JP3390667B2 - Charging device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a charging device that can be suitably used for charging a battery such as a nickel hydrogen battery that generates a large amount of heat during charging.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, rechargeable batteries that can be repeatedly used are used as a power source for electric tools and the like. Here, as a battery of such an electric power tool, a nickel-cadmium battery is widely used, and a charging device for rapidly charging by supplying a large current to the battery is used. That is, by rapidly charging the battery in about 20 minutes, it is possible to continuously use the power tool while replacing the charged battery.

[0003]

The present inventor has examined improving the performance of an electric power tool by using a nickel hydrogen battery as a battery. However, while the nickel-hydrogen battery can have a larger capacity than the nickel-cadmium battery, the amount of heat generated during charging is large, and when the temperature reaches a high temperature due to heat generation, the electrodes and separators of the internal cells of the battery deteriorate and the life is shortened. Therefore, the rapid charging by the large current, which was performed in the above nickel cadmium battery, could not be performed.

Furthermore, nickel-hydrogen batteries are more susceptible to overcharging and have a shorter life than nickel-cadmium batteries.
You need to avoid overcharging. Here, as a method of avoiding overcharging, if the device does not replace the battery, 100% charging can be performed by integrating the charging / discharging current and charging based on the integrated value. It was difficult to charge up to 100% of the capacity without overcharging when charging while exchanging.

In addition, the charging device for the electric power tool of the prior art has a charging capacity enough to continuously charge about two batteries in order to inexpensively configure the power supply circuit. Therefore, when continuously charging three or more batteries, the charging current was extremely reduced by the protective device. For this reason, when continuously charged, the charging time was extremely long from the third charging.

Further, the present inventor has devised a method of detecting the completion of 100% charge from a map mapping the absolute temperature of the battery and the temperature rise value. However, even with such a method, depending on the conditions, it may be determined that the charging is completed after 100% is exceeded.

Further, it is required to more accurately detect that the battery has been charged to a desired capacity value by the method using the map.

Further, in order to accurately charge a plurality of types of batteries by the method using the map, a map for each battery type is required, and a large memory capacity is required on the control side.

Claims 1 and 2 are made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose is to:
An object of the present invention is to provide a charging device capable of continuously charging a plurality of batteries in a short time.

Claims 3, 4, 5 and 6 have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose thereof is to be able to charge the battery 100% without overcharging and to ensure the reliability. It is to provide a charging device that can stop charging.

A seventh aspect of the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a charging device capable of charging a target capacity.

[0012] Claim 8 has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a charging device capable of charging in a short time while suppressing a temperature rise regardless of the type of battery. To do.

A ninth aspect of the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a charging device capable of 100% charging without overcharging regardless of the type of the battery. It is in.

[0014]

A charging device according to claim 1 is
In order to achieve the above object, a map in which an allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing an increase in battery temperature is mapped based on a battery temperature value and a battery temperature increase value is stored in association with two or more types of charging device temperatures. Storage device, temperature detection means for detecting the current battery temperature, temperature rise value output means for obtaining a temperature rise value from the temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and device temperature detection for detecting the charging device temperature. Means, the device temperature detected by the device temperature detection means, the temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means, which correspond to the charging device temperature. An allowable current value searching means for searching a map to obtain the allowable value; and a charging means for charging a battery with the allowable current searched by the allowable current searching means. And operative features.

According to the charging device of claim 2, the charging device of claim 1 is used.
In the above, the technical feature is that the map when the charging device temperature is high among the maps corresponding to the charging device temperature is set so that a large charging current does not flow.

Further, in the charging device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of the battery is mapped based on the temperature value of the battery and the temperature rise value of the battery. When the value is high, the allowable current value is small,
Further, a storage device for storing a map in which the allowable current value is set small when the temperature rise value is large, temperature detection means for detecting the current battery temperature, and a temperature rise value from the temperature detected by the temperature detection means. From the temperature rise value output means for obtaining, the temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means,
An allowable current value searching unit that searches the map of the storage device to obtain the allowable value, a charging unit that charges the battery with the allowable current searched by the allowable current searching unit, and a temperature detecting unit are detected. First charge completion for determining completion of charging based on whether the temperature and the temperature increase value output from the temperature increase value output means frequently belong to the region indicating the end of charge in the map of the storage device Determining means, second charging completion determining means for determining that charging is completed when the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means exceeds a preset temperature rise value, and the first charge completion means And a charging completion unit that completes charging based on a judgment of completion of charging by the second charging completion unit.

Further, in the charging device according to the present invention, the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of the battery is a map that is mapped based on the temperature value of the battery and the temperature rise value of the battery. When the value is high, the allowable current value is small,
Further, a storage device for storing a map in which the allowable current value is set small when the temperature rise value is large, temperature detection means for detecting the current battery temperature, and a temperature rise value from the temperature detected by the temperature detection means. From the temperature rise value output means for obtaining, the temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means,
An allowable current value searching unit that searches the map of the storage device to obtain the allowable value, a charging unit that charges the battery with the allowable current searched by the allowable current searching unit, and a temperature detecting unit are detected. First charge completion for determining completion of charging based on whether the temperature and the temperature increase value output from the temperature increase value output means frequently belong to the region indicating the end of charge in the map of the storage device Determination means, second charging completion determination means for determining completion of charging when the temperature value output from the temperature detection means exceeds a preset temperature value, the first charging completion means, the second And a charging completion unit that completes charging based on a judgment of completion of charging by the charging completion unit.

Further, in the charging device according to the present invention, the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of the battery is a map that is mapped based on the temperature value of the battery and the temperature rise value of the battery. When the value is high, the allowable current value is small,
Further, a storage device for storing a map in which the allowable current value is set small when the temperature rise value is large, temperature detection means for detecting the current battery temperature, and a temperature rise value from the temperature detected by the temperature detection means. Of the temperature rise value output means for obtaining, a voltage detection means for detecting the battery voltage, a temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and a temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means, An allowable current value searching means for searching the map to obtain the allowable value, a charging means for charging a battery with the allowable current searched by the allowable current searching means, a temperature detected by the temperature detecting means, and A first step of determining completion of charging based on whether or not the temperature increase value output from the temperature increase value output means frequently belongs to the region indicating the end of charge in the map of the storage device. Charging completion judging means, second charging completion judging means for judging that charging is completed when the drop of the voltage value outputted from the voltage detecting means exceeds a preset drop value, and the first charging completion means. And a charging completion unit that completes charging based on a judgment of completion of charging by the second charging completion unit.

Further, in the charging device according to the sixth aspect, the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of the battery is a map that is mapped based on the temperature value of the battery and the temperature rise value of the battery. When the value is high, the allowable current value is small,
Further, a storage device for storing a map in which the allowable current value is set small when the temperature rise value is large, temperature detection means for detecting the current battery temperature, and a temperature rise value from the temperature detected by the temperature detection means. From the temperature rise value output means for obtaining, the temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means,
An allowable current value searching unit that searches the map of the storage device to obtain the allowable value, a charging unit that charges the battery with the allowable current searched by the allowable current searching unit, and a temperature detecting unit are detected. First charge completion for determining completion of charging based on whether the temperature and the temperature increase value output from the temperature increase value output means frequently belong to the region indicating the end of charge in the map of the storage device Determining means, second charging completion determining means for integrating the amount of charging current to the battery, and determining completion of charging when a preset integrated value is exceeded, the first charging completion means, the second charging Charging completion means for completing the charging based on the judgment of the completion of charging by the completion means, is a technical feature.

Further, in the charging device according to the present invention, the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of the battery is a map that is mapped based on the temperature value of the battery and the temperature rise value of the battery. When the value is high, the allowable current value is small,
Further, a storage device for storing a map in which the allowable current value is set small when the temperature rise value is large, temperature detection means for detecting the current battery temperature, and a temperature rise value from the temperature detected by the temperature detection means. From the temperature rise value output means for obtaining, the temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means,
An allowable current value searching unit that searches the map of the storage device to obtain the allowable value, a charging unit that charges the battery with the allowable current searched by the allowable current searching unit, and a temperature detecting unit are detected. Charge completion determination means for determining completion of charging based on whether the temperature and the temperature increase value output from the temperature increase value output means belong to a region in the map of the storage device that is likely to occur at the end of charging. , Add a low count value when it belongs to the area that tends to occur at the beginning of the end of charging in the map, add a high count value when it belongs to the area that tends to occur at the end of charging, and the total count value exceeds the set value. When the charging is completed, it is technically characterized by including a charging completion judging means for judging that the charging is completed, and a charging completion means for completing the charging based on the judgment of the charging completion by the charging completion means.

