Patent ID: 12218538

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

As shown inFIG.1, there is provided a system1in the first embodiment. The system1includes a battery pack2, a battery holder3, a heated jacket (or heat insulated jacket)4, and a fan jacket5.

The battery pack2is detachably attached to various battery-operated electric work machines. The battery pack2supplies a power-supply voltage to a driving source (for example, a motor) of a battery-operated electric work machine attached to the battery pack2.

The battery holder3is detachably attached to the battery pack2. The battery holder3is selectively connected to the heated jacket4or the fan jacket5. The battery holder3(i) receives a battery voltage VB from the battery pack2and (ii) outputs operating voltages required for the heated jacket4and the fan jacket5.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the battery holder3includes a holder main body11. The holder main body11has a component(s) of the battery holder3accommodated therein. The holder main body11includes a not-shown surface provided with a not-shown pair of grooves thereto. The battery pack2is attached to the battery holder3upon (i) the pair of grooves being engaged with a not-shown pair of guiding rails provided to the battery pack2and (ii) the battery pack2being moved along an extending direction of the pair of guiding rails.

The battery holder3includes a belt clip12. In general, a wearer wears a belt on the waist. The battery holder3is attached to this belt with the belt threaded through a space between the belt clip12and the holder main body11.

The battery holder3includes a direct-current (DC) connector13. The DC connector13is connected to the heated jacket4or the fan jacket5, The DC connector13of the first embodiment is in the form of a receptacle (or female connector) including a recess13d. In another embodiment, the DC connector13may be of various forms different from that of the receptacle. In still another embodiment, the DC connector13may be of the form conforming to the Universal Serial Bus standards.

As shown inFIG.3, the battery pack2includes a battery21. The battery21outputs the battery voltage VB. The battery21of the first embodiment includes two or more rechargeable batteries connected in series. In another embodiment, the battery21may include a single rechargeable battery. Alternatively, in still another embodiment, the battery21may include one or more non-rechargeable batteries in place of or in addition to one or more rechargeable batteries. The battery pack2includes a positive terminal22connected to a positive electrode of the battery21. The battery pack2includes a negative terminal23connected to a negative electrode of the battery21.

The DC connector13provided to the battery holder3includes a first connection terminal13a, a second connection terminal13b, and a third connection terminal13c.

The battery holder3includes a control circuit31. The control circuit31of the first embodiment is in the form of a microcomputer including a CPU31a, a ROM31b, and a RAM31c. Various functions of the control circuit31are performed when the CPU31aexecutes a program stored in a non-transitory tangible storage medium. In the first embodiment, the ROM31bcorresponds to the non-transitory tangible storage medium storing the program. By the CPU31aexecuting this program, a method(s) corresponding to the program is/are carried out. Some of or the entirety of the various functions performed by the CPU31amay be achieved by hardware (or a hard-wired circuit(s)). In another embodiment, the control circuit31may be in the form of a logic circuit including two or more electronic components. In this case, the control circuit31may include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and/or an Application Specific Standard Product (ASSP). Alternatively, the control circuit31may include a programmable logic device that can configure any logic circuit(s). Examples of such a programmable logic device include a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The battery holder3may include two or more microcomputers in place of or in addition to the control circuit31.

The battery holder3includes a positive terminal32configured to be connected to the positive terminal22of the battery pack2. The battery holder3includes a negative terminal33configured to be connected to the negative terminal23of the battery pack2.

The battery holder3includes a Direct-Current to Direct-Current (DC-to-DC) converter34. The DC-to-DC converter34includes a voltage input terminal34aconnected to the positive terminal32. The voltage input terminal34areceives the battery voltage VB from the battery pack2. In accordance with a command from the control circuit31, the DC-to-DC converter34steps down the battery voltage VB and generates the above-described operating voltages. The DC-to-DC converter34includes a voltage output terminal34bconnected to the first connection terminal13aof the DC connector13. The DC-to-DC converter34outputs the operating voltages from the voltage output terminal34b.

The battery holder3includes a manual switch35. The manual switch35of the first embodiment is in the form of a tactile switch that turns ON only while the manual switch35is pressed. In another embodiment, the manual switch35may be of various forms different from the tactile switch. The manual switch35of the first embodiment is manually operated in first and second methods. The first method is a long press. The long press is a manual operation to press and hold the manual switch35for a given length of time (for example, two seconds) or longer. The second method is a short press. The short press is a manual operation to press and hold the manual switch35for a length of time shorter than the given length of time.

The battery holder3includes a display36. The display36includes first through fourth indicators36athrough36d. The first through fourth indicators36athrough36dof the first embodiment are configured to selectively light up in red or green. Each of the first through fourth indicators36athrough36dof the first embodiment includes a red light emitting diode (LED) and a green LED. In another embodiment, each of the first through fourth indicators36athrough36dmay include a light source different from the LED. Furthermore, each of the first through fourth indicators36athrough36dmay be configured to selectively light up in colors different from red and green.

