System monitoring of rechargeable battery powered power tools

Abstract

A method for controlling and / or regulating a rechargeable battery, in particular a rechargeable battery as a power supply device of a power tool, wherein the rechargeable battery comprises at least one real-time clock, at least one sensor, at least one transceiver, a memory device and a control device. The method comprises the following method steps: - adjusting the rechargeable battery from an activated state to a deactivated state; - after a first time period has elapsed from the adjustment of the rechargeable battery to the deactivated state, adjusting the rechargeable battery from the deactivated state to a verification state, wherein the rechargeable battery is adjusted to the verification state for a second time period; - detecting at least one first characteristic operating value by means of the at least one sensor when the rechargeable battery is adjusted to the verification state; - comparing the first characteristic operating value with at least one stored threshold value; - if the characteristic operating value is not detected to correspond to the at least one first threshold value, adjusting the rechargeable battery from the verification state to the deactivated state; or - if the at least one detected characteristic operating value corresponds to the at least one first threshold value, adjusting the rechargeable battery from the verification state to a cut-off state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling and / or regulating a rechargeable battery, particularly a rechargeable battery used as a power supply device for power tools, wherein the rechargeable battery includes at least one real-time clock, at least one sensor, at least one transceiver, a memory device, and a control device.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a rechargeable battery for performing the method, particularly a rechargeable battery as a power supply device for power tools.

[0003] In addition, the present invention relates to a system comprising at least one rechargeable battery, particularly at least one rechargeable battery serving as a power supply device for a power tool. Background Technology

[0004] For a long time, rechargeable batteries, especially those with lithium-ion-based energy storage cells, have been known from existing technology as power supply devices for power tools. Typically, these rechargeable batteries have various sensors for monitoring the battery and its operating status. Monitoring using these sensors usually occurs primarily when the rechargeable battery is used as a power supply device for a power tool or during the charging process when the battery is connected to a corresponding charging device (also called a charger). Furthermore, these sensors are often designed so that they can only detect situations that are already critical or irreversible (e.g., so-called "thermal runaway"). The spread of critical trends or potential critical situations often goes undetected or is only adequately detected. Therefore, damage or complete failure of the rechargeable battery cannot be prevented. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] This objective is achieved through the subject matter of independent patent claims 1, 7 and 8.

[0007] Other advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the invention can be found in the corresponding dependent patent claims.

[0008] This objective is achieved in particular by a method for controlling and / or regulating a rechargeable battery, especially a rechargeable battery used as a power supply for a power tool, wherein the rechargeable battery includes at least one real-time clock, at least one sensor, at least one transceiver, a memory device, and a control device.

[0009] According to the present invention, the method comprises the following steps:

[0010] - Adjust the rechargeable battery from the start-up state to the off state;

[0011] - After the first time period has elapsed since the rechargeable battery was switched from the disabled state to the verification state, the rechargeable battery is switched from the disabled state to the verification state for a second time period.

[0012] - When the rechargeable battery is adjusted to the verification state, at least one first characteristic operating value is detected by means of at least one sensor;

[0013] - Compare the first feature running value with at least one stored threshold;

[0014] - If no characteristic running value corresponding to at least one first threshold is detected, the rechargeable battery is switched from the verification state to the deactivated state; or

[0015] - If at least one detected feature running value corresponds to at least one first threshold, the rechargeable battery is switched from the verification state to the cut-off state.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, the ratio of a first time interval in which the rechargeable battery is in a deactivated state to a second time interval in which the rechargeable battery is in a verification state can be at least 1 / 1000.

[0017] According to another advantageous embodiment, if at least one detected feature running value corresponds to at least one second threshold, the first time period can be shortened, wherein the second threshold is lower than or higher than the first threshold.

[0018] According to another advantageous embodiment, the first time period can be shortened if at least one detected characteristic operating value corresponds to at least one second threshold before the rechargeable battery is adjusted from the start-up state to the shutdown state.

