WO2013027394A1 - Power supply device and temperature detecting device - Google Patents

Power supply device and temperature detecting device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013027394A1
WO2013027394A1 PCT/JP2012/005241 JP2012005241W WO2013027394A1 WO 2013027394 A1 WO2013027394 A1 WO 2013027394A1 JP 2012005241 W JP2012005241 W JP 2012005241W WO 2013027394 A1 WO2013027394 A1 WO 2013027394A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
battery
section
voltage
adapter
power supply
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2012/005241
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Haruhisa Fujisawa
Shogo Shibata
Yasushi Nakano
Yuki Nitanai
Shinji Watanabe
Kazuhiko Funabashi
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 WO2013027394A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013027394A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
    • H01M50/569—Constructional details of current conducting connections for detecting conditions inside cells or batteries, e.g. details of voltage sensing terminals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/48—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
    • H01M10/486—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte for measuring temperature
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
    • H01M50/543—Terminals
    • H01M50/547—Terminals characterised by the disposition of the terminals on the cells
    • H01M50/55—Terminals characterised by the disposition of the terminals on the cells on the same side of the cell
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/202—Casings or frames around the primary casing of a single cell or a single battery
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/262—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders with fastening means, e.g. locks
    • H01M50/264—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders with fastening means, e.g. locks for cells or batteries, e.g. straps, tie rods or peripheral frames
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a power supply device and a temperature detecting device.
  • An emergency power supply device for outputting 100V AC voltage has various devices such as an inverter device as well as a battery.
  • Temperature does not increase very much in a battery mounted on such a power supply device, even when the power supply device is used for a long time. On the other hand, if the power supply device is used under an excessively high temperature environment, it may lead to rapid performance degradation of the battery. Hence, the temperature of the battery need to be monitored. Further, performance degradation of the battery also progresses when abnormal heating occurs due to a failure of the battery or the like.
  • the present invention provides a power supply device.
  • the power supply device includes a main body, a lead storage battery, and a temperature detecting unit.
  • the lead storage battery is accommodated in the main body and has an electrode terminal.
  • the temperature detecting unit is provided at the electrode terminal and configured to detect temperature of the electrode terminal.
  • the main body has a box-like shape and has one end formed with an opening.
  • the power supply device further includes a cover member provided at the main body such that the opening can be opened and closed.
  • the lead storage battery is configured to be charged and discharged.
  • the power supply device further includes an inverter device configured to be accommodated in the main body and configured to convert a direct voltage from the lead storage battery to an alternating voltage and output the alternating voltage.
  • the lead storage battery is for a vehicle use.
  • the temperature detecting unit is fixed to the electrode terminal.
  • the power supply device further comprises a metal crimping terminal fixed to the electrode terminal.
  • the temperature detecting unit is configured of a thermistor. The thermistor is fixed to the crimping terminal.
  • the electrode terminal comprises a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal.
  • the temperature detecting unit is fixed to the positive electrode terminal.
  • the power supply device comprises a thermal protector fixed to the negative electrode terminal.
  • the power supply device comprises an adapter connected to the electrode terminal of the lead storage battery and having an output terminal.
  • the thermal protector is disposed between the lead storage battery and the output terminal.
  • the power supply device further comprises a copper holder fixed to the negative electrode terminal.
  • the thermal protector is fixed to the copper holder.
  • the present invention provides a temperature detecting device.
  • the temperature detecting device for detecting a temperature of a lead storage battery having an electrode terminal includes a temperature detecting unit.
  • the temperature detecting unit is configured to detect the temperature of the lead storage battery.
  • the temperature detecting unit is provided at the electrode terminal.
  • a power supply device can be provided that can grasp temperature of the battery accurately.
  • Fig. 1 is an external front perspective view showing a power supply device when an inverter device of the power supply device is accommodated in a main body according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a front cross-sectional view showing the power supply device when the inverter device is accommodated in the main body according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing the power supply device when the inverter device is accommodated in the main body according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 4 is a rear view showing the power supply device when a handle is positioned at a retracted position according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 1 is an external front perspective view showing a power supply device when an inverter device of the power supply device is accommodated in a main body according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a front cross-sectional view showing the power supply device when the inverter device is accommodated in the main body according to the embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 is an external rear perspective view showing the power supply device when the inverter device is accommodated in the main body according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6A is a plan view showing the power supply device when an upper cover is opened and a middle cover is removed according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6B is an explanatory view showing a thermistor of the power supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6C is an explanatory view around a thermal protector of the power supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6D is a partial enlarged view showing a battery of the power supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the handle taken along a line VII - VII of Fig.
  • Fig. 8 is a rear view showing the power supply device when the handle is positioned at an extended position according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 9A is a side cross-sectional view showing the power supply device when the power supply device falls down toward the rear side according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 9B is a side cross-sectional view showing the power supply device when the power supply device falls down toward the rear side according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 10A is a side view showing the power supply device when the power supply device falls down toward the front side according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 10B is a side view showing the power supply device when the power supply device falls down according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a plan perspective view showing the upper cover according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 12 is a bottom perspective view showing the upper cover according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 13 is a front cross-sectional view showing the power supply device when the inverter device is fixed on the upper cover according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 14 is a side cross-sectional view showing the power supply device when the inverter device is fixed on the upper cover according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 15 is a plan view showing the upper cover according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the upper cover taken along a line XVI - XVI of Fig. 15 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the upper cover taken along a line XVI - XVI of Fig. 15 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the middle cover according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 18 is a plan view showing the middle cover according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the middle cover taken along a line XIX -XIX of Fig. 18 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing the battery according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing the power supply device when the upper cover and the middle cover are removed according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 22 is a partial enlarged side cross-sectional view showing the power supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 23 is a perspective view showing a battery plate according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing the inverter device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 25 is a front cross-sectional view showing a power supply device when a sine-wave adapter is accommodated in a main body of the power supply device according to a first modification of the present invention.
  • Fig. 26 is a side cross-sectional view showing the power supply device when the inverter device is accommodated in the main body according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 27 is a front perspective view showing the sine-wave adapter according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 28 is a circuit diagram of the inverter device and a battery pack according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • 29A - G are a diagram illustrating changes in voltage waveform in the circuit shown in Fig. 28 according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 30 is a circuit diagram of the sine-wave adapter according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 31 is a graphical representation for illustrating a battery charging control according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 32A is a table showing a relationship between a battery temperature and a charge voltage according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 32B is a table showing a relationship between charge time and a charge completion time in relation to the battery temperature according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 33 is a part of flowchart illustrating a battery charge/discharge control according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 34 is a remaining part of flowchart illustrating the battery charge/discharge control according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an output control of the inverter device according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an output control of the sine-wave adapter according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 37 is a front view showing a handle according to a second modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 38 is a side view showing the handle according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 39 is a rear perspective view showing a power supply device according to a third modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 40 is a rear perspective view showing a main body of the power supply device according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 41 is a side view showing the main body of the power supply device according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • the power supply device 1 mainly includes a main body 2, a handle 3, an upper cover 4, an inverter device 5, a middle cover 6, an adapter 7, and a battery 8.
  • a direction in which the handle 3 extends from the main body 2 is defined as an upper direction
  • a direction opposite the upper direction is defined as a lower direction.
  • a side of the handle 3 relative to the main body 2 is defined as a rear side
  • a side opposite the rear side is defined as a front side.
  • a direction perpendicular to the upper-lower direction and to the front-rear direction is defined as a left-right direction (Fig. 2).
  • the upper cover 4 serves as a cover of the present invention.
  • the main body 2 has an upper surface formed with an opening 2a, and the upper cover 4 can open and close the opening 2a.
  • the main body 2 accommodates the inverter device 5, the middle cover 6, the adapter 7, and the battery 8.
  • Figs. 2 and 3 show, in the dotted lines, the inverter device 5 fitted with the adapter 7 above the upper cover 4, which indicates that the inverter device 5 can be fixed above the upper cover 4.
  • Figs. 13 and 14 show the inverter device 5, in the dotted lines, above the middle cover 6, which indicates that the inverter device 5 can be placed on the middle cover 6.
  • Figs. 13 and 14 also show the adapter 7, in the dotted lines, inside the middle cover 6, which indicates that the adapter 7 can be accommodated on the middle cover 6.
  • two wheels 21 are provided at both ends of the lower rear surface of the main body 2 in the left-right direction.
  • Grip sections 22 are symmetrically provided at left and right side surfaces of an upper part of the main body 2. The grip sections 22 are gripped by an operator when the operator lifts the power supply device 1. The detailed configurations of the main body 2 will be described later.
  • the handle 3 is provided at a rear surface of the main body 2, and is configured to be movable in the upper-lower direction between a retracted position shown in Fig. 4 and an extended position shown in Fig. 8. Both the handle 3 and the wheels 21 are provided at the rear surface of the main body 2. Thus, the operator can extend the handle 3 to the extended position and tilt the power supply device 1 to an oblique position, thereby carrying the power supply device 1 easily.
  • the detailed configurations of the handle 3 will be described later.
  • a hinge 41 is provided at the right end of the upper cover 4.
  • the upper cover 4 is pivotally movable about the hinge 41 relative to the main body 2.
  • the upper cover 4 is secured to the main body 2 with a latch 42 provided at the main body 2. The detailed configurations of the upper cover 4 will be described later.
  • the inverter device 5 converts a DC 12V input of the battery 8 into a square wave of AC 100V and outputs the square wave.
  • the inverter device 5 can be used as a stand-alone power source, by detaching the inverter device 5 from the power supply device 1 and inserting a battery pack 5C (a battery pack for a power tool, 14.4V for example) indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 24 in the inverter device 5. Note that the capacity of the battery pack 5C for a power tool (3.0 Ah) is smaller than the capacity of the battery 8 (38 Ah).
  • the battery 8 is rechargeable via the inverter device 5 and the adapter 7, by mounting the adapter 7 on the inverter device 5, connecting one end of a power cable 56 described later with the inverter device 5, and connecting the other end of the power cable 56 with a commercial 100V power source. That is, the inverter device 5 also has a charging function. The detailed configurations of the inverter device 5 will be described later.
  • the middle cover 6 is arranged at approximately a center of the main body 2 in the upper-lower direction, and is configured to accommodate the adapter 7.
  • the inverter device 5 can be placed on the upper surface of the middle cover 6. The detailed configurations of the middle cover 6 will be described later.
  • the adapter 7 includes an adapter cable 71 extending from the adapter 7, a connection section 72 connected with the inverter device 5.
  • the adapter 7 is electrically connected with the battery 8 via the adapter cable 71.
  • the power supply device 1 can be used as a 12V DC power source by connecting the adapter 7 with a power tool etc. (not shown). Note that, even though the battery 8 is 12V, the battery 8 can be used for a power tool of 14.4V or 10.8V, for example, by providing a step-up circuit or a step-down circuit in the adapter 7. Also, the power supply device 1 can be used as a 100V AC power source for a power tool etc. by mounting the adapter 7 on the inverter device 5 and taking an output from the inverter device 5.
  • the connection section 72 includes a terminal section 72A, a rail section 72B, and a latch section 72C.
  • the terminal section 72A serves as an output terminal of the present invention.
  • the battery 8 is disposed at a lower part of the main body 2, and serves as a power source of the power supply device 1.
  • a lead storage battery for a vehicle use is adopted as an example of the battery 8.
  • the battery 8 includes terminals 81 as shown in Fig. 6A, and is connected with the adapter 7 via the terminals 81 and the adapter cable 71. The detailed configurations of the battery 8 will be described later.
  • the main body 2 is constituted by a combination of an outer body 24 serving as the outer shell and an inner body 2 defining a space within the main body 2.
  • the outer body 24 functions to absorb an impact when the power supply device 1 falls.
  • a buffer material 2A is provided at the main body 2, and more specifically between the outer body 24 and the inner body 25.
  • the buffer material 2A is filling material, and urethane is adopted as an example.
  • Each of the outer body 24 and the inner body 25 is made of resin formed by blow molding.
  • polyethylene is adopted as material of the inner body 25 and the outer body 24, considering a possibility that dilute sulfuric acid leaks out from the battery 8.
  • the battery 8 does not tend to be affected by outer air temperature, and also the battery 8 etc. can be protected from impacts from the outside. Even if the temperature of the battery 8 rises, heat can be released to the outside through an upper-cover groove section 47 (Fig. 5), a middle-cover groove section 63 (Fig. 18), and the like, to be described later. This can suppress a temperature increase inside the main body 2. Similarly, even if hydrogen gas emanates from the battery 8, the hydrogen gas can be released to the outside through the groove sections.
  • the buffer material 2A may be provided at an area other than between the inner body 25 and the outer body 24. That is, the buffer material 2A may be provided between the inner body 25 and the battery 8 or may be provided at the inner body 25, as long as the battery 8 can be protected from an external force. Further, in the present embodiment, the inner body 25 and the outer body 24 are formed by blow molding. However, the inner body 25 and the outer body 24 may be formed by double layer molding, and elastomer as the buffer material 2A may be provided at the outer side of the inner body 25 or at the outer side of the outer body 24.
  • a hook (not shown) is detachably provided at the outer body 24 so as to temporarily hook the adapter 7 or the adapter cable 71. Further, a terminal accommodating section (not shown) is detachably provided at the outer body 24 so as to partially accommodate the connection section 72 of the adapter 7. This prevents the terminal section 72A of the adapter 7 from being exposed to the outside.
  • a holding section 31 for holding the handle 3 is provided at a rear upper part of the outer body 24.
  • the holding section 31 is fixed to the main body 2 with a plurality of bolts or screws 32.
  • the holding section 31 has a bottom portion provided with a second damper 31D capable of contacting the handle 3.
  • An upper chamber 26, a middle chamber 27, and a lower chamber 28 are formed within the main body 2, in this order from the top.
  • the inverter device 5 is arranged in the upper chamber 26.
  • the middle cover 6 and the adapter 7 are arranged in the middle chamber 27.
  • the battery 8 is arranged in the lower chamber 28.
  • a plurality of recessed sections 25a is formed at the inner body 25.
  • Each of the plurality of recessed sections 25a is depressed toward the outer body 24 opposing the inner body 25.
  • This configuration ensures a large space within the main body 2, and increases rigidity of the inner body 25. Further, the amount of used buffer material 2A can be reduced, saving the manufacturing costs.
  • An abutting section 25A at which the outer body 24 and the inner body 25 contact each other is provided at the lower surface of the inner body 25.
  • the outer body 24 is provided with an outer body side abutting section 25E depressed upward
  • the inner body 25 is provided with an inner body side abutting section 24A protruding downward so as to contact the outer body side abutting section 25E.
  • the abutting section 25A is a horizontal surface extending in the overall width of the lower surface of the inner body 25 in the left-right direction (Fig. 2) and extending in a predetermined length of the lower surface of the inner body 25 in the front-rear direction (Fig. 3).
  • the abutting section 25A is provided at a position slightly offset forward from the center in the front-rear direction.
  • a drainage hole 25b penetrating through the outer body 24 and the inner body 25 is formed at the right end of the abutting section 25A (Fig. 2).
  • slant sections 25B are provided at the front and rear sides of the abutting section 25A.
  • the slant sections 25B are slanted downward at least 1 degree toward the abutting section 25A.
  • a battery plate 82 described later is disposed on the lower surface of the inner body 25.
  • a though hole 2b penetrating the outer body 24 and the inner body 25 is formed at a lower part of the main body 2.
  • a battery shaft 83 described later is inserted in the though hole 2b. The detailed configurations will be described later.
  • ribs 25C protruding inward and holding the battery 8 are provided at the inner body 25.
  • the ribs 25C extend in the upper-lower direction.
  • the inner body 25 has generally rectangular cross-section and the ribs 25C are provided at four corners of the cross-section in the lower chamber 28.
  • Slippage preventing members 25D are provided between the respective ribs 25C and the battery 8 for preventing the battery 8 from slipping (sliding) relative to the inner body 25.
  • the slippage preventing members 25D also function as a buffer material between the battery 8 and the inner body 25.
  • the middle cover 6 is placed on an upper surface of the four ribs 25C.
  • the handle 3 includes a handle gripping section 33, an abutment section 34, extending sections 35, and a reinforcing member 36.
  • the handle gripping section 33 has substantially a U-shape for being gripped by an operator.
  • the abutment section 34 contacts the holding section 31 when the handle 3 is positioned in the extended position.
  • the extending sections 35 connect the handle gripping section 33 with the abutment section 34.
  • the reinforcing member 36 extends in parallel with the abutment section 34.
  • the handle 3 includes a first handle member 37 having substantially a semicircular shape in cross-section, and a second handle member 38 having the same shape as the first handle member 37.
  • a first joint surface 37A is provided at a straight part of the semicircular shape of the first handle member 37
  • a second joint surface 38A is provided at a straight part of the semicircular shape of the second handle member 38.
  • the handle 3 is made by fixing the first joint surface 37A with the second joint surface 38A with a plurality of screws (not shown).
  • the cross-section of the handle 3 has a half split shape that is plane-symmetrical with respect to the first joint surfaces 37A and the second joint surface 38A. This can improve the strength of the handle 3 with low-cost blow molding.
  • the handle may have a hollow cylindrical shape unless it creates a problem in strength. Note that each of the first handle member 37 and the second handle member 38 has a hollow shape.
  • the abutment section 34 extends in a horizontal direction, and a buffer material 34A is provided over the entirety of the abutment section 34 in the circumferential direction (Fig. 4). In the retracted position, the front side (the main body 2 side) of the buffer material 34A is always in contact with the outer body 24. This prevents rattles of the handle 3.
  • rubber damper is adopted as an example of the buffer material 34A.
  • the extending sections 35 extend in the vertical direction and are movably supported on the holding section 31 in the upper-lower direction.
  • the buffer material 34A is in contact with the holding section 31.
  • the reinforcing member 36 is a member for reinforcing the handle 3.
  • the reinforcing member 36 is provided to close the opening of the substantially U-shaped handle gripping section 33.
  • the holding section 31 includes handle holding sections 31A that movably hold the handle 3, an abutting section 31B in parallel with the abutment section 34, and a first damper 31C.
  • the handle holding sections 31A are pressed metal parts.
  • Two handle holding sections 31A are provided so as to sandwich the first damper 31C in the left-right direction, and are fixed to the main body 2 with the bolts 32.
  • the abutting section 31B is provided with the second damper 31D contactable with the buffer material 34A.
  • the second damper 31D enables further cushioning for an impact generated upon contacting the abutment section 34 with the abutting section 31B.
  • a width W1 of the abutting section 31B and the second damper 31D in the left-right direction is smaller than a width W2 of the abutment section 34 in the left-right direction (more specifically, a distance between the extending sections 35). This can avoid a damage that occurs when connection sections R between the abutment section 34 and the extending sections 35 hit the abutting section 31B.
  • the abutting section 31B also functions as a stopper that restricts movement of the handle 3.
  • the first damper 31C is provided at a position that is the farthest away from the main body 2 rearward. Even when the power supply device 1 falls rearward, the first damper 31C touches the ground next to the buffer material 34A to soften an impact acting on the main body 2. Hence, damages etc. to components can be prevented when the power supply device 1 falls.
  • a center of gravity G of the power supply device 1 is defined at a position as shown in Fig. 3.
  • the center of gravity G and the handle gripping section 33 of the handle 3 is away from each other by a distance L.
  • the distance L is determined so that the power supply device 1 in its 180 degrees reversed state (turned-over state) cannot be stably held.
  • a lead storage battery for a vehicle use is adopted as an example of the battery 8, as mentioned above.
  • the distance L is determined as described above.
  • the handle 3 prohibits the power supply device 1 from maintaining the 180 reversed state, which becomes the state shown in Fig. 10A.
  • the center of gravity G shown Fig. 10B is defined such a position that the power supply device 1 in a state shown in Fig. 10B is bought into turn in a counterclockwise direction, and then is rested on the ground as shown in Fig. 10A. Accordingly, even if the power supply device 1 falls forward fast, leaking of dilute sulfuric acid from the battery 8 can be prevented.
  • the upper cover 4 has substantially a rectangular shape. As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the upper cover 4 includes a latch plate 43, a wall section 44 provided at the periphery of the upper cover 4, a latch engaging section 45 capable of engaging the latch 42, and a hinge mounting section 46 to which the hinge 41 is attached.
  • the upper cover 4 has an upper surface 4A, a flat section 4B, and a lower surface 4C.
  • the flat section 4B is provided at a periphery of the upper cover 4 where the wall section 44 is not provided.
  • the upper cover 4 is formed with the upper-cover groove section 47, a first depressed section 48 formed in the lower surface 4C, and a second depressed section 49 adjacent to the first depressed section 48.
  • the lower surface 4C has an abutment surface 4D in abutment with the adapter 7 in a state where the adapter 7 is mounted on the accommodating section 54 and the inverter device 5 is received on the receiving section 64.
  • the upper-cover groove section 47 has substantially a U-shape in cross-section perpendicular to the upper-lower direction. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the upper cover 4 has a hollow inside for saving weight.
  • the upper cover 4 can be fixed to the inverter device 5.
  • the latch plate 43 is provided with two engaging sections 43A each protruding upward and spaced away from each other in the left-right direction with a predetermined distance therebetween.
  • the engaging sections 43A can engage engagement sections 53A (Fig. 2) of mount-dismount buttons 53 provided to the inverter device 5, thereby fixing the inverter device 5 to the upper cover 4.
  • the latch plate 43 is fixed to the upper cover 4 with a plurality of screws and, by removing the screws, the latch plate 43 can be detached from the upper cover 4.
  • Fig. 15 shows a top view of the upper cover 4 in a state where the latch plate 43 is detached from the upper cover 4.
  • Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XVI-XVI in Fig. 15.
  • the upper surface 4A and the flat section 4B of the upper cover 4 is slanted downward toward the rear at least 1 degree. With this configuration, rain water is not collected around the engaging sections 43A, and rain water can be discharged through a portion of the upper cover 4 where the wall section 44 does not exist (the flat section 4B) as will be described later.
  • a peripheral section 47A is provided over the entire periphery of the upper-cover groove section 47.
  • the peripheral section 47A is slightly higher than the upper surface 4A and the flat section 4B.
  • the lower surface 4C of the upper cover 4 is pressed against the inverter device 5 accommodated in the main body 2, in at least part other than portions where the first depressed section 48 and the second depressed section 49 are formed. With this configuration, the inverter device 5 is immovable within the main body 2.
  • the wall section 44 is provided at the periphery of the upper cover 4, such that an opening of substantially a U-shape is located at the rear side (the handle side).
  • the flat section 4B is provided at the periphery at the rear side of the upper cover 4, where the wall section 44 is not provided between the wall section 44 and the peripheral section 47A.
  • the height of the wall section 44 is higher than the height of the engaging sections 43A. With this configuration, even if a plate-shaped member falls from above, the upper surface of the wall section 44 can receive the plate-shaped member, thereby preventing damages to the engaging sections 43A. As shown in Fig. 14, the height of the wall section 44 is lower than the height of the inverter device 5. This configuration enables the operator to visually check from the front side whether the inverter device 5 is mounted and a state of a display panel 51 of the inverter device 5, without being blocked by the wall section 44.
  • the latch engaging section 45 is provided at the left side surface of the upper cover 4 (Fig. 11). When the latch engaging section 45 engages the latch 42, the upper cover 4 is fixed to the main body 2.
  • the hinge mounting section 46 is provided at the right side surface of the upper cover 4 (Fig. 12). The hinge 41 is attached to the hinge mounting section 46.
  • the upper-cover groove section 47 is formed at the rear surface of the upper cover 4. Cables of apparatuses accommodated within the main body 2 can be led to the outside through the upper-cover groove section 47. As shown in Fig. 11, the upper-cover groove section 47 is formed at the rear surface of the upper cover 4, and the adapter 7 is mounted on the rear side of the inverter device 5 (Fig. 14). Because the upper-cover groove section 47 is formed near a position at which the adapter 7 is mounted, cables or the like of the adapter 7 etc. can be readily taken to the outside of the main body 2. In addition, exposure of wiring of the adapter 7 can be minimized, and the wiring can be arranged together compactly.
  • the adapter cable 71 passes through the upper-cover groove section 47. Accordingly, the cross-sectional area of a cross-section of the upper-cover groove section 47 perpendicular to the upper-lower direction is sufficiently larger than the cross-sectional area of the adapter cable 71. As shown in Figs. 12 and 16, a curved section 47B is provided at the lower side of the upper-cover groove section 47. The radius of curvature of the curved section 47B is larger than the radius of curvature of another section (for example, a connection portion between the upper surface 4A and the wall section 44). This configuration prevents the cable passing through the upper-cover groove section 47 from being caught on an edge of the upper-cover groove section 47.
  • the first depressed section 48 is depressed toward the inside of the upper cover 4 along the shape of an accommodating section 54 of the inverter device 5 protruding upward and described later. With this configuration, the first depressed section 48 can engage the accommodating section 54. If a comparison is made between the inverter device 5 indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 14 and the inverter device 5 indicated by the solid lines, the adapter 7 is mounted on the inverter device 5 indicated by the solid lines and thus the adapter 7 protrudes to the rear side of the accommodating section 54.
  • the battery 8 is so configured that, in use, hydrogen gas is discharged through a gas venting holes 8a disposed at its center part (Fig. 6A).
  • the U-shaped upper-cover groove section 47 is formed at the rear surface of the upper cover 4 so that the hydrogen gas can be readily discharged to the outside.
  • a control circuit of the adapter 7 is so configured that a fuse provided in the control circuit of the adapter 7 blows out if a terminal of the adapter 7 has a short circuit due to incorporation of a foreign matter or a failure of a mounted apparatus. The fuse sparks when the fuse blows out.
  • the power supply device 1 is so configured that the upper cover 4 cannot be closed if the inverter device 5 is disposed in the upper chamber 26 when the adapter 7 is connected therewith.
  • the power supply device 1 in order to prevent the inside of the main body 2 from being filled with hydrogen gas, is so configured that the upper cover 4 cannot be closed in a state where the inverter device 5 is disposed on the middle cover 6 and the adapter 7 or the battery pack 5C for a power tool is mounted on the inverter device 5.
  • the inverter device 5 even if the power supply device 1 is used in a state where the upper-cover groove section 47 as a ventilating opening is closed, the inverter device 5 cannot be used in a state where the inverter device 5 is located in the upper chamber 26. Hence, a trouble caused by hydrogen gas can be avoided.
  • the second depressed section 49 is formed at a position adjacent to the first depressed section 48.
  • the second depressed section 49 is engageable with the accommodating section 54.
  • the second depressed section 49 is provided for increasing the rigidity of the upper cover 4.
  • the inverter device 5 is accommodated in the main body 2 in a state where the inverter device 5 is interposed between the upper cover 4 and the middle cover 6.
  • the inverter device 5 includes the display panel 51 for displaying states of the inverter device 5, an output cable 52, the mount-dismount buttons 53, the accommodating section 54 that accommodates the adapter 7 or the battery pack 5C for a power tool indicated by the dotted lines, a power input section 55 that receives inputs from the outside (Fig. 3), the power cable 56 detachably connected with the power input section 55, and band hooking sections 57.
  • the inverter device 5 has side protruding sections 5A protruding toward the sides and configured to be engageable with the middle cover 6, and a front protruding section 5B protruding forward and configured to be engageable with the middle cover 6.
  • the connection section 72 of the adapter 7 for electrically connecting with the inverter device 5 has the same shape as the battery pack 5C for a power tool. With this configuration, it is unnecessary to provide the inverter device 5 with respective connection sections for the adapter 7 and for the battery pack 5C for a power tool, thereby preventing the inverter device 5 from becoming large.
  • the display panel 51 is provided with an LED lamp.
  • the operator can determine, based on a state of lighting or blinking of the LED lamp, whether the battery is being used as a power source, the battery is being charged, or a malfunction has occurred at the power supply device 1.
  • Either a DC voltage inputted from the battery 8 via the adapter 7 or a DC voltage inputted from the battery pack 5C for a power tool is outputted from the output cable 52 as a 100V AC voltage.
  • the mount-dismount buttons 53 are provided at the both ends of the inverter device 5 in the left-right direction. By pressing the mount-dismount buttons 53, the inverter device 5 can be mounted on or dismounted from the upper cover 4.
  • the inverter device 5 is fixed to the upper cover 4 via an engagement between the engaging sections 43A of the latch plate 43 and engagement sections 53A of the mount-dismount buttons 53.
  • the band hooking sections 57 are provided at the both ends of the front portion of the inverter device 5 in left-right direction, so that a shoulder band (not shown) can be hooked. With this configuration, the inverter device 5 can be used stand alone by taking the inverter device 5 out of the main body 2 and hooking the shoulder band at the band hooking sections 57.
  • transportability can be improved by using the battery pack 5C for a power tool as the power source of the inverter device 5.
  • a power tool such as a driver drill etc. and the battery pack 5C for a power tool can be placed on the upper surface of the upper cover 4.
  • usage can be broadened.
  • the middle cover 6 is disposed in the middle chamber 27 and separates the upper chamber 26 from the lower chamber 28.
  • the middle cover 6 has a surrounding wall 61 by which a bottom surface 6A is defined.
  • An adapter accommodating section 62 for accommodating the adapter 7 is formed at the center of the middle cover 6.
  • the middle-cover groove section 63 is formed at the surrounding wall 61 at the rear side (Fig. 18).
  • the middle cover 6 has a hollow inside for saving weight.
  • the rigidity of the main body 2 is increased by filling the buffer material 2A between the outer body 24 and the inner body 25 for supporting the heavy battery 8 (15 kg).
  • the adapter 7 is light weight (1 kg), the adapter 7 can be supported although the middle cover 6 has a hollow inside.
  • the bottom surface 6A is a horizontal surface.
