Battery pack, battery-operated appliance, tool system, system, and battery system

Abstract

The present invention starts from a battery pack, which has at least one battery unit for providing voltage, including at least one battery cell, at least one further battery unit for providing a further voltage, including at least one battery cell, and at least one connection unit for an electrical and mechanical connection to at least one battery-operated appliance, in particular a battery-operated tool. The connection unit includes at least one interface and at least one further interface, which are arranged to transmit electrical energy to the battery-operated appliance and are configured to be without a direct electrical connection in at least one operating state. The present invention also relates to a corresponding battery-operated appliance, a tool system, a system, and a battery system.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to battery packs, battery-operated appliances, tool systems, systems, and battery systems. Background Art

[0002] There has been proposed a battery pack having: at least one battery unit for providing a voltage, the battery unit including at least one battery cell; at least one additional battery unit for providing an additional voltage, the additional battery unit including at least one battery cell; and at least one connection unit for electrically and mechanically connecting to at least one battery-operated appliance, in particular a battery-operated tool. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention starts from a battery pack having: at least one battery unit for providing a voltage, the battery unit including at least one battery cell; at least one additional battery unit for providing an additional voltage, the additional battery unit including at least one battery cell; and at least one connection unit for electrically and mechanically connecting to at least one battery-operated appliance, in particular a battery-operated tool.

[0004] It is proposed that the connection unit includes at least one interface and at least one additional interface, which interfaces are arranged to transmit electrical energy to the battery-operated appliance and are configured to be free of direct electrical connection in at least one operating state.

[0005] "Set" should in particular be understood as specifically programmed, designed and / or equipped. "An object is set for a specific function" should in particular be understood as: the object satisfies and / or implements this specific function in at least one application state and / or operating state. The interface and / or another interface in particular each comprise at least two contact elements for transmitting electrical energy, in particular current or voltage, to the battery-operated appliance. The interface and / or another interface are preferably able to be connected to each other at least partially, in particular electrically connected to each other, in at least one operating state of the battery pack. Preferably, the connection unit, in particular the interface and / or another interface, is set up to apply a voltage, another voltage and / or a combination of this voltage and this other voltage via the contact elements to the battery-operated appliance, in particular the corresponding contact elements of the battery-operated appliance, especially in the state where the battery pack is arranged on the battery-operated appliance. For example, the contact element and / or the corresponding contact element are configured as tulip contacts, plug tongues, contact plates, contact rails, etc. The interface and the other interface are preferably able to be connected to the battery-operated appliance independently of each other. The interface is in particular set up to transmit electrical energy to the battery-operated appliance independently of the other interface in at least one operating state. The other interface is preferably set up to transmit electrical energy to the battery-operated appliance independently of the interface in at least one operating state. The interface and / or another interface are preferably set up to transmit electrical energy via the voltage applied to the contact element and / or the current flowing through the contact element. "The interface and the other interface are configured to be without direct electrical connection in at least one operating state" should in particular be understood as that the interface and the other interface are configured to be electrically separated from each other in this operating state or are connected via a significant resistance, which significantly prevents the flow of current between the interface and the other interface and / or between the battery unit and another battery unit. The significant resistance in particular differs from the line resistance or forms the total resistance of all components arranged between the interface and the other interface, especially in circuit technology. The significant resistance in particular corresponds to a value of at least 1 kΩ, preferably at least 100 kΩ and particularly preferably at least 1 MΩ.

[0006] Preferably, the battery unit and the additional battery unit are each at least partially configured as clusters composed of a plurality of battery cells. The battery cells of the battery unit and the additional battery unit are in particular connected in series with each other. The battery unit and / or the additional battery unit each have, for example, a plurality of, in particular exactly five, battery cells. However, other configurations of the battery unit and / or the additional battery unit are also conceivable, in particular with a number of battery cells different from five and / or a wiring of the battery cells different from a pure series connection. The battery unit and the additional battery unit each preferably have two poles via which a voltage or another voltage can be output. The potential difference between the two poles of the battery unit preferably corresponds to the voltage. The potential difference between the two poles of the additional battery unit preferably corresponds to the other voltage. In particular, the battery unit and / or the additional battery unit each have at least one electronic unit which is provided for detecting and / or monitoring the individual cell voltages of the battery cells. The battery pack in particular has at least one compensation unit which is provided for equalizing the state of charge of the battery unit and the additional battery unit with each other in at least one operating state.

[0007] It is conceivable that the battery pack includes at least one protection unit which is provided for protecting the interface and / or another interface, in particular in a state in which the interface and / or another interface is separated from the battery-operated appliance, from contact with objects, from dirt and / or from damage. The protection unit preferably includes at least one protection element which is arranged on the interface and / or another interface. The protection element is configured, for example, as a covering, a slider, a film, a cover, etc. The protection element is, for example, movably supported, in particular pivotably, pushably and / or swingably, on the battery pack, in particular on a connection unit and / or a housing unit of the battery pack. The protection element is in particular provided for being moved into a passive position in the case of an electrical and / or mechanical connection of the battery-operated appliance to the interface and / or another interface, in particular by a form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection to the battery-operated appliance. Preferably, the protection element is arranged in this passive position at least partially, in particular at least predominantly, spaced apart from the interface and / or another interface, in particular from the contact elements of the interface and / or another interface. Preferably, the protection element releases the interface and / or another interface in this passive position for the transmission of electrical energy to the battery-operated appliance.

[0008] With the configuration according to the invention of the battery pack, a particularly high flexibility can be achieved, especially with regard to the use of the battery pack with battery-operated appliances of different configurations. A particularly high compatibility with existing battery-operated appliances can be achieved, especially since the interface and the additional interface can have a conventional geometry and at the same time can supply different currents and / or voltages to the battery-operated appliances.

[0009] Furthermore, it is proposed that the interface and the additional interface each include at least two, especially the aforementioned, contact elements, wherein each of the contact elements of the interface and the additional interface is connected to at least one pole, especially one of the aforementioned poles, of the battery cell and / or the additional battery cell. In particular, the battery cell is especially permanently electrically connected to the interface. Preferably, the additional battery cell is especially permanently electrically connected to the additional interface. A particularly high flexibility of the battery pack can be achieved, especially since battery-operated appliances that are different from each other can be used with the battery pack via the interface and the additional interface and / or can be connected to the battery cell and the additional battery cell in different ways.

[0010] Furthermore, it is proposed that the battery pack has at least one wiring unit for combining the voltages of the battery cell and the additional battery cell and / or for combining the currents at the interface and / or the additional interface. The wiring unit is especially provided for wiring the battery cell and the additional battery cell for adapting and / or providing the voltage applied at the interface and / or the additional interface. Preferably, the compensation unit is configured as part of the wiring unit. The compensation unit is especially provided for wiring the battery cell and the additional battery cell in such a way that a compensation current flows between the battery cell and the additional battery cell in at least one operating state. The battery pack preferably has at least one control and / or regulation unit which is provided for at least controlling and / or regulating the wiring unit especially according to the battery-operated appliance connected to the battery pack, especially to the interface and / or the additional interface, according to the state of charge of the battery cell and / or the additional battery cell, etc. The "control and / or regulation unit" should especially be understood as a unit having at least one control electronics. The "control electronics" should especially be understood as a unit having a processor unit and a memory unit as well as a running program stored in the memory unit. The wiring unit preferably includes electrical wires which connect the contact elements of the interface and / or the additional interface to the battery cell and / or the additional battery cell, especially to the poles of the battery cell and / or the additional battery cell. Advantageously, the voltage applied to the contact elements and / or the current transmitted via the contact elements can be adapted especially separately and independently for the interface and the additional interface.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the connection unit includes at least one signal contact element which is arranged to electronically detect, in particular, the type of the battery-operated appliance and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit when connected to the battery-operated appliance. The signal contact element is preferably arranged to detect at least one electrical signal and / or electronic signal of the battery-operated appliance when connected to the battery-operated appliance in order to determine the type of the battery-operated appliance and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit. The electrical signal and / or electronic signal is particularly transmitted to the control and / or regulation unit via the signal contact element. The control and / or regulation unit is preferably arranged to determine the type of the battery-operated appliance and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit by means of the electrical signal and / or electronic signal when connected to the battery-operated appliance. The control and / or regulation unit is, for example, arranged to read the type of the battery-operated appliance from the electrical signal and / or electronic signal, wherein the electrical signal and / or electronic signal particularly includes an identification of the battery-operated appliance. The control and / or regulation unit is particularly arranged to determine the connection configuration of the connection unit on the basis of the electrical signal and / or electronic signal, the identification of the battery-operated appliance and / or the signal strength of the electrical signal and / or electronic signal when connected to the battery-operated appliance. It is conceivable that the connection unit has at least one further signal contact element which is arranged to electronically detect, in particular, the type of the battery-operated appliance and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit when connected to the battery-operated appliance. Preferably, the signal contact element is arranged on the interface, and the further signal contact element is arranged on the further interface. The signal contact element is preferably arranged to electronically detect, in particular, the type of the battery-operated appliance connected to the interface and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit when the interface is connected to the battery-operated appliance connected to this interface. The further signal contact element is preferably arranged to electronically detect, in particular, the type of the further battery-operated appliance connected to the further interface and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit when the further interface is connected to the further battery-operated appliance connected to this further interface. In particular, in the configuration of a connection unit having a further signal contact element, it is conceivable that the signal contact element and the further signal contact element are arranged to detect the type of the battery-operated appliance and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit on the basis of the electrical contact of the signal contact element and the further signal contact element with at least one corresponding signal contact element of the battery-operated appliance when connected to the battery-operated appliance. The signal contact element and the further signal contact element are, for example, arranged such that: if only the signal contact element is in contact with a corresponding signal contact element, then the type of the battery-operated appliance detected is a battery-operated appliance which is only compatible with the interface, and / or, the connection configuration of the connection unit detected is a connection configuration which uses only the interface for energy transfer.The control and / or regulation unit is in particular set up to detect the electrical contact of the signal contact element and / or a further signal contact element, in particular in the case of connection to the corresponding signal contact element. The signal contact element and / or the corresponding contact element are for example configured as tulip contacts, plug tongues, contact plates, contact rails etc. The connection configuration required for the transmission of electrical energy to the battery-operated appliance can be determined. In the case of connection of the battery pack to the battery-operated appliance, the power requirement of the battery-operated appliance can be determined. Appliance-specific wiring of the wiring unit and / or the interface and / or a further interface can be implemented.

