JP7434726B2 - Battery pack, device itself, and electrical equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a battery pack having a wireless communication function , a device main body connected to the battery pack, and an electric device including the battery pack .

Patent Document 1 below discloses an air blower as an electric device that includes a fan body that blows air into clothes worn by a worker, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the fan body. Such a blower device is effective for preventing heat damage for workers at construction sites and the like. Further, Patent Document 2 listed below discloses a power tool in which setting parameters for driving the power tool can be changed. Further, Patent Document 3 listed below discloses a battery pack including a display section that displays the remaining capacity of a battery cell.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-104845 JP2014-018868A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-170779

In Patent Document 1, the output and operation (air volume and rotational speed in the case of a fan) and drive mode of an output unit (for example, a fan) can be changed using an operation unit that is wired by a cord, so it is difficult to use from the viewpoint of convenience. There was room for improvement (first issue). In Patent Document 2, since the setting parameters of the electrical device cannot be changed while the electrical device is in operation, there is room for improvement in terms of convenience (second problem).
Furthermore, since Patent Document 3 only displays the remaining capacity of the battery cells, it is not possible to manage the usage status of electrical equipment, such as the remaining drive time of the output section (for example, a fan), and there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of convenience. There was (third issue).
In addition, the operation of the output section of an electrical device (in the case of an air blower, the fan's air volume and rotation speed) can be controlled by wireless communication using a communication device such as a smartphone, other than the operation section that is wired to the output section (fan body). If it is possible to change the wireless communication function, it may be possible to provide the electrical equipment (the equipment itself) or the battery pack with a wireless communication function. In Patent Document 2, a communication section is provided in the housing of an electrical device (power tool). On the other hand, it is also conceivable to provide the battery pack with a wireless communication function. In this case, the following fourth problem arises. That is, considering the influence on communication, it is desirable that the wireless antenna for realizing the wireless communication function be placed far from the metal part of the battery pack. On the other hand, when trying to reduce the size of the battery pack, it becomes difficult to move the wireless antenna away from the metal part.

The present invention was made in recognition of this situation, and its purpose is to solve the fourth problem mentioned above, and to achieve a good balance between suppressing the influence of metal parts on wireless communication functions and suppressing the increase in size. Our goal is to provide battery packs and electrical equipment that are of the highest quality.

An embodiment of the present invention is a battery pack. This battery pack is
case and
In the case, a plurality of battery cells whose longitudinal directions extend in a first direction and are lined up in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
a wireless antenna provided within a range of the plurality of battery cells in the second direction and configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device;
a board on which the wireless antenna is mounted;
an input section that inputs power from the outside and an output section that outputs power to the outside;
an operating section operated to change the output voltage output from the output section;
has
In a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction in the case, the plurality of battery cells, the input section, and the output section are arranged on one side of the substrate, and the plurality of battery cells, the input section, and the output section are arranged on the other side. Place the wireless antenna,
The input section and the output section extend or are located within a range in which the battery cells exist in the third direction, and in a range on the opposite side of the wireless antenna with respect to the center of the substrate in the second direction. Position to ,
The output voltage is configured to be changeable by either an operation of the operation unit or an operation of the external device through wireless communication between the external device and the wireless antenna .

The input section may be located on one side with respect to the center of the battery cell in the first direction, and the output section may be located on the other side .

It has a control unit that controls communication with external devices,
The control unit may be configured to control discharging or charging of the battery cell .

The case is composed of an upper case and a lower case that are combined in the third direction,
The lower case includes a first rib located between all adjacent battery cells in the second direction and protrudes upward from the inner bottom surface of the lower case, and a battery cell located at the end in the second direction. and a second rib located between the input section and the output section and protruding upward from the inner bottom surface of the lower case .

The device may include a cover that covers the input section .

At an end of the plurality of battery cells in the first direction, a plurality of tabs are provided that extend in the third direction and connect the battery cells and the substrate,
Each of the plurality of tabs has a plurality of board connection parts connected to the board,
The wireless antenna may be located on an extension line of any one of the plurality of board connection parts in the first direction .

Another aspect of the invention is a battery pack. This battery pack is
case and
In the case, a plurality of battery cells whose longitudinal directions extend in a first direction and are lined up in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
a wireless antenna provided near an end of a range in which the plurality of battery cells exist in the second direction and for wirelessly communicating with an external device;
a substrate disposed across the plurality of battery cells and mounting the wireless antenna;
an input section that inputs power from the outside and an output section that outputs power to the outside;
an operating section operated to change the output voltage output from the output section;
A plurality of tabs extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction to connect the battery cells and the substrate at the ends of the plurality of battery cells in the first direction;
has
In the third direction, the plurality of battery cells, the input section, and the output section are arranged on one side of the substrate, and the wireless antenna is arranged on the other side,
The input section and the output section extend or are located within a range of the battery cells in the third direction,
The wireless antenna is located near the center in the longitudinal direction so as to be spaced apart from each of the plurality of tabs in the first direction, and is located near an end of the substrate in the second direction,
The output voltage is configured to be changeable by either an operation of the operation unit or an operation of the external device through wireless communication between the external device and the wireless antenna .

Each of the plurality of tabs has a plurality of board connection parts connected to the board,
The wireless antenna may be located on an extension line of any one of the plurality of board connection parts in the first direction .

The plurality of tabs have a first tab that connects two battery cells adjacent in the second direction in series,
The substrate connection portion of the first tab may be located between the two adjacent battery cells in the second direction .

Another aspect of the invention is the device body. This device body is
It has a drive unit that is driven by power supply from the battery pack,
The drive unit is configured such that its operation can be changed by either operation of the operation unit or operation of the external device through wireless communication between the external device and the wireless antenna.

The drive unit has a fan or a heater,
The rotation speed of the fan or the temperature of the heater may be configured to be changeable by either operation of the operation unit or operation of the external device through wireless communication between the external device and the wireless antenna.

The driving unit may be attached to clothing .

Another aspect of the invention is an electrical device. This electrical equipment is
The battery pack;
a device main body having a drive unit driven by power supply from the battery pack;
has
The drive unit is configured such that its operation can be changed by either operation of the operation unit or operation of the external device through wireless communication between the external device and the wireless antenna.

The drive unit has a fan or a heater ,
The rotational speed of the fan or the temperature of the heater may be changeable by either operation of the operation unit or operation of the external device through wireless communication between the external device and the wireless antenna.

Another aspect of the invention is an electrical device. This electrical equipment is
An electrical device comprising a battery pack and a device main body,
The battery pack includes:
case and
In the case, a plurality of battery cells whose longitudinal directions extend in a first direction and are lined up in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
a wireless antenna provided within a range of the plurality of battery cells in the second direction and configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device;
a board on which the wireless antenna is mounted;
an input section that inputs power from the outside and an output section that outputs power to the outside;
an operating section operated to change the output voltage output from the output section,
In a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction in the case, the plurality of battery cells, the input section, and the output section are arranged on one side of the substrate, and the plurality of battery cells, the input section, and the output section are arranged on the other side. Place the wireless antenna,
The input section and the output section extend or are located within a range in which the battery cells exist in the third direction, and in a range on the opposite side of the wireless antenna with respect to the center of the substrate in the second direction. configured to be located;
The output voltage is configured to be changeable by either operation of the operation unit or operation of the external device through wireless communication between the external device and the wireless antenna,
The device main body is
a drive unit connected to the output unit and driven by the output voltage;
The driving section is configured to change its operation depending on the output voltage output from the output section.
Another aspect of the invention is an electrical device. This electrical equipment is
An electrical device comprising a battery pack and a device main body,
The battery pack includes:
case and
In the case, a plurality of battery cells whose longitudinal directions extend in a first direction and are lined up in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
a wireless antenna provided near an end of a range in which the plurality of battery cells exist in the second direction and for wirelessly communicating with an external device;
a substrate disposed across the plurality of battery cells and mounting the wireless antenna;
an input section that inputs power from the outside and an output section that outputs power to the outside;
an operating section operated to change the output voltage output from the output section;
A plurality of tabs are provided at ends of the plurality of battery cells in the first direction and extend in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction to connect the battery cells and the substrate. death,
In the third direction, the plurality of battery cells, the input section, and the output section are arranged on one side of the substrate, and the wireless antenna is arranged on the other side,
The input section and the output section extend or are located within a range of the battery cells in the third direction,
The wireless antenna is configured to be located near the center in the longitudinal direction in the first direction and near an end of the substrate in the second direction,
The output voltage is configured to be changeable by either operation of the operation unit or operation of the external device through wireless communication between the external device and the wireless antenna,
The device main body is
a drive unit connected to the output unit and driven by the output voltage;
The driving section is configured to change its operation depending on the output voltage output from the output section.

