JP3366568B2 - Battery charger - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a charging device for a storage battery, which is adapted to be charged by connecting a plurality of sets of storage battery power sources to a charger main body through a charging cable, and more particularly, to perform automatic refreshing. It was made possible.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional battery charger for a storage battery, for example, there is one described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-223812.

In this conventional example, when a battery pack for supplying electric power to a rechargeable device is connected to a charger for charging, the remaining capacity of the storage battery is detected by a remaining capacity detection circuit on the battery pack side. Obtained by calculation based on the data of the discharge current value of the circuit and the charge current value of the charge current detection circuit.When the remaining capacity is within the predetermined range and the battery is in the charging state, the counter is counted up and the count value is set to the predetermined value. When the value exceeds the value, it is judged that the storage battery has a memory effect, the display element such as the light emitting diode is turned on, and the refresh drive signal is output to the charger to perform the refresh process. Is listed.

[0004]

However, in the above-described conventional example, the storage battery pack side determines from the remaining capacity whether or not the refresh process is required, and when the refresh process is required, the fact is to be notified. Since the refreshing process is performed by notifying the charger side, it is possible to prevent the capacity decrease due to the memory effect that occurs in the storage battery, but the charger can have a simple structure while the battery can be used. Since it is necessary to provide a remaining capacity detection circuit, a discharge current detection circuit, a charging current detection circuit, a counter and a display element on the pack side, the cost of the battery pack increases and the remaining capacity is always detected by the dose calculation means. However, there is an unsolved problem that the power consumption is large except when charging.

Therefore, the present invention has been made by paying attention to the unsolved problem of the above-mentioned conventional example, and reduces the cost of the storage battery power source by reducing the circuit components provided on the storage battery power source side to the necessary minimum, and charging the battery. It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage battery charging device capable of optimally charging a plurality of storage battery power sources on the device side and further displaying the amount of charge during charging.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the storage battery charging apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is configured such that a plurality of sets of storage battery power sources are individually connected to a charger main body for charging. in the charging apparatus, the plurality of storage battery, comprising a charge information storage means for storing charging information,
The charger body is a refresh determination unit that determines whether or not to perform a refresh based on the charge information stored in the charge information storage unit, and a refresh determination unit that determines whether a refresh result is required for the storage battery. performs charging process after performing refresh processing Te, a charge control unit for charging process when a refresh not required, the
Monitor the state of charge by the charge control means and calculate the amount of charge
Charging amount calculation means and charging calculated by the charging amount calculation means
Display means for displaying the amount, the charging control means,
Initial charging that supplies initial charging current for a predetermined time from the start of charging
Mode, and the rapid charging current is
Switch to the fast charging mode to supply, and in the fast charging mode
It is small when a predetermined drop voltage is detected with respect to the peak voltage.
Designed to switch to trickle charge mode that supplies current
The charging amount calculation means detects the current charging voltage.
Charging voltage detecting means for
Memorize the voltage at the time of shifting to the Curu charge mode as the full charge voltage
Full charge voltage storage means and storage for detecting battery temperature
The pond temperature detection means and the charging initial voltage based on the storage battery temperature.
Charging initial voltage calculation means for calculating pressure,
Current charging voltage of voltage detecting means, full charge voltage memory
Stage full charge voltage, charging the initial charging voltage calculation means
It is characterized in that it is configured to calculate the amount of charge based on the initial voltage of electricity .

In the invention according to claim 1, when charging a plurality of sets of storage battery power sources to the charging device, charging is performed.
In electric control means, whether or not to perform automatic refresh processing charge count, based <br/> the charging information such as the total number of charge cycles from the time of riffs <br/> thresholds stored in the charge information storage means After determining whether or not the charging is done, perform a quick charge mode after charging.
The charging time of the storage battery power supply is changed to the Curu charge mode.
Can be shortened, at this time, the charge amount calculation means
Based on the current charge voltage, full charge voltage, and battery temperature
Since the amount of charge is calculated based on the initial charging voltage, accurate
The charge amount can be calculated.

Further, the charging device of the storage battery according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of storage batteries
Is an identification information setting means for setting readable identification information.
The charging information storage means includes the identification information setting means.
Has an identification information reading unit that reads the identification information set in
Based on the identification information read by the identification information reading means
It is characterized in that it is configured to store charging information .

In the invention according to claim 2, charging is performed.
When charging multiple sets of storage battery power supplies to the device,
The identification information provided on the storage battery power source is read by the identification information reading means.
By using this identification information,
Charging information such as the number of times of charging and total charging times
Storage that can be stored in the means and connected by a charging device
Recognizes the pond power source and automatically recharges it based on the charging information.
It is determined whether or not the fresh processing is performed.

Further, in the storage battery charger according to claim 3, in the invention according to claim 2, the identification information is
The number of digital switches must be set.
It is characterized by.

