrical device 1 is connected to the version "1.1" secondary battery 2, the electrical device 1 acquires the type identification information from the secondary battery 2 and uses this type identification information. Correspondingly, a basic battery status information request is transmitted to acquire basic battery status information from the secondary battery 2 , and then an additional battery status information request is transmitted to acquire additional battery status information from the secondary battery 2 . The electrical equipment 1 compatible with version "1.1" that has acquired the basic battery status information and the additional battery status information recognizes the status of the secondary battery 2 based on the multiple pieces of battery status information, and controls the operation of the load accordingly. is executed in step S7A.

In addition, when the version "1.1" compatible electrical device 1 is connected to the version "1.0" secondary battery 2, the electrical device 1 acquires type identification information from the secondary battery 2 and uses this type identification information. A basic battery status information request is transmitted in correspondence with the information, and basic battery status information is acquired from the secondary battery 2. At this time, the electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.1" does not transmit an additional battery status information request, and therefore does not acquire additional battery status information. The electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.1" that has acquired the basic battery status information recognizes the status of the secondary battery 2 based on the basic battery status information, and executes load operation control in accordance with this in step S7A.

Note that the electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.0" does not transmit an additional battery status information request as shown in FIG. In other words, the electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.0" transmits a basic battery status information request that is substantially the same as the battery status information request from the secondary battery 2 of version "1.1", and Obtain basic battery status information that is substantially the same as battery status information. The electrical device 1 compatible with version "1.0" that has acquired the battery status information recognizes the status of the secondary battery 2 based on the battery status information, and executes load operation control in accordance with this in step S7.

Then, the main body control unit 23 illustrated in FIG. 14 requests basic battery state information and obtains basic battery state information, which are processes corresponding to steps S3 and S4 in FIG. 4 and steps S3 and S12 in FIG. Similarly, the process of requesting additional battery status information and acquiring additional battery status information, which are processes corresponding to steps S3 and S4 in FIG. 4, are repeated at a predetermined period. Note that there may be a plurality of pieces of additional battery state information. If there is a plurality of pieces of additional battery status information, the main body control unit 23 requests the basic battery status information and requests the basic battery status information, and then requests the additional battery status information (steps S73 to S74 in FIG. 15). The process of acquiring additional battery status information is repeated for the number of times additional battery status information is added.

Then, the main body control unit 23 repeats steps S3 and S4 in FIG. 4, that is, step S3A in FIG. 14 and steps S82 and S84 in FIG. 16 at a predetermined period.

In other words, the main body control unit 23 uses the first battery status information when the version number of the secondary battery 2 is lower, and uses the basic battery status information and the additional battery status information when the version number of the secondary battery 2 is higher. Control of charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2 is executed using both of the state information.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing in detail a fourth example of the operation control of the load of the electrical equipment according to the embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in the process in FIG. 17, the same step numbers as in FIGS. 6 and 14 are given to processes similar to those in FIG. 6 or 14, and repetitive explanations will be omitted.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating in detail the periodic control for requesting battery status information of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the electrical device 1 according to the present embodiment receives selected battery information within a predetermined basic cycle based on the battery information acquired from the secondary battery 2, or receives selected battery information based on the battery information acquired from the secondary battery 2. If the selected battery information is to be received within a predetermined basic cycle, the selected battery information is combined with the basic battery status information and at least one additional battery status information. A second battery information request is sent multiple times within a predetermined basic cycle so that the second battery information request is received from the secondary battery within a predetermined basic cycle, and the selected battery information is received every predetermined basic cycle. In this case, the second battery information request is made so that the selected battery information is divided into basic battery status information and at least one additional battery status information and sequentially received from the secondary battery every predetermined basic cycle. is transmitted every predetermined basic period. Therefore, if the major version number 62 of the secondary battery 2 and the major version number 62 compatible with the main body match (Yes in step S11), the main body control unit 23 performs battery status information request cycle control (step S91, Figure 18) starts.

The main body control unit 23 compares the minor version number 63 of the secondary battery 2 with the minor version number 63 that the main body can support (step S101). If the minor version number 63 of the secondary battery 2 is smaller than the minor version number 63 that can be supported by the main body (step S101 No), the main body control unit 23 sets the cycle for requesting battery status information to a predetermined basic cycle. settings (step S103). On the other hand, if the minor version number 63 of the secondary battery 2 is greater than or equal to the minor version number 63 that can be supported by the main body (step S101 Yes), the main body control unit 23 sets the cycle for requesting battery status information to a predetermined standard. A predetermined shortened cycle shorter than the cycle is set (step S102).

