Offset contacts on rechargeable battery

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine tool comprising a receiving device having at least one first and second power receiving element and an energy supply unit, for example a rechargeable battery, which is connectable to the machine tool, the energy supply unit having a connection device comprising at least one first and second power output element, wherein the receiving device is designed for receiving and retaining the connection device such that the power receiving elements and the power output elements can be connected to one another for establishing an electrical connection. Both the first and the second power receiving element comprise a positive pole and a negative pole and both the first and the second power output element comprise a positive pole and a negative pole such that, when the receiving device and the connection device are connected to one another, one positive pole and one negative pole are connected accordingly and the positive pole of the first power receiving element and the positive pole of the second power receiving element and the negative pole of the first power receiving element and the negative pole of the second power receiving element are positioned at a distance from one another in at least one first and second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine tool, such as a drilling machine, comprising a receiving device having at least one first and second power receiving element and an energy supply unit, such as a rechargeable battery, connectable to the machine tool. The energy supply unit has a connection device comprising at least one first and second power output element, wherein the receiving device is provided for receiving and holding the connection device such that the power receiving element and the power output element can be interconnected to establish an electrical connection. Background Technology

[0002] Cordless machine tools can operate using rechargeable batteries for power. The rechargeable battery can be removed from the machine tool so that it can be recharged with current on a charging device.

[0003] Thanks to advancements in single-cell and rechargeable battery technologies, cordless machine tools with ever-increasing power are becoming possible. To achieve this increased power, it is essential to force an ever-growing supply of electrical energy or current from the machine tool's rechargeable battery. During this process, numerous contact elements serve as the interface between the rechargeable battery and the machine tool to transmit this energy.

[0004] To keep the interface between the rechargeable battery and the machine tool as small and compact as possible, the contact elements are positioned side-by-side as close together as possible on the interface. The high energy flow or high current flowing from the rechargeable battery to the machine tool through the contact elements can cause undesirable heating of the contact elements. This uncontrolled heating leads to increased resistance on the contact elements and can also cause damage to the contact elements.

[0005] As a result, not only is the handling impaired in conventional machine tools powered by rechargeable batteries, but the current-carrying capacity of the contact elements is also compromised. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a machine tool having an improved interface between a rechargeable battery and the machine tool, by which the aforementioned problems can be solved and the current carrying capacity of the contact elements can be improved.

[0007] The objective is achieved through this invention.

[0008] The objective is achieved in particular by a machine tool, such as a drilling machine, which includes a receiving device having at least one first and second power receiving element and an energy supply unit, such as a rechargeable battery, connectable to the machine tool. The energy supply unit has a connection device that includes at least one first and second power output element, wherein the receiving device is provided for receiving and maintaining the connection device, such that the power receiving element and the power output element can be interconnected to establish an electrical connection.

[0009] According to the present invention, not only the first but also the second power receiving element includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and not only the first but also the second power output element includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode, such that when the receiving device and the connecting device are connected to each other, a positive electrode is connected to a positive electrode and a negative electrode is connected to a negative electrode accordingly, wherein the positive electrode of the first power output element and the positive electrode of the second power output element, the positive electrode of the first power receiving element and the positive electrode of the second power receiving element, the negative electrode of the first power output element and the negative electrode of the second power output element, and the negative electrode of the first power receiving element and the negative electrode of the second power receiving element are positioned at a distance from each other along at least one first and second directions.

[0010] Configuration: The receiving device is designed to receive electrical energy and / or data or signals. Therefore, the receiving device is a receiver for transmitting electrical energy or current, as well as data and signals, from an energy supply unit to a machine tool.

[0011] The numerous contact elements on the interface serve to achieve the increased clamping force required when a rechargeable battery is connected to a machine tool. This is because it overcomes the mechanical resistance of these contact elements, particularly when multiple contact elements are designed as terminals with elastically deformable tabs to receive pin-shaped plugs.

[0012] Therefore, according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the positive terminals of the first power output element and the second power output element, the positive terminals of the first power receiving element and the second power receiving element, the negative terminals of the first power output element and the second power output element, and the negative terminals of the first power receiving element and the second power receiving element can be positioned at a distance from each other along at least one third direction. Improved heat dissipation from the power output elements and power receiving elements can be achieved in a simple manner through the spacing between the respective power output elements and power receiving elements.

