WO2013042508A1 - Electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding and wireless power feeding system including the same - Google Patents

Electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding and wireless power feeding system including the same Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2013042508A1
WO2013042508A1 PCT/JP2012/071530 JP2012071530W WO2013042508A1 WO 2013042508 A1 WO2013042508 A1 WO 2013042508A1 JP 2012071530 W JP2012071530 W JP 2012071530W WO 2013042508 A1 WO2013042508 A1 WO 2013042508A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
charger
electric tool
receiving unit
tool case
battery
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2012/071530
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Toshio Mizoguchi
Naoto WAKATABE
Masayuki Ogura
Shinji Watanabe
Original Assignee
Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd. filed Critical Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
Publication of WO2013042508A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013042508A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25H—WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS
    • B25H3/00—Storage means or arrangements for workshops facilitating access to, or handling of, work tools or instruments
    • B25H3/02—Boxes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electric tool case capable of accommodating an electric tool and a wireless power feeding system including the same.
  • FIG. 8 is an external view illustrating a related electric tool case 801.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates the electric tool case 801 in which an electric tool 4, a charger 802, a battery pack 3 attached to the charger and an additional battery pack 3' are accommodated.
  • FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram for explaining the charging of a battery in a battery pack 3.
  • a power plug 13 When charging the battery in the battery pack 3 attached to the charger 802, a power plug 13 is connected to a commercial power supply 14. Then, an AC voltage is rectified by the rectifier circuit 15 and the rectified voltage is transmitted to a charging circuit 17.
  • a voltage is applied from the charging circuit 17 to a battery cell 19 (for example, which can be obtained by connecting a plurality of secondary battery in series) as a battery housed in the battery pack 3. In this way, the charging current flows to the battery cell 19 and thus the battery cell is charged.
  • a battery cell temperature detection element 20 such as a thermistor for detecting the surface temperature of the battery cell 19 is attached to the battery cell 19 by an adhesive such as silicone. The temperature or voltage of the battery cell 19 is monitored by a battery protection circuit 21 and the charging circuit 17 to prevent overcharging.
  • the battery cell 19 is a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel -hydrogen battery, etc.
  • an electric tool case which is capable of accommodating an electric tool and a charger to charge a storage cell for driving the electric tool (see, JP2010-64227A).
  • a conventional charger almost uses a commercial power supply and thus cannot charge a battery in a place where there is no commercial power supply. Accordingly, it is considered to wirelessly receive power and to use the received power in order to charge the battery even in a place where there is no commercial power supply.
  • the charger receives an electromagnetic wave for power transmission generated from an electromagnetic wave transmission device and the received power is used for charging.
  • the size of the antenna cannot be increased due to space constraints when a receiving antenna for receiving the electromagnetic wave is provided in the charger. Consequently, it is difficult to increase the power of the electromagnetic wave which can be received. Accordingly, there is a problem that a charging current and a charging voltage are small due to a lack of power and thus it takes a long time to charge the battery.
  • An aspect of the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems and an object is to provide an electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding, which is capable of increasing power that can be received, as compared to a case where the receiving unit for wirelessly receiving power is included in the charger. Further, the present invention also provides a wireless power feeding system having such an electric tool case.
  • An aspect of the present invention provides the following arrangements:
  • An electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding comprising:
  • a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power
  • a supplying unit configured to supply the power received by the receiving unit to a charger.
  • the electric tool case according to (1) or (2) further comprising a charging circuit configured to charge a battery by the power received by the receiving unit and a battery connection terminal for connecting the charging circuit with the battery.
  • the electric tool case according to (1) further comprising a capacitor configured to accumulate the power received by the receiving unit.
  • an electric tool and the charger can be placed on the base part and the receiving unit is placed on the lid part, and
  • the supplying unit is configured to supply the power received by the receiving unit to the charger placed on the base part.
  • the electric tool case according to (9) further comprising an open angle holding unit configured to hold a turning angle of the lid part in an open state with respect to the base part in a predetermined angle.
  • An electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding comprising a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power
  • the power received by the receiving unit drives an electric tool via a cable adapter.
  • An electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding comprising:
  • a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power
  • a charging circuit configured to charge a battery by the power received by the receiving unit
  • a battery connection terminal configured to connect the charging circuit with the battery.
  • An electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding comprising:
  • a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power
  • a capacitor configured to accumulate the power received by the receiving unit.
  • a wireless power feeding system comprising:
  • an electric tool case which includes a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power and a supplying unit configured to supply the power received by the receiving unit to the charger;
  • a battery configured to be charged by the power received by the receiving unit via the charger.
  • the charger is configured to be connected to an AC power supply via a wire, the charger is configured to detect a higher voltage of a supply voltage from the AC power supply and a terminal voltage of the capacitor, and
  • the charger is configured to charge a battery connected to the charger, using the detected higher voltage.
  • the charger is configured to be connected to an AC power supply via a wire, and the charger is configured to charge the capacitor using the supply voltage from the AC power supply when the battery is not connected to the charger.
  • the wireless power feeding system wherein the charger is configured to be connected to an AC power supply via a wire, the charger is configured to detect a higher voltage of a supply voltage from the AC power supply and a supply voltage from the supplying unit, and
  • the charger is configured to charge the battery using the detected higher voltage.
  • a wireless power feeding system comprising:
  • an electric tool case which includes a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power, a supplying unit configured to supply the power received by the receiving unit to the charger and a capacitor charged by the charger.
  • the charger is configured to be placed on the base part
  • the receiving unit is placed on the lid part.
  • a receiving unit capable of wirelessly receiving power is included in the electric tool case, it is possible to increase power which can be received, as compared to a case where the receiving unit is included in the charger.
  • FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating a wireless power feeding system according to the embodiment 1 of the present invention (plan view).
  • FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the wireless power feeding system.
  • FIG. 3 is an external view illustrating a wireless power feeding system according to the embodiment 2 of the present invention (plan view).
  • FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating the wireless power feeding system.
  • FIG. 5 is an external view illustrating a wireless power feeding system according to the embodiment 3 of the present invention (plan view).
  • FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating the wireless power feeding system.
  • FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a carrying case in a state where a lid part is held in a turning angle of 90° with respect to a base part by a link mechanism.
  • FIG. 8 is an external view illustrating a conventional electric tool case (plan view).
  • FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram for explaining the charging of a battery inside of a battery pack in FIG. 8.
  • FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating a wireless power feeding system according to the embodiment 1.
  • FIG 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the wireless power feeding system.
  • the wireless power feeding system includes a carrying case 1 as an electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding, a charger 2 and a battery pack 3.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates the carrying case 1 in a state where a lid part 8 thereof is opened.
  • an electric tool 4 and an additional battery pack 3' are illustrated together, but have no relation with the charging.
  • the electric tool 4 is an electric driver such as an electronic pulse driver or an electric driving machine.