Note that the predetermined basic period is set to, for example, 1.0 seconds, and the predetermined shortened period is the time obtained by dividing the predetermined basic period by the total number of battery status information, and in this embodiment, the basic battery status information and additional status information. It is set to 0.5 seconds, which is 1.0 seconds divided by the total number of 2.

Thereafter, the main body control unit 23 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the acquisition of the basic battery status information or the acquisition of the basic battery status information and the additional battery status information (step S13A). The predetermined time determined in step S13A is the predetermined basic cycle or the predetermined shortened cycle set in step S91. If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S13A Yes), the main body control unit 23 returns to step S3A and repeats the process.

FIG. 19 is an example of a timing chart for transmitting and receiving battery information of a secondary battery installed in an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 shows the temporal relationship between the transmission and reception of a type identification information request and type identification information, and the transmission and reception of battery status information requests and battery status information, which are performed between the electrical equipment 1 and the secondary battery 2. show.

FIG. 19(a) shows the temporal relationship between the type identification information request, type identification information, basic battery status information request, basic battery status information, additional battery status information request, and transmission and reception of additional battery status information in FIG. 14. show.

As shown in FIG. 19(a), the main body control unit 23 transmits a type identification information request signal to the secondary battery 2 via the transmitter/receiver 41 (step S1c), and in response to the type identification request signal, The type identification information transmitted from No. 2 is acquired (step S2c).

Subsequently, the main body control unit 23 transmits a basic battery status information request signal corresponding to the acquired version information 61 to the secondary battery 2 via the transmitting/receiving unit 41 (step S3c1). Next, basic battery status information transmitted from the secondary battery 2 in response to the basic battery status information request signal is acquired (step S4c1).

Next, the main body control unit 23 transmits an additional battery status information request signal corresponding to the acquired version information 61 to the secondary battery 2 via the transmitting/receiving unit 41 (step S3c2). Next, additional battery status information transmitted from the secondary battery 2 in response to the additional battery status information request signal is acquired (step S4c2).

Thereafter, the main body control unit 23 transmits and receives the basic battery state information request signal, obtains the basic battery state information, transmits the additional battery state information request signal, and obtains the additional battery state information at predetermined basic cycles. (repetition of steps S3c1 to S4c2). For example, as shown in FIG. 19(a), the main body control unit 23 transmits the basic battery status information request signal at a predetermined basic cycle, for example, every 1.0 seconds, and starts from the transmission of the basic battery status information request signal. After a predetermined basic cycle has elapsed, an additional battery status information request signal is transmitted. As a result, a signal requesting battery status information is transmitted while alternating between sending a basic battery status information request signal and an additional battery status information request signal every 1.0 seconds. Transmission and reception are repeated in the order of transmitting a signal, acquiring basic battery status information, transmitting an additional battery status information request signal, and acquiring additional battery status information.

Note that steps S3 and S4 in FIG. 4 are repeatedly performed before step S5 in FIG. That is, in the case of FIG. 19(a), basic battery state information request (step S3c1), basic battery state information acquisition (step S4c1), additional battery state information request (step S3c2), additional battery state information acquisition (step S4c2) ) is repeatedly performed prior to obtaining an operation request.

Note that the predetermined basic period in the fourth example of FIGS. 17 and 18 has the same concept as the predetermined time shown in FIG. 19(a).

FIG. 19(b) shows the type identification information request, type identification information, basic battery status information request, basic battery status information, additional battery status information request, and transmission and reception of additional battery status information in the fourth example of FIGS. 17 and 18. In particular, it shows the temporal relationship when basic battery status information request, basic battery status information, additional battery status information request, and additional battery status information are transmitted and received at a predetermined shortened cycle. There is.

As shown in FIG. 19(b), the main body control unit 23 transmits a type identification information request signal to the secondary battery 2 via the transmitting/receiving unit 41 (step S1d), and in response to the type identification request signal, The type identification information transmitted from No. 2 is acquired (step S2d).

Subsequently, the main body control unit 23 transmits a basic battery status information request signal corresponding to the acquired version information 61 to the secondary battery 2 via the transmitting/receiving unit 41 (step S3d1). Next, basic battery status information transmitted from the secondary battery 2 in response to the basic battery status information request signal is acquired (step S4d1).

Next, the main body control unit 23 transmits an additional battery status information request signal corresponding to the acquired version information 61 to the secondary battery 2 via the transmitting/receiving unit 41 (step S3d2). Next, additional battery status information transmitted from the secondary battery 2 in response to the additional battery status information request signal is acquired (step S4d2).