[0019] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the following method steps may be possible:

[0020] - If at least one detected feature running value corresponds to at least one first threshold or a second threshold, then at least one parameter of the rechargeable battery is adjusted from the first value to the second value by the control device of the rechargeable battery.

[0021] According to another advantageous embodiment, the following method steps may be possible:

[0022] - The detected feature running values ​​are timestamped using a real-time clock, and the timestamped feature running values ​​are stored in a memory device.

[0023] A real-time clock can also be called a RTC.

[0024] Detected measurements can be stored along with timestamps (i.e., actual time or real-time). Therefore, the temporal progression of the measurements can be clearly traced. With the help of timestamps, the actual detection of operational values ​​can be accurately recorded. In the case of other, typically relative time measurements (i.e., without a real-time clock), only the time difference between corresponding detections of characteristic operating values ​​can be recorded. On the other hand, the timestamps set by the real-time clock on the detected characteristic operating values ​​accurately indicate when the rechargeable battery was in which operating state. In other words, the time and duration at which the rechargeable battery was in the startup, verification, or deactivation state. In the event of a potential malfunction or technical failure, it can be determined whether the detection of characteristic operating values ​​was performed correctly during the verification state, or, for example, whether the sensor failed to detect the characteristic operating values. This aids in the actual investigation of the cause of the technical failure.

[0025] This objective is also achieved by a rechargeable battery for performing the method, particularly a rechargeable battery as a power supply for a power tool, wherein the rechargeable battery includes at least one real-time clock, at least one sensor, at least one transceiver, a memory device, and a control device.

[0026] This objective is also achieved by a system comprising: at least one rechargeable battery, particularly at least one rechargeable battery serving as a power supply for a power tool; and system components that can be connected to the rechargeable battery to perform the method, wherein the rechargeable battery includes at least one real-time clock, at least one sensor, at least one transceiver, a memory device, and a control device, and the system components include at least one control unit, a memory unit, and at least one transceiver.

[0027] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the system can be designed for use with

[0028] - If at least one detected characteristic operating value corresponds to at least one first threshold, then at least one signal is transmitted from at least one transceiver of the rechargeable battery to at least one transceiver of the system component; and

[0029] - Send at least one signal from a system component to a transceiver of a rechargeable battery to adjust at least one parameter of the rechargeable battery from a first value to a second value.

[0030] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, system components can be designed in the form of power tools or charging devices. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0032] The accompanying drawings, description, and claims include many combinations of features. Those skilled in the art will also be able to consider these features individually and combine them to produce other useful combinations.

[0033] In the attached diagram:

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic side view of a power tool with a rechargeable battery according to the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 2 A schematic front view of a rechargeable battery with positive, negative, and communication contacts is shown; and

[0036] Figure 3 A schematic side view of a charging device having a rechargeable battery according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Figure 1 A power tool 1 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The power tool 1 is designed in the form of a power drill powered by a rechargeable battery.

[0038] According to alternative exemplary embodiments, power tools can also be designed in the form of saws, grinders, hammer drills, etc.

[0039] The power tool 1 designed as a power drill basically includes a housing 2, a handle 3, tool accessories 4, and a power supply 5.

[0040] The housing 2 has a front end 2a, a rear end 2b, an upper end 2c, and a lower end 2d.

[0041] Tool accessory 4 is positioned at the front end 2a of housing 2. Tool accessory 4 is used to receive and hold tool 4a. In the accompanying drawings, tool 4a is shown as a screwdriver head.

[0042] According to an alternative exemplary embodiment, tool 4a may be designed in the form of a drill bit.

[0043] The first end 3a of the handle 3 is positioned at the lower end 2d of the housing 2. An interface 7 is provided at the second end 3b of the handle 3.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the handle 3 has a start switch 8, which can be used to adjust the power tool 1 to the start or stop state. The stop state is adjusted to the start state by pressing the start switch 8 in the direction of arrow A.