[0012] Furthermore, it is proposed that the connection unit includes at least one switching element, which is arranged to electrically connect the interface and another interface to the battery unit and / or another battery unit respectively according to the type of the battery-operated appliance and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit. The connection unit is preferably arranged to adapt the voltages provided at the interface and the other interface according to the type of the battery-operated appliance and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit, especially by means of at least one switching element. Preferably, the switching element is especially arranged in a circuit-technical sense between a pole of the battery unit or another battery unit, especially a battery unit or another battery unit, and one of the contact elements of the interface or the other interface, between the battery unit and the other battery unit, especially between a pole of the battery unit and a pole of the other battery unit, or between the contact elements of the interface and / or the other interface. That a component, especially an electrical or electronic component, especially a switching element, is arranged "in a circuit-technical sense" between two other components, such as between a battery unit and another battery unit, should especially be understood to mean that the one component is electrically connected to the two other components and / or is part of an electrical and / or electronic circuit together with the two other components. The circuit-technical arrangement of the components is especially independent of the geometric arrangement of the components. It is conceivable that the connection unit has more than one switching element. In a preferred configuration, the connection unit has two switching elements, which are especially arranged in a circuit-technical sense respectively between one of the poles of the battery unit and one of the poles of the other battery unit and between one of the contact elements of the interface and one of the contact elements of the other interface. In particular, one of the two switching elements is especially arranged in a circuit-technical sense between the positive pole of the battery unit and the positive pole of the other battery unit. Preferably, the other of the two switching elements is especially arranged in a circuit-technical sense between the negative pole of the battery unit and the negative pole of the other battery unit. The switching element is preferably arranged to parallel-connect the battery unit and the other battery unit via the contact elements of the interface and the other interface especially in at least one operating state. It is conceivable that the switching element is part of a compensation unit, wherein the switching element is especially arranged to enable a compensation current between the battery unit and the other battery unit in the closed state. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the connection unit includes at least one further switching element. The further switching element is preferably arranged to series-connect the battery unit and the other battery unit via the contact elements of the interface or the other interface especially in at least one operating state. In particular, the further switching element is especially arranged in a circuit-technical sense between two contact elements of the interface or the other interface and / or between a pole of the battery unit and a pole of the other battery unit. Preferably, the switching element and / or the further switching element is configured as an electronic switching element.For example, the switching element and / or additional switching elements are configured as MOSFET switches, switching relays, IGBTs, reed switches, capacitive switches, etc. Energy can be transmitted to a plurality of battery-operated appliances of different configurations by means of a battery pack, especially because the power transmitted via the interface and / or additional interfaces, in particular the applied voltage and / or the transmitted current, can be adapted to the configuration of the battery-operated appliances. Advantageously high flexibility can be achieved. The automatic connection of the battery unit and additional battery units can be achieved depending on the voltage to be applied to the contact element and / or the current to flow through the contact element. An advantageously rapid start of the energy transmission can be achieved, especially because the communication between the battery pack and the battery-operated appliance can be directly achieved when the battery pack is connected to the battery-operated appliance.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the interface has at least one connection region, and the additional interface has at least one additional connection region, wherein the connection region and the additional connection region are spatially separated from each other and are provided for a form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection with the battery-operated appliance. The connection region and / or the additional connection region are preferably constructed integrally with the housing unit. "Integrally" is particularly understood as being formed as one piece. This one piece is preferably made from a single blank, billet, and / or casting, particularly preferably in an injection molding process, especially in a single-component and / or multi-component injection molding process. The contact elements of the interface are particularly arranged on the connection region. The contact elements of the additional interface are preferably arranged on the additional connection region. It is conceivable that the connection region and / or the additional connection region each have at least one fixing element, respectively. The fixing element is preferably part of a fixing unit of the battery pack and / or the battery-operated appliance, and this fixing unit is provided for fixing the battery pack to the battery-operated appliance. The fixing element is constructed, for example, as a latching element, a recess, a form-fitting notch, a magnetic element, etc. In particular, the interface, especially the connection region, is constructed as a plug-in insert, a sliding insert, etc. In particular, the additional interface, especially the additional connection region, is constructed as a plug-in insert, a sliding insert, etc. Preferably, the interface and the additional interface, especially the connection region and the additional connection region, are constructed at least mostly, especially in terms of the external geometry, identically. Preferably, the connection region and / or the additional connection region each have at least one, especially at least two, form-fitting protrusions, respectively. In particular, the form-fitting protrusions are provided for cooperating with at least one form-fitting notch of the battery-operated appliance, especially for connecting the battery pack to the battery-operated appliance, and are especially moved into at least one form-fitting notch of the battery-operated appliance. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the connection region and / or the additional connection region each have at least one, especially at least two, form-fitting notches, which are provided for cooperating with at least one form-fitting protrusion of the battery-operated appliance, especially for receiving at least one form-fitting protrusion of the battery-operated appliance. A simple and rapid connection of the battery pack to the battery-operated appliance can be advantageously achieved, especially because the mutually separate and independent connection regions can be directly distinguished by the user. Favorable operational convenience can be achieved when connecting the battery pack to the battery-operated appliance. The operator can easily recognize how and where to connect different-configured battery-operated appliances to the battery pack.

[0014] Furthermore, it is proposed that the battery pack has at least one, in particular the aforementioned housing unit, wherein the interface and the additional interface are arranged on the housing unit offset from one another in the offset direction with respect to the central axis of the housing unit, in particular at least substantially parallel to one another. The offset direction preferably extends along an axis that is at least substantially parallel to or at least substantially perpendicular to the central axis. "Substantially perpendicular" should in particular be understood as the orientation of the straight line or plane along which the offset direction extends, in particular the axis, with respect to another straight line or another plane, in particular the central axis, where the straight line or plane and the other straight line or the other plane, in particular when observed in the projection plane, enclose an angle of 90°, and the angle has a maximum deviation of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°. "Substantially parallel" should in particular be understood as the orientation of the straight line or plane along which the offset direction extends, in particular the axis, with respect to another straight line or another plane, in particular the central axis, where the straight line or plane has a deviation of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2° with respect to the other straight line or the other plane. In particular, the connection region and the additional connection region are arranged offset from one another in the offset direction with respect to the central axis of the housing unit, in particular at least substantially parallel to one another. In one configuration, the connection region and the additional connection region have at least one form-fitting projection and / or at least one form-fitting notch, in particular in this configuration, the form-fitting projection and / or the form-fitting notch are preferably arranged offset from one another in the offset direction with respect to the central axis of the housing unit, in particular at least substantially parallel to one another. Preferably, the battery pack, in particular the interface and / or the additional interface, has at least one connection direction, wherein the battery pack can in particular be connected to the battery-operated appliance via a movement in the connection direction. Particularly preferably, the offset direction is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the connection direction. A compact configuration of the battery pack can be achieved, in particular in the region of the interface and the additional interface. A simple and rapid connection of the battery pack to battery-operated appliances with different configurations can be achieved. A high operating convenience can be achieved advantageously. Advantageously, for the interface and the additional interface, a uniform connection direction and / or a uniform connection movement for connection to the battery-operated appliance can be achieved.