[0011] In the invention according to the claim 3, identification
Since the information is set with a digital switch, that setting is
Easy to use and can be set by the user
Therefore, it is possible to prevent duplicate identification information.
It

[0012] Furthermore, the charging device of the storage battery according to claim 4, in any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the charge
The charging information stored in the electronic information storage means must be at least the
It is characterized in that it is set to the number of times of charging after the rush and the total number of times of charging .

In the invention according to claim 4, the riff
Refresh processing is necessary from the number of times of charging after reshing
It is possible to determine when the battery is charged
The life of the storage battery power supply can be determined.

Furthermore, a storage battery charging apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the storage battery charging apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the charge amount calculating means includes a charge voltage detecting means for detecting a current charge voltage V, A storage battery temperature detecting means for detecting the storage battery temperature T, and the storage battery temperature based on the detected storage battery temperature T.
See the management table showing the relationship between T and the initial charging voltage V _NT.
The initial charging voltage V _NT is calculated according to the
Fine charge initial voltages V _NT deviations full previous charge voltage V _F and the charge
The value divided by the deviation of the initial voltage V _NT is multiplied by 100 and charged.
It is characterized in that it is configured to calculate the amount of electricity CH .

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to calculate an accurate charge amount that compensates for a change in the charge amount due to the temperature of the storage battery power source during charging of the storage power source in the charger body.

A storage battery charging apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the battery charger according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention .
The main body is a charging unit for displaying charging information in the charging information storage means.
It is characterized in that it is provided with electric information display means .

In the invention according to claim 6, charging is performed.
Information display means the number of charges after refreshing, the total number of charges
It will display charging information such as
The refresh time and storage battery power life easily.
You can refuse.

Further, a storage battery charging device according to a seventh aspect is the battery charger according to any one of the first to sixth aspects .
The main body always displays the charge amount of the charge amount calculation means,
The charge information in the charge information storage means is displayed with respect to the charge amount display.
It is characterized in that a display means for displaying an interrupt is provided .

In the invention according to claim 7, the electricity storage
By constantly displaying the charge amount while charging the pond power,
You can visually check the charging status.
Since the information can be displayed as an interrupt, one display means
Both the charge amount and the charge information can be displayed.

[0020]

[0021]

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention, which is an example in the case of identifying four storage battery power sources. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a power pack (battery) as a storage battery power source used as a power source of an electrically assisted bicycle, for example, and two switches constituting an identification information setting means for setting a unique identification code on its side surface. Is provided with a digital switch 2.

Here, as shown in FIG. 2, in the power pack 1, a plurality of nickel-cadmium storage batteries 5 are connected in series via a fuse 4 to a discharge side connector 3 for supplying electric power to a load. The positive electrode side end of 5 is connected to the charging side connector 8 connected to the charging device via the temperature fuse 6 and the fuse 7, the negative electrode side end is directly connected to the charging side connector 8, and the thermistor serving as the temperature detecting means. The charging side connector 8 is connected via 9 and the charging side connector 8 is connected via the digital switch 2.

When charging the power pack 1, the charging side connector 8 is connected to the charging device main body 11 via the connection cable 10.
Connector 31 of. This charging device body 11 is
As shown in FIG. 1, a refresh mode indicator 12 that lights up during a refresh process, a charge mode indicator 13 that lights up during a charge process, a power pack number mode, a charge count mode, a total charge count mode, and a charge amount mode are displayed on the surface. Indicators 14 to 17 that indicate that each indicator 14 is displayed
A notation area 1 in which the contents of the display items of ~ 17 are divided into five
8 and five selection indicators 1 for selecting the notation area 18
9 to 23, a display switching push button switch 24, a refresh push button switch 25, and a charging push button switch 26 are provided. Here, each of the indicators 12 to 23 is composed of a light emitting diode.

As shown in FIG. 2, the charging device main body 11 has an electrical structure in which the power supply lines 31a and 31c, which are the first and third terminals of the connector 31, have the charging voltage detection circuit 35 built therein. The charging voltage V connected to the charging circuit 32 and detected by the charging voltage detecting circuit 35 is input to the microcomputer 33, and the microcomputer 33 controls the charging and refreshing operations of the charging circuit 32.

This microcomputer 33 is an A / D
The converter has a built-in converter. The voltage of the thermistor 9 detected at the second terminal 31b of the connector 31 is input to the input terminal of the A / D converter, and the connector 31
The switch signals detected by the fourth and fifth terminals 31d and 31e of the above are input, and the switch signals of the display switching push button switch 24, the refresh push button switch 25, and the charging push button switch 26 are also input.

Further, the microcomputer 33 includes
A nonvolatile memory 34 is connected as an external storage device, and a charge mode indicator 13, a power pack number mode, a charge count mode, a total charge count mode, and a charge amount mode indicator 14 to 17 and a selection are provided on the output side. Display 19-
23 is connected.

Then, in the microcomputer 33,
When the charging side connector 8 of the power pack 1 is connected to the connector 31 via the power cable 9, the charging control process of FIG. 3 is started by detecting the charging current flowing in the power line.