  • the electric tool is operated in a state of being equipped with the battery pack 3.
  • the carrying case 1 includes a base part 5 and the lid part 8.
  • the base part 5 and the lid part 8 are made of, for example, resin and can be openably coupled to each other by a connecting pin 9.
  • a known hinge may be used to connect the base part 5 and the lid part 8. It is preferable that at least the lid part 8 is made of an insulating material in order not to interfere with the reception of electromagnetic wave. An operator can grasp a grip part 50 and deliver the carrying case 1 in a state where the lid part 8 is closed.
  • a charger accommodating recess 25, a battery accommodating recess 30 and an electric tool accommodating recess 40 are provided on an inner surface of the base part 5.
  • the charger 2 equipped (for example, mounted) with the battery pack 3 is placed in the charger accommodating recess 25, the additional battery pack 3' is placed in the battery accommodating recess 30 and the electric tool 4 is placed in the electric tool accommodating recess 40.
  • a terminal 10 for inputting the power (will be described later) wirelessly received is provided in a bottom surface of the charger accommodating recess 25.
  • the lid part 8 is provided with an electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 and an electromagnetic wave reception part 7, which serve as a receiving unit capable of wirelessly receiving power.
  • the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 is a loop antenna which is composed of a loop coil formed by multiple windings of an insulating coated wire such as an enameled wire, for example.
  • the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 can receive more electromagnetic wave by maximally increasing an area of the antenna relative to an area of the lid part 8. Further, the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 can be integrally molded with the lid part 8.
  • the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 and the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 are electrically connected to each other. Further, the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 and the terminal 10 of the charger accommodating recess 25 are electrically connected to each other.
  • a wiring for connecting the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 and the terminal 10 extends across both the base part 5 and the lid part 8 though a connecting portion of the base part 5 and the lid part 8.
  • the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 and the terminal 10 may be wirelessly connected to each other.
  • the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 and the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 receive power and the battery cell 19 in the battery pack 3 is charged by the power received through the charger 2.
  • the charger 2 includes a terminal 11 which is in contact engagement with the terminal 10 of the charger accommodating recess 25.
  • the charger 2 includes an electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 12, a rectifier circuit 15, a voltage detection part 16, a charging circuit 17 and a voltage switching part 18.
  • the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 and the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 receive the electromagnetic wave, AC voltage is obtained.
  • the AC voltage thus obtained is inputted into the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 12 via the terminal 10 and the terminal 11.
  • the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 12 rectifies and converts the AC voltage into an electromagnetic wave conversion voltage.
  • AC voltage is inputted into the rectifier circuit 15 when the power plug 13 is connected to the commercial power supply 14.
  • the rectifier circuit 15 rectifies and converts the AC voltage into a rectified voltage.
  • the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage and the rectified voltage are inputted into the voltage detection part 16.
  • the voltage detection part 16 causes the voltage switching part 18 to connect the rectifier circuit 15 to the charging circuit 17 when the rectified voltage is inputted. At this time, the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 12 is not in contact with the charging circuit 17. Meanwhile, the voltage detection part 16 causes the voltage switching part 18 to connect the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 12 to the charging circuit 17 when the input from the rectifier circuit 15 is zero (for example, when the power plug 13 is not connected to the commercial power supply 14). At this time, the rectifier circuit 15 is not in contact with the charging circuit 17.
  • the charging circuit 17 charges the battery cell 19 (for example, which can be obtained by connecting a plurality of secondary battery in series) as a battery housed in the battery pack 3 while controlling the charging of the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage or the rectified voltage inputted via the voltage switching part 18.
  • the battery cell temperature detection element 20 such as a thermistor for detecting the surface temperature of the battery cell 19 is attached to the battery cell 19 by an adhesive such as silicone and the temperature or voltage of the battery cell 19 is monitored by the battery protection circuit 21 to prevent overcharging.
  • the charger 2 equipped (for example, mounted) with the battery pack 3 is placed on the charger accommodating recess 25 of the carrying case 1, the terminal 10 provided on the charger accommodating recess 25 and the terminal 11 provided on the charger 2 are connected to each other.
  • the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 and the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 receive an electromagnetic wave generated by an external electromagnetic wave generator 22 (transmission unit), AC voltage is obtained.
  • the AC voltage thus obtained is inputted to the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 12, is rectified and converted into the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage and then is inputted to the voltage detection part 16. Meanwhile, when the power plug 13 is connected to the commercial power supply 14, the AC voltage is inputted to the rectifier circuit 15, is converted into the rectified voltage and then is inputted into the voltage detection part 16.
  • the voltage detection part 16 selects the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage and controls the voltage switching part 18 to connect the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 12 to the charging circuit 17 when only the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage is inputted.
  • the voltage detection part 16 selects the rectified voltage having greater power (voltage) and controls the voltage switching part 18 to connect the rectifier circuit 15 to the charging circuit 17 when both the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage and the rectified voltage rectified by the rectifier circuit 15 are inputted.
  • the charging circuit 17 applies the charging voltage to charge the battery cell 19 housed in the battery pack 3, based on the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage or the rectified voltage thus inputted.
  • the battery voltage of the battery cell 19 and the temperature of the battery cell 19 detected by the battery cell temperature detection element 20 are fed back to the battery protection circuit 21 and the charging circuit 17 and used for charge control, thereby overcharging is prevented.
  • the voltage switching part 18 is normally connected to the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit side, the battery can be always charged by the received electromagnetic wave.
  • the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 is provided in the carrying case 1 which is capable of accommodating the electric tool 4 and the battery pack 3 attached to the charger 2, it is possible to increase the size of the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 and thus to receive more electromagnetic wave, as compared to a case where the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 is provided in the charger 2. That is, since a recess for accommodating the electric tool or the charger, etc. is not provided in the lid part 8, the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 can be provided on one side of the lid part 8. In this way, it is possible to increase power that can be received by the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6. Consequently, charging capacity is increased and thus it is possible to charge the battery cell 19 in a short time. Further, since the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna is not provided in the charger 2, it is possible to realize compactness of the charger 2. Furthermore, since charging is possible during storage or transportation, this is useful.
  • FIG. 3 is an external view illustrating a wireless power feeding system according to the embodiment 2 (plan view).
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a state of the charger 2 where the battery pack 3 is not connected thereto.
  • FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating the wireless power feeding system.
  • description will be focused on the features different from the embodiment 1.
  • the carrying case 1 includes a charging and discharging control part 74 provided on the lid part 8, in addition to the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 and the electromagnetic wave reception part 7. Also, the base part 5 is further provided with an adapter accommodating recess 60 for accommodating a cable adapter 65.
  • the cable adapter 65 and the charging and discharging control part 74 are connected to each other by wirings in the carrying case 1.
  • the cable adapter 65 has a cable tip end which is formed in a shape of a battery adapter similar to the battery pack. Accordingly, the cable adapter 65 instead of the battery pack can be attached to the electric tool 4 actuated by the battery and therefore the electric tool 4 can be driven by an external power supply (power).