  • Two through holes 6a are formed in the bottom surface 6A to penetrate the bottom surface 6A in the upper-lower direction.
  • the two through holes 6a are located adjacent to the surrounding wall 61 at the right and left sides, respectively, and away from each other by a predetermined distance.
  • the upper chamber 26 and the lower chamber 28 are in communication with each other through the two through holes 6a and the middle-cover groove section 63.
  • the two through holes 6a function as drainage holes for discharging water collected in the adapter accommodating section 62, and also functions as gas venting holes for removing hydrogen gas that emanates from the battery 8. This configuration can prevent water from being collected in the adapter accommodating section 62 and can prevent hydrogen gas emanating from the battery 8 from filling the lower chamber 28.
  • the upper surfaces of the surrounding wall 61 at the front, right, and left sides are depressed downward to form receiving sections 64.
  • the inverter device 5 can be placed on the receiving sections 64.
  • the side protruding sections 5A of the inverter device 5 are placed on the receiving sections 64 at the left and right sides, and the front protruding section 5B of the inverter device 5 is placed on the receiving section 64 at the front side.
  • a cable receiving section 65 depressed downward is provided at the surrounding wall 61 at the rear side.
  • the cable receiving section 65 is provided for supporting the output cable 52 etc.
  • the cable receiving section 65 is provided at the surrounding wall 61 in the direction in which the respective cables extend, when the inverter device 5 is placed on the middle cover 6.
  • a first curved section 66 is provided at a connection between the cable receiving section 65 provided at the surrounding wall 61 at the rear side and the middle-cover groove section 63.
  • the radius of curvature of a connecting portion between the bottom surface of the cable receiving section 65 and the side surface connecting the surrounding wall 61 at the rear side with the middle-cover groove section 63 is set to a large value, i.e., the first curved section 66 has a large radius of curvature. This configuration prevents the adapter cable 71 from being caught on the surrounding wall 61 when the adapter 7 is accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62.
  • the adapter accommodating section 62 is provided substantially at a center portion of the middle cover 6 as viewed from the top (Fig. 18), and is located at a position lower than the receiving sections 64 (Fig. 17).
  • the adapter accommodating section 62 has a volume enough to accommodate the adapter 7 and a portion of the adapter cable 71. With this configuration, the adapter 7 can be accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62 in a state where the inverter device 5 is placed on the middle cover 6 (Fig. 2).
  • the adapter 7 is not accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62 since the adapter 7 is mounted on the inverter device 5 or the like, another apparatus with a size that can be accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62, such as the battery pack 5C for a power tool, may be accommodated.
  • another apparatus with a size that can be accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62 such as the battery pack 5C for a power tool, may be accommodated.
  • an apparatus other than the power supply device 1 can be carried together with the power supply device 1, when the power supply device 1 is carried.
  • transportability can be improved.
  • the middle-cover groove section 63 has substantially a U-shape in a plan view.
  • the adapter cable 71 accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62 can be pulled out through the middle-cover groove section 63.
  • the middle-cover groove section 63 is formed on the surrounding wall 61 at the rear side.
  • the battery 8 is also disposed in the lower chamber 28 such that the terminals 81 are located at the rear side. Because the middle-cover groove section 63 is formed at the same side as the terminals 81 are disposed, the length of the adapter cable 71 can be minimized when the adapter 7 is accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62.
  • a second curved section 63A is provided at a connection between the bottom surface 6A and the middle-cover groove section 63, at the periphery of the middle-cover groove section 63.
  • a third curved section 63B is provided directly below the second curved section 63A.
  • the radii of curvature of the second curved section 63A and the third curved section 63B are identical, and are larger than the radii of curvature of other sections (for example, a connection between the surrounding wall 61 and the bottom surface 6A).
  • the radii of curvature of the second curved section 63A and the third curved section 63B are larger than the radius of curvature of the curved section 47B. This is because the adapter cable 71 tends to be caught on the middle-cover groove section 63 since the middle cover 6 is located directly above the battery 8.
  • the holding section 31 is located at the rear side of and slightly above the middle cover 6.
  • the distance between the outer body 24 and the inner body 25 is small for reinforcing fixing of the handle holding sections 31A to the main body 2.
  • a cable accommodating space 6b is defined by the inner body 25, the upper cover 4, the inverter device 5, and the middle cover 6. More specifically, the cable accommodating space 6b is defined at a position opposing the inverter device 5 in a state where the inverter device 5 is placed on the middle cover 6.
  • the cable accommodating space 6b accommodates the output cable 52 extending from the rear surface of the inverter device 5 when the inverter device 5 is placed on the middle cover 6 and accommodates the adapter cable 71.
  • the battery 8 is fixed to the main body 2 via the battery plate 82, the battery shafts 83, a support plate 85, and bolts 86.
  • the battery plate 82 is placed on the main body 2 and has substantially a plate shape.
  • the battery shafts 83 extend upward from the both ends of the battery plate 82 in the left-right direction.
  • the support plate 85 is fixed to the one end of each of the battery shafts 83 with wing bolts 84. Each bolt 86 is threadingly mounted on the other end of the battery shaft 83.
  • a first antislip member 82B is provided between the battery plate 82 and the battery 8 (Fig. 22).
  • a second antislip member 82C is provided between the inner body 25 and the battery plate 82.
  • a rubber damper is adopted as an example of the first and second antislip members 82B, 82C.
  • the battery plate 82 is made of metal. As shown in Fig. 23, the battery plate 82 includes two restricting sections 82A formed by bending upward the both ends in the front-rear direction. A distance D1 between the two restricting sections 82A is slightly larger than a distance D2 of the battery 8 in the front-rear direction (Fig. 22). With this configuration, movement of the battery 8 in the front-rear direction is restricted. Shaft through holes 82a into which the battery shafts 83 inserted are formed in the battery plate 82 at positions shifted slightly forward from the center in the front-rear direction.
  • the two shaft through holes 82a are formed with a predetermined distance therebetween in the left-right direction.
  • Each battery shaft 83 penetrates the shaft through hole 82a and the though hole 2b formed in the main body 2 and is fixed to the main body 2 with the bolt 86.
  • the battery 8 can be readily positioned with the restricting sections 82A of the battery plate 82 and the battery shafts 83, when the battery 8 is placed on the battery plate 82.
  • the battery 8 is supported by the battery shafts 83 in the lower chamber 28 at a position shifted slightly forward from the center in the front-rear direction.
  • recessed portions need to be formed for accommodating the wheels 21.
  • the gas venting holes 8a for discharging hydrogen gas is disposed at a center portion of the battery 8 and if the battery plate 82 is disposed at the center portion of the battery 8, the battery plate 82 closes the gas venting holes 8a.
  • the size of the main body 2 could be simply increased.
  • the battery 8 is supported by the battery shafts 83 at a position shifted forward slightly from the center in the front-rear direction, so that the distance between the recessed portions accommodating the wheels 21 and the abutting section 25A is sufficiently large. This achieves downsizing of the main body 2 and cost reduction.
  • the battery 8 is fixed to the main body 2 in the lower chamber 28 at a position slightly shifted leftward from the center in the left-right direction. Because the upper cover 4 pivotally moves about the hinge 41, the center of gravity of the power supply device 1 shifts rightward when the upper cover 4 is opened.
  • the battery 8 is fixed at the position slightly shifted leftward from the center of the main body 2, so that the center of gravity of the power supply device 1 is kept at a position close to the center in the left-right direction even when the upper cover 4 is opened.
  • the drainage hole 25b is formed in the abutting section 25A at a position facing the space.
  • the battery 8 is restricted from moving in the left-right direction by the battery shafts 83 extending upward from the both ends in the left-right direction.
  • an elastic material 87 is provided between the support plate 85 and the upper surface of the battery 8 for protecting the same and for preventing slippage of the battery 8.
  • the support plate 85 has width ends portion each formed with through holes 85a through which the battery shaft 83 extends.
  • the support plate 85 and the elastic material 87 are pressed against the battery 8 by the wing bolts 84, thereby restricting movement of the battery 8 in the upper-lower direction. With this configuration, the battery 8 is completely fixed to the main body 2.
  • the support plate 85 is provided with an insulating member 85A over a distance D3 in the widthwise direction (Fig. 20). As shown in Fig. 6A, the distance D3 is larger than a distance D4 between the terminals 81. This configuration suppresses a situation in which the support plate 85 contacts the terminals of the battery 8 and a short circuit occurs when the battery 8 is replaced.
  • a cable 71A extends from the adapter cable 71 to each terminal 81, and a crimping terminal 71B made from metal is provided at an end of the cable 71A.
  • the crimping terminal 71B includes a terminal engaging section 71C that engages the terminal 81 and a cable receiving section 71D in which the cable 71A is inserted.
  • the terminal engaging section 71C and the terminals 81 are connected with each other so that the adapter 7 and the battery 8 are electrically connected.
  • the terminal 81 at the right side is a positive terminal
  • the terminal 81 at the left side is a negative terminal. Because the terminal engaging section 71C is fixed to the positive terminal 81, the adapter cable 71 can be prevented from coming off the battery 8 due to vibrations or the like that are generated when the power supply device 1 is carried.
  • a thermistor 88 serving as temperature detecting unit is provided on the crimping terminal 71B adjacent to a position where the positive terminal 81 engages the cable 71A.
  • the thermistor 88 and the thermistor cable 88A are inserted in the cable receiving section 71D and then that section is fixed by crimping (pressure bonding).
  • Epoxide resin is applied in the inner peripheral surface of the cable receiving section 71D, which prevents the thermistor 88 from being damaged by crimping.
  • the thermistor cable 88A is connected with the adapter 7 in order to detect the temperature of the battery 8.
  • thermal protectors 89 are disposed between the electrode terminal 81 and the terminal section 72A. Specifically, the thermal protectors 89 are fixed to the negative terminal 81 with a bolt. Cables of the thermal protectors 89 are connected with the adapter 7, so that battery malfunction can be detected.
  • the two thermal protectors 89 are held by a copper holder 90, and are fixed to the copper holder 90 with silicone 89A.
  • the copper holder 90 is fixed to the negative terminal 81 of the adapter 7 with a bolt.
  • One of the thermal protectors 89 is arranged at the cigarette socket provided at the adapter 7 for outputting a DC 12V voltage and at an output path of the battery 8. The remaining of the thermal protectors 89 is arranged at a charging path of the battery 8 and at a power supplying path to the inverter device 5.
  • the thermal protectors 89 becomes an open state and the above-mentioned path is cut off. Thus, charge and discharge can be stopped at the time of battery malfunction.
  • the temperature of a storage battery does not increase very much even if the storage battery is used continuously for a long time. However, if the storage battery is used under a high or low temperature environment, performance degradation of the battery or a failure of the battery sometimes occurs.
  • usage conditions relating to temperature is provided.
  • the thermistor 88 is provided for controlling temperature of a power supply to the inverter device 5 side
  • the two thermal protectors 89 are provided for controlling outputs to the cigarette socket plug and for protecting the device from high temperature at charging.
  • the one thermistor 88 is directly mounted on the positive terminal 81 of the battery 8, and the two thermal protectors 89 are directly mounted on the negative terminal 81 of the battery 8. Note that the two thermal protectors 89 are directly mounted on the negative terminal 81. Also, in order to read temperature accurately, the two thermal protectors 89 are directly bonded to the copper holder 90 with silicone 89A and are fixed to the terminal with a nut (bolt). This configuration can prevent dropping off, disconnection, or the like of the thermal protectors 89 and the thermistor 88 due to vibrations etc. during transportation etc., and can improve accuracy of controlling temperature.
  • the adapter cable 71 is fixed to the support plate 85 with a banding band.
  • This configuration prevents a situation in which a load (force) acts on a portion where the adapter cable 71 is connected with the terminals 81, so that the portion is damaged or broken.
  • the plurality of gas venting holes 8a is formed in the upper surface of the battery 8 for venting hydrogen gas of the battery 8.
  • the support plate 85 is provided at a position shifted from the gas venting holes 8a. Note that the circuit configuration and electrical operations of the battery 8, the adapter 7, and the inverter device 5 will be described in detail in a first modification later.
  • the first modification is illustrated in Figs. 25 through 27.
  • a sine-wave adapter 9 is placed on the middle cover 6, and the inverter device 5 is fixed to the upper cover 4.
  • the sine-wave adapter 9 is a device configured to convert a square-wave AC voltage outputted from the inverter device 5 to a sine-wave AC voltage. By connecting the output cable 52 of the inverter device 5 with the sine-wave adapter 9 and by acquiring an output from the sine-wave adapter 9, the power supply device 1 can be used as a 100V sine-wave AC power source.
  • the sine-wave adapter 9 includes engaging sections 91 configured to engage the inverter device 5, a display section 92 that displays setting conditions of the sine-wave adapter 9, a setting section 93 that sets output frequency of the sine-wave adapter 9, an output cable 94, and an input section 95 that receives inputs from the outside (Fig. 26).
  • the sine-wave adapter 9 has side protruding sections 9A protruding toward the sides and configured to engage the middle cover 6, and a front protruding section 9B protruding forward and configured to engage the middle cover 6.
  • the engaging sections 91 have shapes that are substantially identical to the shapes of the engaging sections 43A provided at the latch plate 43, and protrude upward.
  • the operator can operate the mount-dismount buttons 53 provided at the inverter device 5 to mount the inverter device 5 on the sine-wave adapter 9 or dismount the inverter device 5 from the sine-wave adapter 9.
  • the inverter device 5 and the sine-wave adapter 9 can be integrally carried, and usage can be broadened.
  • the display section 92 is provided with two LED lamps. One of the LED lamps turns on when the setting section 93 is set to 50 Hz, and the other one of the LED lamps turns on when the setting section 93 is set to 60 Hz.
  • An insertion plug 94A is provided at an end of the output cable 94. An output from the inverter device 5 is inputted in the input section 95.
  • the cable accommodating space 6b accommodates the output cable 94 extending from the rear surface of the sine-wave adapter 9 when the sine-wave adapter 9 is placed on the middle cover 6.
  • the side protruding sections 9A of the sine-wave adapter 9 are respectively placed on the receiving sections 64 at the left and right sides.
  • the front protruding section 9B of the sine-wave adapter 9 is placed on the receiving section 64 at the front side.
  • Fig. 28 shows an electrical circuit of the battery 8, the adapter 7 and the inverter device 5.
  • the adapter 7 is connected to the battery 8, and the inverter device 5 is in turn connected to the adapter 7.
  • the adapter 7 has an input-side positive terminal 1071A, an input-side negative terminal 1071B, an output-side positive terminal 1072B, an output-side negative terminal 1072C, and terminals 1072A to 1072G.
  • the input-side positive terminal 1071A and input-side negative terminal 1071B are connected to the positive terminal 1081A (terminal 81) and negative terminal 1081B (terminal 81) of the battery 8, respectively.
  • the DC voltage from the battery 8 is applied to the adapter 7.
  • the input-side positive terminal 1071A and the input-side negative terminal 1071B are connected to the output-side positive terminal 1072B and the output-side negative terminal 1072C of the adapter 7, respectively.
  • the output-side negative terminal 1072C of the adapter 7 is connected to the negative terminal of the battery 8. With such connections, the DC voltage supplied from the battery 8 is applied to the inverter device 5 through the positive terminal 1072B and the negative terminal 1072C.
  • the adapter 7 includes a microcomputer 1710, a constant voltage circuit 1720, a charge current detecting circuit 1730, a low power consumption circuit 1740, a power source voltage detecting circuit 1750, a output halt circuit 1760, a charge circuit 1770, a charge timer reset circuit 1781, a discriminating resistor 1785, a residual amount display circuit 1784, a discharge halt circuit 1786, and a temperature detecting section 1707A connected to a thermistor 1707 (thermistor 88).
  • the thermistor 1707 is disposed in contact with or in proximity with the battery 8 to detect the temperature of the same.
  • the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is configured from resistors 1751 and 1752 connected in series between the input-side positive terminal 1071A and the input-side negative terminal 1071B. A node between the resistors 1750 and 1751 is connected to the microcomputer 1710 to apply a voltage developed across the resistor 1751.
  • the power consumption suppressing circuit 1740 is configured from FETs 1741, 1743, resistors 1742, 1744, 1747, 1748, diode 1746, and a capacitor 1745.
  • the low power consumption circuit 1740 is connected between the input-side positive terminal 1071A of the adapter 7 and the constant voltage circuit 1720. More specifically, the FET 1741 has a source connected to the input-side positive terminal 1071A, a drain connected to the constant voltage circuit 1720, and a gate connected to the drain of the FET 1743 via the resistor 1748.
  • the resistor 1742 is connected between the source and the gage of the FET 1741.
  • the FET 1743 When the voltage from the inverter device 5 is applied to the low power consumption circuit 1740 via the terminal 1072D, the FET 1743 is rendered ON and the FET 1741 is also rendered ON. As a result, the output voltage from the battery 8 is applied to the constant voltage circuit 1720. On the other hand, when the voltage from the inverter device 5 is not applied to the low power consumption circuit 1740, the FET 1743 is OFF which in turn renders the FET 1741 OFF. As such, the output voltage from the battery 8 is not applied to the constant voltage circuit 1720. Accordingly, the microcomputer 1710 is not placed in an operable condition. In this way, when the inverter device 5 is not operating, the battery 8 does not supply power to the adapter 7. With such a configuration, power of the battery 8 is not consumed in vain.
  • the constant voltage circuit 1720 includes a three-terminal regulator 1723, and an oscillation suppressing capacitor 1722.
  • the constant voltage circuit 1720 functions to convert the voltage supplied from the battery 8 to a predetermined voltage (for example, 5V) and the converted voltage is applied to the microcomputer 1710 and other components to be operable or to activate.
  • the charge current detecting circuit 1730 includes resistors 1731 to 1735, an operational amplifier 1736, and a capacitor 1737.
  • the resistor 1731 is connected between the input-side negative terminal 1071B and the output-side negative terminal 1072C.
  • the charge current detecting circuit 1730 operates to amplify the current flowing in the resistor 1731 with the operational amplifier 1736 and the resulting current is applied to the microcomputer 1710.
  • the microcomputer 1710 is capable of measuring the current flowing in the resistor 1731.
  • the charge timer reset circuit 1781 includes a resistor 1782 and a transistor 1783.
  • the transistor 1783 has a collector connected to the inverter device 5 (terminal 1052E) via the identification resistor 1785 and the terminal 1072E, and an emitter connected to the negative-side terminal 1072C.
  • the transistor 1783 is rendered ON and a reset signal is applied to the inverter device 5.
  • the microcomputer 1710 outputs the identification signal to the inverter device 5 via the charge timer reset circuit 1781, the identification resistor 1785, and the terminal 1072E.
  • the identification resistor 1785 has a resistance specific to the battery 8 being used.
  • the inverter device 5 In response to the identification signal, the inverter device 5 is capable of knowing electrical characteristic of the battery 8, such as a voltage.
  • the resistance of the identification resistor 1785 is set to a value different from the resistance of the identification resistor of the battery pack 5C. Specifically, due to the different resistances imparted upon the identification resistors 1785, the identification signal identifying the adapter 7 and output via the identification resistor 1785 is different from the identification signal identifying the battery pack 5C and output via the identification resistor.
  • the inverter device 5 is capable of determining whether the adapter 7 is connected or the battery pack 5C is connected based on the identification signal received.
  • the discharge halt circuit 1786 includes a resistor 1787, a transistor 1788, and a resistor 1789.
  • the transistor 1788 has a collector connected to the inverter device 5 via the resistor 1789 and the terminal 1072G, and an emitter connected to the negative terminal 1072C.
  • the microcomputer 1710 determines that the output voltage from the battery 8 falls below a predetermined level in response to the output from the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750, the microcomputer 1710 outputs a high-level signal to the discharge halt circuit 1786.
  • the transistor 1788 is rendered ON, allowing a discharge halt signal (LD signal) to be output to the inverter device 5.
  • LD signal discharge halt signal
  • the microcomputer 1710 determines that the output voltage from the battery 8 has not yet fallen below the predetermined level, that is, when the microcomputer 1710 determines that discharging can be continued, the microcomputer 1710 outputs a low-level signal to the discharge halt circuit 1786. Then, the transistor 1788 turns to OFF and the discharge halt signal is not produced. The signal output to the discharge halt circuit 1786 is also output to an output halt circuit 1760 which will be described later. When the discharge halt signal is output from the discharge halt circuit 1786, the output halt circuit 1760 interrupts the cigarette socket plug 1073 from the battery 8, so that the voltage from the cigarette socket plug 1073 is not available.
  • the microcomputer 1710 is connected to the terminal 1072F and the charge halt signal (LE signal) is output to the inverter device 5 via the terminal 1072F.
  • the residual amount display circuit 1784 includes a resistor 1795 and an LED 1074.
  • the LED 1074 is lit with the residual amount of the lead-acid battery, i.e., the voltage detected by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750.
  • the microcomputer 1710 determines that the voltage detected by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is equal to or greater than 70% of the maximum voltage of the battery 8
  • the microcomputer 1710 controls the LED 1074 to continuously light.
  • the microcomputer 1710 determined that the detected voltage by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 falls between 30% and 70% of the maximum voltage of the battery 8 (equal to or greater than 30% but less than 70%)
  • the LED 1074 is controlled to flicker at a first frequency.
  • the LED 1074 is controlled to flicker at a second frequency higher than the first frequency. As such, the user can readily recognize the residual amount of the battery 8 from the lighting state of the LED 1074.
  • the cigarette socket plug 1073 has a pair of two terminals 1073A and 1073B.
  • the positive terminal 1073A is connected to the positive terminal 1081A of the battery 8 via the terminal 1071A and the output halt circuit 1760.
  • the counterpart negative terminal 1073B of the cigarette socket plug 1073 is connected to the negative terminal 1081B of the battery 8.
  • the output of the battery 8 can be simultaneously derived from both the cigarette socket terminals 1073A and 1073B and the terminals 1072B and 1072C.
  • DC 12V can be output from the cigarette socket terminals 1073A and 1073B and on the other hand, rectangular-wave 100V can be output from the inverter device 5. Both outputs can be available simultaneously.
  • the output halt circuit 1760 is connected between the positive terminal 1071A of the battery 8 and the terminal 1073A of the cigarette socket plug 1073.
  • the output halt circuit 1760 is configured from an FET 1761, resistors 1762, 1763, 1765 to 1767, 1769 and 1792, transistors 1764 and 1791, and a Zener diode 1768.
  • the transistor 1791 has a base connected to the microcomputer 1710.
  • the FET 1761 has a source connected to the terminal 1071A and a drain connected to the terminal 1073A. In response to a high-level signal applied to the base of the transistor 1791 by the microcomputer 1710, the transistor 1791 is rendered ON and the transistor 1764 is rendered OFF.
  • the DC voltage of the battery 8 can be derived from the cigarette socket plug 1073. It can be appreciated that an electrical equipment provided with a cigarette socket can be used if the electrical equipment is inserted into the adapter 7. When the voltage across the battery 8 is lowered, further discharge from the battery 8 is halted by the output halt circuit 1760. With such a configuration, over-discharge of the battery can be prevented. When the voltage across the battery 8 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the transistor 1764 is rendered ON and the FET 1761 is in turn rendered ON, so that the power is supplied to the cigarette socket plug 1073.
  • the charge circuit 1770 is connected to the FET 1771, resistors 1772, 1773 and 1775, and a transistor 1774.
  • the transistor 1774 has a base connected to the output terminal of the microcomputer 1710 via the resistor 1775.
  • the FET 1771 has a drain connected to both the positive terminal 1071A of the battery 8 and the constant voltage circuit 1720, and a source connected to the output-side terminal 1072A of the adapter 7.
  • the battery 8 is charged by the voltage applied to the terminals 1072A and 1072B from the inverter device 5.
  • the microcomputer 1710 When the battery 8 is charged, the microcomputer 1710 outputs a high-level signal to the base of the transistor 1774 to thereby render the transistor 1774 ON.
  • the FET 1771 When the transistor 1774 is rendered ON, the FET 1771 is also rendered ON, thereby forming a charge circuit to allow the battery 8 to be charged. On the other hand, when the microcomputer 1710 applies a low-level signal to the base of the transistor 1774, the FET 1771 is rendered OFF to interrupt the charge path. Hence, charging the battery 8 is halted.
  • the thermistor 1707 is disposed in the vicinity of the battery 8.
  • the thermistor 1707 is disposed in the vicinity of the positive terminal 1081A by fixing the thermistor 1707 with a bolt. Because the thermistor 1707 is disposed in the vicinity of the positive terminal 1081A, the battery temperature can be accurately detected. Further, the thermistor 1707 is firmly fixed using a clamper, such as bolt, it is unlikely that the thermistor 1707 is detached or removed due to external force, such as vibrations.
  • the microcomputer 1710 is supplied with information about the temperature of the battery 8 by the thermistor 1707 and the temperature detecting section 1707A.
  • the constant voltage circuit 1720 supplies power to the temperature detecting section 1707A.
  • thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B are fixedly secured using bolts in the vicinity of the negative terminal 1081B of the battery 8.
  • the thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B are held by the copper holder 90 and fixedly secured thereto using silicon.
  • the copper holder 90 is fixedly secured to the negative terminal 1081B of the battery 8 using a bolt.
  • the thermal protector 1708A is disposed in an output path lead to the cigarette socket plug 1073 (terminals 1073A and 1073B) and the battery 8.
  • Another thermal protector 1708B is disposed in a charge path extending to the battery 8 and in a power supply path (switch 1525). While in the above-described embodiment, the thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B are described as being separate members from the adapter 7 and the battery 8, the protectors may be a part of the adapter 7 or a part of the battery 8.
  • the thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B are brought to an open state when the battery temperature becomes high, say, more than 65 Centigrade, due to malfunction of the battery. When it is the case, the above-described path is interrupted, ensuring the charge/discharge to halt in the case of battery malfunction.
  • the thermal protector 1708A is brought to an open state, no signal is applied to the gate of the transistor 1764, so that the FET 1761 is rendered OFF and the output to the cigarette socket plug 1073 is interrupted.
  • the counterpart thermal protector 1708B is brought to an open state, the charge path between the charge section 5B and the battery 8 is interrupted.
  • the battery temperature does not increase significantly during a long-time continuous usage of the same. Deterioration of the battery and malfunction of the battery is liable to occur when the battery is used under a low or high temperature circumstance.
  • the embodiment is adopts a condition for a temperature in which a battery is allowed to be used.
  • the thermistor 1707 is provided so that the power supply to the inverter device 5 is implemented under the temperature control.
  • the pair of thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B is provided for thermal protection at the time of output control to the cigarette socket plug 1073 and at the time of charging the battery.
  • the power source device 1 is so structured as to directly attach a single thermistor 1707 to the positive terminal 1081A of the battery 8 and to directly attach the pair of thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B to the positive terminal 1081A for the purpose of enhancing accuracy of the temperature control.
  • the pair of thermal protectors is directly bonded to the copper holder 90 using silicon and secured to the terminal portion using a bolt and a nut.
  • the thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B and the thermistor 1707 are prevented from being detached or disconnected from the attached portions, which may otherwise occur due to external force or vibrations yielded at the time of conveyance or transportation.
  • the temperature control can be implemented with high accuracy.
  • thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B are illustrated in the vicinity of the positive terminal 1081A, and the thermistor 1707 in the vicinity of the negative terminal 1081B in Fig. 28, it is to be noted that the illustration in Fig. 28 is not intended to show the physical positional relation. As described above, Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C shows the physical positional relation with respect to the thermistor 1707 and the thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B. Alternatively, the thermistor 1707 may be directly attached to the negative terminal 1081B of the battery 8, and the thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B to the positive terminal 1081A thereof.
  • the invertor 4 is supplied with a DC voltage from the battery 8 via the adapter 7 (see Fig. 29A). While boosting the supplied DC voltage (see Fig. 29B), the inverter device 5 converts the DC voltage to a rectangular-wave voltage (see Fig. 29C).
  • the sine-wave adapter 9 first rectifies the rectangular-wave voltage to be a DC voltage (see Fig. 29D) and the resultant DC voltage is changed to a relevant level DC voltage upon performing a DC-to-AC conversion, transforming the resultant AC voltage and then performing a AC-to-DC conversion (see Fig. 29E).
  • the finally obtained DC voltage is converted to a pulsating voltage (see Fig. 29F), and thereafter the pulsating voltage is converted to a sin-wave voltage (see Fig. 29G).
  • the sin-wave voltage thus obtained can be output to a precision machine via the terminals 5A and 5B (outlets of the commercial AC power supply).
  • the inverter device 5 includes a discharge section 5A and a charge section 5B.
  • the discharge section 5A includes a battery voltage detecting section 1510, a switch 1525, a constant voltage circuit 1521, a boost circuit 1540, rectifying/smoothing circuit 1550, a boosted voltage detecting circuit 1560, an inverter circuit 1570, a current detecting resistor 1517, a PWM signal output section 1511, and a control section 1501.
  • the discharge section 5A converts the DC voltage applied to the terminals 1052B and 1052C to a rectangular-wave AC voltage and outputs the latter from the terminals 1057A and 1057B.
  • the battery voltage detecting section 1510 includes battery voltage detecting resistors 1512 and 1513 which are connected in series between the positive terminal 1052B and the negative terminal 1052C.
  • the voltage of the battery (which is the battery 8 connected to the adapter 7 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 28) is voltage-divided by the battery voltage detecting resistors 1512 and 1513 and the divided voltage is applied to the control section 1501.
  • the battery pack 5C (see Fig. 24) for use as a power source of a power tool can be connected to the terminals 1052B and 1052C.
  • the power source switch 1525 and the constant voltage circuit 1521 are connected in series between the positive terminal 1052B and the control section 1501.
  • the constant voltage circuit 1521 includes a three-terminal regulator 1522 and oscillation suppression capacitors 1523 and 1524.