Note that arbitrary combinations of the above components and expressions of the present invention converted between methods, systems, etc. are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery pack and an electric device that can suppress the influence of metal parts on wireless communication functions and suppress the increase in size in a well-balanced manner.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a state in which a blower device as an electric device using a battery pack 10 as a power source is provided on clothing 9 worn by a worker 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing how a worker 4 changes the output (air volume) of the air blower using an air volume adjustment device 8; FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing how a construction manager 3 manages the air blowing devices of a plurality of workers 4 using a collective management device 6. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the battery pack 10. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the battery pack 10. FIG. 2 is a front view of the battery pack 10. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the battery pack 10. A right side view of the battery pack 10. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the battery pack 10. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the battery pack 10 with the upper case 12 opened. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 9. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the battery pack 10. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack 10. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the inside of the case of the battery pack 10. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the inside of the case of the battery pack 10. FIG. 3 is a front view of the inside of the case of the battery pack 10. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the inside of the case of the battery pack 10. A right side view of the inside of the case of the battery pack 10. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the inside of the case of the battery pack 10. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the inside of the case of the battery pack 10. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the inside of the case of the battery pack 10. 15 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, with the battery cells 11a to 11c rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the state shown in FIG. 14; FIG. FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram of the air blower. 24 is a circuit diagram showing a first concrete configuration example of the discharge circuit 54 of the battery pack 10 in FIG. 23. FIG. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a second specific configuration example of the discharge circuit 54. FIG. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a third specific configuration example of a discharge circuit 54; A control flowchart of the battery pack 10. 25 is a time chart showing an example of the operation of configuration example 1 shown in FIG. 24. FIG. A simple block diagram of a collective management device 6 and an air volume adjustment device 8. The figure which shows the home screen of the management application of the device 6 for collective management. The figure which shows the batch check screen of the management application. The figure which shows the air volume check screen of the management application. The figure which shows the operating time check screen of the management application. The figure which shows the pairing screen of the management application. The figure which shows the connection setting screen with the air volume adjustment device 8 of a management application. The figure which shows the screen before connection of the air volume adjustment application of the air volume adjustment device 8. The figure which shows the screen after connection of the application for air volume adjustment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen of the air volume adjustment device 8 when a connection request from the collective management device 6 is received. 2 is a flowchart outlining a procedure for connecting (pairing) the battery pack 10 of the air blower and the collective management device 6; 2 is a flowchart showing a first example of a method for managing the remaining drivable time of the air blower by the collective management device 6; FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a first example of a time management system that collectively manages the remaining drivable time of a plurality of air blowers using a collective management device 6; 7 is a flowchart showing a method for managing the air volume of the blower by the collective management device 6. FIG. A table summarizing the relationship between temperature, required air volume, and warning targets. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a first example of an air volume management system that collectively manages the air volumes of a plurality of the air blowers using a collective management device 6; 12 is a flowchart showing a second example of a method for managing the remaining drivable time of the air blower by the collective management device 6. FIG. 2 is a flowchart outlining the procedure for connecting the collective management device 6 and the air volume adjustment device 8 using a network service. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a second example of a time management system that collectively manages the remaining drivable time of a plurality of air blowers using a collective management device 6; FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a second example of an air volume management system that collectively manages the air volumes of a plurality of the air blowers using a collective management device 6; A flowchart showing the flow of communication between the battery pack 10 of the air blower and the collective management device 6. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for changing the output (air volume) of the air blower using the air volume adjustment device 8; 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of a procedure for canceling the connection (pairing) between the battery pack 10 of the air blower and the collective management device 6; 2 is a flowchart outlining the procedure for connecting (pairing) the battery pack 10 of the air blower and the air volume adjustment device 8; 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of a procedure for canceling the connection (pairing) between the battery pack 10 of the air blower and the air volume adjustment device 8; FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a fourth specific configuration example of a discharge circuit 54;

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or equivalent constituent elements, members, etc. shown in each drawing are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the embodiments are merely illustrative rather than limiting the invention, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention.

The present embodiment relates to an air blower (temperature control device) that can be provided on clothing 9, clothing 9 equipped with the air blower, and a battery pack 10 that serves as a power source thereof. This air blower is an example of an electric device, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a fan body 5 as a device body and a battery pack 10. Note that the clothing 9 including the fan body 5 may be used as the device body. Alternatively, the blower including the fan body 5 may be used as a device main body, and the combination of the device main body and the battery pack may be an electric device. The fan body 5 blows air into the inside of the clothes 9 worn by the worker 4. The battery pack 10 supplies power to the fan body 5. The fan main body 5 and the battery pack 10 are connected to each other by a cable 7. One end of the cable 7 can be attached to and detached from the battery pack 10. That is, the battery pack 10 is removable from the fan body 5. The battery pack 10 has a short-range wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The battery pack 10 may be able to transmit position information using GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, the worker 4 carries an air volume adjustment device 8, such as a smartphone, as a second communication device. The air volume adjustment device 8 has a function to adjust the output of the battery pack 10, that is, a function to adjust the air volume of the fan body 5, a function to change the drive mode of the fan body 5, and a function to enable or disable the wireless communication function of the battery pack 10. An application for adjusting air volume is installed. The air volume adjustment device 8 has a short-range wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and a communication function to a network. The operator 4 performs short-range wireless communication with the battery pack 10 using the air volume adjustment device 8, and can change the output (operation such as air volume and drive mode) of the fan body 5. Instead of or in addition to using the air volume adjustment device 8, the output of the fan body 5 can be changed using an operation unit provided on the battery pack 10 or an operation unit provided separately from the battery pack 10 (for example, on the fan body 5). It may be possible. Since the output can be changed by a control unit 50b, which will be described later, provided in the battery pack 10, if an operation unit is provided in the battery pack 10, the output can be changed and controlled by the battery pack 10 alone. Therefore, even if the main body of the device connected to the battery pack 10 does not have a wireless communication function, wireless communication with external devices is possible, and versatility can be improved. Note that when both the operating section and the air volume adjustment device 8 are operated, it is preferable to give priority to the operation of the operating section. Since the operation part is provided on the clothes 9 worn by the worker, there is a low possibility that it will be operated by a third party, but the air volume adjustment device 8 may be placed in a place far away from the worker. This is because the possibility of being operated by a third party is higher than that of the operation section. When signals are input from both, the control section 50b performs adjustment of the output voltage, which will be described later, based on the signal from the operation section. Further, when a signal from a collective management device 6, which will be described later, is input, it is preferable to give priority to this signal and control it. The air volume adjustment device 8 can also function as a communication relay between the bulk management device 6 and the battery pack 10 by transmitting data about the battery pack 10 to the bulk management device 6 via the network. The air volume adjustment device 8 may be capable of transmitting position information using GPS or the like. The screen of the air volume adjustment device 8 is an example of a notification section.

In this embodiment, by utilizing the wireless communication function of the battery pack 10, as shown in FIG. It is collectively managed by one collective management device 6 such as a smartphone as a first communication device. There are various types of management, such as management of the remaining drivable time of each blower device and management of whether the air volume of each blower device is greater than or equal to the amount of air required for the current temperature. The specific management method will be described later. In order to manage these, a management application is installed in the collective management device 6. The collective management device 6 has a short-range wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and a communication function to a network. The collective management device 6 and the air volume adjustment device 8 can be connected (communicated) with each other via a network. The collective management device 6 may be capable of transmitting location information using GPS or the like. The screen of the collective management device 6 is an example of the notification section. The collective management device 6 may manage position information of the battery pack 10 and the air volume adjustment device 8.

The configuration of the battery pack 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 21. Referring to FIG. 4, front and rear, top and bottom, and left and right directions that are orthogonal to each other in the battery pack 10 are defined. In the battery pack 10, the left-right direction is an example of a first direction, the front-rear direction is an example of a second direction, and the up-down direction is an example of a third direction. The case of the battery pack 10 is a combination of an upper case 12 and a lower case 13, which are made of, for example, an insulating resin molded body, and has a generally square shape as a whole when viewed in the vertical direction, and a generally rectangular shape when viewed in the left and right directions. As shown in FIG. 8, the upper case 12 is curved so that its substantially central portion in the front-rear direction, which is its longitudinal direction, is the uppermost part (furthest away from the battery cells 11a to 11c).

The upper case 12 is provided with a button 15 and a display section 16. In FIG. 9, illustrations of the button 15, display section 16, etc. of the upper case 12 are omitted. The button 15 is an operation section for pressing the switch 46 shown in FIG. 14 and the like. There are two buttons 15 here; one is a button for switching the air volume of the fan body 5, and the other is a button for switching between enabling and disabling the wireless communication function of the battery pack 10. Note that a button may be provided for switching the drive mode of the fan body 5 (high air volume mode, low air volume mode, manual air volume change mode, automatic air volume change mode, and all of these modes). The display section 16 is a section that transmits light such as an LED. A plurality of display units 16 are provided, and display the charging state of the battery pack 10, the air volume of the blower, the state of the wireless communication function, and the like. The openings of the charging jack 52 and the discharging jack 55 face rearward from the back surface of the lower case 13. Charging jack 52 is covered by cover 18 which can be opened and closed. A cable for connecting to a charger can be connected to the charging jack 52. A cable 7 for connecting to the fan main body 5 can be connected to the discharge jack 55.

The battery cells 11a to 11c have their longitudinal directions extending in the left-right direction and are lined up in the front-rear direction within the case, that is, in the internal space formed by the upper case 12 and the lower case 13. The battery cells 11a to 11c are partitioned by ribs 13a that protrude upward from the inner bottom surface of the lower case 13. A rib 13b protruding upward from the inner bottom surface of the lower case 13 partitions the battery cell 11c and the charging jack 52 and discharging jack 55. The number of battery cells may be two or four or more. A substrate 20 is provided above the battery cells 11a to 11c. The length of the substrate 20 in the left-right direction is approximately equal to the length of the battery cells 11a to 11c. A switch 46 and a wireless antenna module 50 as a wireless control section are provided on the upper surface of the substrate 20 (the surface opposite to the battery cells 11a to 11c). There are two switches 46 here; one is a switch for changing the air volume of the fan body 5 (hereinafter also referred to as an "output changeover switch"), and the other is a switch for enabling or disabling the wireless communication function of the battery pack 10. This is a switch for

The wireless antenna module 50 is provided at the right end of the substrate 20 and between the battery cells 11a and 11b in the front-back direction. The right end of the substrate 20 is located near the ends of the battery cells 11a to 11c in the left-right direction. The space between the battery cells 11a and 11b in the front-rear direction refers to the range between the central axes of the battery cells 11a and 11b in the front-rear direction, avoiding areas directly above and in the vicinity of the central axes. Furthermore, the wireless antenna module 50 is arranged at a position avoiding the vicinity of the end of the upper case 12 in the front-rear direction. A charging jack 52 and a discharging jack 55 as input/output sections are provided on the lower surface of the substrate 20 (the surface on the battery cells 11a to 11c side). The charging jack 52 and the discharging jack 55 extend or are located within the range in which the battery cells 11a to 11c exist in the vertical direction.