  • the battery accommodating recess 30 is provided with a terminal 78 and thus the battery pack 3' can be connected thereto.
  • the terminal 78 and the charging and discharging control part 74 are connected to each other by wirings in the carrying case 1.
  • the charging and discharging control part 74 includes an electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 69, a first battery detection circuit 70, a first output destination switching unit 71, a first charging circuit 72 and a discharging circuit 73. As will be described later, it is possible to feed power from the charging and discharging control part 74 to the charger 2, the battery pack 3' or the cable adapter 65.
  • the charger 2 includes a super capacitor charging circuit 79 and a super capacitor 80 (an electrical double layer capacitor or a row of electrical double layer capacitor) as a capacitor. Unlike the embodiment 1 , the battery in the battery pack 3 is charged by power accumulated in the super capacitor 80. Since the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 69 is provided in the carrying case 1 , the charger 5 does not include the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit. Further, a charging circuit embedded in the charger 2 is represented as "a second charging circuit 17".
  • the terminal 10 provided on the charger accommodating recess 25 and the terminal 11 provided on the charger 2 are connected to each other.
  • the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 and the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 receive an electromagnetic wave generated by the external electromagnetic wave generator 22 (transmission unit), AC voltage is obtained.
  • the AC voltage thus obtained is inputted to the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 69 and then rectified and converted into the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage.
  • the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage is always inputted to the discharging circuit 73, for example, and the electric tool is connected to the cable adapter 65. In this way, the electric tool can be driven.
  • the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage is inputted to the first charging circuit 72 or the super capacitor charging circuit 79 by the first output destination switching unit 71 such as a switch.
  • the first output destination switching unit 71 outputs the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage to the first charging circuit 72 when it is detected by the first battery detection circuit 70 that the battery pack 3' is connected to the terminal 78.
  • the first output destination switching unit 71 outputs the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage to the super capacitor charging circuit 79 of the charger 2 when it is not detected by the first battery detection circuit 70 that the battery pack 3' is connected to the terminal 78.
  • the first charging circuit 72 charges the battery cell 19 in the battery pack 3 using the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage or the super capacitor charging circuit 79 charges the super capacitor using the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage.
  • the AC voltage is inputted to the rectifier circuit 15 and converted into the rectified voltage.
  • the rectified voltage is inputted to the super capacitor charging circuit 79 or the second charging circuit 17 (via the voltage switching part 18) by a second output destination switching unit 89 such as a switch.
  • the second output destination switching unit 89 outputs the rectified voltage to the super capacitor charging circuit 79 when it is not detected by the second battery detection circuit 88 that the battery pack 3' is connected to the charger 2.
  • the second output destination switching unit 89 outputs the rectified voltage to the second charging circuit 17 (via the voltage switching part 18) when it is detected by the second battery detection circuit 88 that the battery pack 3' is connected to the charger 2.
  • the super capacitor charging circuit 79 charges the super capacitor 80 using the rectified voltage when the rectified voltage is received.
  • the super capacitor charging circuit 79 charges the super capacitor 80 using a higher voltage (power) when both the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage and the rectified voltage are received.
  • the voltage detection part 16 detects the rectified voltage and the terminal voltage of the super capacitor 80.
  • the voltage detection part 16 controls the voltage switching part 18 to input the rectified voltage to the second charging circuit 17 when the rectified voltage is inputted.
  • the voltage detection part 16 controls the voltage switching part 18 to input the supply voltage of the super capacitor 80 to the second charging circuit 17 when the rectified voltage is not inputted.
  • the voltage detection part 16 may be controlled to input a higher voltage of the rectified voltage and the terminal voltage of the super capacitor 80 to the second charging circuit 17.
  • the second charging circuit 17 charges the battery cell 19 of the battery pack 3 connected to the charger 2, based on the voltage supplied via the voltage switching part 18.
  • the charger 2 can be accommodated in the charger accommodating recess 25 of the carrying case 1. In this way, the super capacitor in the charger 2 can be charged by the received power. And, it is possible to charge the battery pack using power accumulated in the super capacitor 80, even in a place where there is no a commercial power supply. Further, since the charging and discharging control part 74 and the cable adapter 65 are provided in the carrying case 1 , charging and discharging can be simultaneously performed. Accordingly, it is possible to realize higher operation efficiency.
  • FIG. 5 is an external view illustrating a wireless power feeding system according to the embodiment 3 (plan view).
  • FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating the wireless power feeding system.
  • the configuration and operation for charging the battery cell 19 of the battery pack 3 connected to the charger 2 by the power received from the external electromagnetic wave generator 22 are similar to that of the embodiment 1.
  • a capacitor 83 (condenser) is placed in the base part 5 (for example, an inner bottom side thereof) of the carrying case 1 , in addition to the configuration of the embodiment 1.
  • the capacitor 83 is a super capacitor (an electrical double layer capacitor or a row of electrical double layer capacitor).
  • An input terminal 84a of the capacitor 83 is connected to the charging circuit 17 of the charger 2.
  • the charging circuit 17 charges the capacitor 83 when the battery pack 3 is not connected to the charger 2 and when the battery pack 3 connected to the charger 2 is fully charged (when charging is completed and thus the overcharge prevention function of a battery protection circuit 21 is actuated).
  • An output terminal 84b of the capacitor 80 is connected to a transmission cable 85 of the cable adaptor 65.
  • a tip end of the cable adaptor 65 is formed in a shape of a battery adapter, as in the embodiment 2 (FIG. 3).
  • the capacitor 80 is arranged to maximize a space (for example, a portion excluding the accommodating recess of each component) of the base part 5 and thus a lot of power can be accumulated (capacity can be increased). The power accumulated in the capacitor 80 can be utilized to drive the electric tool 4 via the cable adaptor 65.
  • the power received from the external electromagnetic wave generator 22 can be accumulated in the capacitor 80 when the battery pack is not connected to the charger 2 or when the battery pack is fully charged, there is an advantage that it is possible to improve utilization efficiency of the received power, in addition to the effects of the embodiment 1.
  • an install area increases and thus many capacitors can be provided, as compared to a case where the capacitor is provided in the charger 2. Accordingly, it is possible to use an electric tool for a long time or it is possible to drive a high-power electric tool.
  • the capacitor 80 is charged via the charger 2 in the embodiment 3, it is also possible to give a charging function to the carrying case 1 as in the embodiment 2 and thus to charge the capacitor without the charger 2.
  • power can be fed from the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 to the charger 2 in a non-contact electromagnetic inductive type, instead of electrical connection by contact between the terminals.
  • a reception coil is provided in the charger 2 and a transmission coil is provided in a bottom surface of the base part 5 in such a way that the transmission coil is opposed to and magnetically coupled to the reception coil.
  • the transmission coil is connected to the electromagnetic wave reception part 7.
  • a non-contact power feeding manner may be employed between the electromagnetic wave reception part and the battery pack or between the electromagnetic wave reception part and the cable adaptor (see, embodiment 2).
  • the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 and the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 may be provided on the base part 5. In this case, it is desirable to integrally mold these components within a range of thickness of a bottom surface.
  • a method for wirelessly receiving power is not limited to the electromagnetic wave receiving method, but a resonance method (magnetic-field resonance method, electric-field resonance method) may be employed.
  • FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view illustrating the carrying case 1 in a state where the lid part 8 is held in a turning angle of 90° with respect to the base part 5 by a link mechanism 51 as the open angle holding unit. It is desirable that the lid part 8 is held in a turning angle of 90° with respect to the base part 5 when the base part 5 is placed on a horizontal plane, from the viewpoint of improving the reception sensitivity of the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Workshop Equipment, Work Benches, Supports, Or Storage Means (AREA)
  • Secondary Cells (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

An electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding, includes: a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power; and a supplying unit configured to supply the power received by the receiving unit to a charger. The power received by the receiving unit drives an electric tool via a cable adapter.

Description

DESCRIPTION
Title of Invention
ELECTRIC TOOL CASE ADAPTED FOR WIRELESS POWER FEEDING AND WIRELESS POWER FEEDING SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME
TECHINCAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an electric tool case capable of accommodating an electric tool and a wireless power feeding system including the same.
BACKGROUND ART
FIG. 8 is an external view illustrating a related electric tool case 801. FIG. 8 illustrates the electric tool case 801 in which an electric tool 4, a charger 802, a battery pack 3 attached to the charger and an additional battery pack 3' are accommodated. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram for explaining the charging of a battery in a battery pack 3.
When charging the battery in the battery pack 3 attached to the charger 802, a power plug 13 is connected to a commercial power supply 14. Then, an AC voltage is rectified by the rectifier circuit 15 and the rectified voltage is transmitted to a charging circuit 17. A voltage is applied from the charging circuit 17 to a battery cell 19 (for example, which can be obtained by connecting a plurality of secondary battery in series) as a battery housed in the battery pack 3. In this way, the charging current flows to the battery cell 19 and thus the battery cell is charged. A battery cell temperature detection element 20 such as a thermistor for detecting the surface temperature of the battery cell 19 is attached to the battery cell 19 by an adhesive such as silicone. The temperature or voltage of the battery cell 19 is monitored by a battery protection circuit 21 and the charging circuit 17 to prevent overcharging. The battery cell 19 is a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel -hydrogen battery, etc.
Disclosed is an electric tool case which is capable of accommodating an electric tool and a charger to charge a storage cell for driving the electric tool (see, JP2010-64227A).
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
A conventional charger almost uses a commercial power supply and thus cannot charge a battery in a place where there is no commercial power supply. Accordingly, it is considered to wirelessly receive power and to use the received power in order to charge the battery even in a place where there is no commercial power supply. For example, the charger receives an electromagnetic wave for power transmission generated from an electromagnetic wave transmission device and the received power is used for charging. However, the size of the antenna cannot be increased due to space constraints when a receiving antenna for receiving the electromagnetic wave is provided in the charger. Consequently, it is difficult to increase the power of the electromagnetic wave which can be received. Accordingly, there is a problem that a charging current and a charging voltage are small due to a lack of power and thus it takes a long time to charge the battery.
An aspect of the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems and an object is to provide an electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding, which is capable of increasing power that can be received, as compared to a case where the receiving unit for wirelessly receiving power is included in the charger. Further, the present invention also provides a wireless power feeding system having such an electric tool case.
An aspect of the present invention provides the following arrangements:
(1) An electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding, comprising:
a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power; and
a supplying unit configured to supply the power received by the receiving unit to a charger.
(2) The electric tool case according to (1), wherein the power received by the receiving unit drives an electric tool via a cable adapter.
(3) The electric tool case according to (1) or (2) further comprising a charging circuit configured to charge a battery by the power received by the receiving unit and a battery connection terminal for connecting the charging circuit with the battery.
(4) The electric tool case according to (3) further comprising an output destination switching unit configured to switch an output destination of the power received by the receiving unit depending on a connection state of the battery to the battery connection terminal.
(5) The electric tool case according to (1) further comprising a capacitor configured to accumulate the power received by the receiving unit.
(6) The electric tool case according to (5), wherein the capacitor is configured to be charged by a charger which is supplied by the supplying unit with the power received by the receiving unit.
(7) The electric tool case according to (5) or (6), wherein the power accumulated in the capacitor drives an electric tool via the cable adaptor.
(8) The electric tool case according to any one of (5) to (7), wherein the capacitor is a super capacitor.
(9) The electric tool case according to any one of (1) to (8) further comprising a base part and a lid part openably supported by the base part,
wherein an electric tool and the charger can be placed on the base part and the receiving unit is placed on the lid part, and
wherein the supplying unit is configured to supply the power received by the receiving unit to the charger placed on the base part.
(10) The electric tool case according to (9) further comprising an open angle holding unit configured to hold a turning angle of the lid part in an open state with respect to the base part in a predetermined angle.
(11) The electric tool case according to any one of (1) to (10) further comprising a terminal electrically connecting the receiving unit with the charger, the terminal being provided at an inner surface of the electric tool case.
(12) An electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding, comprising a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power,
wherein the power received by the receiving unit drives an electric tool via a cable adapter.
(13) An electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding, comprising:
a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power;
a charging circuit configured to charge a battery by the power received by the receiving unit; and
a battery connection terminal configured to connect the charging circuit with the battery.
(14) An electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding, comprising:
a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power; and
a capacitor configured to accumulate the power received by the receiving unit.
(15) The electric tool case according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein the receiving unit includes a loop antenna.
(16) A wireless power feeding system comprising:
a charger;
an electric tool case which includes a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power and a supplying unit configured to supply the power received by the receiving unit to the charger; and
a battery configured to be charged by the power received by the receiving unit via the charger.
(17) The wireless power feeding system according to (16), wherein the charger includes a capacitor configured to accumulate the power received by the receiving unit.
(18) The wireless power feeding system according to (17), wherein
the charger is configured to be connected to an AC power supply via a wire, the charger is configured to detect a higher voltage of a supply voltage from the AC power supply and a terminal voltage of the capacitor, and
the charger is configured to charge a battery connected to the charger, using the detected higher voltage.
(19) The wireless power feeding system according to ( 17) or ( 18), wherein
the charger is configured to be connected to an AC power supply via a wire, and the charger is configured to charge the capacitor using the supply voltage from the AC power supply when the battery is not connected to the charger.
The wireless power feeding system according to (16), wherein the charger is configured to be connected to an AC power supply via a wire, the charger is configured to detect a higher voltage of a supply voltage from the AC power supply and a supply voltage from the supplying unit, and