Further, claim 8 is a charging device capable of charging a battery of a first type and a battery of a second type.
A storage device that stores a map that maps the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of each type of battery based on the battery temperature value and the battery temperature rise value, and the temperature that detects the current battery temperature. Detection means, temperature rise value output means for obtaining a temperature rise value from the temperature detected by the temperature detection means, battery type detection means for detecting whether the battery is the first type or the second type, and the temperature detection means Allowable current value searching means for searching the map of the storage device to obtain the allowable current value from the detected temperature and the temperature increase value output from the temperature increase value output means, the battery type detecting means When the battery of the first type is detected by the means, the map is searched to obtain and output the allowable current value, and when the battery of the second type is detected, it is detected by the temperature detecting means. temperature And an allowable current value detecting means for correcting at least one of the temperature increase values output from the temperature increase value output means to obtain an allowable current value by searching the map, and correcting and outputting the obtained allowable current value, A technical feature is that the battery is provided with a charging unit that charges the battery with the allowable current value output by the allowable current searching unit.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is a charging device capable of charging a first type battery and a second type battery.
It is a map that maps the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature increase of each type of battery based on the battery temperature value and the battery temperature increase value, and decreases the allowable current value when the temperature value is high, and A storage device that stores a map in which the allowable current value is set small when the temperature rise value is large, a temperature detection unit that detects the current battery temperature, and a temperature rise value from the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit. Temperature rise value output means to be obtained, battery type detection means for detecting whether the battery is the first type or the second type, temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and temperature rise output from the temperature rise value output means Search the map of the storage device from the value and
A permissible current value search unit for obtaining the permissible value, wherein when the battery type detection unit detects a first type battery, the map is searched to obtain and output the permissible current value,
When the battery of the second type is detected, at least one of the temperature detected by the temperature detection means and the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means is corrected and the map is searched to allow the correction. A permissible current value detecting means for obtaining a current value, correcting the obtained permissible current value and outputting it, a charging means for charging the battery with the permissible current obtained by the permissible current searching means, and a detection by the temperature detecting means The completion of charging is determined based on whether the temperature and the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means frequently belong to the region indicating the end of charge in the map of the storage device. The determination means is a direct search of the map when the first type of battery is detected by the battery type detection means, and the temperature detection means is used when the second type of battery is detected. Inspection Charging completion determination means for correcting the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means and at least one of the temperature rise values output from the temperature rise value output means, and charging completion based on the determination of charge completion by the charge completion means. And a charging completion means.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the charging device according to the eighth or ninth aspect, the first type battery is a nickel-hydrogen battery, the second type battery is a nickel-cadmium battery, and the allowable current value is When the second type of battery is detected, the search means corrects the temperature rise value to the plus side, searches the map for the allowable current value, and corrects the obtained allowable current value to the plus side. The technical feature is to output the data.

In the charging device of claim 11, in the battery of claim 8 or 9, the first type battery is a nickel-cadmium battery, the second type battery is a nickel-hydrogen battery, and the allowable current value is When the second type of battery is detected, the search means corrects the temperature rise value to the negative side, searches the map for the allowable current value, and corrects the obtained allowable current value to the negative side. The technical feature is to output the data.

In the charging device according to the first and second aspects, the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of the battery is mapped on the basis of the temperature value of the battery and the temperature rise value of the battery according to the temperature of the charging device. To use. Here, a map corresponding to the charging device temperature is searched from the battery temperature and the temperature rise value, the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of the battery is obtained, and the battery is charged with the allowable current value. That is, if the nickel-hydrogen battery is continuously charged, the temperature of the charging device rises, which may cause a failure. However, when the temperature of the charging device rises, heat generation that does not cause a failure of the charging device is based on the map. By reducing the charging current to the range, it becomes possible to charge a plurality of batteries in a short time.

In the charging device according to the third aspect of the present invention, whether the first charging completion judging means frequently indicates the completion of charging with a relatively large allowable temperature value and a relatively small allowable current value from the map. Judgment based on whether or not the temperature rise is large and whether or not the temperature rise is large even if the charging current value is decreased, so overcharging is not affected by the battery level, temperature, etc. It becomes possible to perform 100% charge without using it. On the other hand, when the battery that has reached the end of its life is charged, the temperature rises remarkably when the battery is charged. Therefore, when the temperature rise rate is high, the second charge completion determination means determines that the charge is completed, and thus the battery is used for a long time. Immediately without continuing to charge
The charging of such a battery can be stopped.

In the charging device according to the fourth aspect, whether the first charging completion judging means frequently indicates completion of charging with a relatively large temperature rise value and a relatively small allowable current value output from the map. Judgment is based on whether or not the temperature rise is large and whether or not the temperature rise is large even if the charging current value is reduced. It becomes possible to perform 100% charge without using it. On the other hand, for a battery whose temperature has abnormally risen by the second charging completion judging means, it is judged that the charging is completed, so that when the battery has an abnormality or is in a state where the high temperature significantly deteriorates the battery life. , Can be stopped immediately without continuing charging.

In the charging device of the fifth aspect, whether the first charging completion judging means frequently indicates that the charging is completed when the temperature rise value is relatively large and a relatively small allowable current value is output from the map. Judgment based on whether or not the temperature rise is large and whether or not the temperature rise is large even if the charging current value is decreased, so overcharging is not affected by the battery level, temperature, etc. It becomes possible to perform 100% charge without using it. On the other hand, when the environmental temperature is low, it may be difficult to detect the rise value of the battery temperature because the battery is cooled, and the battery stored for a long time also has a different temperature change pattern from the normal battery. Therefore, when the voltage drop of a predetermined value or more is detected, the second charging completion determining unit determines that the charging is completed, so that the charging of the battery can be stopped without continuing the charging for a long time.

In the charging device according to the sixth aspect, whether the first charging completion judging means frequently indicates completion of charging with a relatively large temperature rise value and a relatively small allowable current value from the map. Judgment is made based on whether or not the temperature rise is large and whether or not the temperature rise is large even if the charging current value is reduced, so overcharging is not affected by the remaining battery level, temperature, etc. It becomes possible to perform 100% charge without using it. On the other hand, it is possible that the completion of charging cannot be properly detected by the first charging completion determining means due to various reasons. Therefore, the charging current amount is integrated, and when the integrated value exceeds a predetermined value, the second charging completion determining unit determines that the charging is completed, so that the charging of the battery is surely stopped without continuing the charging for a long time. can do.

In the charging device according to the seventh aspect, the completion of charging is determined based on whether the battery temperature and the temperature rise value belong to the region in the map which is likely to occur at the end of charging. At this time, a low count value is added when it belongs to a region that tends to occur at the beginning of the end of charging in the map, a high count value is added when it belongs to a region that tends to occur at the end of charging, and the total count value is set. When it exceeds the value, it is judged that charging is completed. That is, when the temperature rise is large and the temperature rise is still large even if the charging current value is reduced, a high count value is added, and even if the temperature rise is large, the temperature rise does not become too large if the charging current value is reduced. At this time, since a low count value is added, it is possible to perform 100% charge without being overcharged without being affected by the remaining battery level, temperature, and the like. Especially, depending on the map settings, it is not limited to 100%, but 85% ± 5%, 9%
It is possible to freely detect the capacitance value set as 5% ± 5%.

In the charging device of the eighth aspect, a map in which the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of the battery is mapped based on the temperature value of the battery and the temperature rise value of the battery is used. Here, for the battery of the first type, the map for the first type is searched, the allowable current value is obtained, and the battery is charged. On the other hand, for the second type battery, at least one of the battery temperature and the battery temperature rise value is corrected, the allowable current value is obtained by searching the first type battery map, and the obtained allowable current value is corrected. Charge it. Therefore, one map is the first type,
It is possible to charge both the second type batteries in a short time without causing deterioration due to temperature rise.

In the charging device of the ninth aspect, a map in which the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of the battery is mapped based on the temperature value of the battery and the temperature rise value of the battery is used. Here, for the battery of the first type, the map for the first type is searched, the allowable current value is obtained, and the battery is charged. On the other hand, for the second type battery, at least one of the battery temperature and the battery temperature rise value is corrected, the allowable current value is obtained by searching the first type battery map, and the obtained allowable current value is corrected. Charge it. Therefore, one map is the first type,
It is possible to charge both the second type batteries in a short time without causing deterioration due to temperature rise. In particular,
The completion of charging is judged based on whether or not the temperature rise value is relatively large and the relatively small allowable current value is output from the map frequently, that is, the temperature rise is large and the charging current value is set small. Even so, it is determined whether or not the temperature rise is large. For the battery of the first type, the map for the first type is directly searched, and for the battery of the second type, at least one of the battery temperature and the battery temperature rise value is corrected to make the first map.
Search the map for the type to determine if charging is complete. Therefore, one map can be used to set the first and second types of batteries without being overcharged without being affected by the remaining battery level, temperature, etc.
It becomes possible to perform a 00% charge.

In the charging device of the tenth aspect, since the map for the nickel-hydrogen battery is set so that the temperature easily rises at the time of charging and the deterioration due to the temperature rise is set, the optimum charging current control for the nickel-hydrogen battery is set. Can be done.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the map for nickel cadmium, in which the temperature does not easily rise during charging, is set, the optimum charging current control can be performed for the nickel cadmium battery.

[0035]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a charging device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
2B shows a battery pack 50A (nickel-hydrogen battery) and a battery pack 5 that are charged by the charging device 10.
0B (nickel cadmium battery), and FIG. 3 shows a battery drill 7 driven by the battery packs 50A and 50B.
0 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 2 (A), a battery pack 50A containing a nickel-hydrogen battery comprises a fitting portion 52 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and a base portion 56 formed in a substantially prismatic shape. A key-like key portion 54 is formed on the side of the portion 52, and a first input terminal t1 connected to the positive electrode side of the battery and a second input terminal t2a connected to the negative electrode side are formed on the upper portion.
And a third terminal t3 connected to a temperature detection sensor composed of a thermistor. As shown in FIG. 2 (B), the battery pack 50B of the nickel-cadmium battery is shown in FIG.
The battery pack 50A of the nickel-hydrogen battery shown in (A) has the same structure as that of the battery pack 50A except that the second input terminal t2b is displaced and the charging device 10 has a different position. , The loaded battery pack can detect whether it is a nickel hydrogen battery or a nickel cadmium battery. Further, as the battery packs 50A and 50B, due to the difference in the number of battery cells, 14.4V, 12V, 9.6.
There is V.

