JP3985348B2

JP3985348B2 - Charger

Info

Publication number: JP3985348B2
Application number: JP19402498A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 俊明中田
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 1998-07-09
Filing date: 1998-07-09
Publication date: 2007-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2018-07-09
Also published as: JP2000032681A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は同一電源装置から充電装置と前記充電装置以外の装置に電力を供給する装置において、前記充電装置以外の装置に流出する電流に応じて充電電流を調整して、電源装置の出力を許容電源容量の範囲内に抑える様に充電動作をする充電装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
同一の電源装置から充電装置と前記充電装置以外の装置に電力を供給するシステムにおいて、前記充電装置以外の装置の消費電流の変動に対応して、電源装置の残りの電流容量を最大限に使用して二次電池を短時間で充電することが求められている。従来、電源装置の出力電流の全体を検知し、電源装置の出力電流を予め定めた電流値以下に制限する様に充電装置を制御する方法が一般的に行われている。
【０００３】
以下に、従来例を図９を用いて説明する。図９は同一の電源装置から充電装置と充電装置以外の装置に電源電力を分配する機能を有した従来の充電装置の構成を示すブロック図であり、８１は充電装置、８２は電源電流検知手段、８４は充電制御手段、８５は充電電流制御手段、８６は充電電圧制御手段、８７は電力制御手段、８８は充電電流検知手段、８９は充電電圧検知手段、９０は制御手段、１３は電源装置、１４はパーソナルコンピューター（充電装置以外の装置）、１５は充電対象の二次電池である。
【０００４】
充電制御手段８４は主として充電電流制御手段８５と充電電圧制御手段８６とから構成されており、充電制御手段８４は充電電流検知手段８８と充電電圧検知手段８９と電源電流検知手段８２からの信号および制御手段９０からの指令を受け、電池１５の充電状態と電源装置１３の出力状態および制御手段９０からの指令内容に対応して電力制御手段８７を制御し、二次電池１５を充電する為の充電電流や充電電圧を制御している。電源装置１３の出力電流の全部を電源電流検知手段８２が検知して、電源装置１３の出力電流が予め定めた電流値以下になる様に、充電電流制御手段８５が電力制御手段８７を制御して充電電流を制御する。上記により、電源装置１３の出力電流を予め定めた電流値以下に保った上で、充電装置以外の装置であるパーソナルコンピューター１４と充電装置８１に電源装置１３の出力電流を配分している。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
一般に、同一の電源装置から充電装置と前記充電装置以外の装置に電力を供給するシステムにおいて、前記充電装置以外の装置の消費電流の変動に対応して、電源装置の残りの電流容量を最大限に使用して二次電池を短時間で充電することが求められ、また電源装置の小型軽量化や省エネルギーも近年強く求められている。
【０００６】
前記従来例では、電源装置１３の出力電流を検知する電源電流検知手段８２で電力ロスおよび電圧低下や電圧変動が発生して、省エネルギー上の問題があり、また電圧低下や電圧変動により電源装置から電力供給を受けている装置の動作に悪影響を与える場合もあった。
【０００７】
上記の問題に鑑み、本発明は電源装置の電流容量を最大限使用して二次電池を短時間で充電できる充電装置を経済的に提供すること、また電力ロスを低減し省エネルギーな充電装置を経済的に提供すること、また電源装置が過負荷になることを防止すること、および電源装置の電源出力の電圧低下や電圧変動を低減することを目的としている。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するために、本発明の請求項１の発明は、
直流電源を供給する電源装置と、
充電装置以外の装置に流出する前記電源装置の電源電流Ａを検知する電源電流検知手段と、
二次電池を充電する充電電流を検知する充電電流検知手段と、
二次電池を充電する充電電圧を検知する充電電圧検知手段と、
前記充電電流や前記充電電圧を制御する電力制御手段と、
前記電源装置の電源電圧を検知する電源電圧検知手段と、
前記充電電流と前記充電電圧と前記電源電圧に対応した前記電力制御手段の効率を予め記憶手段に記憶しておき、前記充電電流と前記充電電圧の積を、前記電力制御手段の効率と前記電源電圧との積で割った値を前記充電装置に流入する電源電流Ｂとして演算する入力電流演算手段と、
前記電源電流検知手段で検知した充電装置以外の装置に流出する電源電流Ａと、前記充電装置に流入する電源電流Ｂの演算値と、をそれぞれの別々に検知または算出して、当該電源電流Ａと電源電流Ｂとの合計値が予め定めた規定電流値を下回る様に前記電力制御手段を制御して前記充電電流を制限する充電制御手段と、
を備えたことを特徴とする充電装置であり、
電源装置の出力電流をほぼ規定電流値以下に制限した上で、充電装置と充電装置以外の装置に電源装置の出力電流を分配することができる。
【００１０】
本発明の請求項４の発明は、
直流電源を供給する電源装置と、
充電装置以外の装置に流出する電源装置の電源電力Ｃを検知する電源電力検知手段と、
二次電池を充電する充電電流を検知する充電電流検知手段と、
二次電池を充電する充電電圧を検知する充電電圧検知手段と、
前記充電電流や前記充電電圧を制御する電力制御手段と、
前記充電電流と前記充電電圧と前記電源電圧に対応した前記電力制御手段の効率を予め記憶手段に記憶しておき、前記充電電流と前記充電電圧の積を、前記電力制御手段の効率で割った値を前記充電装置に流入する電源電力Ｄとして演算する入力電力演算手段と、
前記電源電力検知手段で検知した充電装置以外の装置で消費する電源電力Ｃと、前記充電装置で消費する電源電力Ｄの演算値と、をそれぞれの別々に検知または算出して、当該電源電力Ｃと電源電力Ｄとの合計値が予め定めた規定電力値を下回る様に前記電力制御手段を制御して前記充電電流を制限する充電制御手段と、
を備えたことを特徴とする充電装置であり、
電源装置の出力電力をほぼ規定電力値以下に制限した上で、充電装置と充電装置以外の装置に電源装置の出力電力を分配することができる。
【００２６】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に、本発明の実施の形態１を図１を用いて説明する。
（実施の形態１）
図１は本発明の実施の形態１の充電装置の構成を示すブロック図であり、１は充電装置、２は電源電流検知手段、３は電源電圧検知手段、４は充電制御手段、５は充電電流制御手段、６は充電電圧制御手段、７は電力制御手段、８は充電電流検知手段、９は充電電圧検知手段、１０は制御手段、１１は入力電流演算手段、１２は記憶手段、１３は電源装置、１４はパーソナルコンピューター（充電装置以外の装置）、１５は充電対象の二次電池である。
【００２７】
電源装置１３は充電装置１で消費する（電池１５の充電用）電力以外にパーソナルコンピューター１４に電力を供給している。装置の小型化および経済的理由により、充電装置１での最大消費電力（電池１５の充電用）またはパーソナルコンピューター１４の最大消費電力を個々に供給する能力を有しているが、それぞれに最大消費電力を同時に供給する能力を有していない。この為に、パーソナルコンピューター１４へのその時々の電力供給に対応して、充電装置１の消費電力を制限する必要がある。
【００２８】
充電制御手段４は主として充電電流制御手段５と充電電圧制御手段６とから構成されており、充電制御手段４は充電電流検知手段８と充電電圧検知手段９と電源電流検知手段２と入力電流演算手段１１からの信号および制御手段１０からの指令を受け、電池１５の状態と電源装置１３の出力状態および制御手段１０からの指令内容に対応して電力制御手段７を制御し、二次電池１５を充電する為の充電電流や充電電圧を制御している。
【００２９】
入力電流演算手段１１は充電電流検知手段８と充電電圧検知手段９と電源電圧検知手段３からの信号を基に充電装置１に流入する電源電流Ｂを演算する。
【００３０】