The battery holder3includes an overload protection circuit37. The overload protection circuit37is provided on a ground line40between the third connection terminal13cof the DC connector13and the negative terminal33. The overload protection circuit37forcibly stops discharge of the battery21when a value of a current discharged from the battery21exceeds a preset overload threshold.

The battery holder3includes an over-discharge protection circuit38. The over-discharge protection circuit38is connected to the voltage input terminal34aof the DC-to-DC converter34and to the ground line40so as to be connected in parallel with the battery21. The over-discharge protection circuit38forcibly stops discharge of the battery21when a value of the battery voltage VB is less than a preset over-discharge threshold.

The battery holder3includes a resistor39. The resistor39includes a first end to apply the battery voltage VB. The resistor39includes a second end connected to the second connection terminal13bof the DC connector13and to the control circuit31.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the heated jacket4of the first embodiment is in the form of an upper garment to cover a body (or an upper body) and arms of the wearer. The heated jacket4includes a body part41to cover the body of the wearer. The body part41includes a right-front body part41ato cover a right side of the front of the body of the wearer. The body part41includes a left-front body part41bto cover a left side of the front of the body of the wearer. The body part41includes a fastener44configured to removably couple the left-front body part41bto the right-front body part41a. The fastener44of the first embodiment is in the form of a slide fastener. In another embodiment, the fastener44may be of various forms different from the slide fastener. The heated jacket4includes a right sleeve42to cover the right arm of the wearer. The heated jacket4includes a left sleeve43to cover the left arm of the wearer.

The heated jacket4includes a manual switch45. The manual switch45is attached to an upper part of the left-front body part41b. The manual switch45of the first embodiment is in the form of a tactile switch that turns ON only while the manual switch45is pressed. In another embodiment, the manual switch45may be of various forms different from the tactile switch. The manual switch45of the first embodiment is manually operated in the above described first and second methods.

The body part41includes a battery pocket46to accommodate the battery pack2and the battery holder3therein. The battery pocket46includes an opening46athat is opened or closed with a fastener47. The fastener47of the first embodiment is in the form of a slide fastener. In another embodiment, the fastener47may be of various forms different from the slide fastener.

As shown inFIG.5, the body part41includes first through third heat generators51through53, first through third positive side electric wires54through56, first through third negative side electric wires57through59, a power-supply line60, and a ground line61.

In the first embodiment, the first heat generator51is provided between an outer fabric and a lining fabric of the right-front body part41a. In another embodiment, the first heat generator51may be provided to a position different from the position between the outer fabric and the lining fabric of the right-front body part41a. The first heat generator51includes a heat generating part51a, a positive side connection point51b, a negative side connection point51c, a positive side thermostat51d, and a negative side thermostat51e.

The heat generating part51aincludes a linear carbon fiber. The carbon fiber is curved in a sinuous form at multiple locations. The heat generating part51aincludes a first end attached to the positive side connection point51b. The heat generating part51aincludes a second end attached to the negative side connection point51c.

The first positive side electric wire54includes a first end connected to the positive side connection point51b. The first positive side electric wire54includes a second end connected to the power-supply line60. The first positive side electric wire54is bent so as to pass through an area near the positive side connection point Sib and an area near the negative side connection point51c.

The positive side thermostat51dis provided to the first positive side electric wire54near the positive side connection point51b. The negative side thermostat51eis provided to the first positive side electric wire54near the negative side connection point51c. Each of the positive side thermostat51dand the negative side thermostat51eis a switch to interrupt electrical conduction to the heat generating part51aupon a temperature of each thermostat exceeding a specified upper limit temperature. The positive side thermostat51dand the negative side thermostat51eare electrically connected in series to the heat generating part51a.

The first negative side electric wire57includes a first end connected to the negative side connection point51c. The first negative side electric wire57includes a second end connected to the ground line61.

In the first embodiment, the second heat generator52is provided between an outer fabric and a lining fabric of the left-front body part41b. In another embodiment, the second heat generator52may be provided to a position different from the position between the outer fabric and the lining fabric of the left-front body part41a. The second heat generator52includes a heat generating part52a, a positive side connection point52b, a negative side connection point52c, a positive side thermostat52d, and a negative side thermostat52e.

The heat generating part52aincludes a linear carbon fiber. The carbon fiber is curved in a sinuous form at multiple locations. The heat generating part52aincludes a first end attached to the positive side connection point52b. The heat generating part52aincludes a second end attached to the negative side connection point52c.

The second positive side electric wire55includes a first end connected to the positive side connection point52b. The second positive side electric wire55includes a second end connected to the power-supply line60. The second positive side electric wire55is bent so as to pass through an area near the positive side connection point52band an area near the negative side connection point52c.

The positive side thermostat52dis provided to the second positive side electric wire55near the positive side connection point52b. The negative side thermostat52eis provided to the second positive side electric wire55near the negative side connection point52c.

The second negative side electric wire58includes a first end connected to the negative side connection point52c. The second negative side electric wire58includes a second end connected to the ground line61.