The battery cells 11a to 11c are connected in series to each other and electrically connected to the substrate 20 by metal tabs 21 to 24. Tab 21 electrically connects the positive electrode of battery cell 11a to substrate 20. The tab 23 electrically connects the negative electrode of the battery cell 11 a and the positive electrode of the battery cell 11 b to each other and to the substrate 20 . The tab 22 electrically connects the negative electrode of the battery cell 11b and the positive electrode of the battery cell 11c to each other and to the substrate 20. Tab 24 electrically connects the negative electrode of battery cell 11c to substrate 20. The substrate connecting portion 21a of the tab 21 is electrically connected to the right end portion of the substrate 20 in front of the central axis of the battery cell 11a (on the side opposite to the battery cell 11b). The substrate connecting portion 23a of the tab 23 is electrically connected to the left end portion of the substrate 20 between the battery cells 11a and 11b in the front-back direction. The substrate connecting portion 22a of the tab 22 is electrically connected to the right end portion of the substrate 20 between the battery cells 11b and 11c in the front-back direction. The board connecting portion 24a of the tab 24 is electrically connected to the left end of the board 20 between the battery cells 11b and 11c in the front-back direction.

As shown in FIG. 20, the wireless antenna module 50 includes a wireless antenna 50a as a wireless communication section that receives signals from external devices (air volume adjustment device 8, collective management device 6), and wireless communication with external devices. and a control unit 50b such as a microcontroller. The wireless antenna 50a is close to the right edge of the board 20. In addition to controlling wireless communication, the control unit 50b controls discharging and charging of the battery cells 11a to 11c, and controls protection of the battery cells 11a to 11c, such as overdischarge protection, overcurrent protection, high temperature protection, etc. . In the substrate 20, a predetermined area before and after the wireless antenna 50a is defined as a pattern-free portion 20a where no conductor pattern is formed. Note that although the wireless antenna module 50 has a wireless communication section (including the wireless antenna 50a) and a control section 50b that are integrally configured, they may be configured separately. Here, "integrated" means that it is composed of a single-chip element.

An example of the circuit configuration of the battery pack 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 23. The battery pack 10 includes a battery cell 11 (corresponding to battery cells 11a to 11c shown in FIG. 14, etc.) which is a secondary battery cell (for example, a lithium battery cell). The SC protector 41 is a protection element for preventing overcharging and overcurrent of the battery cell 11. The power supply circuit 42 converts the output voltage Vbat of the battery cell 11 into an operating voltage Vctl for the control section 50b, etc., and supplies it to the control section 50b, etc. The cell voltage detection circuit 43 detects each cell voltage of the battery cells 11 and transmits it to the control unit 50b. The current detection circuit 44 detects the output current based on the voltage of the resistor R provided in the path of the output current (discharging current or charging current) of the battery cell 11, and transmits it to the control unit 50b. Temperature sensor 45 detects the temperature of battery cell 11 and transmits it to control section 50b. Another temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the battery pack 10 and another temperature sensor that detects the body temperature of the worker (the temperature around the worker) are provided on clothes 9, fan body 5, etc. The temperature or the worker's body temperature may be transmitted to the control unit 50b.

The switch 46 serving as an operation section receives a switch operation by a user and transmits it to the control section 50b. There may be a plurality of switches 46. The switch 46 is a switch for instructing the fan body 5 to drive or stop, a switch for switching (adjusting) the output of the fan body 5, a switch for enabling or disabling the wireless communication function, and a switch for switching the drive mode of the fan body 5. , a switch for performing wireless communication pairing, and the like. The LED 53 as a notification section is for status display, and its lighting is controlled by the control section 50b. There may be a plurality of LEDs 53.

When the AC adapter connection detection circuit 47 detects the connection of the AC adapter 58 to the charging jack 52, it transmits an activation signal to the power supply circuit 42. The charging circuit 51 is, for example, a DC/DC converter, and operates under the control of the control unit 50b to supply charging current to the battery cells 11. That is, the charging current is switched (controlled) and supplied to the battery cell 11 according to the charging current switching signal from the control unit 50b. Further, the charging circuit 51 starts and stops supplying the charging current according to an on/off signal from the control section 50b. The charging circuit 51 converts DC power input via the charging jack 52 into DC power for charging the battery cells 11 . The charging jack 52 is a connection port for an external AC adapter 58. The AC adapter 58 is connected to an external AC power source 59, converts AC power input from the AC power source 59 into DC power, and outputs the DC power to the charging jack 52.

The discharge circuit 54 as a drive circuit is, for example, a DC/DC converter, operates under the control of the control section 50b, and outputs DC power to the discharge jack 55 to be supplied to the fan body 5. The discharge jack 55 is a connection port for the cable 7 that connects the fan main body 5 and the battery pack 10. The fan main body 5 includes a fan and a motor (drive section or output section) that drives the fan, and operates with power supplied from the discharge circuit 54. Note that since the fan and motor rotate integrally, they may be used together as a drive section or an output section. Further, the fan main body 5 may be provided with a control section for driving and controlling the motor. Further, a heater, which is an example of a temperature control device to be described later, a volume control section or a channel switching section of a peripheral device, and a motor of a power tool also correspond to the output section.

The control unit 50b is, for example, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) module with a built-in microcontroller. The control unit 50b communicates with the collective management device 6 and the air volume adjustment device 8 by short-range wireless communication using the wireless antenna 50a, and also controls the overall operation of the battery pack 10, such as controlling the charging circuit 51 and the discharging circuit 54. control. The control unit 50b can control the charging of the battery cell 11 by adjusting the charging current to the battery cell 11 under the control of the charging circuit 51. The control unit 50b can adjust the power supplied to the fan body 5 and the output (air volume) of the fan body 5 by controlling the discharge circuit 54. The control unit 50b has a function that allows connection to at least two or more communication devices, such as the collective management device 6 and the air volume adjustment device 8, at the same time.

FIG. 24 is a circuit diagram showing a first concrete configuration example of the discharge circuit 54. As shown in FIG. In this example, the discharge circuit 54 includes a DC/DC converter IC 54a, a choke coil (inductor) L, a capacitor (electrolytic capacitor) C, resistors R1 to R5, and switching elements Q3 to Q5 such as FETs. Resistors R1 to R5 and switching elements Q3 to Q5 constitute an output voltage adjustment circuit. The DC converter IC 54a includes an internal analog circuit 54b and switching elements Q1 and Q2 such as FETs. The switching elements Q1 and Q2 are connected in series between a power line (hereinafter also referred to as "power line Vbat") to which the output voltage Vbat of the battery cell 11 is supplied and the ground. The gates (control terminals) of the switching elements Q1 and Q2 are connected to the internal analog circuit 54b. An interconnection portion of the switching elements Q1 and Q2 (the source of the switching element Q1 and the drain of the switching element Q2) is connected to one end of the choke coil L. The other end of the choke coil L is connected to a capacitor C and one end of a resistor R1. The other end of capacitor C is connected to ground. The voltage across the capacitor C is the output voltage Vout of the discharge circuit 54 and is output to the discharge jack 55. The other end of resistor R1 is connected to one end of resistors R2 to R5. The other end of resistor R2 is connected to ground. The interconnections of resistor R1 and resistors R2-R5 are connected to internal analog circuit 54b. The other ends of the resistors R3 to R5 are connected to ground via switching elements Q3 to Q5. The gates (control terminals) of the switching elements Q3 to Q5 are connected to the control section 50b. The control section 50b and the internal analog circuit 54b are connected to each other.

The switching elements Q1 and Q2 perform a switching operation (PWM control) based on a drive signal from the internal analog circuit 54b. The output voltage Vbat of the switched battery cell 11 is smoothed by the choke coil (inductor) L and the capacitor C, and as a result, a voltage obtained by stepping down the output voltage Vbat of the battery cell 11 appears across the capacitor C. The voltage Vm at the interconnection of resistor R1 and resistors R2-R5 is fed back to internal analog circuit 54b. Internal analog circuit 54b controls the operation of switching elements Q1 and Q2 so that voltage Vm remains constant. The ratio between the voltage Vm at the interconnection portion of the resistor R1 and the resistors R2 to R5 and the output voltage Vout of the discharge circuit 54 changes depending on the combination of on/off states of the switching elements Q3 to Q5. That is, the output voltage can be easily changed by switching a plurality of series circuits each consisting of a combination of a resistor and a switching element. The switching elements Q3 to Q5 are turned on and off by output voltage control signals V1 to V3 output from the control section 50b, respectively. The switching elements Q3 to Q5 are turned on when the output voltage control signals V1 to V3 are at a high level, and turned off when they are at a low level. FIG. 24 also shows a table showing the relationship between the level combinations of the output voltage control signals V1 to V3, that is, the on/off combinations of the switching elements Q3 to Q5, and the output voltage Vout of the discharge circuit 54. This table is an example of a relationship where the resistance value of the resistor R3>the resistance value of the resistor R4>the resistance value of the resistor R5, and the output voltage Vout can be selected from eight levels. If the number of stages of the output voltage Vout is small, some of the resistors R3 to R5 and the switching elements connected in series thereto may be omitted. In order to increase the number of stages of the output voltage Vout, a series connection circuit of a resistor and a switching element may be added in parallel with the resistor R2. Note that if it is not necessary to make the output voltage Vout highly accurate, it is not necessary to feed back the voltage Vm to the internal analog circuit 54b.