The charge control process is first performed in step S1.
Identification set by the switches 2a and 2b of the power pack 1
Read the code, then go to step S2 to identify
The code stored in the non-volatile memory 34 based on the code.
Number of charges C_NAnd total charge count C _NTRead the number of times this charge
C_NIs a predetermined number of times M or more, and C_N<M
If it is, it is determined that the refresh process is not necessary.
Then, the process proceeds to step S3.

In this step S3, the charging mode indicator 13 is controlled to blink, and the timer is started before proceeding to step S4 to determine whether or not the switch signal from the refresh push button switch 24 is in the ON state. If it is in the off state, the process proceeds to step S5,
It is determined whether or not the timer has timed out. When the time has not expired, the process returns to step S4. When the time has expired, it is determined that there is no refresh request, the process proceeds to step S6, and the timer is reset. Control goes to step S7.

In step S7, the charging mode indicator 13 is driven to light up, and the number of times of charging C _N and the total number of times of charging C _NT are incremented, which are stored in the nonvolatile memory 34.
Stored in the memory in correspondence with the identification code, and then in step S
8, the charging process is performed, and then the process ends.

Here, in the charging process, when the battery temperature is within a predetermined range (for example, 10 ° C. to 40 ° C.), as shown in FIG. 6, comparison is performed for a predetermined time (for example, about 5 minutes) from the start of charging. The charging circuit 32 is controlled so as to be in the initial charging mode in which a relatively small current value is supplied to the power pack 1, and then the charging circuit 32 is controlled in the rapid charging mode in which the maximum charging current is supplied, and charging at this time is performed. When the voltage drops from the peak voltage by a predetermined voltage −ΔV, the charging circuit 3 enters the trickle charging mode for supplying an extremely small current.
Control 2

On the other hand, the determination result of step S2 is C _N ≧ M
If it is, it is determined that the memory effect has occurred, the process proceeds to step S9, the refresh mode indicator 12 is blinked, and the timer is started in the same manner as in step S3 described above, and then the process proceeds to step S10. To do.

In step S10, it is determined whether or not the charging push button switch 25 is in the on state. If it is in the off state, the process proceeds to step S11, and it is determined whether or not the timer started in step S9 has timed out. If the timer has not timed out, the process returns to step S10. If the timer has timed out, it is determined that there is no request to stop the refresh process and proceed to the charging process, and the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the timer is reset, the number of times of charging C _N is cleared to "0", and the refresh mode indicator 12 is driven to light, and then the process proceeds to step S13 to charge the storage battery 5 by the charging circuit 32. A refresh process for discharging is executed.

Next, in step S14, it is determined whether or not the charging voltage V has become equal to or lower than the discharge end voltage V _{E. If} V> V _E , the process returns to step S13 to continue the refresh process, and V When ≦ V _E , it is determined that the refresh processing has been completed and step S1
5, the refresh mode indicator 12 is turned off, and then the process proceeds to step S7.

If the result of determination in step S4 is that the refresh push-button switch 24 is in the on state, it is determined that there is a request for refresh processing before performing charge processing, and the process proceeds to step S16 to display the charge mode. After turning off the device 13, the process proceeds to step S12.

Further, when the result of the determination in step S10 is that the charge push button switch 25 is in the ON state, it is determined that there is a request for omitting the refresh process and performing only the charge process, and the process proceeds to step S15.

Further, the microcomputer 33 executes the charge amount display process shown in FIG. 4 as the timer interrupt process at every predetermined time (for example, 1 to 2 seconds) during the operation of the charge routine of step S8.

The charge amount detecting process is first performed in step S.
At 21, the charge amount detection process is executed. In this charge amount detection process, as shown in FIG. 5, first, at step S21a, the charge voltage V from the charge voltage detection circuit 35 is read, then at step S21b, the storage battery temperature T detected by the thermistor 9 is read. Then, the process proceeds to step S21c.

In step S21c, the storage battery temperature T
The initial charging voltage V _NT is calculated by referring to the management table showing the relationship between the storage battery temperature T and the initial charging voltage V _NT, which is stored in the memory in advance, and then the process proceeds to step S21d. After the full-charge voltage V _F at the time of the previous charge stored in is read, the process proceeds to step S21e.

In step S21e, the charging voltage V,
Based on the initial charging voltage V _NT and the previous full-charging voltage V _F , the following formula (1) is calculated to calculate the charging amount CH (%), and then the charging voltage detection process is terminated and the charging amount shown in FIG. The process moves to step S22 in the display process.

[0045] _{CH = {(V-V N} T) / (V F -V NT)} × 100 ............ (1) Returning to FIG. 4, in step S22, the elapsed time t from the start of charging It is determined whether or not a preset time t ₀ sufficient to shift from the preset initial charging mode to the quick charging mode is exceeded. If t ≦ t ₀ , it is determined that initial trickle charging is being performed, and the process proceeds to step S23. After the transition, the display for selection 19 to 23 is maintained in the off state, the timer interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the main program of FIG.
When it is t ₀ , it is determined that the initial charge mode has been changed to the quick charge mode and subsequent modes, and step S
Move to 24.