[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that the interface and the further interface each include at least two contact elements, wherein the connection unit is configured such that each contact element of the interface and the further interface can be connected to at least one pole of the battery unit and at least one pole of the further battery unit, respectively. Preferably, the switching element and / or the further switching element are each provided for detachably connecting one of the contact elements of the interface and the further interface to one pole of the battery unit and one pole of the further battery unit. Particularly preferably, the switching element and / or the further switching element are each provided for conducting a maximum average current of at least 70 A, preferably at least 90 A and particularly preferably at least 100 A, wherein the switching element and / or the further switching element particularly have unrestricted functionality, in particular remaining undamaged. Preferably, the switching element and / or the further switching element are each provided for conducting a maximum current of at least 220 A, preferably at least 270 A and particularly preferably at least 300 A, wherein the switching element and / or the further switching element particularly have unrestricted functionality, in particular remaining undamaged. Advantageously high flexibility can be achieved with respect to the voltage that may be applied to the interface and / or the further interface and / or the current transmitted via the interface and / or the further interface. An advantageous large number of battery-operated appliances compatible with the battery pack can be achieved.

[0016] Furthermore, a battery-operated appliance, in particular a battery-operated power tool, for use with at least one battery pack according to the invention is proposed, which has at least one interface unit including at least four corresponding contact elements, wherein the corresponding contact elements are provided for electrically connecting to the contact elements of the interface and / or the further interface of the connection unit of the battery pack in order to receive electrical energy.

[0017] Preferably, the corresponding contact elements are configured corresponding to the interfaces of the battery pack and / or the contact elements of additional interfaces. Preferably, the interface unit includes at least one receiving area and at least one additional receiving area, wherein, in particular, two of the four corresponding contact elements are at least partially arranged within the receiving area, and the other two of the four corresponding contact elements are at least partially arranged within the additional receiving area. Particularly preferably, the two corresponding contact elements are arranged to cooperate with two contact elements of the interface, in particular for connecting a battery-operated appliance to the battery pack, and are particularly brought into electrical contact. Preferably, the other two corresponding contact elements are arranged to cooperate with two contact elements of the additional interface, in particular for connecting a battery-operated appliance to the battery pack, and are particularly brought into electrical contact. Preferably, the receiving area, in particular at least one receiving surface of the battery-operated appliance arranged within this receiving area, is configured corresponding to the connection area of the interface. In particular, at least one abutment surface of the connection area of the interface abuts against the receiving area, in particular the receiving surface, in a state where the battery-operated appliance is connected to the battery pack. Preferably, the additional receiving area, in particular at least one additional receiving surface of the battery-operated appliance arranged within this additional receiving area, is configured corresponding to the additional connection area of the additional interface. In particular, at least one abutment surface of the additional connection area of the additional interface abuts against the additional receiving area, in particular the additional receiving surface, in a state where the battery-operated appliance is connected to the battery pack. Preferably, the receiving area and the additional receiving area, in particular the two corresponding contact elements and the other two corresponding contact elements, are arranged offset from each other in at least one direction that is particularly at least substantially perpendicular to the receiving direction of the battery-operated appliance. Preferably, in a state where the battery-operated appliance is connected to the battery pack, the receiving direction is configured at least substantially parallel to the connection direction of the interface and the additional interface. Preferably, the interface unit includes at least two connecting elements, in particular form-locking protrusions and / or form-locking notches, wherein at least one connecting element is arranged within the receiving area and at least one other connecting element is arranged within the additional receiving area. The battery-operated appliance preferably includes at least one control unit and at least one corresponding signal contact element. The corresponding signal contact element is particularly arranged on the receiving area and / or the additional receiving area. It is conceivable that the battery-operated appliance includes more than one, in particular exactly two, corresponding signal contact elements, wherein in particular at least one corresponding signal contact element is arranged on the connection area and at least one other corresponding signal contact element is arranged on the additional connection area. In particular, at least one / more corresponding signal contact elements are electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit is preferably arranged to transmit at least one electrical signal and / or electronic signal via one / more corresponding signal contact elements.The electrical and / or electronic signals of the control unit are in particular provided for transmitting information about the type of the battery-operated appliance and / or the pre-given connection configuration of the connection unit of the battery pack via the interface unit to the signal contact elements of the battery pack, in particular the control and / or regulation unit, in the case of connection to the battery pack.

[0018] The configuration according to the invention of the battery-operated appliance enables a particularly high degree of flexibility, especially with regard to using the battery-operated appliance together with battery packs of different configurations, for example having only one interface or having an interface and additional interfaces. A particularly high electrical power that can be transmitted via the interface unit can be achieved, which is in particular achieved by a particularly high current and / or a particularly high voltage that is transmitted. In particular, the battery pack for use with the battery-operated appliance can have a configuration that is already known, especially with regard to the interface geometry, especially since the battery-operated appliance can be connected to more than one interface of the battery pack.

[0019] Furthermore, it is proposed that the battery-operated appliance has at least one wiring unit which is arranged to wire corresponding contact elements for combining voltages applied and / or currents transmitted via an interface and a further interface. The battery-operated appliance particularly includes at least one electrical appliance unit, in particular a motor, a heating element, a lighting element, etc. The wiring unit of the battery-operated appliance is preferably arranged to switch a switching element of the wiring unit of the battery-operated appliance according to the voltage applied to the corresponding contact element and / or the current transmitted via the corresponding contact element and according to the voltage and / or current demand characteristic quantity of the electrical appliance unit. In particular, the wiring unit of the battery-operated appliance is constructed at least substantially identically to the wiring unit of the battery pack. In particular, the battery-operated appliance having the wiring unit is arranged to be used together with a battery pack without a wiring unit, wherein, preferably in the state where the battery pack is connected to the battery-operated appliance, the battery unit is particularly only connected to the interface and the further battery unit is only connected to the further interface. Preferably, the switching elements of the wiring unit of the battery-operated appliance are each particularly arranged circuit-technically between at least one of an electrical connection of the electrical appliance unit and a corresponding contact element of the interface unit. Preferably, the wiring unit of the battery-operated appliance includes at least one further switching element which is particularly arranged circuit-technically between two of the corresponding contact elements of the interface unit and / or between two electrical connections of the electrical appliance unit. The further switching element is preferably arranged to connect in series the voltages separately applied to the corresponding contact elements of the battery unit and the further battery unit and apply them to the electrical appliance unit. A particularly high flexibility can be achieved with respect to the battery pack to be used together with the battery-operated appliance, which is particularly because the voltage and / or current applied to the corresponding contact element can be wired for operating the battery-operated appliance, in particular the electrical appliance unit. A particularly high compactness of the battery pack to be used together with the battery-operated appliance can be achieved, which is particularly because the battery pack can be constructed independently of the wiring unit. Thereby, a particularly high operating convenience of the battery-operated appliance can be achieved, which is particularly because the weight and volume of the components to be carried in addition to the appliance can be reduced.

[0020] Furthermore, a tool system is proposed which has at least one battery pack according to the invention and at least one battery-operated appliance according to the invention.

[0021] A particularly high flexibility can be achieved by the inventive configuration of the tool system. A particularly high compatibility with other already existing battery-operated appliances can be achieved, which is particularly because the interface and the further interface and the interface unit can have a conventional geometry and at the same time can provide varying currents and / or voltages to a plurality of battery-operated appliances.