FIG. 25 is a circuit diagram showing a second specific configuration example of the discharge circuit 54. In this example, the resistors R3 to R5 and switching elements Q3 to Q5 in Configuration Example 1 in FIG. 24 are replaced with a series connection circuit of resistor R7 and switching element Q7 such as an FET, and constitutes an output voltage adjustment circuit. . A gate (control terminal) of switching element Q7 is connected to control section 50b. The control unit 50b applies a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal to the gate of the switching element Q7 to perform PWM control on the switching element Q7. The switching element Q7 is turned on when its own gate voltage is at a high level, and turned off when its own gate voltage is at a low level. The PWM signal with a duty of 0% is a signal that is always at a low level, and keeps the switching element Q7 off at all times. The PWM signal with a duty of 100% is always at a high level, and keeps the switching element Q7 on at all times. The PWM signal with a duty other than 0% and 100% switches the switching element Q7 on and off at a predetermined period. The ratio of the on period of the switching element Q7 in one cycle matches the duty ratio of the PWM signal. The higher the duty of the PWM signal that the control unit 50b applies to the gate of the switching element Q7, the higher the output voltage Vout of the discharge circuit 54 becomes. The output voltage Vout can be set within a range of 5V to 9V, for example.

FIG. 26 is a circuit diagram showing a third specific configuration example of the discharge circuit 54. This example is modified so that the internal analog circuit 54b, resistor R7, and switching element Q7 of Configuration Example 2 in FIG. 25 are eliminated, and the control unit 50b performs switching control (PWM control) on the switching elements Q1 and Q2. The control unit 50b controls the switching elements Q1 and Q2 so that the voltage Vm has a predetermined ratio with respect to the set value of the output voltage Vout of the discharge circuit 54 according to the voltage division ratio of the resistors R1 and R2. Note that if it is not necessary to make the output voltage Vout highly accurate, it is not necessary to feed back the voltage Vm to the control section 50b.

FIG. 27 is a control flowchart of the battery pack 10. After starting itself, the control unit 50b performs an initialization process and sets the output voltage Vout of the discharge circuit 54 to 0V (S71). Note that the control unit 50b is activated by transmitting an activation signal to the power supply circuit 42 when the AC adapter 58 and the fan main body 5 are connected. Alternatively, the battery pack 10 may be provided with a switch for starting the control section 50b (power supply circuit 42). When the connection with the air volume adjustment device 8 is established (YES in S72) and there is a reception signal from the air volume adjustment device 8 (“signal received” in S73), the control unit 50b controls the output voltage of the discharge circuit 54. Vout is set to the setting value instructed by the received signal (S74). Note that connection with the air volume adjustment device 8 can be made by pressing a touch panel button (for example, a connection button) displayed on the display of the air volume adjustment device 8 while the wireless communication function is enabled using the switch 46 of the battery pack 10. This is done through manipulation. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the connection is automatically made without operating the switch 46 of the battery pack 10 or a button on the air volume adjustment device 8, or a configuration in which these are combined. When the connection with the air volume adjustment device 8 is not established (NO in S72) and when there is no signal received from the air volume adjustment device 8 (“No signal received” in S73), the control unit 50b switches the output changeover switch. (switch 46) or the drive mode selector switch of the fan body 5 (S75 "operated"), the output voltage Vout of the discharge circuit 54 is set to the set value instructed by the operation. (S76). The fan main body 5 (fan) can be driven with the output voltage Vout reset in S76 while being driven (in operation) with the output voltage Vout set in S74. In other words, while the fan body 5 is being driven in the first state, the output voltage Vout (fan air volume) can be changed to the second state and the drive (operation) can be continued. The control unit 50b performs a shutdown process (S78) if there is no operation of the output changeover switch ("no operation" in S75) and if there is an end operation ("operation" in S77). Note that the shutdown process includes a process of cutting off power supply to the control unit 50b or a process of putting the control unit 50b into a sleep state. The shutdown process is performed by the control unit 50b transmitting a power control signal (shutdown signal or sleep signal) to the power supply circuit 42. Note that the termination operation is an operation of a connection button on the display of the air volume adjustment device 8. Alternatively, the wireless communication function may be disabled using the switch 46 of the battery pack 10. If there is no end operation (“no operation” in S77), the control unit 50b returns to step S72 if the connection with the air volume adjustment device 8 is disconnected (YES in S79), and if not disconnected (NO in S79), the control unit 50b returns to step S72. ) Return to step S73. There is no end operation ("no operation" in S77), no signal is received from an external device, no operation is performed on the battery pack 10 itself (for example, operation of the switch 46), or there is no charging or discharging. If the process continues for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 50b may be configured to shift to sleep mode or shutdown regardless of the process in S79. This allows the power consumption of the battery pack 10 to be suppressed when the battery pack 10 is not in use.

FIG. 28 is a time chart showing an example of the operation of configuration example 1 shown in FIG. 24. At time t1, the control unit 50b receives the activation signal from the air volume adjustment device 8, and changes the EN signal sent to the internal analog circuit 54b of the DC converter IC 54a from a low level to a high level. As a result, the internal analog circuit 54b starts operating, and the output voltage Vout of the discharge circuit 54 rises. The control unit 50b sets all of the voltage control signals V1 to V3 to a low level, and the output voltage Vout of the discharge circuit 54 becomes 5V. At time t2, the control unit 50b receives an output change signal instructing to change the output voltage Vout to 8V from the air volume adjustment device 8, and switches the voltage control signals V1 and V3 to high level. The internal analog circuit 54b performs PWM control (changes the duty ratio of the PWM signal) of the switching elements Q1 and Q2. As a result, the output voltage Vout of the discharge circuit 54 rises to about 8V. At time t3, the control unit 50b receives a stop signal from the air volume adjustment device 8, changes the EN signal from high level to low level, and changes the voltage control signals V1 and V3 to low level. When the EN signal becomes low level, the internal analog circuit 54b stops operating, and the output voltage Vout of the discharge circuit 54 drops to 0V.

FIG. 29 is a simplified block diagram of the collective management device 6 and the air volume adjustment device 8. The collective management device 6 and the air volume adjustment device 8 each include a control section 70, a memory 71, a touch panel (operation section) 72, a display section 73, a wireless communication transmitting/receiving section 74, and an antenna 75.

30 to 35 are explanatory diagrams of screen displays of the management application of the collective management device 6, in which FIG. 30 is the home screen, FIG. 31 is the collective check screen, FIG. 32 is the air volume check screen, and FIG. 33 is the operating time. A check screen, FIG. 34 shows a pairing screen, and FIG. 35 shows a connection setting screen with the air volume adjustment device 8. As shown in FIG. 30, the home screen displays a connection (pairing) button, a batch check button, an air volume check button, an operating time check button, and a connection setting button with an air volume adjustment device. When the connection (pairing) button is tapped, the screen transitions to the pairing screen shown in FIG. 34. When the batch check button is tapped, the flowcharts of operating time check and air volume check (FIGS. 40 and 42) are performed, and the screen transitions to the batch check screen of FIG. 31. When the air volume check button is tapped, the air volume check flowchart (FIG. 42) is performed, and the screen changes to the air volume check screen shown in FIG. 32. When the operating time check button is tapped, the operating time check flowchart (FIG. 40) is performed, and the screen changes to the operating time check screen shown in FIG. 33. When the connection setting button with the air volume adjustment device is tapped, the screen changes to the connection setting screen with the air volume adjustment device 8 shown in FIG. 35.

As shown in FIG. 31, the batch check screen displays the air volume check results and the operating time check results. When the air volume check result is tapped, the screen changes to the air volume check screen shown in FIG. 32. When the operating time check result is tapped, the screen changes to the operating time check screen shown in FIG. 33. As shown in FIG. 32, the air volume check screen displays the current air temperature (temperature) and the air volume check results for each battery pack. As shown in FIG. 33, the operating time check screen displays the calculated remaining drive time of each battery pack 10A to 10D. As shown in FIG. 34, a list of connected (paired) battery packs and an add pairing button are displayed on the pairing screen. When the pairing addition button is tapped, operations according to the pairing flowchart (FIG. 39) are performed. As shown in FIG. 35, the connection setting screen with the air volume adjustment device 8 displays a list of registered air volume adjustment devices 8 whose requests have been approved once in the past, and battery packs 10 whose air volume can be adjusted accordingly. , an ID input field for inputting the ID of the air volume adjustment device 8, and a request button are displayed. When the registered list is tapped, the ID of the corresponding air volume adjustment device 8 is automatically input into the ID input field. When the request button is tapped, the operation according to the connection request to the air volume adjustment device 8 input in the ID input field is performed (the operation according to the flowchart of FIG. 46 is performed).

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a pre-connection screen of the air volume adjustment application of the air volume adjustment device 8. A connection button is displayed on this screen. When the connection button is tapped, operations according to the connection flowchart (FIG. 52) are performed. FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a screen after connection of the air volume adjustment application. This screen displays the name of the connected battery pack 10, a power ON/OFF switch button, the connection status, a remaining capacity display of the connected battery pack 10, an air volume, an air volume change button, and a disconnect button. When the air volume change button is tapped, operations according to the air volume change flowchart (FIG. 50) are performed. When the disconnect button is tapped, operations according to the disconnect flowchart (FIG. 53) are performed. FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a screen of the air volume adjustment device 8 when a connection request from the collective management device 6 is received. This screen displays the ID of the other party who sent the connection request (ID of the request destination), a Yes (permit) button, and a No (not allow) button. When the yes (permit) button is tapped, the process moves from S46 to S47 in the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart outlining the procedure for connecting (pairing) between the battery pack 10 and the collective management device 6. The construction manager 3 performs an operation to request connection to each of the collective management device 6 and the battery pack 10 of the blower device to be managed (S1). The operation performed on the collective management device 6 here is, for example, pressing the pairing addition button in FIG. 34. The operation on the battery pack 10 is, for example, to press and hold the switch 46 for a long time.

The collective management device 6 that has received the connection request searches for a connection destination within the range of short-range wireless communication (S2). Similarly, upon receiving the connection request operation, the battery pack 10 searches for a connection destination within the range of short-range wireless communication (S3). At this time, the collective management device 6 may notify the construction manager 3 that the search for a connection destination has started, through a screen display or the like. The battery pack 10 may notify the construction manager 3 that the search for a connection destination has started by blinking the LED 53 or the like.