  • the power source switch 1525 When the power source switch 1525 is turned ON by the user, the voltage from the adapter 7 (battery 8) is converted to a DC voltage (for example, 5V) and the resultant voltage is applied to the control section 1501 as a drive power.
  • the power source switch 1525 is turned OFF, the driving power is no longer supplied to the control section 1501, causing the overall inverter device 5 is rendered OFF.
  • the boost circuit 1540 includes a transformer 1541, an FET 1531, a resistor 1532, and a thermistor 1533.
  • the transformer 1541 is composed of a primary winding 1541a and a secondary winding 1541b.
  • the primary winding 1541a is connected between the positive terminal 1052B and negative terminal 1052C.
  • the FET 1531 is connected between the primary winding 1541a of the transformer 1541 and the negative terminal 1052C.
  • the FET 1531 has a gate to which a first PWM signal supplied from the control section 1501 is applied.
  • the FET 1531 is rendered ON or OFF in response to the first PWM signal.
  • the DC power supplied from the adapter 7 (or battery pack 5C) is converted to AC power for applying to the primary winding 1541a of the transformer 1541.
  • the AC power applied to the primary winding 1541a of the transformer 1541 is transformed depending upon a ratio of the number of turns in the secondary winding 1541b to the number of turns in the primary winding 1541a, and the resultant AC power is output from the secondary winding 1541b.
  • the thermistor 1533 is used to detect the temperature of the FET 1531.
  • the control section 1501 determines that the temperature of the FET 1531 is higher than a predetermined temperature, the FET 1531 is rendered OFF in response to the first PWM signal, thereby interrupting a current from flowing in the transformer 1541 in order to prevent circuit components, particularly FET 1531, from being damaged by high temperature.
  • the rectifying/smoothing circuit 1550 includes rectifying diodes 1551 and 1552, and a smoothing capacitor 1553.
  • the rectifying/smoothing circuit 1550 operates to rectify and smooth the AC power stepped up by the transformer 1541 and outputs DC power.
  • the boosted voltage detecting circuit 1560 includes resistors 1561 and 1562 connected in series, and operates to detect the stepped-up DC voltage (a voltage developed across the smoothing capacitor, which is, for example, 141 volt) output from the rectifying/smoothing circuit 1550 and outputs a voltage divided by the resistors 1561 and 1562 to the control section 1501.
  • stepped-up DC voltage a voltage developed across the smoothing capacitor, which is, for example, 141 volt
  • the inverter circuit 1570 includes four FETs 1571-1574.
  • a first pair of serially connected FETs 1571 and 1572 and a second pair of serially connected FETs 1573 and 1574 are connected in parallel to the smoothing capacitor 1553. More specifically, the FET 1571 has a drain connected to the cathodes of the rectifying diodes 1551 and 1552, and a source connected to the drain of the FET 1572.
  • the FET 1573 has a drain connected to the cathodes of the rectifying diodes 1551 and 1552, and a source connected to the drain of the FET 1574.
  • the source of FET 1571 and the drain of FET 1572 are connected to the output terminal 1057A
  • the source of FET 1573 and the drain of FET 1574 are connected to the output terminal 1057B.
  • the output terminals 1057A and 1057B are configured to be connected to the terminals 1097A and 1097B of the sine-wave adapter 9, respectively.
  • a second PWM signal is output from a PWM signal output section 1511 and applied to the gates of the FETs 1571-1574 to render the latter ON or OFF.
  • the switching actions of the FETs 1571-1574 convert the DC voltage output from the rectifying/smoothing circuit 1550 to an AC voltage of rectangular waveform (for example, AC 100V), and the converted AC voltage is applied to the sine-wave adapter 9.
  • the current detecting resistor 1517 is connected between the sources of FETs 1572, 1574 and the negative-side terminal 1052C.
  • the high-voltage side of the current detecting resistor 1517 is connected to the control section 1501. With such a configuration, the current detecting resistor 1517 detects the current flowing in the inverter device 5 based on a voltage drop in the resistor and outputs the dropped voltage to the control section 1501.
  • the control section 1501 outputs the first PWM signal to the gate of the FET 1531 so that the boosted voltage reaches a target effective value (for example, 141 volt) based on the boosted voltage detected by the boosted voltage detecting circuit 1560. Further, the control section 1501 outputs the second PWM signal to the gates of the FETs 1571-1574 via the PWM signal output section 1511 so that an AC voltage including a target effective value (for example AC 100 volt) is output to the terminal 1057. In accordance with the present embodiment, the control section 1501 outputs the second PWM signal such that a first pair of FETs 1571, 1574 and a second pair of FETs 1572, 1573 are alternately switched to ON and OFF. Stated differently, the control section 1501 controls the gate voltage of the FET 1531 so as to obtain the target boosted voltage based on the feedback information about the boosted voltage detected by the boosted voltage detecting circuit 1560.
  • a target effective value for example, 141 volt
  • the control section 1501 determines whether or not the battery 8 connected to the adapter 7 has been over-discharged based on the battery voltage detected by the battery voltage detecting section 1510. More specifically, when the battery voltage detected by the battery voltage detecting section 1510 is smaller than a predetermined discharge voltage, the control section 1501 determines that the battery 8 is over-discharged and outputs the first and second PWM signals to halt the output to the inverter device 5. This means that output of at least one of the first and second PWM signals is halted. The control section 1501 outputs the first and second PWM signals to halt the output to the terminal 1057 in response to the discharge halt signal (LD signal) received from the signal terminal 1052G. This means that output of at least one of the first and second PWM signals is halted.
  • LD signal discharge halt signal
  • control section 1501 determines whether or not an over-current is flowing based on the current (or voltage) detected by the current detecting resistor 1517. More specifically, when the current detected by the current detecting resistor 1517 has exceeded an over-current determinative threshold value of the FETs 1571-1574 configuring the inverter circuit 1570, the control section 1501 outputs the first PWM signal to the gate of the FET 1531 to halt the switching action of the FET 1531, and also outputs the second PWM signal to the gates of the FETs 1571-1574 to halt the switching actions of the FETs 1571-1574.
  • the charge section 5B includes a rectifying circuit 1581, a smoothing capacitor 1582, an FET driver IC 1583, a voltage stepping down circuit 1590, a rectifying/smoothing circuit 1585, a feedback control section 1588, a switch 1589, and a capacitor 1595.
  • the rectifying circuit 1581 is connected between the terminals 1058A and 1058B and rectifies an AC voltage applied between the terminals 1058A and 1058B.
  • the smoothing capacitor 1582 performs smoothing of the AC voltage being rectified by the rectifying circuit 1581. As shown in Fig. 24, the power cable 56 is connected to the terminal 1058 to apply a commercial AC voltage thereto.
  • the voltage stepping down circuit 1590 includes a transformer 1591 and an FET 1542.
  • the transformer 1591 is configured from a primary winding 1591a and a secondary winding 1591b.
  • the primary winding 1591a is connected between the positive-side terminal 1058A and the negative-side terminal 1058B.
  • the FET 1542 is connected between the primary winding 1591a of the transformer 1591 and the negative-side terminal 1058B.
  • the FET 1542 has a gate to which a third PWM signal fed from the FET driver IC 1583 is applied.
  • the FET 1542 performs switching actions in response to the third PWM signal, thereby converting the supplied DC voltage to an AC voltage.
  • the resultant AC voltage is applied to the primary winding 1591a of the transformer 1591.
  • the AC voltage applied to the primary winding 1591a is transformed depending upon a ratio of the number of turns in the secondary winding 1591b to the number of turns in the primary winding 1591a, and the stepped-up (or stepped-down) AC voltage is output from the secondary winding 1591b.
  • the microcomputer 1710 applies the identification signal inputted from the terminal 1052E to the FET driver IC 1583. Based on the identification signal, the FET driver IC 1583 generates the third PWM signal with a duty ratio corresponding to the battery 8. In this manner, a voltage corresponding to the battery 8 is supplied from the charge section 5B.
  • the rectifying/smoothing circuit 1585 includes a rectifying diode 1586 and a smoothing capacitor 1587.
  • the rectifying/smoothing circuit 1585 operates to rectify and smooth the stepped-down AC output from the transformer 1591 and outputs a DC voltage to be applied to the adapter 7.
  • the positive side of the rectifying/smoothing circuit 1585 is connected to the terminal 1052A and the negative side thereof to the terminal 1052C.
  • the switch 1589 is turned ON, the DC voltage being rectified and smoothened by the rectifying/smoothing circuit 1585 is output to the adapter 7 via the terminal 1052A.
  • the feedback control section 1588 includes a feedback circuit 1588a and a resistor 1588b.
  • the feedback circuit 1588a detects a current flowing in the resistor 1588b and sends a control signal to the FET driver IC 1583 via a photo-coupler 1584 depending upon the level of the current detected by the feedback circuit 1588a. Specifically, when the current flowing in the resistor 1588b is reduced, the feedback control circuit 1588a controls the FET driver IC 1583 to transmit the PWM signal with an increased duty ratio whereas when the current flowing in the resistor 1588b is increased, the feedback control circuit 1588a controls the FET driver IC 1583 to transmit the PWM signal with a decreased duty ratio.
  • the switch 1589 is connected between the terminal 1052A and the rectifying/smoothing circuit 1585 and switches the charging from ON to OFF or vice versa.
  • the control section 1501 performs measurement of a charging period of time tc from the start of charge. When the charging period of time exceeds a predetermined period of time tcf, the control section 1501 turns the switch 1589 OFF to thereby halt the charging.
  • the inverter device 5 is configured to use the battery pack 5C, such as a battery pack for used in an electrically-driven power tool.
  • the predetermined period of time tcf is determined to such a time duration that prevents the battery pack 5C from being over-charged.
  • the control section 1501 also turns the switch 1589 OFF in response to the charge halt signal (LD signal) applied from the terminal 1052E.
  • LD signal charge halt signal
  • Fig. 30 is a circuit diagram showing the sine-wave adapter 9.
  • the sine-wave adapter 9 includes input terminals 1097 (1097A and 1097B), output terminals 1098 (1098A and 1098B), a rectifying circuit 1911, a first smoothing capacitor 1902, a rush current prevention circuit 1930, a voltage detecting circuit 1094, an auxiliary power source 1095, a boosting circuit 1096, a second smoothing capacitor 1907, an inverter circuit 1980, a current detecting resistor 1099, a driver IC 1902, a microcomputer 1903, a frequency changeover circuit 1920, a display section 1083, a fan mechanism 1084, and a relay circuit 1990.
  • the rectifying circuit 1911 and the first smoothing capacitor 1902 rectifies and smoothens the rectangular-wave voltage (see Fig. 29C) input from the inverter device 5, and outputs a DC voltage equal to the maximum level of the voltage inputted from the inverter device 5 as shown in Figs. 29D and 29E.
  • the rush current prevention circuit 1930 is provided for preventing a rush current from flowing in sine-wave adapter 9 when the latter is powered.
  • the rush current prevention circuit 1930 basically includes an FET 1931, a rush current prevention resistor 1932, and resistors 1933 and 1934 provided for voltage dividing purpose.
  • the rush current prevention resistor 1932 has a resistance large enough to prevent a large current to flow in the first smoothing capacitor 1902.
  • the FET 1931 is maintained OFF up to when the divided voltage by the resistors 1933 and 1934 of the output voltage from the rectifying circuit 1911 and the first smoothing capacitor 1902 has reached the gate voltage of the FET 1931 starting from the time when the inverter device 5 is powered (i.e., when the sine-wave adapter 9 starts operating).
  • the rush current prevention resistor 1932 and the first smoothing capacitor 1902 are connected in series, increasing an overall impedance. For this reason, the rush current is prevented from flowing in the sine-wave adapter 9.
  • the voltage detecting circuit 1094 is configured from voltage detecting resistors 1941 and 1942 connected in series.
  • the output voltage from the rectifying circuit 1911 and the first smoothing capacitor 1902, i.e., the charged voltage in the first smoothing capacitor 1902, is divided by the resistors 1941 and 1942 and the divided voltage is applied to the microcomputer 1903.
  • the auxiliary power source 1095 includes a three-terminal regulator 1951, and oscillation prevention capacitors 1952 and 1953.
  • the auxiliary power source 1095 converts the voltage output from the rectifying circuit 1911 and the first smoothing capacitor 1902 to a predetermined DC voltage (for example, DC 5V), and the resultant voltage is applied to the microcomputer 1903 as a driving voltage.
  • a predetermined DC voltage for example, DC 5V
  • the boosting circuit 1096 includes a coil 1961, an FET 1962, a switching IC 1963, a rectifying diode 1964, and voltage detecting resistors 1965 and 1966.
  • Switching actions (ON and OFF) of the FET 1962 performed under the aegis of the switching IC 1963 outputs pulsating voltage from the coil 1961.
  • the pulsating voltage is subject to rectification and smoothing by the rectifying diode 1964 and the second smoothing capacitor 1907 to provide a DC voltage.
  • DC voltage of 141 volt is output from the boosting circuit 1096 and the second smoothing capacitor 1907.
  • the voltage detecting resistors 1965 and 1966 operate to monitor the voltage developed across the second smoothing capacitor 1907 and feedback the voltage to the switching IC 1963.
  • the switching IC 1963 renders the FET 1962 ON and OFF so that the voltage developed across the second smoothing capacitor 1907 is held to 141 volt.
  • the inverter circuit 1980 includes an inverter portion 1981 and a filter portion 1982.
  • the inverter portion 1981 is configured from four FETs 1981a-1981d.
  • the FET 1981a has a drain connected to the cathode of the rectifying diode 1964, and a source connected to the drain of the FET 1981b.
  • the FET 1981c has a drain connected to the cathode of the rectifying diode 1964 and a source connected to the drain of the FET 1981d.
  • the second PWM signal is applied by the driver IC 1902 for the FETs 1981a-1981d to perform the switching actions.
  • the switching actions performed by the FETs 1981a-1981d convert the DC voltage output from the boosting circuit 1096 and the second smoothing capacitor 1907 is converted to pulsating voltage as shown in Fig. 29F.
  • the filter portion 1982 includes coils 1982a and 1982b, and a capacitor 1982c. To the coil 1982a, connected are the source of the FET 1981 and the drain of the FET 1981b, whereas to the coil 1982b, connected are the source of the FET 1981c and the drain of the FET 1981d.
  • the pulsating voltage output from the inverter portion 1981 (FETs 1981a-1981d) is converted to a sin-wave voltage through the filter portion 1982 as shown in Fig. 29G.
  • the current detecting resistor 1099 is connected between the sources of FETs 1981b and 1981d and ground.
  • the high voltage side terminal of the current detecting resistor 1099 is connected to the microcomputer 1903. With such a configuration, the current detecting resistor 1099 detects the current flowing in the inverter circuit 1980 (sine-wave adapter 9), and applies the corresponding voltage to the microcomputer 1903.
  • the microcomputer 1903 controls the ON/OFF operations of the switching IC 1963.
  • the switching IC 1963 performs PWM control over the FET 1962 so that a predetermined DC voltage (141 volt in this embodiment) is output from the boosting circuit 1096 and the second smoothing capacitor 1907, that is, the boosted voltage in the second smoothing capacitor 1907 is brought to 141 volt.
  • the microcomputer 1903 outputs the second PWM signal to the gates of the FETs 1981a-1981d via the driver IC 1902.
  • the second PWM signal output from the microcomputer 1093 is such a signal that causes the inverter circuit 1980 to output a pulsating voltage having an effective value 100 volt.
  • the microcomputer 1903 normally outputs the second PWM signal that alternately renders the first set of FETs 1981a and 1981d and the second set of the FETs 1981b and 1981c ON and OFF at 100% in the duty ratio.
  • the second PWM signal is such a signal that the respective FETs perform ON/OFF switching at a switching frequency of 20 kHz.
  • the output frequency can be changed by the frequency change-over circuit 1920 (to be described later) to, for example, 50 Hz as shown in Fig. 29F.
  • the microcomputer 1903 as used in the present embodiment carries out monitoring of the input voltage, determination as to whether or not boosting of voltage is needed, and soft start at the time when the sine-wave adapter 9 starts its operation.
  • the microcomputer 1903 carries out the monitoring of the input voltage in such a manner that operations of the voltage boosting circuit 1096 and the inverter circuit 1980 are halted in the case where the maximum value of the rectangular waveform voltage inputted from the inverter device 5 is out of a first range (equal to or greater than 99 volt and equal to or smaller than 169 volt). With such an operation, likelihood that the FETs and other elements contained in the sine-wave adapter 9 are damaged can be relieved.
  • the microcomputer 1903 halts the operation of the boosting circuit 1096 when the maximum value of the rectangular voltage falls within the second range (from 127 volt to 141 volt in the present embodiment). Because the boosting circuit 1096 is operated based on such a determination, the boosting circuit 1096 is prevented from being operated in vain and unnecessary power consumption can be prevented.
  • the duty ratio of the second PWM signal is lowered to 50%. Thereafter, the duty ratio is reverted to 100% in the duration of 2.5 seconds. As such, a large amount of current is prevented from being flowed in the sine-wave adapter 9 and the inverter device 5.
  • the frequency changeover circuit 1920 includes a switch 1921 and an EEPROM 1922.
  • the switch 221 By depressing the switch 221 for a predetermined period of time (in the present embodiment, 3 seconds), the frequency of the sin-wave voltage output from the sine-wave adapter 9 is switchable between 50 Hz and 60Hz. More specifically, when the switch 221 is depressed, a HIGH level frequency change-over signal is applied to the microcomputer 1903 from the sine-wave adapter 9. In order for the microcomputer 1903 to change-over the frequency of the sin-wave voltage output from the sine-wave adapter 9, the microcomputer 1903 changes the second PWM signal depending upon the frequency change-over signal.
  • the EEPROM 1922 stores the frequency at the time when the operation of the microcomputer 1903 is halted, that is, when the power supply from the inverter device 5 is halted. At the time of the start of the next operation, the microcomputer 1903 outputs the second PWM signal depending upon the frequency stored in the EEPROM 1922.
  • a display portion 1083 includes a transistor 1831 and an LED 1832.
  • the transistor 1831 is rendered ON in response to the LOW signal output from the microcomputer 1903 and then the LED 1832 is lit or flickered.
  • the transistor 1831 is actually a group of transistors including a transistor for a 50 Hz green light LED, a transistor for a 50 Hz red light LED, a transistor for a 60 Hz green light LED, and a transistor for a 60 Hz red light LED.
  • the LED 1832 is actually a group of the 50 Hz green light LED, 50 Hz red light LED, 60 Hz green light LED, and 60 Hz red light LED.
  • the corresponding transistor and LED are connected so that the former drives the latter.
  • the microcomputer 1903 outputs signals to the display portion 1083 so that relevant LED or LEDs are lit to indicate the status of the sine-wave adapter 9.
  • the frequency changeover circuit 1920 When the frequency is set to 50 Hz by the frequency changeover circuit 1920, the 50Hz, green LED is lit. When the frequency is set to 60 Hz by the frequency changeover circuit 1920, the 60Hz, green LED is lit. When the current detected by the current detecting resistor 1099 is 4A or more, the red LED for the relevant frequency being set is lit whereas when the current detected by the current detecting resistor 1099 is 5 Ampere or more, the red LED for the relevant frequency being set is flickered.
  • a temperature detecting means such as a thermistor, is disposed in proximity with the FET 1962 to detect the temperature of the FET 1962.
  • a temperature detecting means such as a thermistor
  • the green LED for the relevant frequency being set is flickered.
  • the green and red LEDs for the frequency being changed are flickered at an interval of 0.5 second for a duration of 3 seconds, and subsequently flickered at an interval of 0.2 second for a duration of 2 seconds, and then only the green LED is lit continuously. It is to be noted that when both the green LED and the red LED are lit simultaneously, the mixed light is seen to be an orange color.
  • a fan mechanism 1084 primarily includes a cooling fan 1841 and a transistor 1842.
  • the microcomputer 1903 outputs an ON signal to the transistor 1842 when the microcomputer 1903 is powered.
  • the transistor 1842 is rendered ON in response to the ON signal, thereby driving the cooling fan 1841.
  • the relay circuit 1990 includes switches 1991 and 1992.
  • the switch 1991 is interconnected between the positive-side terminals 1097A and 1098A, and another switch 1992 is interconnected between the negative-side terminals 1097B and 1098B.
  • the ON/OFFF switching actions of the switches 1991 and 1992 are controlled by the microcomputer 1903.
  • the relay circuit 1990 is rendered ON when a voltage in the form of a sin-wave is applied to the sine-wave adapter 9 and outputs the input voltage as it is. At this time, the boosting circuit 1096 and the inverter circuit 1980 are disabled, so that power consumption can be suppressed.
  • Fig. 31 is a graphical representation illustrating how the battery 8 is controlled at the time of charging by the adapter 7.
  • the axis of abscissa represents charging time in which t0 is a charge start time.
  • the axis of ordinate represents charging current and battery voltage.
  • the voltage developed across the resistor 1752 indicative of the voltage across the battery 8 is applied to the microcomputer 1710.
  • the microcomputer 1710 computes a duration of time T1 from charge start time t0 to time t2 at which the voltage across the lead-acid battery has reached to voltage V1.
  • a duration of time T2 corresponding to the measured duration of time T1 is set by the microcomputer 1710, and the latter halts charging the battery 8 at time t2 when the duration of time T2 has expired from time t1.
  • the inverter device 5 is configured to automatically turn off the switch 1589 when charging time tc has reached to a predetermined duration of time tcf.
  • the battery 8 in accordance with this embodiment has a charging capacity of 38 Ah larger than the charging capacity of 3.0 Ah of the battery pack 5C.
  • the predetermined duration of time tcf is set to protect the battery pack 5C from being over-charged.
  • the battery pack 5C using the lithium battery contains a protection IC therein for protecting the lithium-ion battery from being over-charted and over-discharged and also for preventing an overcurrent from flowing in the lithium battery.
  • a charge stop signal is output from the battery pack 5C and applied to the inverter device 5, thereby stopping charging the battery.
  • the battery pack 5C with the lithium battery containing therein is configured so as not to be over-charged, over-discharged and in an over-current flowing condition.
  • charging the lithium battery is forcibly stopped as the switch 1589 is turned off after expiration of the charge completion time tcf (reference value) stored in the control section 1501.
  • the predetermined duration of time tcf is not long enough to fully charge the battery 8 having a larger capacity than the lithium battery pack 5C.
  • the microcomputer 1710 issues a reset signal to the inverter device 5 through the charge timer reset circuit 1781 prior to expiration of the predetermined duration of time tcf.
  • the charging time tc in the inverter device 5 is reset to zero.
  • a second reset signal is issued prior to expiration of the predetermined duration of time tcf from the issuance of the first reset signal.
  • the microcomputer 1710 repeatedly issues the reset signals at an interval shorter than the predetermined duration of time tcf until time t2.
  • the issuance of the reset signals by the microcomputer 1710 does not allow the switch 1589 to turn off and enables the battery 8 to be charged until time t2.
  • the timer reset circuit 381 may issue the reset signals to deactivate the charge timer when judgment is made such that the battery being charged is the lead-acid battery.
  • the charge voltage V1 of the battery 8 takes different values depending upon the temperature as detected by the thermistor 1707 and upon the temperature detected by the temperature detecting section 1707A.
  • the relation between the duration of time T1 and duration of time T2 is determined depending upon the temperature of the battery 8 as detected by the thermistor 1707 (temperature detecting section 1707A).
  • Fig. 33 is a flowchart illustrating charge/discharge control implemented by the microcomputer 1710.
  • the duration of time T2 shown in Fig. 32B is computed.
  • the FET 1771 is OFF, since the base current does not flow in the transistor 1784 of the charge circuit 1770. Hence, the charge path is interrupted and the battery 8 is not charged.
  • the microcomputer 1710 issues the reset signals independently of the charge/discharge control. The battery 8 is charged when the terminals 1058 of the inverter device 5 are connected to the commercial power source.
  • the microcomputer 1710 determines whether or not the voltage of the battery 8 detected by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is equal to or greater than 10.5 volt.
  • the microcomputer 1710 determines in S3 whether or not the temperature of the battery 8 detected by the thermistor 1707 (temperature detecting section 1707A) falls in a range between -15 and 60 Centigrade.
  • the microcomputer 1710 instructs the discharge halt circuit 1786 to output a discharge halt signal to thereby halt the discharge of the inverter device 5 and thus halt the discharge from the battery 8.
  • the control section 1501 of the inverter device 5 halts sending signals to one or both of the FETs of the boost circuit 1540 and the inverter circuit 1570. This can prevent the battery 8 from being over-discharged. Further, because the battery 8 is not allowed to be discharged when the temperature of the battery 8 is at abnormally low or abnormally high, i.e., out of a predetermined temperature range, abrupt degradation in the property of the battery 8 does not occur.
  • the microcomputer 1710 determines in S7 whether or not the voltage of the battery 8 detected by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is equal to or less than 12.8 volt. When the voltage of the battery 8 detected by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is larger than 12.5 volt (S7: NO), the routine returns to S1.
  • the fact that the voltage of the battery 8 is larger than 12.8 volt means that the battery voltage is sufficiently high and there is no need to charge the battery 8. Accordingly, the charging procedure starting from S11 is not carried out.
  • the battery 8 is allowed to be discharged.
  • the microcomputer 1710 determines in S9 whether or not the temperature of the battery 8 as indicated by the thermistor 1707 is equal to or higher than -10 Centigrade and lower than 50 Centigrade. When the determination made in S9 is affirmative (S9: YES), the microcomputer 1710 outputs a charge start signal to the base of the transistor 1774 of the charging circuit 1770 to thereby render the FET 1771 ON, allowing the terminals 1072A and 1071A to be conductive and starting charging the battery 8.
  • the microcomputer 1710 renders the FET 371 of the charging circuit 1770 OFF in S13, thereby halting the charging of the battery 8.
  • the microcomputer 1710 instructs to output the charge halt signal to the terminal 1072F to turn off the switch 1589 of the inverter device 5, thereby halting charging the battery 8.
  • charging the battery 8 is not carried out under the condition that the temperature of the battery 8 is irrelevant to charge. In this manner, the battery 8 is treated so as not to be degraded.
  • S17 measurement of charging time interval T1 starting from the present time t0 is performed.
  • the microcomputer 1710 determines whether or not the charging current as indicated by the charge current detecting circuit 1730 is equal to or greater than 0.5 Ampere.
  • the microcomputer 1710 further determines in S21 whether or not the temperature as indicated by the thermistor 1707 is equal to or higher than -10 Centigrade and lower than 50 Centigrade.
  • the microcomputer 1710 determines in S23 whether or not the battery temperature falls in a range between 40 (inclusive) and 50 (not inclusive) Centigrade.
  • the microcomputer 1710 sets the charge voltage V1 to 13.9 volt in S29 (see Fig. 32A) and further determines whether or not the voltage as indicated by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is equal to or larger than the voltage V1 (13.9 volt).
  • the microcomputer 1710 sets the charging voltage V1 to 14.4 volt in S25 (see Fig. 32A) and then determines whether or not the voltage as indicated by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is equal to or higher than V1 (14.4 volt).
  • the microcomputer 1710 stores the time interval T1 starting from time t0 to the present time t1 in S27. It is to be noted that the present time t1 is the time at which the battery voltage has reached to the voltage V1.
  • the microcomputer 1710 instructs to halt flowing the base current in the base of the transistor 1784 of the charging circuit 1770 to thereby halt charging the battery 8.
  • the microcomputer 1710 outputs the charge halt signal to the terminal 1072F to thereby halt the charging function of the inverter device 5.
  • the microcomputer 1710 determines whether or not the duration of time T1 at which the battery voltage has reached the charge voltage V1 is more than 22 hours. When the determination made in S35 is affirmative (S35: YES), the microcomputer 1710 determines in S37 whether or not the temperature indicated by the thermistor 1707 is higher than 10 Centigrade. If the determination made in S37 is negative (S37: NO), the microcomputer 1710 sets the duration of time T2 indicative of time duration up to completion of charging to 5 hours in S39. When the temperature indicated by the thermistor 1707 is equal to or higher than 10 Centigrade (S37: YES), the microcomputer 1710 sets the duration of time T2 to 2.5 hours in S41.
  • the microcomputer 1710 determines in S43 whether or not the duration of time T1 is equal to or more than 11 hours. When the determination made in S43 is affirmative (S43: YES), the microcomputer 1710 determines in S45 whether or not the temperature indicated by the thermistor 1707 is equal to or higher than 10 Centigrade. If the determination made in S45 is negative (S45: NO), the microcomputer 1710 sets the duration of time T2 to 4 hours in S47. When the determination made in S45 is affirmative (S45: YES), the microcomputer 1710 sets the duration of time T2 to 1.5 hours in S49.
  • the microcomputer 1710 determines in S51 whether or not the duration of time T1 is equal to or longer than 30 seconds. When the determination made in S51 is affirmative (S51: YES), the microcomputer 1710 determines in S53 whether or not the temperature indicated by the thermistor 1707 is equal to or higher than 10 Centigrade. If the determination made in S53 is negative (S53: NO), the microcomputer 1710 sets the duration of time T2 to 2.5 hours in S55. On the other hand, when the temperature indicated by the thermistor 1707 is equal to or higher than 10 Centigrade (S53: YES), the microcomputer 1710 sets the duration of time T2 to 0.5 hour in S57.
  • the microcomputer 1710 sets the duration of time T2 to 0 second in S59. That is, completion of charging is determined.
  • the microcomputer 1710 computes an expiration period of time from time t1.
  • the microcomputer 1710 determines whether or not the charge current indicated by the charge current detecting circuit 1730 is equal to or larger than 0.5 Ampere.
  • the microcomputer 1710 further determines in S65 whether or not the temperature indicated by the thermistor 1707 is equal to or higher than 10 Centigrade but lower than 50 Centigrade.