[0022] Furthermore, a system is proposed which has at least one first battery-operated appliance, in particular a first battery-operated machine tool, in particular a battery-operated appliance according to the invention, has at least one second battery-operated appliance and has at least one battery pack according to the invention, wherein the second battery-operated appliance is arranged for electrical and mechanical connection to only one interface of the battery pack, and the first battery-operated appliance is arranged for electrical and mechanical connection to the interface of the battery pack and to a further interface. The second battery-operated appliance is in particular electrically connected to the battery pack only via the one interface in the operating state in which it is connected to the battery pack, wherein the further interface is in particular configured separately from the second battery-operated appliance. The first battery-operated appliance is preferably electrically connected to the battery pack via the interface and the further interface in the operating state in which the battery pack is connected.

[0023] A highly advantageous flexibility can be achieved by the configuration according to the invention of the system, in particular because the battery pack can be used with a plurality of differently configured battery-operated appliances. A highly advantageous compatibility with other already existing battery-operated appliances can be achieved, in particular because the interface, the further interface and the interface unit can have a conventional geometry and at the same time can supply a variable current and / or voltage to a plurality of battery-operated appliances. A highly advantageous ease of operation can be achieved, in particular because a battery pack, in particular a type of battery pack, can be used for a plurality of appliances. Thereby, a small number of components to be carried in addition to the appliance can be achieved.

[0024] Furthermore, a battery system is proposed which has at least one battery-operated appliance, in particular a battery-operated appliance according to the invention, has at least one first battery pack according to the invention, and has at least one second battery pack, wherein the second battery pack has exactly one interface, and wherein the battery-operated appliance is arranged for electrical and mechanical connection to the first battery pack and to the second battery pack. The battery-operated appliance is preferably electrically connected to the battery pack only via the interface in the operating state in which it is connected to the first battery pack. The further interface of the first battery pack is configured separately from the battery-operated appliance in particular in the operating state in which the battery-operated appliance is connected to the first battery pack. The battery-operated appliance preferably has an interface unit which comprises only one receiving area, wherein the interface unit, in particular the receiving area, is in particular arranged for electrical and mechanical connection to the interface.

[0025] A highly advantageous flexibility can be achieved by the configuration according to the invention of the battery system. In particular, compatibility between battery-operated appliances and battery packs having the same interface type can be achieved.

[0026] Furthermore, it is proposed that exactly one interface of the second battery pack is constructed at least substantially identically to the interface of the first battery pack or the further interface of the first battery pack. Advantageously high flexibility can be achieved, especially since all appliances and battery packs can include at least one common interface type. In particular, compatibility between battery-operated appliances and battery packs having the same interface type can be achieved.

[0027] The battery pack according to the invention, the battery-operated appliance according to the invention, the battery charging system according to the invention and / or the system according to the invention should not be limited to the above applications and embodiments here. In particular, the battery pack according to the invention, the battery-operated appliance according to the invention, the battery system according to the invention and / or the system according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components and units different from the number mentioned herein in order to achieve the functional modes described herein. Furthermore, in the case of the value ranges stated in this disclosure, the values within the stated limits should also be considered as disclosed and can be used arbitrarily. Description of the Drawings

[0028] Other advantages result from the following description of the drawings. Three embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description and the claims contain many combinations of features. The person skilled in the art will also appropriately observe the features individually and combine them into other meaningful combinations.

[0029] The drawings show:

[0030] Figure 1 Schematic view of a tool system according to the invention having a battery pack according to the invention and a battery-operated appliance according to the invention

[0031] Figure 2 Schematic view of a system according to the invention having a battery pack according to the invention, a first battery-operated appliance according to the invention and a second battery-operated appliance for connection to only one interface of the battery pack

[0032] Figure 3 Schematic view of a battery system according to the invention having a first battery pack according to the invention, a second battery pack including only one interface and a battery-operated appliance provided for use with the first battery pack and the second battery pack

[0033] Figure 4 Schematic detail view of a battery pack according to the invention having a wiring unit in the region of the interface and a further interface of the battery pack

[0034] Figure 5Schematic detail views of an alternative configuration of a battery pack according to the invention with a connection unit are shown in the area of the interface of the battery pack and a further interface, and

[0035] Figure 6 Schematic detail views of an alternative configuration of a battery-operated appliance according to the invention with a connection unit are shown in the area of the interface unit of the battery-operated appliance. Detailed description of the invention

[0036] In Figure 1 a tool system 10a with a battery pack 12a and a battery-operated appliance 14a is shown. The battery-operated appliance 14a is in particular configured as a hand-guided power tool. However, other configurations of the battery-operated appliance 14a and / or the tool system 10a are also conceivable. The battery pack 12a is in particular provided for use with the battery-operated appliance 14a, wherein the battery pack 12a is in particular electrically and mechanically connected to the battery-operated appliance 14a.

[0037] The battery pack 12a includes a battery unit 16a for providing a voltage, a further battery unit 18a for providing a further voltage, and a connection unit 20a for electrically and mechanically connecting to the battery-operated appliance 14a. The battery unit 16a and the further battery unit 18a are each configured as a cluster of battery cells 22a and each include five series-connected battery cells 22a. The battery unit 16a and the further battery unit 18a each include a positive pole and a negative pole via which the voltage and / or the further voltage can be output. However, other configurations of the battery unit 16a and / or the further battery unit 18a are also conceivable, in particular with a number of battery cells 22a different from five and / or with a wiring pattern of the battery cells 22a different from a pure series connection. Preferably, the potential difference between the two poles of the battery unit 16a corresponds to the voltage. Preferably, the potential difference between the two poles of the further battery unit 18a corresponds to the further voltage. In particular, the battery unit 16a and the further battery unit 18a each include an electronic unit configured to detect and / or monitor the individual cell voltages of the battery cells 22a, wherein the electronic unit is not shown in the figures. The connection unit 20a includes an interface 24a and a further interface 26a, which interfaces and the further interface are provided for transmitting electrical energy to the battery-operated appliance 14a and are configured to be without a direct electrical connection in at least one operating state. The battery pack 12a has a compensation unit (28a, see Figure 4 ) which is provided for equalizing the state of charge of the battery unit and the further battery unit 18a with each other in at least one operating state.

[0038] The interface 24a and the further interface 26a each have two contact elements 30a, 32a for transmitting electrical energy, in particular current or voltage, to the battery-operated appliance 14a. Preferably, the connection unit 20a, in particular the interface 24a and / or the further interface 26a, is configured to apply, in particular in the state where the battery pack 12a is arranged on the battery-operated appliance 14a, a voltage, a further voltage and / or a combination of a voltage and a further voltage via the contact elements 30a, 32a to the battery-operated appliance 14a, in particular to the corresponding contact elements 34a, 36a of the battery-operated appliance 14a. The battery-operated appliance 14a, in particular the interface unit 33a of the battery-operated appliance 14a, has four corresponding contact elements 34a, 36a. The corresponding contact elements 34a, 36a are electrically connected to the electrical appliance unit 38a of the battery-operated appliance 14a. The electrical appliance unit 38a is configured as an electric motor. However, other configurations of the electrical appliance unit 38a are also conceivable, for example a configuration as a motor different from an electric motor, a heating element, lighting elements such as a display, a lamp and / or an LED. The contact elements 30a, 32a of the connection unit 20a are configured as tulip contacts. The corresponding contact elements 34a, 36a of the interface unit 33a are configured as plug tongues. However, other configurations of the contact elements 30a, 32a and / or the corresponding contact elements 34a, 36a are also conceivable. Preferably, the interface 24a and the further interface 26a can be connected to the battery-operated appliance 14a independently of one another. The interface 24a and the further interface 26a are preferably configured to transmit electrical energy via the voltage applied to the contact elements 30a, 32a and / or the current flowing through the contact elements 30a, 32a.

[0039] The battery pack 12a includes a protection unit 40a which is arranged to protect the interface 24a and / or the further interface 26a from contact with objects, from dirt and / or from damage, especially in a state where the battery-operated appliance 14a is separated from the interface 24a and / or the further interface 26a. In particular, the protection unit 40a is only schematically shown in the drawing. The protection unit 40a includes two protection elements 42a, wherein one of the protection elements 42a is arranged on the interface 24a and the other of the protection elements 42a is arranged on the further interface 26a. The protection elements 42a are each configured as a sliding cover which is arranged to protect the interface 24a and the further interface 26a. However, other configurations of the protection unit 40a, especially of the protection elements 42a, are also conceivable, for example configured as a slide, a membrane, a cover, etc. The protection elements 42a are movably, especially displaceably, supported on the battery pack 12a, especially on the connection unit 20a and / or the housing unit 44a of the battery pack 12a. The protection elements 42a are especially arranged to be moved into a passive position especially via a form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection to the battery-operated appliance 14a in the case of an electrical and / or mechanical connection of the battery-operated appliance 14a to the interface 24a and / or the further interface 26a. The protection elements 42a are arranged in the passive position at least partially, especially at least largely, spaced apart from the interface 24a and / or the further interface 26a, especially spaced apart from the contact elements 30a, 32a of the interface 24a and / or the further interface 26a. Preferably, the protection elements 42a release the interface 24a and / or the further interface 26a, especially at least release the contact elements 30a, 32a of the interface 24a and / or the further interface 26a, in the passive position for the transmission of electrical energy to the battery-operated appliance 14a.