As shown in FIG. 1, the battery pack 50A,
The battery pack 50 is included in the charging device 10 that charges 50B.
A fitting hole 12 for fitting the fitting portions 52 of A and 50B is formed, and the fitting portion 52 is formed on the side wall of the fitting hole 12.
The key groove 14 for introducing the key portion 54 is formed. The fitting hole 12 is resin-molded integrally with a housing 16 forming the charging device 10. In this embodiment,
By providing the key portion 54 in the fitting portion 52 of the battery packs 50A and 50B and forming the key groove 14 in the fitting hole 12 of the charging device 10, it is possible to prevent the battery packs 50A and 50B from being mounted in the wrong direction. There is. Here, at the bottom of the fitting hole 12, first to third output terminals (not shown) for contacting the first to third terminals t1, t2a, t2b and t3 of the battery packs 50A and 50B are provided. There is. At the top of the charging device 10, an LE for displaying the charging status is displayed.
A D lamp 18 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the battery drill 70 is formed with a fitting hole 72 into which the fitting portion 52 of the battery pack 50A, 50B is fitted. The chuck 76 is configured to be rotated by a motor (not shown) upon receiving power supply from the input terminal t2. When the battery drill 70 is used, the battery packs 50A and 50B that have been charged are used one after another so that the work can be continued. Therefore, the charging device 10 of the present embodiment is configured so that the battery packs 50A and 50B can be rapidly charged in about 20 minutes.

FIG. 4 shows a circuit configuration in the charging device 10. The commercial AC power source is rectified and smoothed by the rectifying and smoothing circuit 22 after noise is removed by the input filter 20, and the switching element 24 is provided between the rectifying and smoothing circuit 22 and the transformer 26.
Is turned on and off by. The transformer 26 is provided with an auxiliary winding 26a, and the electromotive force from the auxiliary winding 26a is input to the auxiliary power supply 46 and added to the primary side control circuit 48. The primary side control circuit 48 controls ON / OFF of the switching element 24. The switching element 24 controls the duty ratio of the charging current, and the transformer 26 steps down the commercial power supply voltage to an appropriate voltage.

The output of the transformer 26 is rectified and smoothed by the rectifying and smoothing circuit 28 and then applied to the battery packs 50A and 50B. As a result, a charging current is passed through the battery cells (not shown) built in the battery packs 50A and 50B.
A current detection circuit 30 and a voltage detection circuit 32 are connected between the rectifying / smoothing circuit 28 and the battery pack, and the charging current signal and the charging voltage signal are input to the secondary side control circuit 38. A battery type detection circuit 36 is provided adjacent to the battery pack, and a battery type signal is input to the secondary side control circuit 38. In addition, the temperature signal from the temperature detection sensor 56 arranged in the battery pack is transmitted to the secondary side control circuit 3
8 is input.

The secondary side control circuit 38 includes an auxiliary power supply circuit 4
Power from 4 is added. This secondary side control circuit 3
8 stores a map for current value control described later,
The temperature value output from the temperature detection sensor 56 is differentiated to obtain a temperature rise value, and a map is searched based on the temperature value and the temperature rise value to obtain an allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of the battery. . Then, it is determined whether to increase the duty ratio based on the charging current signal described above, and in accordance therewith, the charging current value switching circuit 40 and the feedback circuit 4 are determined.
The duty ratio is sent to the primary side control circuit 48 via 9.

Next, the structure of the map used for the above-described current control will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the charging device and the secondary side control circuit 38 have a 14.4 V map M1 for nickel-hydrogen battery as shown in FIG.
A nickel-hydrogen battery 12V map M2, a nickel-hydrogen battery 9.6V map M3, a nickel-cadmium battery 14.4V map M4, a nickel-cadmium battery 12V map M5, and a nickel-cadmium battery 9.
Six types of maps including the 6V map M6 are provided.

In general, a battery can be increased by increasing the charging current.
Charging time is shorter, but temperature rise is larger. Conversely,
If the charging current is made smaller, the charging time becomes longer, but the temperature rise becomes smaller. In particular, the nickel-hydrogen battery has the characteristic that the temperature gradient (temperature rise value) changes greatly depending on the charging current and the already charged capacity. Therefore, in the present embodiment, charging is performed while changing the current value in order to suppress the temperature rise. That is, in the charging device according to the related art,
While charging was performed at a constant current value, in the charging device of the present embodiment, the state of the battery is determined based on the absolute temperature and the temperature rise value, and it is possible to flow while suppressing the temperature rise of the battery as much as possible. Charging is performed with a large current, that is, the current value is changed according to the state of the battery.

Here, when the battery temperature is high, a relatively small charging current is passed, and conversely, when the temperature is low, a relatively large charging current is passed. When the temperature rise is large, a relatively small charging current is made to flow. On the contrary, when the temperature rise is small, a relatively large charging current is made to flow.

The map is for performing the variable control of the current, and the absolute temperature T of the battery is taken on the horizontal side and the temperature change amount dT / dt is taken on the vertical side so that the temperature rise can be suppressed and flowed. It defines the optimum current value. That is, when the battery temperature is high and the temperature rise is large (bottom right side of the map), a relatively small charging current is applied, and when the battery temperature is high and the temperature rise is small (upper right side of the map), medium level. Flow the charging current of. When the battery temperature is low and the temperature rise is large (lower left side of the map), a medium charging current is applied, and when the battery temperature is low and the temperature rise is small (upper left side of the map), it is relatively large. It is set to pass the charging current. That is, the optimum current value is set in each region in the map so that both the target charging time (about 20 minutes) and the target ultimate temperature are satisfied. In addition, low temperature (0
If the battery is charged with a large current at (° C. or less), the performance deteriorates. Therefore, it is preferable to set a small current value in the left column of the map so as not to deteriorate the performance.

On the basis of this map, at the time of charging, a region matching the absolute temperature T of the battery and the temperature change dT / dt is searched for, and the charging current is controlled based on the current value defined in the region. For example, the battery temperature is between T3 and T4, and the battery temperature change (temperature rise value) is X1 and X2.
If it is between the two, the current value of the area I24 is output.

Further, the charging device of this embodiment detects the completion of charging based on the movement of the area in the map. That is,
In the conventional technique, the charging current is kept constant to monitor the temperature or voltage to detect the completion of charging. More specifically, it is determined that the battery is fully charged by detecting the temperature rise value, the voltage change value, and the fact that the battery has become fully charged and the voltage has dropped. However, in the charging device of this embodiment, as described above, since the charging current is changed, the charging is completed by simply monitoring the temperature, the temperature change value, or the voltage, the voltage change value as in the prior art. Can not be detected. Therefore, the completion of charging is detected based on the movement of the area in the map.

Here, during charging, the area is seemingly moved randomly based on changes in the temperature and the temperature rise value. That is, if the temperature becomes high or the temperature rises largely before the full charge and a region where the charging current is relatively small is selected, that is, the region on the lower right side of the map shown in FIG. After is selected, the temperature rise is reduced due to the decrease in the current, and the map corresponds to the upper region in the map.

However, when the battery is near full charge, the temperature rise value increases due to the characteristics of the nickel hydrogen battery. That is, even if the lower region is selected in the map in the figure due to the large temperature rise and the battery is charged with a relatively small current, the temperature rise remains large. From this principle, in the charging device of the present embodiment, a predetermined cycle (for example,
Measurement is performed every several hundred seconds and continues (for example, 3
(Charging), charging is completed when it belongs to regions I31, I32, I33, I34, I35 when the temperature rise is large and regions I25 where the temperature is high and the temperature rise is medium, as indicated by hatching in the map in the figure. When it is determined that the charging is completed, charging is stopped.

In the charging device of the first embodiment, the map is used to indicate the battery type (ie, nickel hydrogen battery, nickel cadmium battery) and battery voltage (ie, 14.4V, 12V, 9.6).
V) and six types are provided. Here, the nickel-hydrogen battery tends to increase in temperature during charging, and the nickel-cadmium battery tends to hardly increase in temperature. Therefore, it is difficult to control both charging currents based on the temperature rise value using the map of 1. In addition, the battery voltage (1
The tendency of the temperature rise also differs depending on 4.4V, 12V, 9.6V). That is, since a high-voltage battery pack has a large number of battery cells, it is difficult for the heat generated inside to escape, and, conversely,
Since a low-voltage battery pack has a small number of battery cells, heat dissipation is large, and battery packs having different voltages cannot be similarly controlled based on the temperature rise. Therefore, in the charging device of the first embodiment, six types of maps M1 to M corresponding to the battery type (2 types) and the battery voltage (3 types) are used.
6 is prepared.

Charging by this charging device will be described in more detail with reference to the graph of FIG. Here, FIG.
The horizontal axis represents charging time, and the vertical axis represents charging current and battery temperature. In FIG. 6, the temperature rise when the nickel-hydrogen battery is charged for 1 hour and the temperature rise when rapidly charged are also shown for comparison with the charging device of the present embodiment.

Conventionally, in order to avoid heat generation when charging a nickel-hydrogen battery, 1C as shown by the one-dot chain line e in the figure.
Charging, that is, 2AH for a nickel hydrogen battery of 2AH
About 1 hour (65 in the figure)
Min) was being charged. In case of 1C charging, 1
As shown by the dotted line f, charging starts at 20 ° C and 40 ° C
Charging can be completed with C. In addition, due to the characteristics of the nickel-hydrogen battery, it is on the verge of completion of charging (5
After 5 minutes), the amount of increase in temperature increases, and the temperature further increases from the point of time when charging is completed as indicated by f ″ (overshoot fO). It is considered that the overshoot of the nickel-hydrogen battery depends on the slope of the temperature rise at the time of completion of charging. When the slope of f'-f '' in the figure is small, the temperature rise due to the overshoot is small and the slope is large. That is, when the temperature rises significantly at the end of charging, the temperature rise width due to overshoot is large.

On the other hand, the broken line c indicates a constant high current (9
The current at the time of performing rapid charge (4.5 C charge) in A) is shown. Further, the broken line d shows the temperature change of the nickel-hydrogen battery during the rapid charging. As shown by the broken line d, even if the charging is started at 20 ° C, it reaches 70 ° C which shortens the life of the nickel-hydrogen battery when the charging is completed. Furthermore, on the verge of completion of charging indicated by d'in the figure (when 11 minutes have elapsed)
Temperature rises sharply from the beginning until d ″ when charging is completed. For this reason, the temperature further rises significantly from the point of time d ″ when the charging is completed (overshoot dO), and the temperature further rises after the completion of charging due to the overshoot dO, and the temperature exceeds 80 ° C. Shorten battery life. In this graph, charging starts from 20 ° C and reaches 80 ° C when the charging is completed, and the temperature rises by 60 ° during this period. Therefore, for example, if the temperature of the nickel-hydrogen battery at the start of charging is 30 ° C., the temperature rises to 60 ° C. and rises to 90 ° C. or higher, which significantly deteriorates the battery performance.