Thereafter, the main body control unit 23 transmits and receives the basic battery state information request signal, obtains the basic battery state information, transmits the additional battery state information request signal, and obtains the additional battery state information at predetermined shortened intervals in the order of: (repetition of steps S3d1 to S4d2). For example, as shown in FIG. 19(b), the main body control unit 23 transmits the basic battery state information request signal at a predetermined shortening period, for example, every 0.5 seconds, and from the transmission of the basic battery state information to the predetermined After the shortening cycle has elapsed, an additional battery status information request signal is transmitted. As a result, a signal requesting battery status information is transmitted while alternating between sending a basic battery status information request signal and an additional battery status information request signal every 0.5 seconds. Transmission and reception are repeated in the order of transmitting a signal, acquiring basic battery status information, transmitting an additional battery status information request signal, and acquiring additional battery status information.

In other words, the difference between FIG. 19(a) and FIG. 19(b) is the difference in the cycle for requesting and acquiring battery status information, and the predetermined cycle in FIG. 19(b), that is, the predetermined shortened cycle is , the predetermined period in FIG. 19(a) is shorter than the predetermined fundamental period in the fourth example of FIGS. 17 and 18.

Note that steps S3 and S4 in FIG. 4 are repeatedly performed before step S5 in FIG. That is, in the case of FIG. 19(b), basic battery state information request (step S3d1), basic battery state information acquisition (step S4d1), additional battery state information request (step S3d2), additional battery state information acquisition (step S4d2) ) is repeatedly performed prior to obtaining an operation request.

The battery-replaceable electric device 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above stores some or all of the basic battery status information and additional battery status information based on the version information acquired from the secondary battery 2. The following items are determined, some or all of the determined battery information is transmitted to and acquired from the secondary battery 2, and the electric blower 6, which is a load, is controlled based on the battery information acquired from the secondary battery. In other words, the electrical device 1 can use the battery status information to control the discharge amount and charge amount of the secondary battery 2 having the same major version number 62, but the When the secondary battery 2 having the higher minor version number 63 is connected, the battery data corresponding to the upper limit compatible minor version number 63 described in the battery information is acquired as battery status information. Then, control of the amount of discharge and amount of charge of the secondary battery 2 is executed based on this basic battery state information and additional battery state information. Therefore, in the case of a secondary battery 2 in which the amount of battery status information has increased due to an increase in monitoring items, that is, an increase in battery data, the electrical equipment 1 is configured to store battery status information in a plurality of pieces of battery status information, that is, basic battery status information and additional battery status information. By dividing the battery status information into battery status information, battery status information used for charging and discharging can be appropriately acquired from the secondary battery 2. The electrical device 1 capable of such version-compatible processing can easily and appropriately respond to changes and additions to the battery status information of the secondary battery 2. Therefore, the electrical device 1 allows replacement of the secondary battery 2 and can appropriately and easily utilize a new secondary battery 2 having more different battery status information. Further, by dispersing and describing information expressing the battery status of the secondary battery 2 in the status information, it is possible to easily and appropriately cope with an increase in the amount of battery information as battery improvement and development progresses.

Therefore, according to the electrical device 1 according to the present embodiment, various secondary batteries 2 with different battery characteristics and secondary batteries 2 of the same type but with different battery states can be used, whether known or unknown at the time of shipment. Even if the maximum data amount is unknown at the time of shipment, it can be used with more appropriate settings.

Furthermore, when one secondary battery includes a plurality of pieces of battery status information, the electrical equipment 1 transmits a battery status information request within a predetermined cycle or every predetermined cycle to determine the battery status from the secondary battery 2. The information is divided and acquired, and the electric blower 6, which is a load, is controlled based on the battery status information acquired from the secondary battery 2. In other words, when the secondary batteries 2 having the same major version number 62 are installed in the electrical device 1, the electrical equipment 1 can operate the multiple batteries at a shortened period obtained by dividing a predetermined basic period determined based on the minor version number 63. While acquiring status information quickly, if a secondary battery 2 with a minor version number 63 lower than the upper limit of compatible minor version numbers 63 is connected, the minor version number 63 of the secondary battery 2 is A plurality of pieces of battery state information are acquired at corresponding predetermined basic cycles, and control of the amount of discharge and amount of charge of the secondary battery 2 is executed. Therefore, the electrical device 1 can acquire battery status information used for charging and discharging at appropriate intervals from various types of secondary batteries 2 that are managed by the version information 61 and assigned the same major version number 62. The electrical device 1 capable of such version-compatible processing can easily and appropriately respond to changes in the cycle of requesting battery status information to the secondary battery 2. In other words, the electrical device 1 allows replacement of the secondary battery 2 and can appropriately and easily utilize a new secondary battery 2 with a different acquisition cycle of battery status information.

