JP7699526B2 - Power supply systems, power supplies and adapters - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a power supply system, a power supply device, and an adapter that supply power voltage to an electric work machine.

Patent document 1 describes a power supply device that houses multiple battery packs and outputs a power supply voltage appropriate for the connected adapter based on adapter identification information obtained from the connected adapter.

JP 2020-119702 A

In an electric work machine that is configured to control discharge from a power supply device based on discharge control parameters transmitted and received through digital communication with the power supply device, the electric work machine could not be driven properly, resulting in a loss of convenience.

One aspect of the present disclosure aims to improve the convenience of users of electric work machines.

The power supply system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an electric work machine, a power supply device, and an adapter. The power supply device is configured to output a power supply voltage to be supplied to the electric work machine. The adapter is configured to be connected between the power supply device and the electric work machine and to relay the power supply voltage output from the power supply device to the electric work machine.

The electric work machine is equipped with a work machine communication unit. The work machine communication unit is configured to perform digital communication between the adapter and the work machine communication unit, in which the voltage level of the electrical signal is switched between high and low levels over time depending on the content of the communication.

The power supply device includes a power communication unit configured to perform digital communication with the adapter.
The adapter includes an adapter communication unit configured to perform digital communication with the electric operating machine and to perform digital communication with the power supply device.

Such a power supply system can perform data communication between the power supply device and the electric work machine via the adapter. As a result, the above-mentioned power supply system can prevent the occurrence of a situation in which discharge control parameters cannot be transmitted and received between the power supply device and the electric work machine, making it impossible to operate the electric work machine properly, thereby improving convenience for users of the electric work machine.

A power supply device according to another aspect of the present disclosure outputs a power supply voltage to be supplied to an electric operating machine, and includes an adapter mounting unit and a power supply communication unit.
The adapter mounting portion is connected between the power supply device and the electric work machine, and is configured so that an adapter that relays the power supply voltage output from the power supply device to the electric work machine can be detachably mounted thereon.

The power communication unit is configured to perform digital communication with the adapter in which the voltage level of the electrical signal switches between high and low levels over time depending on the content of the communication.

Such a power supply device is a power supply device used in the above-mentioned power supply system, and can achieve the same effects as those of the above-mentioned power supply system.
In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the adapter is connected between an electric work machine and a power supply device that outputs a power supply voltage to be supplied to the electric work machine, and includes a power supply attachment section, a work machine attachment section, and an adapter communication section.

The power supply attachment section is configured to allow a power supply device to be detachably attached. The work machine attachment section is configured to allow an electric work machine to be detachably attached. The adapter communication section is configured to perform digital communication with the electric work machine in which the voltage level of the electrical signal switches between high and low levels over time depending on the content of the communication, and to perform digital communication with the power supply device.

Such an adapter is an adapter used in the power supply system described above, and can achieve the same effects as the power supply system described above.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power supply system according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a power supply device, a dual-port adapter, and a battery attachment section according to a first embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the power supply device; FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the two-port adapter. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the electric operating machine. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of the power supply device. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of an interlock circuit. 4 is a block diagram showing the connection between the power supply device, the two-port adapter, and the electric work machine. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an adapter connection control process according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing a battery connection control process. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power supply system according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an adapter connection control process according to the second embodiment; 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a power supply device, a dual-port adapter, and a battery attachment section according to a third embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a power supply device, a dual-port adapter, and a battery attachment section according to a fourth embodiment.

[Overview of the embodiment]
The power supply system in an embodiment may include an electric working machine. Additionally/alternatively, the power supply system may include a power supply device. The power supply device may be configured to output a power supply voltage to be supplied to the electric working machine. Additionally/alternatively, the power supply system may include an adapter. The adapter may be configured to be connected between the power supply device and the electric working machine and to relay the power supply voltage output from the power supply device to the electric working machine. Additionally/alternatively, the electric working machine may include a work machine communication unit. The work machine communication unit may be configured to perform digital communication with the adapter in which the voltage level of the electric signal is sequentially switched between a high level and a low level over time depending on the communication content. Additionally/alternatively, the power supply device may include a power supply communication unit. The power supply communication unit may be configured to perform digital communication with the adapter. Additionally/alternatively, the adapter may include an adapter communication unit. The adapter communication unit may be configured to perform digital communication with the electric working machine and perform digital communication with the power supply device.

If the power supply system in one embodiment includes the electric work machine, the power supply device, and the adapter, such a power supply system can improve the convenience of the user who uses the electric work machine.

Additionally/alternatively, the first communication protocol for digital communication between the power supply communication unit and the adapter communication unit may be different from the second communication protocol for digital communication between the work machine communication unit and the adapter communication unit. Such a power supply system can perform appropriate data communication between the power supply communication unit and the adapter communication unit, and between the work machine communication unit and the adapter communication unit.

Additionally/alternatively, the power supply device may be configured to selectively output at least 0 V, a first voltage higher than 0 V, and a second voltage higher than 0 V and lower than the first voltage as the power supply voltage depending on the connection status between the adapter and the electric work machine. Such a power supply system can output an appropriate power supply voltage depending on the connection status between the adapter and the electric work machine.

Additionally/alternatively, the power supply device may be configured to output a second voltage when it detects that the adapter is connected to the power supply device. Such a power supply system can prevent a first voltage higher than the second voltage from being output from a mounting section (hereinafter, the work machine mounting section) provided on the adapter side for mounting the electric work machine when the adapter is not attached to the electric work machine. As a result, even if a short circuit occurs due to water adhering to the work machine mounting section, the power supply system can suppress a short circuit at a high voltage and suppress damage to the adapter, and even if a voltage is generated outside the adapter through water, the voltage is low and therefore the effect on other objects that come into contact with the adapter can be suppressed. In addition, such a power supply system can suppress unnecessary output of power supply voltage when the adapter is not connected to the power supply device, thereby reducing power consumption.

Additionally/alternatively, the power supply device may be configured to acquire voltage compatibility information indicating the voltages supported by the adapter by digitally communicating with the adapter. Such a power supply system allows the power supply device to recognize the voltages supported by the adapter.

Additionally/alternatively, the power supply device may be configured to determine whether to maintain the output power supply voltage at the second voltage or switch from the second voltage to the first voltage based on the acquired voltage correspondence information. Such a power supply system can output an appropriate power supply voltage depending on the adapter.

Additionally/alternatively, the power supply device may be configured to switch from the second voltage to the first voltage when it is determined to switch from the second voltage to the first voltage, after the adapter is connected to the electric work machine. Such a power supply system can suppress the first voltage from being outputted unnecessarily when the electric work machine is not connected to the adapter, thereby reducing power consumption.

Additionally/alternatively, the adapter corresponding to the first voltage may be composed of a first adapter and a second adapter. Such a power supply system can supply power using both the first adapter and the second adapter, or can supply power using either the first adapter or the second adapter.

Additionally/alternatively, the first adapter may be connected in series with the second adapter. Such a power supply system can output a first voltage by using both the first adapter and the second adapter, and can output a second voltage by using either the first adapter or the second adapter.

Additionally/alternatively, the electric work machine may further include a first mounting section and a second mounting section. The first mounting section may be configured so that the first adapter is detachably mounted. The second mounting section may be configured so that the second adapter is detachably mounted. Additionally/alternatively, the first mounting section may further include a first work machine positive terminal and a first work machine negative terminal to which a power supply voltage is supplied from the first adapter. Additionally/alternatively, the second mounting section may further include a second work machine positive terminal and a second work machine negative terminal to which a power supply voltage is supplied from the second adapter. Additionally/alternatively, the first work machine negative terminal may be connected to the second work machine positive terminal. Additionally/alternatively, the first adapter may further include a first adapter positive terminal and a first adapter negative terminal. The first adapter positive terminal may be connected to the first work machine positive terminal when mounted on the first mounting section. The first adapter negative terminal may be connected to the first work machine negative terminal when mounted on the first mounting section. Additionally/alternatively, the second adapter may further include a second adapter positive terminal and a second adapter negative terminal. The second adapter positive terminal may be connected to the second work machine positive terminal when attached to the second attachment part. The second adapter negative terminal may be connected to the second work machine negative terminal when attached to the second attachment part. Additionally/alternatively, the adapter may be configured to detect that the first adapter is attached to the first attachment part based on the voltage of the first adapter negative terminal. Such a power supply system can detect that the first adapter is attached to the first attachment part when the first adapter is further attached to the first attachment part while the second adapter is attached to the second attachment part.