[0013] According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, spring elements are respectively provided on the positive and negative terminals of the power output element. This allows the positive and negative terminals to move along a first direction and a second direction, and relative to the positive and negative terminals of the power receiving element. This resists relative movement between the corresponding positive and negative terminals of the power output element and the power receiving element when the power output element and the power receiving element are interconnected. This reduces relative movement between the corresponding positive and negative terminals and thus resists wear caused by vibration on the positive and negative terminals.

[0014] However, according to an alternative design approach, the spring element may be designed as a component of a material that can elastically deform. Here, the material can be an elastic body. This allows for simple resistance to the movement of the contact element caused by vibration in multiple directions, that is, not only towards or against the receiving element. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Further advantages are obtained from the following description of the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate different embodiments of the invention. The drawings and description contain numerous combinations of features. Those skilled in the art will also find it appropriate to focus on each feature individually and to synthesize these features into other meaningful combinations.

[0016] In the attached image:

[0017] Figure 1 A side view of a machine tool according to the invention is shown, wherein a rechargeable battery connected to the machine tool is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A further side view of the machine tool according to the invention is shown, in which a rechargeable battery is shown removed from the machine tool;

[0019] Figure 3 A perspective view of the connection device for a rechargeable battery according to the first embodiment is shown;

[0020] Figure 4 A side view of the connection device for a rechargeable battery according to the first embodiment is shown;

[0021] Figure 5 A perspective view of the connection device for a rechargeable battery according to the second embodiment is shown;

[0022] Figure 6 A side view of the connection device for a rechargeable battery according to the second embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figure 1 and 2 An exemplary embodiment of the machine tool 1 according to the present invention is shown.

[0024] Machine tool 1 is designed here as a drilling machine. However, it is also possible that machine tool 1 is an impact drill, a circular saw, or the like.

[0025] Figure 1 and 2 The machine tool 1 shown basically includes a housing 2, a tool holder 3, and a handle 4 with a start switch 5. Furthermore, the machine tool 1 also includes a receiving device 6 for the energy supply unit 7. Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the energy supply unit 7 is designed as a rechargeable battery, also known as a rechargeable battery.

[0026] Figure 1 This illustrates a state in which battery 7 is connected to machine tool 1. Battery 7 is thus pushed onto receiving device 6 along arrow direction A. (As shown...) Figure 2 As shown, battery 7 can move away from receiving device 6 and thus away from machine tool 1 in the direction of arrow B.

[0027] The housing 2 has a first end 2a and a second end 2b. A tool receiving portion 3 is positioned on the first end 2a of the housing 2. The tool receiving portion 3 is used to receive and releasably retain the tool 8. Figure 1 and 2 The tool shown, 8, is designed in the form of a drill bit.

[0028] The handle 4 includes a start switch 5, a first end 4a, and a second end 4b. The start switch 5 is used to operate the machine tool 1.

[0029] The first end 4a of the handle 4 is fastened to the second end 2b of the housing 2 and to the lower side of the housing 2.

[0030] A receiving device 6, designed as an energy supply unit 7 for a rechargeable battery, is positioned on the second end 4b of the handle 4. For example... Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the receiving device 6 includes a first power receiving element 10, a second power receiving element 20, and two data receiving elements. The two data receiving elements are positioned within the receiving device 6 between the first power receiving element 10 and the second power receiving element 20, and thus at the center of the receiving device 6. The figures only schematically depict the data receiving elements.