In the first embodiment, the third heat generator53is provided between an outer fabric and a lining fabric of a not-shown rear body part of the body part41. In another embodiment, the third heat generator53may be provided to a position different from the position between the outer fabric and the lining fabric of the rear body part. The third heat generator53includes a heat generating part53a, a positive side connection point53b, a negative side connection point53c, a positive side thermostat53d, and a negative side thermostat53e.

The heat generating part53aincludes a linear carbon fiber. The carbon fiber is curved in a sinuous form at multiple locations. The heat generating part53aincludes a first end attached to the positive side connection point53b. The heat generating part53aincludes a second end attached to the negative side connection point53c.

The third positive side electric wire56includes a first end connected to the positive side connection point53b. The third positive side electric wire56includes a second end connected to the power-supply line60. The third positive side electric wire56is bent so as to pass through an area near the positive side connection point53band an area near the negative side connection point53c.

The positive side thermostat53dis provided to the third positive side electric wire56near the positive side connection point53b. The negative side thermostat53eis provided to the third positive side electric wire56near the negative side connection point53c.

The third negative side electric wire59includes a first end connected to the negative side connection point53c, The third negative side electric wire59includes a second end connected to the ground line61.

The body part41includes a controller62. The controller62includes a control circuit71, The control circuit71of the first embodiment is in the form of a microcomputer including a CPU71a, a ROM71b, and a RAM71c. Various functions of the control circuit71are performed when the CPU71aexecutes a program stored in a non-transitory tangible storage medium. In the first embodiment, the ROM71bcorresponds to the non-transitory tangible storage medium storing such a program. By the CPU71aexecuting this program, a method(s) corresponding to the program is/are carried out. Some or all of the functions performed by the CPU71amay be achieved by hardware (or a hard-wired circuit(s)). In another embodiment, the control circuit71may be in the form of a logic circuit(s) including two or more electrical components. In this case, the control circuit71may include an ASIC and/or an ASSP. Alternatively, the control circuit71may include a programmable logic device that can configure any logic circuit(s). Examples of such a programmable logic device include a FPGA. The controller62may include two or more microcomputers in place of or in addition to the control circuit71.

The controller62includes a switch device72on the power-supply line60. The switch device72is switched between an ON-state and an OFF-state in accordance with a command from the control circuit71. In the ON-state, the switch device72completes the power-supply line60. In the OFF-state, the switch device72interrupts the power-supply line60. The switch device72of the first embodiment is in the form of a semiconductor switch. Examples of the semiconductor switch include a field-effect transistor (FET), a bipolar transistor, an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), and a solid state relay. In another embodiment, the switch device72may be in the form of a mechanical relay.

The controller62includes a display74. The display74includes an indicator74a. The indicator74aof the first embodiment is configured to selectively light up in red, white, or blue. Specifically, the indicator74aof the first embodiment includes a red LED, a white LED, and a blue LED. In another embodiment, the indicator74amay include a light source different from the LED. In another embodiment, the indicator74amay be configured to selectively light up in colors different from red, white, and blue.

The controller62includes an overload protection circuit75on the ground line61. The overload protection circuit75forcibly stops electrical conduction to the first through third heat generators51through53when a first condition is fulfilled. The first condition is fulfilled when a value of a current flowing through the ground line61exceeds a preset overload threshold.

The body part41includes a plug63. The plug63includes a first connection terminal63aconnected to the power-supply line60. The plug63includes a resistor63d. The plug63includes a second connection terminal63bconnected to a first end of the resistor63d. The plug63includes a third connection terminal63cdirectly connected to the ground line61not through the resistor63d. The resistor63dincludes a second end connected to the ground line61.

The resistor63dhas a resistance value corresponding to (or associated with) a model (or type) of the heated jacket4. In the first embodiment, the heated jacket4has a first model and a second model. Hereinafter, the heated jacket4of the first model is referred to as a first heated jacket, and the heated jacket4of the second model is referred to as a second heated jacket.

The body part41includes a cord64attached thereto. The cord64covers the power-supply line60and the ground line61between the controller62and the plug63.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the plug63includes an insertion portion63eprotruding so as to be inserted into the recess13dof the DC connector13. The first through third connection terminals63athrough63cof the plug63are provided inside the insertion portion63e.

The cord64, which is placed inside the battery pocket46, can be drawn out thereof through the opening46a.

The heated jacket4is configured such that the electrical conduction to the first through third heat generators51through53start in response to the long press of the manual switch45being performed. Subsequently, the electrical conduction to the first through third heat generators51through53stops in response to the long press of the manual switch45being performed again.

The heated jacket4is configured to switch operation modes of the heated jacket4. In the first embodiment, the operation modes can be switched between “a high temperature setting”, “a medium temperature setting” and “a low temperature setting”. The operation modes are switched to the high temperature setting immediately after the electrical conduction to the first through third heat generators51through53starts. Subsequently, every time the short press of the manual switch45is performed, the operation modes are sequentially switched to the high temperature setting, the medium temperature setting, and the low temperature setting in this order.