[0040] The battery pack 12a includes a wiring unit 46a which is used to combine the voltages of the battery cells 16a and the further battery cells 18a and / or to combine the currents at the interface 24a and / or the further interface 26a. The interface 24a and the further interface 26a can be at least partially connected to each other, especially electrically connected to each other, especially via the wiring unit 46a in at least one operating state of the battery pack 12a. In particular, the wiring unit 46a is described in detail in Figure 4 The battery pack 12a includes a control and / or regulation unit 47a which is especially arranged to at least control and / or regulate the wiring unit 46a and / or the electronic unit of the battery cells 16a and / or the further battery cells 18a.

[0041] The connection unit 20a includes six signal contact elements 48a, 50a, which are arranged to electronically detect, in particular, the type of the battery-operated appliance 14a and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit 20a when connected to the battery-operated appliance 14a. The signal contact elements 48a, 50a are preferably arranged to detect at least one electrical and / or electronic signal of the battery-operated appliance 14a when connected to the battery-operated appliance 14a, so as to determine the type of the battery-operated appliance 14a and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit 20a. The electrical signal and / or electronic signal is transmitted to the control and / or regulation unit 47a via the signal contact elements 48a, 50a. The control and / or regulation unit 47a is preferably arranged to determine the type of the battery-operated appliance 14a and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit 20a by means of the electrical signal and / or electronic signal when connected to the battery-operated appliance 14a. The control and / or regulation unit 47a is arranged, for example, to read the type of the battery-operated appliance 14a from the electrical signal and / or electronic signal, wherein the electrical signal and / or electronic signal particularly includes the identification of the battery-operated appliance 14a. Alternatively or additionally, the control and / or regulation unit 47a is arranged to determine the connection configuration of the connection unit 20a according to the electrical signal and / or electronic signal, the identification of the battery-operated appliance 14a and / or the signal strength of the electrical signal and / or electronic signal when connected to the battery-operated appliance 14a. Three of the six signal contact elements 48a, 50a, namely the signal contact elements 48a, are arranged on the interface 24a. The other three of the six signal contact elements 48a, 50a, namely the signal contact elements 50a, are arranged on another interface 26a. The three signal contact elements 48a are preferably arranged to electronically detect, in particular, the type of the battery-operated appliance 14a connected to the interface 24a and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit 20a when the interface 24a is connected to the battery-operated appliance 14a connected to the interface 24a. The other three signal contact elements 50a are preferably arranged to electronically detect, in particular, the type of the other battery-operated appliance 14a connected to the other interface 26a and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit 20a when the other interface 26a is connected to the other battery-operated appliance 14a connected to the other interface 26a. The battery-operated appliance 14a, in particular the interface unit 33a, has six corresponding signal contact elements 52a, 54a. Other configurations of the battery-operated appliance 14a, in particular the interface unit 33a, are also conceivable, in particular having a number of corresponding signal contact elements 52a, 54a different from six, preferably at least four corresponding signal contact elements 52a, 54a.The signal contact elements 48a, 50a are provided for detecting the type of the battery-operated appliance 14a and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit 20a in the case of connection to the battery-operated appliance 14a, based on the electrical contact of the signal contact elements 48a, 50a with the corresponding signal contact elements 52a, 54a of the battery-operated appliance 14a. The control and / or regulation unit 47a is in particular provided for detecting the electrical contact of the signal contact elements 48a, 50a, in particular in the case of connection to the corresponding signal contact elements 52a, 54a. The signal contact elements 48a, 50a are configured as tulip contacts. The corresponding signal contact elements 52a, 54a are configured as plug tongues. However, other configurations of the signal contact elements 48a, 50a and / or the corresponding signal contact elements 52a, 54a are also conceivable.

[0042] The interface 24a has a connection area 54a. The further interface 26a has a further connection area 56a. The connection area 54a and the further connection area 56a are spatially separated from each other and are provided for a form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection to the battery-operated appliance 14a. The connection area 54a and / or the further connection area 56a are integrally formed with the housing unit 44a. The contact element 30a and the signal contact element 48a of the interface 24a are arranged on the connection area 54a. The contact element 32a and the signal contact element 50a of the further interface 26a are arranged on the further connection area 56a. It is conceivable that the connection area 54a and / or the further connection area 56a each have at least one fixing element, where the fixing element is not shown in the drawing in particular. The fixing element is preferably part of a fixing unit of the battery pack 12a and / or the battery-operated appliance 14a, which is provided for fixing the battery pack 12a to the battery-operated appliance 14a. The fixing element is configured, for example, as a latching element, a recess, a form-fitting notch, a magnetic element, etc. The interface 24a, in particular the connection area 54a, is configured as a sliding insertion part. The further interface 26a, in particular the further connection area 56a, is configured as a plug insertion part. In particular, the interface 24a and the further interface 26a are configured to be at least largely identical in terms of their external geometry. Preferably, the connection area 54a and the further connection area 56a are configured to be at least largely identical in terms of their external geometry. The connection area 54a and the further connection area 56a each have two form-fitting projections 58a configured as guide rails. The form-fitting projections 58a are provided for cooperating with two form-fitting notches 60a of the battery-operated appliance 14a, in particular for connecting the battery pack 12a to the battery-operated appliance 14a, and are in particular moved into the form-fitting notches 60a of the battery-operated appliance 14a.

[0043] The battery pack 12a includes a housing unit 44a, wherein the interface 24a and the additional interface 26a are arranged on the housing unit 44a offset from each other in an offset direction 64a, in particular at least substantially parallel to each other, with respect to the central axis 62a of the housing unit 44a. The housing unit 44a at least mostly, in particular at least substantially completely, encloses at least the battery unit 16a, the additional battery unit 18a, the control and / or regulation unit 47a, and the wiring unit 46a. The offset direction 64a extends along an axis that is at least substantially parallel to or at least substantially perpendicular to the central axis 62a. The connection region 54a and the additional connection region 56a are arranged on the housing unit 44a offset from each other in the offset direction 64a, in particular at least substantially parallel to each other, with respect to the central axis 62a of the housing unit 44a. The form-fitting projections 58a of the interface 24a and the form-fitting projections 58a of the additional interface 26a are arranged on the housing unit 44a offset from each other in the offset direction 64a, in particular at least substantially parallel to each other, with respect to the central axis of the housing unit 44a. The tool system 10a, in particular the battery 12a and / or the interface 24a and the additional interface 26a, has a connection direction 66a, wherein the battery pack 12a can in particular be connected to the battery-operated appliance 14a by movement in the connection direction 66a. The offset direction 64a is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the connection direction 66a.