Additionally or alternatively, the first adapter and the second adapter may each include a microcomputer. Such a power supply system can cause the first adapter and the second adapter to execute arithmetic processing using a program.

Additionally or alternatively, the ground of the microcomputer of the first adapter may be common to the ground of the microcomputer of the second adapter. Such a power supply system can match the reference voltages of the microcomputer of the first adapter and the microcomputer of the second adapter.

Additionally/alternatively, the power supply system may further include a level shift circuit. The level shift circuit may be configured to shift the voltage level of an electrical signal transmitted and received by digital communication between the first adapter and the electric work machine. Such a power supply system can perform appropriate digital communication between the first adapter and the electric work machine even if the reference voltages of the first adapter and the electric work machine do not match.

Additionally/alternatively, the first adapter may be configured to output to the electric work machine a discharge prohibition signal input to the adapter from the power supply device. Such a power supply system can reduce the processing load of the second adapter.

Additionally/alternatively, the second adapter may further include a temperature detection unit. The temperature detection unit may be configured to detect the temperature of the cord housed in the second adapter. Such a power supply system can simplify the configuration of the first adapter.

The power supply device in one embodiment may output a power supply voltage to be supplied to an electric work machine and may include an adapter mounting section. The adapter mounting section may be configured to be connected between the power supply device and the electric work machine, and to allow an adapter to be detachably mounted thereto, which relays the power supply voltage output from the power supply device to the electric work machine. Additionally/alternatively, the power supply device may include a power communication section. The power communication section may be configured to perform digital communication with the adapter, in which the voltage level of the electrical signal is switched between a high level and a low level over time depending on the content of the communication. Such a power supply device is a power supply device used in the above-mentioned power supply system, and can improve the convenience of the user who uses the electric work machine.

In one embodiment, the adapter is connected between an electric work machine and a power supply device that outputs a power supply voltage to be supplied to the electric work machine, and may include a power supply attachment section. The power supply attachment section may be configured so that the power supply device can be detachably attached. Additionally/alternatively, the adapter may include a work machine attachment section. The work machine attachment section may be configured so that the electric work machine can be detachably attached. Additionally/alternatively, the adapter may include an adapter communication section. The adapter communication section may be configured to perform digital communication with the electric work machine in which the voltage level of the electric signal is switched between high and low levels over time depending on the content of the communication, and to perform digital communication with the power supply device. Such an adapter is an adapter used in the above-mentioned power supply system, and can improve the convenience of the user who uses the electric work machine.

In some embodiments, the above-mentioned features may be combined in any combination. In some embodiments, any of the above-mentioned features may be excluded.
Specific Exemplary Embodiments
[First embodiment]
A first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1 , a power supply system 1 of this embodiment includes a power supply device 2 , a two-port adapter 3 , and an electric operating machine 4 .
As shown in FIG. 2 , the electric working machine 4 of this embodiment is in the form of a grass cutter as an example, and includes a motor unit 11 and a shaft pipe 12 connected to a first end of the motor unit 11 .

The motor unit 11 accommodates therein a motor 23 (to be described later) and a control unit 24 (to be described later) that controls the motor 23 .
The electric work machine 4 includes a battery mounting portion 13 attached to a second end of the motor unit 11. A first battery pack 21 and a second battery pack 22 are detachably mounted to the battery mounting portion 13.

The battery mounting section 13 is configured so that the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 can be attached and detached individually by sliding the first battery pack 21 and the second battery pack 22 on the battery mounting section 13 along the attachment/detachment direction D1.

The electric work machine 4 has a first display unit 14 and a second display unit 15 attached to the outer cover of the motor unit 11. The first display unit 14 displays the status of the first battery pack 21. The second display unit 15 displays the status of the second battery pack 22.

The shaft pipe 12 is formed in a long, hollow rod shape. The motor unit 11 is attached to a first end of the shaft pipe 12, and the cutter attachment part 16 is attached to a second end of the shaft pipe 12. The cutter 17 is removably attached to the cutter attachment part 16.

The cutter 17 is a member that is generally formed in a disk shape with multiple teeth formed along the outer periphery of the disk. The cutter 17 can cut grass, small trees, etc. by rotating.

The electric work machine 4 is equipped with a handle 18. The handle 18 is a member that an operator holds when performing grass cutting work using the electric work machine 4. The handle 18 is connected to the shaft pipe 12 near the midpoint in the longitudinal direction of the shaft pipe 12. The handle 18 is formed in a U-shape, with grips provided at both ends of the U-shape.

The electric work machine 4 is equipped with a trigger switch 19. The trigger switch 19 is attached to one of the grip portions of the handle 18. The trigger switch 19 is an operation switch for inputting a drive command for the motor 23. The trigger switch 19 is equipped with a tactile switch that is turned on only when the operator presses it down.

A driving force transmission shaft (not shown) (hereinafter abbreviated as the transmission shaft) is housed inside the shaft pipe 12. A first end of the transmission shaft is connected to a rotor of a motor 23 (described below) housed in the motor unit 11. A second end of the transmission shaft is connected to the cutter 17 via multiple gears (not shown) provided in the cutter mounting section 16. Therefore, the rotational driving force of the motor 23 is transmitted to the cutter 17 via the transmission shaft and multiple gears.

As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply device 2 includes a main body 31, a pair of shoulder straps 32, a power connector 33, and a power cord .
The main body 31 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and houses an internal battery 50, which will be described later.

A pair of shoulder straps 32 are attached to the main body 31 so that the worker can carry the main body 31 on his/her back.
The power connector 33 is a connector that is connected to the dual-port adapter 3. The power cord 34 connects the built-in battery 50 housed in the main body 31 and the power connector 33 to each other.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the two-port adapter 3 includes a first adapter 41 , a second adapter 42 , a relay cord 43 , an adapter connector 44 , and an adapter cord 45 .
The first adapter 41 is a device that outputs a first voltage (72 V in this embodiment) to the electric operating machine 4 .

The second adapter 42 is a device that outputs a second voltage (36 V in this embodiment) to the electric operating machine 4 .
The relay cord 43 connects the first adapter 41 and the second adapter 42 to each other. The adapter connector 44 is a connector that is connected to the power connector 33. The adapter cord 45 connects the adapter connector 44 and the first adapter 41 to each other.

The battery mounting section 13 includes a first mounting section 13a to which the first battery pack 21 is attached, and a second mounting section 13b to which the second battery pack 22 is attached. A first adapter 41 is detachably attached to the first mounting section 13a. A second adapter 42 is detachably attached to the second mounting section 13b.

As shown in FIG. 5, the built-in battery 50 built into the main body 31 of the power supply device 2 includes a first battery 51, a second battery 52, a power supply circuit 53, a battery MPU 54, a first current detection circuit 55, a first AFE 56, a second AFE 57, a first temperature detection unit 58, a second temperature detection unit 59, a discharge control unit 60, a battery communication unit 61, an identification unit 62, a display unit 63, a positive line 64, a negative line 65, an intermediate voltage line 66, a signal line 67, a communication line 68, an identification line 69, a second current detection circuit 70, and first to sixth terminals 191 to 196. MPU stands for Micro Processing Unit. AFE stands for Analog Front End.

The power connector 33 includes a positive terminal 71 , a negative terminal 72 , an intermediate voltage terminal 73 , a signal terminal 74 , a communication terminal 75 , and an identification terminal 76 .
The power cord 34 includes a positive line 81 , a negative line 82 , an intermediate voltage line 83 , a signal line 84 , a communication line 85 , and an identification line 86 .

The first battery 51 and the second battery 52 each include a plurality of secondary battery cells (not shown) connected in series to each other. In this embodiment, the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 are lithium ion batteries, each having a rated voltage of 36 V.