The solid line a shows the change of the charging current by the charging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and the solid line b shows the temperature change of the nickel-hydrogen battery at the time of charging by the charging device. The charging device 10 of the present embodiment supplies a relatively small charging current when the battery temperature is high and the temperature rise is large, and supplies a medium charging current when the battery temperature is high and the temperature rise is small. Shed. Further, when the battery temperature is low and the temperature rise is large, a medium charging current is passed, and when the battery temperature is low and the temperature rise is small, a relatively large charging current is passed. In this way, since the current is adjusted based on the temperature and the temperature rise value of the nickel-hydrogen battery, charging is started from 20 ° C and then 50 ° C as shown by the solid line b.
The temperature rise is suppressed to a range that does not affect battery life. That is, so that the temperature does not exceed the target temperature,
In addition, the maximum current value that can be tolerated is adjusted to shorten the charging time.

As described above, in the charging device 10, the charging current is constantly changed according to the battery temperature and the temperature rise. That is, a large current is passed while the battery temperature is low at the beginning of charging and the temperature rise is small, but a relatively small charging current is passed when the battery temperature is high and the temperature rise is large at the end of charging. Thus, the temperature rise value just before the completion of charging is reduced. That is, the temperature rise is small from the point of completion of charging (after 11 minutes have elapsed) shown by b'in the figure to the point of time b '' at which charging has been completed (gradient of temperature rise is low). Therefore, the temperature rise (overshoot bO) after the completion of charging becomes small, and 1C indicated by the one-dot chain line f
It suppresses heat generation during charging and after charging is completed to the same extent as the temperature rise during charging (about 50 ° C).

Even when the 1C charging indicated by the one-dot chain line f is performed, if the battery temperature at the start of charging is high, for example,
If the battery temperature starts from 30 ° C, the charging will start at 30 ° C.
As the temperature rises, the temperature reaches 60 ° C when the charging is completed. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the temperature at the time of completion of charging can be stopped at 50 ° C by limiting the current according to the temperature. Especially in the case of batteries for electric tools, the capacity is exhausted by continuously driving the motor with a large current,
Charging often starts when the temperature reaches high temperature. In the charging device of this embodiment, even when charging such a high temperature nickel-hydrogen battery, the battery temperature can be charged so as not to exceed the target temperature, so that the nickel-hydrogen battery can be repeatedly used for a long period of time. Is.

Specific processing by the charging device of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 and in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. Secondary side control circuit 38 of charging circuit
(Refer to FIG. 4), when charging is started, the charging current is adjusted and the completion of charging is judged in a predetermined cycle (here, it is set to every 100 seconds for convenience of description, but actually a shorter cycle of 10 seconds or less). I do. First, the type of battery is determined from the output from the battery type detection circuit 36 (S12). Then, the voltage of the battery is detected (S14). The voltage is detected by flowing the charging current for a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) and then detecting the voltage by the voltage detection circuit 32. In this way, a battery whose voltage has dropped due to over-discharging or the like can also appropriately detect the voltage. Then, a map corresponding to the detected battery type and voltage is selected (S16). Here, the battery pack 50A (nickel hydrogen battery, 14.4 shown in FIG. 2A) is used.
The description will be continued assuming that V) is loaded in the charging device and the map M1 shown in FIG. 5 is selected.

The secondary side control circuit 38 continuously inputs the absolute temperature T of the nickel hydrogen battery of the battery pack 50A (S18). Next, the input absolute temperature T is differentiated to calculate the temperature change dT / dt of the battery (S20). Then, based on the absolute temperature T and the temperature change dT / dt, the optimum charging current is selected from the map described above with reference to FIG. 5 (S22). Here, as shown in cycle <1>, the absolute temperature T is in the range of T1 to T2, and the temperature change amount d
Since T / dt is X1 or less, the region I12 is selected,
As shown by the solid line a in FIG. 6, a relatively large current of 4.5 C charge (9 A) is applied.

Thereafter, the secondary side control circuit 38 controls the end-of-charge region, that is, the regions I31, I32, I33, I34, I35 when the temperature rise is large as indicated by the hatching in the map in FIG. It is judged whether or not the vehicle has entered the region I25 when the rise is moderate (S24). Here, since it is not in the final charging region (No in S24), the process returns to step 18 and the control of the charging current is continued. Here, in the cycle <2> in which 100 seconds have further passed, a relatively large current is applied in the cycle <1> as described above,
The temperature change amount dT / dt increases (X1 to X2), the region I22 is selected, and the medium current value (3.5C) is selected. By selecting a medium current in cycle <2>, the temperature change dT / dt becomes X1 or less, and in cycle <3>, the region I12 is selected and a relatively large charging current is selected again. To be done.

As described above, when charging is continued while changing the current value according to the absolute temperature T and the temperature change dT / dt, the temperature change dT / dt gradually increases, and as shown in FIG. As shown, in cycle <6>, the temperature change dT / dt exceeds X2 and belongs to the region I33. At this time, the above-mentioned end-of-charge region (region I31,
I32, I33, I34, I35, I25), the determination in step 24 is Yes, and it is determined whether the probability of entering the end-of-charge region is high (S26). That is, it is determined that the probability of entering the end-of-charge region is high if the end-of-charge region is in the above-described three consecutive cycles. Here, by narrowing the current value in the cycle <6>, the next cycle <7
>, The absolute temperature T is T2 to T3, and the temperature change amount dT / d
Since t falls from X1 to X2, it belongs to the region I23, and therefore, it is determined at Step 26 whether the probability of entering the end-of-charge region is high or not, and Step 30 is performed.
After that, the charging is continued while the charging current is increased or decreased.

On the other hand, in the cycle <13>, when the area I25 belonging to the end-of-charge area is entered, the area I35 belonging to the end-of-charge area also enters in the next cycle <14> and also in the next cycle <15>. Area I35 belonging to the end of charge area
to go into. In this way, if the region that belongs to the end of charge region is entered three times in a row, the determination in step 26 of whether the probability of entering the end of charge region is high becomes High, and charging is completed (S
28) and terminates all processing.

In the above-mentioned example, the cycle time is set to 100 seconds for the sake of convenience of explanation, so it is determined that the probability is high when the battery enters the end-of-charge region for three consecutive times. It is possible to determine that the probability of entering the end-of-charge region is high by various methods. For example, in a cycle of 10 seconds, it is judged that the probability is high when the terminal end of charge region is entered 8 times in 10 cycles, or 1
It is possible to determine that the probability is high when the terminal end of charge region is entered eight times in 0 cycle and when the end of charge region is entered for five consecutive cycles.

As described above, in the conventional charging device for charging the nickel-cadmium battery, the current value is kept constant,
The completion of charging is detected by monitoring any one or more of temperature, temperature change, voltage, and voltage change. However, since the nickel-hydrogen battery generates a large amount of heat during charging, it has been difficult to perform 100% rapid charging (about 20 minutes) without overcharging by the above-mentioned conventional method. On the other hand, in the charging device according to the present embodiment, the absolute temperature T is reduced according to the battery type and the battery voltage while reducing the charging current as described above.
Since the temperature change amount dT / dt is continuously monitored, it is possible to perform 100% charge without overcharging the nickel-hydrogen battery, and it is possible to charge the nickel-cadmium battery in a short time.

That is, in the charging device of the first embodiment, a map in which the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise according to the type of battery is mapped based on the battery temperature value and the battery temperature rise value is displayed. Use according to the type of battery. That is, the battery map of the type is searched from the battery temperature and the temperature rise value, the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of the battery is obtained, and the battery is charged with the allowable current value. For this reason, it becomes possible to charge a nickel-hydrogen battery whose temperature tends to rise during charging in a short time without causing deterioration due to temperature rise. Immediately before the completion of charging, the temperature rise of the nickel-hydrogen battery becomes large and charging is performed with a relatively small current value, so that “overshoot” after completion of charging can be suppressed. Furthermore, a nickel cadmium battery with a relatively small temperature rise can be charged in a short time by passing a large current.

In particular, the completion of charging is judged based on whether or not the temperature rise value is relatively large and the relatively small allowable current value is output from the map frequently, that is, the temperature rise is large and the charging is completed. Even if the current value is reduced, it is determined whether or not the temperature rise is still large by using the map corresponding to the battery type and voltage, so regardless of the battery type and voltage,
It is possible to perform 100% charge without overcharging.

That is, the temperature of the nickel-hydrogen battery tends to rise during charging, and the one for a high voltage, which has a large number of battery cells in the battery pack, tends to accumulate heat therein, and conversely, the battery cells in the battery pack. In the case of a low voltage type having a small number of, the internal heat easily escapes, and similarly it is difficult to charge.
Therefore, in the charging device of the first embodiment, by using the map corresponding to the battery type and the voltage, it becomes possible to charge any battery in a short time without causing performance deterioration due to temperature rise. .

Next, a charging device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the charging device of the first embodiment described above, a map is prepared corresponding to the battery type and the battery voltage. On the other hand, in the charging device of the second embodiment, a map is prepared for each remaining battery capacity. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, two types are provided, a map M11 for 30% remaining capacity and a map M12 for 70% remaining capacity. And the battery capacity is 50%
In the following cases, the map M11 for 30% remaining capacity is used, and when it exceeds 50%, the map M11 for 70% remaining capacity.
12 is used.