尚、充電電流と充電電圧と電源電圧に対応した電力制御手段７の効率を予め記憶手段１２に記憶しておき、充電電流と充電電圧の積を電力制御手段７の効率と電源電圧の積で割った値を電源電流Ｂとして、入力電流演算手段１１にて演算した。
【００３１】
充電制御手段４の充電電流制御手段５で、電源電流検知手段２で検知した電源電流Ａと入力電流演算手段１１で演算した電源電流Ｂの演算値を加算し、この加算結果が予め設定していた規定電流値を下回る様に電力制御手段７を制御することにより、電源装置１３の出力電流を前記規定電流値以下に制限した上で、充電装置１とパーソナルコンピューター（充電装置以外の装置）１４に電源装置１３の出力電流を分配することができる。
【００３２】
更に、前記規定電流値を電源装置１３の許容最大電流値以下に設定することにより、電源装置１３の出力電流を電源装置１３の許容最大電流値以下に制限（電源装置１３が過負荷になることを防止）した上で、充電装置１とパーソナルコンピューター（充電装置以外の装置）１４に電源装置１３の出力電流を分配することができる。
【００３３】
尚、実施の形態１においては、電力制御手段７はステップダウンＤＣ−ＤＣコンバータにより構成したが、ステップアップＤＣ−ＤＣコンバータ等で構成されていてもよい。また、実施の形態１においては充電装置に流入する電源電流Ｂの演算精度を良くする為に電源電圧検知手段３にて電源電圧を検知したが、前記充電装置以外の装置に流出する電源装置１３の電源電流Ａや充電電流や充電電圧の値に対応した電源電圧を記憶装置に記憶しておく等の方法で電源電圧の推定が可能であるので、必ずしも電源電圧を検知する必要がなく、電源電圧検知手段３を省略することも可能である。即ち、電源装置１３の出力電流の上限値の規制の精度が若干低下するが、より経済的な充電装置を提供することができる。
【００３４】
また、実施の形態１において、制御手段１０と入力電流演算手段１１は分離されているが、入力電流演算手段が制御手段の一部分として構成されていても良く、制御手段と入力電流演算手段が分離されているものに限定するものではない。以下に、本発明の実施の形態２を図２を用いて説明する。
【００３５】
（実施の形態２）
図２は本発明の実施の形態２の充電装置の構成を示すブロック図であり、２１は充電装置、２は電源電流検知手段、２４は充電制御手段、２５は充電電流制御手段、２６は充電電圧制御手段、２７は電力制御手段、２８は充電電流検知手段、２９は充電電圧検知手段、３０は制御手段、１３は電源装置、１４はパーソナルコンピューター（充電装置以外の装置）、１５は充電対象の二次電池である。
【００３６】
尚、充電電流および充電電圧を制御する電力制御手段２７はシリーズレギュレータ方式で構成されており、充電装置２１で消費する電源電流は充電電流とほぼ同じになる。
【００３７】
電源装置１３は充電装置２１で消費する電力（電池１５の充電用）以外にパーソナルコンピューター１４に電力を供給している。装置の小型化および経済的理由により、充電装置２１での最大消費電力（電池１５の充電用）またはパーソナルコンピューター１４の最大消費電力を個々に供給する能力を有しているが、それぞれに最大消費電力を同時に供給する能力を有していない。この為に、パーソナルコンピューター１４へのその時々の電力供給に対応して、充電装置２１の消費電力を制限する必要がある。
【００３８】
充電制御手段２４は主として充電電流制御手段２５と充電電圧制御手段２６とから構成されており、充電制御手段２４は充電電流検知手段２８と充電電圧検知手段２９と電源電流検知手段２からの信号および制御手段３０からの指令を受け、電池１５の状態と電源装置１３の出力状態および制御手段３０からの指令内容に対応して電力制御手段２７を制御し、二次電池１５を充電する為の充電電流や充電電圧を制御している。
【００３９】
充電制御手段２４の充電電流制御手段２５で、電源電流検知手段２で検知した電源電流Ａと充電電流検知手段２８で検知した充電電流を加算し、この加算結果が予め設定していた規定電流値を下回る様に電力制御手段２７を制御することにより、電源装置１３の出力電流を前記規定電流値以下に制限した上で、充電装置２１とパーソナルコンピューター（充電装置以外の装置）１４に電源装置１３の出力電流を分配することができる。
【００４０】
尚、充電電流および充電電圧を制御する電力制御手段２７はシリーズレギュレータ方式で構成されているので、充電装置２１に流入する電源電流は充電電流とほぼ同じになる為に、実施の形態１において必要であった入力電流演算手段１１が不要になり、より安価に充電装置を提供することができる。
【００４１】
更に、前記規定電流値を電源装置１３の許容最大電流値以下に設定することにより、電源装置１３の出力電流を電源装置１３の許容最大電流値以下に制限（電源装置１３が過負荷になることを防止）した上で、充電装置２１とパーソナルコンピューター（充電装置以外の装置）１４に電源装置１３の出力電流を分配することができる。
【００４２】
ところで、充電装置以外の装置に流出する電源装置の電源電流ＡをＩａ、充電装置に流入する電源装置の電源電流ＢをＩｂ、電源電流検知手段の検出抵抗をＲとすると、電源電流検知手段での電力ロスは、従来例（図９の場合）がＲ（Ｉａ＋Ｉｂ）₂であり、本発明の実施の形態１、２の場合がＲＩａ₂である。本発明の実施の形態１、２の場合は従来例の場合より、電力ロスをＲ×Ｉｂ×（２Ｉａ＋Ｉｂ）だけ低減することができる。また、電源電流検知手段による充電装置の入力電圧の電圧低下は、従来例（図９の場合）がＲ（Ｉａ＋Ｉｂ）であり、本発明（実施の形態１、２）の場合が零であり、因って本発明の場合は従来例の場合より、充電装置の入力電圧の電圧低下をＲ（Ｉａ＋Ｉｂ）だけ低減することができる。また、電源電流検知手段による充電装置以外の装置の入力電圧の電圧低下は、従来例の場合がＲ（Ｉａ＋Ｉｂ）であり、本発明の場合がＲＩａであり、因って本発明の場合は従来例の場合より、充電装置外の入力電圧の電圧低下をＲＩｂだけ低減することができる。
【００４３】
以下に、本発明の実施の形態３を図３を用いて説明する。
【００４４】
（実施の形態３）
図３は本発明の実施の形態３の充電装置の構成を示すブロック図であり、３１は充電装置、３２は電源電力検知手段、３４は充電制御手段、３５は充電電流制御手段、３６は充電電圧制御手段、３７は電力制御手段、３８は充電電流検知手段、３９は充電電圧検知手段、４０は制御手段、４１は入力電力演算手段、４２は記憶手段、１３は電源装置、１４はパーソナルコンピューター（充電装置以外の装置）、１５は充電対象の二次電池である。
【００４５】
電源装置１３は充電装置３１で消費する電力（電池１５の充電用）以外にパーソナルコンピューター１４に電力を供給している。装置の小型化および経済的理由により、充電装置３１での最大消費電力（電池１５の充電用）またはパーソナルコンピューター１４の最大消費電力を個々に供給する能力を有しているが、それぞれに最大消費電力を同時に供給する能力を有していない。この為に、パーソナルコンピューター１４へのその時々の電力供給に対応して、充電装置３１の消費電力を制限する必要がある。
【００４６】
充電制御手段３４は主として充電電流制御手段３５と充電電圧制御手段３６とから構成されており、充電制御手段３４は充電電流検知手段３８と充電電圧検知手段３９と電源電力検知手段３２と入力電力演算手段４１からの信号および制御手段４０からの指令を受け、電池１５の状態と電源装置１３の出力状態および制御手段４０からの指令内容に対応して電力制御手段３７を制御し、二次電池１５を充電する為の充電電流や充電電圧を制御している。
【００４７】
入力電力演算手段４１は充電電流検知手段３８と充電電圧検知手段３９からの信号を基に充電装置３１に流入する電源電力を演算する。
【００４８】
尚、充電電流と電池電圧に対応した電力制御手段３７の効率を予め記憶手段４２に記憶しておき、充電電流と電池電圧の積を電力制御手段３７の効率で割った値を電源電力Ｄとして、入力電力演算手段４１で演算した。
【００４９】
充電制御手段３４の充電電流制御手段３５で、電源電力検知手段３２で検知した電源電力Ｃと入力電力演算手段４１で演算した電源電力Ｄの演算値を加算し、この加算結果が予め設定していた規定電力値を下回る様に電力制御手段３７を制御することにより、電源装置１３の出力電力を前記規定電力値以下に制限した上で、充電装置３１とパーソナルコンピューター（充電装置以外の装置）１４に電源装置１３の出力電力を分配することができる。
【００５０】