When the collective management device 6 and the battery pack 10 discover each other as connection destinations (S4), a connection sequence is started (S5), and the connection (pairing) is completed (S6). At this time, the collective management device 6 may notify the construction manager 3 that the connection process has been completed by displaying the screen or the like. The battery pack 10 may notify the construction manager 3 that the connection process is completed by lighting the LED 53 or the like. In the above description, both the collective management device 6 and the battery pack 10 are operated by the construction manager 3, but the battery pack 10 may be operated by the worker 4. The connection (pairing) between the air volume adjustment device 8 and the battery pack 10 can be performed in the same way as the connection (pairing) between the collective management device 6 and the battery pack 10.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a first example of a method for managing the remaining drivable time of the blower device by the collective management device 6. This flowchart starts when the batch check button or operating time check button in FIG. 30 of the batch management device 6 is tapped. The collective management device 6 acquires the remaining capacity of the battery pack 10 and the operating status (air volume) data of the fan body 5 from the control unit 50b of the battery pack 10 (S11). The collective management device 6 calculates the remaining drivable time of the fan body 5 at the current air volume (hereinafter also referred to as "first remaining drivable time") based on the remaining capacity of the battery pack 10 and the current air volume of the fan body 5. ) is calculated (S12). If the first remaining drivable time is less than or equal to the predetermined time (YES in S13), the collective management device 6 issues a warning to the construction manager 3 through a screen display or the like (S14). The warning may be sent to the battery pack 10 or the air volume adjustment device 8.

If the first remaining drivable time is not less than the predetermined time (NO in S13), the collective management device 6 determines the remaining drivable time of the fan main body 5 at the maximum air volume (hereinafter also referred to as "second remaining drivable time"). (notation) is calculated (S15). If the second remaining drivable time is less than or equal to the predetermined time (YES in S16), the collective management device 6 notifies the construction manager 3 by displaying the screen or the like (S17). The notification may be transmitted to the battery pack 10 or the air volume adjustment device 8. If the second remaining drivable time is not less than or equal to the predetermined time (NO in S16), the collective management device 6 does not issue a warning or notification (S18). In the above description, each step in FIG. 40 is executed by the collective management device 6, but the control unit 50b of the battery pack 10 or the air volume adjustment device 8 may execute each step. A "warning" is a form of "notification," but in this embodiment, notifications that are more important or urgent are classified as warnings, and other notifications are classified as notifications. Note that the drivable time does not need to be calculated by an external device (the collective management device 6 or the air volume adjustment device 8), and may be calculated by the control unit 50b of the battery pack 10.

FIG. 41 is a conceptual diagram showing a first example of a time management system that collectively manages the remaining drivable time of a plurality of blowers using the collective management device 6. As shown in FIG. This system is composed of one collective management device 6 and four battery packs 10 for blowers. In FIG. 41, in order to distinguish the four battery packs 10 from each other, the symbols (battery pack names) are designated as 10A to 10D (the same applies to FIGS. 44, 47, and 48). The collective management device 6 displays the calculated value of the first remaining drivable time of each of the battery packs 10A to 10D. Here, since all of the battery packs 10A to 10C are within the range of short-range wireless communication of the collective management device 6, the first remaining driveable time based on the latest data (remaining battery capacity and air volume) is Is displayed. On the other hand, since the battery pack 10D is out of the short-range wireless communication range of the collective management device 6, the data ( An estimated value of the first remaining drivable time based on the remaining battery capacity and air volume is displayed. This estimated value is calculated, for example, assuming that the last obtained battery remaining capacity and air volume have continued up to the present. In the example of FIG. 41, the first remaining drive time of the battery pack 10C is less than one hour, which is an example of the predetermined time, and a warning is displayed on the screen of the collective management device 6 in bold or in a different color from the others. Displayed. Moreover, the collective management device 6 sends a warning to the battery pack 10C or the air volume adjustment device 8. The collective management device 6 may display the second remaining drivable time, or may display the first and second remaining drivable times side by side or by switching between them.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a method of managing the air volume of the blower by the collective management device 6. This flowchart starts when the air volume check button shown in FIG. 30 of the collective management device 6 is tapped. FIG. 43 is a table summarizing the relationship between temperature, required air volume, and warning targets. The collective management device 6 acquires the temperature of the location where the battery pack 10 is located (S20). Although the format for acquiring the temperature is not limited, for example, the temperature at the current location (the position of the battery pack 10 or the air volume adjustment device 8) may be acquired from the temperature of various places published on the Internet. Alternatively, the temperature inside the battery pack 10 may be acquired as is, or the body temperature of the worker may be acquired. If the temperature is above A (S21), and if the air volume is below W (S22: YES), the collective management device 6 issues a warning to the construction manager 3 through a screen display or the like (S30). If the temperature is in the range A to B (S23) and the air volume is less than X (YES in S24), the collective management device 6 issues a warning (S30). If the temperature is in the range B to C (S25) and the air volume is less than Y (YES in S26), the collective management device 6 issues a warning (S30). If the temperature is in the range C to D (S27) and the air volume is less than Z (YES in S28), the collective management device 6 issues a warning (S30). If the temperature is less than D (S29), the collective management device 6 does not issue a warning (S31). The collective management device 6 does not issue a warning (S31) when the air volume is greater than or equal to the amount required for the temperature (NO in S22, S24, S26, and S28). The warning may be sent to the battery pack 10 or the air volume adjustment device 8. In this case, the warning may include content notifying the required air volume for the current temperature, and the battery pack 10 or air volume adjustment device 8 that has received the warning will increase the air volume of the fan body 5 to a level higher than the required air volume. May be changed. In the above description, each step in FIG. 42 is executed by the collective management device 6, but the control unit 50b of the battery pack 10 or the air volume adjustment device 8 may execute each step.

FIG. 44 is a conceptual diagram showing a first example of an air volume management system that collectively manages the air volume of a plurality of air blowers using the equipment 6 for collective management. This system, like the one in FIG. 41, is composed of one collective management device 6 and four battery packs 10A to 10D of blower devices. The collective management device 6 displays the current air temperature (temperature) and the air volume check results for each of the battery packs 10A to 10D. Note that since the battery pack 10D is outside the range of short-range wireless communication of the collective management device 6, the air volume check result is displayed as unconfirmed. In the example of FIG. 44, since the battery pack 10C has insufficient airflow relative to the temperature, a warning is displayed on the screen of the collective management device 6 in bold, underlined, or in a different color from the others. Moreover, the collective management device 6 sends a warning to the battery pack 10C or the air volume adjustment device 8. The remaining drivable time management shown in FIG. 41 and the air volume check function shown in FIG. 44 can be included in the same management application function.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a second example of a method for managing the remaining drivable time of the blower by the collective management device 6. As in the case of FIG. 40, the collective management device 6 acquires the remaining capacity of the battery pack 10 and the operation status data (air volume) of the fan body 5 from the control unit 50b of the battery pack 10 (S11), and The remaining drivable time is calculated (S12). The collective management device 6 determines whether the fan body 5 can operate at the current air volume until the scheduled time (work end time) based on the first remaining drivable time (S33). If the fan body 5 can operate at the current air volume until the scheduled time (YES at S33), the collective management device 6 does not perform notification or adjust the air volume (S34). If the fan body 5 cannot operate until the scheduled time at the current air volume (NO in S33), the collective management device 6 calculates the air volume at which the fan body 5 can operate until the scheduled time based on the remaining capacity of the battery pack 10 (S35). If the calculated air volume is greater than or equal to the required air volume shown in the table of FIG. 43 at the current temperature (S36: YES), the collective management device 6 adjusts the air volume to the calculated air volume (S37). Specifically, the collective management device 6 transmits a signal instructing the control unit 50b of the battery pack 10 to adjust the air volume, and the control unit 50b that receives the signal adjusts the air volume. If the calculated air volume is less than the required air volume shown in the table of FIG. 43 at the current temperature (NO in S36), the collective management device 6 notifies the construction manager 3 through a screen display or the like (S38). The notification may be transmitted to the battery pack 10 or the air volume adjustment device 8. The management methods (drive modes) shown in FIGS. 40 and 45 may be arbitrarily switched by the collective management device 6. Alternatively, the management methods (drive modes) shown in FIGS. 40 and 45 may be arbitrarily set using the air volume adjusting device 8.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart outlining the procedure for connecting the collective management device 6 and the air volume adjustment device 8 using a network service. The construction manager 3 performs a connection request operation on the collective management device 6 (S41). The operation performed here is, for example, to tap the request button in FIG. 35 while inputting the ID of the request destination air volume adjustment device 8 in the ID input field in FIG. 35 of the collective management device 6. The collective management device 6 that has received the connection request operation sends a connection request to the air volume adjustment device 8 to a network service such as a cloud (S42). When the network service receives the connection request (S43), it notifies the air volume adjustment device 8 that the connection request has come from the collective management device 6 (S44). When the air volume adjustment device 8 receives the notification from the network service (S45), it notifies the operator 4 of the notification by, for example, a screen display or an alert as shown in FIG. 38. The worker 4 performs an approval operation such as tapping a button (the yes (permit) button in FIG. 38) displayed on the screen of the air volume adjustment device 8 using the communication application (S46). The air volume adjustment device 8 that has received the approval operation performs a process of accepting the connection request (S47). Thereby, the collective management device 6 and the air volume adjustment device 8 are connected using the network service, and communication becomes possible (S48). At this time, the collective management device 6 and the air volume adjustment device 8 may notify the completion of the connection by displaying the connection on the screen or the like.