  • the microcomputer 1710 determines in S67 whether or not the expiration period of time from time t2 exceeds the duration of time T2. If the determination made in S67 is negative (S67: NO), the routine returns to S63. Stated differently, the process executed in S63 and S65 is for determining whether or not the chargeable circumstance is maintained in the duration of time T2 starting from time t1 or until charging is completed.
  • the microcomputer 1710 renders the FET 1771 of the charging circuit 1770 OFF to thereby halt charging the battery 8. In S71, the microcomputer 1710 instructs to output the charge halt signal to the terminal 1072F, thereby disabling the charging function of the inverter device 5.
  • the adapter 7 is capable of discharging so as to be consistent with the electric characteristic of the battery 8. Specifically, in S5, when the voltage of the battery 8 falls below 10.5 volt or the temperature of the battery 8 is out of the range between -15 Centigrade and 60 Centigrade, discharging the battery 8 is not performed. As such, the battery 8 is prevented from being over-discharged, as the use circumstance and electric characteristic of the lead-acid battery are taken into consideration when it comes to discharge the battery 8.
  • the predetermined charge voltage V1 is set based on the temperature of the battery 8.
  • the duration of time T2 is determined based on duration of time T1 at which the battery 8 is charged to the predetermined charge voltage V1 as set, and the charge halt time t2 is determined.
  • the charging period of time can thus be determined so as to be optimized for the use circumstance and electrical characteristic of the battery 8. In other words, the battery 8 can be prevented from being under-charged or over-charged.
  • charging the battery 8 is not performed if the charge current is less than 0.5 Ampere. That is, the lead-acid battery is charged only when a sufficient amount of charge current is supplied.
  • the charge current for the battery 8 is about 5 Ampere substantially equal to the charge current for the battery pack 5C.
  • the charge current may be switched, for example, from 5 Ampere in the duration of time T1 to 1 Ampere in the duration of time T2.
  • the charging capacity can be increased as compared with the case in which the battery 8 is continuously charged with the same level current, 5 Ampere.
  • the lead-acid battery does not have associated control circuit for controlling the battery voltage, charge/discharge current, or the like.
  • Direct connection of the battery 8 to the inverter device 5 results in over-charge and over-current which may be the causes for degrading the property of the battery 8.
  • the battery 8 is connected to the inverter device 5 with a specific-purpose adapter 7 interposed therebetween.
  • the adapter 7 houses therein a control circuit for controlling the battery 8.
  • the control circuit includes a microcomputer, a voltage monitoring section, a current monitoring section, and an identification section.
  • the control signals received at the inverter device 5 from the adapter 7 can be used to control the battery 8 so as not to be placed in an abnormal state causing the battery to be degraded.
  • the inverter device 5 can perform the same operation regardless of the type of the battery connected whichever it may be the battery 8 or the battery pack 5C.
  • the charge/discharge is controlled in response to the signals fed from the adapter 7.
  • the charging control may be modified depending upon the battery connected. Such a modification will be described while referring to Fig. 35.
  • the output control of the inverter device 5 will be described.
  • the operator turns on the power switch 1525, allowing a voltage to be supplied to the constant voltage circuit 1521 from the battery 8 and the control section 1501 is powered.
  • the control section 1501 receives an identification signal from the terminal 1052E. As described in the identification signal is a signal corresponding to the identification resistor 1785 of the adapter 7 or the identification resistor of the battery pack 5C.
  • the control section 1501 determines whether or not the adapter 7 is mounted on the inverter device 5 based on the identification signal. When the adapter 7 is not mounted thereon (S203: NO), determination is made so that the battery pack 5C is mounted on the inverter device 5.
  • the control section 1501 sets an over-current threshold value with respect to the battery pack 5C. The over-current threshold value is used to prevent the over-current from being discharged from the power source of the inverter device 5, i.e., from the battery pack 5C or adapter 7.
  • the control section 1501 sets an over-discharge voltage threshold value with respect to the battery pack 5C.
  • the control section 1501 sets an over-temperature protection set value with respect to the battery pack 5C.
  • the battery pack 5C houses therein a protection IC which determines over-charge, over-discharge, and over-current within the battery pack 5C.
  • Such abnormal status indicating signals are applied to the terminals 1052F and 1052G of the inverter device 5 so that the control section 1501 can control the relevant FETs to halt charging and discharging.
  • the control section 1501 sets the over-current threshold value to a relevant value for the battery 8. Because a larger current can flow in the battery 8 than in the battery pack 5C, the over-current threshold value for the battery 8 is set to be a larger value than that for the battery pack 5C. In S208, the control section 1501 sets the over-discharge voltage threshold value to a relevant value for the battery 8. In S207, the control section 1501 sets the over-temperature protection set value to a value relevant to the battery 8.
  • the control section 1501 performs measurements of the boosted voltage by voltage-dividing with the resistors 1561 and 1562, and determines whether or not the boosted voltage is larger than the target voltage.
  • the control section 1501 alters the first PWM signal so that the duty ratio increases.
  • the control section 1501 alters the firsts PWM signal so that the duty ratio decreases in S212.
  • the control section 1501 controls the FET 1531 so that the boosted voltage developed across the second smoothing capacitor 1553 is brought to 141 volt.
  • the control section 1501 outputs the second PWM signal via the PMW signal output section 1511.
  • the second PWM signal is an alternating voltage in a rectangular waveform.
  • control section 1501 measures the current flowing in the current detection resistor 417 and determines whether or not the measured current is larger than the over-current threshold value.
  • the control section 1501 detects the voltage of the power source (adapter 7 or the battery pack 5C) by the voltage-division with the resistors 1511 and 1512 and determines whether or not the measured power source voltage is smaller than the over-discharge voltage threshold value.
  • the control section 1501 determines in S216 whether or not the temperature of the power source (adapter 7 or the battery pack 5C) is higher than the over-temperature protection set value.
  • the temperature of the adapter 7 is detected by the thermistor 1707 and the detected temperature is sent through the terminals 1072F and 1052F to the control section 1501 by the control section 1710.
  • the temperature of the battery pack 5C is detected by the thermistor 1059B.
  • the routine returns to S210.
  • the control section 1501 may control at least one of the boost circuit 1510 and the inverter circuit 1570 so that the voltage output is lowered.
  • the microcomputer 1903 determines whether the input voltage is DC or AC.
  • the microcomputer 1903 determines in S103 whether or not the input voltage is in a rectangular waveform.
  • the rectangular waveform AC voltage has a duration of time T0 at which 0 (zero) voltage lasts.
  • the sin-waveform AC voltage is only momentarily brought to zero voltage much shorter than the duration of time T0.
  • reference duration of time Ts is set which is shorter than the duration of time T0 but longer than zero.
  • the reference duration of time Ts is sufficiently longer than the momentous time at which the sin-waveform AC voltage is zeroed.
  • the microcomputer 1903 determines that the input voltage is in the rectangular waveform AC voltage if the duration of time at which the input voltage is zeroed is longer than the reference duration of time Ts (S115: YES) and the routine shifts to S103.
  • the microcomputer 1903 determines that the input voltage is in the sin-waveform AC voltage if the duration of time at which the input voltage is zeroed is shorter than the reference duration of time Ts (S115: NO).
  • the microcomputer 1903 determines whether the frequency of the input voltage is 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
  • the routine shifts to S103.
  • the microcomputer 1903 disables the inverter circuit 1980 in S119.
  • the microcomputer 1903 waits for 5 seconds from the time when the inverter circuit 1980 is disabled. After expiration of 5 seconds from the time when the inverter circuit 1980 is disabled (S121: YES), the AC output is completely interrupted.
  • the relay circuit 1990 switches 1991 and 1992 is turned on to allow the input voltage to be output as it is without conversion. 50 Hz or 60 Hz sin-waveform AC voltage is available as it is in general electronic equipment.
  • the microcomputer 1903 determines whether or not the frequency changeover circuit 1920 is set to 50 Hz. If the determination made in S103 is affirmative (S103: YES), the microcomputer 1903 sets the output of the inverter circuit 1980 to 50 Hz in S105. If the frequency changeover circuit 1920 has been set to 60 Hz (S103: NO), the microcomputer 1903 sets the output of the inverter circuit 1980 to 60 Hz in S105.
  • the microcomputer 1903 turns off the relay circuit 1990 (switches 1991 and 1992) to prevent the input voltage from being output as it is.
  • the microcomputer 1903 waits for 5 seconds so that the AC output is completely interrupted.
  • the microcomputer 1903 operates the inverter circuit 1980 to convert the input voltage to the sin-waveform AC voltage and output the converted voltage.
  • a second modification is illustrated in Figs. 37 and 38.
  • pressing sections 139 are provided at the handle 3.
  • a front-side (the main body 2 side) member of the buffer material 34A contacts the outer body 24 to prevent rattles of the handle 3.
  • the pressing sections 139 contact the outer body 24 to prevent rattles of the handle 3.
  • Two pressing sections 139 are provided at each extending section 35 with a predetermined distance therebetween in the upper-lower direction, and four pressing sections 139 are provided at the handle 3 in total. As shown in Fig. 38, each pressing section 139 protrudes forward (toward the main body 2 side). When the handle 3 is in the retracted position, all of the four pressing sections 139 contact the main body 2. Thus, because the handle 3 contact the outer body 24 at four positions, rattles of the handle 3 can be prevented reliably. When the handle 3 is in the extended position, only the two lower pressing sections 139 contact the outer body 24. Thus, even in a state where the handle 3 is pulled out, rattles of the handle 3 can be prevented.
  • a rubber grip section 133 is provided at the handle gripping section 33, so that the operator can readily grip the handle gripping section 33.
  • a third modification is illustrated in Figs. 39 through 41.
  • the abutting section 31B is adopted as a stopper of the handle 3.
  • a protruding section 224A serves as the stopper.
  • the protruding section 224A is provided to protrude outward from the rear surface of the outer body 24.
  • the end of the buffer material 34A at the outer body 24 side is located at the outer body 24 side of an imaginary line that extends in parallel with the extending sections 35 from the protruding section 224A of the outer body 24 located above the end. That is, the protruding section 224A of the outer body 24 is located farther rearward than the end of the buffer material 34A.
  • the protruding section 224A may be provided at the main body 2 as an alternative of the abutting section 31B, and the protruding section 224A may contact the abutment section 34, thereby preventing damages to a connection position R between the abutment section 34 and the extending sections 35 with relatively inexpensive configurations.
  • the shape of the abutment section 34 may be a square (rectangular) shape, and the protruding section 224A may contact the abutment section 34. With this configuration, a contact may be performed smoothly even if the height of the protruding section provided at the main body 2 is low.
  • the inverter device 5 and the battery 8 having a large capacity are accommodated in the main body 2 so that the power supply device 1 can be carried.
  • electric power of AC voltage can be supplied over a long period of time in an area where no electric power of commercial AC voltage is supplied, for example, a disaster area due to a great earthquake.
  • the power supply device 1 has the rechargeable battery 8, the battery 8 can be charged by connecting the inverter device 5 with a commercial AC power source in an area where electric power of commercial AC voltage is supplied.
  • the inverter device 5 can be fixed on the upper cover 4. Hence, when the sine-wave adapter 9 is accommodated within the main body 2, the inverter device 5 can be fixed to the engaging sections 43A and arranged on the outer surface of the upper cover 4. Hence, the outer size of the main body 2 can be made small. Further, the power supply device 1 includes the sine-wave adapter 9 that converts a square-wave AC voltage outputted from the inverter device 5 to a sine-wave AC voltage and that outputs the sine-wave AC voltage. Thus, electric power of a sine-wave AC voltage can be supplied.
  • the battery 8 is a lead storage battery for a vehicle use, the battery 8 with a large capacity can be used. Further, because the inverter device 5 can be connected with the battery pack 5C for a power tool, either the battery 8 or the battery pack 5C can be used depending on the usage. If the battery 8 is used, the operating time of an apparatus connected with the power supply device 1 can be made longer than the operating time when the battery pack 5C for a power tool is used. If the battery pack 5C for a power tool is used, the inverter device 5 can be carried while being slung on the shoulder or the like.
  • the handle 3 is provided at the main body 2 for being gripped to carry the main body 2.
  • the handle 3 is held by the handle holding sections 31A provided at the main body 2.
  • the power supply device 1 can be moved readily.
  • the handle 3 includes the first handle member 37 and the second handle member 38.
  • the handle 3 can be made by blow molding thereby saving costs.
  • the handle 3 has strength to an extent that the power supply device 1 can be carried by gripping the handle 3 in a state where the battery 8 is accommodated within the main body 2.
  • the handle members 37 and 38 can be manufactured with the same mold and thus the manufacturing costs can be reduced.
  • the main body 2 is provided with the abutting section 31B that restricts movement of the handle 3.
  • the above-described configuration can prevent a situation in which, when the handle 3 moves, the handle 3 contacts a portion other than the abutting section 31B in the extended position and then the handle 3 is damaged.
  • a press component is used as the abutting section 31B, the inexpensive abutting section 31B and the handle 3 which is an inexpensive component made by blow molding can be used in combination, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of the power supply device 1.
  • the second damper 31D is provided at the abutting section 31B, and the buffer material 34A is provided at the abutment section 34. This reduces collision load that is generated between the abutting section 31B and the handle 3 when the handle 3 is forcefully moved from the retracted position to the extended position. Hence, durability of the handle 3 and the abutting section 31B can be improved.
  • the buffer material 34A is provided over the entire periphery of the abutment section 34. Thus, even when the main body 2 falls and the handle 3 comes close to the ground, floor, or the like, the buffer material 34A hits the ground, floor, or the like. This softens an impact when the handle 3 hits the ground, floor, or the like, and thus can prevent damages to the handle 3.
  • the buffer material 34A is a rubber damper, the buffer material 34A can be made of inexpensive and simple material.
  • the power supply device 1 can be moved easily.
  • the latch plate 43 is provided at the upper cover 4.
  • the engaging sections 43A of the latch plate 43 protrude from the upper cover 4, and the upper cover 4 is provided with the wall section 44 that protrudes farther than the engaging sections 43A. This configuration can prevent the engaging sections 43A from being hit by another object and protect the engaging sections 43A.
  • the upper surface 4A of the upper cover 4 is slanted downward toward the flat section 4B. With this configuration, when rain water etc. falls on the slanted surface, the rain water flows toward the flat section 4B of the upper cover 4. Hence, rain water etc. can be prevented from being collected on the outer surface of the upper cover 4.
  • the upper surface 4A of the upper cover 4 is slanted downward toward the flat section 4B at least 1 degree. Hence, rain water etc. can be discharged effectively.
  • the cables connected with the inverter device 5 etc. can pass through the upper-cover groove section 47 inward from outside the main body 2 or outward from inside the main body 2.
  • peripheral section 47A is provided at the periphery of the upper-cover groove section 47, rain water etc. can be prevented from running into the main body 2 through the upper-cover groove section 47.
  • the first depressed section 48 has a shape following the shape of the accommodating section 54.
  • the inverter device 5 is accommodated in the upper chamber 26, the middle cover 6 is accommodated in the middle chamber 27, and the battery 8 is accommodated in the lower chamber 28.
  • the battery 8, the inverter device 5, and the middle cover 6 can be accommodated compactly in the main body 2.
  • the cable accommodating space 6b is formed such that the cable accommodating space 6b opposes the inverter device 5 when the inverter device 5 is placed on the middle cover 6.
  • the cable accommodating space 6b can accommodate the adapter cable 71 for connecting the inverter device 5 with the battery 8, and forceful folding of the adapter cable 71 can be avoided.
  • the power supply device 1 further includes the sine-wave adapter 9 that can be accommodated in the upper chamber 26, electric power of a sine-wave AC voltage can be supplied from the power supply device 1.
  • the cable accommodating space 6b is formed such that the cable accommodating space 6b opposes the sine-wave adapter 9 when the sine-wave adapter 9 is placed on the middle cover 6.
  • the cable accommodating space 6b can accommodate a cable for connecting the sine-wave adapter 9 with the battery 8, and forceful folding of the cable can be avoided.
  • middle-cover groove section 63 is formed in the middle cover 6, cables etc. connected with the battery 8 are allowed to pass through the middle-cover groove section 63 from the lower side to the upper side, or from the upper side to the lower side of the middle cover 6.
  • the through hole 6a is formed in the middle cover 6, rain water etc. that has entered the upper chamber 26 can flow to the lower chamber 28. Further, even if by any chance hydrogen gas emanates from the battery 8 in the lower chamber 28, the hydrogen gas can be vented to the upper chamber 26.
  • the buffer material 2A is filled between the outer body 24 and the inner body 25, temperature changes within the main body 2 can be suppressed, and performance of the battery 8 can be stabilized. Further, the buffer material 2A can absorb an impact that is generated when another object hits the outer body 24, and thus the battery 8 and the inverter device 5 accommodated in the main body 2 can be protected.
  • the drainage hole 25b is formed in the inner body 25, and the inner body 25 has the slant sections 25B slanted downward toward the drainage hole 25b. Thus, rain water that has entered the main body 2 can flow to the drainage hole 25b and can be discharged to the outside.
  • the slant sections 25B are slanted at 1 degree or more with respect to the horizontal surface, rain water that has entered the main body 2 can flow to the drainage hole 25b efficiently.
  • the battery 8 is supported by the battery shafts 83 at the left and right sides thereof, and contacts the restricting sections 82A at the front and rear sides thereof.
  • the battery 8 can be stably held in the left-right direction, and the battery 8 can also be stably positioned in the front-rear direction intersecting the left-right direction because of contacts between the ends of the battery 8 and the restricting sections 82A.
  • the battery 8 is a lead storage battery for a vehicle use, and the lead storage battery 8 has an electrode terminal 81 at which the thermistor 88 for detecting temperature of the electrode terminal 81 is provided. Thus, temperature changes of the battery 8 can be grasped accurately by the thermistor 88 outside the battery 8.
  • the thermistor 88 is fixed to a metal crimping terminal fixed to the electrode terminal 81.
  • the crimping terminal 71B having a high thermal conductivity promotes transmission of heat from the electrode terminal 81 to the thermistor 88, and the temperature change of the battery 8 can be grasped more accurately.
  • the thermistor 88 can be readily fixed to the electrode terminal 81 with a simple configuration.
  • the thermistor 88 is fixed to the positive electrode terminal 81 of the battery 8, the temperature change of the battery 8 can be grasped more accurately.
  • thermal protector 89 is fixed to the negative electrode terminal 81 of the battery 8, battery malfunction can be detected
  • thermal protector 89 is disposed between the battery 8 and the terminal section 72A of the adapter 7, charging and discharging can be stopped at the time of battery malfunction.
  • the thermal protector 89 is fixed to the copper holder 90 fixed to the electrode terminal 81, the thermal protector 89 is not easily detached from the negative electrode terminal 81 even when vibrations are applied.
  • thermoelectric 88 is provided at the electrode terminal 81 of the battery 8 for detecting temperature of the electrode terminal, temperature changes of the battery 8 can be grasped accurately by the thermistor 88 outside the battery 8.
  • the slippage preventing members 25D is provided between the battery plate 82 and the ribs 25C (the inner body 25) for preventing the battery plate 82 from slipping relative to the inner body 25. Hence, the battery plate 82 can be stably held relative to the inner body 25.
  • the first antislip member 82B is provided between the battery plate 82 and the battery 8 for preventing the battery 8 from slipping relative to the battery plate 82. Hence, the battery 8 can be stably held relative to the battery plate 82.
  • the slippage preventing members 25D and 82B are rubber dampers. Hence, the battery plate 82 can be held relative to the inner body 25 and the battery 8 can be held relative to the battery plate 82 easily and effectively.
  • the elastic material 87 provided on the surface of the support plate 85 has a longitudinal length longer than the distance between the terminals 81. Thus, even when the support plate 85 is detached from the battery shafts 83 for replacing the battery 8 and the support plate 85 is dropped on the terminals 81 by mistake, a short circuit can be prevented.
  • the main body 2 can accommodate therein either one of the inverter device 5 and the sine-wave adapter 9.
  • the height of the main body 2 may be increased so that the main body 2 can accommodate therein both of the inverter device 5 and the sine-wave adapter 9.
  • the upper cover 4 it is preferable that the upper cover 4 be so configured that the upper cover 4 cannot be closed in a state where the adapter 7 is mounted in the accommodating section 54.
  • the single drainage hole 25b is formed at the abutting section 25A, a plurality of drainage holes may be formed. With this configuration, even when a large amount of water enters the main body 2, water can be discharged to the outside promptly.
  • buffer material 2A is adopted as the buffer material 2A in the above-described embodiment
  • another material such as polystyrene may be adopted.
  • the buffer material 2A may be omitted.
  • polyethylene is adopted as the inner body 25 in the above-described embodiment
  • polypropylene may be adopted as the inner body 25.
  • the first handle member 37 and the second handle member 38 are combined to form the handle 3.
  • the handle 3 may be made of metal.
  • the buffer material 34A is provided at the handle 3, and the second damper 31D is provided at the abutting section 31B.
  • either one of the buffer material 34A and the second damper 31D may be provided.
  • a buffer material may be provided at the lower surface of the reinforcing member 36.
  • the upper-cover groove section 47 is provided at the rear surface of the upper cover 4.
  • the upper-cover groove section 47 may be provided any surface other than the side surface at which the hinge mounting section 46 is provided. Further, a plurality of the upper-cover groove sections 47 may be provided.
  • the inverter device 5 can be placed on the middle cover 6.
  • members corresponding to the engaging sections 43A may be provided at the middle cover 6 so that the inverter device 5 can be fixed to the middle cover 6.
  • an engaging section may be provided at the middle cover 6 for engaging the bottom surface of the sine-wave adapter 9 and for fixing the sine-wave adapter 9.
  • the adapter 7 and a portion of the adapter cable 71 are accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62.
  • the battery pack 5C may be accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62.
  • the adapter accommodating section 62 may be so configured that the adapter 7 and the battery pack 5C can be accommodated at the same time.
  • the adapter 7 is accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62 such that the adapter 7 is placed on the bottom surface 6A of the middle cover 6.
  • a member for fixing the adapter 7 may be provided at the adapter accommodating section 62, so that the adapter 7 is immovable.
  • the bottom surface 6A of the middle cover 6 is a horizontal surface.
  • the bottom surface 6A may be slanted downward toward the through holes 6a. This enables a structure where water is further unlikely to be collected at the adapter accommodating section 62.
  • the middle-cover groove section 63 is provided at the surrounding wall 61 at the rear side, the middle-cover groove section 63 may be provided at the surrounding wall 61 at another side. Further, a plurality of middle-cover groove sections 63 may be provided at the surrounding wall 61.
  • the main body 2 may be provided with a cooling function. Specifically, an inlet for external air may be provided at one side of the main body 2, and a discharging fan may be provided at the side opposing the one side. With this configuration, even if the battery 8 and the sine-wave adapter 9 generate heat, temperature increase within the main body 2 can be suppressed.
  • a temperature detecting device having temperature detecting unit which is a thermistor, is applied to the power supply device 1.
  • the temperature detecting device may be applied to a device other than the power supply device 1.

Abstract

A power supply device includes a main body, a lead storage battery, and a temperature detecting unit. The lead storage battery is accommodated in the main body and has an electrode terminal. The temperature detecting unit is provided at the electrode terminal and configured to detect temperature of the electrode terminal.

Description

POWER SUPPLY DEVICE AND TEMPERATURE DETECTING DEVICE
The invention relates to a power supply device and a temperature detecting device.
There is an increase in demand for an emergency power supply device in preparation for a situation in which a power failure has occurred due to an earthquake, a disaster, etc. (For example, refer to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-278832)
In particular, there is a demand for a high-capacity emergency power supply device that can be used for a long period of time. An emergency power supply device for outputting 100V AC voltage has various devices such as an inverter device as well as a battery.
Temperature does not increase very much in a battery mounted on such a power supply device, even when the power supply device is used for a long time. On the other hand, if the power supply device is used under an excessively high temperature environment, it may lead to rapid performance degradation of the battery. Hence, the temperature of the battery need to be monitored. Further, performance degradation of the battery also progresses when abnormal heating occurs due to a failure of the battery or the like.
It is an object of the invention to provide a power supply device and a temperature detecting device that can grasp temperature of a battery accurately.
In order to attain above and other objects, the present invention provides a power supply device. The power supply device includes a main body, a lead storage battery, and a temperature detecting unit. The lead storage battery is accommodated in the main body and has an electrode terminal. The temperature detecting unit is provided at the electrode terminal and configured to detect temperature of the electrode terminal.
It is preferable that the main body has a box-like shape and has one end formed with an opening. The power supply device further includes a cover member provided at the main body such that the opening can be opened and closed.
It is preferable that the lead storage battery is configured to be charged and discharged.
It is preferable that the power supply device further includes an inverter device configured to be accommodated in the main body and configured to convert a direct voltage from the lead storage battery to an alternating voltage and output the alternating voltage.
It is preferable that the lead storage battery is for a vehicle use.
It is preferable that the temperature detecting unit is fixed to the electrode terminal.
It is preferable that the power supply device further comprises a metal crimping terminal fixed to the electrode terminal. The temperature detecting unit is configured of a thermistor. The thermistor is fixed to the crimping terminal.
It is preferable that the electrode terminal comprises a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal. The temperature detecting unit is fixed to the positive electrode terminal.
It is preferable that the power supply device comprises a thermal protector fixed to the negative electrode terminal.
It is preferable that the power supply device comprises an adapter connected to the electrode terminal of the lead storage battery and having an output terminal. The thermal protector is disposed between the lead storage battery and the output terminal.
It is preferable that the power supply device further comprises a copper holder fixed to the negative electrode terminal. The thermal protector is fixed to the copper holder.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a temperature detecting device. The temperature detecting device for detecting a temperature of a lead storage battery having an electrode terminal includes a temperature detecting unit. The temperature detecting unit is configured to detect the temperature of the lead storage battery. The temperature detecting unit is provided at the electrode terminal.
According to the invention, a power supply device can be provided that can grasp temperature of the battery accurately.
Fig. 1 is an external front perspective view showing a power supply device when an inverter device of the power supply device is accommodated in a main body according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a front cross-sectional view showing the power supply device when the inverter device is accommodated in the main body according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing the power supply device when the inverter device is accommodated in the main body according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a rear view showing the power supply device when a handle is positioned at a retracted position according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is an external rear perspective view showing the power supply device when the inverter device is accommodated in the main body according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6A is a plan view showing the power supply device when an upper cover is opened and a middle cover is removed according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6B is an explanatory view showing a thermistor of the power supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6C is an explanatory view around a thermal protector of the power supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6D is a partial enlarged view showing a battery of the power supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the handle taken along a line VII - VII of Fig. 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a rear view showing the power supply device when the handle is positioned at an extended position according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9A is a side cross-sectional view showing the power supply device when the power supply device falls down toward the rear side according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9B is a side cross-sectional view showing the power supply device when the power supply device falls down toward the rear side according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10A is a side view showing the power supply device when the power supply device falls down toward the front side according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10B is a side view showing the power supply device when the power supply device falls down according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a plan perspective view showing the upper cover according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a bottom perspective view showing the upper cover according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a front cross-sectional view showing the power supply device when the inverter device is fixed on the upper cover according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a side cross-sectional view showing the power supply device when the inverter device is fixed on the upper cover according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a plan view showing the upper cover according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the upper cover taken along a line XVI - XVI of Fig. 15 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing the middle cover according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 18 is a plan view showing the middle cover according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the middle cover taken along a line XIX -XIX of Fig. 18 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing the battery according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing the power supply device when the upper cover and the middle cover are removed according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 22 is a partial enlarged side cross-sectional view showing the power supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 23 is a perspective view showing a battery plate according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing the inverter device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 25 is a front cross-sectional view showing a power supply device when a sine-wave adapter is accommodated in a main body of the power supply device according to a first modification of the present invention. Fig. 26 is a side cross-sectional view showing the power supply device when the inverter device is accommodated in the main body according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 27 is a front perspective view showing the sine-wave adapter according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 28 is a circuit diagram of the inverter device and a battery pack according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 29A - G are a diagram illustrating changes in voltage waveform in the circuit shown in Fig. 28 according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 30 is a circuit diagram of the sine-wave adapter according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 31 is a graphical representation for illustrating a battery charging control according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 32A is a table showing a relationship between a battery temperature and a charge voltage according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 32B is a table showing a relationship between charge time and a charge completion time in relation to the battery temperature according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 33 is a part of flowchart illustrating a battery charge/discharge control according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 34 is a remaining part of flowchart illustrating the battery charge/discharge control according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an output control of the inverter device according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an output control of the sine-wave adapter according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 37 is a front view showing a handle according to a second modification of the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 38 is a side view showing the handle according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 39 is a rear perspective view showing a power supply device according to a third modification of the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 40 is a rear perspective view showing a main body of the power supply device according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 41 is a side view showing the main body of the power supply device according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
1 power supply device
2 main body
3 handle
4 upper cover
5 inverter device
6 middle cover
7 adapter
8 battery
9 sine-wave adapter
21 wheel
23 protrusion
24 outer body
25 inner body
25a recessed section
25b drainage hole
25D Slippage preventing members
25B slant section
26 upper chamber
27 lower chamber
28 lower chamber
31 holding section
37 first handle member
38 second handle member
31B abutting section
31C first damper
31D second damper
34A buffer material
43 latch plate
43A engaging section
44 wall section
47 groove section
47A peripheral section
47B curved section
48 first depressed section
49 second depressed section
52 output cable
61 surrounding wall
62 adapter accommodating section
63 middle-cover groove section
64 receiving section
71 adapter cable
81 terminal
82 battery plate
82B antislip member
83 battery shaft
85 support plate
87 elastic material
88 thermistor
89 thermal protector
89A silicone
90 copper holder
The configuration of a power supply device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention will be described while referring to the accompanying drawings.
