Battery pack and electronic device including such battery pack

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack and an electronic device including the battery pack. The battery pack includes a battery pack housing and at least one battery cell accommodated inside the battery pack housing, and a plurality of battery pack contacts, which are accessible from the outside of the battery housing and electrically connected to the at least one battery cell. The battery pack is adapted to be electrically connected to corresponding electrical device contacts of an electronic device through its battery pack contacts, and to provide electrical energy to the electronic device after being connected to the electronic device. It is suggested that the battery pack includes a card slot in the battery pack housing, the card slot includes a plurality of electrical slot contacts that are in electrical contact with the battery pack contacts, and the battery pack includes an electronic card, which is adapted to be releasably inserted into the card slot, and the electronic card includes a wireless communication device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack, which includes: a battery pack housing and at least one battery cell accommodated inside the battery housing, and a plurality of electrical battery pack contacts, the battery pack contacts being accessible from the outside of the battery housing and electrically connected to at least one battery cell, the battery pack being suitable for being electrically connected to corresponding electrical device contacts of an electronic device through its battery pack contacts, and providing electrical energy to the electronic device after being connected to the electronic device.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a battery-powered electronic device comprising a device housing and a plurality of electrical device contacts accessible from outside the device housing, and a battery pack of the above-mentioned type, which is releasably attachable to and electrically connectable to the electronic device. Background Art

[0003] Battery-powered electronic devices in the form of handheld power tools or vacuum cleaners are well known in the prior art. For example, EP2628427A2 describes such devices in various embodiments. Conventional battery-powered power tools typically include a battery pack that is releasably attached to and electrically connected to the power tool housing to operate the power tool with the aid of electrical energy derived from the battery pack. Similarly, a battery-powered vacuum cleaner typically includes a battery pack that is releasably attached to and electrically connected to the vacuum cleaner housing to operate the vacuum cleaner with the aid of electrical energy derived from the battery pack. A wireless communication link can be established between the power tool and the vacuum cleaner. For this purpose, the power tool and the vacuum cleaner must be equipped with corresponding wireless communication devices (e.g., transmitters and / or receivers). As described in EP 2 628 427A2, the wireless communication device typically forms an integral part of the corresponding electronic device and is fixedly located inside the device housing and integrated into the entire electronic circuit of the electronic device.

[0004] This may be a good solution for newly developed and designed power tools and vacuum cleaners, which can be equipped with corresponding wireless communication devices from the outset. However, this solution is not applicable to older versions of power tools and vacuum cleaners that are already on the market and are not equipped with wireless communication devices. Currently, it is not possible for manufacturers as well as for users of electronic devices to update existing battery-powered power tools and vacuum cleaners with wireless communication functions with reasonable efforts in terms of reconstruction and cost.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a possibility for retrofitting existing battery-powered electronic devices with wireless communication functionality with reasonable effort in terms of reconfiguration and costs for the manufacturer and for the user. Summary of the invention

[0006] This object is solved by a battery having the following characteristics. In particular, starting from a battery of the above-mentioned type, it is proposed that:

[0007] The battery pack includes a slot in the battery pack housing, the slot being accessible from an exterior of the battery pack housing and including a plurality of slot contacts located within the slot and in electrical contact with the battery pack contacts; and

[0008] The battery pack includes an electronic card, which is suitable for being releasably inserted into a card slot. The electronic card includes a wireless communication device and a plurality of electrical card contacts that are in electrical contact with the wireless communication device, and when the electronic card is inserted into the card slot, the electrical card contacts are suitable for automatically entering into mutual electrical contact with the slot contacts.

[0009] Preferably, it is recommended that:

[0010] At least one of the card contacts is embodied as a data transmission contact which is adapted to come into electrical contact with at least one corresponding data transmission contact of the slot contact after the electronic card has been inserted into the card slot; and / or

[0011] At least one of the battery pack contacts is embodied as a data transmission contact which is adapted to come into electrical contact with at least one corresponding data transmission contact of a device contact of the electronic device after the battery pack is connected to the electronic device.

[0012] According to the first alternative described above, the data to be transmitted by the wireless communication means of the inserted electronic card are received by the card from the battery pack or its central processing unit via the slot contacts and at least one data transmission contact of the card contacts, respectively. Furthermore, the data received via the wireless communication link by means of the wireless communication means can be forwarded to the battery pack or its central processing unit, respectively, via at least one data transmission contact of the slot contacts and the card contacts.

[0013] In addition, a corresponding signal for initiating wireless data communication through the wireless communication device may be transmitted from the battery pack or its central processing unit to the wireless communication device through at least one data transmission contact of the slot contact and the card contact, respectively.