FIG. 9 shows a charging device and a battery pack 50C of the second embodiment. The battery pack 50C includes a nickel-hydrogen battery (not shown), and integrates the charging current of the nickel-hydrogen battery at the time of charging and subtracts the operating current when the battery is loaded in an electric power tool (see FIG. 3). And a communication circuit 5 for transmitting the remaining capacity by the remaining capacity accumulating circuit 52 to the charging device side.
4 and. The circuit configuration on the charging device side is shown in FIG.
Since it is the same as the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG.

Next, the processing by the secondary side control circuit 38 of the charging device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The secondary side control circuit 38 (see FIG. 9) of the charging circuit performs the adjustment of the charging current and the determination of the completion of the charging in a predetermined cycle when the charging is started. First, battery pack 5
The 0C communication circuit 54 is instructed to transmit the remaining capacity (S112), and the remaining capacity sent from the communication circuit 54 side is received (S114). Then, the map shown in FIG. 8 is selected according to the received remaining capacity (S116). here,
It is assumed that 40% of the remaining capacity is sent from the battery pack side, and the map M11 for 30% shown in FIG. 5 is selected accordingly. Then, charging is performed based on the map M11 (S118 to S130). The processing in S118 to S130 is performed in S18 to S18 of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG.
Since the processing is the same as the processing up to S30, the description will be omitted.

In the charging device of the second embodiment, a map in which the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of the battery is mapped based on the temperature value of the battery and the temperature rise value of the battery corresponds to the remaining capacity of the battery. Let it be used. That is, a map corresponding to the remaining battery capacity is searched from the battery temperature and the temperature rise value, a permissible current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of the battery is determined, and the battery is charged with the permissible current value. For this reason,
It is possible to charge a nickel-hydrogen battery whose temperature tends to rise during charging in a short time according to the remaining capacity without causing deterioration due to temperature rise.

In particular, the completion of charging is judged based on whether or not the temperature rise value is relatively large and a relatively small allowable current value is frequently output from the map corresponding to the remaining capacity, that is, Since it is determined whether or not the temperature rise is large and the temperature rise is still large even if the charging current value is reduced, it is possible to perform 100% charge according to the remaining capacity of the battery without overcharging. Furthermore, when the remaining capacity is large, the resolution of the map is substantially increased, that is, 70
The map M12 of% remaining capacity is the map M1 of 30% remaining capacity.
Compared to 1, it is mapped to correspond to a smaller capacity value (remaining 30%) and the resolution is substantially higher, so
Charge detection accuracy up to 100% is increased.

Next, a charging device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.
In the charging device of the first embodiment described above, a map is prepared corresponding to the battery type and the battery voltage. On the contrary,
The charging device of the third embodiment prepares a map corresponding to the environmental temperature at the time of charging. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, two types of maps, a low temperature map M21 and a high temperature map M22, are provided. When the ambient temperature (outside air temperature of the place where the charging device is installed) is less than 25 ° C, the low temperature map M21 is used and 25 ° C is used.
In the above cases, the high temperature map M22 is used. That is, in the present embodiment, the battery temperature is detected to determine the charging current, but the way the battery is cooled differs depending on the environmental temperature,
In the map of No. 1, there are cases where the charge amount cannot be controlled appropriately, so two maps are prepared for high temperature and low temperature.

The low temperature map M21 and the high temperature map M
22 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 12A shows the contents of the low temperature map M21. The area of the map in FIG. 11, for example, the area of I11 corresponds to the area of I11 in FIG.
When the environmental temperature is low and the battery temperature is high, the battery is easily cooled and the measured temperature rise value dT / dt becomes small. Therefore, the region of high absolute temperature and small temperature rise value on the upper right side of the map in FIG.
(Narrow the width of the area such as), and the temperature rise value dT / dt
Increase the resolution on the side (that is, I15, I16, I25,
Narrow the vertical width of the area such as I26). In addition, the end of charge region on the right side (that is, I45, I46, I55, I56, I65, I in the figure)
By expanding the width of the area such as 66), it is possible to make an optimal judgment of completion of charging at low temperatures.

12 (B) shows the contents of the high temperature map M22. When the environmental temperature is high and the battery temperature is low, the battery is not cooled by the outside air, so the measured temperature rise value dT / dt becomes large. Therefore, the lower left side of the map (that is, I41, I42, I51, I52, I61, I62 in the figure)
It is set so that the optimal charge completion determination can be made at high temperature by increasing the resolution of (the vertical width of the area such as Narrow) and narrowing the width of the end-of-charge area.

FIG. 13 shows a charging device of the third embodiment. The charging device is provided with an environmental temperature detection circuit 43 for detecting an environmental temperature, and is configured to output the detected temperature to the secondary side control circuit 38 side. The other circuit configuration on the charging device side is similar to that of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG.

Next, the processing by the secondary side control circuit 38 of the charging device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Secondary side control circuit 38 of the charging circuit (see FIG.
When the charging is started, the reference) adjusts the charging current and determines completion of charging in a predetermined cycle. First, the environmental temperature is input (S214), and the map adapted to the input environmental temperature is selected (S216). Here, it is assumed that 30 ° C. is detected as the environmental temperature, and the high temperature map M22 shown in FIG. 11 is selected accordingly. Then, charging is performed based on the map M22 (S218-23).
0). The processing of S218 to S230 is the same as the processing of S18 to S30 of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG.

In the charging device of the third embodiment, a map in which the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of the battery is mapped based on the temperature value of the battery and the temperature rise value of the battery is associated with the environmental temperature. To use. That is, the map is searched from the battery temperature and the temperature rise value, the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of the battery is obtained, and the battery is charged at the allowable current value. The temperature of nickel-metal hydride batteries tends to rise during charging, and the way the temperature rises differs depending on the ambient temperature.
It becomes possible to charge in a short time without causing deterioration due to temperature rise regardless of the environmental temperature.

In particular, the completion of charging is judged based on whether or not the temperature rise value is relatively large and the relatively small allowable current value is frequently output from the map corresponding to the environmental temperature. Since it is determined whether or not the temperature rise is large even if the increase is large and the charging current value is small, it is possible to perform 100% charge without being overcharged without being influenced by the environmental temperature.

Next, a charging device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the charging device of the third embodiment described above, the map is prepared in correspondence with the environmental temperature. On the other hand, in the charging device of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the normal temperature map M31 (transformer temperature less than 60 ° C.) and the high temperature map M32 (transformer temperature 60 °) are set in correspondence with the temperature of the charging device. And above) are prepared. In the high temperature map M32, the charging current is reduced to a heat generation range that does not cause a failure of the charging device, that is, the maximum allowable current is set. Here, in the charging device according to the related art, since the power supply circuit is configured at a low price, the charging device has a charging capacity enough to continuously charge about two batteries. Therefore, when continuously charging three or more batteries, the protection device worked to extremely reduce the charging current. For this reason, when continuously charged, the charging time became extremely long from the third charging. On the other hand, in the charging device of the fourth embodiment, by using the map in which the temperature of the charging device is made to correspond, when the temperature of the charging device rises, failure of the charging device is not caused based on the map. By lowering the charging current to the heat generation range, that is, flowing the maximum allowable current, the third and subsequent batteries are charged in a short time.

In the charging device of the first embodiment described above, a map for nickel-hydrogen battery and a map for nickel-cadmium battery are prepared separately. On the other hand, in the charging device of the fourth embodiment, both the room temperature map M31 and the high temperature map M32 shown in FIG. 15 are mapped for the nickel hydrogen battery, and using this nickel hydrogen battery map, Nickel-metal hydride battery (battery pack 50
While charging A), the nickel cadmium battery (battery pack 50B) is also charged. With respect to this nickel-cadmium battery, the input and the output are corrected so that the nickel-cadmium battery is appropriately charged using the nickel-hydrogen battery map.

Further, in the charging device of the fourth embodiment,
The area of the map is weighted when determining the completion of charging. That is, in the charging devices of the first to third embodiments, the number of times of entering the region that easily occurs at the time of completion of charging indicated by hatching in FIGS. 5, 8 and 11 is simply added. On the other hand, the charging device of the fourth embodiment adds "1" when entering the regions I42, I43, I34, I35, and I36 which are likely to occur at the initial stage of the completion of charging, and adds "1" to the middle stage of the completion of charging. Areas I51, I52, I53, I44, I45, I46, I54, I55, I
By adding "2" when entering 56, and adding "3" when entering areas I61, I62, I63, I64, I65, I66 that tend to occur at the end of charging, More accurately, it is detected that the target capacity has been charged.

Further, in the charging device of the fourth embodiment, in addition to using the map to judge the completion of charging, the absolute temperature of the battery, the temperature rise value, the voltage drop occurring at the end of charging,
The charging is stopped based on the integrated value of the charging current.

FIG. 16 shows a charging device of the fourth embodiment. The charging device is provided with a transformer temperature detection circuit 42 for detecting the temperature of the transformer 26, and is configured to output the detected temperature to the secondary side control circuit 38 side. The other circuit configuration on the charging device side is similar to that of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. The temperature of the transformer 26 is detected as the device temperature in the switching element 24 and the like as in the case of the transformer, but the semiconductor element forming the switching element is relatively resistant to heat. When the transformer 26 is heated to 100 ° C or more, the insulation deterioration of the winding occurs,
This is because it is the most vulnerable part of the charging device to heat.

Next, the processing by the secondary side control circuit 38 of the charging device according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. Secondary side control circuit 3 of charging circuit
When the charging is started, 8 adjusts the charging current and judges the completion of charging in a predetermined cycle. First, the transformer temperature is input (S312), and it is determined whether the transformer temperature is room temperature (less than 60 ° C) (S314). Here, when the input temperature is normal temperature (less than 60 ° C.), the normal temperature map M31 described with reference to FIG. 15 is selected (S316). On the other hand, when the input temperature is room temperature (60 ° C.) or higher, the high temperature map M32 is selected (S318). here,
It is assumed that the transformer temperature of 55 ° C. is detected and the room temperature map M31 is selected accordingly.