Here, for the set time t ₀ , the charge control of the nickel-cadmium storage battery adopts the −ΔV charge control method, and as shown in FIG. 6, a predetermined time (for example, about 5 minutes) from the start of charge. Is an initial trickle charge mode that suppresses the charging current to prevent the swing phenomenon of the charging voltage that occurs at the beginning of charging, and after this predetermined time elapses, it shifts to the quick charging mode that supplies the maximum charging current and full-scale charging is started. Since it is started, it is set to the time at which the quick charge mode is surely entered.

In step S24, it is determined whether or not the charging mode is the rapid charging mode. When the charging mode is in the rapid charging mode, the process proceeds to step S25, and the charging amount CH calculated in the charging amount detecting process in step S21 is 20 or more, for example. If CH <20, the process proceeds to step S23, and if CH ≧ 20, step S23.
Move to 26.

In step S26, it is determined whether or not the charge amount CH is, for example, 40 or more. If CH <40, the process proceeds to step S27, and the selection display device 19 indicating that the charge amount is 20% is displayed. After turning on, the timer interrupt process is terminated and the main program shown in FIG. 3 is restored.
When H ≧ 40, the process proceeds to step S28.

In step S28, it is determined whether or not the charge amount CH is, for example, 60 or more. If CH <60, the process proceeds to step S29, and the selection display 20 indicating that the charge amount is 40% is displayed. After turning on the light, terminate the timer interrupt process and return to the main program in FIG.
When ≧ 60, the process proceeds to step S30.

In step S30, it is determined whether or not the charge amount CH is, for example, 80 or more. If CH <80, the process proceeds to step S31, and the selection display 21 indicates that the charge amount is 60%. After turning on, the timer interrupt process is terminated and the main program shown in FIG. 3 is restored.
When H ≧ 80, the process proceeds to step S32, the selection indicator 22 indicating that the charge amount is 80% is turned on, the timer interrupt process is ended, and the process returns to the charge control process of FIG.

On the other hand, when the result of determination in step S24 is not the quick charge mode, the process proceeds to step S33. In this step S33, since the charging end signal to the microcomputer 33 is input at the completion of the rapid charging in the charging circuit 32 of FIG. 2, it is determined by this signal whether or not the rapid charging mode is ended, and the rapid charging is performed. When the mode is not finished, it is determined that the storage battery temperature T is outside the preset temperature range (for example, 10 ° C. to 40 ° C.) and the quick charge mode is temporarily changed to the trickle charge mode. When the process proceeds to step S25 and the quick charge mode is terminated, the process proceeds to step S34, the selection indicator 23 showing the charge amount of 100% is turned on, then the process proceeds to step S35, and the full charge voltage V at that time is reached. _F
Is stored in the non-volatile memory 34 in association with the identification code, the timer interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the charge control process of FIG.

Instead of the previous full-charge voltage V _F , the full-charge voltage V _FT of 1.5 hours at the temperature T in the approximated characteristic of the alternate long and short dash line shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the memory in advance and the same as the initial voltage V _NT. The charge amount CH may be calculated by referring to the management table.

Further, the microcomputer 33, when the display changeover switch 24 is pressed to turn it on,
The display switching process shown in FIG. 7 is executed. In the display switching process, first, in step S41, the charging process of FIG. 3 described above is interrupted, and at the same time, the battery number mode indicator 14, the charging number mode indicator 15, the total charging number mode indicator 16, indicating the display mode, The charge amount mode display unit 17 and the selection display units 17 to 23 are turned off, and then the process proceeds to step S42 to determine whether the previous display mode was the battery number mode, the charging number mode, or the total charging number mode. If it is the battery number mode, step S
43, the charging number mode is set, then the process proceeds to step S44, the charging number indicator 15 is turned on, then the process proceeds to step S45, and the storage table of the nonvolatile memory 34 based on the identification code. , The number of times of charging C _N is read, it is determined which of the three, six, nine, twelve, and fifteenth region this corresponds to, and the selection indicators 19 to 23 corresponding to the determination result. Is turned on and then the process proceeds to step S46.

In step S46, the process waits for a predetermined time (for example, about 1 second), and then the process proceeds to step S47.
It is determined whether or not the display changeover pushbutton switch 24 is pressed. If it is pressed, the process returns to step S41, and if it is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S48.

In step S48, the lit indicators 14 to 16 and the selection indicators 17 to 23 are extinguished, and then the routine proceeds to the charge amount display routine of FIG. 4 to end the display switching process.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S42 is that the previous display mode is the charge count mode, step S42 is performed.
48, the total charge number mode is set, and then the process proceeds to step S49 to display the total charge number mode indicator 16
Is turned on, then the process proceeds to step S50, the total charge number C _NT is read by referring to the storage table of the non-volatile memory 34 based on the identification code.
Selection display 1 according to the result of the judgment, which of 300 times, 400 times and 500 times the area corresponds to
After lighting 9 to 23, the process proceeds to step S46.