The positive electrode of the first battery 51 is connected to the first terminal 191 via the positive electrode line 64. The negative electrode of the first battery 51 is connected to the positive electrode of the second battery 52. The negative electrode of the second battery 52 is connected to the second terminal 192 via the negative electrode line 65. The connection point between the negative electrode of the first battery 51 and the positive electrode of the second battery 52 is connected to the third terminal 193 via the intermediate voltage line 66.

The power supply circuit 53 receives power from the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 via the positive line 64, and generates an internal voltage for operating various circuits including the battery MPU 54, the first AFE 56, and the second AFE 57.

The battery MPU 54 includes a microcomputer 54d equipped with a CPU 54a, a ROM 54b, and a RAM 54c. Various functions of the microcomputer 54d are realized by the CPU 54a executing a program stored in a non-transient physical recording medium. In this example, the ROM 54b corresponds to the non-transient physical recording medium storing the program. Furthermore, the execution of this program executes a method corresponding to the program. Note that some or all of the functions executed by the CPU 54a may be achieved by one or more electronic components such as ICs. The battery MPU 54 may also be equipped with one or more microcomputers.

The first current detection circuit 55 detects the value of the current flowing through the negative line 65 , and outputs a current detection signal indicating the detected current value to the second AFE 57 .
The second current detection circuit 70 is disposed on a current path between the negative electrode of the first battery 51 and a connection point between the negative electrode of the first battery 51 and the positive electrode of the second battery 52, and detects the current of the first battery 51. The second current detection circuit 70 outputs a current detection signal indicating the detected current value to the first AFE 56.

The first AFE 56 and the second AFE 57 are analog circuits and are configured to be able to communicate with the battery MPU 54. The first AFE 56 and the second AFE 57 each detect the voltage of each secondary battery included in the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 according to instructions from the battery MPU 54, and perform cell balancing processing to equalize the remaining capacity of multiple secondary batteries.

The first AFE 56 transmits to the battery MPU 54 a digital signal indicating the detected voltage value of each of the secondary battery cells included in the first battery 51 and a digital signal indicating the current value detected by the second current detection circuit 70. The second AFE 57 transmits to the battery MPU 54 a digital signal indicating the detected voltage value of each of the secondary battery cells included in the second battery 52 and a digital signal indicating the current value detected by the first current detection circuit 55.

The first temperature detection unit 58 and the second temperature detection unit 59 detect the temperatures of the first battery 51 and the second battery 52, respectively, and output a temperature detection signal indicating the detected battery temperature to the battery MPU 54.

The discharge control unit 60 outputs a discharge permission signal or a discharge inhibition signal. The discharge control unit 60 is connected to the fourth terminal 194 via a signal line 67.
The battery communication unit 61 performs serial communication with the dual-port adapter 3 based on the first communication protocol. The battery communication unit 61 is connected to the fifth terminal 195 via the communication line 68.

The identification unit 62 acquires the adapter ID of the two-port adapter 3 and outputs the acquired adapter ID to the battery MPU 54. The identification unit 62 is connected to the sixth terminal 196 via the identification line 69.

The display unit 63 displays the remaining capacity of the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 based on an instruction from the battery MPU 54 .
The first terminal 191 is connected to the positive terminal 71 of the power connector 33 via a positive line 81. The second terminal 192 is connected to the negative terminal 72 of the power connector 33 via a negative line 82. The third terminal 193 is connected to the intermediate voltage terminal 73 of the power connector 33 via an intermediate voltage line 83. The fourth terminal 194 is connected to the signal terminal 74 of the power connector 33 via a signal line 84. The fifth terminal 195 is connected to the communication terminal 75 of the power connector 33 via a communication line 85. The sixth terminal 196 is connected to the identification terminal 76 of the power connector 33 via an identification line 86.

The battery MPU 54 judges whether the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 are in a dischargeable state based on the digital signals transmitted to the battery MPU 54 by the first AFE 56 and the second AFE 57 and the temperature detection signals output to the battery MPU 54 by the first temperature detection unit 58 and the second temperature detection unit 59. If the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 are in a dischargeable state, the battery MPU 54 outputs a discharge permission signal to the discharge control unit 60 that permits discharge from the first battery 51 and the second battery 52. If the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 are not in a dischargeable state, the battery MPU 54 outputs a discharge prohibition signal to the discharge control unit 60 that prohibits discharge from the first battery 51 and the second battery 52. The discharge control unit 60 outputs the discharge permission signal or discharge prohibition signal input from the battery MPU 54 to the two-port adapter 3 via the signal line 84 and the signal terminal 74.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the first adapter 41 of the two-port adapter 3 includes a positive terminal 91 , a negative terminal 92 , a signal terminal 93 , a communication terminal 94 , a detection terminal 95 , and an internal circuit 96 .
The second adapter 42 of the two-port adapter 3 includes a positive terminal 101 , a negative terminal 102 , a signal terminal 103 , a communication terminal 104 , a detection terminal 105 , and an internal circuit 106 .

The relay cord 43 of the two-port adapter 3 includes a negative line 111 , an intermediate voltage line 112 , and a communication line 113 .
The adapter connector 44 of the two-port adapter 3 includes a positive terminal 121, a negative terminal 122, an intermediate voltage terminal 123, a signal terminal 124, a communication terminal 125, and an identification terminal 126. When the adapter connector 44 is connected to the power connector 33, the positive terminal 121, the negative terminal 122, the intermediate voltage terminal 123, the signal terminal 124, the communication terminal 125, and the identification terminal 126 are connected to the positive terminal 71, the negative terminal 72, the intermediate voltage terminal 73, the signal terminal 74, the communication terminal 75, and the identification terminal 76, respectively.

The adapter cord 45 of the two-port adapter 3 includes a positive line 131, a negative line 132, an intermediate voltage line 133, a signal line 134, a communication line 135, and an identification line 136.

The internal circuit 96 includes a first adapter MPU 141, a power supply circuit 142, a voltage detection unit 143, a discharge control unit 144, an adapter communication unit 145, an identification unit 146, an equipment connection detection unit 147, a discharge control unit 148, an adapter communication unit 149, and a connection detection unit 150.

The internal circuit 106 includes a second adapter MPU 151, a power supply circuit 152, a voltage detection unit 153, an adapter communication unit 154, a thermistor 155, a temperature detection unit 156, an equipment connection detection unit 157, a discharge control unit 158, an adapter communication unit 159, and a display unit 160.

The positive terminal 91 of the first adapter 41 is connected to the positive terminal 121 of the adapter connector 44 via the positive line 131. The negative terminal 92 is connected to the connection detection unit 150. The signal terminal 93 is connected to the discharge control unit 148. The communication terminal 94 is connected to the adapter communication unit 149. The detection terminal 95 is connected to the device connection detection unit 147.

The positive terminal 101 of the second adapter 42 is connected to the intermediate voltage terminal 123 via the intermediate voltage line 112 and the intermediate voltage line 133. The negative terminal 102 is connected to the negative terminal 122 via the negative line 111 and the negative line 132. The signal terminal 103 is connected to the discharge control unit 158. The communication terminal 104 is connected to the adapter communication unit 159. The detection terminal 105 is connected to the device connection detection unit 157.

The negative terminal 122 is connected to the first adapter MPU 141 via a negative line 132 .
The intermediate voltage terminal 123 is connected to the power supply circuit 142 via the intermediate voltage line 133. The intermediate voltage terminal 123 is connected to the power supply circuit 152 via the intermediate voltage line 133 and the intermediate voltage line 112.

The signal terminal 124 is connected to a discharge control unit 144 via a signal line 134 .
The communication terminal 125 is connected to the adapter communication section 145 via a communication line 135. The communication terminal 125 is connected to the adapter communication section 154 via the communication line 135 and the communication line 113.

The identification terminal 126 is connected to an identification section 146 via an identification line 136 .
The first adapter MPU 141 includes a microcomputer 141d equipped with a CPU 141a, a ROM 141b, and a RAM 141c. Various functions of the microcomputer 141d are realized by the CPU 141a executing a program stored in a non-transient real recording medium. In this example, the ROM 141b corresponds to the non-transient real recording medium storing the program. Furthermore, the execution of this program executes a method corresponding to the program. Note that some or all of the functions executed by the CPU 141a may be achieved by one or more electronic components such as ICs. The first adapter MPU 141 may also be equipped with one or more microcomputers.