In the first embodiment, upon the operation modes being switched to the high temperature setting, the indicator74aof the display74lights up in red. Upon the operation modes being switched to the medium temperature setting, the indicator74alights up in white. Upon the operation modes being switched to the low temperature setting, the indicator74alights up in blue.

The control circuit71outputs a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal to the switch device72. The PWM signal has a first duty ratio for the high temperature setting, a second duty ratio for the medium temperature setting, and a third duty ratio for the low temperature setting. In the first embodiment, the first duty ratio is the largest. The second duty ratio is the second largest. The third duty ratio is the smallest. Thus, the heated jacket4generates the largest heat in the high temperature setting and the smallest heat in the low temperature setting.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the fan jacket5of the first embodiment is in the form of an upper garment to cover a body and arms of a wearer. The fan jacket5includes a body part81to cover the body of the wearer. The body part81includes a right-front body part81ato cover a right side of the front of the body of the wearer. The body part81includes a left-front body part81bto cover a left side of the front of the body of the wearer. The body part81includes two or more buttons84to couple the left-front body part81bto the right-front body part81a, or decouple the left-front body part81bfrom the right-front body part81a.

The body part81is provided with a battery pocket85to accommodate the battery pack2and the battery holder3therein. The fan jacket5includes a right sleeve82to cover the right arm of the wearer. The fan jacket5includes a left sleeve83to cover the left arm of the wearer.

As shown inFIG.7, the body part81includes first and second blowers91,92, first and second positive side electric wires93,94, first and second negative side electric wires95,96, a power-supply line97, and a ground line98.

The first blower91includes a first direct-current (DC) motor91aand a first fan91c. The first fan91crotates about a first rotation shaft91bwith a driving force of the first DC motor91a. The second blower92includes a second DC motor92aand a second fan92c, The second fan92crotates about a second rotation shaft92bwith a driving force of the second DC motor92a. In the first embodiment, the first and second blowers91,92are attached to a not-shown rear body part of the body part81. In another embodiment, the first blower91and/or the second blower92may be attached to a position different from the rear body part.

The first positive side electric wire93includes a first end connected to a positive terminal of the first DC motor91a. The first positive side electric wire93includes a second end connected to the power-supply line97. The second positive side electric wire94includes a first end connected to a positive terminal of the second DC motor92a. The second positive side electric wire94includes a second end connected to the power-supply line97.

The first negative side electric wire95includes a first end connected to a negative terminal of the first DC motor91a. The first negative side electric wire95includes a second end connected to the ground line98. The second negative side electric wire96includes a first end connected to a negative terminal of the second DC motor92a. The second negative side electric wire96includes a second end connected to the ground line98.

The body part81includes a plug99. The plug99includes a first connection terminal99aconnected to the power-supply line97. The plug99includes a resistor99d. The plug99includes a second connection terminal99bconnected to a first end of the resistor99d. The plug99includes a third connection terminal99cdirectly connected to the ground line98not through the resistor99d. The resistor99dincludes a second end connected to the ground line98.

The resistor99dhas a resistance value corresponding to (or associated with) a model (or type) of the fan jacket5. In the first embodiment, the fan jacket5has first through fourth models. Hereinafter, the fan jacket5of the first model is referred to as a first fan jacket; the fan jacket5of the second model is referred to as a second fan jacket; the fan jacket5of the third model is referred to as a third fan jacket; and the fan jacket5of the fourth model is referred to as a fourth fan jacket.

The body part81includes a cord100attached thereto. The cord100covers the power-supply line97and the ground line98.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the plug99includes an insertion portion99eprotruding so as to be inserted into the recess13dof the DC connector13. The first through third connection terminals99athrough99cof the plug99are provided inside the insertion portion99e.

The cord100, which is placed inside the battery pocket85, can be drawn out thereof through an opening85a.

Referring toFIGS.8to12, a description is given to a procedure of a voltage control process (or a power source control process) executed by the CPU31aof the control circuit31. The voltage control process is started after the control circuit31activates upon receipt of the battery voltage VB.

Upon the voltage control process being executed, the CPU31adetermines whether an electric appliance (or external unit) is connected to the battery holder3in S10. Specifically, the CPU31adetermines whether a voltage of the second connection terminal13bof the DC connector13is less than a preset connection threshold. If the voltage of the second connection terminal13bis less than the connection threshold, then the CPU31adetermines that the electric appliance is connected to the battery holder3(S10: YES). If the voltage of the second connection terminal13bis equal to or higher than the connection threshold, then the CPU31adetermines that the electric appliance is not connected to the battery holder3(S10: NO), The electric appliance receives an operating voltage from the battery holder3. In the first embodiment, the heated jacket4and the fan jacket5correspond to the electric appliance.