Further, when the result of determination in step S42 is that the previous display mode is the total charge number mode, the process proceeds to step S51 to set the battery number mode, and then proceeds to step S52 to turn on the battery number indicator 14. Then, the process proceeds to step S53, the battery number is determined based on the identification code, the corresponding selection indicators 17-22 are turned on, and then the process proceeds to step S46.

In the display mode, when the power switch of the charging device main body 11 is turned on and power is supplied to the microcomputer 33, for example, the battery number display mode is set by the initialization process.

In the processing of FIGS. 3 to 5 and 7,
The process of step S1 in FIG. 3 corresponds to the identification information reading unit, the processes of steps S2 to S15 correspond to the charge control unit, and the processes of FIGS. 3 and 4 correspond to the charge amount calculating unit, of which FIG. 5 corresponds to the full-charge voltage storage means, the processing of step S21a of FIG. 5 and the charging voltage detection circuit 35 of the charging circuit 32 correspond to the charging voltage detection means, and the processing of step S21b and the thermistor 9
Corresponds to the storage battery temperature detecting means, the processing of step S21c corresponds to the initial charging voltage calculating means, and the processing of FIG. 7 corresponds to the display switching means.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.
Now, assuming that the power pack 1 is not connected to the main body 11 of the charging device, the charging current of the charging circuit 32 is "0", so the microcomputer 33 does not execute the charging control process of FIG. The indicators 12 to 23 are turned off.

From this state, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, the power pack 1 in which the switches 2a and 2b of the digital switch 2 are set to the off state and the on state, respectively, is connected to the charging device main body 11 via the connection cable 10. When the connection is made, the charging current flows thereby, and the charging control process of FIG. 3 is started.

At this time, if it is assumed that the connected power pack 1 is newly charged for the first time, it is recognized from the identification code that the battery number is 1, and the nonvolatile memory 3
Since the number of times of charging C _N and the total number of times of charging C _NT corresponding to the battery number “1” stored in No. 4 are both “0” indicating the initial state and less than the set number of times M,
When it is determined that the refresh process is not necessary, the charge indicator 13 blinks (step S3). When the charge indicator 13 blinks for a predetermined time set by a timer and the refresh push button switch 25 is not pressed to turn on during this time, the number of chargings C _N and the total number of chargings C _NT are respectively incremented to “1”. Next (Step S
7), and then the charging process of the −ΔV charging control method by the charging circuit 32 is executed (step S8).

By executing the charge amount calculation process of FIG. 4 during this charge process, first, in the charge amount calculation process of FIG. 5, the storage table is referred to based on the current charge voltage V and the storage battery temperature T. The charging initial voltage V _NT calculated by the above and the previous full charge voltage V _F (in this case, since the power pack 1 is the first charge, the full charge voltage of the storage battery specification is set as an initial value) Based on the above, the above equation (1) is calculated to calculate the charge amount CH (%).

At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the charging characteristic of the nickel-cadmium storage battery has a characteristic that the voltage increase amount is relatively large at the initial stage of charging and then linearly increases, and then sharply increases at the end of the last train and then drops. In addition, the charging voltage is higher at 10 ° C. than when the storage battery temperature is 40 ° C.

Therefore, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 8, the characteristic line using temperature as a parameter is an approximate straight line, and the charging time is "0", that is, the initial charging voltage V _NT is stored in the storage table in correspondence with the storage battery temperature. The temperature-compensated accurate charge amount CH is obtained by calculating the charge amount CH (%) by performing the calculation of the formula (1) based on the charge initial voltage V _NT corresponding to the storage battery temperature T. Can be calculated.

Moreover, in the charge amount display processing of FIG.
Since the charge amount CH is displayed after the initial charge state in which the charge voltage increase amount is relatively large and the charge state is stable, a more accurate charge amount display can be performed.

Each time the charging progresses in this way, first, the charge amount mode indicator 17 indicating the charge amount is turned on, and thereafter, the selective indicators 18 to 23 are turned on sequentially,
The user can visually check the charging status at a glance.

When the user wants to confirm the battery number, the number of times of charging C _N , and the total number of times of charging C _NT during this charging, the display changeover push button switch 24 is pressed to turn it on, as shown in FIG. When the display switching process is executed and the previous setting mode is the battery number mode, the charging number mode is set and the charging number indicator 15 is turned on, and the selection indicator 17 according to the charging number C _N is set.
After any one of to 23 is turned on for a predetermined time, the display returns to the charge amount display state.

When the total number of times of charging C _NT and the battery number are confirmed, the display changeover pushbutton switch 24 is pressed again to turn it on, whereby the display modes can be sequentially changed.