[0045] The power supply device 5 can be detachably fastened to the interface 7. In this exemplary embodiment, the power supply device 5 is designed in the form of a rechargeable battery. The power supply device 5 is used to supply electrical energy to the power tool 1.

[0046] According to an alternative exemplary embodiment, the power supply device 5 can also be designed as a power cable for connecting the power tool 1 to an AC power source (plug and socket). The power supply device 5 designed as a power cable is not shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0047] The electric motor 9 (as a driver), transmission device 10, drive shaft 11, ventilation device 6 and control device 12 are basically located inside the housing 2.

[0048] The electric motor 9, transmission 10, drive shaft 11 and tool accessory 4 are arranged relative to each other inside the housing 2 such that the torque generated in the electric motor 9 can be transmitted to the transmission 10, drive shaft 11, and ultimately to the tool accessory 4 or the tool.

[0049] The control device 12 is connected to the start switch 8, the interface 7 and the electric motor 9 via the corresponding line L.

[0050] Electric motor 9 is designed as a brushless electric motor.

[0051] The power supply device 5, designed as a rechargeable battery, can be detachably connected to the power tool 1 to supply electrical energy to the power tool 1.

[0052] The rechargeable battery 5 basically includes a rechargeable battery casing 20, a plurality of energy storage cells 13, a rechargeable battery interface 14, a control device 15, a real-time clock 16, at least one first sensor 17a, a second sensor 17b and a third sensor 17c, at least one transceiver 18 and a memory device 19.

[0053] The energy storage cell 13 can also be referred to as a rechargeable battery cell, and it is arranged inside the rechargeable battery casing 20.

[0054] The rechargeable battery housing 20 generally includes a cover element 20a, four side walls 20b, and a base element 20c.

[0055] The rechargeable battery interface 14 is arranged on the outside of the cover element 20a and is used to electrically or electronically and mechanically connect the rechargeable battery 5 to the power tool 1 or the charging device 21.

[0056] The charging device 21 is used to charge the rechargeable battery 5, and is not shown in the accompanying drawings. Figure 3 As shown, the charging device 21 includes a charger housing 22, a control unit 23, a charger transceiver 24, and a charger memory unit 25 located in the charger housing.

[0057] For electrical or electronic connections, the rechargeable battery interface 14 has a positive contact 14a, a negative contact 14b, and a communication contact 14c. The positive and negative contacts 14a and 14b are used to create a circuit (e.g., energy flow) when the rechargeable battery 5 is connected to the power tool 1 or the charging device 21. The communication contact 14c is used to send and receive data and information in the form of electrical signals.

[0058] As an alternative or additional option, the rechargeable battery 5 may also include a device for radio communication (e.g., Bluetooth) or wireless communication.

[0059] The energy storage cell 13 is used to receive, store, and retransmit electrical energy. The energy storage cell 13 has a cylindrical shape and is based on lithium-ion technology. Each energy storage cell 13 includes a contact device at one end for transmitting electrical energy. Each contact device is connected to the control device 15 of the rechargeable battery 5 via a corresponding line L.

[0060] As an alternative, the energy storage cell 13 can also be based on another suitable technology.

[0061] The cylindrical shape of the energy storage cell 13 is also optional, allowing for the selection of any other suitable shape or geometry. Therefore, in particular, the energy storage cell 13 can also be designed as a pouch cell.

[0062] Additionally, the rechargeable battery 5 may include both cylindrical energy storage cells 13 and pouch cells. Specifically, the rechargeable battery 5 may include only a single cylindrical energy storage cell 13 and a single pouch cell.

[0063] The control device 15 regulates and controls various functions of the rechargeable battery 5. These functions include, in particular, controlling the absorption of electrical energy into or from the energy storage cell 13 when the rechargeable battery 5 is connected to the charging device 21, and releasing electrical energy from the energy storage cell 13 when the rechargeable battery 5 is connected to the power tool 1.