If the electric appliance is not connected to the battery holder3(S10: NO), then the CPU31arepeatedly executes the process of S10, to thereby wait until the electric appliance is connected to the battery holder3. Upon the electric appliance being connected to the battery holder3(S10: YES), the CPU31aproceeds to S20to identify the electric appliance connected (hereinafter, referred to as “connected appliance”) based on the voltage of the second connection terminal13b. That is, the CPU31adetermines whether the connected appliance is the first heated jacket, the second heated jacket, the first fan jacket, the second fan jacket, the third fan jacket, or the fourth fan jacket.

In S30, the CPU31adetermines whether the connected appliance is the first heated jacket. If the connected appliance is the first heated jacket (S30: YES), then the CPU31asets the magnitude of the operating voltage to a first voltage value V1(for example, 10.8 V) in S40. Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter34outputs the operating voltage having the first voltage value V1.

In S50, the CPU31ailluminates the fourth indicator36din green and proceeds to S40.

In S30, if the connected appliance is not the first heated jacket (S30: NO), then the CPU31aproceeds to S60. In S60, the CPU31adetermines whether the connected appliance is the second heated jacket. If the connected appliance is the second heated jacket (S60: YES), then the CPU31asets the magnitude of the operating voltage to a second voltage value V2(for example, 12 V) in S70. Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter34outputs the operating voltage having the second voltage value V2.

In S80, the CPU31ailluminates the fourth indicator36din green and thereafter proceeds to S70.

In S60, if the connected appliance is not the second heated jacket (S60: NO), then the CPU31adetermines whether the connected appliance is the first fan jacket in S90. If the connected appliance is the first fan jacket (S90: YES), then the CPU31asets the magnitude of the operating voltage to a third voltage value V3(for example, 10.8 V) in S100. Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter34outputs the operating voltage having the third voltage value V3.

In S110, the CPU31ailluminates the first through fourth indicators36athrough36din red.

In S120, the CPU31adetermines whether the short press of the manual switch35has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch35has not been performed (S120: NO), then the CPU31aproceeds to S100, If the short press of the manual switch35has been performed (S120: YES), then the CPU31asets the magnitude of the operating voltage to a fourth voltage value V4(for example, 8.7 V) in S130. Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter34outputs the operating voltage having the fourth voltage value V4.

In S140, the CPU31ailluminates the first through third indicators36athrough36cin red.

In S150, the CPU31adetermines whether the short press of the manual switch35has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch35has not been performed (S150: NO), then the CPU31aproceeds to S130. If the short press of the manual switch35has been performed (S150: YES), then the CPU31asets the magnitude of the operating voltage to a fifth voltage value V5(for example, 6.6 V) in S160. Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter34outputs the operating voltage having the fifth voltage value V5.

In S170, the CPU31ailluminates the first and second indicators36a,36bin red.

In S180, the CPU31adetermines whether the short press of the manual switch35has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch35has not been performed (S180: NO), then the CPU31aproceeds to S160. If the short press of the manual switch35has been performed (S180: YES), then the CPU31asets the magnitude of the operating voltage to a sixth voltage value V6(for example, 4.5 V) in S190. Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter34outputs the operating voltage having the sixth voltage value V6.

In S200, the CPU31ailluminates the first indicator36ain red.

In S210, the CPU31adetermines whether the short press of the manual switch35has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch35has not been performed (S210: NO), then the CPU31aproceeds to S190. If the short press of the manual switch35has been performed (S210: YES), then the CPU31aproceeds to S100.

In S90, if the connected appliance is not the first fan jacket (S90: NO), then the CPU31adetermines whether the connected appliance is the second fan jacket in S220. If the connected appliance is the second fan jacket (S220: YES), then the CPU31asets the magnitude of the operating voltage to a seventh voltage value V7(for example, 8.7 V) in S230. Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter34outputs the operating voltage having the seventh voltage value V7.

In S240, the CPU31ailluminates the first through third indicators36athrough36cin red.

In S250, the CPU31adetermines whether the short press of the manual switch35has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch35has not been performed (S250: NO), then the CPU31aproceeds to S230. If the short press of the manual switch35has been performed (S250: YES), then the CPU31asets the magnitude of the operating voltage to an eighth voltage value V8(for example, 6.6 V) in S260. Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter34outputs the operating voltage having the eighth voltage value V8.

In S270, the CPU31ailluminates the first and second indicators36a,36bin red.

In S280, the CPU31adetermines whether the short press of the manual switch35has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch35has not been performed (S280: NO), then the CPU31aproceeds to S260. If the short press of the manual switch35has been performed (S280: YES), then the CPU31asets the magnitude of the operating voltage to a ninth voltage value V9(for example, 4.5 V) in S290. Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter34outputs the operating voltage having the ninth voltage value V9.

In S300, the CPU31ailluminates the first indicator36ain red.

In S310, the CPU31adetermines whether the short press of the manual switch35has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch35has not been performed (S310: NO), then the CPU31aproceeds to S290. If the short press of the manual switch35has been performed (S310: YES), then the CPU31aproceeds to S230.