After that, when the charging is completed, the selection indicator 23 indicating that the charging amount is 100% is turned on in the charging amount display process of FIG. 4, whereby the end of charging can be visually recognized.

On the other hand, when the power pack 1 is connected to the charging device main body 11 and the number of times of charging C _N of the corresponding identification code exceeds the predetermined number of times M, the charging control process of FIG. 3 is started. At this time, it is determined that the memory effect is occurring and the refresh process is necessary, and the refresh display 12 is blinked (step S9).

At this time, when the user does not have time and cannot wait for the time-consuming refresh process,
When the user presses the charge push button switch 26 to turn it on, the refresh mode indicator 12 is turned off (step S15), and the number of times of charging C _N and the total number of times of charging C _NT are incremented without performing refresh processing. After that, the charging process is performed (steps S7 and S8).

On the other hand, when the user has time, if the timer setting time elapses without pressing the charging push button switch 26, the number of times of charging C _N is cleared to "0" and the refresh mode display 12 Is turned on (step S12), and the charging circuit 32 causes the power pack 1
A refresh process for discharging the charging voltage of 1 to the discharge end voltage is executed, and when this is completed, the process shifts to the charging process described above.

Even when the charging number C _N is less than the predetermined number M and the charging process can be performed without requiring the refresh process, for example, when the charging number C _N is displayed by the display switching process. When the number of times is close to the predetermined number M and the user has a time margin, the refresh push button switch 25 is pressed during the predetermined time when the charge indicator 13 set by the timer is blinking at the start of charging. By pressing to turn it on, the process proceeds from step S4 to step S16 in the charging control process of FIG. 3, and the charging mode indicator 13 is turned off and then step S1.
As a result, the number of times of charge C _N can be cleared to "0" before the refresh process can be performed.

Further, by displaying the total number of times of charging C _NT by the display switching process, the life of the power pack 1 can be visually recognized, and the replacement timing of the power pack 1 can be accurately grasped.

As described above, in the above embodiment, the charge
When a plurality of power packs 1 are attached to the electric device body 11
Even if there is, the digital switch 2 provided on the power pack 1
By setting it so that it has a different identification code
The number of times the non-volatile memory 34 is charged for each identification code
C_N, Total charge count C_NT, Full charge voltage V_FIs remembered
Be sure to check the charge status of each power pack 1 according to these.
You can grasp and refresh process automatically
Can be done. When the power pack 1 is new
Is, for example, the refresh push button switch 25 and the display switching pushbutton.
While pressing both the button switch 24 and the power supply to the charger
The power pack 1 that was replaced with a new one by the operation such as turning on
Applicable charge count C based on the identification code _NAnd total charge times
Number C_NTUse a method such as clearing the value of to "0"
Yes.

In the above embodiment, the charge amount C
The case where H is calculated according to the equation (1) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the storage battery temperature T
A characteristic table that represents the relationship between the charging voltage and the charging amount is created for each, and the characteristic table is stored in the non-volatile memory 34, and the charging amount detection process is performed in step S as shown in FIG.
The current charging voltage V is read at 51, and then step S5
2 reads the current storage battery temperature T, then step S
53, the corresponding characteristic table is selected based on the storage battery temperature T, and the characteristic table selected based on the charging voltage V is referred to.
You may search for H and ask for it.

Also, in the above embodiment, the temperature detection signal of the thermistor 9 is converted into a digital value by the microcomputer 33, and the information is used for displaying the charge amount and at the same time output to the charging circuit 32. Although the case has been described, if the charging circuit 32 having a built-in A / D converter is used, the signal of the thermistor 9 is directly input to the charging circuit 32, and the charging circuit 32 converts the signal into a digital value, which is then transferred to the microcomputer 33. You may make it output.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the non-volatile memory 34 is provided on the charging device main body 11 side has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and another storage device such as a hard disk may be applied. it can.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the power pack 1 is connected to the charging device main body 1 via the connection cable 10.
Although the case where the charging side connector 8 is connected to the charging device body 11 is not limited to this, the charging side connector 8 may be directly connected to the connector 31 of the charging device main body 11.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the charge amount CH, the charge number C _N and the total charge number C _NT are displayed as values in a predetermined range has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 10, a numerical display 40 such as a liquid crystal display can be applied, and in this case, the charge amount CH, the number of times of charging C _N and the total number of times of charging C
_NT can be displayed as a numeric value as it is, and the charging status can be visually recognized more accurately.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the display information such as the battery number, the charge amount CH, the number of times of charging C _N and the total number of times of charging C _NT is displayed by one display means has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, a display means for individually displaying each charging information may be provided.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the digital switch 2 is installed in the power pack 1 as the identification information setting means has been described. However, when the number of power packs to be charged by the charging device main body 11 is large, the number of the power packs is set. The switches 2a and 2b may be additionally installed according to the above, and instead of the switches 2a and 2b, a shift register having a required bit or a non-volatile memory may be applied to store the identification code.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment,
Switches 2a, 2b for setting the identification code on the source pack 1
Is provided, and the number of charging times C is provided on the charging device main body 11 side._N, Total charging times
Number C _NTWhen a storage means for storing charging information such as
I explained about this, but it is not limited to this.
As shown in FIG. 10, charging information storage means is provided on the power pack 1 side.
The memory 41 is provided as
The signal line corresponding to the
Connected to computer 33, this microcomputer 3
The charging information may be accessed at 3.