[0064] In addition, the control device 15 is used to control a specific amount of electrical energy to be received or transmitted by the energy storage cell 13.

[0065] Sensors 17a, 17b, and 17c are used to detect different characteristic operating values. These characteristic operating values ​​include the voltage value of the energy storage cell, the current intensity value of the energy storage cell, or the temperature of the energy storage cell.

[0066] According to alternative exemplary embodiments, the rechargeable battery 5 may also include more or fewer than three sensors.

[0067] The first sensor 17a is designed as a voltmeter (also known as a voltage measuring device) for detecting voltage values.

[0068] The second sensor 17b is designed as an ammeter (also known as a current meter or current intensity measuring device) for detecting the value of current intensity.

[0069] The third sensor 17c is designed as a temperature sensor (also known as a thermometer) and is used to detect temperature values. As can be seen in the attached figure, the third sensor 17c, designed as a temperature sensor, is positioned between the energy storage cells 13.

[0070] Sensors 17a, 17b, and 17c are connected to the control device 15 and the memory device 19 in such a way that the characteristic operating values ​​detected by the sensors 17a, 17b, and 17c can be sent to the control device 15 and the memory device 19. Thresholds for different categories of characteristic operating values ​​are stored in the memory device 19.

[0071] The first category includes the following thresholds: these thresholds indicate a major technical problem when one or more characteristic running values ​​reach the threshold of this first category. A major technical problem may cause the rechargeable battery 5 to fail completely.

[0072] The second category includes thresholds that indicate technical degradation or inefficiency of one or more components of a rechargeable battery only when one or more characteristic operating values ​​reach the threshold of this second category.

[0073] Alternatively, thresholds for more than two categories can be stored in memory device 19.

[0074] The threshold for the first category can be higher or lower than the threshold for the second category. Additionally, the threshold for the first category can be a percentage of the threshold for the second category.

[0075] Furthermore, the feature operation values ​​detected by sensors 17a, 17b, and 17c are stored in memory device 19. With the aid of the microcontroller in control device 15, the corresponding detected feature operation values ​​can be compared with corresponding or appropriate thresholds.

[0076] In addition, the rechargeable battery 5 includes a real-time clock 16. The real-time clock 16 is used to mark each detected operating characteristic value with a timestamp (also called a moment or point in time). The timestamped operating characteristic values ​​are stored in the memory device 19 and are used to control when one of the sensors 17a, 17b, and 17c detects an operating characteristic value and which operating characteristic values ​​are detected.

[0077] Transceiver 18 (also called a transceiver device) is used to send and receive electrical signals. Transceiver 18 is designed in the form of a Bluetooth transceiver, thereby enabling it to send and receive data and information in signal form to and from external devices. Such external devices may be smartphones, tablets, computers, or data storage devices (also called the cloud).

[0078] Based on alternative embodiments, the transceiver may also be based on another radio technology or wired technology.

[0079] The memory device 19 is used to store runtime characteristic values ​​marked with timestamps. In this embodiment, the memory device 19 is designed as non-volatile memory (also known as auxiliary memory, permanent memory, or solid-state memory).

[0080] In order to perform the method for controlling and / or regulating the rechargeable battery 5, the rechargeable battery 5 is first adjusted from the start-up state to the deactivated state. This adjustment is achieved by the user no longer pressing the start switch 8 in the direction of arrow A. The user is not shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0081] In the start-up state (i.e., when the user presses the start switch 8 in the direction of arrow A), for example, electrical energy is absorbed by the energy storage cell by means of the charging device 21, or is transferred to the electrical device (e.g., the power tool 1 connected to the rechargeable battery 5).

[0082] As described above, the rechargeable battery 5 is switched from the start-up state to the off state, for example, it is no longer actuated by the start switch 8 of the power tool 1 connected to the rechargeable battery 5. Therefore, no electrical energy is transferred from the energy storage cell 13 of the rechargeable battery 5 to the electrical equipment (e.g., electric motor 9) of the power tool 1.