The power supply circuit 142 receives power from the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 via the intermediate voltage line 133, and generates an internal voltage for operating various circuits including the first adapter MPU 141.

The voltage detection unit 143 detects the value of the voltage of the positive line 131 , and outputs a voltage detection signal indicating the detected voltage value to the first adapter MPU 141 .
The discharge control unit 144 outputs the discharge permission signal or the discharge inhibition signal input via the signal terminal 124 and the signal line 134 to the first adapter MPU 141 .

The adapter communication unit 145 performs serial communication with the battery communication unit 61 via the communication terminal 125 and the communication line 135 based on the first communication protocol.
The identification unit 146 outputs the adapter ID of the dual-port adapter 3 to the power supply device 2 via the identification line 136 and the identification terminal 126 .

The device connection detection unit 147 detects whether the electric work machine 4 is connected or not based on the voltage of the detection terminal 95, and outputs a connection detection signal indicating the detection result to the first adapter MPU 141.

The discharge control unit 148 outputs the discharge permission signal or the discharge prohibition signal input from the first adapter MPU 141 to the electric operating machine 4 via the signal terminal 93 .
The adapter communication unit 149 performs serial communication based on the second communication protocol with the electric operating machine 4 via the communication terminal 94. The second communication protocol is a communication protocol that communicates a larger amount of data than the first communication protocol.

The connection detection unit 150 detects whether the first adapter 41 and the second adapter 42 are connected to the electric work machine 4 based on the voltage of the negative terminal 92, and outputs a connection detection signal indicating the detection result to the first adapter MPU 141.

The second adapter MPU 151 includes a microcomputer 151d equipped with a CPU 151a, a ROM 151b, and a RAM 151c. Various functions of the microcomputer 151d are realized by the CPU 151a executing a program stored in a non-transient physical recording medium. In this example, the ROM 151b corresponds to the non-transient physical recording medium storing the program. Furthermore, the execution of this program executes a method corresponding to the program. Note that some or all of the functions executed by the CPU 151a may be achieved by one or more electronic components such as ICs. The second adapter MPU 151 may also be equipped with one or more microcomputers.

The power supply circuit 152 receives power from the second battery 52 via the intermediate voltage line 133 and the intermediate voltage line 112, and generates an internal voltage for operating various circuits including the second adapter MPU 151.

The voltage detection unit 153 detects the value of the voltage on the intermediate voltage line 112 , and outputs a voltage detection signal indicating the detected voltage value to the second adapter MPU 151 .
The adapter communication unit 154 performs serial communication with the battery communication unit 61 based on the first communication protocol via the communication terminal 125, the communication line 135, and the communication line 113. The adapter communication unit 154 also performs serial communication with the adapter communication unit 145 via the communication line 113 based on the first communication protocol.

The thermistor 155 is installed near the negative electrode line 111. A first end of the thermistor 155 is connected to the negative electrode line 111, and a second end of the thermistor 155 is connected to the temperature detection unit 156.

The temperature detection unit 156 detects the resistance value of the thermistor 155 to calculate the temperature of the negative line 111, and outputs a temperature detection signal indicating the calculated temperature to the second adapter MPU 151.

The device connection detection unit 157 detects whether the electric work machine 4 is connected or not based on the voltage of the detection terminal 105, and outputs a connection detection signal indicating the detection result to the second adapter MPU 151.

The discharge control unit 158 outputs the discharge permission signal or the discharge prohibition signal input from the second adapter MPU 151 to the electric work machine 4 via the signal terminal 103 .
The adapter communication unit 159 performs serial communication with the electric operating machine 4 via the communication terminal 104 based on the second communication protocol.

The display unit 160 displays the remaining capacity of the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 based on instructions from the second adapter MPU 151. The second adapter MPU 151 receives remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 from the battery MPU 54, and causes the display unit 160 to display the remaining capacity of the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 based on the received remaining capacity information.

7, the electric operating machine 4 includes a motor 23, a control unit 24, and a rotation sensor 25. In this embodiment, the motor 23 is a three-phase brushless motor.
The battery mounting portion 13 includes a positive terminal 161 , a negative terminal 162 , a signal terminal 163 , a communication terminal 164 , a detection terminal 165 , a positive terminal 166 , a negative terminal 167 , a signal terminal 168 , a communication terminal 169 , and a detection terminal 170 .

When the first adapter 41 is attached to the first attachment portion 13a, the positive terminal 161, the negative terminal 162, the signal terminal 163, the communication terminal 164, and the detection terminal 165 are respectively connected to the positive terminal 91, the negative terminal 92, the signal terminal 93, the communication terminal 94, and the detection terminal 95. When the second adapter 42 is attached to the second attachment portion 13b, the positive terminal 166, the negative terminal 167, the signal terminal 168, the communication terminal 169, and the detection terminal 170 are respectively connected to the positive terminal 101, the negative terminal 102, the signal terminal 103, the communication terminal 104, and the detection terminal 105.

The control unit 24 includes a work machine MPU 171, a drive circuit 172, a gate circuit 173, a positive line 174, a negative line 175, a current detection circuit 176, a power supply circuit 177, a voltage detection unit 178, a battery detection unit 179, a discharge control unit 180, a work machine communication unit 181, a display unit 182, a voltage detection unit 183, a battery detection unit 184, a discharge control unit 185, a work machine communication unit 186, and a display unit 187.

The positive terminal 161 is connected to the drive circuit 172 and the gate circuit 173 via the positive line 174. The negative terminal 162 is connected to the voltage detection unit 183. The signal terminal 163 is connected to the discharge control unit 180. The communication terminal 164 is connected to the work machine communication unit 181. The detection terminal 165 is connected to the battery detection unit 179. The positive terminal 166 is connected to the voltage detection unit 183. The negative terminal 167 is connected to the drive circuit 172 and the gate circuit 173 via the negative line 175. The signal terminal 168 is connected to the discharge control unit 185. The communication terminal 169 is connected to the work machine communication unit 186. The detection terminal 170 is connected to the battery detection unit 184.

The work machine MPU 171 includes a microcomputer 171d equipped with a CPU 171a, a ROM 171b, and a RAM 171c. Various functions of the microcomputer 171d are realized by the CPU 171a executing a program stored in a non-transient physical recording medium. In this example, the ROM 171b corresponds to the non-transient physical recording medium storing the program. Furthermore, the execution of this program executes a method corresponding to the program. Note that some or all of the functions executed by the CPU 171a may be achieved by one or more electronic components such as ICs. The work machine MPU 171 may also be equipped with one or more microcomputers.

The drive circuit 172 is a circuit that receives power from the power supply device 2 and passes current through each phase winding of the motor 23. In this embodiment, the drive circuit 172 is in the form of a three-phase full bridge circuit that includes six switching elements (not shown).

The gate circuit 173 is a circuit that turns on/off each switching element in the drive circuit 172 according to a control signal output from the work machine MPU 171, thereby passing current through each phase winding of the motor 23 and rotating the motor 23.

The current detection circuit 176 detects the value of the current flowing through the negative line 175 (i.e., the current flowing through the motor 23) and outputs a current detection signal indicating the detected current value to the work machine MPU 171.

The power supply circuit 177 receives power from the first battery 51 and the second battery 52 via the positive line 174, and generates an internal voltage to operate various circuits including the work machine MPU 171.

The voltage detection unit 178 detects the voltage value of the positive electrode line 174 and outputs a voltage detection signal indicating the detected voltage value to the work machine MPU 171.
The battery detection unit 179 detects whether or not the built-in battery 50 is connected via the dual-port adapter 3 based on the voltage of the detection terminal 165 , and outputs a battery detection signal indicating the detection result to the work machine MPU 171 .

The discharge control unit 180 outputs the discharge permission signal or the discharge prohibition signal input via the signal terminal 163 to the work machine MPU 171 .
The work machine communication unit 181 performs serial communication with the adapter communication unit 149 via the communication terminal 164 based on the second communication protocol.