更に、前記規定電力値を電源装置１３の許容最大電力値以下に設定することにより、電源装置１３の出力電力を電源装置１３の許容最大電力値以下に制限（電源装置１３が過負荷になることを防止）した上で、充電装置３１とパーソナルコンピューター（充電装置以外の装置）１４に電源装置１３の出力電力を分配することができる。また、実施の形態３では充電装置３１で消費する電力を検知する必要がないので、実施の形態１や２と同様に、電力ロスおよび電圧低下を低減することができる。
【００５１】
尚、実施の形態３においては、電力制御手段３７はステップアップＤＣ−ＤＣコンバータにより構成したが、ステップダウンＤＣ−ＤＣコンバータ等で構成されていてもよい。
【００５２】
ところで、実施の形態１、２、３において、電源装置は充電装置と分離されているが、電源装置が充電装置の一部分として構成されていても良く、電源装置が充電装置と分離されているものに限定するものではない。
【００５３】
また、実施の形態１、２、３において、充電装置以外に電源装置が電力供給する装置はパーソナルコンピューター１４であったが、充電装置やビデオカメラ等でもよく、パーソナルコンピューターに限定するものではない。
【００５４】
また、充電装置以外に電源装置が電力供給する装置はパーソナルコンピューター１４の一種類だけであったが、複数の装置に電力供給していてもよく、一種類に限定するものではない。
【００５５】
また、実施の形態３において、制御手段４０と入力電力演算手段４１は分離されているが、入力電力演算手段が制御手段の一部分として構成されていても良く、制御手段と入力電力演算手段が分離されているものに限定するものではない。
【００５６】
以下に、本発明の実施の形態４を図４、図６を用いて説明する。
【００５７】
（実施の形態４）
図４は本発明の実施の形態４の充電装置の構成を示すブロック図であり、５１は充電装置、５２は電源装置、５３は電源電圧検知手段、５４は充電制御手段、５５は充電電流制御手段、５６は充電電圧制御手段、５７は電力制御手段、５８は充電電流検知手段、５９は制御手段、６０は電池電圧検知手段、１４はパーソナルコンピューター（充電装置以外の装置）、１５は充電対象の二次電池である。
【００５８】
充電制御手段５４は主として充電電流制御手段５５と充電電圧制御手段５６とから構成されており、充電制御手段５４は充電電流検知手段５８と電池電圧検知手段６０と電源電圧検知手段５３からの信号および制御手段５９からの指令を受け、二次電池１５の状態と電源装置５２の状態および制御手段５９からの指令内容に対応して電力制御手段５７を制御し、二次電池１５を充電する為の充電電流や充電電圧を制御している。
【００５９】
電源装置５２は充電装置５１で消費する電力（電池１５の充電用）以外にパーソナルコンピューター１４に電力を供給している。装置の小型化および経済的理由により、充電装置５１での最大消費電力（電池１５の充電用）またはパーソナルコンピューター１４の最大消費電力を個々に供給する能力を有しているが、それぞれに最大消費電力を同時に供給する能力を有していない。この為に、パーソナルコンピューター１４へのその時々の電力供給に対応して、充電装置５１の消費電力（電流）を制限し、パーソナルコンピューター１４と充電装置５１に電力（電流）を分配する必要がある。
【００６０】
また、図６は電源装置５２の出力電圧と出力電流の関係を示した出力特性であり、本発明の実施の形態４の動作を図示的に示したものである。
【００６１】
電源電圧検知手段５３により電源装置５２の出力電圧の電圧値を検知し、電源装置５２の出力電圧の電圧値が規定電圧値（図６の規定電圧値ａ）を下回らない様に、充電電流制御手段５５が電力制御手段５７を制御して、充電電流を制限することにより、パーソナルコンピューター１４の消費電流が変動しても、電源装置５２の出力電流はある一定の値（図６のＩａ）以下に制限することができる。即ち、電源装置５２の出力電流をある一定の値（図６のＩａ）以下の状態に保った上で、充電装置５１とパーソナルコンピューター１４に電源装置５２の出力電流を分配することができる。
【００６２】
尚、出力電流の増加に伴って出力電圧が上昇する出力特性の近辺に前記規定電圧値を設定（図６の規定電圧値Ａ）すると、電源装置の出力電流を充電装置５１と前記充電装置５１以外の装置（パーソナルコンピューター１４）に分配する動作が不安定となり、実用的には品質および経済面に課題がある。出力電流の増加に伴って出力電圧が低下する出力特性の近辺に前記規定電圧値を設定（図６の規定電圧値ａ、規定電圧値ｂ）すると、電源装置の出力電流を充電装置５１と前記充電装置５１以外の装置（パーソナルコンピューター１４）に分配する動作が安定し、経済的に充電装置を構成できる。
【００６３】
また、前記の規定電圧値を電源装置５２の許容最大電流値（図６のＩｍａｘ）を出力した時の電源装置５２の電圧値（図６の規定電圧値ｂ）以上になる様にすることにより、パーソナルコンピューター１４への電力供給が変動しても、電源装置５２の出力電流を許容最大電流値（図６のＩｍａｘ）以下に制限した状態で、充電装置５１とパーソナルコンピューター１４に電源装置５２の出力電流を分配できる。即ち、電源装置５２を過負荷状態にすることなく、充電装置５１とパーソナルコンピューター１４に電源装置５２の出力電流を分配することができる。
【００６４】
更に、電源装置５２より電力供給される装置（充電装置５１とパーソナルコンピューター１４）の最低許容電圧値以上に前記規定電圧値を設定することにより、電源装置５２より電力供給される装置（充電装置５１とパーソナルコンピューター１４）が安定に動作する電源電圧を確保した状態を保った上で、充電装置５１とパーソナルコンピューター１４に電源装置の出力電流を分配することができる。
【００６５】
尚、本発明の実施の形態４において、電源装置５２は充電装置５１の一部分として構成しているが、電源装置が充電装置と分離されているものでも良く、電源装置が充電装置の一部分として構成されているものに限定するものではない。
【００６６】
また、本発明の実施の形態４において、一般にフの字特性と言われている出力特性を有した電源装置を用いたが、出力電流の増加に伴って出力電圧が低下する出力特性を有している一般的な電源装置やその他の特性を有している電源装置でも良く、フの字特性を有した電源装置に限定するものではない。
【００６７】
また、本発明の実施の形態４において、充電装置５１以外に電源装置５２が電力供給する装置はパーソナルコンピューター１４であったが、充電装置やビデオカメラ等でもよく、パーソナルコンピューターに限定するものではない。また、充電装置５１以外に電源装置５２が電力供給する装置はパーソナルコンピューター１４の一種類だけであったが、複数の装置に電力供給していてもよく、一種類に限定するものではない。
【００６８】
以下に、本発明の実施の形態５を図５、図７、図８を用いて説明する。
【００６９】
（実施の形態５）
図５は本発明の実施の形態５の充電装置の構成を示すブロック図であり、６１は充電装置、７２は電源装置、７３は電源電流制限手段、５３は電源電圧検知手段、５４は充電制御手段、５５は充電電流制御手段、５６は充電電圧制御手段、５７は電力制御手段、５８は充電電流検知手段、５９は制御手段、６０は電池電圧検知手段、１４はパーソナルコンピューター（充電装置以外の装置）、１５は充電対象の二次電池である。
【００７０】
充電制御手段５４は主として充電電流制御手段５５と充電電圧制御手段５６とから構成されており、充電制御手段５４は充電電流検知手段５８と電池電圧検知手段６０と電源電圧検知手段５３からの信号および制御手段５９からの指令を受け、二次電池１５の状態と電源装置７２の状態および制御手段５９からの指令内容に対応して電力制御手段５７を制御し、二次電池１５を充電する為の充電電流や充電電圧を制御している。
【００７１】
電源装置７２は充電装置６１で消費する電力（電池１５の充電用）以外にパーソナルコンピューター１４に電力を供給している。装置の小型化および経済的理由により、充電装置６１での最大消費電力（電池１５の充電用）またはパーソナルコンピューター１４の最大消費電力を個々に供給する能力を有しているが、それぞれに最大電力を同時に供給する能力を有していない。この為に、パーソナルコンピューター１４へのその時々の電力供給に対応して、充電装置６１の消費電力（電流）を制限する必要がある。また、電源電流制限手段７３により電源装置７２の出力電流は所定電流値に制限されており、図７および図８は電源装置７２の出力電圧と出力電流の関係を示した出力特性であり、本発明の実施の形態５の動作を図示的に示したものである。
【００７２】
尚、図７は前記規定電圧値を電源装置より電力供給される装置（充電装置６１とパーソナルコンピューター１４）の最低許容電圧値以上である規定電圧値ｃに設定し、かつ前記所定電流値をある一定の値（図７の所定電流値ｃ）に設定した場合であり、図８は前記規定電圧値を電源装置より電力供給される装置（充電装置６１とパーソナルコンピューター１４）の最低許容電圧値以上である規定電圧値ｄに設定し、かつ前記所定電流値を電源装置の許容最大電流値（図８のＩｍａｘ）に設定した場合を示している。