[0031] Furthermore, the first power receiving element 10 includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode 14, and the second power receiving element 20 includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode 24. The positive electrodes are arranged parallel to each other and staggered, and are located on the first side of the receiving device 6. Similarly, the negative electrodes 14 and 24 are arranged parallel to each other and staggered, and are located on the second side of the receiving device 6. The positive and negative electrodes 22 and 24 are used to establish an electrical connection and, in practice, to receive current from the battery 7 and transmit it to the electrical appliances in the machine tool 1. The positive electrode is not shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0032] The energy supply unit 7, designed as a rechargeable battery, essentially comprises a housing 11 in which multiple individual, interconnected energy storage cells, also known as rechargeable cells, are positioned. Electrical energy can be stored in the rechargeable battery 7 using these rechargeable cells. The rechargeable cells are not shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0033] A connecting device 12 is positioned on the upper end of the housing 11. The connecting device 12 includes a first power output element 13 and a second power output element 15. Figure 3 As shown, the first power output element 13 is positioned above the second power output element 15 (that is, against the direction of the arrow X).

[0034] Furthermore, the first power receiving element 13 includes a positive electrode 23 and a negative electrode 25, and the second power receiving element 15 includes a positive electrode 27 and a negative electrode 29. The positive electrodes 23 and 27 are arranged parallel to each other and staggered, and are located on the first side 6a of the connecting device 12. Similarly, the negative electrodes 25 and 29 are arranged parallel to each other and staggered, and are located on the second side 6b of the receiving device 6. The positive electrodes 23 and 27 and the negative electrodes 25 and 29 are also used to establish an electrical connection and, in effect, to output current (or electrical energy) from the rechargeable battery 7 to the machine tool 1.

[0035] However, according to an alternative design not shown, it is also possible that two or more power output elements 13, 15, each having one or more positive poles 23, 27 and negative poles 25, 29, are included in the connecting device 12.

[0036] It should be noted that the number of power output elements 13 and 15 corresponds to the number of power receiving elements 10. Two data output elements 30 and 40 are positioned between the two power output elements 13 and 15 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 3 and 4 The two data output elements 30 and 40 are designed so that they can be connected to the two data receiving elements 30 and 40 of the receiving device 6.

[0037] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the positive electrode 23 of the first power output element 13 is disposed offset from the positive electrode 27 of the second power output element 15 along the directions Z and X.

[0038] Similarly, the negative terminal 27 of the first power output element 13 is offset from the negative terminal 29 of the second power output element 15 along the Z and X directions.

[0039] The power receiving element 10 of the receiving device 6 and the power output elements 13 and 15 of the connecting device 12 can be reconnected to each other in a detachable manner. Here, the positive terminal of the power receiving element is connected to the positive terminals 23 and 25 of the power output elements 13 and 15, and the negative terminals 14 and 24 of the power receiving element are connected to the negative terminals 27 and 29 of the power output elements 13 and 15 to form an electrical contact connection. Through the corresponding connection of the positive terminals 23 and 25 with the negative terminals 14, 24, 27, and 29, electrical energy (or current) stored in the rechargeable battery 7 can be introduced from the rechargeable battery 7 into the receiving device 6. Then, the electrical energy is conducted to the electrical appliances in the machine tool 1.

[0040] Because the positive terminals 23, 25 and negative terminals 27, 29 of the power output components 13, 15 are staggered, it is mandatory that the positive terminals 14, 24 of the power receiving component 13 are also staggered. It should be noted that, according to... Figure 3 and 4 In the embodiment shown, the Z-direction offset of the positive electrode 23 of the first power receiving element 13 is arranged in the same way as the Z-direction offset of the positive electrode of the first power receiving element. Similarly, the Z-direction offset of the negative electrode 27 of the first power receiving element 13 is arranged in the same way as the Z-direction offset of the negative electrode 14 of the first power receiving element 13. Otherwise, the corresponding electrodes cannot be connected to each other when the receiving device 6 and the connecting device 12 are assembled together.

[0041] Figure 5 and 6 A second embodiment is shown, in which the positive terminal 23 of the first power output element 13 is offset relative to the positive terminal 25 of the second power output element 15 along the directions Z, X, and Y. Similarly, the negative terminal 27 of the first power output element 13 is offset relative to the negative terminal 29 of the second power output element 15 along the directions Z, X, and Y. The positive and negative terminals 14, 24 of the power receiving element 10 of the receiving device 6 are also offset along the directions Z, X, and Y in a corresponding manner, such that when the receiving device 6 and the connecting device 12 are assembled together, the positive and negative terminals of the power receiving element 10 of the receiving device 6 are interconnected with the positive terminals 23, 25 and the negative terminals 27, 29 of the power output elements 13, 15 of the connecting device 12.