[0083] The deactivated state can also be called the sleep state or sleep mode. In this sleep state or sleep mode, the charging device 21 does not receive electrical energy from the energy storage cell 13 or transmit electrical energy to the electrical equipment (e.g., power tool 1, etc.).

[0084] Next, the rechargeable battery 5 is adjusted from a disabled state to a verification state. This adjustment occurs after the initial time period has elapsed. In this exemplary embodiment, the first time period is five minutes. The first time period begins timing from the moment the rechargeable battery 5 is adjusted to the disabled state. The rechargeable battery 5 is then held in the verification state for a second time period. In this exemplary embodiment, the second time period is 0.3 seconds.

[0085] The ratio of the first time period to the second time period is at least 1 / 1000.

[0086] However, the first duration can also exceed or fall short of five minutes.

[0087] Using a real-time clock, the control device 15 controls the rechargeable battery 5 to periodically change between a disabled state and a verification state, as shown in Figure 4. The change between the disabled state and the verification state, monitored and controlled by the control device 15, is executed until the rechargeable battery 5 is adjusted to the start-up state by pressing the start switch 8. In the start-up state, sensors 17a, 17b, and 17c periodically or continuously detect corresponding characteristic operating values.

[0088] When the rechargeable battery 5 is in the verification state, sensors 17a, 17b, and 17c detect the corresponding characteristic operating values.

[0089] The first sensor 17a, designed as a voltmeter, detects the voltage value of the energy storage cell 13. Multiple sensors can also be used to detect the voltage of each individual energy storage cell 13. This allows for the identification of voltage imbalances (i.e., imbalances) among the individual energy storage cells, which can then indicate technical faults.

[0090] The second sensor 17b, designed as an ammeter, detects the current intensity value of the energy storage cell 13. Multiple sensors can also be used to detect the current intensity value of each energy storage cell 13.

[0091] A third sensor 17c, designed as a temperature sensor, detects the temperature value of the energy storage cell 13 located at the center of the rechargeable battery 5. Multiple sensors can also be used to detect the temperature at different points on the rechargeable battery 5.

[0092] By connecting sensors 17a, 17b, and 17c to control device 15 and memory device 19, the characteristic operating values ​​detected by sensors 17a, 17b, and 17c are sent to control device 15 and memory device 19. As described above, the corresponding threshold values ​​of the characteristic operating values ​​are stored in memory device 19.

[0093] In the control device 15, the characteristic operating values ​​detected by the sensors 17a, 17b, and 17c are compared with the threshold values ​​from the memory device 19.

[0094] If no characteristic running value is detected corresponding to at least one first threshold, the rechargeable battery 5 is switched from the verification state to the deactivated state.

[0095] Alternatively, if at least one detected characteristic operating value corresponds to at least one first threshold, the rechargeable battery 5 is adjusted from the verification state to the off state. For example, this might be the case if the detected temperature reaches the threshold of 70°C. It is possible that the cooling system (not shown) for the energy storage cell 13 no longer provides sufficient cooling, and widespread damage to the rechargeable battery 5 cannot be ruled out.

[0096] Furthermore, it is possible that the detected voltage value of the energy storage cell 13 corresponds to a threshold of only 15 volts. Therefore, a malfunction or even major damage to the rechargeable battery 5 cannot be ruled out.

[0097] As described above, several thresholds of different categories are stored in memory device 19.

[0098] If at least one detected feature running value corresponds to at least one second threshold, then the first time period is shortened, wherein the second threshold is lower than or higher than the first threshold. In terms of temperature, the first threshold is 70°C, and the second threshold is 65°C.

[0099] If a temperature of 65°C has been detected, this will shorten the first time period from five minutes to two minutes.