[0014] According to the second alternative described above, the data to be transmitted via the wireless communication means of the inserted electronic card are received by the battery pack or its central processing unit respectively via the device contacts and at least one data transmission contact in the battery pack contacts from the electronic device or its central processing unit. Obviously, the data to be transmitted are then forwarded to the wireless communication means of the inserted electronic card. In addition, the data received via the wireless communication link by means of the wireless communication means and forwarded to the battery pack or its central processing unit can be further forwarded to the electronic device or its central processing unit respectively via the device contacts and at least one data transmission contact in the battery pack contacts.

[0015] The present invention allows conventional electronic devices to be easily and cost-effectively updated to provide them with wireless data communication capabilities. According to the present invention, instead of having to modify and reconstruct the entire electronic device in order to implement the wireless communication function, only a small part and a separate component of the device, namely the battery pack, is modified and reconstructed. If any, the software (or firmware) can be modified or updated in the central processing unit (CPU) of the electronic device to allow the electronic device to control data communication through wireless communication means. Existing electronic devices that originally did not have wireless communication capabilities can be easily enhanced and provided with wireless communication capabilities by simply connecting a battery pack according to the present invention to the device and possibly updating the computer software (firmware) running on the CPU of the device.

[0016] Furthermore, all new electronic devices may already be equipped with a corresponding computer program running on the CPU, which allows the control of wireless data communication, regardless of whether the battery pack connected to the device is a conventional battery pack or a battery pack according to the invention. If the battery pack is a conventional battery pack, the electronic device will not have a wireless data communication function. If a battery pack according to the invention is connected to such a new electronic device, it will have a wireless data communication function.

[0017] For example, the computer software (firmware) running on the CPU of the device may have other settings or menus for the wireless data communication function, which can be automatically activated if a battery pack with an electronic card having a wireless communication device is connected to the electronic device. Alternatively, the wireless data communication function can be manually activated by the user of the device through the settings or menus of the computer software.

[0018] If the wireless data communication function is activated, the electronic device (e.g., a battery-powered handheld power tool) can transmit data related to its operating parameters, including the current on / off state of the device, the operating time of the device since the last task performed (e.g., turning on the device or replacing the polishing or grinding component of a polisher or sander), the rotation speed of the device, the current operating temperature of the device or a part thereof, the previous maximum operating temperature of the device or a part thereof, the current vibration value of the device, the previous maximum vibration value of the device, the charge state of battery cells in the battery pack, a unique identifier of the battery pack, an electronic card or a wireless communication device, etc.

[0019] The transmitted data may be received by a corresponding external wireless communication device, which may separate a portion of the external electronic device from the electronic device to which the battery pack is connected. The external device may be, for example, a vacuum cleaner, wherein a battery-powered handheld power tool may be pneumatically connected to the suction port of the vacuum cleaner. The external device may adaptively adjust or control its own operation based on the content of the data received via the wireless data communication link from the electronic device equipped with the battery pack according to the present invention.

[0020] Alternatively, the external device can be, for example, a mobile device of a user of an electronic device, such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc., with wireless communication capabilities. An application or computer program can be executed on the mobile device. The application or computer program can further process and / or evaluate and / or store and / or display the content of the received data. The application or computer program can also forward the received data and / or its content to a remote server, where the remote server can collect and process and / or evaluate and / or store and / or display data and / or its content from a plurality of different electronic devices. The server and / or application or computer program can be programmed or operated by the manufacturer or distributor of the electronic device. This makes it possible for the manufacturer or distributor to monitor the use, quality, weaknesses and failures of the electronic device, and to make appropriate corrections to the design of the electronic device when it is deemed necessary. In addition, the manufacturer or distributor can also provide remote control of the electronic device.

[0021] Of course, the electronic device equipped with the battery pack according to the invention may also be a battery-powered vacuum cleaner or any other type of electronic device. In this case, the vacuum cleaner may transmit data related to its operating parameters, including the current on / off state of the device, the operating time of the device since the last task was performed (e.g., turning on the device, cleaning or replacing the filter element or emptying the dust container), the current speed at which the device is running, the current operating temperature of the device or a part thereof, the previous maximum operating temperature of the device or a part thereof, the charge state of the battery cells in the battery pack, a unique identifier of the battery pack, of the electronic card or of the wireless communication device, etc.

[0022] The transmitted data can be received by a corresponding external wireless communication device, which may separate a portion of the external electronic device from the electronic device to which the battery pack is connected. The external device can be, for example, a handheld power tool that is pneumatically connected to the suction port of a vacuum cleaner. The external device can adaptively adjust or control its own operation based on the content of the data received from the electronic device equipped with the battery pack according to the present invention via the wireless data communication link.