【００７３】
電源電圧検知手段５３により電源装置７２の出力電圧の電圧値を検知し、電源装置７２の出力電圧の電圧値が規定電圧値（図７の規定電圧値ｃ）を下回らない様に、充電電流制御手段５５が電力制御手段５７を制御して、充電電流を制御することにより、パーソナルコンピューター１４の消費電流が変動しても、電源装置より電力供給される装置（充電装置６１とパーソナルコンピューター１４）が安定に動作する電源電圧を確保し、かつ電源装置７２の出力電流を所定電流値（図７の所定電流値ｃ）以下に制限した状態を保った上で、充電装置６１とパーソナルコンピューター１４に電源装置７２の出力電流を分配できる。
【００７４】
尚、電源装置７２の最大許容電流値（図８のＩｍａｘ）以下に前記所定電流値を設定することにより、パーソナルコンピューター１４の消費電流が変動しても、電源装置７２より電力供給される装置（充電装置６１とパーソナルコンピューター１４）が安定に動作する電源電圧（図８の規定電圧値ｄ）を確保し、かつ電源装置７２の出力電流を電源装置７２の最大許容電流値（図８のＩｍａｘ）以下に制限した状態を保持した上で、充電装置と前記充電装置以外の装置に電源装置の出力電流を安定的に分配できる。即ち、電源装置７２を過負荷状態にすることなく、かつ充電装置６１とパーソナルコンピューター１４が安定に動作する電源電圧を確保した状態で、充電装置６１とパーソナルコンピューター１４に電源装置の出力電流を安定的に分配できる。
【００７５】
尚、実施の形態５において、前記所定電流値を電源装置７２の出力電圧や温度等に対して一定値にしたが、電源装置７２の出力電圧や温度等に対応して変化する値でも良く、前記所定電流値が電源装置７２の出力電圧や温度等に対して一定値であることに限定したものではない。
【００７６】
また、実施の形態５において、電源装置７２は充電装置６１の一部分として構成しているが、電源装置が充電装置と分離されているものでも良く、電源装置が充電装置の一部分として構成されているものに限定するものではない。
【００７７】
また、実施の形態５において、充電装置６１以外に電源装置７２が電力供給する装置はパーソナルコンピューター１４であったが、充電装置やビデオカメラ等でもよく、パーソナルコンピューターに限定するものではない。また、充電装置６１以外に電源装置７２が電力供給する装置はパーソナルコンピューター１４の一種類だけであったが、複数の装置に電力供給していてもよく、一種類に限定するものではない。
【００７８】
ところで、充電装置以外の装置に流出する電源装置の電源電流ＡをＩａ、充電装置に流出する電源装置の電源電流ＢをＩｂ、電源電流検知手段の検出抵抗をＲとすると、電源電流検知手段での電力ロスは、従来例（図９の場合）がＲ（Ｉａ＋Ｉｂ）₂であり、本発明の実施の形態４、５の場合が零である。本発明の実施の形態４、５の場合は従来例の場合より、電力ロスをＲ（Ｉａ＋Ｉｂ）₂だけ低減することができる。また、電源電流検知手段による充電装置および充電装置以外の装置の入力電圧の電圧低下は、従来例（図９の場合）がＲ（Ｉａ＋Ｉｂ）であり、本発明（実施の形態４、５）の場合が零であり、因って本発明の場合は従来例の場合より、充電装置および充電装置以外の装置の入力電圧の電圧低下をＲ（Ｉａ＋Ｉｂ）だけ低減することができる。
【００７９】
【発明の効果】
以上のように本発明の充電装置によれば、同一電源装置から充電装置と前記充電装置以外の装置に電力を供給する装置において、充電装置以外の装置の消費電流の変動に対応して、電源装置の残りの電流容量を効率的に使用して二次電池を短時間で充電でき、また電力ロスを低減した省エネルギーな充電装置を経済的に提供することができ、また電源装置が過負荷になることを防止でき、更に電源装置の電源出力の電圧低下や電圧変動を低減することができる効果がある。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施の形態１にかかる充電装置のブロック図
【図２】本発明の実施の形態２にかかる充電装置のブロック図
【図３】本発明の実施の形態３にかかる充電装置のブロック図
【図４】本発明の実施の形態４の充電装置の構成を示すブロック図
【図５】本発明の実施の形態５の充電装置の構成を示すブロック図
【図６】本発明の実施の形態４の動作を図示的に示したグラフ
【図７】本発明の実施の形態５の動作を図示的に示したグラフ
【図８】本発明の実施の形態５の動作を図示的に示したグラフ
【図９】従来の充電装置の構成を示すブロック図
【符号の説明】
１充電装置
２電源電流検知手段
３電源電圧検知手段
４充電制御手段
５充電電流制御手段
６充電電圧制御手段
７電力制御手段
８充電電流検知手段
９充電電圧検知手段
１０制御手段
１１入力電流演算手段
１２記憶手段
１３電源装置
１４パーソナルコンピューター（充電装置以外の装置）
１５充電対象の二次電池
２１充電装置
２４充電制御手段
２５充電電流制御手段
２６充電電圧制御手段
２７電力制御手段
２８充電電流検知手段
２９充電電圧検知手段
３０制御手段
３１充電装置
３２電源電力検知手段
３４充電制御手段
３５充電電流制御手段
３６充電電圧制御手段
３７電力制御手段
３８充電電流検知手段
３９充電電圧検知手段
４０制御手段
４１入力電力演算手段
４２記憶手段
５１充電装置
５２電源装置
５３電源電圧検知手段
５４充電制御手段
５５充電電流制御手段
５６充電電圧制御手段
５７電力制御手段
５８充電電流検知手段
５９制御手段
６０電池電圧検知手段
６１充電装置
７２電源装置
７３電源電流制限手段
８１充電装置
８２電源電流検知手段
８４充電制御手段
８５充電電流制御手段
８６充電電圧制御手段
８７電力制御手段
８８充電電流検知手段
８９充電電圧検知手段
９０制御手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, in a device that supplies power to a charging device and a device other than the charging device from the same power supply device, the charging current is adjusted according to the current flowing out to the device other than the charging device, and the output of the power supply device is allowed. The present invention relates to a charging device that performs a charging operation so as to be suppressed within a range of power supply capacity.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a system that supplies power from the same power supply device to a charging device and a device other than the charging device, the remaining current capacity of the power supply device is used to the maximum in response to fluctuations in current consumption of devices other than the charging device. Therefore, it is required to charge the secondary battery in a short time. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a method for detecting a whole output current of a power supply device and controlling the charging device so as to limit the output current of the power supply device to a predetermined current value or less is generally performed.