FIG. 47 is a conceptual diagram showing a second example of a system that collectively manages the remaining drivable time of a plurality of blowers using the collective management device 6. Hereinafter, the differences from the first example shown in FIG. 41 will be mainly explained. This system includes air volume adjustment devices 8A to 8D corresponding to battery packs 10A to 10D, respectively, and a network service 60 such as a cloud. The remaining drive time of the first and second battery packs 10D that are not within the short-range wireless communication range of the collective management device 6 is determined by the operation status data (battery The collective management device 6 calculates and displays the remaining battery capacity and air volume of the pack 10D. According to this system, the first and second remaining drivable times of the battery pack 10D that is not within the short-range wireless communication range of the collective management device 6 are also highly accurate based on the latest data. By using the network service, the battery pack 10 and the fan body 5 can be managed even if the collective management device 6 is located at a remote location.

FIG. 48 is a conceptual diagram showing a second example of a system for collectively managing the air volume of a plurality of blowers using the collective management device 6. As shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the differences from the first example shown in FIG. 44 will be mainly explained. This system includes air volume adjustment devices 8A to 8D corresponding to battery packs 10A to 10D, respectively, and a network service 60 such as a cloud. The air volume check result for the battery pack 10D that is not within the short-range wireless communication range of the collective management device 6 is based on the operation status data (temperature and The collective management device 6 calculates and displays the air volume generated by the battery pack 10. According to this system, it is also possible to check the air volume caused by the battery pack 10D that is not within the short-range wireless communication range of the collective management device 6. The remaining drivable time management shown in FIG. 47 and the air volume check function shown in FIG. 48 can be included in the same management application function.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing the flow of communication between the battery pack 10 of the air blower and the collective management device 6. The construction manager 3 performs an inspection request operation (S51). The operation performed here is, for example, to press an examination start button displayed by the management application. There may be two types of test start buttons, for example, a button for checking remaining drivable time and a button for checking air volume. The collective management device 6, which has received the test request operation, requests necessary data from the battery pack 10 (S52). Necessary data include, for example, the remaining capacity of the battery pack 10 and the current air volume when checking the remaining drive time, and the current air volume and temperature when checking the air volume. Upon receiving the request, the battery pack 10 transmits the necessary data to the collective management device 6 (S53). The collective management device 6 performs calculations based on the received data (S54), and if a warning is necessary (YES in S55), issues a warning (S56). The warning includes an alert or screen display to the construction manager 3, and transmission of a signal instructing the battery pack 10 to issue a warning. The control unit 50b of the battery pack 10 performs warning actions such as an alert and lighting display of the LED 53 in accordance with the received signal from the collective management device 6 (S57). The warning action may be switching the fan body 5 on and off, or changing the air volume in a predetermined pattern. The fan main body 5 side may have a notification means such as an LED for warning notification. If notification is necessary (YES in S58), the collective management device 6 transmits the notification (S59). The notification is, for example, a screen display to the construction manager 3. The battery pack 10 may also be notified. If the warning and notification are unnecessary (NO in S55, NO in S58), the collective management device 6 does not issue the warning and notification (S60).

FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing a procedure for changing the output (air volume) of the air blower using the air volume adjustment device 8. The worker 4 performs an air volume change request operation (S65). The operation performed here is, for example, tapping the air volume change button of FIG. 37 of the air volume adjustment device 8. The air volume adjustment device 8 that has received the air volume change request operation transmits an air volume change request to the battery pack 10 (S66). Upon receiving the air volume change request, the battery pack 10 adjusts the power supplied to the fan body 5 and changes the air volume of the fan body 5 (S67). That is, the fan body 5 can change the air volume while being driven. The control unit 50b of the battery pack 10 operates in a manual change mode in which the air volume is manually changed regardless of the temperature by operating the switch 46 of the battery pack 10 or the air volume adjustment device 8, and in a manual change mode in which the air volume is manually changed depending on the air temperature as shown in the table of FIG. 43. It may also have an automatic change mode in which the air volume is automatically changed to meet the required air volume. It may be possible to arbitrarily switch between the manual change mode and the automatic change mode by operating the air volume adjustment device 8 or the battery pack 10 (switch 46). Here, the air volume is changed in the manual change mode as shown in FIGS. 24 and 28. That is, the voltage control signals V1 to V3 are controlled in accordance with the operation (setting) of the air volume change button of the air volume adjustment device 8, and the output voltage Vout is changed by switching on and off of the switching elements Q3 to Q5. Then, the switching elements Q1 and Q2 are controlled so that the voltage Vm becomes a constant voltage corresponding to the target value (set value) of the output voltage Vout. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 25, the switching element Q7 may be subjected to PWM control. In this case, the duty ratio of the PWM signal is changed in accordance with the operation (setting) of the air volume change button of the air volume adjustment device 8. Then, the switching elements Q1 and Q2 are controlled by PWM so that the voltage Vm becomes a constant voltage corresponding to the target value (set value) of the output voltage Vout. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 26, the switching elements Q1 and Q2 may be subjected to switching control (for example, PWM control) in response to the operation (setting) of the air volume change button of the air volume adjustment device 8.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart outlining the procedure for canceling the connection (pairing) between the battery pack 10 and the collective management device 6. The construction manager 3 performs a cutting request operation on the collective management device 6 (S81). The disconnect request operation is, for example, an operation to return to the home screen (an operation to terminate or deactivate the management application). Alternatively, the operation may be performed by tapping a disconnect button on the screen of the collective management device 6. The collective management device 6 that has received the disconnection request operation transmits a disconnection request to the battery pack 10 (S82). Upon receiving the disconnection request, the battery pack 10 permits disconnection (S83), and a connection (pairing) release process is performed in both the collective management device 6 and the battery pack 10 (S84).

FIG. 52 is a flowchart outlining the procedure for connecting (pairing) the battery pack 10 and the air volume adjustment device 8. The worker 4 performs an operation to request connection to each of the air volume adjustment device 8 and the battery pack 10 (S91). The operation performed on the air volume adjustment device 8 here is, for example, tapping the connection button in FIG. 36. The operation on the battery pack 10 is, for example, to press and hold the switch 46 for a long time. The air volume adjustment device 8 that has received the connection request searches for a connection destination within the range of short-range wireless communication (S92). Similarly, upon receiving the connection request operation, the battery pack 10 searches for a connection destination within the range of short-range wireless communication (S93). At this time, the air volume adjustment device 8 may notify the operator 4 that the search for a connection destination has started, through a screen display or the like. The battery pack 10 may notify the operator 4 that the search for a connection destination has started, by blinking the LED 53 or the like. When the air volume adjustment device 8 and the battery pack 10 discover each other as connection destinations (S94), a connection sequence is started (S95), and the connection (pairing) is completed (S96). At this time, the air volume adjustment device 8 may notify the operator 4 that the connection process has been completed through a screen display or the like. The battery pack 10 may notify the operator 4 that the connection process is completed by lighting the LED 53 or the like.

FIG. 53 is a flowchart outlining the procedure for canceling the connection (pairing) between the battery pack 10 and the air volume adjustment device 8. The worker 4 operates the air volume adjustment device 8 to request a disconnection (S86). The disconnect request operation is, for example, an operation of tapping the disconnect button in FIG. 37. The air volume adjustment device 8 that has received the disconnection request operation transmits a disconnection request to the battery pack 10 (S87). Upon receiving the disconnection request, the battery pack 10 permits disconnection (S88), and a connection (pairing) release process is performed in both the air volume adjustment device 8 and the battery pack 10 (S89).

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

(1) It is highly convenient because the operation of the output section (fan air volume) can be changed through wireless communication with external equipment. Further, since the output unit is configured to be able to change to the second operation and continue the operation by wireless communication with an external device during the first operation, it is highly convenient.

(2) A single control unit is configured to not only perform wireless communication but also control the battery pack (charging control and discharge control) and protect the battery pack (battery cells), reducing the number of parts in the electrical equipment and improving the circuit configuration. can be simplified.

(3) Because a single control unit is configured to perform not only wireless communication but also battery pack control (charging control and discharge control) and protection of the battery pack (battery cells), such information (discharge current and charging current , battery cell voltage, temperature, etc.), it becomes possible to perform advanced control, for example, estimate the remaining drivable time. In the case of a configuration in which each control is distributed to a plurality of control units, there is a risk that the control may become unstable due to poor contact of a connection line connecting each control unit, a failure of one of the control units, or the like. On the other hand, with a single control unit, there is no risk of poor contact between the control units, and if the control unit itself breaks down, the control itself becomes impossible, so it is possible to avoid executing undesired control. can. Furthermore, since there is a single control unit, the configuration can be simplified compared to a configuration in which a plurality of control units are provided.

(4) The drive circuit can be simplified, and the operation of the output section (output voltage, fan air volume) can be easily changed.

(5) The operation of the output section (output voltage, fan air volume) can be easily changed simply by controlling the switching elements of the drive circuit using PWM.

(6) Since the output voltage of the drive circuit can be changed within the battery pack, the configuration of the device itself can be simplified and downsized. In addition, if the electrical equipment is clothing that has a temperature control device, such as clothing that has an air blower or a heat jacket that has a heater, the device itself (the air blower or heater) can be made smaller, so the clothes can be folded compactly for storage. be able to.

(7) Since the output voltage of the drive circuit can be changed within the battery pack, the number of connection wires or terminals connecting the battery pack and the main body of the device can be reduced, and the connection part can be simplified.

(8) The battery pack is equipped with a single control unit that performs wireless communication, battery pack control, and battery pack protection, and a drive circuit that steps down the battery pack voltage to generate the drive voltage for the device itself. The configuration of the device main body side can be simplified and miniaturization can be achieved. In addition, in the case of clothing that has a temperature control device, such as clothing that has an air blower or a heat jacket that has a heater, the air blower (device body) can be made smaller, so the clothes can be folded compactly and stored. .

(9) While the output section is operating in the first state, the operating condition of the output section can be changed to the second state and the operation of the output section can be continued, thereby improving convenience.

(10) Since the battery pack is equipped with a wireless communication function, it is possible to change the operation of the output section of a device that does not have a wireless communication function by attaching the battery pack. Note that the output section corresponds to the fan (fan drive motor) of the cooling device and the heater of the heat jacket.