In S220, if the connected appliance is not the second fan jacket (S220: NO), then the CPU31adetermines whether the connected appliance is the third fan jacket in S320.

If the connected appliance is the third fan jacket (S320: YES), then the CPU31asets the magnitude of the operating voltage to a tenth voltage value V10(for example, 7.6 V) in S330. Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter34outputs the operating voltage having the tenth voltage value V10.

In S340, the CPU31ailluminates the first through fourth indicators36athrough36din red.

In S350, the CPU31adetermines whether the short press of the manual switch35has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch35has not been performed (S350: NO), then the CPU31aproceeds to S330. If the short press of the manual switch35has been performed (S350: YES), then the CPU31asets the magnitude of the operating voltage to an eleventh voltage value V11(for example, 6.9 V) in S360. Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter34outputs the operating voltage having the eleventh voltage value V11.

In S370, the CPU31ailluminates the first through third indicators36athrough36cin red.

In S380, the CPU31adetermines whether the short press of the manual switch35has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch35has not been performed (S380: NO), then the CPU31aproceeds to S360. If the short press of the manual switch35has been performed (S380: YES), then the CPU31asets the magnitude of the operating voltage to a twelfth voltage value V12(for example, 5.2 V) in S390. Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter34outputs the operating voltage having the twelfth voltage value V12.

In S400, the CPU31ailluminates the first and second indicators36a,36bin red.

In S410, the CPU31adetermines whether the short press of the manual switch35has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch35has not been performed (S410: NO), then the CPU31aproceeds to8390. If the short press of the manual switch35has been performed (S410: YES), then the CPU31asets the magnitude of the operating voltage to a thirteenth voltage value V13(for example, 4.5 V) in S420. Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter34outputs the operating voltage having the thirteenth voltage value V13.

In S430, the CPU31ailluminates the first indicator36ain red.

In S440, the CPU31adetermines whether the short press of the manual switch35has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch35has not been performed (S440: NO), then the CPU31aproceeds to S420. If the short press of the manual switch35has been performed (S440: YES), then the CPU31aproceeds to S330.

In S320, if the connected appliance is not the third fan jacket (S320: NO), then the CPU31adetermines that the connected appliance is the fourth fan jacket. In S450, the CPU31asets the magnitude of the operating voltage to a fourteenth voltage value V14(for example, 6.9 V), Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter34outputs the operating voltage having the fourteenth voltage value V14.

In S460, the CPU31ailluminates the first through third indicators36athrough36cin red.

In S470, the CPU31adetermines whether the short press of the manual switch35has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch35has not been performed (S470: NO), then the CPU31aproceeds to S450. If the short press of the manual switch35has been performed, (S470: YES), then the CPU31asets the magnitude of the operating voltage to a fifteenth voltage value V15(for example, 5.2 V) in S480. Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter34outputs the operating voltage having the fifteenth voltage value V15.

In S490, the CPU31ailluminates the first and second indicators36a,36bin red.

In S500, the CPU31adetermines whether the short press of the manual switch35has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch35has not been performed (S500: NO), then the CPU31aproceeds to S480. If the short press of the manual switch35has been performed (S500: YES), then the CPU31asets the magnitude of the operating voltage to a sixteenth voltage value V16(for example, 4.5 V) in S510. Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter34outputs the operating voltage having the sixteenth voltage value V16.

In S520, the CPU31ailluminates the first indicator36ain red.

In S530, the CPU31adetermines whether the short press of the manual switch35has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch35has not been performed (S530: NO), then the CPU31aproceeds to S510. If the short press of the manual switch35has been performed (S530: YES), then the CPU31aproceeds to S450.

That is, the control circuit31disables the manual operation applied to the manual switch35when the connected appliance is the heated jacket4. Furthermore, when the connected appliance is the heated jacket4, the control circuit31controls the DC-to-DC converter34so as to output the operating voltage having a fixed voltage value (that is, the first voltage value V1or the second voltage value V2). More specifically, the control circuit31fixes the magnitude of the operating voltage to the first voltage value V1when the first heated jacket is connected to the battery holder3. The control circuit31fixes the magnitude of the operating voltage to the second voltage value V2when the second heated jacket is connected to the battery holder3.

The control circuit31enables the manual operation applied to the manual switch35when the connected appliance is the fan jacket5.

More specifically, the control circuit31sets the maximum value of the operating voltage to the third voltage value V3when the first fan jacket is connected to the battery holder3. The control circuit31sets the maximum value of the operating voltage to the seventh voltage value V7when the second fan jacket is connected to the battery holder3. The control circuit31sets the maximum value of the operating voltage to the tenth voltage value V10when the third fan jacket is connected to the battery holder3. The control circuit31sets the maximum value of the operating voltage to the fourteenth voltage value V14when the fourth fan jacket is connected to the battery holder3.