the charger is configured to charge the battery using the detected higher voltage.
(21) A wireless power feeding system comprising:
a charger; and
an electric tool case which includes a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power, a supplying unit configured to supply the power received by the receiving unit to the charger and a capacitor charged by the charger.
(22) The wireless power feeding system according to any one of (16) to (21), wherein the electric tool case includes a base part and a lid part openably supported by the base part,
an electric tool is placed on the base part,
the charger is configured to be placed on the base part, and
the receiving unit is placed on the lid part.
(23) The wireless power feeding system according to any one of (16) to (22), wherein the receiving unit includes a loop antenna.
(24) The wireless power feeding system according to any one of (16) to (23), wherein the charger and the receiving unit are electrically connected to each other by the contact between terminals thereof.
(25) The wireless power feeding system according to any one of (16) to (24), wherein the supplying unit is configured to transmit a power from the receiving unit to the charger in a non-contact power feeding manner.
Any combinations of the above components and a modification thereof are also effective as an embodiment of the present invention.
According to the aspect of the present invention, since a receiving unit capable of wirelessly receiving power is included in the electric tool case, it is possible to increase power which can be received, as compared to a case where the receiving unit is included in the charger.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating a wireless power feeding system according to the embodiment 1 of the present invention (plan view).
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the wireless power feeding system.
FIG. 3 is an external view illustrating a wireless power feeding system according to the embodiment 2 of the present invention (plan view).
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating the wireless power feeding system.
FIG. 5 is an external view illustrating a wireless power feeding system according to the embodiment 3 of the present invention (plan view).
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating the wireless power feeding system.
FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a carrying case in a state where a lid part is held in a turning angle of 90° with respect to a base part by a link mechanism.
FIG. 8 is an external view illustrating a conventional electric tool case (plan view).
FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram for explaining the charging of a battery inside of a battery pack in FIG. 8.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIENTS
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment will be described by referring to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar reference numerals are applied to the same or similar parts and elements throughout the drawings, and the duplicated description thereof will be omitted. Further, the embodiment is illustrative and not intended to limit the present invention. It should be noted that all the features and their combinations described in the embodiment are not necessarily considered as an essential part of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating a wireless power feeding system according to the embodiment 1. FIG 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the wireless power feeding system. The wireless power feeding system includes a carrying case 1 as an electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding, a charger 2 and a battery pack 3. FIG. 1 illustrates the carrying case 1 in a state where a lid part 8 thereof is opened. Herein, an electric tool 4 and an additional battery pack 3' are illustrated together, but have no relation with the charging. For example, the electric tool 4 is an electric driver such as an electronic pulse driver or an electric driving machine. The electric tool is operated in a state of being equipped with the battery pack 3. The carrying case 1 includes a base part 5 and the lid part 8. The base part 5 and the lid part 8 are made of, for example, resin and can be openably coupled to each other by a connecting pin 9. A known hinge may be used to connect the base part 5 and the lid part 8. It is preferable that at least the lid part 8 is made of an insulating material in order not to interfere with the reception of electromagnetic wave. An operator can grasp a grip part 50 and deliver the carrying case 1 in a state where the lid part 8 is closed.
A charger accommodating recess 25, a battery accommodating recess 30 and an electric tool accommodating recess 40 are provided on an inner surface of the base part 5. The charger 2 equipped (for example, mounted) with the battery pack 3 is placed in the charger accommodating recess 25, the additional battery pack 3' is placed in the battery accommodating recess 30 and the electric tool 4 is placed in the electric tool accommodating recess 40. A terminal 10 for inputting the power (will be described later) wirelessly received is provided in a bottom surface of the charger accommodating recess 25.
The lid part 8 is provided with an electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 and an electromagnetic wave reception part 7, which serve as a receiving unit capable of wirelessly receiving power. The electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 is a loop antenna which is composed of a loop coil formed by multiple windings of an insulating coated wire such as an enameled wire, for example. The electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 can receive more electromagnetic wave by maximally increasing an area of the antenna relative to an area of the lid part 8. Further, the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 can be integrally molded with the lid part 8. The electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 and the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 are electrically connected to each other. Further, the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 and the terminal 10 of the charger accommodating recess 25 are electrically connected to each other. A wiring for connecting the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 and the terminal 10 extends across both the base part 5 and the lid part 8 though a connecting portion of the base part 5 and the lid part 8. The electromagnetic wave reception part 7 and the terminal 10 may be wirelessly connected to each other. The electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 and the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 receive power and the battery cell 19 in the battery pack 3 is charged by the power received through the charger 2.
The charger 2 includes a terminal 11 which is in contact engagement with the terminal 10 of the charger accommodating recess 25. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the charger 2 includes an electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 12, a rectifier circuit 15, a voltage detection part 16, a charging circuit 17 and a voltage switching part 18. As the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 and the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 receive the electromagnetic wave, AC voltage is obtained. The AC voltage thus obtained is inputted into the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 12 via the terminal 10 and the terminal 11. The electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 12 rectifies and converts the AC voltage into an electromagnetic wave conversion voltage. AC voltage is inputted into the rectifier circuit 15 when the power plug 13 is connected to the commercial power supply 14. The rectifier circuit 15 rectifies and converts the AC voltage into a rectified voltage. The electromagnetic wave conversion voltage and the rectified voltage are inputted into the voltage detection part 16. The voltage detection part 16 causes the voltage switching part 18 to connect the rectifier circuit 15 to the charging circuit 17 when the rectified voltage is inputted. At this time, the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 12 is not in contact with the charging circuit 17. Meanwhile, the voltage detection part 16 causes the voltage switching part 18 to connect the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 12 to the charging circuit 17 when the input from the rectifier circuit 15 is zero (for example, when the power plug 13 is not connected to the commercial power supply 14). At this time, the rectifier circuit 15 is not in contact with the charging circuit 17. The charging circuit 17 charges the battery cell 19 (for example, which can be obtained by connecting a plurality of secondary battery in series) as a battery housed in the battery pack 3 while controlling the charging of the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage or the rectified voltage inputted via the voltage switching part 18. In the battery pack 3, the battery cell temperature detection element 20 such as a thermistor for detecting the surface temperature of the battery cell 19 is attached to the battery cell 19 by an adhesive such as silicone and the temperature or voltage of the battery cell 19 is monitored by the battery protection circuit 21 to prevent overcharging.