After that, the secondary side control circuit 38 detects the battery temperature (S320). Then, it is determined whether the battery temperature exceeds a preset battery absolute temperature To (safety temperature) (S322). Here, when the battery temperature exceeds the set absolute temperature To (Yes in S322), the charging is immediately completed (S370 in FIG. 18). That is, a battery whose temperature has risen abnormally is judged to be fully charged,
If there is something wrong with the battery, stop charging immediately.

On the other hand, when the battery temperature does not exceed the absolute temperature To (No in S322), the battery temperature change dT / dt is detected (calculated) from the difference from the previously detected temperature (S).
324). Then, it is determined whether the battery temperature change dT / dt exceeds a preset battery temperature change dTc / dt of the battery (S326). Here, when the battery temperature exceeds the set absolute temperature battery temperature change dTc / dt (Yes in S326), the charging is immediately completed (S37).
0). That is, when charging a battery that has reached the end of its life, the temperature rises significantly when it is charged.
Immediately stop charging the battery without continuing charging for a long time.

On the other hand, when the battery temperature change dT / dt does not exceed the preset battery temperature change dTc / dt (No in S326), the type of the loaded battery pack is determined (S328). Here, when the battery pack 50A of the nickel hydrogen battery is detected, the room temperature map M3 corresponding to the nickel hydrogen battery described above with reference to FIG.
1 is searched (S330). On the other hand, when the battery pack 50B for nickel-cadmium battery is searched, the detected battery temperature change amount dT / dt is corrected.
The dt is increased to 110% (S332), and the map M31 corresponding to the above-mentioned nickel hydrogen battery is searched (S330). In addition, the input is corrected because the nickel-cadmium battery generates less heat than the nickel-hydrogen battery,
Since a relatively large current can be passed, the input value is increased so that a large current value can be set using the nickel-hydrogen battery map.

Subsequently, in order to determine whether or not the charging is completed, it is determined whether or not it belongs to the end-of-charge region shown in FIG.
Here, when the battery temperature and the battery temperature change value do not belong to the region indicating the end of charging (S334, S338, S34).
0 is out), and the counter value, which is the integrated value for determining the completion of charging, is reset to 0 (S346). On the other hand, when the battery temperature and the battery temperature change value enter into the regions (charge end period region (1)) I42, I43, I34, I35, and I36 that are likely to occur at the initial stage of the completion of charging (S334 is In), the counter is displayed. "1" is added (S336). In addition, regions (Charge end period region (2)) I51, I52, I53, I44 which are likely to occur in the middle period of charging completion
When entering I45, I46, I54, I55, I56 (S338
Is In) and "2" is added (S342). Furthermore, a region that tends to occur at the end of charging (end charging region (3)) I6
When entering 1, I62, I63, I64, I65, I66 (S3
40 is In), and "3" is added (S344). Then, the total of the count values is a preset value (for example, 1
It is determined whether it exceeds 0) (S348). If the count value exceeds the set value in the end of charge region continuously (S348 is High), the current is stopped immediately after the completion of charging (S370).

On the other hand, if the count value does not exceed the set value (S348 is Low), the charging is continued, so the value retrieved from the map in step 330 is determined as the charging current (shown in FIG. 18). S352). Then, it is determined whether the loaded battery is a nickel hydrogen battery or a nickel cadmium battery (S354). Here, when the nickel-hydrogen battery is loaded (S354 is Ni-
NH), the secondary side control circuit 38 outputs the current value determined in step 352 to the primary side control circuit 38 (S).
357). On the other hand, when a nickel-cadmium battery is loaded (S354 is Ni-Cd), the current value determined in step 352 is corrected (increased to 110%) (S356), and this value is controlled on the primary side. The signal is output to the circuit 38 (S357). Here, the output is corrected because the nickel-cadmium battery has a lower heat generation than the nickel-hydrogen battery and can pass a relatively large current, so that a large current value can be set using the nickel-hydrogen battery map. The output is increasing.

Thereafter, in order to determine the completion of charging based on the decrease in the battery voltage, it is determined whether the same current value is continuously output (S358). That is, when determining the completion of charging based on the voltage, if the charging current is changed (for example, when the current is reduced from 10 A to 5 A), an appropriate determination cannot be made. Here, when the current is being changed (No in S358), the process proceeds to step 364. On the other hand, when the same current value is continuously output (S3
58 is Yes), the change of the battery voltage is detected (S36).
0), the amount of change caused by the voltage drop (-Δ
It is determined whether it is larger than (V) (S362). here,
When the amount of change is large (Yes in S362), charging is stopped (S370). On the other hand, when the amount of change is small (No in S362), the process proceeds to step 364.

In the charging device of the present embodiment, step 35
In 8 to step 362, the completion of charging is determined based on the battery voltage. The reason is that when the environmental temperature is low, it may be difficult to detect the rise value of the battery temperature because the battery is cooled, and the battery stored for a long time also has a different temperature change pattern from the normal battery. . Therefore, when a voltage drop of a predetermined value or more is detected, it is determined that the charging is completed, so that the charging of the battery is stopped without continuing the charging for a long time even in a special environment.

The relationship between the temperature change and the voltage when the ambient temperature is low will be described in more detail with reference to the graph of FIG. In FIG. 19, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents changes in voltage, battery temperature, and charging current. Here, time t1 to t
Up to 2, the charging current is changing (S358 is N
o), the completion of charging is not judged. Then, after the time t2, the current is not switched, so that the judgment of the completion of charging is started from the time t3 (Yes in S358). As described above, when the environmental temperature is low and the difference between the battery temperature and the environmental temperature is large, the battery is cooled in the range indicated by F in the figure, and it becomes difficult to detect the temperature increase. For this reason, when a voltage drop (-ΔV) is detected at time t4, it is determined that charging is completed, thereby preventing overcharging even in such a situation.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 18, the secondary side control circuit 3
The description of the processing by 8 will be continued. In step 364, the value obtained by multiplying the charging current by the charging time is integrated to calculate the charging amount (S364). Then, it is determined whether the calculated charge amount exceeds the maximum allowable charge amount of the battery (S366). Here, when the charge amount exceeds the maximum allowable charge amount (S36
6 is Yes), the charging is immediately completed (S370). On the other hand, when the charge amount does not exceed the maximum allowable charge amount (S36
6 is No), the charging is continued (S368). Here, in the charging device of the fourth embodiment, it is possible that the completion of charging cannot be properly detected based on the map due to various causes.
When the integrated value exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that the charging is completed, so that the charging of the battery is surely stopped.

In the charging device of the fourth embodiment, the completion of charging is determined based on the weighted map as described above, so that the target capacity can be charged more accurately.
This is the charging device of the first embodiment (without weighting).
It will be described with reference to the graph of FIG. 20, which shows the result of comparison between the determination of the completion of charging by the charging device and the determination of the completion of charging by the charging device (with weighting) of the fourth embodiment.

20A and 20B show battery packs for which the completion of charging has been judged by the charging device (with weighting) of the fourth embodiment, and (C) and (D) show the The battery pack in which the completion of charging is judged by the charging device (without weighting) of one embodiment is shown. (A) is the temperature of the battery pack at the start of charging (-5 ° C to 45 ° C) on the horizontal axis.
And the vertical axis shows the percentage with respect to the target charge capacity (for example, 3 AH). Here, in the test (A) (with weighting), 21 different battery packs are tested, and in the test (C) (without weighting), 17 different battery packs are tested. I went. On the other hand, (B)
Shows the result of (A) as a bar graph, and (D) shows the result of (C) as a bar graph. That is, (B),
In (D), the horizontal axis indicates the percentage of the target charge capacity, and the vertical axis indicates the number. As can be seen from (B), in the case of weighting, it can be charged to 100% or more, that is, 90% to 95% without overcharging.
On the other hand, as can be seen from (D), in the case of no weighting, overcharge of 100% or more may be performed, and the charge amount also varies.

In the charging device of the fourth embodiment, when the temperature rise is large and the temperature rise is still large even if the charge current value is small, a high count value is added, and even if the temperature rise is large, the charge current value is increased. If the temperature rise value does not increase too much if is set to a small value, a low count value is added, so that it is not affected by the remaining battery level, temperature, etc.
It becomes possible to perform 0% charge. Especially, depending on the map settings, it is not limited to 100%, but 85% ± 5%, 95% ± 5
It is possible to freely detect the capacity value set like%.

The charging device of the fourth embodiment uses a map in which the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of the nickel-hydrogen battery is mapped based on the battery temperature value and the battery temperature rise value. Here, with respect to the nickel-hydrogen battery, the map is searched, the allowable current value is obtained, and charging is performed. On the other hand, for nickel-cadmium batteries, correct the battery temperature rise value (it is also possible to correct the battery temperature) and search the nickel-hydrogen battery map to find the allowable current value. Correct and charge. Therefore, it becomes possible to charge both the nickel-hydrogen battery and the nickel-cadmium battery in one map in a short time without causing deterioration due to temperature rise.

In particular, the completion of charging is determined based on the map. For nickel-metal hydride batteries, the map is directly searched, and for nickel-cadmium batteries, the battery temperature rise value is corrected and the map for nickel-metal hydride batteries is searched to determine the completion of charging. For this reason, a single map will not affect the nickel-metal hydride battery and the nickel-cadmium battery, regardless of the battery level, temperature, etc.
It becomes possible to charge.

In the charging device of the above-described embodiment, since the temperature of the nickel-hydrogen battery is likely to rise during charging and deterioration due to the temperature rise is set, the optimum charging current control for the nickel-hydrogen battery is set. Can be done. Here, it is also possible to prepare a map for the nickel-cadmium battery and support the nickel-hydrogen battery. In this case,
For nickel-metal hydride batteries, the detected temperature value is corrected (the input value when searching the map is reduced to about 90%), and the map and the searched output current value are corrected (current value is about 90%). Can be dealt with.
In this case, by setting the map of the nickel-cadmium battery in which the temperature does not easily rise during charging, optimal charging current control can be performed for the nickel-cadmium battery. In addition,
In the charging device of the present embodiment, an example in which one map corresponds to batteries of two types of characteristics has been given, but one map can also correspond to three or more types of batteries.