Here, as the memory 41, for example, a 16-bit shift register 42 composed of a C-MOSIC for stepping down the battery voltage V _B and supplying it as a power source is applied as shown in FIG. Shift register 42
By supplying the clock signal CK, the data signal SD and the input / output switching signal SL from the microcomputer 33, 6 bits out of 16 bits are set as the charging number C _N and the remaining 10 bits are set as the total charging number C _NT. Thus, the number of times of charging C _N and the total number of times of charging C _NT can be stored.

Furthermore, instead of the shift register 42, a serial input / output type 16-bit non-volatile memory 43 as shown in FIG. 12 can be applied. In this case, charging information is supplied from the charging device main body 11 side. The circuit power supply V _C is supplied when accessing and the clock signal C
K, data signal SD and read / write switching signal R / W
To supply 6-bit charge counts C _N and 10
It is possible to store the total number of charging times C _{NT of the} bit, and the power consumption for the power pack 1 for maintaining these stored states is unnecessary.

Further, instead of the shift register 42 and the non-volatile memory 43, a presettable down counter 44 as shown in FIG. 13 and an RS type which is set by the output signal SO when the count value becomes "0". By applying the flip-flop 45, the charging device body 1
A refresh request can be issued to the first side. That is, the clear signal SC is supplied to the presettable down counter 44 and the flip-flop 45 from the microcomputer 33 of the charging device main body 11 every time the refresh process is performed, so that the preset refresh process is performed by the presettable down counter 44. The set number M, which is a criterion for determining whether or not to perform, is preset as a count value, the flip-flop 45 is reset, and the refresh request signal RC output from the positive output terminal Q thereof has a logical value “0”. Becomes

In this state, one count pulse CP is input from the microcomputer 33 to the presettable down counter 44 every time the main body 11 of the charging device charges, and the count value is sequentially subtracted, and the count value is reduced. When it becomes "0", the output signal SO is output to the flip-flop 45, so that the flip-flop 45 enters the set state, and the refresh request signal RC output from the positive output terminal Q thereof becomes the logical value "1", By inputting this to the microcomputer 33, the charging circuit 32 performs the refresh process and then the charging process.

Further, in the above embodiment, the power pack 1 in which a plurality of nickel-cadmium storage batteries are connected in series is provided.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to the case of charging another storage battery such as a nickel-hydrogen storage battery. If the types are mixed,
The identification code indicating the type of storage battery and the identification code for identifying the same type of battery may be set, and the charging modes corresponding to the plurality of types of batteries may be individually set.

[0090]

As described above, according to the invention of claim 1, when charging a plurality of sets of storage battery power sources for the charging device, the charging control means stores the information in the charging information storage means.
Charge count from the refresh being憶 automatically while determining whether to perform the refresh process on the basis of the charging information such as the total number of charges, during charging, fast charging mode
Charge mode after switching to trickle charge mode.
The charging time of the pond power supply can be shortened, and at this time,
The current charge voltage, full charge voltage, storage
Calculate the charge amount based on the initial charging voltage based on the pond temperature
Therefore, it is possible to obtain an effect that an accurate charge amount can be calculated .

According to the invention of claim 2, charging is performed.
When charging multiple sets of storage battery power supplies to the device,
The identification information provided on the storage battery power source is read by the identification information reading means.
By using this identification information,
Charging information such as the number of times of charging and total charging times
Storage that can be stored in the means and connected by a charging device
Recognizes the pond power source and automatically recharges it based on the charging information.
It is possible to judge whether or not to perform the fresh processing,
It is only necessary to provide identification information setting means on the battery power source side.
Thus, the effect that the configuration can be simplified can be obtained.

Further, according to the invention of claim 3, identification
Since the separate information is set by the digital switch, the setting is
It is easy and can be set by the user.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent duplicate identification information.
The effect of being able to do is obtained.

Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 4, the refresh process is performed based on the number of times of charging after the refresh.
You can determine when it is needed and the total charge
The effect that the life of the storage battery power source can be determined from the number of times is obtained.

Further, according to the invention of claim 5, the temperature of the storage battery power supply is maintained during charging of the power storage power supply in the charger body.
It is possible to obtain the effect of being able to calculate an accurate charge amount that compensates for the change in charge amount depending on the degree .

According to the invention of claim 6, charging is performed.
Information display means the number of charges after refreshing, the total number of charges
It will display charging information such as
The refresh time and storage battery power life easily.
The effect of being able to turn it off is obtained.