Next, a charging operation will be described.
As the charger 2 equipped (for example, mounted) with the battery pack 3 is placed on the charger accommodating recess 25 of the carrying case 1, the terminal 10 provided on the charger accommodating recess 25 and the terminal 11 provided on the charger 2 are connected to each other. As the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 and the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 receive an electromagnetic wave generated by an external electromagnetic wave generator 22 (transmission unit), AC voltage is obtained. The AC voltage thus obtained is inputted to the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 12, is rectified and converted into the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage and then is inputted to the voltage detection part 16. Meanwhile, when the power plug 13 is connected to the commercial power supply 14, the AC voltage is inputted to the rectifier circuit 15, is converted into the rectified voltage and then is inputted into the voltage detection part 16. The voltage detection part 16 selects the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage and controls the voltage switching part 18 to connect the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 12 to the charging circuit 17 when only the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage is inputted. On the other hand, the voltage detection part 16 selects the rectified voltage having greater power (voltage) and controls the voltage switching part 18 to connect the rectifier circuit 15 to the charging circuit 17 when both the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage and the rectified voltage rectified by the rectifier circuit 15 are inputted. The charging circuit 17 applies the charging voltage to charge the battery cell 19 housed in the battery pack 3, based on the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage or the rectified voltage thus inputted. The battery voltage of the battery cell 19 and the temperature of the battery cell 19 detected by the battery cell temperature detection element 20 are fed back to the battery protection circuit 21 and the charging circuit 17 and used for charge control, thereby overcharging is prevented. When the voltage switching part 18 is normally connected to the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit side, the battery can be always charged by the received electromagnetic wave.
According to the present embodiment, since the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 is provided in the carrying case 1 which is capable of accommodating the electric tool 4 and the battery pack 3 attached to the charger 2, it is possible to increase the size of the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 and thus to receive more electromagnetic wave, as compared to a case where the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 is provided in the charger 2. That is, since a recess for accommodating the electric tool or the charger, etc. is not provided in the lid part 8, the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 can be provided on one side of the lid part 8. In this way, it is possible to increase power that can be received by the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6. Consequently, charging capacity is increased and thus it is possible to charge the battery cell 19 in a short time. Further, since the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna is not provided in the charger 2, it is possible to realize compactness of the charger 2. Furthermore, since charging is possible during storage or transportation, this is useful.
FIG. 3 is an external view illustrating a wireless power feeding system according to the embodiment 2 (plan view). FIG. 3 illustrates a state of the charger 2 where the battery pack 3 is not connected thereto. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating the wireless power feeding system. Hereinafter, description will be focused on the features different from the embodiment 1.
The carrying case 1 includes a charging and discharging control part 74 provided on the lid part 8, in addition to the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 and the electromagnetic wave reception part 7. Also, the base part 5 is further provided with an adapter accommodating recess 60 for accommodating a cable adapter 65. The cable adapter 65 and the charging and discharging control part 74 are connected to each other by wirings in the carrying case 1. The cable adapter 65 has a cable tip end which is formed in a shape of a battery adapter similar to the battery pack. Accordingly, the cable adapter 65 instead of the battery pack can be attached to the electric tool 4 actuated by the battery and therefore the electric tool 4 can be driven by an external power supply (power). The battery accommodating recess 30 is provided with a terminal 78 and thus the battery pack 3' can be connected thereto. The terminal 78 and the charging and discharging control part 74 are connected to each other by wirings in the carrying case 1.
The charging and discharging control part 74 includes an electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 69, a first battery detection circuit 70, a first output destination switching unit 71, a first charging circuit 72 and a discharging circuit 73. As will be described later, it is possible to feed power from the charging and discharging control part 74 to the charger 2, the battery pack 3' or the cable adapter 65.
The charger 2 includes a super capacitor charging circuit 79 and a super capacitor 80 (an electrical double layer capacitor or a row of electrical double layer capacitor) as a capacitor. Unlike the embodiment 1 , the battery in the battery pack 3 is charged by power accumulated in the super capacitor 80. Since the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 69 is provided in the carrying case 1 , the charger 5 does not include the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit. Further, a charging circuit embedded in the charger 2 is represented as "a second charging circuit 17".
Hereinafter, an operation will be described. It is considered that the terminal 10 provided on the charger accommodating recess 25 and the terminal 11 provided on the charger 2 are connected to each other. As the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 and the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 receive an electromagnetic wave generated by the external electromagnetic wave generator 22 (transmission unit), AC voltage is obtained. The AC voltage thus obtained is inputted to the electromagnetic wave conversion circuit 69 and then rectified and converted into the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage. The electromagnetic wave conversion voltage is always inputted to the discharging circuit 73, for example, and the electric tool is connected to the cable adapter 65. In this way, the electric tool can be driven.
Further, the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage is inputted to the first charging circuit 72 or the super capacitor charging circuit 79 by the first output destination switching unit 71 such as a switch. Specifically, the first output destination switching unit 71 outputs the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage to the first charging circuit 72 when it is detected by the first battery detection circuit 70 that the battery pack 3' is connected to the terminal 78. Further, the first output destination switching unit 71 outputs the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage to the super capacitor charging circuit 79 of the charger 2 when it is not detected by the first battery detection circuit 70 that the battery pack 3' is connected to the terminal 78. As the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage is received, the first charging circuit 72 charges the battery cell 19 in the battery pack 3 using the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage or the super capacitor charging circuit 79 charges the super capacitor using the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage.