[0003]
A conventional example will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional charging device having a function of distributing power supply from the same power supply device to a charging device and a device other than the charging device, 81 is a charging device, and 82 is a power supply current detecting means. , 84 is a charge control means, 85 is a charge current control means, 86 is a charge voltage control means, 87 is a power control means, 88 is a charge current detection means, 89 is a charge voltage detection means, 90 is a control means, and 13 is a power supply device. , 14 is a personal computer (device other than the charging device), and 15 is a secondary battery to be charged.
[0004]
The charge control means 84 is mainly composed of a charge current control means 85 and a charge voltage control means 86. The charge control means 84 includes signals from the charge current detection means 88, the charge voltage detection means 89, and the power supply current detection means 82, and In response to a command from the control unit 90, the power control unit 87 is controlled in accordance with the charging state of the battery 15, the output state of the power supply device 13, and the command content from the control unit 90 to charge the secondary battery 15. The charging current and charging voltage are controlled. The charging current control means 85 controls the power control means 87 so that the power supply current detection means 82 detects the entire output current of the power supply apparatus 13 and the output current of the power supply apparatus 13 is equal to or less than a predetermined current value. To control the charging current. As described above, the output current of the power supply device 13 is distributed to the personal computer 14 and the charging device 81, which are devices other than the charging device, while keeping the output current of the power supply device 13 below a predetermined current value.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In general, in a system that supplies power to a charging device and a device other than the charging device from the same power supply device, the remaining current capacity of the power supply device is maximized in response to fluctuations in current consumption of devices other than the charging device. In recent years, there has been a strong demand for reducing the size and weight of the power supply device and saving energy.
[0006]
In the conventional example, power loss, voltage drop, and voltage fluctuation occur in the power supply current detection means 82 that detects the output current of the power supply apparatus 13, and there are problems in energy saving. In some cases, the operation of the device receiving the power supply is adversely affected.
[0007]
In view of the above problems, the present invention economically provides a charging device that can recharge a secondary battery in a short time by using the current capacity of the power supply device to the maximum, and an energy-saving charging device that reduces power loss. It is intended to provide economically, to prevent the power supply apparatus from being overloaded, and to reduce the voltage drop and voltage fluctuation of the power supply output of the power supply apparatus.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above problems, the present inventionThe invention of claim 1
A power supply for supplying DC power;
A power source current detecting means for detecting a power source current A of the power source device flowing out to a device other than the charging device;
Charging current detecting means for detecting a charging current for charging the secondary battery;
Charging voltage detecting means for detecting a charging voltage for charging the secondary battery;
Power control means for controlling the charging current and the charging voltage;
Power supply voltage detection means for detecting the power supply voltage of the power supply device;
The efficiency of the power control unit corresponding to the charging current, the charging voltage, and the power supply voltage is stored in advance in a storage unit, and the product of the charging current and the charging voltage is calculated as the efficiency of the power control unit and the power source. An input current calculating means for calculating a value divided by the product of the voltage as the power supply current B flowing into the charging device;
The power source current A flowing out to a device other than the charging device detected by the power source current detecting means and the calculated value of the power source current B flowing into the charging device are separately detected or calculated, and the power source current A is detected. Charging control means for controlling the power control means so as to limit the charging current so that the total value of the power supply current B and the power supply current B falls below a predetermined current value,
A charging device comprising:
It is possible to distribute the output current of the power supply device to the charging device and devices other than the charging device after limiting the output current of the power supply device to approximately the specified current value or less.
[0010]
  The invention of claim 4 of the present invention
A power supply for supplying DC power;
Power source power detection means for detecting power source power C of the power source device flowing out to a device other than the charging device;
Charging current detecting means for detecting a charging current for charging the secondary battery;
Charging voltage detecting means for detecting a charging voltage for charging the secondary battery;
Power control means for controlling the charging current and the charging voltage;
The efficiency of the power control means corresponding to the charging current, the charging voltage and the power supply voltage is stored in advance in the storage means, and the product of the charging current and the charging voltage is divided by the efficiency of the power control means. Input power calculating means for calculating a value as power source power D flowing into the charging device;
A power source power C consumed by a device other than the charging device detected by the power source power detection means and a calculated value of the power source power D consumed by the charging device are separately detected or calculated, and the power source power C Charging control means for controlling the power control means so as to limit the charging current so that a total value of the power supply power D is lower than a predetermined specified power value;
A charging device comprising:
It is possible to distribute the output power of the power supply device to the charging device and devices other than the charging device after limiting the output power of the power supply device to approximately the specified power value or less.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.
  (Embodiment 1)
  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a charging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, where 1 is a charging apparatus, 2 is power supply current detection means, 3 is power supply voltage detection means, 4 is charge control means, and 5 is charging. Current control means, 6 is charging voltage control means, 7 is power control means, 8 is charging current detection means, 9 is charging voltage detection means, 10 is control means, 11 is input current calculation means, 12 is storage means, 13 is A power supply device, 14 is a personal computer (device other than the charging device), and 15 is a secondary battery to be charged.
[0027]
The power supply device 13 supplies power to the personal computer 14 in addition to the power consumed by the charging device 1 (for charging the battery 15). Due to the miniaturization of the device and economic reasons, it has the ability to individually supply the maximum power consumption of the charging device 1 (for charging the battery 15) or the maximum power consumption of the personal computer 14, but each has the maximum power consumption. Does not have the ability to supply power simultaneously. For this reason, it is necessary to limit the power consumption of the charging device 1 in accordance with the occasional power supply to the personal computer 14.
[0028]
The charge control means 4 is mainly composed of a charge current control means 5 and a charge voltage control means 6. The charge control means 4 is composed of a charge current detection means 8, a charge voltage detection means 9, a power supply current detection means 2, and an input current calculation. In response to the signal from the means 11 and the command from the control means 10, the power control means 7 is controlled in accordance with the state of the battery 15, the output state of the power supply device 13 and the command content from the control means 10, and the secondary battery 15 The charging current and charging voltage for charging are controlled.
[0029]
The input current calculation means 11 calculates the power supply current B flowing into the charging device 1 based on the signals from the charge current detection means 8, the charge voltage detection means 9 and the power supply voltage detection means 3.
[0030]
The efficiency of the power control means 7 corresponding to the charging current, the charging voltage, and the power supply voltage is stored in the storage means 12 in advance, and the product of the charging current and the charging voltage is the product of the efficiency of the power control means 7 and the power supply voltage. The divided value was calculated as the power supply current B by the input current calculation means 11.