Next, a charging device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 24.
In the charging device of the first embodiment described above, a map is prepared corresponding to the battery type and the battery voltage. On the contrary,
In the charging device of the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, a map M42 for charging in normal mode and a map M42 for rapid charging mode are prepared.

FIG. 21 shows the external appearance of the charging device of the fifth embodiment. This charging device is almost the same as the charging device of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. However, the charging device of the fifth embodiment is provided with the changeover switch 19 for switching the above-mentioned charging map.

FIG. 23 shows the circuit configuration of the charging device of the fifth embodiment. This charging device is almost the same as the charging device of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. However, the charging device of the fifth embodiment is configured such that the secondary side control circuit 38 switches the charging map in accordance with the switching of the changeover switch 19 described above.

In the charging device of the fifth embodiment, the normal mode map M41 is normally selected. Here, when the normal mode is selected, charging is performed while avoiding temperature rise so as to extend battery life, and charging is stopped when 90% capacity has been charged. That is, 100
This is because if the battery is charged up to nearly 100%, the pressure inside the battery rises and the battery life is shortened. On the other hand, when the operator presses the changeover switch 19, the quick charging mode map M52 is selected. In this case, rapid charging is performed while avoiding temperature rise, and charging is stopped when 100% capacity is charged.

The processing by the secondary side control circuit 38 of the charging device according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Secondary side control circuit 38 of the charging circuit (see FIG. 13)
After starting charging, the charging current adjustment and the completion judgment of charging are performed in a predetermined cycle. First, the selected mode is input (S414), and the map adapted to the input mode is selected (S416). Here, it is assumed that the quick charging mode map M42 shown in FIG. 22 is selected.
Then, charging is performed based on the map M42 (S418).
~ 430). The processing of S418 to S430 is the same as the processing of S18 to S30 of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG.

In the charging device of the fifth embodiment, when the rapid charging mode map M42 in which a high target charging capacity is set is selected, the nickel-hydrogen temperature is likely to rise up to the high target charging capacity during charging. The battery can be charged for a short time within a range that does not cause deterioration due to temperature rise. On the other hand, when a normal mode map with a small target charge capacity is selected, stopping the charge before full charge extends the life of the nickel-metal hydride battery, which easily deteriorates due to overcharging, and Allows repeated use across.

Next, a charging device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 to 29.
In the charging devices of the above-described first to fifth embodiments, the map is used to charge to the target capacity. On the other hand, the sixth
In the charging device of the embodiment, after the charging is completed by the charging devices of the first to fifth embodiments, supplemental charging or trickle charging is performed by slightly flowing a current using the map.

In the charging device of the prior art, when performing supplementary charging or trickle charging, current was applied in a pulsed manner.
That is, even if a small amount of current is continuously supplied, it is not possible to efficiently charge a battery that has reached a high capacity.
By flowing a large current instantaneously, supplementary charging or trickle charging was performed with an equivalently small average current. here,
The pulse cycle during the auxiliary charging was constant. On the other hand, in the charging device of the sixth embodiment, a constant average current is detected by detecting the battery temperature and the amount of change in the battery temperature, and changing the pulse period while changing the amount of current applied in pulses. Shed.

When the charge current is kept constant and the supplemental charge or trickle charge is performed, the temperature drop of the battery is reduced by shortening the pulse period. On the contrary, if the pulse period is lengthened,
The temperature drop is large. That is, it can be determined that the battery temperature can be lowered by lengthening the pulse period, but if the pulse period is lengthened, the idle period during which charging is not performed becomes longer, self-discharge continues during the idle period, and the end of the idle period ends. That is, the capacity decreases immediately before the next pulsed charging, and if the battery pack is removed at this timing, the capacity becomes relatively low and the purpose of supplementary charging and trickle charging cannot be sufficiently fulfilled.

Therefore, in the charging device of the sixth embodiment,
Distinguish the battery status based on the absolute temperature and the temperature drop value,
Charging is performed while changing the pulse period according to the state of the battery, that is, a short period in which the battery temperature can be lowered and flowing.

Here, keeping the average charging current constant,
Change the pulse period. That is, as shown in FIG. 27, about 0.1 C for supplementary charging and 0.02 for trickle charging.
A current IA of about C is flown on average, but when the battery temperature is high, a relatively large pulse-shaped charging current I1 is flown with a long cycle TOFF1, and conversely, when the temperature is low, a relatively small pulse-shaped charging current I1. I2 is supplied at a short cycle TOFF2. When the temperature drop is small, a relatively large pulse-shaped charging current is passed in a long cycle, and conversely, when the temperature drop is large, a relatively-small pulsed charging current is passed in a short cycle.

The map M51 shown in FIG. 25 is for variably controlling the current, and the absolute temperature T of the battery is taken on the horizontal side and the temperature change dT / dt is taken on the vertical side to show the temperature. It defines the optimum pulse period that can be flowed while descending. That is, when the battery temperature is high and the temperature drop is small (bottom right side of the map), a pulse current with a relatively long cycle is applied, and when the battery temperature is high and the temperature drop is large (upper right side of the map), Apply a pulsed charging current with a medium cycle. When the battery temperature is low and the temperature drop is small (bottom left side of the map), a pulse charging current with a medium cycle is applied, and when the battery temperature is low and the temperature drop is large (upper left side of the map), It is set so that a pulsed charging current having a short cycle is flowed.

The processing by the secondary side control circuit 38 of the charging device according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The secondary side control circuit 38 (see FIG. 23) of the charging circuit is
When charging is started, the charging current is adjusted and the completion of charging is determined in a predetermined cycle. First, the absolute temperature T of the battery is input (S512). Next, the input absolute temperature T is differentiated to calculate the battery temperature change dT / dt (S51).
4). Then, the map M51 described above with reference to FIG.
Is detected (S516), and the current value (the peak value of the pulsed current) and the rest time (pulse cycle) are determined (S51).
8). Then, the current having the determined current value is passed (S52
0), pauses for the determined pulse period (S522), and when the pause time exceeds the set time (No in S524), returns to step 512 and continues charging.

The test results comparing the supplementary charge (0.1 C) by the charger of the sixth embodiment and the supplementary charge (0.1 C) by the charger of the prior art will be described with reference to the graph of FIG. . In the figure, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents battery temperature and charging current. As shown by G in the figure, in the charging device of the present embodiment, the cycle of the charging current is changed according to the battery temperature (average current 0.1
C). On the other hand, in the conventional charging device, the broken line H
As shown by, the pulsed current is applied at a constant cycle (average current 0.1 C). The charging device of the present embodiment is efficiently lowered as indicated by the solid line E in the figure. On the other hand, in the charging device of the prior art, it is difficult for the temperature to drop as indicated by the broken line F.

In the charging device of the sixth embodiment, a map which is mapped based on the temperature value of the battery and the temperature decrease value of the battery is used, and a pulsed current value and Control the pulse interval. That is, when the battery temperature is high and the temperature drop is small, the allowable current value is increased, the pulse interval is lengthened, and the battery temperature is quickly lowered to perform efficient charging. On the other hand, when the battery temperature is low or the temperature drop is large, the permissible current value is made small and the pulse interval is made short so that
% Keep the state of charge. That is, if the pulse cycle is lengthened, the idle period without charging becomes longer, self-discharge continues during the idle period, and the capacity decreases immediately before the next pulse-shaped charge at the end of the idle period. , When the battery pack was removed at this timing, the capacity became relatively low. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the pulse cycle is shortened, the amount of self-discharge during the rest period is small, and the battery can always be maintained at a high capacity. Also, the sixth
The charging device according to the embodiment can be used not only for trickle charging and supplementary charging, but also for charging a battery that has reached a high temperature after use and in a standby state in which charging is not performed until the battery temperature drops to an allowable temperature.

FIG. 29 is a graph showing battery temperature, battery voltage, and charging current during charging by the charging device of the seventh embodiment. In the charging devices of the above-described first to fifth embodiments, the charging current is adjusted by switching the current value stepwise. On the other hand, in the charging device of the seventh embodiment, the current amount is adjusted by switching the duty ratio of the charging current. That is, in the charging devices of the first to fifth embodiments, the current value is 4C (for example, 8A) -3C (6A)-.
It switched to 2C (4A) -1C (2A). On the other hand, in the charging device of the seventh embodiment, the current value is 4
With a capacity of C, it keeps on in the case of 4C, the on-time is 75% of one cycle and the off-time is 25% in the case of 3C, and the on-time and the off-time are 2C. In the case of 50% and 1C, the current is adjusted by setting the ON time to 25% of one cycle and the OFF time to 75%. The charging device of the seventh embodiment has an advantage that the current can be adjusted with a simple and inexpensive structure because the amount of current is adjusted with the duty ratio.

Although the charging devices of the first to seventh embodiments have been described as separate aspects, it goes without saying that these can be combined as appropriate.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a charging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are perspective views of the battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a battery drill using the battery pack shown in FIGS. 2 (A) and 2 (B).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a charging circuit of the charging device shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a map held in the charging circuit of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing changes in charging current and battery temperature controlled by the charging circuit of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing by the charging circuit of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a map held in the charging circuit of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a charging circuit of the charging device of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing by the charging circuit of the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a map held in the charging circuit of the third embodiment.

12 (A) and FIG. 12 (B) are explanatory views showing the contents of the map shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a charging circuit of a charging device of a third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing by the charging circuit of the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a map held in the charging device according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a charging circuit of a charging device of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the first half of the processing by the charging circuit of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the processing by the charging circuit of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a waveform diagram showing changes in battery voltage, battery temperature, and current by the charging device according to the fourth embodiment.