As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the power supply device 1 mainly includes a main body 2, a handle 3, an upper cover 4, an inverter device 5, a middle cover 6, an adapter 7, and a battery 8. As shown in Fig. 2, a direction in which the handle 3 extends from the main body 2 is defined as an upper direction, and a direction opposite the upper direction is defined as a lower direction. Further, as shown in Fig. 3, a side of the handle 3 relative to the main body 2 is defined as a rear side, and a side opposite the rear side is defined as a front side. A direction perpendicular to the upper-lower direction and to the front-rear direction is defined as a left-right direction (Fig. 2). The upper cover 4 serves as a cover of the present invention.
As shown in Fig. 21, the main body 2 has an upper surface formed with an opening 2a, and the upper cover 4 can open and close the opening 2a. The main body 2 accommodates the inverter device 5, the middle cover 6, the adapter 7, and the battery 8. Figs. 2 and 3 show, in the dotted lines, the inverter device 5 fitted with the adapter 7 above the upper cover 4, which indicates that the inverter device 5 can be fixed above the upper cover 4. Similarly, Figs. 13 and 14 show the inverter device 5, in the dotted lines, above the middle cover 6, which indicates that the inverter device 5 can be placed on the middle cover 6. Figs. 13 and 14 also show the adapter 7, in the dotted lines, inside the middle cover 6, which indicates that the adapter 7 can be accommodated on the middle cover 6.
As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, two wheels 21 are provided at both ends of the lower rear surface of the main body 2 in the left-right direction. Grip sections 22 are symmetrically provided at left and right side surfaces of an upper part of the main body 2. The grip sections 22 are gripped by an operator when the operator lifts the power supply device 1. The detailed configurations of the main body 2 will be described later.
The handle 3 is provided at a rear surface of the main body 2, and is configured to be movable in the upper-lower direction between a retracted position shown in Fig. 4 and an extended position shown in Fig. 8. Both the handle 3 and the wheels 21 are provided at the rear surface of the main body 2. Thus, the operator can extend the handle 3 to the extended position and tilt the power supply device 1 to an oblique position, thereby carrying the power supply device 1 easily. The detailed configurations of the handle 3 will be described later.
As shown in Fig. 2, a hinge 41 is provided at the right end of the upper cover 4. The upper cover 4 is pivotally movable about the hinge 41 relative to the main body 2. The upper cover 4 is secured to the main body 2 with a latch 42 provided at the main body 2. The detailed configurations of the upper cover 4 will be described later.
The inverter device 5 converts a DC 12V input of the battery 8 into a square wave of AC 100V and outputs the square wave. The inverter device 5 can be used as a stand-alone power source, by detaching the inverter device 5 from the power supply device 1 and inserting a battery pack 5C (a battery pack for a power tool, 14.4V for example) indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 24 in the inverter device 5. Note that the capacity of the battery pack 5C for a power tool (3.0 Ah) is smaller than the capacity of the battery 8 (38 Ah). The battery 8 is rechargeable via the inverter device 5 and the adapter 7, by mounting the adapter 7 on the inverter device 5, connecting one end of a power cable 56 described later with the inverter device 5, and connecting the other end of the power cable 56 with a commercial 100V power source. That is, the inverter device 5 also has a charging function. The detailed configurations of the inverter device 5 will be described later.
As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the middle cover 6 is arranged at approximately a center of the main body 2 in the upper-lower direction, and is configured to accommodate the adapter 7. The inverter device 5 can be placed on the upper surface of the middle cover 6. The detailed configurations of the middle cover 6 will be described later.
The adapter 7 includes an adapter cable 71 extending from the adapter 7, a connection section 72 connected with the inverter device 5. The adapter 7 is electrically connected with the battery 8 via the adapter cable 71. The power supply device 1 can be used as a 12V DC power source by connecting the adapter 7 with a power tool etc. (not shown). Note that, even though the battery 8 is 12V, the battery 8 can be used for a power tool of 14.4V or 10.8V, for example, by providing a step-up circuit or a step-down circuit in the adapter 7. Also, the power supply device 1 can be used as a 100V AC power source for a power tool etc. by mounting the adapter 7 on the inverter device 5 and taking an output from the inverter device 5. The connection section 72 includes a terminal section 72A, a rail section 72B, and a latch section 72C. The terminal section 72A serves as an output terminal of the present invention.
The battery 8 is disposed at a lower part of the main body 2, and serves as a power source of the power supply device 1. In the present embodiment, a lead storage battery for a vehicle use is adopted as an example of the battery 8. The battery 8 includes terminals 81 as shown in Fig. 6A, and is connected with the adapter 7 via the terminals 81 and the adapter cable 71. The detailed configurations of the battery 8 will be described later.
Four protrusions 23 are provided at the lower surface of the main body 2. As shown in Fig. 3, in a state where the power supply device 1 is placed on the ground, the four protrusions 23 are in contact with the ground, and the wheels 21 are spaced away from the ground. The main body 2 is constituted by a combination of an outer body 24 serving as the outer shell and an inner body 2 defining a space within the main body 2. The outer body 24 functions to absorb an impact when the power supply device 1 falls. A buffer material 2A is provided at the main body 2, and more specifically between the outer body 24 and the inner body 25. In the present embodiment, the buffer material 2A is filling material, and urethane is adopted as an example. Each of the outer body 24 and the inner body 25 is made of resin formed by blow molding. In the present embodiment, polyethylene is adopted as material of the inner body 25 and the outer body 24, considering a possibility that dilute sulfuric acid leaks out from the battery 8.
Because the buffer material 2A is filled between the outer body 24 and the inner body 25 as described above, the battery 8 does not tend to be affected by outer air temperature, and also the battery 8 etc. can be protected from impacts from the outside. Even if the temperature of the battery 8 rises, heat can be released to the outside through an upper-cover groove section 47 (Fig. 5), a middle-cover groove section 63 (Fig. 18), and the like, to be described later. This can suppress a temperature increase inside the main body 2. Similarly, even if hydrogen gas emanates from the battery 8, the hydrogen gas can be released to the outside through the groove sections.
Note that the buffer material 2A may be provided at an area other than between the inner body 25 and the outer body 24. That is, the buffer material 2A may be provided between the inner body 25 and the battery 8 or may be provided at the inner body 25, as long as the battery 8 can be protected from an external force. Further, in the present embodiment, the inner body 25 and the outer body 24 are formed by blow molding. However, the inner body 25 and the outer body 24 may be formed by double layer molding, and elastomer as the buffer material 2A may be provided at the outer side of the inner body 25 or at the outer side of the outer body 24.
A hook (not shown) is detachably provided at the outer body 24 so as to temporarily hook the adapter 7 or the adapter cable 71. Further, a terminal accommodating section (not shown) is detachably provided at the outer body 24 so as to partially accommodate the connection section 72 of the adapter 7. This prevents the terminal section 72A of the adapter 7 from being exposed to the outside.
As shown in Fig. 4, a holding section 31 for holding the handle 3 is provided at a rear upper part of the outer body 24. The holding section 31 is fixed to the main body 2 with a plurality of bolts or screws 32. The holding section 31 has a bottom portion provided with a second damper 31D capable of contacting the handle 3.
An upper chamber 26, a middle chamber 27, and a lower chamber 28 are formed within the main body 2, in this order from the top. The inverter device 5 is arranged in the upper chamber 26. The middle cover 6 and the adapter 7 are arranged in the middle chamber 27. The battery 8 is arranged in the lower chamber 28.
As shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of recessed sections 25a is formed at the inner body 25. Each of the plurality of recessed sections 25a is depressed toward the outer body 24 opposing the inner body 25. This configuration ensures a large space within the main body 2, and increases rigidity of the inner body 25. Further, the amount of used buffer material 2A can be reduced, saving the manufacturing costs.
An abutting section 25A at which the outer body 24 and the inner body 25 contact each other is provided at the lower surface of the inner body 25. At the abutting section 25A, the outer body 24 is provided with an outer body side abutting section 25E depressed upward, and the inner body 25 is provided with an inner body side abutting section 24A protruding downward so as to contact the outer body side abutting section 25E. The abutting section 25A is a horizontal surface extending in the overall width of the lower surface of the inner body 25 in the left-right direction (Fig. 2) and extending in a predetermined length of the lower surface of the inner body 25 in the front-rear direction (Fig. 3). The abutting section 25A is provided at a position slightly offset forward from the center in the front-rear direction.
A drainage hole 25b penetrating through the outer body 24 and the inner body 25 is formed at the right end of the abutting section 25A (Fig. 2). As shown in Fig. 3, slant sections 25B are provided at the front and rear sides of the abutting section 25A. The slant sections 25B are slanted downward at least 1 degree toward the abutting section 25A. With this configuration, water dropped on the bottom surface of the main body 2 flows along the slant of the slant sections 25B, gathers at the abutting section 25A, and then is discharged to the outside through the drainage hole 25b.
As shown in Fig. 3, a battery plate 82 described later is disposed on the lower surface of the inner body 25. A though hole 2b penetrating the outer body 24 and the inner body 25 is formed at a lower part of the main body 2. A battery shaft 83 described later is inserted in the though hole 2b. The detailed configurations will be described later.
As shown in Figs. 6A and 21, four ribs 25C protruding inward and holding the battery 8 are provided at the inner body 25. The ribs 25C extend in the upper-lower direction. The inner body 25 has generally rectangular cross-section and the ribs 25C are provided at four corners of the cross-section in the lower chamber 28. Slippage preventing members 25D are provided between the respective ribs 25C and the battery 8 for preventing the battery 8 from slipping (sliding) relative to the inner body 25. The slippage preventing members 25D also function as a buffer material between the battery 8 and the inner body 25. The middle cover 6 is placed on an upper surface of the four ribs 25C.
As shown in Fig. 4, the handle 3 includes a handle gripping section 33, an abutment section 34, extending sections 35, and a reinforcing member 36. The handle gripping section 33 has substantially a U-shape for being gripped by an operator. The abutment section 34 contacts the holding section 31 when the handle 3 is positioned in the extended position. The extending sections 35 connect the handle gripping section 33 with the abutment section 34. The reinforcing member 36 extends in parallel with the abutment section 34. As shown in Fig. 7, the handle 3 includes a first handle member 37 having substantially a semicircular shape in cross-section, and a second handle member 38 having the same shape as the first handle member 37. More specifically, a first joint surface 37A is provided at a straight part of the semicircular shape of the first handle member 37, and a second joint surface 38A is provided at a straight part of the semicircular shape of the second handle member 38. The handle 3 is made by fixing the first joint surface 37A with the second joint surface 38A with a plurality of screws (not shown). In this way, the cross-section of the handle 3 has a half split shape that is plane-symmetrical with respect to the first joint surfaces 37A and the second joint surface 38A. This can improve the strength of the handle 3 with low-cost blow molding. However, the handle may have a hollow cylindrical shape unless it creates a problem in strength. Note that each of the first handle member 37 and the second handle member 38 has a hollow shape.
The abutment section 34 extends in a horizontal direction, and a buffer material 34A is provided over the entirety of the abutment section 34 in the circumferential direction (Fig. 4). In the retracted position, the front side (the main body 2 side) of the buffer material 34A is always in contact with the outer body 24. This prevents rattles of the handle 3.
In the present embodiment, rubber damper is adopted as an example of the buffer material 34A. The extending sections 35 extend in the vertical direction and are movably supported on the holding section 31 in the upper-lower direction. When the handle 3 is located at the extended position (Fig. 8), the buffer material 34A is in contact with the holding section 31. As shown in Fig. 9A, even when the power supply device 1 falls rearward, the buffer material 34A touches the ground first, and thus damages to other parts can be prevented. The reinforcing member 36 is a member for reinforcing the handle 3. The reinforcing member 36 is provided to close the opening of the substantially U-shaped handle gripping section 33.
As shown in Fig. 5, the holding section 31 includes handle holding sections 31A that movably hold the handle 3, an abutting section 31B in parallel with the abutment section 34, and a first damper 31C. The handle holding sections 31A are pressed metal parts. Two handle holding sections 31A are provided so as to sandwich the first damper 31C in the left-right direction, and are fixed to the main body 2 with the bolts 32. The abutting section 31B is provided with the second damper 31D contactable with the buffer material 34A. The second damper 31D enables further cushioning for an impact generated upon contacting the abutment section 34 with the abutting section 31B. As shown in Fig. 8, a width W1 of the abutting section 31B and the second damper 31D in the left-right direction is smaller than a width W2 of the abutment section 34 in the left-right direction (more specifically, a distance between the extending sections 35). This can avoid a damage that occurs when connection sections R between the abutment section 34 and the extending sections 35 hit the abutting section 31B. The abutting section 31B also functions as a stopper that restricts movement of the handle 3.
As shown in Fig. 9B, the first damper 31C is provided at a position that is the farthest away from the main body 2 rearward. Even when the power supply device 1 falls rearward, the first damper 31C touches the ground next to the buffer material 34A to soften an impact acting on the main body 2. Hence, damages etc. to components can be prevented when the power supply device 1 falls.
When the handle 3 is positioned in the retracted position as shown in Fig. 3, the handle gripping section 33 protrudes further upward than the uppermost end of the upper cover 4 or the inverter device 5 (the dotted lines) fixed to the upper cover 4. A center of gravity G of the power supply device 1 is defined at a position as shown in Fig. 3. The center of gravity G and the handle gripping section 33 of the handle 3 is away from each other by a distance L. The distance L is determined so that the power supply device 1 in its 180 degrees reversed state (turned-over state) cannot be stably held. In the present embodiment, a lead storage battery for a vehicle use is adopted as an example of the battery 8, as mentioned above. Hence, depending on the condition of the battery 8, there is a possibility that dilute sulfuric acid of electrolyte leaks out. It is unlikely that dilute sulfuric acid leaks out of the battery 8 in a state where the power supply device 1 is fallen 90 degrees as shown in Fig. 10A. However, if the battery 8 is revered 180 degrees, there is a possibility that dilute sulfuric acid leaks out. In the present embodiment, the distance L is determined as described above. Thus, as shown in Fig. 10B, the handle 3 prohibits the power supply device 1 from maintaining the 180 reversed state, which becomes the state shown in Fig. 10A. Furthermore, the center of gravity G shown Fig. 10B is defined such a position that the power supply device 1 in a state shown in Fig. 10B is bought into turn in a counterclockwise direction, and then is rested on the ground as shown in Fig. 10A. Accordingly, even if the power supply device 1 falls forward fast, leaking of dilute sulfuric acid from the battery 8 can be prevented.
The upper cover 4 has substantially a rectangular shape. As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the upper cover 4 includes a latch plate 43, a wall section 44 provided at the periphery of the upper cover 4, a latch engaging section 45 capable of engaging the latch 42, and a hinge mounting section 46 to which the hinge 41 is attached. The upper cover 4 has an upper surface 4A, a flat section 4B, and a lower surface 4C. The flat section 4B is provided at a periphery of the upper cover 4 where the wall section 44 is not provided. The upper cover 4 is formed with the upper-cover groove section 47, a first depressed section 48 formed in the lower surface 4C, and a second depressed section 49 adjacent to the first depressed section 48. The lower surface 4C has an abutment surface 4D in abutment with the adapter 7 in a state where the adapter 7 is mounted on the accommodating section 54 and the inverter device 5 is received on the receiving section 64. The upper-cover groove section 47 has substantially a U-shape in cross-section perpendicular to the upper-lower direction. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the upper cover 4 has a hollow inside for saving weight.
As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, the upper cover 4 can be fixed to the inverter device 5. As shown in Fig. 11, the latch plate 43 is provided with two engaging sections 43A each protruding upward and spaced away from each other in the left-right direction with a predetermined distance therebetween. The engaging sections 43A can engage engagement sections 53A (Fig. 2) of mount-dismount buttons 53 provided to the inverter device 5, thereby fixing the inverter device 5 to the upper cover 4.
The latch plate 43 is fixed to the upper cover 4 with a plurality of screws and, by removing the screws, the latch plate 43 can be detached from the upper cover 4. Fig. 15 shows a top view of the upper cover 4 in a state where the latch plate 43 is detached from the upper cover 4. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line XVI-XVI in Fig. 15. The upper surface 4A and the flat section 4B of the upper cover 4 is slanted downward toward the rear at least 1 degree. With this configuration, rain water is not collected around the engaging sections 43A, and rain water can be discharged through a portion of the upper cover 4 where the wall section 44 does not exist (the flat section 4B) as will be described later.
A peripheral section 47A is provided over the entire periphery of the upper-cover groove section 47. The peripheral section 47A is slightly higher than the upper surface 4A and the flat section 4B. As shown in Fig. 2, the lower surface 4C of the upper cover 4 is pressed against the inverter device 5 accommodated in the main body 2, in at least part other than portions where the first depressed section 48 and the second depressed section 49 are formed. With this configuration, the inverter device 5 is immovable within the main body 2.
The wall section 44 is provided at the periphery of the upper cover 4, such that an opening of substantially a U-shape is located at the rear side (the handle side). As shown in Fig. 11, the flat section 4B is provided at the periphery at the rear side of the upper cover 4, where the wall section 44 is not provided between the wall section 44 and the peripheral section 47A. With this configuration, when the operator turns the power supply device 1 rearward for carrying the power supply device 1, water collected on the upper cover 4 is actively discharged to the outside from the upper cover 4 through the flat section 4B. Because the peripheral section 47A is provided at the periphery of the upper-cover groove section 47, intrusion of water into the main body 2 can be suppressed when the power supply device 1 is tuned rearward. As shown in Figs. 5 and 11, the height of the wall section 44 is higher than the height of the engaging sections 43A. With this configuration, even if a plate-shaped member falls from above, the upper surface of the wall section 44 can receive the plate-shaped member, thereby preventing damages to the engaging sections 43A. As shown in Fig. 14, the height of the wall section 44 is lower than the height of the inverter device 5. This configuration enables the operator to visually check from the front side whether the inverter device 5 is mounted and a state of a display panel 51 of the inverter device 5, without being blocked by the wall section 44.
The latch engaging section 45 is provided at the left side surface of the upper cover 4 (Fig. 11). When the latch engaging section 45 engages the latch 42, the upper cover 4 is fixed to the main body 2. The hinge mounting section 46 is provided at the right side surface of the upper cover 4 (Fig. 12). The hinge 41 is attached to the hinge mounting section 46.
The upper-cover groove section 47 is formed at the rear surface of the upper cover 4. Cables of apparatuses accommodated within the main body 2 can be led to the outside through the upper-cover groove section 47. As shown in Fig. 11, the upper-cover groove section 47 is formed at the rear surface of the upper cover 4, and the adapter 7 is mounted on the rear side of the inverter device 5 (Fig. 14). Because the upper-cover groove section 47 is formed near a position at which the adapter 7 is mounted, cables or the like of the adapter 7 etc. can be readily taken to the outside of the main body 2. In addition, exposure of wiring of the adapter 7 can be minimized, and the wiring can be arranged together compactly. In a state where the inverter device 5 is fixed to the upper cover 4, the adapter cable 71 passes through the upper-cover groove section 47. Accordingly, the cross-sectional area of a cross-section of the upper-cover groove section 47 perpendicular to the upper-lower direction is sufficiently larger than the cross-sectional area of the adapter cable 71. As shown in Figs. 12 and 16, a curved section 47B is provided at the lower side of the upper-cover groove section 47. The radius of curvature of the curved section 47B is larger than the radius of curvature of another section (for example, a connection portion between the upper surface 4A and the wall section 44). This configuration prevents the cable passing through the upper-cover groove section 47 from being caught on an edge of the upper-cover groove section 47.
As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the first depressed section 48 is depressed toward the inside of the upper cover 4 along the shape of an accommodating section 54 of the inverter device 5 protruding upward and described later. With this configuration, the first depressed section 48 can engage the accommodating section 54. If a comparison is made between the inverter device 5 indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 14 and the inverter device 5 indicated by the solid lines, the adapter 7 is mounted on the inverter device 5 indicated by the solid lines and thus the adapter 7 protrudes to the rear side of the accommodating section 54. Even if the operator tries to place the inverter device 5 on the middle cover 6 and to close the upper cover 4 in a state where the adapter 7 is mounted on the inverter device 5, the lower surface 4C around the first depressed section 48 contacts the adapter 7 and the upper cover 4 cannot be closed.
The battery 8 is so configured that, in use, hydrogen gas is discharged through a gas venting holes 8a disposed at its center part (Fig. 6A). For the purpose of preventing the hydrogen gas from staying within the main body 2, in the present embodiment, the U-shaped upper-cover groove section 47 is formed at the rear surface of the upper cover 4 so that the hydrogen gas can be readily discharged to the outside. On the other hand, a control circuit of the adapter 7 is so configured that a fuse provided in the control circuit of the adapter 7 blows out if a terminal of the adapter 7 has a short circuit due to incorporation of a foreign matter or a failure of a mounted apparatus. The fuse sparks when the fuse blows out. Hence, there is a concern that the fuse sparks in the upper chamber 26 in a hermetically-closed state, if the power supply device 1 is used in a state where the inverter device 5 is disposed on the upper chamber 26, the inverter device 5 is connected with the adapter 7 and the upper cover 4 is closed, and the operator closes the upper-cover groove section 47. Thus, the power supply device 1 is so configured that the upper cover 4 cannot be closed if the inverter device 5 is disposed in the upper chamber 26 when the adapter 7 is connected therewith.
In the present embodiment, in order to prevent the inside of the main body 2 from being filled with hydrogen gas, the power supply device 1 is so configured that the upper cover 4 cannot be closed in a state where the inverter device 5 is disposed on the middle cover 6 and the adapter 7 or the battery pack 5C for a power tool is mounted on the inverter device 5. With this configuration, even if the power supply device 1 is used in a state where the upper-cover groove section 47 as a ventilating opening is closed, the inverter device 5 cannot be used in a state where the inverter device 5 is located in the upper chamber 26. Hence, a trouble caused by hydrogen gas can be avoided. Note that, when the fuse blows out, an electrical connection between the battery 8 and the inverter device 5 is cut off, and in this state hydrogen gas is not generated. Hydrogen gas is generated mainly during charging of the battery 8. Further, if the power supply device 1 is left while the adapter 7 is mounted on the inverter device 5, the power of the battery 8 is consumed by circuits of the inverter device 5 or the like. However, because the upper cover 4 cannot be closed in a state where the adapter 7 is mounted on the inverter device 5, unnecessary power consumption of the battery 8 can be suppressed.
The second depressed section 49 is formed at a position adjacent to the first depressed section 48. The second depressed section 49 is engageable with the accommodating section 54. The second depressed section 49 is provided for increasing the rigidity of the upper cover 4.
The inverter device 5 is accommodated in the main body 2 in a state where the inverter device 5 is interposed between the upper cover 4 and the middle cover 6. As shown in Fig. 24, the inverter device 5 includes the display panel 51 for displaying states of the inverter device 5, an output cable 52, the mount-dismount buttons 53, the accommodating section 54 that accommodates the adapter 7 or the battery pack 5C for a power tool indicated by the dotted lines, a power input section 55 that receives inputs from the outside (Fig. 3), the power cable 56 detachably connected with the power input section 55, and band hooking sections 57. The inverter device 5 has side protruding sections 5A protruding toward the sides and configured to be engageable with the middle cover 6, and a front protruding section 5B protruding forward and configured to be engageable with the middle cover 6. The connection section 72 of the adapter 7 for electrically connecting with the inverter device 5 has the same shape as the battery pack 5C for a power tool. With this configuration, it is unnecessary to provide the inverter device 5 with respective connection sections for the adapter 7 and for the battery pack 5C for a power tool, thereby preventing the inverter device 5 from becoming large.
The display panel 51 is provided with an LED lamp. The operator can determine, based on a state of lighting or blinking of the LED lamp, whether the battery is being used as a power source, the battery is being charged, or a malfunction has occurred at the power supply device 1. Either a DC voltage inputted from the battery 8 via the adapter 7 or a DC voltage inputted from the battery pack 5C for a power tool is outputted from the output cable 52 as a 100V AC voltage.
The mount-dismount buttons 53 are provided at the both ends of the inverter device 5 in the left-right direction. By pressing the mount-dismount buttons 53, the inverter device 5 can be mounted on or dismounted from the upper cover 4. The inverter device 5 is fixed to the upper cover 4 via an engagement between the engaging sections 43A of the latch plate 43 and engagement sections 53A of the mount-dismount buttons 53. The band hooking sections 57 are provided at the both ends of the front portion of the inverter device 5 in left-right direction, so that a shoulder band (not shown) can be hooked. With this configuration, the inverter device 5 can be used stand alone by taking the inverter device 5 out of the main body 2 and hooking the shoulder band at the band hooking sections 57. In this case, transportability can be improved by using the battery pack 5C for a power tool as the power source of the inverter device 5. Further, when the operator wishes to use the battery 8 via the adapter 7, by detaching the inverter device 5 from the upper cover 4 and carrying the inverter device 5 with the shoulder band, a power tool such as a driver drill etc. and the battery pack 5C for a power tool can be placed on the upper surface of the upper cover 4. Thus, usage can be broadened.
The middle cover 6 is disposed in the middle chamber 27 and separates the upper chamber 26 from the lower chamber 28. As shown in Fig. 17, the middle cover 6 has a surrounding wall 61 by which a bottom surface 6A is defined. An adapter accommodating section 62 for accommodating the adapter 7 is formed at the center of the middle cover 6. The middle-cover groove section 63 is formed at the surrounding wall 61 at the rear side (Fig. 18). As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the middle cover 6 has a hollow inside for saving weight. The rigidity of the main body 2 is increased by filling the buffer material 2A between the outer body 24 and the inner body 25 for supporting the heavy battery 8 (15 kg). However, because the adapter 7 is light weight (1 kg), the adapter 7 can be supported although the middle cover 6 has a hollow inside.
The bottom surface 6A is a horizontal surface. Two through holes 6a are formed in the bottom surface 6A to penetrate the bottom surface 6A in the upper-lower direction. The two through holes 6a are located adjacent to the surrounding wall 61 at the right and left sides, respectively, and away from each other by a predetermined distance. The upper chamber 26 and the lower chamber 28 are in communication with each other through the two through holes 6a and the middle-cover groove section 63. The two through holes 6a function as drainage holes for discharging water collected in the adapter accommodating section 62, and also functions as gas venting holes for removing hydrogen gas that emanates from the battery 8. This configuration can prevent water from being collected in the adapter accommodating section 62 and can prevent hydrogen gas emanating from the battery 8 from filling the lower chamber 28.
The upper surfaces of the surrounding wall 61 at the front, right, and left sides are depressed downward to form receiving sections 64. The inverter device 5 can be placed on the receiving sections 64. The side protruding sections 5A of the inverter device 5 are placed on the receiving sections 64 at the left and right sides, and the front protruding section 5B of the inverter device 5 is placed on the receiving section 64 at the front side. With this configuration, in a state where the inverter device 5 is placed on the middle cover 6, the inverter device 5 is immovable on the middle cover 6 in the front-rear direction and in the left-right direction. A cable receiving section 65 depressed downward is provided at the surrounding wall 61 at the rear side. The cable receiving section 65 is provided for supporting the output cable 52 etc. extending from the rear side of the inverter device 5 when the inverter device 5 is placed on the middle cover 6. That is, the cable receiving section 65 is provided at the surrounding wall 61 in the direction in which the respective cables extend, when the inverter device 5 is placed on the middle cover 6.
A first curved section 66 is provided at a connection between the cable receiving section 65 provided at the surrounding wall 61 at the rear side and the middle-cover groove section 63. The radius of curvature of a connecting portion between the bottom surface of the cable receiving section 65 and the side surface connecting the surrounding wall 61 at the rear side with the middle-cover groove section 63 is set to a large value, i.e., the first curved section 66 has a large radius of curvature. This configuration prevents the adapter cable 71 from being caught on the surrounding wall 61 when the adapter 7 is accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62.
The adapter accommodating section 62 is provided substantially at a center portion of the middle cover 6 as viewed from the top (Fig. 18), and is located at a position lower than the receiving sections 64 (Fig. 17). The adapter accommodating section 62 has a volume enough to accommodate the adapter 7 and a portion of the adapter cable 71. With this configuration, the adapter 7 can be accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62 in a state where the inverter device 5 is placed on the middle cover 6 (Fig. 2). Further, if the adapter 7 is not accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62 since the adapter 7 is mounted on the inverter device 5 or the like, another apparatus with a size that can be accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62, such as the battery pack 5C for a power tool, may be accommodated. With this configuration, an apparatus other than the power supply device 1 can be carried together with the power supply device 1, when the power supply device 1 is carried. Thus, transportability can be improved.
As shown in Fig. 18, the middle-cover groove section 63 has substantially a U-shape in a plan view. The adapter cable 71 accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62 can be pulled out through the middle-cover groove section 63. As shown in Fig. 18, the middle-cover groove section 63 is formed on the surrounding wall 61 at the rear side. As shown in Fig. 3, the battery 8 is also disposed in the lower chamber 28 such that the terminals 81 are located at the rear side. Because the middle-cover groove section 63 is formed at the same side as the terminals 81 are disposed, the length of the adapter cable 71 can be minimized when the adapter 7 is accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62.
As shown in Fig. 19, a second curved section 63A is provided at a connection between the bottom surface 6A and the middle-cover groove section 63, at the periphery of the middle-cover groove section 63. A third curved section 63B is provided directly below the second curved section 63A. The radii of curvature of the second curved section 63A and the third curved section 63B are identical, and are larger than the radii of curvature of other sections (for example, a connection between the surrounding wall 61 and the bottom surface 6A). The radii of curvature of the second curved section 63A and the third curved section 63B are larger than the radius of curvature of the curved section 47B. This is because the adapter cable 71 tends to be caught on the middle-cover groove section 63 since the middle cover 6 is located directly above the battery 8.