[0031]
The charging current control means 5 of the charging control means 4 adds the calculated value of the power supply current A detected by the power supply current detection means 2 and the power supply current B calculated by the input current calculation means 11, and this addition result is preset. By controlling the power control means 7 so as to be lower than the specified current value, the output current of the power supply device 13 is limited to the specified current value or less, and then the charging device 1 and the personal computer (device other than the charging device) 14 It is possible to distribute the output current of the power supply device 13.
[0032]
Furthermore, by setting the specified current value to be equal to or less than the allowable maximum current value of the power supply device 13, the output current of the power supply device 13 is limited to be equal to or less than the allowable maximum current value of the power supply device 13 (the power supply device 13 becomes overloaded). The output current of the power supply device 13 can be distributed to the charging device 1 and the personal computer (device other than the charging device) 14.
[0033]
In the first embodiment, the power control means 7 is composed of a step-down DC-DC converter, but may be composed of a step-up DC-DC converter or the like. In the first embodiment, the power supply voltage is detected by the power supply voltage detection means 3 in order to improve the calculation accuracy of the power supply current B flowing into the charging device, but the power supply device 13 that flows out to devices other than the charging device. Since the power supply voltage can be estimated by a method such as storing the power supply voltage corresponding to the power supply current A, the charging current, and the charging voltage in the storage device, it is not always necessary to detect the power supply voltage. It is also possible to omit the voltage detection means 3. That is, although the accuracy of regulation of the upper limit value of the output current of the power supply device 13 is slightly lowered, a more economical charging device can be provided.
[0034]
In the first embodiment, the control means 10 and the input current calculation means 11 are separated. However, the input current calculation means may be configured as a part of the control means, and the control means and the input current calculation means are separated. It is not limited to what is being done. A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.
[0035]
(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the charging device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which 21 is a charging device, 2 is a power source current detecting means, 24 is a charging control means, 25 is a charging current control means, and 26 is a charging device. Voltage control means, 27 is power control means, 28 is charging current detection means, 29 is charging voltage detection means, 30 is control means, 13 is a power supply device, 14 is a personal computer (an apparatus other than the charging apparatus), and 15 is a charging target Secondary battery.
[0036]
The power control means 27 for controlling the charging current and the charging voltage is constituted by a series regulator system, and the power supply current consumed by the charging device 21 is almost the same as the charging current.
[0037]
The power supply device 13 supplies power to the personal computer 14 in addition to the power consumed by the charging device 21 (for charging the battery 15). Due to the miniaturization of the device and economic reasons, it has the ability to individually supply the maximum power consumption of the charging device 21 (for charging the battery 15) or the maximum power consumption of the personal computer 14, but each has the maximum power consumption. Does not have the ability to supply power simultaneously. For this reason, it is necessary to limit the power consumption of the charging device 21 in accordance with the occasional power supply to the personal computer 14.
[0038]
The charge control means 24 is mainly composed of a charge current control means 25 and a charge voltage control means 26. The charge control means 24 includes signals from the charge current detection means 28, the charge voltage detection means 29 and the power supply current detection means 2, and Charging for charging the secondary battery 15 by receiving a command from the control unit 30 and controlling the power control unit 27 in accordance with the state of the battery 15, the output state of the power supply device 13 and the content of the command from the control unit 30. The current and charging voltage are controlled.
[0039]
The charging current control means 25 of the charging control means 24 adds the power supply current A detected by the power supply current detection means 2 and the charging current detected by the charging current detection means 28, and the result of the addition is a preset specified current value. By controlling the power control means 27 so as to be less than the threshold value, the output current of the power supply device 13 is limited to the specified current value or less, and then the power supply device 13 is connected to the charging device 21 and personal computer (device other than the charging device) 14. Output current can be distributed.
[0040]
Since the power control means 27 for controlling the charging current and the charging voltage is constituted by a series regulator system, the power supply current flowing into the charging device 21 is almost the same as the charging current, so that it is necessary in the first embodiment. Thus, the input current calculation means 11 is no longer necessary, and a charging device can be provided at a lower cost.
[0041]
Furthermore, by setting the specified current value to be equal to or less than the allowable maximum current value of the power supply device 13, the output current of the power supply device 13 is limited to be equal to or less than the allowable maximum current value of the power supply device 13 (the power supply device 13 becomes overloaded). The output current of the power supply device 13 can be distributed to the charging device 21 and the personal computer (device other than the charging device) 14.
[0042]
By the way, if the power supply current A of the power supply device flowing out to the devices other than the charging device is Ia, the power supply current B of the power supply device flowing into the charging device is Ib, and the detection resistance of the power supply current detection means is R, the power supply current detection means The power loss of the conventional example (in the case of FIG. 9) is R (Ia + Ib)₂In the first and second embodiments of the present invention, RIa₂It is. In the case of Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention, the power loss can be reduced by R × Ib × (2Ia + Ib) as compared with the conventional example. Moreover, the voltage drop of the input voltage of the charging device by the power supply current detection means is R (Ia + Ib) in the conventional example (in the case of FIG. 9), and is zero in the present invention (Embodiments 1 and 2). Therefore, in the case of the present invention, the voltage drop of the input voltage of the charging device can be reduced by R (Ia + Ib) as compared with the conventional example. Further, the voltage drop of the input voltage of the device other than the charging device by the power supply current detection means is R (Ia + Ib) in the case of the conventional example, RIa in the case of the present invention, and hence in the case of the present invention. From the example, the voltage drop of the input voltage outside the charging device can be reduced by RIb.
[0043]
Hereinafter, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0044]
(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the charging apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in which 31 is a charging apparatus, 32 is a power source power detection means, 34 is a charging control means, 35 is a charging current control means, and 36 is a charging Voltage control means, 37 power control means, 38 charge current detection means, 39 charge voltage detection means, 40 control means, 41 input power calculation means, 42 storage means, 13 power supply device, 14 personal computer (Apparatus other than the charging apparatus), 15 is a secondary battery to be charged.
[0045]
The power supply device 13 supplies power to the personal computer 14 in addition to the power consumed by the charging device 31 (for charging the battery 15). Due to the miniaturization of the device and economic reasons, it has the ability to individually supply the maximum power consumption of the charging device 31 (for charging the battery 15) or the maximum power consumption of the personal computer 14, but each has the maximum power consumption. Does not have the ability to supply power simultaneously. For this reason, it is necessary to limit the power consumption of the charging device 31 in accordance with the occasional power supply to the personal computer 14.
[0046]
The charge control means 34 mainly comprises a charge current control means 35 and a charge voltage control means 36. The charge control means 34 is composed of a charge current detection means 38, a charge voltage detection means 39, a power supply power detection means 32, and an input power calculation. In response to the signal from the means 41 and the command from the control means 40, the power control means 37 is controlled in accordance with the state of the battery 15, the output state of the power supply device 13 and the command content from the control means 40, and the secondary battery 15 The charging current and charging voltage for charging are controlled.
[0047]
The input power calculation means 41 calculates the power supply power flowing into the charging device 31 based on signals from the charging current detection means 38 and the charging voltage detection means 39.
[0048]
The efficiency of the power control means 37 corresponding to the charging current and the battery voltage is stored in the storage means 42 in advance, and the value obtained by dividing the product of the charging current and the battery voltage by the efficiency of the power control means 37 is the power supply power D. The input power calculation means 41 is used for calculation.
[0049]
The charging current control means 35 of the charging control means 34 adds the calculated value of the power supply power C detected by the power supply power detection means 32 and the power supply power D calculated by the input power calculation means 41, and this addition result is preset. By controlling the power control means 37 so as to be less than the specified power value, the output power of the power supply device 13 is limited to the specified power value or less, and then the charging device 31 and the personal computer (device other than the charging device) 14 It is possible to distribute the output power of the power supply device 13.