The display unit 182 displays the remaining capacity of the first battery 51 based on instructions from the work machine MPU 171. The work machine MPU 171 receives remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of the first battery 51 from the first adapter MPU 141, and causes the display unit 182 to display the remaining capacity of the first battery 51 based on the received remaining capacity information.

The voltage detection unit 183 detects the voltage values of the negative terminal 162 and the positive terminal 166 , and outputs a voltage detection signal indicating the detected voltage value to the work machine MPU 171 .
The battery detection unit 184 detects whether or not the built-in battery 50 is connected via the dual-port adapter 3 based on the voltage of the detection terminal 170, and outputs a battery detection signal indicating the detection result to the work machine MPU 171.

The discharge control unit 185 outputs the discharge permission signal or the discharge prohibition signal input via the signal terminal 168 to the work machine MPU 171 .
The work machine communication unit 186 performs data communication with the adapter communication unit 159 via the communication terminal 169 .

The display unit 187 displays the remaining capacity of the second battery 52 based on instructions from the work machine MPU 171. The work machine MPU 171 receives remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of the second battery 52 from the second adapter MPU 151, and causes the display unit 187 to display the remaining capacity of the second battery 52 based on the received remaining capacity information.

The rotation sensor 25 detects the rotational position and rotation speed of the motor 23 , and outputs a rotation detection signal indicative of the detection result to the work machine MPU 171 .
As shown in FIG. 8, the built-in battery 50 includes first to sixth terminals 191 to 196, first to seventh transistors 201 to 207, a charging connector 208, a charging communication unit 209, a charging identification unit 210, and an 18V voltage transformation circuit 250.

The charging connector 208 includes a positive terminal 211 , a negative terminal 212 , a communication terminal 213 , and an identification terminal 214 .
The positive terminal 211 is connected to the positive electrode of the first battery 51 via the fifth transistor 205 and the seventh transistor 207. The positive terminal 211 is connected to the negative electrode of the first battery 51 via the third transistor 203 and the seventh transistor 207. The positive terminal 211 is connected to the positive electrode of the second battery 52 via the second transistor 202, the third transistor 203, and the seventh transistor 207.

The negative terminal 212 is connected to the negative electrode of the first battery 51 via the fourth transistor 204. The negative terminal 212 is connected to the negative electrode of the second battery 52.
The communication terminal 213 is connected to the charging communication unit 209. The identification terminal 214 is connected to the charging identification unit 210.

When a battery checker 216, which diagnoses the built-in battery 50 by acquiring information from the built-in battery 50, is connected to the charging connector 208, the charging communication unit 209 performs data communication with the battery checker 216 via the communication terminal 213. When a charger 217, which charges the built-in battery 50, is connected to the charging connector 208, the charging communication unit 209 performs data communication with the charger 217 via the communication terminal 213.

When the battery checker 216 is connected to the charging connector 208, the charging identification unit 210 acquires a checker ID from the battery checker 216 via the identification terminal 214 and outputs the acquired checker ID to the battery MPU 54.

The first terminal 191 is connected to the positive terminal 71 of the power connector 33 via the positive line 81. The first terminal 191 is also connected to the positive electrode of the first battery 51 via the first transistor 201.

The second terminal 192 is connected to the negative terminal 72 via the negative line 82. The second terminal 192 is also connected to the negative electrode of the second battery 52.
The third terminal 193 is connected to the intermediate voltage terminal 73 via the intermediate voltage line 83. The third terminal 193 is also connected to the negative electrode of the first battery 51 via a third transistor 203.

The fourth terminal 194 is connected to the signal terminal 74 via the signal line 84. The fifth terminal 195 is connected to the communication terminal 75 via the communication line 85. The sixth terminal 196 is connected to the identification terminal 76 via the identification line 86.

In this embodiment, the first to seventh transistors 201 to 207 are in the form of N-channel metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs).
The first transistor 201 has a drain connected to the positive electrode of the first battery 51 and a source connected to the first terminal 191 .

The second transistor 202 has a drain connected to the positive electrode of the second battery 52 and a source connected to the negative electrode of the first battery 51 .
The third transistor 203 has a drain connected to the third terminal 193 and a source connected to the negative electrode of the first battery 51 .

The fourth transistor 204 has a drain connected to the negative electrode of the first battery 51 , and a source connected to the negative electrode of the first battery 51 and a negative terminal 212 of the charging connector 208 .
The fifth transistor 205 has a drain connected to the positive electrode of the first battery 51 and a source connected to the third terminal 193 .

The sixth transistor 206 has a drain connected to the first terminal 191 and a source connected to the third terminal 193 .
The seventh transistor 207 has a drain connected to the third terminal 193 and a source connected to the positive terminal 211 of the charging connector 208 .

The 18V voltage transformer circuit 250 is disposed on the current path between the source of the sixth transistor 206 and the third terminal 193, and is configured to generate an 18V voltage.
When a voltage of 72V is to be output from the built-in battery 50, the battery MPU 54 turns the first to third transistors 201 to 203 on and turns the fourth to seventh transistors 204 to 207 off.

When a voltage of 36 V is output from the first battery 51, the battery MPU 54 turns on the fourth to sixth transistors 204 to 206 and turns off the first transistor 201, the second transistor 202, the third transistor 203 and the seventh transistor 207.

When outputting a voltage of 36 V from the second battery 52, the battery MPU 54 turns on the second transistor 202, the third transistor 203 and the sixth transistor 206, and turns off the first transistor 201, the fourth transistor 204, the fifth transistor 205 and the seventh transistor 207.

When the first battery 51 is charged by connecting the charger 217 to the charging connector 208, the battery MPU 54 turns on the fourth, fifth, and seventh transistors 204, 205, and 207, and turns off the first through third and sixth transistors 201 through 203, and 206.

When charging the second battery 52 by connecting the charger 217 to the charging connector 208, the battery MPU 54 turns on the second transistor 202, the third transistor 203, and the seventh transistor 207, and turns off the first transistor 201, the fourth transistor 204, the fifth transistor 205, and the sixth transistor 206.

As shown in FIG. 9, the internal battery 50 includes first to third interlock circuits 221 to 223.
The first interlock circuit 221 includes a first buffer 231 , a second buffer 232 , a first NOT circuit 233 , a second NOT circuit 234 , a first voltage application circuit 235 , and a second voltage application circuit 236 .

The first voltage application circuit 235 and the second voltage application circuit 236 have a voltage input terminal and a voltage output terminal. When the voltage at each voltage input terminal of the first voltage application circuit 235 and the second voltage application circuit 236 becomes high level, they output a high level voltage capable of turning on the first to sixth transistors 201 to 206 from their respective voltage output terminals. When the voltage at each voltage input terminal of the first voltage application circuit 235 and the second voltage application circuit 236 becomes low level, they output a low level voltage capable of turning off the first to sixth transistors 201 to 206 from their respective voltage output terminals.

The output terminal of the first buffer 231 is connected to the voltage input terminal of the first voltage application circuit 235 and the input terminal of the first NOT circuit 233. The output terminal of the second buffer 232 is connected to the voltage input terminal of the second voltage application circuit 236 and the input terminal of the second NOT circuit 234.

The output terminal of the first NOT circuit 233 is connected to the input terminal of the second buffer 232. The output terminal of the second NOT circuit 234 is connected to the input terminal of the first buffer 231.
A voltage output terminal of the first voltage application circuit 235 is connected to the gate of the first transistor 201. A voltage output terminal of the second voltage application circuit 236 is connected to the gate of the sixth transistor 206.

In the first interlock circuit 221 configured in this manner, when a high-level voltage is applied to the input terminal of the first buffer 231 to turn the first transistor 201 on, a high-level voltage is output from the output terminal of the first buffer 231, and the first transistor 201 is turned on. In addition, a high-level voltage is output from the output terminal of the first buffer 231, and a low-level voltage is output from the output terminal of the first NOT circuit 233. As a result, a low-level voltage is output from the output terminal of the second buffer 232, and the sixth transistor 206 is turned off. Similarly, when a low-level voltage is applied to the input terminal of the first buffer 231 to turn the first transistor 201 off, the first transistor 201 is turned off and the sixth transistor 206 is turned on. Therefore, the first interlock circuit 221 can prevent the first transistor 201 and the sixth transistor 206 from being turned on at the same time.