When the fan jacket5is connected to the battery holder3, the control circuit31varies the total number of voltage values of the operating voltage that is selectable to a user of the battery holder3in accordance with the model of the fan jacket5. More specifically, when the first fan jacket or the third fan jacket is connected to the battery holder3, four voltage values are selectable to the user. When the second fan jacket or the fourth fan jacket is connected to the battery holder3, three voltage values are selectable to the user.

As described above, the battery holder3can control the magnitude of the operating voltage so as to conform to both the heated jacket4and the fan jacket5. Thus, the battery holder3is usable for both the heated jacket4and the fan jacket5. Consequently, the battery holder3can improve convenience for the user of the heated jacket4and the fan jacket5.

As described above, the battery holder3can identify the connected appliance by such a simple way of detecting the voltage across the resistor63dor the resistor99d.

In the first embodiment described above, the battery holder3corresponds to one example of the voltage control device in the present disclosure. The battery21corresponds to one example of the direct-current power source in the present disclosure. The heated jacket4corresponds to one example of the first electric appliance in the present disclosure. The fan jacket5corresponds to one example of the second electric appliance in the present disclosure. The DC connector13corresponds to one example of the appliance connector.

Furthermore, the DC-to-DC converter34corresponds to one example of the voltage output circuit in the present disclosure. The control circuit31corresponds to one example of the controller in the present disclosure.

The plug63corresponds to one example of the first connection plug in the present disclosure. The plug99corresponds to one example of the second connection plug in the present disclosure.

The heated jacket4corresponds to one example of the heated garment in the present disclosure. The fan jacket5corresponds to one example of the garment with a fan in the present disclosure.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment will be described focusing on a difference(s) from the first embodiment described above. In the second embodiment, the same numeral references as in the first embodiment indicate the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions of such configurations will be omitted.

As shown inFIG.13, the system1of the second embodiment is different from the system1of the first embodiment in that a thin battery200is provided in place of the battery pack2and the battery holder3.

As illustrated inFIG.14, the thin battery200includes a casing201and the DC connector13.

The casing201has a component(s) of the thin battery200accommodated therein. The DC connector13is provided to a surface of the casing201.

As shown inFIG.15, the thin battery200is different from the battery holder3of the first embodiment in that the battery21is provided in addition to the DC connector13, the control circuit31, the DC-to-DC converter34, the manual switch35, the display36, the overload protection circuit37, the over-discharge protection circuit38, and the resistor39.

The DC connector13, the battery21, the control circuit31, the DC-to-DC converter34, the manual switch35, the display36, the overload protection circuit37, the over-discharge protection circuit38, and the resistor39are accommodated inside the casing201. The voltage input terminal34aof the DC-to-DC converter34is connected to the positive electrode of the battery21. The overload protection circuit37is provided on the ground line40between the third connection terminal13cand the negative electrode of the battery21.

The thin battery200described above operates similarly to the battery holder3of the first embodiment. That is, the thin battery200can control the magnitude of the operating voltage so as to conform to both the heated jacket4and the fan jacket5. Thus, the thin battery200is usable for both the heated jacket4and the fan jacket5. Consequently, the thin battery200can improve convenience for the user of the heated jacket4and the fan jacket5.

In the second embodiment described above, the thin battery200, corresponds to one example of the voltage control device in the present disclosure. The battery21corresponds to one example of the direct-current power source in the present disclosure. The heated jacket4corresponds to one example of the first electric appliance in the present disclosure. The fan jacket5corresponds to one example of the second electric, appliance in the present disclosure.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment will be described focusing on a difference(s) from the first embodiment described above. In the third embodiment, the same numeral references as in the first embodiment indicate the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions of such configurations will be omitted.

As shown inFIG.16, the system1of the third embodiment is different from the system1of the first embodiment in that (i) a heated lap blanket210is provided in place of the heated jacket4and (ii) a first helmet220is provided in place of the fan jacket5. As in the first embodiment, the system1of the third embodiment includes the battery pack2and the battery holder3.

As in the heated jacket4of the first embodiment, the heated lap blanket210includes the first through third heat generators51through53, the first through third positive side electric wires54through56, the first through third negative side electric wires57through59, the power-supply line60, the ground line61, the controller62, the plug63, and the cord64.

The heated lap blanket210is different from the heated jacket4of the first embodiment in that the heated lap blanket210has the first through third heat generators51through53mounted therein.

As in the fan jacket5of the first embodiment, the first helmet220includes the first and second blowers91,92, the first and second positive side electric wires93,94, the first and second negative side electric wires95,96, the power-supply line97, the ground line98, the plug99, and the cord100.

The first helmet220is different from the fan jacket5of the first embodiment in that the first and second blowers91,92are attached to a helmet main body. As shown inFIG.17, in the third embodiment, the first helmet220includes a helmet main body220aand an adapter220b. The adapter220bis configured to be detachably attached to the helmet main body220a. The adapter220bhas the first and second blowers91,92, the first and second positive side electric wires93,94, the first and second negative side electric wires95,96, the power-supply line97, and the ground line98accommodated therein. In another embodiment, the first and second blowers91,92may be unremovably fixed to or integrated into the helmet main body220a

The DC connector13of the battery holder3is selectively connected to the heated lap blanket210or the first helmet220.