[0050]
Further, by setting the specified power value to be equal to or less than the allowable maximum power value of the power supply device 13, the output power of the power supply device 13 is limited to be equal to or less than the allowable maximum power value of the power supply device 13 (the power supply device 13 becomes overloaded). The output power of the power supply device 13 can be distributed to the charging device 31 and the personal computer (device other than the charging device) 14. Moreover, in Embodiment 3, since it is not necessary to detect the electric power consumed with the charging device 31, a power loss and a voltage drop can be reduced similarly to Embodiment 1 and 2.
[0051]
In the third embodiment, the power control unit 37 is configured by a step-up DC-DC converter, but may be configured by a step-down DC-DC converter or the like.
[0052]
By the way, in Embodiment 1, 2, 3, the power supply device is separated from the charging device, but the power supply device may be configured as a part of the charging device, and the power supply device is separated from the charging device. It is not limited to.
[0053]
In the first, second, and third embodiments, the personal computer 14 supplies the power from the power supply device in addition to the charging device. However, the charging device and the video camera may be used, and are not limited to the personal computer.
[0054]
In addition to the charging device, the power supply device supplies only one type of personal computer 14, but it may supply power to a plurality of devices and is not limited to one type.
[0055]
In the third embodiment, the control means 40 and the input power calculation means 41 are separated. However, the input power calculation means may be configured as a part of the control means, and the control means and the input power calculation means are separated. It is not limited to what is being done.
[0056]
Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0057]
(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the charging apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which 51 is a charging apparatus, 52 is a power supply apparatus, 53 is power supply voltage detection means, 54 is charge control means, and 55 is charge current control. Means 56, charging voltage control means 57, power control means 57, charging current detection means 58, control means 59, battery voltage detection means 60, personal computer (device other than the charging device) 14, 15 charging target Secondary battery.
[0058]
The charge control means 54 is mainly composed of a charge current control means 55 and a charge voltage control means 56, and the charge control means 54 includes signals from the charge current detection means 58, the battery voltage detection means 60, and the power supply voltage detection means 53. In response to a command from the control unit 59, the power control unit 57 is controlled in accordance with the state of the secondary battery 15, the state of the power supply device 52, and the command content from the control unit 59 to charge the secondary battery 15. The charging current and charging voltage are controlled.
[0059]
The power supply device 52 supplies power to the personal computer 14 in addition to the power consumed by the charging device 51 (for charging the battery 15). Due to the miniaturization of the device and economic reasons, it has the ability to individually supply the maximum power consumption of the charging device 51 (for charging the battery 15) or the maximum power consumption of the personal computer 14, but each has the maximum power consumption. Does not have the ability to supply power simultaneously. Therefore, it is necessary to limit the power consumption (current) of the charging device 51 and distribute the power (current) to the personal computer 14 and the charging device 51 in accordance with the occasional power supply to the personal computer 14. .
[0060]
FIG. 6 is an output characteristic showing the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the power supply device 52, and graphically shows the operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0061]
The voltage value of the output voltage of the power supply device 52 is detected by the power supply voltage detection means 53, and the charging current control is performed so that the voltage value of the output voltage of the power supply device 52 does not fall below the specified voltage value (the specified voltage value a in FIG. 6). The means 55 controls the power control means 57 to limit the charging current, so that even if the consumption current of the personal computer 14 fluctuates, the output current of the power supply 52 is below a certain value (Ia in FIG. 6). Can be limited to. That is, it is possible to distribute the output current of the power supply device 52 to the charging device 51 and the personal computer 14 while keeping the output current of the power supply device 52 below a certain value (Ia in FIG. 6).
[0062]
Note that when the specified voltage value is set in the vicinity of the output characteristic in which the output voltage increases with an increase in the output current (the specified voltage value A in FIG. 6), the output current of the power supply device is changed to the charging device 51 and the charging device 51. The operation to distribute to other devices (personal computer 14) becomes unstable, and there are practically problems in quality and economy. When the specified voltage values are set in the vicinity of the output characteristics in which the output voltage decreases as the output current increases (the specified voltage value a and the specified voltage value b in FIG. 6), the output current of the power supply device and the charging device 51 The operation of distributing to devices other than the charging device 51 (personal computer 14) is stable, and the charging device can be configured economically.
[0063]
Further, by making the specified voltage value equal to or higher than the voltage value (specified voltage value b in FIG. 6) of the power supply device 52 when the allowable maximum current value (Imax in FIG. 6) of the power supply device 52 is output. Even if the power supply to the personal computer 14 fluctuates, the charging device 51 and the personal computer 14 are connected to the power supply device 52 in a state where the output current of the power supply device 52 is limited to an allowable maximum current value (Imax in FIG. 6) or less. Output current can be distributed. That is, the output current of the power supply device 52 can be distributed to the charging device 51 and the personal computer 14 without putting the power supply device 52 into an overload state.
[0064]
Furthermore, by setting the specified voltage value to be equal to or higher than the minimum allowable voltage value of the devices (the charging device 51 and the personal computer 14) supplied with power from the power supply device 52, the device (charging device 51) supplied with power from the power supply device 52. In addition, it is possible to distribute the output current of the power supply device to the charging device 51 and the personal computer 14 while maintaining a state in which the power supply voltage at which the personal computer 14) operates stably is maintained.
[0065]
In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device 52 is configured as a part of the charging device 51. However, the power supply device may be separated from the charging device, and the power supply device is configured as a part of the charging device. It is not limited to what is being done.
[0066]
In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a power supply device having an output characteristic generally called a “F” characteristic is used. However, the power supply apparatus has an output characteristic in which the output voltage decreases as the output current increases. However, the present invention is not limited to a power supply device having a U-shaped characteristic.
[0067]
In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device 52 supplies power to the personal computer 14 in addition to the charging device 51, but may be a charging device or a video camera, and is not limited to a personal computer. . In addition to the charging device 51, the power supply device 52 supplies only one type of personal computer 14, but may supply power to a plurality of devices and is not limited to one type.
[0068]
Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 7, and FIG.
[0069]
(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the charging apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which 61 is a charging apparatus, 72 is a power supply apparatus, 73 is power supply current limiting means, 53 is power supply voltage detection means, and 54 is charge control. Means 55, charging current control means, 56 charging voltage control means, 57 power control means, 58 charging current detection means, 59 control means, 60 battery voltage detection means, 14 personal computer (other than the charging device) (Device), 15 is a secondary battery to be charged.
[0070]
The charge control means 54 is mainly composed of a charge current control means 55 and a charge voltage control means 56, and the charge control means 54 includes signals from the charge current detection means 58, the battery voltage detection means 60, and the power supply voltage detection means 53. In response to a command from the control means 59, the power control means 57 is controlled in accordance with the state of the secondary battery 15, the state of the power supply device 72, and the content of the command from the control means 59 to charge the secondary battery 15. The charging current and charging voltage are controlled.
[0071]
The power supply device 72 supplies power to the personal computer 14 in addition to the power consumed by the charging device 61 (for charging the battery 15). Due to the miniaturization of the device and economic reasons, it has the ability to individually supply the maximum power consumption of the charging device 61 (for charging the battery 15) or the maximum power consumption of the personal computer 14, but each has maximum power consumption. Does not have the ability to supply For this reason, it is necessary to limit the power consumption (current) of the charging device 61 in accordance with the occasional power supply to the personal computer 14. Further, the output current of the power supply device 72 is limited to a predetermined current value by the power supply current limiting means 73, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are output characteristics showing the relationship between the output voltage and the output current of the power supply device 72. The operation of the fifth embodiment of the invention is shown in the figure.