Meanwhile, when the power plug 13 of the charger 2 is connected to the commercial power supply 14, the AC voltage is inputted to the rectifier circuit 15 and converted into the rectified voltage. The rectified voltage is inputted to the super capacitor charging circuit 79 or the second charging circuit 17 (via the voltage switching part 18) by a second output destination switching unit 89 such as a switch. Specifically, the second output destination switching unit 89 outputs the rectified voltage to the super capacitor charging circuit 79 when it is not detected by the second battery detection circuit 88 that the battery pack 3' is connected to the charger 2. Further, the second output destination switching unit 89 outputs the rectified voltage to the second charging circuit 17 (via the voltage switching part 18) when it is detected by the second battery detection circuit 88 that the battery pack 3' is connected to the charger 2. The super capacitor charging circuit 79 charges the super capacitor 80 using the rectified voltage when the rectified voltage is received. Meanwhile, the super capacitor charging circuit 79 charges the super capacitor 80 using a higher voltage (power) when both the electromagnetic wave conversion voltage and the rectified voltage are received.
The voltage detection part 16 detects the rectified voltage and the terminal voltage of the super capacitor 80. The voltage detection part 16 controls the voltage switching part 18 to input the rectified voltage to the second charging circuit 17 when the rectified voltage is inputted. On the other hand, the voltage detection part 16 controls the voltage switching part 18 to input the supply voltage of the super capacitor 80 to the second charging circuit 17 when the rectified voltage is not inputted. The voltage detection part 16 may be controlled to input a higher voltage of the rectified voltage and the terminal voltage of the super capacitor 80 to the second charging circuit 17. The second charging circuit 17 charges the battery cell 19 of the battery pack 3 connected to the charger 2, based on the voltage supplied via the voltage switching part 18.
According to the present embodiment, once the battery pack is accommodated in the battery accommodating recess 30 of the carrying case 1, charging during storage or transportation becomes possible by the power received from the external electromagnetic wave generator 22. Further, in a case (for example, when using the battery pack) where the battery pack is not accommodated in the battery accommodating recess 30, the charger 2 can be accommodated in the charger accommodating recess 25 of the carrying case 1. In this way, the super capacitor in the charger 2 can be charged by the received power. And, it is possible to charge the battery pack using power accumulated in the super capacitor 80, even in a place where there is no a commercial power supply. Further, since the charging and discharging control part 74 and the cable adapter 65 are provided in the carrying case 1 , charging and discharging can be simultaneously performed. Accordingly, it is possible to realize higher operation efficiency.
FIG. 5 is an external view illustrating a wireless power feeding system according to the embodiment 3 (plan view). FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating the wireless power feeding system. In the present embodiment, the configuration and operation for charging the battery cell 19 of the battery pack 3 connected to the charger 2 by the power received from the external electromagnetic wave generator 22 are similar to that of the embodiment 1. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a capacitor 83 (condenser) is placed in the base part 5 (for example, an inner bottom side thereof) of the carrying case 1 , in addition to the configuration of the embodiment 1. The capacitor 83 is a super capacitor (an electrical double layer capacitor or a row of electrical double layer capacitor). An input terminal 84a of the capacitor 83 is connected to the charging circuit 17 of the charger 2. The charging circuit 17 charges the capacitor 83 when the battery pack 3 is not connected to the charger 2 and when the battery pack 3 connected to the charger 2 is fully charged (when charging is completed and thus the overcharge prevention function of a battery protection circuit 21 is actuated). An output terminal 84b of the capacitor 80 is connected to a transmission cable 85 of the cable adaptor 65. A tip end of the cable adaptor 65 is formed in a shape of a battery adapter, as in the embodiment 2 (FIG. 3). The capacitor 80 is arranged to maximize a space (for example, a portion excluding the accommodating recess of each component) of the base part 5 and thus a lot of power can be accumulated (capacity can be increased). The power accumulated in the capacitor 80 can be utilized to drive the electric tool 4 via the cable adaptor 65.
According to the present embodiment, since the power received from the external electromagnetic wave generator 22 can be accumulated in the capacitor 80 when the battery pack is not connected to the charger 2 or when the battery pack is fully charged, there is an advantage that it is possible to improve utilization efficiency of the received power, in addition to the effects of the embodiment 1. Further, as in the embodiment 2, an install area increases and thus many capacitors can be provided, as compared to a case where the capacitor is provided in the charger 2. Accordingly, it is possible to use an electric tool for a long time or it is possible to drive a high-power electric tool. Further, although the capacitor 80 is charged via the charger 2 in the embodiment 3, it is also possible to give a charging function to the carrying case 1 as in the embodiment 2 and thus to charge the capacitor without the charger 2.
While description has been made in connection with particular embodiments, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made therein without departing from the present invention. A modification thereof will be described.
For example, power can be fed from the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 to the charger 2 in a non-contact electromagnetic inductive type, instead of electrical connection by contact between the terminals. In this case, a reception coil is provided in the charger 2 and a transmission coil is provided in a bottom surface of the base part 5 in such a way that the transmission coil is opposed to and magnetically coupled to the reception coil. The transmission coil is connected to the electromagnetic wave reception part 7. A non-contact power feeding manner may be employed between the electromagnetic wave reception part and the battery pack or between the electromagnetic wave reception part and the cable adaptor (see, embodiment 2).
The electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6 and the electromagnetic wave reception part 7 may be provided on the base part 5. In this case, it is desirable to integrally mold these components within a range of thickness of a bottom surface.
A method for wirelessly receiving power is not limited to the electromagnetic wave receiving method, but a resonance method (magnetic-field resonance method, electric-field resonance method) may be employed.
An open angle holding unit for holding a turning angle of the lid part 8 in an open state with respect to the base part 5 in a predetermined angle may be further included. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view illustrating the carrying case 1 in a state where the lid part 8 is held in a turning angle of 90° with respect to the base part 5 by a link mechanism 51 as the open angle holding unit. It is desirable that the lid part 8 is held in a turning angle of 90° with respect to the base part 5 when the base part 5 is placed on a horizontal plane, from the viewpoint of improving the reception sensitivity of the electromagnetic wave receiving antenna 6.