The manual switch35is operated by the user of the battery holder3so as to control the first and second blowers91,92.

When the heated lap blanket210is connected to the battery holder3, the control circuit31disables the manual operation applied to the manual switch35and fixes the magnitude of the operating voltage. When the first helmet220is connected to the battery holder3, the control circuit31enables the manual operation applied to the manual switch35.

As described above, the battery holder3can control the magnitude of the operating voltage so as to conform to both the heated lap blanket210and the first helmet220, Thus, the battery holder3is usable for both the heated lap blanket210and the first helmet220. Consequently, the battery holder3can improve convenience for a user of the heated lap blanket210and the first helmet220.

In the third embodiment, the heated lap blanket210corresponds to one example of the first electric appliance in the present disclosure. The first helmet220corresponds to one example of the second electric appliance and the helmet with a fan in the present disclosure.

Fourth Embodiment

The fourth embodiment will be described focusing on a difference(s) from the first embodiment described above. In the fourth embodiment, the same numeral references as in the first embodiment indicate the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions of such configurations will be omitted.

As shown inFIG.18, the system1of the fourth embodiment is different from the system1of the first embodiment in that (i) a handheld lighting device230is provided in place of the heated jacket4and (ii) a second helmet240is provided in place of the fan jacket5. As in the first embodiment, the system1of the fourth embodiment includes the battery pack2and the battery holder3.

As shown inFIG.19, the handheld lighting device230is different from the heated jacket4of the first embodiment in that (i) the first through third heat generators51through53, the first through third positive side electric wires54through56, and the first through third negative side electric wires57through59are omitted and (ii) an LED light231is added.

The LED light231includes an anode connected to the power-supply line60. The LED light231includes a cathode connected to the ground line61. The LED light231and the controller62are accommodated inside a casing232of the handheld lighting device230.

As shown inFIG.20, the second helmet240is different from the fan jacket5of the first embodiment in that (i) the first and second blowers91,92, the first and second positive side electric wires93,94, and the first and second negative side electric wires95,96are omitted and (ii) an LED light241is added.

The LED light241includes an anode connected to the power-supply line97. The LED light241includes a cathode connected to the ground line98. The LED light241is attached to a not-shown helmet main body. The cord100covers the power-supply line97and the ground line98between the LED light241and the plug99.

The DC connector13is selectively connected to the handheld lighting device230or the second helmet240.

The manual switch35is manually operated by a user of the second helmet240so as to control the LED light241.

When the handheld lighting device230is connected to the battery holder3, the control circuit31disables the manual operation applied to the manual switch35and fixes the magnitude of the operating voltage. When the second helmet240is connected to the battery holder3, the control circuit31enables the manual operation applied to the manual switch35.

As described above, the battery holder3can control the magnitude of the operating voltage so as to conform to both the handheld lighting device230and the second helmet240. Thus, the battery holder3is usable for both the handheld lighting device230and the second helmet240. Consequently, the battery holder3can improve convenience for the user of the handheld lighting device230and the second helmet240.

In the fourth embodiment, the handheld lighting device230corresponds to one example of the first electric appliance in the present disclosure. The second helmet240corresponds to one example of the second electric appliance in the present disclosure. The LED lights231,241correspond to one example of the lighting appliance in the present disclosure.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described hereinabove, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be practiced in various forms.

For example, in the first embodiment described above, the heated jacket4and the fan jacket5are in the form of an upper garment with a sleeve to cover the body and the arms of the wearer. The first embodiment may replace the heated jacket4with a heated vest, which is a sleeveless upper garment. Additionally or alternatively, the first embodiment may replace the fan jacket5with a fan vest, which is a sleeveless upper garment.

In the first embodiment, the manual operation applied to the manual switch35is disabled for the heated jacket4, whereas the manual operation applied to the manual switch35is enabled for the fan jacket5, In the first embodiment, the manual operation applied to the manual switch35may be disabled for the fan jacket5. Furthermore, the manual operation applied to the manual switch35may be enabled for the heated jacket4.

Two or more functions of one element of the aforementioned embodiments may be achieved by two or more elements, and one function of one element may be achieved by two or more elements. Furthermore, two or more functions of two or more elements may be achieved by one element, and one function achieved by two or more elements may be achieved by one element. Furthermore, a part of the configurations of the aforementioned embodiments may be omitted. Still further, at least a part of the configurations of the aforementioned embodiments may be added to or replaced with the configurations of the other above-described embodiments.

In addition to the battery holder3and the thin battery200described above, the present disclosure may also be practiced in various forms, such as a program for causing a computer to function as the control circuit31, a non-transitory tangible storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory, in which this program is stored, or a method for controlling a voltage.