[0072]
In FIG. 7, the specified voltage value is set to a specified voltage value c that is equal to or higher than the minimum allowable voltage value of the devices (the charging device 61 and the personal computer 14) supplied with power from the power supply device, and the predetermined current value is set. FIG. 8 shows a case where the predetermined voltage value is set to a certain value (predetermined current value c in FIG. 7), and FIG. 8 is equal to or higher than the minimum allowable voltage value of the devices (charging device 61 and personal computer 14) supplied with power from the power supply device. This is a case where the specified voltage value d is set to the predetermined current value and the predetermined current value is set to the allowable maximum current value of the power supply device (Imax in FIG. 8).
[0073]
The voltage value of the output voltage of the power supply device 72 is detected by the power supply voltage detection means 53, and the charging current control is performed so that the voltage value of the output voltage of the power supply device 72 does not fall below the specified voltage value (the specified voltage value c in FIG. 7). The means 55 controls the power control means 57 to control the charging current, so that even if the current consumption of the personal computer 14 fluctuates, the devices (the charging device 61 and the personal computer 14) supplied with power from the power supply device A power supply voltage that operates stably is ensured and the output current of the power supply device 72 is kept below a predetermined current value (predetermined current value c in FIG. 7), and then the power supply is supplied to the charging device 61 and the personal computer 14. The output current of the device 72 can be distributed.
[0074]
Note that, by setting the predetermined current value to be equal to or less than the maximum allowable current value of the power supply device 72 (Imax in FIG. 8), even if the current consumption of the personal computer 14 fluctuates, a device ( The charging device 61 and the personal computer 14) ensure a stable power supply voltage (the specified voltage value d in FIG. 8), and the output current of the power supply device 72 is set to the maximum allowable current value of the power supply device 72 (Imax in FIG. 8). The output current of the power supply device can be stably distributed to the charging device and devices other than the charging device while maintaining the state limited to the following. In other words, the power supply device 72 and the personal computer 14 are stabilized with the power supply voltage that ensures stable operation of the charging device 61 and the personal computer 14 without causing the power supply device 72 to be overloaded. Can be distributed.
[0075]
In the fifth embodiment, the predetermined current value is set to a constant value with respect to the output voltage, temperature, and the like of the power supply device 72, but may be a value that changes according to the output voltage, temperature, etc. of the power supply device 72, The predetermined current value is not limited to a constant value with respect to the output voltage or temperature of the power supply device 72.
[0076]
In the fifth embodiment, the power supply device 72 is configured as a part of the charging device 61. However, the power supply device may be separated from the charging device, and the power supply device is configured as a part of the charging device. It is not limited to things.
[0077]
In the fifth embodiment, the device supplied with power from the power supply device 72 other than the charging device 61 is the personal computer 14, but may be a charging device or a video camera, and is not limited to a personal computer. In addition to the charging device 61, the power supply device 72 supplies only one type of personal computer 14, but may supply power to a plurality of devices and is not limited to one type.
[0078]
By the way, if the power supply current A of the power supply device flowing out to a device other than the charging device is Ia, the power supply current B of the power supply device flowing out of the charging device is Ib, and the detection resistance of the power supply current detection means is R, the power supply current detection means The power loss of the conventional example (in the case of FIG. 9) is R (Ia + Ib)₂In the fourth and fifth embodiments of the present invention, it is zero. In the case of Embodiments 4 and 5 of the present invention, the power loss is R (Ia + Ib) as compared with the conventional example.₂Can only be reduced. Further, the voltage drop of the input voltage of the charging device and the devices other than the charging device by the power source current detection means is R (Ia + Ib) in the conventional example (in the case of FIG. 9), and the present invention (Embodiments 4 and 5) Therefore, the voltage drop of the input voltage of the device other than the charging device and the charging device can be reduced by R (Ia + Ib) as compared with the conventional example.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the charging device of the present invention, in the device that supplies power from the same power supply device to the charging device and the device other than the charging device, the power supply corresponds to the fluctuation of the current consumption of the device other than the charging device. Efficiently use the remaining current capacity of the device to charge the secondary battery in a short time, economically provide an energy-saving charging device with reduced power loss, and overload the power supply In addition, there is an effect that voltage drop and voltage fluctuation of the power supply output of the power supply device can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a charging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a charging apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a charging apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a charging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a charging apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating the operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating the operation of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating the operation of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional charging device
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Charging device
2 Power supply current detection means
3 Power supply voltage detection means
4 Charge control means
5 Charging current control means
6 Charge voltage control means
7 Power control means
8 Charging current detection means
9 Charge voltage detection means
10 Control means
11 Input current calculation means
12 Storage means
13 Power supply
14 Personal computers (devices other than charging devices)
15 Secondary battery to be charged
21 Charging device
24 Charge control means
25 Charging current control means
26 Charging voltage control means
27 Power control means
28 Charging current detection means
29 Charge voltage detection means
30 Control means
31 Charging device
32 Power supply detection means
34 Charge control means
35 Charging current control means
36 Charging voltage control means
37 Power control means
38 Charging current detection means
39 Charge voltage detection means
40 Control means
41 Input power calculation means
42 Memory means
51 Charging device
52 Power supply
53 Power supply voltage detection means
54 Charge control means
55 Charging current control means
56 Charging voltage control means
57 Power control means
58 Charging current detection means
59 Control means
60 Battery voltage detection means
61 Charging device
72 Power supply
73 Power supply current limiting means
81 Charging device
82 Power supply current detection means
84 Charge control means
85 Charging current control means
86 Charge voltage control means
87 Power control means
88 Charging current detection means
89 Charge voltage detection means
90 Control means

Claims

A power supply for supplying DC power;
A power source current detecting means for detecting a power source current A of the power source device flowing out to a device other than the charging device;
Charging current detecting means for detecting a charging current for charging the secondary battery;
Charging voltage detecting means for detecting a charging voltage for charging the secondary battery;
Power control means for controlling the charging current and the charging voltage;
Power supply voltage detection means for detecting the power supply voltage of the power supply device;
The efficiency of the power control unit corresponding to the charging current, the charging voltage, and the power supply voltage is stored in advance in a storage unit, and the product of the charging current and the charging voltage is calculated as the efficiency of the power control unit and the power source. An input current calculating means for calculating a value divided by the product of the voltage as the power supply current B flowing into the charging device;
The power source current A flowing out to a device other than the charging device detected by the power source current detecting means and the calculated value of the power source current B flowing into the charging device are separately detected or calculated, and the power source current A is detected. Charging control means for controlling the power control means so as to limit the charging current so that the total value of the power supply current B and the power supply current B falls below a predetermined current value,
A charging device comprising:

The charging device according to claim 1 , wherein the specified current value is set to be equal to or less than an allowable maximum current value of the power supply device.

A power supply for supplying DC power;
Power source power detection means for detecting power source power C of the power source device flowing out to a device other than the charging device;
Charging current detecting means for detecting a charging current for charging the secondary battery;
Charging voltage detecting means for detecting a charging voltage for charging the secondary battery;
Power control means for controlling the charging current and the charging voltage;
The efficiency of the power control means corresponding to the charging current, the charging voltage and the power supply voltage is stored in advance in the storage means, and the product of the charging current and the charging voltage is divided by the efficiency of the power control means. Input power calculating means for calculating a value as power source power D flowing into the charging device;
A power source power C consumed by a device other than the charging device detected by the power source power detection means and a calculated value of the power source power D consumed by the charging device are separately detected or calculated, and the power source power C Charging control means for controlling the power control means so as to limit the charging current so that a total value of the power supply power D is lower than a predetermined specified power value;
A charging device comprising:

The charging device according to claim 3 , wherein the specified power value is set to be equal to or less than an allowable maximum power value of the power supply device.