[0044] The battery-operated appliance 14a has four corresponding contact elements 34a, 36a which are configured corresponding to the contact elements 30a, 32a of the interface 24a of the battery pack 12a and / or of a further interface 26a. The interface unit 33a includes a receiving area 68a and a further receiving area 70a, wherein, in particular, two of the four corresponding contact elements 34a, 36a, namely the contact elements 34a, are at least partially arranged within the receiving area 68a, and the other two of the four corresponding contact elements 34a, 36a, namely the contact elements 36a, are at least partially arranged within the further receiving area 70a. Three of the six corresponding signal contact elements 52a, 54a, namely the contact elements 52a, are arranged within the receiving area 68a. The other three of the six corresponding signal contact elements 52a, 54a, namely the contact elements 54a, are arranged within the further receiving area 70a. Particularly preferably, two of the corresponding contact elements 34a are provided for cooperating, in particular for connecting the battery-operated appliance 14a to the battery pack 12a, with the two contact elements 30a of the interface 24a and are in particular brought into electrical contact. Preferably, the other two of the corresponding contact elements 36a are provided for cooperating, in particular for connecting the battery-operated appliance 14a to the battery pack 12a, with the two contact elements 32a of the further interface 26a and are in particular brought into electrical contact. The receiving area 68a, in particular at least one receiving surface 74a of the battery-operated appliance 14a arranged within the receiving area 68a, is configured corresponding to the connection area 54a of the interface 24a. In particular, at least one abutment surface 72a of the connection area 54a of the interface 24a abuts on the receiving area 68a, in particular on the receiving surface 74a of the battery-operated appliance 14a, in the state of connection of the battery-operated appliance 14a to the battery pack 12a. The further receiving area 70a, in particular at least one further receiving surface 76a of the battery-operated appliance 14a arranged within the further receiving area 70a, is configured corresponding to the further connection area 56a of the further interface 26a. In particular, at least one abutment surface 78a of the further connection area 56a of the further interface 26a abuts on the further receiving area 70a, in particular on the further receiving surface 76a, in the state of connection of the battery-operated appliance 14a to the battery pack 12a. The receiving area 68a and the further receiving area 70a, in particular the two corresponding contact elements 34a and the other two corresponding contact elements 36a, are arranged offset from one another in at least one direction which is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the receiving direction 80a of the battery-operated appliance 14a. The receiving direction 80a is configured at least substantially parallel to the connection direction of the interface 24a and the further interface 26a in the state of connection of the battery-operated appliance 14a to the battery pack 12a.The interface unit 33a includes four form-locking notches 60a configured as lateral recesses, wherein two of the form-locking notches 60a are arranged within the receiving area 68a, and the other two of the form-locking notches 60a are arranged within a further receiving area 70a. The battery-operated appliance 14a includes a control unit 82a. Corresponding signal contact elements 52a, 54a are electrically connected to the control unit 82a. The control unit 82a is preferably provided for transmitting electrical and / or electronic signals via the corresponding signal contact elements 52a, 54a. The electrical and / or electronic signals of the control unit 82a are in particular provided for transmitting information about the type of the battery-operated appliance 14a and / or the pre-given connection configuration of the connection unit 20a of the battery pack 12a via the interface unit 33a to the signal contact elements 48a, 50a of the battery pack 12a, in particular to the control and / or regulation unit 47a, in the case of connection to the battery pack 12a.

[0045] In Figure 2System 84a is shown having a first battery-operated appliance 14a, a second battery-operated appliance 86a, and a battery pack 12a. The second battery-operated appliance 86a is arranged to be electrically and mechanically connected only to one interface, in particular interface 24a, of the battery pack 12a. The first battery-operated appliance 14a is arranged to be electrically and mechanically connected to interface 24a and a further interface 26a of the battery pack 12a. The second battery-operated appliance 86a has one, in particular exactly one, receiving area 88a which is constructed at least substantially identically to the receiving area 68a of the first battery-operated appliance 14a and is in particular arranged to at least partially receive interface 24a of the battery pack 12a. The second battery-operated appliance 86a is in particular electrically connected to the battery pack 12a only via interface 24a in the operating state of connection to the battery pack 12a, wherein the further interface 26a is in particular constructed separately from the second battery-operated appliance 86a. The first battery-operated appliance 14a is preferably electrically connected to the battery pack 12a via interface 24a and the further interface 26a in the operating state of connection to the battery pack 14a. Signal contact elements 48a and a further signal contact element 50a are arranged, for example, such that if only signal contact element 48a respectively contacts corresponding signal contact elements 52a, 54a - in particular this is the case when the battery pack 12a is connected to the second battery-operated appliance 86a - then a battery-operated appliance that is only compatible with interface 24a is detected as the type of battery-operated appliance, and / or a connection configuration of connection unit 20a that uses only interface 24a for energy transfer is detected. The first battery-operated appliance 14a in particular has an appliance voltage of 36V, wherein in particular a supply voltage of 36V can be applied to the first battery-operated appliance 14a via interface 24a and the further interface 26a of the battery pack 12a. The second battery-operated appliance 86a preferably has an appliance voltage of 18V, in particular a supply voltage of 18V can be applied to the second battery-operated appliance 86a via interface 24a of the battery pack 12a. However, it is also conceivable that, in particular when the first battery-operated appliance 14a has an appliance voltage of 18V, the first battery-operated appliance 14a is supplied separately with 18V via interface 24a and the further interface 26a, in particular from each other, wherein battery unit 16a and a further battery unit 18a are in particular connected in parallel. Preferably, in the case of battery unit 16a and a further battery unit 18a being connected in parallel, a current of up to 70A, preferably up to 90A and particularly preferably up to 100A respectively flows via interface 24a and the further interface 26a via contact elements 30a, 32a.

[0046] In Figure 3The battery system 90a is shown, which has additional, in particular second battery-operated appliances 86a and in particular a first battery pack 12a and a second battery pack 92a. The second battery pack 92a has exactly one interface 94a, which is constructed at least substantially identically to the interface 24a of the first battery pack 12a. However, it is also conceivable that this exactly one interface 94a of the second battery pack 92a is constructed at least substantially identically to a further interface 26a of the first battery pack 12a. The additional battery-operated appliances 86a are arranged for electrical and mechanical connection to the first battery pack 12a and the second battery pack 92a. In particular, the interface 24a of the first battery pack 12a is arranged for transmitting electrical energy to the additional battery-operated appliances 86a independently of the further interface 26a in at least one operating state. The additional battery-operated appliances 86a have an interface unit 96a, which only comprises a receiving area 98a, wherein the interface unit 33a, in particular the receiving area 98a, is in particular arranged for electrical and mechanical connection to the interface 24a. Preferably, the additional battery-operated appliances 86a are only electrically connected to the first battery pack 12a via the interface 24a in the operating state of connection to the first battery pack 12a. The interface 24a of the first battery pack 12a is in particular constructed separately from the additional battery-operated appliances 86a in the operating state of connection of the additional battery-operated appliances 86a to the first battery pack 12a. The additional battery-operated appliances 86a in particular have an appliance voltage of 18 V, wherein in particular a supply voltage of 18 V can be applied to the additional battery-operated appliances 86a via the interface 24a of the first battery pack 12a or the second battery pack 92a.

[0047] In Figure 4 it, the battery pack 12a is shown in detail in the region of the connection unit 46a. In particular in Figure 4A schematic circuit diagram of the connection unit 46a is shown. The connection unit 46a is provided for connecting the battery unit 16a and a further battery unit 18a for adapting and / or providing the voltage applied at the interface 24a and / or a further interface 26a. Preferably, the compensation unit 28a is configured as part of the connection unit 46a. The compensation unit 28a is in particular provided for connecting the battery unit 16a and the further battery unit 18a in such a way in at least one operating state that a compensation current flows between the battery unit 16a and the further battery unit 18a. The control and / or regulation unit 47a of the battery pack 12a is provided for at least controlling and / or regulating the connection unit 46a, in particular as a function of the battery-operated appliance 14a connected to the battery pack 12a, in particular to the interface 24a and / or a further interface 26a, and as a function of the state of charge of the battery unit 16a and / or the further battery unit 18a, etc. The connection unit 46a preferably includes electrical wires that connect the contact elements 30a, 32a of the interface 24a and / or a further interface 26a to the battery unit 16a and / or the further battery unit 18a, in particular to the poles of the battery unit 16a and / or the further battery unit 18a. Each of the contact elements 30a, 32a of the interface 24a and the further interface 26a is connected to at least one pole of the battery unit 16a and / or the further battery unit 18a.