[0042] An electric motor for generating torque is positioned within the housing 2. The electric motor is thus an electrical appliance. The torque generated in the electric motor is transmitted to the tool housing 3 via a driven shaft and a transmission mechanism. The transmitted torque causes the tool 8 to rotate. The electric motor, driven shaft, and transmission mechanism are not shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0043] According to another embodiment of the invention, the positive terminals 23, 25 and negative terminals 27, 29 of the power output elements 13, 15 can be configured to be connected to a spring element 50. For example, particularly in... Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the spring element 50 is positioned along direction Z after the corresponding positive terminals 23, 25 and negative terminals 27, 29. The spring element 50 extends along direction Z here. As particularly in Figure 4 and 6 As shown, the corresponding spring element 50 is positioned around the Litz wire 60. Each positive electrode 23, 25 and negative electrode 27, 29 has one such Litz wire 60. The Litz wire 60 is used to transfer electrical energy from the rechargeable single cell to the corresponding positive electrode 23, 25 and negative electrode 27, 29.

[0044] Furthermore, each of the positive electrodes 23, 25 and the negative electrodes 27, 29 is located within a contact chamber. A corresponding spring element 50 is positioned within the contact chamber such that the corresponding elastic force of the spring element 50 presses the positive electrodes 23, 25 and the negative electrodes 27, 29 in the opposite direction Z. The contact chamber is not shown in the attached figures.

[0045] Each positive electrode 23, 25 and negative electrode 27, 29 further includes first and second contact pieces. The contact pieces are designed to be movable or flexible, such that the first contact piece can reversibly pivot in a first direction and the second contact piece in another direction. This movable nature of the contact pieces allows for receiving the corresponding positive electrodes 23, 25 and negative electrodes 27, 29 of the power receiving elements 13, 15 of the receiving device 12, such that when the rechargeable battery 7 is connected to the machine tool 1 as specified, each positive electrode 23, 25 is in contact with each negative electrode 27, 29 (see [reference]). Figure 1 ).

[0046] The relative motion caused by vibration (e.g., along arrow directions A and B) can be balanced by the spring element 50, which generates relative motion between the corresponding positive poles 23, 25 and negative poles 14, 24, 27, 29 when the machine tool 1 is in use.

Claims

1. Machine tool (1), comprising: - a receiving device (6) having at least one first and second power receiving element; and - an energy supply unit (7) connectable with the machine tool (1), having a connection device (12) comprising at least one first and second power output element (13, 15); wherein the receiving device (6) is designed for receiving and holding the connection device (12) such that the power receiving elements and the power output elements (13, 15) can be connected with each other for establishing an electrical connection, characterized in that not only the first but also the second power receiving element comprises a positive and a negative pole (14, 24) and not only the first but also the second power output element (13, 15) comprises a positive (23, 25) and a negative pole (27, 29) such that upon connecting the receiving device (6) and the connection device (12) with each other, respectively one positive pole is connected with one positive pole and one negative pole is connected with one negative pole, wherein the positive pole (23) of the first power output element (13) and the positive pole (25) of the second power output element (15), the positive pole of the first power receiving element and the positive pole of the second power receiving element, the negative pole (27) of the first power output element (13) and the negative pole (29) of the second power output element (15) and the negative pole (14) of the first power receiving element and the negative pole (24) of the second power receiving element are positioned distanced from each other in a first, second and third direction (X, Y, Z), spring elements (50) are provided on the positive poles (23, 25) and the negative poles (27, 29) of the power output elements (13, 15), respectively, which positive poles (23, 25) and negative poles (27, 29) are thereby movable in a first and second direction (W, Z) and opposite the positive poles and the negative poles of the power receiving elements such that upon connecting the power output elements (13, 15) and the power receiving elements with each other, a relative movement between the respective positive poles (23, 25) and the negative poles (27, 29) of the power output elements (13, 15) and the positive poles and the negative poles of the power receiving elements can be opposed.

2. Machine tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The machine tool (1) is a drilling machine.

3. Machine tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The energy supply unit (7) is a rechargeable battery.

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