20 (A) and 20 (B) are graphs showing the results of a charging test by the charging device of the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 20 (C) and FIG. 20 (D) are the first graph. It is a graph which shows the result of the charge test by the charging device of an embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a charging device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a map held in the charging circuit of the fifth embodiment.

23 is a block diagram showing a charging circuit of the charging device shown in FIG. 21. FIG.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a process performed by a charging circuit according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a map held in the charging circuit of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the charging circuit of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a waveform diagram showing the magnitude and cycle of the charging current by the charging device of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a graph showing supplementary charging by the charging device according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a graph showing battery temperature, battery voltage, and charging current during charging by the charging device according to the seventh embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Charger 19 Mode selector switch 30 Current detection circuit 32 voltage detection circuit 34 Temperature detection circuit 38 Secondary side control circuit 50A battery pack (nickel hydrogen battery) 50B battery pack (nickel cadmium battery) 50C battery pack 52 Remaining capacity integrating circuit 54 Communication circuit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H02J ⁷ /02-7/10 H01M 10/44 101

Claims (11)

(57) [Claims] 1. A memory for storing two or more types of maps in which an allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing a temperature rise of a battery is mapped based on a battery temperature value and a battery temperature rise value in association with a charging device temperature. A device, a temperature detection unit that detects the current battery temperature, a temperature rise value output unit that obtains a temperature rise value from the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit, and a device temperature detection unit that detects the charging device temperature. From the device temperature detected by the device temperature detection means, the temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means, a map corresponding to the charging device temperature is displayed. It is characterized by comprising an allowable current value searching means for searching for the allowable value, and a charging means for charging the battery with the allowable current searched by the allowable current searching means. The charging device. 2. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the map when the charging device temperature is high among the maps corresponding to the charging device temperature is set so that a large charging current does not flow. 3. A map in which the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of the battery is mapped based on the battery temperature value and the battery temperature rise value, and the allowable current value is set when the temperature value is high. A storage device that stores a map that sets the allowable current value to a small value when the temperature rise value is large, a temperature detection unit that detects the current battery temperature, and a temperature detected from the temperature detection unit. From the temperature rise value output means for obtaining a rise value, the temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means, a map of the storage device is searched to obtain the allowable value. A permissible current value searching means for obtaining, a charging means for charging the battery with the permissible current searched by the permissible current searching means, a temperature detected by the temperature detecting means, and the temperature A first charge completion determination means for determining completion of charge based on whether or not the temperature increase value output from the increase value output means frequently belongs to a region indicating the end of charge in the map of the storage device; The temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means is
Second charging completion judging means for judging completion of charging when a preset temperature rise value is exceeded, and charging for completing charging based on judgment of completion of charging by the first charging completion means and the second charging completion means Means of completion,
A charging device comprising: 4. A map in which an allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing an increase in battery temperature is mapped based on a battery temperature value and a battery temperature increase value, and the allowable current value is set when the temperature value is high. A storage device that stores a map that sets the allowable current value to a small value when the temperature rise value is large, a temperature detection unit that detects the current battery temperature, and a temperature detected from the temperature detection unit. From the temperature rise value output means for obtaining a rise value, the temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means, a map of the storage device is searched to obtain the allowable value. A permissible current value searching means for obtaining, a charging means for charging the battery with the permissible current searched by the permissible current searching means, a temperature detected by the temperature detecting means, and the temperature A first charge completion determination means for determining completion of charge based on whether or not the temperature increase value output from the increase value output means frequently belongs to a region indicating the end of charge in the map of the storage device; Second charging completion determining means for determining that charging is completed when the temperature value output from the temperature detecting means exceeds a preset temperature value; charging by the first charging completion means and the second charging completion means A charging completion means for completing charging based on the judgment of completion,
A charging device comprising: 5. A map in which the allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing the temperature rise of the battery is mapped based on the battery temperature value and the battery temperature rise value, and the allowable current value is set when the temperature value is high. A storage device that stores a map that sets the allowable current value to a small value when the temperature rise value is large, a temperature detection unit that detects the current battery temperature, and a temperature detected from the temperature detection unit. From the temperature rise value output means for obtaining the rise value, the voltage detection means for detecting the battery voltage, the temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means, the storage A permissible current value retrieving means for retrieving the permissible value by retrieving a map of the device, a charging means for charging a battery with the permissible current retrieved by the permissible current retrieving means, and the temperature detecting hand. The completion of charging is determined based on whether the temperature detected by the stage and the temperature increase value output from the temperature increase value output means frequently belong to the region indicating the end of charge in the map of the storage device. And a second charging completion judging means for judging that the charging is completed when the drop of the voltage value output from the voltage detecting means exceeds a preset drop value.
A charging completion judging means; a charging completion means for completing charging based on the judgment of charging completion by the first charging completion means and the second charging completion means;
A charging device comprising: 6. A map in which an allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing an increase in battery temperature is mapped based on a battery temperature value and a battery temperature increase value, and the allowable current value is set when the temperature value is high. A storage device that stores a map that sets the allowable current value to a small value when the temperature rise value is large, a temperature detection unit that detects the current battery temperature, and a temperature detected from the temperature detection unit. From the temperature rise value output means for obtaining a rise value, the temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means, a map of the storage device is searched to obtain the allowable value. A permissible current value searching means for obtaining, a charging means for charging the battery with the permissible current searched by the permissible current searching means, a temperature detected by the temperature detecting means, and the temperature A first charge completion determination means for determining completion of charge based on whether or not the temperature increase value output from the increase value output means frequently belongs to a region indicating the end of charge in the map of the storage device; Second charging completion judging means for accumulating the amount of charging current to the battery and judging that the charging is completed when it exceeds a preset integrated value; charging completion by the first charging completion means and the second charging completion means Charging completion means for completing charging based on the judgment of
A charging device comprising: 7. A map in which an allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing an increase in battery temperature is mapped based on a battery temperature value and a battery temperature increase value, and the allowable current value is set when the temperature value is high. A storage device that stores a map that sets the allowable current value to a small value when the temperature rise value is large, a temperature detection unit that detects the current battery temperature, and a temperature detected from the temperature detection unit. From the temperature rise value output means for obtaining a rise value, the temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means, a map of the storage device is searched to obtain the allowable value. A permissible current value searching means for obtaining, a charging means for charging the battery with the permissible current searched by the permissible current searching means, a temperature detected by the temperature detecting means, and the temperature Charging completion determining means for determining the completion of charging based on whether the temperature rise value output from the increase value output means belongs to the region in the map of the storage device that is likely to occur at the end of charging, and the charging in the map is performed. Add a low count value when it belongs to a region that tends to occur at the beginning of the end period, add a high count value when it belongs to a region that tends to occur at the end of charging, and complete charging when the total count value exceeds the set value. A charging device comprising: a charging completion determining unit that determines that the charging is completed; and a charging completion unit that completes charging based on the determination of completion of charging by the charging completion unit. 8. A charging device capable of charging a battery of a first type and a battery of a second type, wherein an allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing a temperature rise of the battery of the first type is A storage device that stores a map that is mapped based on the temperature value and the temperature rise value of the battery, a temperature detection unit that detects the current temperature of the battery, and a temperature rise value is obtained from the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit. Temperature rise value output means, battery type detection means for detecting whether the battery is the first type or the second type, temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means And a permissible current value retrieving means for retrieving the permissible current value by retrieving a map of the storage device, wherein the retrieving map is retrieved when the first type battery is detected by the battery type detecting means. Allowable current value When the calculated and output second type battery is detected, at least one of the temperature detected by the temperature detection means and the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means is corrected to correct the map. And a permissible current value is obtained by retrieving the permissible current value, the permissible current value is corrected and output, and a charging means for charging the battery with the permissible current value output by the permissible current search means. A charging device characterized in that. 9. A charging device capable of charging a battery of a first type and a battery of a second type, wherein an allowable current value that can be charged while suppressing a temperature rise of the battery of the first type is A map that is mapped based on the temperature value and the temperature rise value of the battery, in which the allowable current value is set small when the temperature value is high, and the allowable current value is set small when the temperature rise value is large, is stored. A storage device, temperature detecting means for detecting the current temperature of the battery, temperature rise value output means for obtaining a temperature rise value from the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means, and whether the battery is the first type or the second type. The battery type detection means for detecting, the temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means, the map of the storage device is searched, and the allowable value is determined. Current value inspection And means, first by the battery type detection unit
When a type of battery is detected, the map is searched to obtain and output an allowable current value, and when a type 2 battery is detected, the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means and the temperature Allowable current value detecting means for correcting at least one of the temperature increase values output from the increase value output means, searching the map for an allowable current value, correcting the obtained allowable current value, and outputting the corrected allowable current value; The charging means for charging the battery with the allowable current obtained by the current searching means, the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means, and the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means are stored in the storage device. Charging completion determining means for determining completion of charging based on whether or not there is a high frequency of belonging to a region indicating the end of charging in the map, and when the battery type detecting means detects a first type battery, The above When the second type battery is detected by directly searching the battery, at least one of the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means and the temperature rise value output from the temperature rise value output means is corrected to A charging apparatus comprising: a charging completion determining unit that searches a map; and a charging completing unit that completes charging based on a determination of charging completion by the charging completing unit. 10. The battery of the first type is a nickel-hydrogen battery, the battery of the second type is a nickel-cadmium battery, and the allowable current value retrieving unit detects when the battery of the second type is detected. 10. The charging according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the temperature rise value is corrected to the plus side, the map is searched to obtain an allowable current value, and the obtained allowable current value is corrected to the plus side and output. apparatus. 11. The battery of the first type is a nickel-cadmium battery, the battery of the second type is a nickel-hydrogen battery, and the allowable current value retrieving unit detects when the battery of the second type is detected. 9. The temperature correction value is corrected to the negative side, the map is searched to obtain the allowable current value, and the obtained allowable current value is corrected to the negative side and output.
Or a charging device of 9.