[0048] The connection unit 46a includes two switching elements 100a, wherein the switching elements 100a are arranged to electrically connect the interface 24a and the additional interface 26a to the battery unit 16a and / or the additional battery unit 18a respectively according to the type of the battery-operated appliance 14a and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit 20a. The connection unit 46a is preferably arranged to adapt the voltage provided at the interface 24a and the additional interface 26a according to the type of the battery-operated appliance 14a and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit 20a, especially by means of the switching elements 100a. The switching elements 100a are especially arranged in circuit technology between the battery unit 16a or the additional battery unit 18a, especially between a pole of the battery unit 16a or a pole of the additional battery unit 18a, and between the contact element 30a of the interface 24a or the contact element 32a of the additional interface 26a. One of the two switching elements 100a is especially arranged in circuit technology between the positive poles of the battery unit 16a and the additional battery unit 18a. The other of the two switching elements 100a is especially arranged in circuit technology between the negative poles of the battery unit 16a and the additional battery unit 18a. The switching element 100a is preferably arranged to connect the battery unit 16a and the additional battery unit 18a in parallel via the contact elements 30a, 32a of the interface 24a and the additional interface 26a especially in at least one operating state, preferably in the closed state of the switching element 100a. The switching element 100a is preferably arranged to connect the battery unit 16a to the contact element 30a of the interface 24a and, especially independently thereof, to connect the additional battery unit 18a to the contact element 32a of the additional interface 26a especially in at least one operating state, preferably in the open state of the switching element 100a. In particular, the battery unit 16a is connected to the contact element 30a of the interface 24a independently of the switching element 100a, especially permanently. Preferably, the additional battery unit 18a is connected to the contact element 32a of the additional interface 26a independently of the switching element 100a, especially permanently. The switching element 100a is part of the compensation unit 28a, wherein the switching element 100a is especially arranged to achieve a compensation current between the battery unit 16a and the additional battery unit 18a in the closed state. Particularly preferably, the switching element 100a is respectively arranged to conduct a maximum average current of at least 70 A, preferably at least 90 A and particularly preferably at least 100 A, wherein the switching element 100a especially has unrestricted functionality, especially remains undamaged. Preferably, the switching element 100a is respectively arranged to conduct a maximum current of at least 220 A, preferably at least 270 A and particularly preferably at least 300 A, wherein the switching element 100a especially has unrestricted functionality, especially remains undamaged.The switching element 100a is configured as an electronic switching element. For example, the switching element 100a is configured as a MOSFET switch, a switching relay, an IGBT, a reed switch, a capacitive switch, etc. The control and / or regulation unit 47a is in particular provided for switching (i.e., actuating) the switching element 100a, in particular when the battery pack 12a is connected to the battery-operated appliance 14a, depending on the type of the battery-operated appliance 14a and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit 20a. However, other configurations of the switching element 100a and / or of a further switching element 102a are also conceivable.

[0049] If the battery pack 12a is connected to a battery-operated appliance, the appliance voltage of which corresponds to the supply voltage of the battery cell 16a, for example to the battery-operated appliance 86a, the battery pack 12a is in particular connected to the battery-operated appliance via the interface 24a. The type of the battery-operated appliance and the connection configuration of the connection unit 20a - where only the interface 24a is connected to the battery-operated appliance - are in particular detected via the signal contact elements 48a arranged on the connection area 54a and transmitted to the control and / or regulation unit 47a when the battery pack 12a is electrically and mechanically connected to the battery-operated appliance. The control and / or regulation unit 47a actuates the switching elements 100a such that they are closed, in particular switched on with low resistance, where the battery cell 16a and the further battery cells operate in parallel.

[0050] For example, if the battery pack 12a is connected to a battery-operated appliance 14a having an appliance voltage of 18 V, for example, the switching element 100a is not closed. The battery-operated appliance 14a is supplied with electrical power via the interface 24a and a further interface 26, in particular with 18 V of the battery cell 16a and the further battery cell 18a, where the interface 24a and the further interface 26 are in particular configured to be free of a direct electrical connection.

[0051] In Figure 5 and Figure 6 show further embodiments of the invention. The following description and the drawings are basically limited to the differences between the embodiments, where reference can in principle also be made to the drawings and / or the description of other embodiments, in particular Figures 1 to 4 for components with the same name, in particular for components with the same reference signs. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a is placed after the reference sign of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 4 . In the embodiments of Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the letters b and c are used instead of the letter a.

[0052] In Figure 5An alternative configuration of the battery pack 12b is shown in detail in the region of the connection unit 46b of the battery pack 12b. The battery pack 12b includes battery cells 16b for providing voltage, additional battery cells 18b for providing additional voltage, and a connection unit 20b. The battery cells 16b include at least one battery cell 22b, the additional battery cells 18b include at least one battery cell 22b, and the connection unit 20b is used for electrical and mechanical connection with at least one battery-operated appliance 14b, in particular a battery-operated tool. The connection unit 20b includes an interface 24b and an additional interface 26b, which are arranged to transmit electrical energy to the battery-operated appliance 14b and are configured to be without direct electrical connection in at least one operating state, in particular without direct electrical connection to each other. In Figure 5 the battery pack 12b shown has at least substantially a configuration similar to that of the battery pack 12a described in the description of Figures 1 to 4 such that at least substantially reference can be made to the description of Figure 5 the battery pack 12b shown in Figures 1 to 4 Unlike the battery pack 12a described in the description of Figures 1 to 4 the battery pack 12b shown in Figure 5 preferably has a connection unit 46b, which includes two switching elements 100b and an additional switching element 102b.

[0053] The additional switching element 102b is preferably arranged to connect the battery cell 16b and the additional battery cell 18b in series via the contact elements 30b of the interface 24b, especially in at least one operating state in which the additional switching element 102b is closed and the two switching elements 100b are open. The additional switching element 102b is preferably arranged to connect the battery cell 16b and the additional battery cell 18b in parallel via the contact elements 30b, 32b of the interface 24b and the additional interface 26b, especially in at least one operating state in which the additional switching element 102b is open and the two switching elements 100b are closed. The additional switching element 102b is especially arranged circuit-technically between the two contact elements 30b of the interface 24b and the two contact elements 32b of the additional interface 26b. The additional switching element 102b is especially arranged circuit-technically between the negative pole of the battery cell 16b and the positive pole of the additional battery cell 18b. The additional switching element 102b is configured as an electronic switching element. For example, the additional switching element 102b is configured as a MOSFET switch, a switching relay, an IGBT, a reed switch, a capacitive switch, etc. The two switching elements 100b and the additional switching element 102b are arranged to electrically connect the interface 24b and the additional interface 26b to the battery cell 16b and / or the additional battery cell 18b respectively according to the type of the battery-operated appliance 14b and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit 20b. The wiring unit 46b is configured such that each of the contact elements 30b, 32b of the interface 24b and the additional interface 26b can be connected to at least one pole of the battery cell 16b and at least one pole of the additional battery cell 18b respectively. Preferably, the switching element 100b and / or the additional switching element 102b are each arranged to connect one of the contact elements 30b, 32b of the interface 24b and the additional interface 26b to one pole of the battery cell 16b and one pole of the additional battery cell 18b in a separable manner. Particularly preferably, the switching element 100b and the additional switching element 102b are each arranged to conduct a maximum average current of at least 70 A, preferably at least 90 A and particularly preferably at least 100 A, wherein the switching element 100b and the additional switching element 102b especially have unrestricted functionality, especially remaining undamaged. Preferably, the switching element 100b and the additional switching element 102b are each arranged to conduct a maximum current of at least 220 A, preferably at least 270 A and particularly preferably at least 300 A, wherein the switching element 100b and the additional switching element 102b especially have unrestricted functionality, especially remaining undamaged.

[0054] If the battery pack 12b is connected to the battery-operated appliance 14b having an appliance voltage of 36 V, the switching element 100b is disconnected by the control and / or regulation unit 47b of the battery pack 12b and the further switching element 102b is closed, wherein the battery cells 16b and the further battery cells 18b each having a supply voltage of 18 V are connected in series, in particular.

[0055] In Figure 6 an alternative configuration of the battery-operated appliance 14c is shown. The battery-operated appliance 14c is configured as a battery-operated power tool. However, other configurations of the battery-operated appliance 14c are also conceivable. The battery-operated appliance 14c is provided for use with the battery pack 12c described in Figures 1 to 5 . However, it is also conceivable that the battery pack 12c is configured such that the battery cells 16c of the battery pack 12c are directly connected to the contact elements 30c of the interface 24c of the connection unit 20c of the battery pack 12c and the further battery cells 18c of the battery pack 12c are directly connected to the contact elements 32c of the further interface 26c of the connection unit 20c of the battery pack 12c, wherein the battery cells 16c and the further battery cells 18c are configured to be without a direct electrical connection, in particular. The battery-operated appliance 14c includes an interface unit 33c, which includes four corresponding contact elements 34c, 36c, wherein the corresponding contact elements 34c, 36c are provided for connecting to the contact elements 30c of the interface 24c and the further interface 26c of the connection unit 20c of the battery pack 12c in order to receive electrical energy. In Figure 6 the battery-operated appliance 14c shown has at least substantially a configuration similar to that of the battery-operated appliance 14a described in the description of Figures 1 to 4 such that at least substantially reference can be made to the description of Figure 6 for the configuration of the battery-operated appliance 14c shown in Figures 1 to 4 . Different from the battery-operated appliance 14a described in the description of Figures 1 to 4 , the battery-operated appliance 14c shown in Figure 6 preferably has a wiring unit 46c, which is provided for wiring the corresponding contact elements 34c, 36c for combining the voltage applied and / or the current transmitted via the interface 24c and the further interface 26c.