[0100] The detected temperature value, or the temperature value corresponding to the second threshold, indicates an undesirable temperature rise that has not yet been considered a critical state.

[0101] However, it is meaningful to detect the temperature at a higher frequency in order to more accurately detect further temperature drops and, if necessary, avoid sudden temperature rises well above 70°C.

[0102] This could also be the case if the voltage of energy storage cell 13 reaches the second threshold of 17 volts.

[0103] Figure Labels

[0104]

[0105]

Claims

1. A method for controlling and / or regulating a rechargeable battery (5), particularly a rechargeable battery used as a power supply for a power tool (1), wherein, The rechargeable battery (5) includes at least one real-time clock (16), at least one sensor (17a, 17b, 17c), at least one transceiver (18), a memory device (19), and a control device (15). Its characteristics are defined by the following method steps: - Adjust the rechargeable battery (5) from the start-up state to the deactivated state; - After a first time period has elapsed since the rechargeable battery (5) was adjusted to the deactivated state, the rechargeable battery (5) is adjusted from the deactivated state to the verification state, wherein the rechargeable battery (5) is adjusted to the verification state for a second time period. - When the rechargeable battery (5) is adjusted to the verification state, at least one first characteristic operating value is detected by means of the at least one sensor; - Compare the first feature running value with at least one stored threshold; - If no characteristic running value corresponding to at least one first threshold is detected, then the rechargeable battery (5) is adjusted from the verification state to the deactivated state; or - If at least one detected feature running value corresponds to at least one first threshold, then the rechargeable battery (5) is switched from the verification state to the cut-off state.

2. The method as described in claim 1, Its features are, The ratio of the first time interval during which the rechargeable battery (5) is in the deactivated state to the second time interval during which the rechargeable battery (5) is in the verified state is at least 1 / 1000.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, Its features are, If at least one detected feature running value corresponds to at least one second threshold, then the first time period is shortened, wherein the second threshold is lower than or higher than the first threshold.

4. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, Its features are, Before adjusting the rechargeable battery (5) from the start-up state to the deactivated state, the first time period is shortened if at least one detected characteristic operating value corresponds to at least one second threshold.

5. The method as described in at least one of claims 1 to 4, Its characteristics are, - If at least one detected feature running value corresponds to at least one first threshold or a second threshold, then at least one parameter of the rechargeable battery (5) is adjusted from the first value to the second value by means of the control device of the rechargeable battery (5).

6. The method as described in at least one of claims 1 to 5, Its characteristics are, -The detected feature running value is timestamped by means of the real-time clock (16), and the timestamped feature running value is stored in the memory device (19).

7. A rechargeable battery (5), particularly a rechargeable battery serving as a power supply for a power tool (1), for performing the method as described in at least one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The rechargeable battery (5) includes at least one real-time clock (16), at least one sensor (17a, 17b, 17c), at least one transceiver (18), a memory device (19), and a control device (15).

8. A system for performing the method of at least one of claims 1 to 6, the system comprising: At least one rechargeable battery (5), particularly at least one rechargeable battery used as a power supply device for a power tool (1); The system components are connected to the rechargeable battery (5), wherein the rechargeable battery (5) includes at least one real-time clock (16), at least one sensor (17a, 17b, 17c), at least one transceiver (18), a memory device (19) and a control device (15), and the system components include at least one control unit (23), a memory unit (25) and at least one transceiver (24).

9. The system as described in claim 8, Its features are, The system is designed for - If at least one detected characteristic operating value corresponds to at least one first threshold, then at least one signal is transmitted from at least one transceiver (18) of the rechargeable battery (5) to at least one transceiver of the system component; and - At least one signal is sent from the system component to the transceiver of the rechargeable battery (5) to adjust at least one parameter of the rechargeable battery (5) from a first value to a second value.

10. The system as described in claim 8 or 9, Its features are, The system components are designed in the form of a power tool (1) or a charging device (21).

Images