As shown in Fig. 3, the holding section 31 is located at the rear side of and slightly above the middle cover 6. At the holding section 31, the distance between the outer body 24 and the inner body 25 is small for reinforcing fixing of the handle holding sections 31A to the main body 2. With this configuration, a cable accommodating space 6b is defined by the inner body 25, the upper cover 4, the inverter device 5, and the middle cover 6. More specifically, the cable accommodating space 6b is defined at a position opposing the inverter device 5 in a state where the inverter device 5 is placed on the middle cover 6. The cable accommodating space 6b accommodates the output cable 52 extending from the rear surface of the inverter device 5 when the inverter device 5 is placed on the middle cover 6 and accommodates the adapter cable 71. With this configuration, it is unnecessary to make the outer body 24 etc. protrude in order to form a space for accommodating the cables. Hence, an increase in the size of the power supply device 1 can be suppressed.
As shown in Figs. 20 through 22, the battery 8 is fixed to the main body 2 via the battery plate 82, the battery shafts 83, a support plate 85, and bolts 86. The battery plate 82 is placed on the main body 2 and has substantially a plate shape. The battery shafts 83 extend upward from the both ends of the battery plate 82 in the left-right direction. The support plate 85 is fixed to the one end of each of the battery shafts 83 with wing bolts 84. Each bolt 86 is threadingly mounted on the other end of the battery shaft 83. A first antislip member 82B is provided between the battery plate 82 and the battery 8 (Fig. 22). A second antislip member 82C is provided between the inner body 25 and the battery plate 82. In the present embodiment, a rubber damper is adopted as an example of the first and second antislip members 82B, 82C. The battery plate 82 is made of metal. As shown in Fig. 23, the battery plate 82 includes two restricting sections 82A formed by bending upward the both ends in the front-rear direction. A distance D1 between the two restricting sections 82A is slightly larger than a distance D2 of the battery 8 in the front-rear direction (Fig. 22). With this configuration, movement of the battery 8 in the front-rear direction is restricted. Shaft through holes 82a into which the battery shafts 83 inserted are formed in the battery plate 82 at positions shifted slightly forward from the center in the front-rear direction. The two shaft through holes 82a are formed with a predetermined distance therebetween in the left-right direction. Each battery shaft 83 penetrates the shaft through hole 82a and the though hole 2b formed in the main body 2 and is fixed to the main body 2 with the bolt 86. The battery 8 can be readily positioned with the restricting sections 82A of the battery plate 82 and the battery shafts 83, when the battery 8 is placed on the battery plate 82.
As shown in Fig. 3, the battery 8 is supported by the battery shafts 83 in the lower chamber 28 at a position shifted slightly forward from the center in the front-rear direction. When the outer body 24 and the inner body 25 are made with blow molding, recessed portions need to be formed for accommodating the wheels 21. However, there is a problem that, if the recessed portions and the abutting section 25A are close to each other, that shape cannot be held in blow molding. On the other hand, there is a problem that, if the gas venting holes 8a for discharging hydrogen gas is disposed at a center portion of the battery 8 and if the battery plate 82 is disposed at the center portion of the battery 8, the battery plate 82 closes the gas venting holes 8a. In order to avoid these problems, the size of the main body 2 could be simply increased. In the present embodiment, however, the battery 8 is supported by the battery shafts 83 at a position shifted forward slightly from the center in the front-rear direction, so that the distance between the recessed portions accommodating the wheels 21 and the abutting section 25A is sufficiently large. This achieves downsizing of the main body 2 and cost reduction.
As shown in Fig. 2, the battery 8 is fixed to the main body 2 in the lower chamber 28 at a position slightly shifted leftward from the center in the left-right direction. Because the upper cover 4 pivotally moves about the hinge 41, the center of gravity of the power supply device 1 shifts rightward when the upper cover 4 is opened. The battery 8 is fixed at the position slightly shifted leftward from the center of the main body 2, so that the center of gravity of the power supply device 1 is kept at a position close to the center in the left-right direction even when the upper cover 4 is opened. With this configuration, because a space is formed at the right side of the battery 8, the drainage hole 25b is formed in the abutting section 25A at a position facing the space.
As shown in Fig. 2, the battery 8 is restricted from moving in the left-right direction by the battery shafts 83 extending upward from the both ends in the left-right direction. As shown in Fig. 22, an elastic material 87 is provided between the support plate 85 and the upper surface of the battery 8 for protecting the same and for preventing slippage of the battery 8. The support plate 85 has width ends portion each formed with through holes 85a through which the battery shaft 83 extends. The support plate 85 and the elastic material 87 are pressed against the battery 8 by the wing bolts 84, thereby restricting movement of the battery 8 in the upper-lower direction. With this configuration, the battery 8 is completely fixed to the main body 2. The support plate 85 is provided with an insulating member 85A over a distance D3 in the widthwise direction (Fig. 20). As shown in Fig. 6A, the distance D3 is larger than a distance D4 between the terminals 81. This configuration suppresses a situation in which the support plate 85 contacts the terminals of the battery 8 and a short circuit occurs when the battery 8 is replaced.
As shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, a cable 71A extends from the adapter cable 71 to each terminal 81, and a crimping terminal 71B made from metal is provided at an end of the cable 71A. The crimping terminal 71B includes a terminal engaging section 71C that engages the terminal 81 and a cable receiving section 71D in which the cable 71A is inserted. The terminal engaging section 71C and the terminals 81 are connected with each other so that the adapter 7 and the battery 8 are electrically connected. In a state shown in Fig. 6A, the terminal 81 at the right side is a positive terminal, and the terminal 81 at the left side is a negative terminal. Because the terminal engaging section 71C is fixed to the positive terminal 81, the adapter cable 71 can be prevented from coming off the battery 8 due to vibrations or the like that are generated when the power supply device 1 is carried.
A thermistor 88 serving as temperature detecting unit is provided on the crimping terminal 71B adjacent to a position where the positive terminal 81 engages the cable 71A. As shown in Fig. 6B, in a state where the thermistor 88 is fixed to an end of a thermistor cable 88A, the thermistor 88 and the thermistor cable 88A are inserted in the cable receiving section 71D and then that section is fixed by crimping (pressure bonding). Epoxide resin is applied in the inner peripheral surface of the cable receiving section 71D, which prevents the thermistor 88 from being damaged by crimping. The thermistor cable 88A is connected with the adapter 7 in order to detect the temperature of the battery 8.
As shown in Figs. 6C and 6D, two thermal protectors 89 are disposed between the electrode terminal 81 and the terminal section 72A. Specifically, the thermal protectors 89 are fixed to the negative terminal 81 with a bolt. Cables of the thermal protectors 89 are connected with the adapter 7, so that battery malfunction can be detected. The two thermal protectors 89 are held by a copper holder 90, and are fixed to the copper holder 90 with silicone 89A. The copper holder 90 is fixed to the negative terminal 81 of the adapter 7 with a bolt. One of the thermal protectors 89 is arranged at the cigarette socket provided at the adapter 7 for outputting a DC 12V voltage and at an output path of the battery 8. The remaining of the thermal protectors 89 is arranged at a charging path of the battery 8 and at a power supplying path to the inverter device 5.
When the battery temperature becomes high (for example, 65 degrees Celsius or higher) due to battery malfunction etc., the thermal protectors 89 becomes an open state and the above-mentioned path is cut off. Thus, charge and discharge can be stopped at the time of battery malfunction.
Normally, the temperature of a storage battery does not increase very much even if the storage battery is used continuously for a long time. However, if the storage battery is used under a high or low temperature environment, performance degradation of the battery or a failure of the battery sometimes occurs. Hence, in the present embodiment, usage conditions relating to temperature is provided. As the configuration for controlling temperature, the thermistor 88 is provided for controlling temperature of a power supply to the inverter device 5 side, and the two thermal protectors 89 are provided for controlling outputs to the cigarette socket plug and for protecting the device from high temperature at charging.
Further, for the purpose of improving accuracy of temperature control, the one thermistor 88 is directly mounted on the positive terminal 81 of the battery 8, and the two thermal protectors 89 are directly mounted on the negative terminal 81 of the battery 8. Note that the two thermal protectors 89 are directly mounted on the negative terminal 81. Also, in order to read temperature accurately, the two thermal protectors 89 are directly bonded to the copper holder 90 with silicone 89A and are fixed to the terminal with a nut (bolt). This configuration can prevent dropping off, disconnection, or the like of the thermal protectors 89 and the thermistor 88 due to vibrations etc. during transportation etc., and can improve accuracy of controlling temperature.
As shown in Figs. 6A through 6D, after the end of the adapter cable 71 is fixed to the terminal 81, the adapter cable 71 is fixed to the support plate 85 with a banding band. This configuration prevents a situation in which a load (force) acts on a portion where the adapter cable 71 is connected with the terminals 81, so that the portion is damaged or broken.
The plurality of gas venting holes 8a is formed in the upper surface of the battery 8 for venting hydrogen gas of the battery 8. The support plate 85 is provided at a position shifted from the gas venting holes 8a. Note that the circuit configuration and electrical operations of the battery 8, the adapter 7, and the inverter device 5 will be described in detail in a first modification later.
The first modification is illustrated in Figs. 25 through 27. In the first modification, a sine-wave adapter 9 is placed on the middle cover 6, and the inverter device 5 is fixed to the upper cover 4.
The sine-wave adapter 9 is a device configured to convert a square-wave AC voltage outputted from the inverter device 5 to a sine-wave AC voltage. By connecting the output cable 52 of the inverter device 5 with the sine-wave adapter 9 and by acquiring an output from the sine-wave adapter 9, the power supply device 1 can be used as a 100V sine-wave AC power source.
As shown in Fig. 27, the sine-wave adapter 9 includes engaging sections 91 configured to engage the inverter device 5, a display section 92 that displays setting conditions of the sine-wave adapter 9, a setting section 93 that sets output frequency of the sine-wave adapter 9, an output cable 94, and an input section 95 that receives inputs from the outside (Fig. 26). The sine-wave adapter 9 has side protruding sections 9A protruding toward the sides and configured to engage the middle cover 6, and a front protruding section 9B protruding forward and configured to engage the middle cover 6. The engaging sections 91 have shapes that are substantially identical to the shapes of the engaging sections 43A provided at the latch plate 43, and protrude upward. The operator can operate the mount-dismount buttons 53 provided at the inverter device 5 to mount the inverter device 5 on the sine-wave adapter 9 or dismount the inverter device 5 from the sine-wave adapter 9. With this configuration, the inverter device 5 and the sine-wave adapter 9 can be integrally carried, and usage can be broadened.
The display section 92 is provided with two LED lamps. One of the LED lamps turns on when the setting section 93 is set to 50 Hz, and the other one of the LED lamps turns on when the setting section 93 is set to 60 Hz. An insertion plug 94A is provided at an end of the output cable 94. An output from the inverter device 5 is inputted in the input section 95.
The cable accommodating space 6b accommodates the output cable 94 extending from the rear surface of the sine-wave adapter 9 when the sine-wave adapter 9 is placed on the middle cover 6. The side protruding sections 9A of the sine-wave adapter 9 are respectively placed on the receiving sections 64 at the left and right sides. The front protruding section 9B of the sine-wave adapter 9 is placed on the receiving section 64 at the front side. With this configuration, in a state where the sine-wave adapter 9 is placed on the middle cover 6, the sine-wave adapter 9 is immovable on the middle cover 6 in the front-rear direction and in the left-right direction.
In a state where the sine-wave adapter 9 is placed on the middle cover 6 as shown in Fig. 25, there is a possibility that a maximum of three cables passes through the upper-cover groove section 47, the three cables including the adapter cable 71, the output cable 52 extending from the inverter device 5 to the sine-wave adapter 9, and the output cable 94 extending from the sine-wave adapter 9. A cross section of the upper-cover groove section 47 perpendicular to the upper-lower direction has a cross-sectional area through which these three cables can pass.
Fig. 28 shows an electrical circuit of the battery 8, the adapter 7 and the inverter device 5. The adapter 7 is connected to the battery 8, and the inverter device 5 is in turn connected to the adapter 7.
The adapter 7 has an input-side positive terminal 1071A, an input-side negative terminal 1071B, an output-side positive terminal 1072B, an output-side negative terminal 1072C, and terminals 1072A to 1072G. The input-side positive terminal 1071A and input-side negative terminal 1071B are connected to the positive terminal 1081A (terminal 81) and negative terminal 1081B (terminal 81) of the battery 8, respectively. By these connections, the DC voltage from the battery 8 is applied to the adapter 7. The input-side positive terminal 1071A and the input-side negative terminal 1071B are connected to the output-side positive terminal 1072B and the output-side negative terminal 1072C of the adapter 7, respectively. As such, the output-side negative terminal 1072C of the adapter 7 is connected to the negative terminal of the battery 8. With such connections, the DC voltage supplied from the battery 8 is applied to the inverter device 5 through the positive terminal 1072B and the negative terminal 1072C.
The adapter 7 includes a microcomputer 1710, a constant voltage circuit 1720, a charge current detecting circuit 1730, a low power consumption circuit 1740, a power source voltage detecting circuit 1750, a output halt circuit 1760, a charge circuit 1770, a charge timer reset circuit 1781, a discriminating resistor 1785, a residual amount display circuit 1784, a discharge halt circuit 1786, and a temperature detecting section 1707A connected to a thermistor 1707 (thermistor 88). The thermistor 1707 is disposed in contact with or in proximity with the battery 8 to detect the temperature of the same.
The power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is configured from resistors 1751 and 1752 connected in series between the input-side positive terminal 1071A and the input-side negative terminal 1071B. A node between the resistors 1750 and 1751 is connected to the microcomputer 1710 to apply a voltage developed across the resistor 1751.
The power consumption suppressing circuit 1740 is configured from FETs 1741, 1743, resistors 1742, 1744, 1747, 1748, diode 1746, and a capacitor 1745. The low power consumption circuit 1740 is connected between the input-side positive terminal 1071A of the adapter 7 and the constant voltage circuit 1720. More specifically, the FET 1741 has a source connected to the input-side positive terminal 1071A, a drain connected to the constant voltage circuit 1720, and a gate connected to the drain of the FET 1743 via the resistor 1748. The resistor 1742 is connected between the source and the gage of the FET 1741.
When the voltage from the inverter device 5 is applied to the low power consumption circuit 1740 via the terminal 1072D, the FET 1743 is rendered ON and the FET 1741 is also rendered ON. As a result, the output voltage from the battery 8 is applied to the constant voltage circuit 1720. On the other hand, when the voltage from the inverter device 5 is not applied to the low power consumption circuit 1740, the FET 1743 is OFF which in turn renders the FET 1741 OFF. As such, the output voltage from the battery 8 is not applied to the constant voltage circuit 1720. Accordingly, the microcomputer 1710 is not placed in an operable condition. In this way, when the inverter device 5 is not operating, the battery 8 does not supply power to the adapter 7. With such a configuration, power of the battery 8 is not consumed in vain.
The constant voltage circuit 1720 includes a three-terminal regulator 1723, and an oscillation suppressing capacitor 1722. The constant voltage circuit 1720 functions to convert the voltage supplied from the battery 8 to a predetermined voltage (for example, 5V) and the converted voltage is applied to the microcomputer 1710 and other components to be operable or to activate.
The charge current detecting circuit 1730 includes resistors 1731 to 1735, an operational amplifier 1736, and a capacitor 1737. The resistor 1731 is connected between the input-side negative terminal 1071B and the output-side negative terminal 1072C. The charge current detecting circuit 1730 operates to amplify the current flowing in the resistor 1731 with the operational amplifier 1736 and the resulting current is applied to the microcomputer 1710. Thus, the microcomputer 1710 is capable of measuring the current flowing in the resistor 1731.
The charge timer reset circuit 1781 includes a resistor 1782 and a transistor 1783. The transistor 1783 has a collector connected to the inverter device 5 (terminal 1052E) via the identification resistor 1785 and the terminal 1072E, and an emitter connected to the negative-side terminal 1072C. In response to the high-level output signal issued from the microcomputer 1710, the transistor 1783 is rendered ON and a reset signal is applied to the inverter device 5. The microcomputer 1710 outputs the identification signal to the inverter device 5 via the charge timer reset circuit 1781, the identification resistor 1785, and the terminal 1072E. The identification resistor 1785 has a resistance specific to the battery 8 being used. In response to the identification signal, the inverter device 5 is capable of knowing electrical characteristic of the battery 8, such as a voltage. The resistance of the identification resistor 1785 is set to a value different from the resistance of the identification resistor of the battery pack 5C. Specifically, due to the different resistances imparted upon the identification resistors 1785, the identification signal identifying the adapter 7 and output via the identification resistor 1785 is different from the identification signal identifying the battery pack 5C and output via the identification resistor. Hence, the inverter device 5 is capable of determining whether the adapter 7 is connected or the battery pack 5C is connected based on the identification signal received.
The discharge halt circuit 1786 includes a resistor 1787, a transistor 1788, and a resistor 1789. The transistor 1788 has a collector connected to the inverter device 5 via the resistor 1789 and the terminal 1072G, and an emitter connected to the negative terminal 1072C. When the microcomputer 1710 determined that the output voltage from the battery 8 falls below a predetermined level in response to the output from the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750, the microcomputer 1710 outputs a high-level signal to the discharge halt circuit 1786. In response to the high-level signal output from the microcomputer 1710, the transistor 1788 is rendered ON, allowing a discharge halt signal (LD signal) to be output to the inverter device 5. On the other hand, when the microcomputer 1710 determines that the output voltage from the battery 8 has not yet fallen below the predetermined level, that is, when the microcomputer 1710 determines that discharging can be continued, the microcomputer 1710 outputs a low-level signal to the discharge halt circuit 1786. Then, the transistor 1788 turns to OFF and the discharge halt signal is not produced. The signal output to the discharge halt circuit 1786 is also output to an output halt circuit 1760 which will be described later. When the discharge halt signal is output from the discharge halt circuit 1786, the output halt circuit 1760 interrupts the cigarette socket plug 1073 from the battery 8, so that the voltage from the cigarette socket plug 1073 is not available. The microcomputer 1710 is connected to the terminal 1072F and the charge halt signal (LE signal) is output to the inverter device 5 via the terminal 1072F.
The residual amount display circuit 1784 includes a resistor 1795 and an LED 1074. The LED 1074 is lit with the residual amount of the lead-acid battery, i.e., the voltage detected by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750. In accordance with the embodiment of the invention, when the microcomputer 1710 determines that the voltage detected by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is equal to or greater than 70% of the maximum voltage of the battery 8, the microcomputer 1710 controls the LED 1074 to continuously light. When the microcomputer 1710 determined that the detected voltage by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 falls between 30% and 70% of the maximum voltage of the battery 8 (equal to or greater than 30% but less than 70%), the LED 1074 is controlled to flicker at a first frequency. When the microcomputer 1710 determines that the detected voltage is less than 30% of the maximum voltage of the battery 8, the LED 1074 is controlled to flicker at a second frequency higher than the first frequency. As such, the user can readily recognize the residual amount of the battery 8 from the lighting state of the LED 1074.
The cigarette socket plug 1073 has a pair of two terminals 1073A and 1073B. The positive terminal 1073A is connected to the positive terminal 1081A of the battery 8 via the terminal 1071A and the output halt circuit 1760. The counterpart negative terminal 1073B of the cigarette socket plug 1073 is connected to the negative terminal 1081B of the battery 8. The output of the battery 8 can be simultaneously derived from both the cigarette socket terminals 1073A and 1073B and the terminals 1072B and 1072C. Specifically, on one hand, DC 12V can be output from the cigarette socket terminals 1073A and 1073B and on the other hand, rectangular-wave 100V can be output from the inverter device 5. Both outputs can be available simultaneously.
The output halt circuit 1760 is connected between the positive terminal 1071A of the battery 8 and the terminal 1073A of the cigarette socket plug 1073. The output halt circuit 1760 is configured from an FET 1761, resistors 1762, 1763, 1765 to 1767, 1769 and 1792, transistors 1764 and 1791, and a Zener diode 1768. The transistor 1791 has a base connected to the microcomputer 1710. The FET 1761 has a source connected to the terminal 1071A and a drain connected to the terminal 1073A. In response to a high-level signal applied to the base of the transistor 1791 by the microcomputer 1710, the transistor 1791 is rendered ON and the transistor 1764 is rendered OFF. This in turn renders the FET 1761 OFF, so that the terminal 1071A and the terminal 1073A are disconnected one from the other. On the other hand, in response to a low-level signal applied to the base of the transistor 1791 by the microcomputer 1710, the transistor 1791 is rendered OFF, allowing a current to flow in the path defined by the Zener diode 1768 and the resistors 1767, 1766 and 1765. The transistor 1764 is thus rendered ON and the FET 1761 is rendered ON, thereby connecting the terminals 1071A and 1073A. Accordingly, the output voltage from the battery 8 can be derived from the terminals 1073A and 1073B of the cigarette socket plug 1073. In this manner, the DC voltage of the battery 8 can be derived from the cigarette socket plug 1073. It can be appreciated that an electrical equipment provided with a cigarette socket can be used if the electrical equipment is inserted into the adapter 7. When the voltage across the battery 8 is lowered, further discharge from the battery 8 is halted by the output halt circuit 1760. With such a configuration, over-discharge of the battery can be prevented. When the voltage across the battery 8 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the transistor 1764 is rendered ON and the FET 1761 is in turn rendered ON, so that the power is supplied to the cigarette socket plug 1073.
The charge circuit 1770 is connected to the FET 1771, resistors 1772, 1773 and 1775, and a transistor 1774. The transistor 1774 has a base connected to the output terminal of the microcomputer 1710 via the resistor 1775. The FET 1771 has a drain connected to both the positive terminal 1071A of the battery 8 and the constant voltage circuit 1720, and a source connected to the output-side terminal 1072A of the adapter 7. The battery 8 is charged by the voltage applied to the terminals 1072A and 1072B from the inverter device 5. When the battery 8 is charged, the microcomputer 1710 outputs a high-level signal to the base of the transistor 1774 to thereby render the transistor 1774 ON. When the transistor 1774 is rendered ON, the FET 1771 is also rendered ON, thereby forming a charge circuit to allow the battery 8 to be charged. On the other hand, when the microcomputer 1710 applies a low-level signal to the base of the transistor 1774, the FET 1771 is rendered OFF to interrupt the charge path. Hence, charging the battery 8 is halted.
The thermistor 1707 is disposed in the vicinity of the battery 8. In this embodiment, the thermistor 1707 is disposed in the vicinity of the positive terminal 1081A by fixing the thermistor 1707 with a bolt. Because the thermistor 1707 is disposed in the vicinity of the positive terminal 1081A, the battery temperature can be accurately detected. Further, the thermistor 1707 is firmly fixed using a clamper, such as bolt, it is unlikely that the thermistor 1707 is detached or removed due to external force, such as vibrations. The microcomputer 1710 is supplied with information about the temperature of the battery 8 by the thermistor 1707 and the temperature detecting section 1707A. The constant voltage circuit 1720 supplies power to the temperature detecting section 1707A.
A pair of thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B (thermal protectors 89) is fixedly secured using bolts in the vicinity of the negative terminal 1081B of the battery 8. The thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B are held by the copper holder 90 and fixedly secured thereto using silicon. The copper holder 90 is fixedly secured to the negative terminal 1081B of the battery 8 using a bolt. The thermal protector 1708A is disposed in an output path lead to the cigarette socket plug 1073 ( terminals 1073A and 1073B) and the battery 8. Another thermal protector 1708B is disposed in a charge path extending to the battery 8 and in a power supply path (switch 1525). While in the above-described embodiment, the thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B are described as being separate members from the adapter 7 and the battery 8, the protectors may be a part of the adapter 7 or a part of the battery 8.
The thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B are brought to an open state when the battery temperature becomes high, say, more than 65 Centigrade, due to malfunction of the battery. When it is the case, the above-described path is interrupted, ensuring the charge/discharge to halt in the case of battery malfunction. When the thermal protector 1708A is brought to an open state, no signal is applied to the gate of the transistor 1764, so that the FET 1761 is rendered OFF and the output to the cigarette socket plug 1073 is interrupted. On the other hand, when the counterpart thermal protector 1708B is brought to an open state, the charge path between the charge section 5B and the battery 8 is interrupted. Further, power supply to the constant voltage circuit 1521 via a switch 1525 (to be described later) of the inverter device 5 is interrupted, so that a control section 1501 (to be described later) is no longer operable and the inverter device 5 halts its operation.
Generally, the battery temperature does not increase significantly during a long-time continuous usage of the same. Deterioration of the battery and malfunction of the battery is liable to occur when the battery is used under a low or high temperature circumstance. The embodiment is adopts a condition for a temperature in which a battery is allowed to be used. The thermistor 1707 is provided so that the power supply to the inverter device 5 is implemented under the temperature control. The pair of thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B is provided for thermal protection at the time of output control to the cigarette socket plug 1073 and at the time of charging the battery.
As shown in Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C, the power source device 1 is so structured as to directly attach a single thermistor 1707 to the positive terminal 1081A of the battery 8 and to directly attach the pair of thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B to the positive terminal 1081A for the purpose of enhancing accuracy of the temperature control. Further, for the purpose of detecting the temperature with high accuracy, the pair of thermal protectors is directly bonded to the copper holder 90 using silicon and secured to the terminal portion using a bolt and a nut. With such a structure, the thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B and the thermistor 1707 are prevented from being detached or disconnected from the attached portions, which may otherwise occur due to external force or vibrations yielded at the time of conveyance or transportation. Also, the temperature control can be implemented with high accuracy.
While the thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B are illustrated in the vicinity of the positive terminal 1081A, and the thermistor 1707 in the vicinity of the negative terminal 1081B in Fig. 28, it is to be noted that the illustration in Fig. 28 is not intended to show the physical positional relation. As described above, Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C shows the physical positional relation with respect to the thermistor 1707 and the thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B. Alternatively, the thermistor 1707 may be directly attached to the negative terminal 1081B of the battery 8, and the thermal protectors 1708A and 1708B to the positive terminal 1081A thereof.
The invertor 4 is supplied with a DC voltage from the battery 8 via the adapter 7 (see Fig. 29A). While boosting the supplied DC voltage (see Fig. 29B), the inverter device 5 converts the DC voltage to a rectangular-wave voltage (see Fig. 29C). The sine-wave adapter 9 first rectifies the rectangular-wave voltage to be a DC voltage (see Fig. 29D) and the resultant DC voltage is changed to a relevant level DC voltage upon performing a DC-to-AC conversion, transforming the resultant AC voltage and then performing a AC-to-DC conversion (see Fig. 29E). The finally obtained DC voltage is converted to a pulsating voltage (see Fig. 29F), and thereafter the pulsating voltage is converted to a sin-wave voltage (see Fig. 29G). The sin-wave voltage thus obtained can be output to a precision machine via the terminals 5A and 5B (outlets of the commercial AC power supply).
As shown in Fig. 28, the inverter device 5 includes a discharge section 5A and a charge section 5B. The discharge section 5A includes a battery voltage detecting section 1510, a switch 1525, a constant voltage circuit 1521, a boost circuit 1540, rectifying/smoothing circuit 1550, a boosted voltage detecting circuit 1560, an inverter circuit 1570, a current detecting resistor 1517, a PWM signal output section 1511, and a control section 1501. The discharge section 5A converts the DC voltage applied to the terminals 1052B and 1052C to a rectangular-wave AC voltage and outputs the latter from the terminals 1057A and 1057B.
The battery voltage detecting section 1510 includes battery voltage detecting resistors 1512 and 1513 which are connected in series between the positive terminal 1052B and the negative terminal 1052C. The voltage of the battery (which is the battery 8 connected to the adapter 7 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 28) is voltage-divided by the battery voltage detecting resistors 1512 and 1513 and the divided voltage is applied to the control section 1501. The battery pack 5C (see Fig. 24) for use as a power source of a power tool can be connected to the terminals 1052B and 1052C.
The power source switch 1525 and the constant voltage circuit 1521 are connected in series between the positive terminal 1052B and the control section 1501. The constant voltage circuit 1521 includes a three-terminal regulator 1522 and oscillation suppression capacitors 1523 and 1524. When the power source switch 1525 is turned ON by the user, the voltage from the adapter 7 (battery 8) is converted to a DC voltage (for example, 5V) and the resultant voltage is applied to the control section 1501 as a drive power. When the power source switch 1525 is turned OFF, the driving power is no longer supplied to the control section 1501, causing the overall inverter device 5 is rendered OFF.
The boost circuit 1540 includes a transformer 1541, an FET 1531, a resistor 1532, and a thermistor 1533. The transformer 1541 is composed of a primary winding 1541a and a secondary winding 1541b. The primary winding 1541a is connected between the positive terminal 1052B and negative terminal 1052C. The FET 1531 is connected between the primary winding 1541a of the transformer 1541 and the negative terminal 1052C. The FET 1531 has a gate to which a first PWM signal supplied from the control section 1501 is applied. The FET 1531 is rendered ON or OFF in response to the first PWM signal. Depending upon switching actions of the FET 1531, the DC power supplied from the adapter 7 (or battery pack 5C) is converted to AC power for applying to the primary winding 1541a of the transformer 1541. The AC power applied to the primary winding 1541a of the transformer 1541 is transformed depending upon a ratio of the number of turns in the secondary winding 1541b to the number of turns in the primary winding 1541a, and the resultant AC power is output from the secondary winding 1541b. The thermistor 1533 is used to detect the temperature of the FET 1531. When the control section 1501 determines that the temperature of the FET 1531 is higher than a predetermined temperature, the FET 1531 is rendered OFF in response to the first PWM signal, thereby interrupting a current from flowing in the transformer 1541 in order to prevent circuit components, particularly FET 1531, from being damaged by high temperature.