[0056] The battery-operated appliance 14c includes an electrical appliance unit 38c that is particularly configured as a motor. However, other configurations of the electrical appliance unit 38c are also conceivable, in particular as a heating element, a lighting element, etc. The wiring unit 46c has two switching elements 100c and an additional switching element 102c. The wiring unit 46c of the battery-operated appliance 14c is preferably arranged to switch the switching elements 100c and / or the additional switching element 102c of the wiring unit 46c of the battery-operated appliance 14c according to the voltage applied to the corresponding contact elements 34c, 36c and / or the current transmitted via the corresponding contact elements 34c, 36c and according to the voltage and / or current demand characteristic quantity of the electrical appliance unit 38c. In particular, the wiring unit 46c of the battery-operated appliance 14c is constructed at least substantially identically to the wiring unit 46b of the battery pack 12b described in Figure 5 . In particular, the wiring unit 46c is arranged to connect the corresponding contact elements 34c, 36c to each other according to the voltage and / or current demand characteristic quantity of the electrical appliance unit 38c. The switching element 100c of the wiring unit 46c of the battery-operated appliance 14c is particularly arranged in terms of circuit technology between at least one of an electrical connection 104c of the electrical appliance unit 38c and the corresponding contact elements 34c, 36c of the interface unit 33c. The additional switching element 102c is particularly arranged in terms of circuit technology between two of the corresponding contact elements 34c, 36c of the interface unit 33c and between two electrical connections 104c of the electrical appliance unit 38c. The additional switching element 102c is preferably arranged to serially connect the voltages separately applied to the corresponding contact elements 34c, 36c of the battery unit 16c and the additional battery unit 18c and apply them to the electrical appliance unit 38c in at least one operating state, preferably in the open state of the switching element 100c and the closed state of the additional switching element 102c. The switching element 100c is preferably arranged to parallel-connect the voltages separately applied to the corresponding contact elements 34c, 36c of the battery unit 16c and the additional battery unit 18c and apply them to the electrical appliance unit 38c in at least one operating state, preferably in the open state of the additional switching element 102c and the closed state of the two switching elements 100c.

Claims

1. Battery pack, comprising: - At least one battery unit (16a; 16b; 16c) for providing voltage, including at least one battery cell (22a; 22b); - At least one additional battery unit (18a; 18b; 18c) for providing additional voltage, including at least one battery cell (22a; 22b), and - At least one connection unit (20a; 20b; 20c) for electrically and mechanically connecting to at least one battery-operated appliance (14a; 14b; 14c), characterized in that the connection unit (20a; 20b; 20c) includes at least one interface (24a; 24b; 24c) and at least one additional interface (26a; 26b; 26c), the interface and the additional interface are arranged to independently transfer electrical energy to the battery-operated appliance (14a; 14b; 14c) in at least one operating state and are configured without direct electrical connection, wherein the interface (24a; 24b; 24c) has at least one connection area (54a), and the additional interface (26a; 26b; 26c) has at least one additional connection area (56a), wherein the connection area (54a) and the additional connection area (56a) are spatially separated from each other and are arranged to be connected to the battery-operated appliance (14a; 14b; 14c) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interface (24a; 24b; 24c) and the additional interface (26a; 26b; 26c) each include at least two contact elements (30a, 32a; 30b, 32b; 30c, 32c), wherein each contact element among the contact elements (30a, 32a; 30b, 32b; 30c, 32c) of the interface (24a; 24b; 24c) and the additional interface (26a; 26b; 26c) is respectively connected to at least one pole of the battery unit (16a; 16b; 16c) and / or the additional battery unit (18a; 18b; 18c).

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one wiring unit (46a; 46b) is provided, which is used to combine the voltages of the battery unit (16a; 16b) and the additional battery unit (18a; 18b) and / or to combine the currents on the interface (24a; 24b) and / or the additional interface (26a; 26b).

4. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connection unit (20a; 20b; 20c) includes at least one signal contact element (48a, 50a), which is arranged to detect the type of the battery-operated appliance (14a; 14b; 14c) and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit (20a; 20b; 20c) when connected to the battery-operated appliance (14a; 14b; 14c).

5. The battery pack according to at least claim 3, characterized in that, The connection unit (46a; 46b) includes at least one switching element (100a, 102a; 100b, 102b), which is arranged to electrically connect the interface (24a; 24b) and the additional interface (26a; 26b) to the battery unit (16a; 16b) and / or the additional battery unit (18a; 18b) respectively according to the type of the battery-operated appliance (14a; 14b) and / or the connection configuration of the connection unit (20a; 20b).

6. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 5, characterized in that At least one housing unit (44a), wherein the interfaces (24a; 24b; 24c) and the additional interfaces (26a; 26b; 26c) are arranged on the housing unit (44a) offset from each other in an offset direction (64a) with respect to the central axis (62a) of the housing unit (44a).

7. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein, The interfaces (24a; 24b) and the additional interfaces (26a; 26b) each include at least two contact elements (30a, 32a; 30b, 32b), wherein the connection unit (46a; 46b) is configured such that each contact element (30a, 32a; 30b, 32b) of the interfaces (24a; 24b) and the additional interfaces (26a; 26b) can be connected to at least one pole of the battery unit (16a; 16b) and at least one pole of the additional battery unit (18a; 18b) respectively.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery-operated appliance (14a; 14b; 14c) is a battery-operated power tool.

9. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that, The detection is performed electronically.

10. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein, The interfaces (24a; 24b; 24c) and the additional interfaces (26a; 26b; 26c) are arranged on the housing unit (44a) at least substantially parallel to each other in an offset direction (64a) with respect to the central axis (62a) of the housing unit (44a).

11. Battery-operated appliance for use with at least one battery pack (12a; 12b; 12c) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, said battery-operated appliance having at least one interface unit (33a; 33c) which comprises at least four corresponding contact elements (34a, 36a; 34b, 36b; 34c, 36c), wherein, The corresponding contact elements (34a, 36a; 34b, 36b; 34c, 36c) are arranged to be electrically connected to the contact elements (30a, 32a; 30b, 32b; 30c, 32c) of the interfaces (24a; 24b; 24c) and / or the additional interfaces (26a; 26b; 26c) of the connection unit (20a; 20b; 20c) of the battery pack (12a; 12b; 12c) in order to receive electrical energy.

12. The battery-operated appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that, There is provided at least one connection unit (46c), which is arranged to wire the corresponding contact elements (34c, 36c) for combining the voltages applied and / or the currents transmitted via the interface (24c) and the additional interface (26c).

13. The battery-operated appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that, The battery-operated appliance is a battery-operated power tool.

14. A tool system having at least one battery pack (12a; 12b; 12c) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and at least one battery-operated appliance (14a; 14b; 14c) according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

15. A system having: - At least one first battery-operated appliance (14a; 14b; 14c), the first battery-operated appliance being a battery-operated appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 13, - At least one second battery-operated appliance (86a), and - At least one battery pack (12a; 12b; 12c) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, Among them, The second battery-operated appliance (86a) is arranged to be electrically and mechanically connected to only one interface (24a; 24b; 24c) of the battery pack (12a; 12b; 12c), and the first battery-operated appliance (14a; 14b; 14c) is arranged to be electrically and mechanically connected to the interface (24a; 24b; 24c) and the further interface (26a; 26b; 26c) of the battery pack (12a; 12b; 12c).

16. A battery system, comprising: - At least one battery-operated appliance (14a, 86a; 14b; 14c), the battery-operated appliance being a battery-operated appliance according to any one of claims 11 to 13, - At least one first battery pack (12a; 12b; 12c), the first battery pack being a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and, - At least one second battery pack (92a), Among them, The second battery pack (92a) has exactly one interface (94a), and wherein the battery-operated appliance (14a, 86a; 14b; 14c) is arranged to be electrically and mechanically connected to the first battery pack (12a; 12b; 12c) and the second battery pack (92a).

17. The battery system according to claim 16, wherein, The exactly one interface (94a) of the second battery pack (92a) is constructed at least substantially identically to the interface (24a; 24b; 24c) of the first battery pack (12a; 12b; 12c) or the further interface (26a; 26b; 26c) of the first battery pack (12a; 12b; 12c).

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