When switching from a state in which the first transistor 201 is on (i.e., a state in which the sixth transistor 206 is off) to a state in which the first transistor 201 is off (i.e., a state in which the sixth transistor 206 is on), first, a high-level voltage is applied to the input terminal of the second buffer 232, and then a low-level voltage is applied to the input terminal of the first buffer 231.

The second interlock circuit 222, like the first interlock circuit 221, includes a first buffer 231, a second buffer 232, a first NOT circuit 233, a second NOT circuit 234, a first voltage application circuit 235, and a second voltage application circuit 236. However, the voltage output terminal of the first voltage application circuit 235 of the second interlock circuit 222 is connected to the gate of the third transistor 203. The voltage output terminal of the second voltage application circuit 236 of the second interlock circuit 222 is connected to the gate of the fifth transistor 205. The second interlock circuit 222 configured in this manner can prevent the third transistor 203 and the fifth transistor 205 from being turned on at the same time.

The third interlock circuit 223, like the first interlock circuit 221, includes a first buffer 231, a second buffer 232, a first NOT circuit 233, a second NOT circuit 234, a first voltage application circuit 235, and a second voltage application circuit 236. However, the voltage output terminal of the first voltage application circuit 235 of the third interlock circuit 223 is connected to the gate of the second transistor 202. The voltage output terminal of the second voltage application circuit 236 of the third interlock circuit 223 is connected to the gate of the fourth transistor 204. The third interlock circuit 223 configured in this manner can prevent the second transistor 202 and the fourth transistor 204 from being turned on at the same time.

As shown in FIG. 10, the ground of the built-in battery 50 of the power supply device 2, the ground of the internal circuit 96 of the first adapter 41, the ground of the internal circuit 106 of the second adapter 42, and the ground of the control unit 24 of the electric work machine 4 are all at the same potential. In particular, the ground of the battery MPU 54 in the power supply device 2, the ground of the first adapter MPU 141 in the first adapter 41, the ground of the second adapter MPU 151 in the second adapter 42, and the ground of the work machine MPU 171 in the electric work machine 4 are all at the same potential.

The first adapter 41 includes a first level shift circuit 241 , and the electric work machine 4 includes a second level shift circuit 242 .
The first level shift circuit 241 increases the voltage level of the digital signal output from the adapter communication unit 149 in the internal circuit 96 by a fixed voltage and outputs the increased voltage to the second level shift circuit 242. The second level shift circuit 242 then decreases the voltage level of the digital signal output from the first level shift circuit 241 by a fixed voltage and outputs the decreased voltage to the work machine communication unit 181 in the electric work machine 4.

The second level shift circuit 242 also increases the voltage level of the digital signal output from the work machine communication unit 181 in the electric work machine 4 by a fixed voltage and outputs it to the first level shift circuit 241. The first level shift circuit 241 then decreases the voltage level of the digital signal output from the second level shift circuit 242 by a fixed voltage and outputs it to the adapter communication unit 149 in the internal circuit 96.

Next, we will explain the procedure for the adapter connection control process executed by the first and second adapters 41 and 42. The adapter connection control process is a process that starts when the first and second adapter MPUs 141 and 151 are started.

When the adapter connection control process is executed, the CPUs 141a, 151a of the first and second adapter MPUs 141, 151 first acquire pre-stored operation pattern identification information in S10, as shown in FIG. 11. The operation pattern identification information is information indicating whether it is a master or a slave. In this embodiment, the operation pattern identification information is stored in, for example, ROMs 141b, 151b. The operation pattern identification information stored in ROM 141b indicates that it is a master, and the operation pattern identification information stored in ROM 151b indicates that it is a slave.

Next, in S20, the CPU 141a, 151a determines whether or not it is the master based on the acquired operation pattern identification information. If it is not the master, the CPU 141a, 151a proceeds to S30. In this embodiment, since the second adapter 42 is the slave, the processes of S30 to S60 described below are executed by the CPU 151a.

When the process proceeds to S30, the CPU 151a determines whether or not the second adapter 42 is connected to the second mounting portion 13b of the electric work machine 4 based on the connection detection signal from the device connection detection unit 157. If the second adapter 42 is not connected, the CPU 151a waits until the second adapter 42 is connected by repeating the process of S30. Then, when the second adapter 42 is connected, the CPU 151a transmits second connection information indicating that the second adapter 42 is connected to the first adapter 41 in S40.

Furthermore, in S50, the CPU 151a determines whether or not the second adapter 42 is connected to the second mounting portion 13b of the electric work machine 4 in the same manner as in S30. Here, if the second adapter 42 is connected, the CPU 151a waits until the second adapter 42 is not connected to the second mounting portion 13b by repeating the process of S50. Then, when the second adapter 42 is not connected to the second mounting portion 13b, the CPU 151a sends second non-connection information indicating that the second adapter 42 is not connected to the first adapter 41 in S60, and proceeds to S30.

If it is determined in S20 that the first adapter 41 is the master, the CPU 141a, 151a proceeds to S70. In this embodiment, since the first adapter 41 is the master, the processes of S70 to S140 described below are executed by the CPU 141a.

When the process proceeds to S70, the CPU 141a transmits to the power supply device 2 72V compatibility information indicating that the dual-port adapter 3 is compatible with 72V voltage.
Next, in S80, the CPU 141a transmits to the power supply device 2 72V prohibition information indicating that the output of 72V voltage is to be prohibited.

Then, in S90, the CPU 141a determines whether or not the second connection information has been received from the second adapter 42. If the second connection information has not been received, the CPU 141a waits until the second connection information is received by repeating the process of S90. If the second connection information is received, the CPU 141a determines in S100 whether or not the first adapter 41 is connected to the first attachment portion 13a of the electric work machine 4 based on the connection detection signal from the connection detection unit 150. If the first adapter 41 is not connected, the CPU 141a waits until the first adapter 41 is connected by repeating the process of S100.

When the first adaptor 41 is connected, the CPU 141a transmits, in S110, to the power supply device 2, 72V permission information indicating that output of 72V voltage is permitted.
Next, the CPU 141a transmits and receives current output setting information in S120. Specifically, when the CPU 141a receives the current output setting information from the electric work machine 4, it transmits the received current output setting information to the power supply device 2. When the battery MPU 54 of the power supply device 2 receives the current output setting information from the first adapter 41, it sets the upper limit value of the current output by the power supply device 2 to the current value indicated by the current output setting information.

Then, in S130, the CPU 141a determines whether the first adapter 41 and the second adapter 42 are connected to the electric work machine 4. Specifically, the CPU 141a determines whether the first adapter 41 is connected based on the connection detection signal from the device connection detection unit 147, and determines whether the second adapter 42 is connected based on the second connection information and second non-connection information from the second adapter 42.

Here, if the first adapter 41 and the second adapter 42 are connected to the electric work machine 4, the CPU 141a proceeds to S120. On the other hand, if at least one of the first adapter 41 and the second adapter 42 is not connected to the electric work machine 4, the CPU 141a proceeds to S80.

Next, a description will be given of the procedure of the battery connection control process executed by the power supply device 2. The battery connection control process is a process that starts when the battery MPU 54 is started.
12, when the battery connection control process is executed, the CPU 54a of the battery MPU 54 first determines in S210 whether or not the dual-port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2. Specifically, when the CPU 54a acquires the adapter ID via the identification unit 62, it determines that the dual-port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2.

Here, if the dual-port adapter 3 is not connected to the power supply device 2, the CPU 54a waits until the dual-port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2 by repeating the process of S210.

When the dual-port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2, the CPU 54a outputs a voltage of 36 V in S220. Specifically, the CPU 54a turns on the fourth transistor 204, the fifth transistor 205, and the sixth transistor 206, and turns off the first transistor 201, the second transistor 202, the third transistor 203, and the seventh transistor 207, in order to output a voltage of 36 V from the first battery 51. The CPU 54a may turn on the second transistor 202, the third transistor 203, and the sixth transistor 206, and turn off the first transistor 201, the fourth transistor 204, the fifth transistor 205, and the seventh transistor 207, in order to output a voltage of 36 V from the second battery 52.