Claims

[Claim 1]
An electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding, comprising:
a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power; and
a supplying unit configured to supply the power received by the receiving unit to a charger.
[Claim 2]
The electric tool case according to claim 1, wherein the power received by the receiving unit drives an electric tool via a cable adapter.
[Claim 3]
The electric tool case according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising a charging circuit configured to charge a battery by the power received by the receiving unit and a battery connection terminal for connecting the charging circuit with the battery.
[Claim 4]
The electric tool case according to claim 3 further comprising an output destination switching unit configured to switch an output destination of the power received by the receiving unit depending on a connection state of the battery to the battery connection terminal.
[Claim 5]
The electric tool case according to claim 1 further comprising a capacitor configured to accumulate the power received by the receiving unit.
[Claim 6]
The electric tool case according to claim 5, wherein the capacitor is configured to be charged by a charger which is supplied by the supplying unit with the power received by the receiving unit.
[Claim 7]
The electric tool case according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the power accumulated in the capacitor drives an electric tool via the cable adaptor.
[Claim 8]
The electric tool case according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the capacitor is a super capacitor.
[Claim 9]
The electric tool case according to any one of claims 1 to 8 further comprising a base part and a lid part openably supported by the base part,
wherein an electric tool and the charger can be placed on the base part and the receiving unit is placed on the lid part, and
wherein the supplying unit is configured to supply the power received by the receiving unit to the charger placed on the base part.
[Claim 10]
The electric tool case according to claim 9 further comprising an open angle holding unit configured to hold a turning angle of the lid part in an open state with respect to the base part in a predetermined angle.
[Claim 11]
The electric tool case according to any one of claims 1 to 10 further comprising a terminal electrically connecting the receiving unit with the charger, the terminal being provided at an inner surface of the electric tool case.
[Claim 12]
An electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding, comprising a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power,
wherein the power received by the receiving unit drives an electric tool via a cable adapter.
[Claim 13]
An electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding, comprising:
a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power;
a charging circuit configured to charge a battery by the power received by the receiving unit; and
a battery connection terminal configured to connect the charging circuit with the battery.
[Claim 14]
An electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding, comprising:
a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power; and
a capacitor configured to accumulate the power received by the receiving unit.
[Claim 15]
The electric tool case according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the receiving unit includes a loop antenna.
[Claim 16]
A wireless power feeding system comprising:
a charger;
an electric tool case which includes a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power and a supplying unit configured to supply the power received by the receiving unit to the charger; and
a battery configured to be charged by the power received by the receiving unit via the charger.
[Claim 17]
The wireless power feeding system according to claim 16, wherein the charger includes a capacitor configured to accumulate the power received by the receiving unit.
[Claim 18]
The wireless power feeding system according to claim 17, wherein
the charger is configured to be connected to an AC power supply via a wire, the charger is configured to detect a higher voltage of a supply voltage from the AC power supply and a terminal voltage of the capacitor, and
the charger is configured to charge a battery connected to the charger, using the detected higher voltage.
[Claim 19]
The wireless power feeding system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein
the charger is configured to be connected to an AC power supply via a wire, and the charger is configured to charge the capacitor using the supply voltage from the AC power supply when the battery is not connected to the charger.
[Claim 20]
The wireless power feeding system according to claim 16, wherein
the charger is configured to be connected to an AC power supply via a wire, the charger is configured to detect a higher voltage of a supply voltage from the AC power supply and a supply voltage from the supplying unit, and
the charger is configured to charge the battery using the detected higher voltage.
[Claim 21]
A wireless power feeding system comprising:
a charger; and
an electric tool case which includes a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive power, a supplying unit configured to supply the power received by the receiving unit to the charger and a capacitor charged by the charger.
[Claim 22]
The wireless power feeding system according to any one of claims 16 to 21 , wherein the electric tool case includes a base part and a lid part openably supported by the base part,
an electric tool is placed on the base part,
the charger is configured to be placed on the base part, and
the receiving unit is placed on the lid part.
[Claim 23]
The wireless power feeding system according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the receiving unit includes a loop antenna.
[Claim 24]
The wireless power feeding system according to any one of claims 16 to 23, wherein the charger and the receiving unit are electrically connected to each other by the contact between terminals thereof.
[Claim 25] The wireless power feeding system according to any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein the supplying unit is configured to transmit a power from the receiving unit to the charger in a non-contact power feeding manner.
PCT/JP2012/071530 2011-09-22 2012-08-21 Electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding and wireless power feeding system including the same WO2013042508A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2011-208201 2011-09-22
JP2011208201A JP2013066982A (en) 2011-09-22 2011-09-22 Electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding, and wireless power feeding system including the same

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013042508A1 true WO2013042508A1 (en) 2013-03-28

Family

ID=47008656

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2012/071530 WO2013042508A1 (en) 2011-09-22 2012-08-21 Electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding and wireless power feeding system including the same

Country Status (2)

Country Link
JP (1) JP2013066982A (en)
WO (1) WO2013042508A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6362978B2 (en) * 2014-09-19 2018-07-25 株式会社マキタ Power supply
JP6661701B2 (en) * 2018-06-25 2020-03-11 株式会社マキタ Power supply

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020008044A1 (en) * 2000-06-05 2002-01-24 Burrus, Iv Philip H. Power toolbox
WO2003004221A1 (en) * 2001-07-06 2003-01-16 Robert Bosch Gmbh Box with a receiving recess for a battery-powered electric tool and box system comprising at least two such boxes
EP1685929A1 (en) * 2005-01-31 2006-08-02 Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd. Tool storage case
JP2010064227A (en) 2008-09-12 2010-03-25 Hitachi Koki Co Ltd Accommodating case for power tool
US20100181964A1 (en) * 2009-01-22 2010-07-22 Mark Huggins Wireless power distribution system and method for power tools
WO2010144885A1 (en) * 2009-06-12 2010-12-16 Qualcomm Incorporated Devices for conveying wireless power and methods of operation thereof
US20110006729A1 (en) * 2009-07-09 2011-01-13 Wolf Matthias Rechargeable battery charging case
WO2011097274A1 (en) * 2010-02-02 2011-08-11 Snap-On Incorporated Tool box locking mechanisms for remote activation

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020008044A1 (en) * 2000-06-05 2002-01-24 Burrus, Iv Philip H. Power toolbox
WO2003004221A1 (en) * 2001-07-06 2003-01-16 Robert Bosch Gmbh Box with a receiving recess for a battery-powered electric tool and box system comprising at least two such boxes
EP1685929A1 (en) * 2005-01-31 2006-08-02 Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd. Tool storage case
JP2010064227A (en) 2008-09-12 2010-03-25 Hitachi Koki Co Ltd Accommodating case for power tool
US20100181964A1 (en) * 2009-01-22 2010-07-22 Mark Huggins Wireless power distribution system and method for power tools
WO2010144885A1 (en) * 2009-06-12 2010-12-16 Qualcomm Incorporated Devices for conveying wireless power and methods of operation thereof
US20110006729A1 (en) * 2009-07-09 2011-01-13 Wolf Matthias Rechargeable battery charging case
WO2011097274A1 (en) * 2010-02-02 2011-08-11 Snap-On Incorporated Tool box locking mechanisms for remote activation

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2013066982A (en) 2013-04-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
KR100859445B1 (en) Non-contact charging battery-pack and mobile divice with non-contact charging battery-pack
USRE46111E1 (en) Non-contact charger available of wireless data and power transmission, charging battery-pack and mobile device using non-contact charger
JP5781392B2 (en) Battery pack, battery driving device, and contactless charging method of battery pack
US20090075704A1 (en) Mobile communication device with charging module
EP2683054B1 (en) Contactless multi-charger system and controlling method thereof
US20130026983A1 (en) Battery pack
CN102165667B (en) Non-contact recharging system
EP2278654B1 (en) Contactless cell apparatus
JP5569717B2 (en) Battery pack, charging system for charging the battery pack, and electric tool provided with the battery pack
US20110012556A1 (en) Wireless Chargeable Game Device
US9071057B2 (en) Contactless power transmitting system having overheat protection function and method thereof
JP2013502897A (en) Inductive rechargeable power pack
JP4488381B2 (en) Battery pack system
WO2013015206A1 (en) Battery drive device and battery pack
CN108539806A (en) Control device, power receiving device and electronic equipment
WO2013015207A1 (en) Battery pack and battery pack charging method
WO2013042508A1 (en) Electric tool case adapted for wireless power feeding and wireless power feeding system including the same
KR20230068380A (en) Portable electric vehicle battery charger
JP6817830B2 (en) Contact charging device
WO2009038789A1 (en) Mobile communication device with charging module
CN110521052A (en) Accumulator equipment
JP2013121206A (en) Secondary battery module and non contact charger
JP2012034477A (en) Solar charger

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 12770264

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 12770264

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1