The rectifying/smoothing circuit 1550 includes rectifying diodes 1551 and 1552, and a smoothing capacitor 1553. The rectifying/smoothing circuit 1550 operates to rectify and smooth the AC power stepped up by the transformer 1541 and outputs DC power.
The boosted voltage detecting circuit 1560 includes resistors 1561 and 1562 connected in series, and operates to detect the stepped-up DC voltage (a voltage developed across the smoothing capacitor, which is, for example, 141 volt) output from the rectifying/smoothing circuit 1550 and outputs a voltage divided by the resistors 1561 and 1562 to the control section 1501.
The inverter circuit 1570 includes four FETs 1571-1574. A first pair of serially connected FETs 1571 and 1572 and a second pair of serially connected FETs 1573 and 1574 are connected in parallel to the smoothing capacitor 1553. More specifically, the FET 1571 has a drain connected to the cathodes of the rectifying diodes 1551 and 1552, and a source connected to the drain of the FET 1572. The FET 1573 has a drain connected to the cathodes of the rectifying diodes 1551 and 1552, and a source connected to the drain of the FET 1574.
Further, the source of FET 1571 and the drain of FET 1572 are connected to the output terminal 1057A, and the source of FET 1573 and the drain of FET 1574 are connected to the output terminal 1057B. The output terminals 1057A and 1057B are configured to be connected to the terminals 1097A and 1097B of the sine-wave adapter 9, respectively. A second PWM signal is output from a PWM signal output section 1511 and applied to the gates of the FETs 1571-1574 to render the latter ON or OFF. The switching actions of the FETs 1571-1574 convert the DC voltage output from the rectifying/smoothing circuit 1550 to an AC voltage of rectangular waveform (for example, AC 100V), and the converted AC voltage is applied to the sine-wave adapter 9.
The current detecting resistor 1517 is connected between the sources of FETs 1572, 1574 and the negative-side terminal 1052C. The high-voltage side of the current detecting resistor 1517 is connected to the control section 1501. With such a configuration, the current detecting resistor 1517 detects the current flowing in the inverter device 5 based on a voltage drop in the resistor and outputs the dropped voltage to the control section 1501.
The control section 1501 outputs the first PWM signal to the gate of the FET 1531 so that the boosted voltage reaches a target effective value (for example, 141 volt) based on the boosted voltage detected by the boosted voltage detecting circuit 1560. Further, the control section 1501 outputs the second PWM signal to the gates of the FETs 1571-1574 via the PWM signal output section 1511 so that an AC voltage including a target effective value (for example AC 100 volt) is output to the terminal 1057. In accordance with the present embodiment, the control section 1501 outputs the second PWM signal such that a first pair of FETs 1571, 1574 and a second pair of FETs 1572, 1573 are alternately switched to ON and OFF. Stated differently, the control section 1501 controls the gate voltage of the FET 1531 so as to obtain the target boosted voltage based on the feedback information about the boosted voltage detected by the boosted voltage detecting circuit 1560.
The control section 1501 determines whether or not the battery 8 connected to the adapter 7 has been over-discharged based on the battery voltage detected by the battery voltage detecting section 1510. More specifically, when the battery voltage detected by the battery voltage detecting section 1510 is smaller than a predetermined discharge voltage, the control section 1501 determines that the battery 8 is over-discharged and outputs the first and second PWM signals to halt the output to the inverter device 5. This means that output of at least one of the first and second PWM signals is halted. The control section 1501 outputs the first and second PWM signals to halt the output to the terminal 1057 in response to the discharge halt signal (LD signal) received from the signal terminal 1052G. This means that output of at least one of the first and second PWM signals is halted.
Further, the control section 1501 determines whether or not an over-current is flowing based on the current (or voltage) detected by the current detecting resistor 1517. More specifically, when the current detected by the current detecting resistor 1517 has exceeded an over-current determinative threshold value of the FETs 1571-1574 configuring the inverter circuit 1570, the control section 1501 outputs the first PWM signal to the gate of the FET 1531 to halt the switching action of the FET 1531, and also outputs the second PWM signal to the gates of the FETs 1571-1574 to halt the switching actions of the FETs 1571-1574. By this control, power supply to the AC motor 31 is halted, enabling to prevent malfunction which may occur in the AC motor 31 or inverter circuit 1570 (particularly FETs 1571-1574) due to the over-current. As a modification, switching actions of one of the FET 1531 and FETs 1571-1574 may be halted to achieve the above-described goal.
The charge section 5B includes a rectifying circuit 1581, a smoothing capacitor 1582, an FET driver IC 1583, a voltage stepping down circuit 1590, a rectifying/smoothing circuit 1585, a feedback control section 1588, a switch 1589, and a capacitor 1595. The rectifying circuit 1581 is connected between the terminals 1058A and 1058B and rectifies an AC voltage applied between the terminals 1058A and 1058B. The smoothing capacitor 1582 performs smoothing of the AC voltage being rectified by the rectifying circuit 1581. As shown in Fig. 24, the power cable 56 is connected to the terminal 1058 to apply a commercial AC voltage thereto. The voltage stepping down circuit 1590 includes a transformer 1591 and an FET 1542. The transformer 1591 is configured from a primary winding 1591a and a secondary winding 1591b. The primary winding 1591a is connected between the positive-side terminal 1058A and the negative-side terminal 1058B. The FET 1542 is connected between the primary winding 1591a of the transformer 1591 and the negative-side terminal 1058B. The FET 1542 has a gate to which a third PWM signal fed from the FET driver IC 1583 is applied. The FET 1542 performs switching actions in response to the third PWM signal, thereby converting the supplied DC voltage to an AC voltage. The resultant AC voltage is applied to the primary winding 1591a of the transformer 1591. The AC voltage applied to the primary winding 1591a is transformed depending upon a ratio of the number of turns in the secondary winding 1591b to the number of turns in the primary winding 1591a, and the stepped-up (or stepped-down) AC voltage is output from the secondary winding 1591b. The microcomputer 1710 applies the identification signal inputted from the terminal 1052E to the FET driver IC 1583. Based on the identification signal, the FET driver IC 1583 generates the third PWM signal with a duty ratio corresponding to the battery 8. In this manner, a voltage corresponding to the battery 8 is supplied from the charge section 5B.
The rectifying/smoothing circuit 1585 includes a rectifying diode 1586 and a smoothing capacitor 1587. The rectifying/smoothing circuit 1585 operates to rectify and smooth the stepped-down AC output from the transformer 1591 and outputs a DC voltage to be applied to the adapter 7. Specifically, the positive side of the rectifying/smoothing circuit 1585 is connected to the terminal 1052A and the negative side thereof to the terminal 1052C. When the switch 1589 is turned ON, the DC voltage being rectified and smoothened by the rectifying/smoothing circuit 1585 is output to the adapter 7 via the terminal 1052A.
The feedback control section 1588 includes a feedback circuit 1588a and a resistor 1588b. The feedback circuit 1588a detects a current flowing in the resistor 1588b and sends a control signal to the FET driver IC 1583 via a photo-coupler 1584 depending upon the level of the current detected by the feedback circuit 1588a. Specifically, when the current flowing in the resistor 1588b is reduced, the feedback control circuit 1588a controls the FET driver IC 1583 to transmit the PWM signal with an increased duty ratio whereas when the current flowing in the resistor 1588b is increased, the feedback control circuit 1588a controls the FET driver IC 1583 to transmit the PWM signal with a decreased duty ratio.
The switch 1589 is connected between the terminal 1052A and the rectifying/smoothing circuit 1585 and switches the charging from ON to OFF or vice versa. The control section 1501 performs measurement of a charging period of time tc from the start of charge. When the charging period of time exceeds a predetermined period of time tcf, the control section 1501 turns the switch 1589 OFF to thereby halt the charging. The inverter device 5 is configured to use the battery pack 5C, such as a battery pack for used in an electrically-driven power tool. The predetermined period of time tcf is determined to such a time duration that prevents the battery pack 5C from being over-charged. The control section 1501 also turns the switch 1589 OFF in response to the charge halt signal (LD signal) applied from the terminal 1052E.
Next, the circuit configuration of the sine-wave adapter 9 will be described. Fig. 30 is a circuit diagram showing the sine-wave adapter 9.
As shown in Fig. 30, the sine-wave adapter 9 includes input terminals 1097 (1097A and 1097B), output terminals 1098 (1098A and 1098B), a rectifying circuit 1911, a first smoothing capacitor 1902, a rush current prevention circuit 1930, a voltage detecting circuit 1094, an auxiliary power source 1095, a boosting circuit 1096, a second smoothing capacitor 1907, an inverter circuit 1980, a current detecting resistor 1099, a driver IC 1902, a microcomputer 1903, a frequency changeover circuit 1920, a display section 1083, a fan mechanism 1084, and a relay circuit 1990.
The rectifying circuit 1911 and the first smoothing capacitor 1902 rectifies and smoothens the rectangular-wave voltage (see Fig. 29C) input from the inverter device 5, and outputs a DC voltage equal to the maximum level of the voltage inputted from the inverter device 5 as shown in Figs. 29D and 29E.
The rush current prevention circuit 1930 is provided for preventing a rush current from flowing in sine-wave adapter 9 when the latter is powered. The rush current prevention circuit 1930 basically includes an FET 1931, a rush current prevention resistor 1932, and resistors 1933 and 1934 provided for voltage dividing purpose. The rush current prevention resistor 1932 has a resistance large enough to prevent a large current to flow in the first smoothing capacitor 1902.
The FET 1931 is maintained OFF up to when the divided voltage by the resistors 1933 and 1934 of the output voltage from the rectifying circuit 1911 and the first smoothing capacitor 1902 has reached the gate voltage of the FET 1931 starting from the time when the inverter device 5 is powered (i.e., when the sine-wave adapter 9 starts operating). In this case, the rush current prevention resistor 1932 and the first smoothing capacitor 1902 are connected in series, increasing an overall impedance. For this reason, the rush current is prevented from flowing in the sine-wave adapter 9.
On the other hand, when the divided voltage on the resistor 1934 has reached to the gate voltage of the FET 1931, the FET 1931 is rendered ON and a current does no longer flow in the rush current prevention resistor 1932. Because the rush current is no longer outstanding at the time when the FET 1931 is rendered ON, there is no power consumption in the rush current prevention resistor 1932 once the FET 1931 is rendered ON.
The voltage detecting circuit 1094 is configured from voltage detecting resistors 1941 and 1942 connected in series. The output voltage from the rectifying circuit 1911 and the first smoothing capacitor 1902, i.e., the charged voltage in the first smoothing capacitor 1902, is divided by the resistors 1941 and 1942 and the divided voltage is applied to the microcomputer 1903.
The auxiliary power source 1095 includes a three-terminal regulator 1951, and oscillation prevention capacitors 1952 and 1953. The auxiliary power source 1095 converts the voltage output from the rectifying circuit 1911 and the first smoothing capacitor 1902 to a predetermined DC voltage (for example, DC 5V), and the resultant voltage is applied to the microcomputer 1903 as a driving voltage.
The boosting circuit 1096 includes a coil 1961, an FET 1962, a switching IC 1963, a rectifying diode 1964, and voltage detecting resistors 1965 and 1966.
Switching actions (ON and OFF) of the FET 1962 performed under the aegis of the switching IC 1963 outputs pulsating voltage from the coil 1961. The pulsating voltage is subject to rectification and smoothing by the rectifying diode 1964 and the second smoothing capacitor 1907 to provide a DC voltage. In accordance with the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 29E, DC voltage of 141 volt is output from the boosting circuit 1096 and the second smoothing capacitor 1907. The voltage detecting resistors 1965 and 1966 operate to monitor the voltage developed across the second smoothing capacitor 1907 and feedback the voltage to the switching IC 1963. The switching IC 1963 renders the FET 1962 ON and OFF so that the voltage developed across the second smoothing capacitor 1907 is held to 141 volt.
The inverter circuit 1980 includes an inverter portion 1981 and a filter portion 1982. The inverter portion 1981 is configured from four FETs 1981a-1981d. The FET 1981a has a drain connected to the cathode of the rectifying diode 1964, and a source connected to the drain of the FET 1981b. The FET 1981c has a drain connected to the cathode of the rectifying diode 1964 and a source connected to the drain of the FET 1981d. To each of the gates of the FETs 1981a-1981d, the second PWM signal is applied by the driver IC 1902 for the FETs 1981a-1981d to perform the switching actions. The switching actions performed by the FETs 1981a-1981d convert the DC voltage output from the boosting circuit 1096 and the second smoothing capacitor 1907 is converted to pulsating voltage as shown in Fig. 29F.
The filter portion 1982 includes coils 1982a and 1982b, and a capacitor 1982c. To the coil 1982a, connected are the source of the FET 1981 and the drain of the FET 1981b, whereas to the coil 1982b, connected are the source of the FET 1981c and the drain of the FET 1981d. The pulsating voltage output from the inverter portion 1981 (FETs 1981a-1981d) is converted to a sin-wave voltage through the filter portion 1982 as shown in Fig. 29G.
The current detecting resistor 1099 is connected between the sources of FETs 1981b and 1981d and ground. The high voltage side terminal of the current detecting resistor 1099 is connected to the microcomputer 1903. With such a configuration, the current detecting resistor 1099 detects the current flowing in the inverter circuit 1980 (sine-wave adapter 9), and applies the corresponding voltage to the microcomputer 1903.
In response to the voltage detected by the voltage detecting circuit 1094, the microcomputer 1903 controls the ON/OFF operations of the switching IC 1963. The switching IC 1963 performs PWM control over the FET 1962 so that a predetermined DC voltage (141 volt in this embodiment) is output from the boosting circuit 1096 and the second smoothing capacitor 1907, that is, the boosted voltage in the second smoothing capacitor 1907 is brought to 141 volt.
The microcomputer 1903 outputs the second PWM signal to the gates of the FETs 1981a-1981d via the driver IC 1902. The second PWM signal output from the microcomputer 1093 is such a signal that causes the inverter circuit 1980 to output a pulsating voltage having an effective value 100 volt. In the present embodiment, the microcomputer 1903 normally outputs the second PWM signal that alternately renders the first set of FETs 1981a and 1981d and the second set of the FETs 1981b and 1981c ON and OFF at 100% in the duty ratio. The second PWM signal is such a signal that the respective FETs perform ON/OFF switching at a switching frequency of 20 kHz. The output frequency can be changed by the frequency change-over circuit 1920 (to be described later) to, for example, 50 Hz as shown in Fig. 29F.
The microcomputer 1903 as used in the present embodiment carries out monitoring of the input voltage, determination as to whether or not boosting of voltage is needed, and soft start at the time when the sine-wave adapter 9 starts its operation. The microcomputer 1903 carries out the monitoring of the input voltage in such a manner that operations of the voltage boosting circuit 1096 and the inverter circuit 1980 are halted in the case where the maximum value of the rectangular waveform voltage inputted from the inverter device 5 is out of a first range (equal to or greater than 99 volt and equal to or smaller than 169 volt). With such an operation, likelihood that the FETs and other elements contained in the sine-wave adapter 9 are damaged can be relieved.
In making determination as to whether or not the boosting of voltage is needed, the microcomputer 1903 halts the operation of the boosting circuit 1096 when the maximum value of the rectangular voltage falls within the second range (from 127 volt to 141 volt in the present embodiment). Because the boosting circuit 1096 is operated based on such a determination, the boosting circuit 1096 is prevented from being operated in vain and unnecessary power consumption can be prevented.
In the soft start, when the current flowing in the inverter circuit 1980 is greater than a predetermined value (in the present embodiment, 10 Ampere) over a predetermined period of time from the start of operation of the inverter circuit 1980 (in the present embodiment, 100 microseconds), the duty ratio of the second PWM signal is lowered to 50%. Thereafter, the duty ratio is reverted to 100% in the duration of 2.5 seconds. As such, a large amount of current is prevented from being flowed in the sine-wave adapter 9 and the inverter device 5.
The frequency changeover circuit 1920 includes a switch 1921 and an EEPROM 1922. By depressing the switch 221 for a predetermined period of time (in the present embodiment, 3 seconds), the frequency of the sin-wave voltage output from the sine-wave adapter 9 is switchable between 50 Hz and 60Hz. More specifically, when the switch 221 is depressed, a HIGH level frequency change-over signal is applied to the microcomputer 1903 from the sine-wave adapter 9. In order for the microcomputer 1903 to change-over the frequency of the sin-wave voltage output from the sine-wave adapter 9, the microcomputer 1903 changes the second PWM signal depending upon the frequency change-over signal. The EEPROM 1922 stores the frequency at the time when the operation of the microcomputer 1903 is halted, that is, when the power supply from the inverter device 5 is halted. At the time of the start of the next operation, the microcomputer 1903 outputs the second PWM signal depending upon the frequency stored in the EEPROM 1922.
A display portion 1083 includes a transistor 1831 and an LED 1832. The transistor 1831 is rendered ON in response to the LOW signal output from the microcomputer 1903 and then the LED 1832 is lit or flickered. Although not illustrated in Fig. 30, the transistor 1831 is actually a group of transistors including a transistor for a 50 Hz green light LED, a transistor for a 50 Hz red light LED, a transistor for a 60 Hz green light LED, and a transistor for a 60 Hz red light LED. Also, the LED 1832 is actually a group of the 50 Hz green light LED, 50 Hz red light LED, 60 Hz green light LED, and 60 Hz red light LED. The corresponding transistor and LED are connected so that the former drives the latter. The microcomputer 1903 outputs signals to the display portion 1083 so that relevant LED or LEDs are lit to indicate the status of the sine-wave adapter 9.
When the frequency is set to 50 Hz by the frequency changeover circuit 1920, the 50Hz, green LED is lit. When the frequency is set to 60 Hz by the frequency changeover circuit 1920, the 60Hz, green LED is lit. When the current detected by the current detecting resistor 1099 is 4A or more, the red LED for the relevant frequency being set is lit whereas when the current detected by the current detecting resistor 1099 is 5 Ampere or more, the red LED for the relevant frequency being set is flickered.
Although not illustrated, a temperature detecting means, such as a thermistor, is disposed in proximity with the FET 1962 to detect the temperature of the FET 1962. When the temperature detected by the thermistor is 100 Centigrade or more, the green LED for the relevant frequency being set is flickered.
When the frequency is changed-over by the frequency changeover circuit 1920, the green and red LEDs for the frequency being changed are flickered at an interval of 0.5 second for a duration of 3 seconds, and subsequently flickered at an interval of 0.2 second for a duration of 2 seconds, and then only the green LED is lit continuously. It is to be noted that when both the green LED and the red LED are lit simultaneously, the mixed light is seen to be an orange color.
A fan mechanism 1084 primarily includes a cooling fan 1841 and a transistor 1842. The microcomputer 1903 outputs an ON signal to the transistor 1842 when the microcomputer 1903 is powered. The transistor 1842 is rendered ON in response to the ON signal, thereby driving the cooling fan 1841.
The relay circuit 1990 includes switches 1991 and 1992. The switch 1991 is interconnected between the positive- side terminals 1097A and 1098A, and another switch 1992 is interconnected between the negative- side terminals 1097B and 1098B. The ON/OFFF switching actions of the switches 1991 and 1992 are controlled by the microcomputer 1903. The relay circuit 1990 is rendered ON when a voltage in the form of a sin-wave is applied to the sine-wave adapter 9 and outputs the input voltage as it is. At this time, the boosting circuit 1096 and the inverter circuit 1980 are disabled, so that power consumption can be suppressed.
Fig. 31 is a graphical representation illustrating how the battery 8 is controlled at the time of charging by the adapter 7. The axis of abscissa represents charging time in which t0 is a charge start time. The axis of ordinate represents charging current and battery voltage. The voltage developed across the resistor 1752 indicative of the voltage across the battery 8 is applied to the microcomputer 1710. The microcomputer 1710 computes a duration of time T1 from charge start time t0 to time t2 at which the voltage across the lead-acid battery has reached to voltage V1. A duration of time T2 corresponding to the measured duration of time T1 is set by the microcomputer 1710, and the latter halts charging the battery 8 at time t2 when the duration of time T2 has expired from time t1. As described above, the inverter device 5 is configured to automatically turn off the switch 1589 when charging time tc has reached to a predetermined duration of time tcf. The battery 8 in accordance with this embodiment has a charging capacity of 38 Ah larger than the charging capacity of 3.0 Ah of the battery pack 5C. The predetermined duration of time tcf is set to protect the battery pack 5C from being over-charged. The battery pack 5C using the lithium battery contains a protection IC therein for protecting the lithium-ion battery from being over-charted and over-discharged and also for preventing an overcurrent from flowing in the lithium battery. When, for example, the lithium battery is brought to an over-charged condition, a charge stop signal is output from the battery pack 5C and applied to the inverter device 5, thereby stopping charging the battery. In this manner, the battery pack 5C with the lithium battery containing therein is configured so as not to be over-charged, over-discharged and in an over-current flowing condition. Even if the protection IC does not function properly for some reasons, charging the lithium battery is forcibly stopped as the switch 1589 is turned off after expiration of the charge completion time tcf (reference value) stored in the control section 1501. The predetermined duration of time tcf is not long enough to fully charge the battery 8 having a larger capacity than the lithium battery pack 5C. To solve this problem, the microcomputer 1710 issues a reset signal to the inverter device 5 through the charge timer reset circuit 1781 prior to expiration of the predetermined duration of time tcf. Thus, the charging time tc in the inverter device 5 is reset to zero. A second reset signal is issued prior to expiration of the predetermined duration of time tcf from the issuance of the first reset signal. In this manner, the microcomputer 1710 repeatedly issues the reset signals at an interval shorter than the predetermined duration of time tcf until time t2. The issuance of the reset signals by the microcomputer 1710 does not allow the switch 1589 to turn off and enables the battery 8 to be charged until time t2. In lieu of repeatedly issuing the reset signals from the microcomputer 1710, the timer reset circuit 381 may issue the reset signals to deactivate the charge timer when judgment is made such that the battery being charged is the lead-acid battery.
As shown in Fig. 32A, the charge voltage V1 of the battery 8 takes different values depending upon the temperature as detected by the thermistor 1707 and upon the temperature detected by the temperature detecting section 1707A. As shown in Fig. 32B, the relation between the duration of time T1 and duration of time T2 is determined depending upon the temperature of the battery 8 as detected by the thermistor 1707 (temperature detecting section 1707A).
Fig. 33 is a flowchart illustrating charge/discharge control implemented by the microcomputer 1710. In the charge/discharge control, the duration of time T2 shown in Fig. 32B is computed. At the time of start of the charge/discharge control, the FET 1771 is OFF, since the base current does not flow in the transistor 1784 of the charge circuit 1770. Hence, the charge path is interrupted and the battery 8 is not charged. It should be noted that the microcomputer 1710 issues the reset signals independently of the charge/discharge control. The battery 8 is charged when the terminals 1058 of the inverter device 5 are connected to the commercial power source.
In S1, the microcomputer 1710 determines whether or not the voltage of the battery 8 detected by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is equal to or greater than 10.5 volt. When determination made in S1 is affirmative (S1: YES), the microcomputer 1710 determines in S3 whether or not the temperature of the battery 8 detected by the thermistor 1707 (temperature detecting section 1707A) falls in a range between -15 and 60 Centigrade. When the voltage of the battery 8 is less than 10.5 volt (S1: NO) or when the temperature of the battery 8 is less than -15 Centigrade or above 60 Centigrade (S3: NO), the microcomputer 1710 instructs the discharge halt circuit 1786 to output a discharge halt signal to thereby halt the discharge of the inverter device 5 and thus halt the discharge from the battery 8. Specifically, in response to the discharge halt signal fed from the discharge halt circuit 1786, the control section 1501 of the inverter device 5 halts sending signals to one or both of the FETs of the boost circuit 1540 and the inverter circuit 1570. This can prevent the battery 8 from being over-discharged. Further, because the battery 8 is not allowed to be discharged when the temperature of the battery 8 is at abnormally low or abnormally high, i.e., out of a predetermined temperature range, abrupt degradation in the property of the battery 8 does not occur.
After execution of S5 or when the temperature of the battery 8 is equal to or higher than 15 Centigrade or lower than 60 Centigrade (S5: YES), the microcomputer 1710 determines in S7 whether or not the voltage of the battery 8 detected by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is equal to or less than 12.8 volt. When the voltage of the battery 8 detected by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is larger than 12.5 volt (S7: NO), the routine returns to S1.
The fact that the voltage of the battery 8 is larger than 12.8 volt means that the battery voltage is sufficiently high and there is no need to charge the battery 8. Accordingly, the charging procedure starting from S11 is not carried out. When an external device is connected to the inverter device 5 or to the sine-wave adapter 9, the battery 8 is allowed to be discharged.
When the voltage of the battery 8 as indicated by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is equal to or less than 12.85 volt (S7: YES), the microcomputer 1710 determines in S9 whether or not the temperature of the battery 8 as indicated by the thermistor 1707 is equal to or higher than -10 Centigrade and lower than 50 Centigrade. When the determination made in S9 is affirmative (S9: YES), the microcomputer 1710 outputs a charge start signal to the base of the transistor 1774 of the charging circuit 1770 to thereby render the FET 1771 ON, allowing the terminals 1072A and 1071A to be conductive and starting charging the battery 8.
On the other hand, when the temperature of the battery 8 as detected by the thermistor 1707 is lower than -10 Centigrade or equal to or higher than 50 Centigrade (S9: NO), the microcomputer 1710 renders the FET 371 of the charging circuit 1770 OFF in S13, thereby halting the charging of the battery 8. In S15, the microcomputer 1710 instructs to output the charge halt signal to the terminal 1072F to turn off the switch 1589 of the inverter device 5, thereby halting charging the battery 8. In other words, charging the battery 8 is not carried out under the condition that the temperature of the battery 8 is irrelevant to charge. In this manner, the battery 8 is treated so as not to be degraded.
In S17, measurement of charging time interval T1 starting from the present time t0 is performed. In S19, the microcomputer 1710 determines whether or not the charging current as indicated by the charge current detecting circuit 1730 is equal to or greater than 0.5 Ampere. When the determination made in S19 is affirmative (S19: YES), the microcomputer 1710 further determines in S21 whether or not the temperature as indicated by the thermistor 1707 is equal to or higher than -10 Centigrade and lower than 50 Centigrade. When the determination made in S 21 is affirmative (S21: YES), the microcomputer 1710 determines in S23 whether or not the battery temperature falls in a range between 40 (inclusive) and 50 (not inclusive) Centigrade. When the determination made in S23 is affirmative (S23: YES), the microcomputer 1710 sets the charge voltage V1 to 13.9 volt in S29 (see Fig. 32A) and further determines whether or not the voltage as indicated by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is equal to or larger than the voltage V1 (13.9 volt).
When the battery temperature is out of the range between 40 and 50 Centigrade, that is the battery temperature is equal to or higher than -10 Centigrade but lower than 40 Centigrade (S23: NO), the microcomputer 1710 sets the charging voltage V1 to 14.4 volt in S25 (see Fig. 32A) and then determines whether or not the voltage as indicated by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is equal to or higher than V1 (14.4 volt).
When the voltage of the battery 8 as indicated by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is equal to or higher than 14.4 volt (V1) (S25: YES), or when the voltage as indicated by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is equal to or higher than V1 (13.9 volt) (S29:YES), the microcomputer 1710 stores the time interval T1 starting from time t0 to the present time t1 in S27. It is to be noted that the present time t1 is the time at which the battery voltage has reached to the voltage V1.
When the voltage as indicated by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is lower than 14.4 volt (V1) (S25: NO), or when the voltage as indicated by the power source voltage detecting circuit 1750 is lower than 13.9 volt (V1) (S29: NO), the routine returns to S19.
When the charging current as indicated by the charging current detecting circuit 1730 is lower than 0.5 Ampere (S19: NO), or the temperature as indicated by the thermistor 1707 is out of the range between 10 and 50 Centigrade (S21: NO), a sufficient amount of charge current is not applied or the temperature is not appropriate for charging. Accordingly, in S31, the microcomputer 1710 instructs to halt flowing the base current in the base of the transistor 1784 of the charging circuit 1770 to thereby halt charging the battery 8. In S33, the microcomputer 1710 outputs the charge halt signal to the terminal 1072F to thereby halt the charging function of the inverter device 5.
In S35 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 34, the microcomputer 1710 determines whether or not the duration of time T1 at which the battery voltage has reached the charge voltage V1 is more than 22 hours. When the determination made in S35 is affirmative (S35: YES), the microcomputer 1710 determines in S37 whether or not the temperature indicated by the thermistor 1707 is higher than 10 Centigrade. If the determination made in S37 is negative (S37: NO), the microcomputer 1710 sets the duration of time T2 indicative of time duration up to completion of charging to 5 hours in S39. When the temperature indicated by the thermistor 1707 is equal to or higher than 10 Centigrade (S37: YES), the microcomputer 1710 sets the duration of time T2 to 2.5 hours in S41.
When the duration of time T2 is less than 22 hours (S35: NO), the microcomputer 1710 determines in S43 whether or not the duration of time T1 is equal to or more than 11 hours. When the determination made in S43 is affirmative (S43: YES), the microcomputer 1710 determines in S45 whether or not the temperature indicated by the thermistor 1707 is equal to or higher than 10 Centigrade. If the determination made in S45 is negative (S45: NO), the microcomputer 1710 sets the duration of time T2 to 4 hours in S47. When the determination made in S45 is affirmative (S45: YES), the microcomputer 1710 sets the duration of time T2 to 1.5 hours in S49.