(11) The battery pack 10 can notify (send) the remaining drivable time of the fan body 5 or the data necessary to specify the remaining drivable time to the collective management device 6. The remaining drive time of the battery pack 10 can be managed, which is highly convenient.

(12) The collective management device 6 can collectively manage the remaining drive time of each of the plurality of battery packs 10, and is highly convenient.

(13) As the remaining drivable time, calculate the first and second remaining drivable times, that is, the remaining drivable time of the fan body 5 at the current air volume and the remaining drivable time of the fan body 5 at the maximum air volume. Since notification can be made, it is convenient for management.

(14) Since the battery pack 10 can notify when the remaining drivable time of the fan body 5 becomes less than a predetermined time (when the remaining drivable time becomes abnormal), it is possible to encourage early replacement of the battery pack 10, Highly convenient.

(15) Since the battery pack 10 can notify (send) the air volume of the fan body 5 to the collective management device 6, the collective management device 6 can determine whether the air volume generated by the battery pack 10 is greater than or equal to the required air volume for the temperature. It is very convenient to manage.

(16) The control unit 50b of the battery pack 10 can execute an automatic change mode in which the air volume is automatically changed to meet the required air volume shown in the table of FIG. 43 according to the temperature, which is highly convenient.

(17) As shown in FIG. 45, the control unit 50b of the battery pack 10 can adjust the air volume of the fan body 5 in accordance with a fixed time (the drive end time of the fan body 5), which is highly convenient.

(18) Since the battery pack 10 notifies you when the air volume is abnormal, that is, when the air volume is insufficient relative to the temperature, it is possible to prevent poor health due to insufficient air volume, which is highly convenient.

(19) The collective management device 6 can collectively manage the air volume of multiple fan bodies 5, and is highly convenient.

(20) Since the wireless antenna module 50 is provided between the battery cells 11a and 11b in the front-rear direction, compared to the case where the wireless antenna module 50 is installed near the center axis of the battery cells 11a and 11b in the front-rear direction. , the wireless antenna 50a can be separated from the metal outer peripheral surfaces of the battery cells 11a, 11b, and the influence of the wireless antenna 50a from the metal outer peripheral surfaces of the battery cells 11a, 11b can be suppressed.

(21) Since the wireless antenna module 50 is provided at the right end of the board 20, that is, at a position near the ends of the battery cells 11a to 11c in the left-right direction, the wireless antenna module 50 is located near the ends of the battery cells 11a to 11c in the left-right direction of the board 20. Compared to the case where the battery cells 11a to 11c are provided at a position other than the vicinity of the end of the battery cell 11c, the area of the portion of the outer peripheral surface of the battery cells 11a to 11c that faces the wireless antenna 50a can be reduced, and the wireless antenna 50a The influence from the metal on the outer peripheral surface of ~11c can be suppressed.

(22) Since the wireless antenna module 50 is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 20, that is, on the surface of the substrate 20 opposite to the battery cells 11a to 11c, compared to the case where the wireless antenna module 50 is provided on the lower surface of the substrate 20, , the wireless antenna 50a can be separated from the outer peripheral surfaces of the battery cells 11a to 11c, and the influence of the wireless antenna 50a from the metal on the outer peripheral surfaces of the battery cells 11a to 11c can be suppressed.

(23) The substrate connecting portion 23a of the tab 23 that electrically connects the negative electrode of the battery cell 11a and the positive electrode of the battery cell 11b to each other and to the substrate 20 is located between the battery cells 11a and 11b in the front-rear direction. The wireless antenna module 50 is electrically connected to the left end of the substrate 20, and is provided at the right end of the substrate 20 between the battery cells 11a and 11b in the front-rear direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the board connection part 23a of the tab 23 and the wireless antenna module 50 are provided at the same left and right ends of the board 20, the wireless antenna 50a is connected from the board connection part 23a of the metal tab 23. This allows the radio antenna 50a to be kept away from the substrate connecting portion 23a of the metal tab 23, thereby suppressing the influence that the wireless antenna 50a receives from the board connecting portion 23a of the metal tab 23.

(24) Since a predetermined area in front and behind the wireless antenna 50a on the substrate 20 is defined as a pattern-free portion 20a, the wireless antenna 50a is placed on the substrate 20 compared to a case where a conductive pattern is present in the pattern-free portion 20a. The wireless antenna 50a can be separated from the conductive pattern (metal) of the substrate 20, thereby suppressing the influence that the wireless antenna 50a receives from the conductive pattern (metal) of the substrate 20.

(25) The configuration that can suppress the influence of metal on the wireless antenna 50a as described above does not require increasing the size of the upper case 12 and lower case 13, so it is possible to suppress the influence of the metal part on the wireless communication function and increase the size. This can be achieved in a well-balanced manner.

(26) Since the wireless antenna module 50 is arranged avoiding the vicinity of the end of the upper case 12 in the front-rear direction, compared to the case where the wireless antenna module 50 is arranged near the end of the upper case 12 in the front-rear direction. , an increase in the height of the upper case 12 can be suppressed. That is, if the wireless antenna module 50 is located directly below the end of the upper case 12 with the lowest height in the front-rear direction, a height must be ensured that does not interfere with the wireless antenna module 50 even at the end with the lowest height. Naturally, the height of the upper case 12 as a whole increases, but such a problem can be preferably avoided by arranging the wireless antenna module 50 avoiding the vicinity of the end of the upper case 12 in the front-rear direction.

(27) Because the charging jack 52 and the discharging jack 55 are provided on the lower surface of the substrate 20 (the surface on the battery cells 11a to 11c side) and extend or are located within the range in which the battery cells 11a to 11c exist in the vertical direction. , an increase in the height of the case of the battery pack 10 can be suppressed.

(28) Since the control unit 50b of the wireless antenna module 50 also controls charging and discharging of the battery pack 10, the number of parts can be reduced and costs can be reduced compared to the case where a separate control unit for controlling charging and discharging is provided.

(29) Since the upper case 12 is curved in the longitudinal direction, it is easy to put in a pocket and is highly convenient.

Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments as examples, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made to each component and each processing process of the embodiments within the scope of the claims. By the way. Modifications will be discussed below.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, with the battery cells 11a to 11c rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the state shown in FIG. Hereinafter, differences from the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 etc. will be mainly explained. In FIG. 22, the front-rear direction is an example of the first direction, the left-right direction is an example of the second direction, and the up-down direction is an example of the third direction. The battery cells 11a to 11c have their longitudinal directions extending in the front-rear direction and are arranged in the left-right direction. The wireless antenna module 50 is provided at the right end of the board 20 as in the case of FIG. The length of the range in which the battery cells 11a to 11c exist is approximately equal to the length of the substrate 20 in the left-right direction. The right end of the substrate 20 is a position near the end of the range in which the battery cells 11a to 11c exist in the left-right direction. According to this embodiment, compared to the case where the wireless antenna module 50 is provided other than near the ends of the range in which the battery cells 11a to 11c exist in the left and right direction, the wireless antenna module 50 is located on the outer peripheral surface of the battery cells 11a to 11c. The area of the portion facing the antenna 50a can be reduced, and the influence of the outer peripheral surfaces of the battery cells 11a to 11c on the wireless antenna 50a can be suppressed.

FIG. 54 is a circuit diagram showing a specific example 4 of the discharge circuit section 54. As shown in FIG. This configuration uses an inverter circuit as the discharge circuit 54, and is effective when the motor of the fan body 5 is a brushless motor. The output voltage Vout is controlled by PWM control that controls the duty ratio of the signals H1 to H6 applied to the gates of the switching elements Q1 to Q6 of the inverter circuit in accordance with the operation (setting) of the air volume change button of the air volume adjustment device 8. control to change the rotation speed of the fan motor 5a.

In the first example, an inverter circuit (discharge circuit) 54, a control section 50b, and a power supply circuit 42 are provided on the battery pack 10 side, and the rotation speed of a fan (fan motor) is changed by the control section 50b. A brushless motor 5a serving as a fan motor (a motor integrated with the fan) and a position detection element (Hall element) 5b for detecting position information of the brushless motor 5a are provided on the fan main body 5 side. The discharge jack 55 is provided with lead wires for each phase of the brushless motor 5a and signal wires for the position detection element 5b. The control unit 50b calculates the number of rotations of the brushless motor 5a based on information from the position detection element 5b. Then, PWM control is performed by controlling the duty ratios of the switching elements Q1 to Q6 of the inverter circuit 54 so as to reach the target rotation speed set by the air volume adjusting device 8. When the set air volume is large, the duty ratio becomes larger than when the air volume is small.

In the second example, a control section 50b and a power supply circuit 42 are provided on the battery pack 10 side, and the rotation speed of the fan (fan motor) is changed by the control section 50b. A brushless motor 5a, a position detection element 5b, and an inverter circuit (discharge circuit) 54 are provided on the fan body 5 side. The discharge jack 55 is provided with control signal lines H1 to H6 of the switching elements Q1 to Q6 and a signal line of the position detection element 5b. The control unit 50b calculates the number of rotations of the brushless motor 5a based on information from the position detection element 5b. Then, PWM control is performed by controlling the duty ratios of the switching elements Q1 to Q6 of the inverter circuit 54 so as to reach the target rotation speed set by the air volume adjusting device 8.

In the third example, a control unit 50b and a power supply circuit 42 are provided on the battery pack 10 side. A brushless motor 5a, a position detection element 5b, an inverter circuit (discharge circuit) 54, and a fan-side control section 5c are provided on the fan main body 5 side. The fan-side control unit 5c changes the rotation speed of the fan (fan motor). The discharge jack 55 includes a power line, a power line for the fan-side control section 5c (output of the power supply circuit 42), and a signal line between the battery pack-side control section 50b and the fan-side control section 5c (discharge voltage switching signal or rotation speed switching signal). signal) is provided. The fan-side control unit 5c calculates the rotation speed of the brushless motor 5a based on information from the position detection element 5b. The battery pack side control section 50b outputs a discharge voltage switching signal (rotation speed switching signal) to the fan side control section 5c via the discharge jack 55, and the fan side control section 5c controls the rotation of the motor according to the signal from the position detection element. PWM control is performed by calculating the number and controlling the duty ratios of switching elements Q1 to Q6 of the inverter circuit 54 so as to match the input rotation speed switching signal (air volume).