Then, in S230, the CPU 54a determines whether data communication has been performed with the dual-port adapter 3. If data communication has been performed with the dual-port adapter 3, then in S240, the CPU 54a determines whether 72V compatible information has been received from the dual-port adapter 3.

If 72V compatible information has been received, the CPU 54a determines in S250 whether or not 72V permission information has been received from the two-port adapter 3. If 72V permission information has not been received, the CPU 54a proceeds to S270. On the other hand, if 72V permission information has been received, the CPU 54a outputs 72V voltage in S260 and proceeds to S270. Specifically, the CPU 54a turns on the first to third transistors 201 to 203 and turns off the fourth to seventh transistors 204 to 207.

When the process proceeds to S270, the CPU 54a determines whether or not the dual-port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2, in the same manner as in S210. If the dual-port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2, the CPU 54a proceeds to S250. On the other hand, if the dual-port adapter 3 is not connected to the power supply device 2, the CPU 54a stops the voltage output in S280 and proceeds to S210.

Moreover, in S230, if data communication with the dual-port adapter 3 is not being performed, the CPU 54a proceeds to S290.
Also, in S240, if 72V compatible information has not been received, the CPU 54a proceeds to S290.

When the process proceeds to S290, the CPU 54a determines whether or not the dual-port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2, in the same manner as in S210. If the dual-port adapter 3 is connected to the power supply device 2, the CPU 54a waits until the dual-port adapter 3 is no longer connected to the power supply device 2 by repeating the process of S290.

Then, when the dual-port adapter 3 is no longer connected to the power supply device 2, the CPU 54a proceeds to S280.
Such a power supply system 1 can perform data communication between the power supply device 2 and the electric work machine 4 via the two-port adapter 3. This makes it possible for the power supply system 1 to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the electric work machine 4 cannot be driven appropriately due to a failure to transmit and receive discharge control parameters (e.g., current output setting information) between the power supply device 2 and the electric work machine 4, thereby improving convenience for the user who uses the electric work machine 4.

The power supply system 1 can perform appropriate data communication between the battery communication unit 61 and the adapter communication unit 145, and between the work machine communication units 181, 186 and the adapter communication units 149, 159.

The power supply system 1 can output an appropriate power supply voltage depending on the connection status between the two-port adapter 3 and the electric work machine 4 .
Even if a short circuit occurs due to water adhering to the exposed terminals 91 to 95 when the power supply system 1 is not attached to the electric work machine 4, the power supply system 1 can suppress a short circuit at 72 V and suppress damage to the first adapter 41.

The power supply system 1 can suppress the first voltage or the second voltage from being outputted unnecessarily, thereby reducing power consumption.
The power supply system 1 can output an appropriate power supply voltage according to the two-port adapter 3 .

The power supply system 1 can supply power using both the first adapter 41 and the second adapter 42, or can supply power using either the first adapter 41 or the second adapter 42.

The power supply system 1 can output a first voltage by using both the first adapter 41 and the second adapter 42, and can output a second voltage by using either the first adapter 41 or the second adapter 42.

When the first adapter 41 is attached to the first attachment section 13a while the second adapter 42 is attached to the second attachment section 13b, the power supply system 1 can detect that the first adapter 41 is attached to the first attachment section 13a.

The power supply system 1 can cause the first adapter 41 and the second adapter 42 to execute arithmetic processing using a program.
The power supply system 1 can make the reference voltages of the microcomputer 141d of the first adaptor 41 and the microcomputer 151d of the second adaptor 42 the same.

The power supply system 1 can perform appropriate digital communication between the first adapter 41 and the electric work machine 4 even if the reference voltages of the first adapter 41 and the electric work machine 4 do not match.

The first adapter 41 outputs the discharge prohibition signal input from the power supply device 2 to the two-port adapter 3 to the electric work machine 4, so the power supply system 1 can reduce the processing load of the second adapter 42.

Since the second adaptor 42 further includes the temperature detection unit 156, the power supply system 1 can simplify the configuration of the first adaptor 41.
In the embodiment described above, the two-port adapter 3 corresponds to an example of an adapter in the present disclosure, the battery communication unit 61 corresponds to an example of a power supply communication unit in the present disclosure, and the 72V compatibility information corresponds to an example of voltage compatibility information in the present disclosure.

In addition, the positive terminal 161 corresponds to an example of a first work machine positive terminal in this disclosure, the negative terminal 162 corresponds to an example of a first work machine negative terminal in this disclosure, the positive terminal 166 corresponds to an example of a second work machine positive terminal in this disclosure, and the negative terminal 167 corresponds to an example of a second work machine negative terminal in this disclosure.

In addition, the positive electrode terminal 91 corresponds to an example of a first adapter positive electrode terminal in this disclosure, the negative electrode terminal 92 corresponds to an example of a first adapter negative electrode terminal in this disclosure, the positive electrode terminal 101 corresponds to an example of a second adapter positive electrode terminal in this disclosure, and the negative electrode terminal 102 corresponds to an example of a second adapter negative electrode terminal in this disclosure.

Furthermore, the power connector 33 corresponds to an example of an adapter attachment portion in this disclosure, the adapter connector 44 corresponds to an example of a power supply attachment portion in this disclosure, and the terminals 91-95 and the terminals 101-105 correspond to an example of a work machine attachment portion in this disclosure.

[Second embodiment]
A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals will be used to designate the same components.

The power supply system 1 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a first adapter 41 instead of a two-port adapter 3, as shown in FIG. 13, and in that the adapter connection control process has been changed, as shown in FIG. 14.

Next, a description will be given of the procedure of adapter connection control processing executed by the first adapter 41. The adapter connection control processing is processing that starts when the first adapter MPU 141 is started up.
When the adapter connection control process of the second embodiment is executed, the CPU 141a of the first adapter MPU 141 first transmits 36V compatibility information indicating that the first adapter 41 is compatible with 36V voltage to the power supply device 2 in S410.

Then, in S420, the CPU 141a transmits 72V prohibition information to the power supply device 2. Then, in S430, the CPU 141a determines whether or not the first adapter 41 is connected to the first attachment portion 13a of the electric work machine 4 based on the connection detection signal from the device connection detection unit 147. If the first adapter 41 is not connected, the CPU 141a waits until the first adapter 41 is connected by repeating the process of S430.

When the first adaptor 41 is connected, the CPU 141a transmits and receives current output setting information in S440.
Furthermore, in S450, the CPU 141a determines whether or not the first adapter 41 is connected to the electric work machine 4. Here, if the first adapter 41 is connected to the electric work machine 4, the CPU 141a proceeds to S440. On the other hand, if the first adapter 41 is not connected to the electric work machine 4, the CPU 141a proceeds to S430.

Such a power supply system 1 can perform data communication between the power supply device 2 and the electric work machine 4 via the first adapter 41. This prevents the power supply system 1 from causing a situation in which the electric work machine 4 cannot be driven properly due to a failure to transmit and receive discharge control parameters (e.g., current output setting information) between the power supply device 2 and the electric work machine 4, thereby improving the convenience of the user who uses the electric work machine 4.

In the embodiment described above, the first adaptor 41 corresponds to an example of an adaptor in the present disclosure, and the 36V compatibility information corresponds to an example of voltage compatibility information in the present disclosure.
[Third embodiment]
A third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals will be used to designate the same components.

As shown in FIG. 15, the power supply system 1 of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a single-port adapter 6 instead of a dual-port adapter 3, and in that the configuration of the battery attachment section 13 has been changed.

The single-port adapter 6 differs from the two-port adapter 3 of the first embodiment in that the second adapter 42 and the relay cord 43 are omitted from the two-port adapter 3 .
The power supply device 2 of the third embodiment outputs 36V in the same manner as in the first embodiment. That is, when the first battery 51 outputs 36V, the battery MPU 54 turns on the fourth to sixth transistors 204 to 206 and turns off the first to third and seventh transistors 201 to 203 and 207. When the second battery 52 outputs 36V, the battery MPU 54 turns on the second, third and sixth transistors 202, 203 and 206 and turns off the first, fourth, fifth and seventh transistors 201, 204, 205 and 207. The battery MPU 54 selects the first battery 51 or the second battery 52, whichever has a higher open circuit voltage, and outputs 36V. When the battery MPU 54 outputs 36V, the sixth transistor 206 may be turned off.