When the duration of time T1 is less than 11 hour (S43: NO), the microcomputer 1710 determines in S51 whether or not the duration of time T1 is equal to or longer than 30 seconds. When the determination made in S51 is affirmative (S51: YES), the microcomputer 1710 determines in S53 whether or not the temperature indicated by the thermistor 1707 is equal to or higher than 10 Centigrade. If the determination made in S53 is negative (S53: NO), the microcomputer 1710 sets the duration of time T2 to 2.5 hours in S55. On the other hand, when the temperature indicated by the thermistor 1707 is equal to or higher than 10 Centigrade (S53: YES), the microcomputer 1710 sets the duration of time T2 to 0.5 hour in S57.
When the duration of time T1 is less than 30 seconds (S51:YES), the microcomputer 1710 sets the duration of time T2 to 0 second in S59. That is, completion of charging is determined. In S61, the microcomputer 1710 computes an expiration period of time from time t1. In S63, the microcomputer 1710 determines whether or not the charge current indicated by the charge current detecting circuit 1730 is equal to or larger than 0.5 Ampere. When the determination made in S63 is affirmative (S63: YES), the microcomputer 1710 further determines in S65 whether or not the temperature indicated by the thermistor 1707 is equal to or higher than 10 Centigrade but lower than 50 Centigrade. When the determination made in S65 is affirmative (S65: YES), the microcomputer 1710 determines in S67 whether or not the expiration period of time from time t2 exceeds the duration of time T2. If the determination made in S67 is negative (S67: NO), the routine returns to S63. Stated differently, the process executed in S63 and S65 is for determining whether or not the chargeable circumstance is maintained in the duration of time T2 starting from time t1 or until charging is completed.
On the other hand, when the charging current indicated by the charge current detecting circuit 1730 is less than 0.5 ampere (S63: NO), when the temperature indicated by the thermistor 1707 is less than -10 Centigrade or equal to or higher than 50 Centigrade (S65: NO), and when the expiration period of time starting from time t2 has exceeded the duration of time T2 (S67: YES), the microcomputer 1710 renders the FET 1771 of the charging circuit 1770 OFF to thereby halt charging the battery 8. In S71, the microcomputer 1710 instructs to output the charge halt signal to the terminal 1072F, thereby disabling the charging function of the inverter device 5.
With the processes described above, the adapter 7 is capable of discharging so as to be consistent with the electric characteristic of the battery 8. Specifically, in S5, when the voltage of the battery 8 falls below 10.5 volt or the temperature of the battery 8 is out of the range between -15 Centigrade and 60 Centigrade, discharging the battery 8 is not performed. As such, the battery 8 is prevented from being over-discharged, as the use circumstance and electric characteristic of the lead-acid battery are taken into consideration when it comes to discharge the battery 8.
As described above, the predetermined charge voltage V1 is set based on the temperature of the battery 8. The duration of time T2 is determined based on duration of time T1 at which the battery 8 is charged to the predetermined charge voltage V1 as set, and the charge halt time t2 is determined. The charging period of time can thus be determined so as to be optimized for the use circumstance and electrical characteristic of the battery 8. In other words, the battery 8 can be prevented from being under-charged or over-charged. Moreover, charging the battery 8 is not performed if the charge current is less than 0.5 Ampere. That is, the lead-acid battery is charged only when a sufficient amount of charge current is supplied. The charge current for the battery 8 is about 5 Ampere substantially equal to the charge current for the battery pack 5C. During charging the battery 8, the charge current may be switched, for example, from 5 Ampere in the duration of time T1 to 1 Ampere in the duration of time T2. By doing so, the charging capacity can be increased as compared with the case in which the battery 8 is continuously charged with the same level current, 5 Ampere.
The lead-acid battery does not have associated control circuit for controlling the battery voltage, charge/discharge current, or the like. Direct connection of the battery 8 to the inverter device 5 results in over-charge and over-current which may be the causes for degrading the property of the battery 8. In accordance with the embodiment of the invention, the battery 8 is connected to the inverter device 5 with a specific-purpose adapter 7 interposed therebetween. The adapter 7 houses therein a control circuit for controlling the battery 8. The control circuit includes a microcomputer, a voltage monitoring section, a current monitoring section, and an identification section. The control signals received at the inverter device 5 from the adapter 7 can be used to control the battery 8 so as not to be placed in an abnormal state causing the battery to be degraded. The inverter device 5 can perform the same operation regardless of the type of the battery connected whichever it may be the battery 8 or the battery pack 5C. When the adapter 7 is connected, the charge/discharge is controlled in response to the signals fed from the adapter 7. The charging control may be modified depending upon the battery connected. Such a modification will be described while referring to Fig. 35.
Referring to Fig. 35, the output control of the inverter device 5 will be described. In S201, the operator turns on the power switch 1525, allowing a voltage to be supplied to the constant voltage circuit 1521 from the battery 8 and the control section 1501 is powered. In S202, the control section 1501 receives an identification signal from the terminal 1052E. As described in the identification signal is a signal corresponding to the identification resistor 1785 of the adapter 7 or the identification resistor of the battery pack 5C.
In S203, the control section 1501 determines whether or not the adapter 7 is mounted on the inverter device 5 based on the identification signal. When the adapter 7 is not mounted thereon (S203: NO), determination is made so that the battery pack 5C is mounted on the inverter device 5. In S204, the control section 1501 sets an over-current threshold value with respect to the battery pack 5C. The over-current threshold value is used to prevent the over-current from being discharged from the power source of the inverter device 5, i.e., from the battery pack 5C or adapter 7. In S205, the control section 1501 sets an over-discharge voltage threshold value with respect to the battery pack 5C. In S206, the control section 1501 sets an over-temperature protection set value with respect to the battery pack 5C. It should be noted that the battery pack 5C houses therein a protection IC which determines over-charge, over-discharge, and over-current within the battery pack 5C. Such abnormal status indicating signals are applied to the terminals 1052F and 1052G of the inverter device 5 so that the control section 1501 can control the relevant FETs to halt charging and discharging.
When the adapter 7 is mounted on the inverter device 5 (S203: YES), the control section 1501 sets the over-current threshold value to a relevant value for the battery 8. Because a larger current can flow in the battery 8 than in the battery pack 5C, the over-current threshold value for the battery 8 is set to be a larger value than that for the battery pack 5C. In S208, the control section 1501 sets the over-discharge voltage threshold value to a relevant value for the battery 8. In S207, the control section 1501 sets the over-temperature protection set value to a value relevant to the battery 8.
In S210, the control section 1501 performs measurements of the boosted voltage by voltage-dividing with the resistors 1561 and 1562, and determines whether or not the boosted voltage is larger than the target voltage. When the boosted voltage is equal to or lower than the target voltage (S210: NO), the control section 1501 alters the first PWM signal so that the duty ratio increases. On the other hand, when the boosted voltage is larger than the target voltage (S210: YES), the control section 1501 alters the firsts PWM signal so that the duty ratio decreases in S212. In other words, the control section 1501 controls the FET 1531 so that the boosted voltage developed across the second smoothing capacitor 1553 is brought to 141 volt. In S213, the control section 1501 outputs the second PWM signal via the PMW signal output section 1511. The second PWM signal is an alternating voltage in a rectangular waveform.
In S214, the control section 1501 measures the current flowing in the current detection resistor 417 and determines whether or not the measured current is larger than the over-current threshold value. When the measured current is equal to or smaller than the over-current threshold value (S214: NO), the control section 1501 detects the voltage of the power source (adapter 7 or the battery pack 5C) by the voltage-division with the resistors 1511 and 1512 and determines whether or not the measured power source voltage is smaller than the over-discharge voltage threshold value. When the voltage of the power source (adapter 7 or the battery pack 5C) is equal to or larger than the over-discharge voltage threshold value (S215: NO), the control section 1501 determines in S216 whether or not the temperature of the power source (adapter 7 or the battery pack 5C) is higher than the over-temperature protection set value. The temperature of the adapter 7 is detected by the thermistor 1707 and the detected temperature is sent through the terminals 1072F and 1052F to the control section 1501 by the control section 1710. The temperature of the battery pack 5C is detected by the thermistor 1059B. When the temperature of the power source (adapter 7 or the battery pack 5C) is lower than the over-temperature protection set value (S216: NO), the routine returns to S210.
In the cases when the measured current value is larger than the over-current threshold value (S214: YES), when the voltage of the power source (adapter 7 or the battery pack 5C) is smaller than the over-discharge voltage threshold value (S215: YES), and when the temperature of the power source (adapter 7 or the battery pack 5C) is higher than the over-temperature protection set value (S216: YES), at least one of the boost circuit 1510 and the inverter circuit 1570 is disabled to thereby halt outputting the voltage. As such, threshold values are set, output of the over-current, occurrence of the over-discharge and abnormal temperature rise of the power source (adapter 7 or the battery pack 5C) can be prevented depending upon the property of the power source. In lieu of halting the voltage output, the control section 1501 may control at least one of the boost circuit 1510 and the inverter circuit 1570 so that the voltage output is lowered.
Referring next to the flowchart shown in Fig. 36, the output control of the sine-wave adapter 9 will be described. In S101, the microcomputer 1903 determines whether the input voltage is DC or AC. When the DC voltage is input (S101: YES), the microcomputer 1903 determines in S103 whether or not the input voltage is in a rectangular waveform. As shown in Fig. 29C, the rectangular waveform AC voltage has a duration of time T0 at which 0 (zero) voltage lasts. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 29G, the sin-waveform AC voltage is only momentarily brought to zero voltage much shorter than the duration of time T0. Here, reference duration of time Ts is set which is shorter than the duration of time T0 but longer than zero. The reference duration of time Ts is sufficiently longer than the momentous time at which the sin-waveform AC voltage is zeroed. The microcomputer 1903 determines that the input voltage is in the rectangular waveform AC voltage if the duration of time at which the input voltage is zeroed is longer than the reference duration of time Ts (S115: YES) and the routine shifts to S103. On the other hand, the microcomputer 1903 determines that the input voltage is in the sin-waveform AC voltage if the duration of time at which the input voltage is zeroed is shorter than the reference duration of time Ts (S115: NO). In S117, the microcomputer 1903 determines whether the frequency of the input voltage is 50 Hz or 60 Hz. When the frequency of the input voltage is neither 50 Hz nor 60 Hz (S117:NO), the routine shifts to S103. When the frequency of the input voltage is either 50 Hz or 60 Hz (S117: YES), the microcomputer 1903 disables the inverter circuit 1980 in S119. In S121, the microcomputer 1903 waits for 5 seconds from the time when the inverter circuit 1980 is disabled. After expiration of 5 seconds from the time when the inverter circuit 1980 is disabled (S121: YES), the AC output is completely interrupted. In S123, the relay circuit 1990 (switches 1991 and 1992) is turned on to allow the input voltage to be output as it is without conversion. 50 Hz or 60 Hz sin-waveform AC voltage is available as it is in general electronic equipment.
On the other hand, in S103, the microcomputer 1903 determines whether or not the frequency changeover circuit 1920 is set to 50 Hz. If the determination made in S103 is affirmative (S103: YES), the microcomputer 1903 sets the output of the inverter circuit 1980 to 50 Hz in S105. If the frequency changeover circuit 1920 has been set to 60 Hz (S103: NO), the microcomputer 1903 sets the output of the inverter circuit 1980 to 60 Hz in S105.
In S109, the microcomputer 1903 turns off the relay circuit 1990 (switches 1991 and 1992) to prevent the input voltage from being output as it is. In S111, the microcomputer 1903 waits for 5 seconds so that the AC output is completely interrupted. In S113, the microcomputer 1903 operates the inverter circuit 1980 to convert the input voltage to the sin-waveform AC voltage and output the converted voltage.
With the configuration described above, when the sinusoidal waveform AC voltage is input to the sinusoidal-wave adapter 7, the input voltage is not subject to conversion but output as it is. This eliminates power conversion loss which may otherwise occur when the AC waveform conversion is carried out.
A second modification is illustrated in Figs. 37 and 38. In the second modification, pressing sections 139 are provided at the handle 3. In the above-described embodiment, a front-side (the main body 2 side) member of the buffer material 34A contacts the outer body 24 to prevent rattles of the handle 3. In the second modification, the pressing sections 139 contact the outer body 24 to prevent rattles of the handle 3.
Two pressing sections 139 are provided at each extending section 35 with a predetermined distance therebetween in the upper-lower direction, and four pressing sections 139 are provided at the handle 3 in total. As shown in Fig. 38, each pressing section 139 protrudes forward (toward the main body 2 side). When the handle 3 is in the retracted position, all of the four pressing sections 139 contact the main body 2. Thus, because the handle 3 contact the outer body 24 at four positions, rattles of the handle 3 can be prevented reliably. When the handle 3 is in the extended position, only the two lower pressing sections 139 contact the outer body 24. Thus, even in a state where the handle 3 is pulled out, rattles of the handle 3 can be prevented.
A rubber grip section 133 is provided at the handle gripping section 33, so that the operator can readily grip the handle gripping section 33.
A third modification is illustrated in Figs. 39 through 41. In the above-described embodiment, the abutting section 31B is adopted as a stopper of the handle 3. In the third modification, a protruding section 224A serves as the stopper.
In the third modification, the protruding section 224A is provided to protrude outward from the rear surface of the outer body 24. The end of the buffer material 34A at the outer body 24 side is located at the outer body 24 side of an imaginary line that extends in parallel with the extending sections 35 from the protruding section 224A of the outer body 24 located above the end. That is, the protruding section 224A of the outer body 24 is located farther rearward than the end of the buffer material 34A. With this configuration, when the handle 3 is in the extended position, the protruding section 224A contacts the buffer material 34A. This can suppresses unintended movement of the handle 3 toward the extended position relative to the main body 2.
Unless it creates a problem in strength, as in the third modification, the protruding section 224A may be provided at the main body 2 as an alternative of the abutting section 31B, and the protruding section 224A may contact the abutment section 34, thereby preventing damages to a connection position R between the abutment section 34 and the extending sections 35 with relatively inexpensive configurations. Further, only the shape of the abutment section 34 may be a square (rectangular) shape, and the protruding section 224A may contact the abutment section 34. With this configuration, a contact may be performed smoothly even if the height of the protruding section provided at the main body 2 is low.
According to the above-described power supply device, the following effects can be obtained.
The inverter device 5 and the battery 8 having a large capacity are accommodated in the main body 2 so that the power supply device 1 can be carried. Thus, electric power of AC voltage can be supplied over a long period of time in an area where no electric power of commercial AC voltage is supplied, for example, a disaster area due to a great earthquake. Further, because the power supply device 1 has the rechargeable battery 8, the battery 8 can be charged by connecting the inverter device 5 with a commercial AC power source in an area where electric power of commercial AC voltage is supplied.
The inverter device 5 can be fixed on the upper cover 4. Hence, when the sine-wave adapter 9 is accommodated within the main body 2, the inverter device 5 can be fixed to the engaging sections 43A and arranged on the outer surface of the upper cover 4. Hence, the outer size of the main body 2 can be made small. Further, the power supply device 1 includes the sine-wave adapter 9 that converts a square-wave AC voltage outputted from the inverter device 5 to a sine-wave AC voltage and that outputs the sine-wave AC voltage. Thus, electric power of a sine-wave AC voltage can be supplied.
Because the battery 8 is a lead storage battery for a vehicle use, the battery 8 with a large capacity can be used. Further, because the inverter device 5 can be connected with the battery pack 5C for a power tool, either the battery 8 or the battery pack 5C can be used depending on the usage. If the battery 8 is used, the operating time of an apparatus connected with the power supply device 1 can be made longer than the operating time when the battery pack 5C for a power tool is used. If the battery pack 5C for a power tool is used, the inverter device 5 can be carried while being slung on the shoulder or the like.
The handle 3 is provided at the main body 2 for being gripped to carry the main body 2. The handle 3 is held by the handle holding sections 31A provided at the main body 2. Thus, the power supply device 1 can be moved readily.
The handle 3 includes the first handle member 37 and the second handle member 38. Thus, the handle 3 can be made by blow molding thereby saving costs. In addition, the handle 3 has strength to an extent that the power supply device 1 can be carried by gripping the handle 3 in a state where the battery 8 is accommodated within the main body 2. Further, because the first handle member 37 and the second handle member 38 have an identical shape, the handle members 37 and 38 can be manufactured with the same mold and thus the manufacturing costs can be reduced.
The main body 2 is provided with the abutting section 31B that restricts movement of the handle 3. Thus, even though the handle 3 is manufactured by blow molding, the above-described configuration can prevent a situation in which, when the handle 3 moves, the handle 3 contacts a portion other than the abutting section 31B in the extended position and then the handle 3 is damaged. Further, because a press component is used as the abutting section 31B, the inexpensive abutting section 31B and the handle 3 which is an inexpensive component made by blow molding can be used in combination, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of the power supply device 1.
The second damper 31D is provided at the abutting section 31B, and the buffer material 34A is provided at the abutment section 34. This reduces collision load that is generated between the abutting section 31B and the handle 3 when the handle 3 is forcefully moved from the retracted position to the extended position. Hence, durability of the handle 3 and the abutting section 31B can be improved.
The buffer material 34A is provided over the entire periphery of the abutment section 34. Thus, even when the main body 2 falls and the handle 3 comes close to the ground, floor, or the like, the buffer material 34A hits the ground, floor, or the like. This softens an impact when the handle 3 hits the ground, floor, or the like, and thus can prevent damages to the handle 3.
Because the buffer material 34A is a rubber damper, the buffer material 34A can be made of inexpensive and simple material.
Because the wheels 21 are provided at the main body 2, the power supply device 1 can be moved easily.
The latch plate 43 is provided at the upper cover 4. By fixing the inverter device 5 to the upper cover 4, the display panel 51 of the inverter device 5 can be used in an easily viewable state. In addition, access to the inverter device 5 can be facilitated.
The engaging sections 43A of the latch plate 43 protrude from the upper cover 4, and the upper cover 4 is provided with the wall section 44 that protrudes farther than the engaging sections 43A. This configuration can prevent the engaging sections 43A from being hit by another object and protect the engaging sections 43A.
The upper surface 4A of the upper cover 4 is slanted downward toward the flat section 4B. With this configuration, when rain water etc. falls on the slanted surface, the rain water flows toward the flat section 4B of the upper cover 4. Hence, rain water etc. can be prevented from being collected on the outer surface of the upper cover 4.
The upper surface 4A of the upper cover 4 is slanted downward toward the flat section 4B at least 1 degree. Hence, rain water etc. can be discharged effectively.
Because the upper-cover groove section 47 is formed in the upper cover 4, the cables connected with the inverter device 5 etc. can pass through the upper-cover groove section 47 inward from outside the main body 2 or outward from inside the main body 2.
Because the peripheral section 47A is provided at the periphery of the upper-cover groove section 47, rain water etc. can be prevented from running into the main body 2 through the upper-cover groove section 47.
The first depressed section 48 has a shape following the shape of the accommodating section 54. Thus, in a state where the adapter 7 is mounted on the accommodating section 54, the lower surface 4C around the first depressed section 48 contacts the adapter 7, and the opening 2a cannot be closed with the upper cover 4.
The inverter device 5 is accommodated in the upper chamber 26, the middle cover 6 is accommodated in the middle chamber 27, and the battery 8 is accommodated in the lower chamber 28. Hence, the battery 8, the inverter device 5, and the middle cover 6 can be accommodated compactly in the main body 2.
The cable accommodating space 6b is formed such that the cable accommodating space 6b opposes the inverter device 5 when the inverter device 5 is placed on the middle cover 6. Thus, the cable accommodating space 6b can accommodate the adapter cable 71 for connecting the inverter device 5 with the battery 8, and forceful folding of the adapter cable 71 can be avoided.
Because the power supply device 1 further includes the sine-wave adapter 9 that can be accommodated in the upper chamber 26, electric power of a sine-wave AC voltage can be supplied from the power supply device 1.
The cable accommodating space 6b is formed such that the cable accommodating space 6b opposes the sine-wave adapter 9 when the sine-wave adapter 9 is placed on the middle cover 6. Thus, the cable accommodating space 6b can accommodate a cable for connecting the sine-wave adapter 9 with the battery 8, and forceful folding of the cable can be avoided.
Because the middle-cover groove section 63 is formed in the middle cover 6, cables etc. connected with the battery 8 are allowed to pass through the middle-cover groove section 63 from the lower side to the upper side, or from the upper side to the lower side of the middle cover 6.
Because the through hole 6a is formed in the middle cover 6, rain water etc. that has entered the upper chamber 26 can flow to the lower chamber 28. Further, even if by any chance hydrogen gas emanates from the battery 8 in the lower chamber 28, the hydrogen gas can be vented to the upper chamber 26.
Because the buffer material 2A is filled between the outer body 24 and the inner body 25, temperature changes within the main body 2 can be suppressed, and performance of the battery 8 can be stabilized. Further, the buffer material 2A can absorb an impact that is generated when another object hits the outer body 24, and thus the battery 8 and the inverter device 5 accommodated in the main body 2 can be protected.
The drainage hole 25b is formed in the inner body 25, and the inner body 25 has the slant sections 25B slanted downward toward the drainage hole 25b. Thus, rain water that has entered the main body 2 can flow to the drainage hole 25b and can be discharged to the outside.
Because the slant sections 25B are slanted at 1 degree or more with respect to the horizontal surface, rain water that has entered the main body 2 can flow to the drainage hole 25b efficiently.
The battery 8 is supported by the battery shafts 83 at the left and right sides thereof, and contacts the restricting sections 82A at the front and rear sides thereof. Thus, the battery 8 can be stably held in the left-right direction, and the battery 8 can also be stably positioned in the front-rear direction intersecting the left-right direction because of contacts between the ends of the battery 8 and the restricting sections 82A.
The battery 8 is a lead storage battery for a vehicle use, and the lead storage battery 8 has an electrode terminal 81 at which the thermistor 88 for detecting temperature of the electrode terminal 81 is provided. Thus, temperature changes of the battery 8 can be grasped accurately by the thermistor 88 outside the battery 8.
The thermistor 88 is fixed to a metal crimping terminal fixed to the electrode terminal 81. Thus, the crimping terminal 71B having a high thermal conductivity promotes transmission of heat from the electrode terminal 81 to the thermistor 88, and the temperature change of the battery 8 can be grasped more accurately. Further, the thermistor 88 can be readily fixed to the electrode terminal 81 with a simple configuration.
Because the thermistor 88 is fixed to the positive electrode terminal 81 of the battery 8, the temperature change of the battery 8 can be grasped more accurately.
Because the thermal protector 89 is fixed to the negative electrode terminal 81 of the battery 8, battery malfunction can be detected
Because the thermal protector 89 is disposed between the battery 8 and the terminal section 72A of the adapter 7, charging and discharging can be stopped at the time of battery malfunction.
Because the thermal protector 89 is fixed to the copper holder 90 fixed to the electrode terminal 81, the thermal protector 89 is not easily detached from the negative electrode terminal 81 even when vibrations are applied.
Because the thermistor 88 is provided at the electrode terminal 81 of the battery 8 for detecting temperature of the electrode terminal, temperature changes of the battery 8 can be grasped accurately by the thermistor 88 outside the battery 8.
The slippage preventing members 25D is provided between the battery plate 82 and the ribs 25C (the inner body 25) for preventing the battery plate 82 from slipping relative to the inner body 25. Hence, the battery plate 82 can be stably held relative to the inner body 25.
The first antislip member 82B is provided between the battery plate 82 and the battery 8 for preventing the battery 8 from slipping relative to the battery plate 82. Hence, the battery 8 can be stably held relative to the battery plate 82.
The slippage preventing members 25D and 82B are rubber dampers. Hence, the battery plate 82 can be held relative to the inner body 25 and the battery 8 can be held relative to the battery plate 82 easily and effectively.
The elastic material 87 provided on the surface of the support plate 85 has a longitudinal length longer than the distance between the terminals 81. Thus, even when the support plate 85 is detached from the battery shafts 83 for replacing the battery 8 and the support plate 85 is dropped on the terminals 81 by mistake, a short circuit can be prevented.
While the invention has been described in detail with reference to the above aspects thereof, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the claims.
In the above-described embodiment, the main body 2 can accommodate therein either one of the inverter device 5 and the sine-wave adapter 9. However, the height of the main body 2 may be increased so that the main body 2 can accommodate therein both of the inverter device 5 and the sine-wave adapter 9. In this case, too, it is preferable that the upper cover 4 be so configured that the upper cover 4 cannot be closed in a state where the adapter 7 is mounted in the accommodating section 54.
Although, in the above-described embodiment, the single drainage hole 25b is formed at the abutting section 25A, a plurality of drainage holes may be formed. With this configuration, even when a large amount of water enters the main body 2, water can be discharged to the outside promptly.
Although urethane is adopted as the buffer material 2A in the above-described embodiment, another material such as polystyrene may be adopted. Alternatively, the buffer material 2A may be omitted.
Although polyethylene is adopted as the inner body 25 in the above-described embodiment, polypropylene may be adopted as the inner body 25.
In the above-described embodiment, the first handle member 37 and the second handle member 38 are combined to form the handle 3. However, the handle 3 may be made of metal.
In the above-described embodiment, the buffer material 34A is provided at the handle 3, and the second damper 31D is provided at the abutting section 31B. However, either one of the buffer material 34A and the second damper 31D may be provided.
Further, a buffer material may be provided at the lower surface of the reinforcing member 36. With this configuration, when the operator presses the handle 3 down, the upper surface of the holding section 31 and the buffer material contact, and an impact can be softened.
In the above-described embodiment, the upper-cover groove section 47 is provided at the rear surface of the upper cover 4. However, the upper-cover groove section 47 may be provided any surface other than the side surface at which the hinge mounting section 46 is provided. Further, a plurality of the upper-cover groove sections 47 may be provided.
In the above-described embodiment, the inverter device 5 can be placed on the middle cover 6. However, members corresponding to the engaging sections 43A may be provided at the middle cover 6 so that the inverter device 5 can be fixed to the middle cover 6. Further, an engaging section may be provided at the middle cover 6 for engaging the bottom surface of the sine-wave adapter 9 and for fixing the sine-wave adapter 9.
In the above-described embodiment, the adapter 7 and a portion of the adapter cable 71 are accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62. However, the battery pack 5C may be accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62. Further, the adapter accommodating section 62 may be so configured that the adapter 7 and the battery pack 5C can be accommodated at the same time.
In the above-described embodiment, the adapter 7 is accommodated in the adapter accommodating section 62 such that the adapter 7 is placed on the bottom surface 6A of the middle cover 6. However, a member for fixing the adapter 7 may be provided at the adapter accommodating section 62, so that the adapter 7 is immovable.
In the above-described embodiment, the bottom surface 6A of the middle cover 6 is a horizontal surface. However, the bottom surface 6A may be slanted downward toward the through holes 6a. This enables a structure where water is further unlikely to be collected at the adapter accommodating section 62.
Although, in the above-described embodiment, the middle-cover groove section 63 is provided at the surrounding wall 61 at the rear side, the middle-cover groove section 63 may be provided at the surrounding wall 61 at another side. Further, a plurality of middle-cover groove sections 63 may be provided at the surrounding wall 61.
Further, the main body 2 may be provided with a cooling function. Specifically, an inlet for external air may be provided at one side of the main body 2, and a discharging fan may be provided at the side opposing the one side. With this configuration, even if the battery 8 and the sine-wave adapter 9 generate heat, temperature increase within the main body 2 can be suppressed.
In the above-described embodiment, a temperature detecting device having temperature detecting unit, which is a thermistor, is applied to the power supply device 1. However, the temperature detecting device may be applied to a device other than the power supply device 1.

Claims (12)

  1. A power supply device comprising:
    a main body; and
    a lead storage battery accommodated in the main body and having an electrode terminal;
    characterized in that:
    the power supply device further comprises:
    a temperature detecting unit provided at the electrode terminal and configured to detect temperature of the electrode terminal.
  2. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a box-like shape and has one end formed with an opening, the power supply device further comprising a cover member provided at the main body such that the opening can be opened and closed.
  3. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the lead storage battery is configured to be charged and discharged.
  4. The power supply device according to claim 1, further comprising an inverter device configured to be accommodated in the main body and configured to convert a direct voltage from the lead storage battery to an alternating voltage and output the alternating voltage.
  5. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the lead storage battery is for a vehicle use.
  6. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature detecting unit is fixed to the electrode terminal.
  7. The power supply device according to claim 6, further comprising a metal crimping terminal fixed to the electrode terminal, the temperature detecting unit being configured of a thermistor, the thermistor being fixed to the crimping terminal.
  8. The power supply device according to claim 6, wherein the electrode terminal comprises a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal, the temperature detecting unit being fixed to the positive electrode terminal.
  9. The power supply device according to claim 8, further comprising a thermal protector fixed to the negative electrode terminal.
  10. The power supply device according to claim 9, further comprising an adapter connected to the electrode terminal of the lead storage battery and having an output terminal,
    wherein the thermal protector is disposed between the lead storage battery and the output terminal.
  11. The power supply device according to claim 9, further comprising a copper holder fixed to the negative electrode terminal, the thermal protector being fixed to the copper holder.
  12. A temperature detecting device for detecting a temperature of a lead storage battery having an electrode terminal, characterized in that the temperature detecting device comprises a temperature detecting unit configured to detect the temperature of the lead storage battery, the temperature detecting unit being provided at the electrode terminal.
PCT/JP2012/005241 2011-08-23 2012-08-21 Power supply device and temperature detecting device WO2013027394A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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JP2011-182057 2011-08-23
JP2011182057A JP2013045593A (en) 2011-08-23 2011-08-23 Power supply device and temperature detector

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CN113708437A (en) * 2021-08-05 2021-11-26 深圳市华美兴泰科技股份有限公司 Portable power source heat abstractor and portable power source

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CN113708437B (en) * 2021-08-05 2023-08-11 深圳市华美兴泰科技股份有限公司 Portable power source heat abstractor and portable power source

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