Further, according to the invention of claim 7, the storage
When the battery power is being charged, the amount of charge is always displayed.
The charging status can be visually checked, and the charging status is
Since the telegram information can be displayed as an interrupt,
It is possible to obtain an effect that both the charge amount and the charge information can be displayed on the tier .

[0097]

[0098]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection relationship of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a charge control processing procedure of a microcomputer applicable to the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a charge amount display processing procedure of the microcomputer applicable to the embodiment of FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing an example of a charge amount detection process procedure of the charge amount display process procedure of FIG. 4. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a time chart showing a charge control state of a nickel-cadmium storage battery.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a display switching processing procedure of the microcomputer.

FIG. 8 is a characteristic diagram showing charge characteristics of a nickel-cadmium storage battery.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of a charge amount detection processing procedure.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a modified example of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a shift register applicable to FIG. 9;

12 is an explanatory diagram showing a nonvolatile memory applicable to FIG. 9. FIG.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a presettable down counter applicable to FIG. 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

1 power pack (battery power supply) 2 Digital switch (identification information setting means) 9 Thermistor (storage battery temperature detection means) 10 connection cable 11 Charging device body 14 Battery number mode indicator 15 Charge mode display 16 Total charge count mode indicator 17 Charge mode display 19-23 Selective display 24 Display changeover switch 25 Refresh push button switch 26 Charge push button switch 32 charging circuit 33 microcomputer 34 Non-volatile memory 35 Charge voltage detection circuit 41 memory 42 shift register 43 Non-volatile memory 44 presettable down counter 45 flip-flops

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Toshiyuki Iwasawa 3-10-1 Higashisanda, Tama-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Matsushita Giken Co., Ltd. (56) Reference Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-50355 (JP, A) Kaihei 8-64254 (JP, A) JP 7-176333 (JP, A) JP 5-260672 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H02J 7 / 00-7/12 H02J 7/34-7/36

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] In the charging apparatus to charge by 1. A connecting a plurality of sets of battery power individually to the charger body, the plurality of storage battery, comprising a charge information storage means for storing charging information, the The main body of the charger is a refresh determination unit that determines whether or not to perform a refresh based on the charge information in the charge information storage unit, and a storage battery for the storage battery when the determination result of the refresh determination unit indicates that a refresh is necessary. A charging control unit that performs a charging process after performing a refreshing process and then performs a charging process when refreshing is not necessary, and a charging state by the charging control unit is monitored.
And a charge amount calculation means for calculating the charge amount, and the charge amount calculation means
Display means for displaying the charge amount calculated by the means,
The charging control means sets the initial charging current for a predetermined time from the start of charging.
Is set to the initial charging mode and a predetermined time has elapsed
Switch to quick charge mode to supply quick charge current,
A predetermined voltage drop with respect to the peak voltage in the quick charge mode
Trickle charge mode that supplies a small current when the
The charging amount calculating means is configured to
A charging voltage detecting means for detecting the current charging voltage,
The voltage at the time of transition from charging mode to trickle charging mode is full.
Full charge voltage storage means for storing as a charge voltage, and a storage battery
Storage battery temperature detection means for detecting the temperature, and the storage battery temperature
Charge initial voltage calculation means for calculating charge initial voltage based on
And a current charging voltage of the charging voltage detecting means,
The previous full charge voltage of the full charge voltage storage means,
Calculates the charge amount based on the initial charging voltage of the term voltage calculation means
A charging device for a storage battery, which is configured to: 2. The storage batteries are readable identification information.
A charging information storage unit, which is provided with identification information setting means for setting
The storage means is the identification information set by the identification information setting means.
Having identification information reading means for reading
To store the charging information based on the identification information read by
The charging device for a storage battery according to claim 1, wherein the charging device is configured as follows . 3. The identification information is a required number of digital switches.
Claims that are set by the switch
Item 2. The storage battery charging device according to item 2. 4. The charging information stored in the charging information storage means.
Information is at least the number of times of charging after refreshing and total charging
4. The number of times is set to the number of times.
The battery charging device according to any one of 1. 5. The charge amount calculation means includes a charge voltage detection means for detecting a current charge voltage V and a storage battery temperature detection means for detecting a storage battery temperature T, and the detected storage battery temperature.
Based on T , the relationship between the storage battery temperature T and the initial charging voltage V _NT
Calculate initial charging voltage V _NT by referring to the management table
The deviation of the current charging voltage V and the initial charging voltage V _NT
Divided by the deviation of the full charge voltage V _F and the initial charge voltage V _NT
Charging apparatus of the rechargeable battery that either the <br/> of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that by multiplying by 100 the value is configured to calculate the amount of charge CH. 6. The charger main body is the charging information storage hand.
The storage battery charging device according to claim 1, further comprising a charging information display unit that displays the charging information of the stages . 7. The charger main body comprises the charge amount calculation means.
Always displays the charge amount of the
Equipped with display means for displaying the charging information of the information storage means in an interrupted manner
Charging device of the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that is.