Also, the battery mounting portion 13 of the third embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the second mounting portion 13b is omitted.
[Fourth embodiment]
A fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the fourth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals will be used to designate the same components.

The power supply system 1 of the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the configuration of the dual-port adapter 3 and the battery mounting section 13 has been changed, and in that the method of controlling the first to seventh transistors 201 to 207 has been changed.

As shown in FIG. 16, the first adapter 41 of the dual-port adapter 3 and the first mounting portion 13a of the battery mounting portion 13 of the fourth embodiment differ from those of the first embodiment in that the number of terminals for connecting them to each other is reduced. The first adapter 41 of the fourth embodiment includes at least a positive terminal 91 and a negative terminal 92. The dual-port adapter 3 of the first embodiment and the dual-port adapter 3 of the fourth embodiment have different interfaces and are therefore not compatible.

The second adapter 42 of the two-port adapter 3 and the second attachment part 13b of the battery attachment part 13 in the fourth embodiment are different from those in the first embodiment in that the number of terminals for connecting them to each other is reduced. The second adapter 42 in the fourth embodiment has at least a positive terminal 101 and a negative terminal 102.

When the first battery 51 outputs a voltage of 36V, the battery MPU 54 turns on the fourth to sixth transistors 204 to 206 and turns off the first transistor 201, the second transistor 202, the third transistor 203, and the seventh transistor 207. As a result, the negative terminal 72 of the power connector 33 becomes 0V, the intermediate voltage terminal 73 becomes 36V, and the positive terminal 71 becomes 18V.

When the second battery 52 outputs a voltage of 36V, the battery MPU 54 turns on the second transistor 202, the third transistor 203, and the sixth transistor 206, and turns off the first transistor 201, the fourth transistor 204, the fifth transistor 205, and the seventh transistor 207. As a result, the negative terminal 72 of the power connector 33 becomes 0V, the intermediate voltage terminal 73 becomes 36V, and the positive terminal 71 becomes 18V.

Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment and can be implemented in various modified forms.
For example, in the above embodiment, serial communication is performed between the power supply device 2 and the two-port adapter 3, and between the two-port adapter 3 and the electric work machine 4. However, the communication between the power supply device 2 and the two-port adapter 3, and the communication between the two-port adapter 3 and the electric work machine 4 may be digital communication in which the voltage level of an electric signal is switched between a high level and a low level over time depending on the content of the communication, and may be, for example, parallel communication.

Multiple functions possessed by one component in the above embodiments may be realized by multiple components, or one function possessed by one component may be realized by multiple components. Furthermore, multiple functions possessed by multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Furthermore, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Furthermore, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments.

In addition to the power supply system 1 described above, the present disclosure can also be realized in various forms, such as a system including the power supply system 1 as a component, a program for causing a computer to function as the power supply system 1, a non-transient physical recording medium such as a semiconductor memory on which the program is recorded, and a power supply method.

1...power supply system, 2...power supply device, 3...two-port adapter, 4...electric work machine, 33...power connector, 44...adapter connector, 61...battery communication unit, 91, 101...positive terminal, 92, 102...negative terminal, 93, 103...signal terminal, 94, 104...communication terminal, 95, 105...detection terminal, 145, 149, 154, 159...adapter communication unit, 181, 186...work machine communication unit

Claims (17)

Electric work machine,
a power supply device configured to output a power supply voltage to be supplied to the electric operating machine;
an adapter configured to be connected between the power supply device and the electric operating machine and to relay the power supply voltage output from the power supply device to the electric operating machine,
The electric work machine includes a work machine communication unit configured to perform digital communication between the electric work machine and the adapter in which a voltage level of an electric signal is switched between a high level and a low level over time in accordance with communication content,
the power supply device includes a power communication unit configured to perform the digital communication with the adapter,
The power supply system includes an adapter communication unit configured to perform the digital communication with the electric work machine and to perform the digital communication with the power supply device. 2. The power supply system according to claim 1,
A power supply system in which a first communication protocol of the digital communication between the power supply communication unit and the adapter communication unit is different from a second communication protocol of the digital communication between the work machine communication unit and the adapter communication unit. 3. The power supply system according to claim 1,
The power supply system is configured to selectively output at least 0 V, a first voltage higher than 0 V, and a second voltage higher than 0 V and lower than the first voltage as the power supply voltage, depending on a connection status between the adapter and the electric work machine. 4. The power supply system according to claim 3,
The power supply system is configured such that the power supply device outputs the second voltage when the power supply device detects that the adapter is connected to the power supply device. 5. The power supply system according to claim 4,
A power supply system configured such that the power supply device acquires voltage compatibility information indicating a voltage compatible with the adapter by performing the digital communication with the adapter. 6. The power supply system according to claim 5,
A power supply system configured such that the power supply device determines whether to maintain the output power supply voltage at the second voltage or switch the output power supply voltage from the second voltage to the first voltage based on the acquired voltage correspondence information. 7. The power supply system according to claim 6,
The power supply system is configured such that, when it is determined to switch from the second voltage to the first voltage, the power supply device switches from the second voltage to the first voltage after the adapter is connected to the electric work machine. The power supply system according to any one of claims 3 to 7,
The power supply system includes a first adapter and a second adapter, and the adapter corresponding to the first voltage is configured. 9. The power supply system according to claim 8,
The first adapter is connected in series with the second adapter. 10. The power supply system according to claim 9,
The electric operating machine further includes a first mounting portion configured to removably mount the first adapter, and a second mounting portion configured to removably mount the second adapter,
The first mounting portion further includes a first work machine positive terminal and a first work machine negative terminal to which the power supply voltage is supplied from the first adapter,
The second mounting portion further includes a second work machine positive terminal and a second work machine negative terminal to which the power supply voltage is supplied from the second adapter,
The first working machine negative electrode terminal is connected to the second working machine positive electrode terminal,
The first adapter further includes a first adapter positive terminal connected to the first work machine positive terminal when attached to the first attachment portion, and a first adapter negative terminal connected to the first work machine negative terminal when attached to the first attachment portion,
The second adapter further includes a second adapter positive terminal connected to the second work machine positive terminal when attached to the second attachment portion, and a second adapter negative terminal connected to the second work machine negative terminal when attached to the second attachment portion,
The power supply system is configured such that the adapter detects that the first adapter is attached to the first attachment portion based on a voltage of the negative terminal of the first adapter. The power supply system according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
The first adapter and the second adapter each are a power supply system including a microcomputer. 12. The power supply system according to claim 11,
A power supply system in which the ground of the microcomputer of the first adapter is common to the ground of the microcomputer of the second adapter. The power supply system according to claim 12, further comprising:
A power supply system comprising: a level shift circuit configured to shift the voltage level of the electrical signal transmitted and received by the digital communication between the first adapter and the electric operating machine. The power supply system according to any one of claims 8 to 13,
The first adapter is configured to output a discharge inhibition signal input from the power supply device to the adapter, to the electric operating machine. The power supply system according to any one of claims 8 to 14,
The second adapter further includes a temperature detection unit configured to detect a temperature of a cord housed within the second adapter. A power supply device that outputs a power supply voltage to be supplied to an electric work machine,
an adapter mounting portion that is connected between the power supply device and the electric operating machine and is configured to detachably mount an adapter that relays the power supply voltage output from the power supply device to the electric operating machine;
and a power communication unit configured to perform digital communication between the adapter and the power supply unit, in which a voltage level of an electrical signal is switched between a high level and a low level over time depending on the content of the communication. An adapter connected between an electric operating machine and a power supply device that outputs a power supply voltage to be supplied to the electric operating machine,
a power supply mounting portion configured to detachably mount the power supply device;
A work machine mounting section configured to detachably mount the electric work machine;
an adapter communication unit configured to perform digital communication with the electric work machine in which a voltage level of an electrical signal is switched sequentially between high and low levels over time depending on the content of the communication, and to perform the digital communication with the power supply device.

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