Furthermore, regardless of the presence or absence of power supply to the load, the electrical equipment 1 transmits a battery status information request signal at a predetermined cycle, acquires battery status information, and operates the load based on the battery information acquired from the secondary battery. A certain electric blower 6 is controlled. Therefore, regardless of communication restrictions and regulations between the secondary battery 2 and the electrical device 1, battery information can be acquired appropriately, and the battery status can be acquired more quickly than with conventional secondary batteries. This makes it possible to easily prevent unnecessary expansion of the time required to acquire battery information, and to quickly provide guidance on the electric blower 6.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Electrical equipment, 2...Secondary battery, 3...Electric motor, 5...Vacuum cleaner, 6...Electric blower, 11...Handle, 12...Vacuum cleaner body, 15...Extension tube, 16...Suction port body, 17...Main body Case, 17a...front part, 17b...center part, 17c...rear part, 19...dust separation and collection part, 21...battery mounting part, 22...charging terminal, 23...main body control part, 25...main body connection port, 26...exhaust Mouth, 27... Input unit, 28... Storage device, 29... Notification unit, 31... Suction port, 32... Rotating cleaning body, 33... Electric motor, 41... Transmitting/receiving unit, 42... Battery transmitting/receiving unit, 43... Communication interface, 44... Signal line, 45...Battery, 51...Battery state observation section, 52...Battery control section, 53...Internal memory, 61...Version information, 62...Major version number, 63...Minor version number.

Claims (9)

a battery mounting part into which a secondary battery that stores battery information can be mounted;
a transmitting/receiving unit that communicates the battery information with the secondary battery installed in the battery mounting unit;
a load driven by the power stored in the secondary battery;
a control unit that controls power supplied to the load based on the battery information that the transmitting and receiving unit receives from the secondary battery,
The transmitting/receiving section is
transmitting a battery information request requesting the battery information to the secondary battery, and causing the secondary battery to transmit the battery information in response to the battery information request;
The control unit includes:
determining some or all battery information items based on the battery information acquired from the secondary battery;
acquiring some or all of the selected battery information by transmitting it to the secondary battery;
An electrical device that controls the load based on the battery information acquired from the secondary battery. The battery information includes type identification information including version information of the secondary battery, and battery status information representing a status of the secondary battery,
The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter/receiver determines and requests some or all items of the battery status information of the secondary battery based on the version information. The battery information includes a plurality of battery data representing a state of the secondary battery,
The plurality of battery data includes common battery data that is at least one battery data common to each of the at least two secondary batteries,
The transmitting/receiving unit selects and requests part or all of the battery information of the secondary battery while selecting at least one of the common battery data based on the received battery information. electrical equipment. The plurality of battery data is
including the common battery data and non-common battery data that is at least one non-common battery data,
The transmitting/receiving unit selects at least one of the common battery data based on the received battery information, or selects at least one of the common battery data and at least one of the non-common battery data, and The electrical device according to claim 3, wherein part or all of the battery information of a secondary battery is selected and requested. The transmitting/receiving section is
transmitting a first battery information request requesting the battery information to the secondary battery, causing the secondary battery to transmit the battery information in response to the first battery information request;
Selecting some or all of the plurality of preset battery information based on the battery information acquired from the secondary battery,
The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein a second battery information request is transmitted at a predetermined cycle, and the secondary battery is caused to transmit the selected battery information in response to the second battery information request. The transmitting/receiving section is
The second battery information request is made such that the battery information after the selection is divided into basic battery status information and at least one additional battery status information and received from the secondary battery within the predetermined period. The electrical device according to claim 5, wherein the electrical device transmits multiple times within a predetermined period. The transmitting/receiving section is
the second battery information request so that the battery information after the selection is divided into basic battery status information and at least one additional battery status information and sequentially received from the secondary battery at each predetermined cycle; The electrical device according to claim 5, wherein the electric device transmits the following at each of the predetermined cycles. The transmitting/receiving section is
Based on the battery information acquired from the secondary battery, selecting whether to receive the selected battery information within the predetermined cycle or every predetermined cycle;
When the selected battery information is received within the predetermined cycle, the selected battery information is divided into basic battery status information and at least one additional battery status information, and then the selected battery information is divided into basic battery status information and at least one additional battery status information. transmitting the second battery information request multiple times within the predetermined period so as to receive it from the secondary battery within the period;
When the selected battery information is received every predetermined period, the selected battery information is divided into the basic battery status information and at least one additional battery status information. The electrical device according to claim 5, wherein the second battery information request is transmitted at each predetermined period so as to be sequentially received from the secondary battery at each predetermined period. The transmitting/receiving unit includes:
When the secondary battery is being charged or discharged, transmitting the battery information request at a first predetermined cycle;
If the secondary battery is not being charged or discharged, transmitting the battery information request at a second predetermined cycle;
The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein the second predetermined period is longer than the first predetermined period.

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