In the fourth example, a control unit 50b is provided on the battery pack 10 side. A brushless motor 5a, a position detection element 5b, an inverter circuit (discharge circuit) 54, a fan-side control section 5c, and a fan-side power supply circuit 5d are provided on the fan main body 5 side. Drive power for the fan-side control section 5c is supplied from the fan-side power supply circuit 5d. The discharge jack 55 is provided with a power line and a signal line (a discharge voltage switching signal or a rotation speed switching signal) between the battery pack side control section 50b and the fan side control section 5c. Other configurations are similar to the third example. Note that in the third and fourth examples, the fan-side control section 5c receives the control signal (duty signal) for the switching elements Q1 to Q6 from the battery pack side control section 50b, and controls the switching elements Q1 to Q6 based on the control signal. Q6 may be controlled by PWM. In this case, the control signal may be a plurality of fixed duty signals (eg, duty ratios of 30%, 50%, 80%, and 100%). Furthermore, in the first to fourth examples, if there is no need to control the rotation speed of the brushless motor 5a with high precision, there is no need to feed back the rotation speed, and the configuration can be simplified. . Note that in the first to fourth examples, the third example or the fourth example is effective because the configuration can be simplified in consideration of wiring such as signal lines, arrangement of terminals, etc.

Although a blower device has been described as an example of an electric device, the present invention is not limited to the blower device or clothing having the blower device, and any device that can change the operation of the output unit through wireless communication with an external device may be used. For example, the same clothing can be applied to a heat jacket that has a built-in heater as an output section. In other words, the present invention can be applied to a temperature control device including a blower or a heater that can adjust the temperature of clothing (around the worker), and to clothing having the temperature control device. Since the structure of the clothing side can be simplified and it can be folded and stored compactly, it is effective for clothing that has a temperature control device. In addition, it can be applied to radios and televisions to make it possible to change the volume (volume adjustment part) and channel (channel switching part) as output parts by wireless communication, and it can be applied to lights (light adjustment part) as output parts. The present invention may also be applied to peripheral devices, such as a configuration in which the brightness can be changed by wireless communication. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to electric tools such as impact drivers and circular saws, so that the rotational speed of a motor serving as an output section can be changed by wireless communication. The above-mentioned effects can also be obtained in these modified examples.

3 Construction manager (site supervisor), 4 Worker, 5 Fan body, 6 Collective management device (first communication device), 7 Cable, 8 Air volume adjustment device (second communication device), 9 Clothes, 10 Battery pack , 11 battery cell, 11a to 11c battery cell, 12 upper case, 13 lower case, 13a rib, 13b rib, 15 button, 16 display section, 18 cover, 20 substrate, 20a non-patterned section, 21 tab, 21a substrate connection part, 22 tab, 22a board connection part, 23 tab, 23a board connection part, 24 tab, 24a board connection part, 46 switch, 50 radio antenna module, 50a radio antenna, 50b control part, 52 charging jack, 54 discharge circuit, 54a DC converter IC, 54b internal analog circuit, 55 discharge jack, 58 AC adapter, 59 AC power supply, 60 network service, 70 control unit, 71 memory, 72 touch panel (operation unit), 73 display unit, 74 wireless communication transmitting and receiving unit, 75 Antenna.

Claims (16)

case and
In the case, a plurality of battery cells whose longitudinal directions extend in a first direction and are lined up in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
a wireless antenna provided within a range of the plurality of battery cells in the second direction and configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device;
a board on which the wireless antenna is mounted;
an input section that inputs power from the outside and an output section that outputs power to the outside;
an operating section operated to change the output voltage output from the output section;
has
In a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction in the case, the plurality of battery cells, the input section, and the output section are arranged on one side of the substrate, and the plurality of battery cells, the input section, and the output section are arranged on the other side. Place the wireless antenna,
The input section and the output section extend or are located within a range in which the battery cells exist in the third direction, and in a range on the opposite side of the wireless antenna with respect to the center of the substrate in the second direction. Position to,
The battery pack is configured such that the output voltage can be changed by either an operation of the operation unit or an operation of the external device through wireless communication between the external device and the wireless antenna. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the input section is located on one side and the output section is located on the other side with respect to the center of the battery cell in the first direction. It has a control unit that controls communication with external devices,
The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control section is configured to control discharging or charging of the battery cell. The case is composed of an upper case and a lower case that are combined in the third direction,
The lower case includes a first rib located between all adjacent battery cells in the second direction and protrudes upward from the inner bottom surface of the lower case, and a battery cell located at the end in the second direction. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a second rib located between the input section and the output section and protruding upward from the inner bottom surface of the lower case. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a cover that covers the input section. At an end of the plurality of battery cells in the first direction, a plurality of tabs are provided that extend in the third direction and connect the battery cells and the substrate,
Each of the plurality of tabs has a plurality of board connection parts connected to the board,
The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wireless antenna is located on an extension line of any one of the plurality of board connection parts in the first direction. case and
In the case, a plurality of battery cells whose longitudinal directions extend in a first direction and are lined up in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
a wireless antenna provided near an end of a range in which the plurality of battery cells exist in the second direction and for wirelessly communicating with an external device;
a substrate disposed across the plurality of battery cells and mounting the wireless antenna;
an input section that inputs power from the outside and an output section that outputs power to the outside;
an operating section operated to change the output voltage output from the output section;
A plurality of tabs extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction to connect the battery cells and the substrate at the ends of the plurality of battery cells in the first direction;
has
In the third direction, the plurality of battery cells, the input section, and the output section are arranged on one side of the substrate, and the wireless antenna is arranged on the other side,
The input section and the output section extend or are located within a range of the battery cells in the third direction,
The wireless antenna is located near the center in the longitudinal direction so as to be spaced apart from each of the plurality of tabs in the first direction, and is located near an end of the substrate in the second direction,
The battery pack is configured such that the output voltage can be changed by either an operation of the operation unit or an operation of the external device through wireless communication between the external device and the wireless antenna. Each of the plurality of tabs has a plurality of board connection parts connected to the board,
The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the wireless antenna is located on an extension line of any one of the plurality of board connection parts in the first direction. The plurality of tabs have a first tab that connects two battery cells adjacent in the second direction in series,
The battery pack according to claim 6 or 8 , wherein the substrate connection portion of the first tab is located between the two adjacent battery cells in the second direction. A drive unit that is driven by power supply from the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The drive unit is configured to be able to change its operation by either operation of the operation unit or operation of the external device through wireless communication between the external device and the wireless antenna. The drive unit has a fan or a heater,
Claim: wherein the rotation speed of the fan or the temperature of the heater can be changed by either operation of the operation unit or operation of the external device through wireless communication between the external device and the wireless antenna. 10. The device main body according to 10. The device main body according to claim 10 or 11, comprising clothing to which the drive section is attached. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
a device main body having a drive unit driven by power supply from the battery pack;
has
The drive unit is an electrical device configured such that its operation can be changed by either operation of the operation unit or operation of the external device through wireless communication between the external device and the wireless antenna. The drive unit has a fan or a heater ,
According to claim 13, the rotation speed of the fan or the temperature of the heater can be changed by either operation of the operation unit or operation of the external device through wireless communication between the external device and the wireless antenna. Electrical equipment listed. An electrical device comprising a battery pack and a device main body,
The battery pack includes:
case and
In the case, a plurality of battery cells whose longitudinal directions extend in a first direction and are lined up in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
a wireless antenna provided within a range of the plurality of battery cells in the second direction and configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device;
a board on which the wireless antenna is mounted;
an input section that inputs power from the outside and an output section that outputs power to the outside;
an operating section operated to change the output voltage output from the output section,
In a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction in the case, the plurality of battery cells, the input section, and the output section are arranged on one side of the substrate, and the plurality of battery cells, the input section, and the output section are arranged on the other side. Place the wireless antenna,
The input section and the output section extend or are located within a range in which the battery cells exist in the third direction, and in a range on the opposite side of the wireless antenna with respect to the center of the substrate in the second direction. configured to be located;
The output voltage is configured to be changeable by either operation of the operation unit or operation of the external device through wireless communication between the external device and the wireless antenna,
The device main body is
a drive unit connected to the output unit and driven by the output voltage;
The driving section is configured to change its operation depending on the output voltage output from the output section.
electrical equipment. An electrical device comprising a battery pack and a device main body,
The battery pack includes:
case and
In the case, a plurality of battery cells whose longitudinal directions extend in a first direction and are lined up in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
a wireless antenna provided near an end of a range in which the plurality of battery cells exist in the second direction and for wirelessly communicating with an external device;
a substrate disposed across the plurality of battery cells and mounting the wireless antenna;
an input section that inputs power from the outside and an output section that outputs power to the outside;
an operating section operated to change the output voltage output from the output section;
A plurality of tabs are provided at ends of the plurality of battery cells in the first direction and extend in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction to connect the battery cells and the substrate. death,
In the third direction, the plurality of battery cells, the input section, and the output section are arranged on one side of the substrate, and the wireless antenna is arranged on the other side,
The input section and the output section extend or are located within a range of the battery cells in the third direction,
The wireless antenna is configured to be located near the center in the longitudinal direction in the first direction and near an end of the substrate in the second direction,
The output voltage is configured to be changeable by either operation of the operation unit or operation of the external device through wireless communication between the external device and the wireless antenna,
The device main body is
a drive unit connected to the output unit and driven by the output voltage;
The driving section is configured to change its operation depending on the output voltage output from the output section.
electrical equipment.

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