[0023] The wireless communication device may comprise only a transmitter, or only a receiver, allowing only one-way wireless data communication, or it may comprise a combination of a transmitter and a receiver (a so-called transceiver), allowing two-way wireless data communication over a wireless communication link.

[0024] The electronic card may be equipped with its own internal battery for operating the electronic components of the card, and in particular the wireless communication device. The battery may be rechargeable or replaceable. Alternatively, the entire electronic card may be replaced in the event of a battery drain. Preferably, the electronic card does not have a separate internal battery. Instead, it is proposed that after the electronic card is inserted into the card slot, electrical energy is supplied to the wireless communication device of the electronic card from the battery pack. When the electronic card is inserted into the card slot and electrical contact is made between the slot contacts and the card contacts, the wireless communication device may be automatically supplied with electrical energy. Alternatively, after the electronic card is inserted into the card slot, the user may control the supply of electrical energy to the wireless communication device, for example by means of an electrical switch, a setting in a computer program or a software command for controlling the operation of the wireless communication device.

[0025] Preferably, the battery pack has a sensor element for detecting the insertion of the electronic card into the card slot. The sensor element may be an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, etc. Alternatively, the sensor may be a current sensor that senses when the inserted electronic card draws power from the battery pack. Information from the sensor may be used to enable certain functions and / or initiate certain tasks in the wireless communication device, the battery pack, or an electronic device attached thereto. In order to enable certain functions and / or initiate certain tasks in an electronic device to which the battery pack is connected, it is recommended that the sensor information be transmitted from the battery pack to the electronic device via the battery pack contacts and corresponding device contacts.

[0026] The sensor of the battery pack may be adapted to detect the operation of the wireless communication device, i.e. data transmission and / or data reception. Alternatively, the CPU of the electronic device that controls the data communication via the wireless communication device has knowledge of the operation of the wireless communication device. If no data is sent or received by the wireless communication device, the CPU of the battery pack or the electronic device may switch the wireless communication device to a sleep mode in which it consumes less power. Similarly, if data is received by the wireless communication device or data is to be sent by the wireless communication device, the CPU may wake up the wireless communication device from sleep mode and switch the wireless communication device to its normal operating mode. This may optimize power consumption by the electronic card and significantly extend the service life of the battery pack before recharging is required.

[0027] Preferably, the battery cells are switched together in series and / or in parallel so that the battery pack provides a voltage and a direct current at its battery pack contacts (e.g. one ground contact ('-') and another contact for a positive voltage ('+')) corresponding to the operating voltage and current of the electronic device to which the battery pack is connected. The operating voltage may be between 12V and 48V. The electronic card, and in particular the wireless communication device, will likely operate at a lower voltage below 12V, in particular at 2.4V, 3.7V or 5.0V. For this purpose it is proposed that the battery pack has a voltage transformer for converting the operating voltage supplied by the battery pack to the electronic device connected thereto into the lower voltages required by the electronic card and the wireless communication device, respectively.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the battery pack has a central processing unit (CPU) for processing data related to at least one of the following:

[0029] - the current state of charge of at least one battery cell of the battery pack;

[0030] - the operating status of the electronic device to which the battery pack is connected;

[0031] - data transmission from and / or to the electronic device via one or more data transmission contacts of the battery pack contacts and the electrical device contacts; and

[0032] - Data communication via a wireless data communication link established and set up by wireless communication means.

[0033] The CPU can control the charging of the battery cells of the battery pack, for example, in order to provide an appropriate charging current and avoid overcharging of the battery cells. The CPU can also participate in the control of the wireless communication device to achieve the desired data communication. For example, the CPU can convert the data to be transmitted from the electronic device via the wireless communication device into an appropriate data format and / or encode and / or compress the data before transmission. The CPU can also convert the data received via the wireless communication device into an appropriate data format for further processing by the electronic device and its CPU, respectively, and / or decode the data and / or decompress the data. Of course, the CPU of the battery pack can perform a number of other tasks and functions that are related to or unrelated to the current charging status of the battery cells or the transmission of data from and / or to the electronic device.

[0034] It is particularly preferred that the battery pack itself or its central processing unit, respectively, is adapted to start, control and perform wireless data communication by means of a wireless communication device of an inserted electronic card without any control or support from the electronic device or its central processing unit, respectively. Therefore, the wireless communication device is not used to transmit data received from the electronic device and data about the operating state of the electronic device, but only to transmit data originating from the battery pack and possibly about the operating state of the battery pack. This has the advantage that the electronic device, its central processing unit and the computer software (e.g., firmware) running thereon do not need to be updated. Simply by connecting the battery pack according to the present invention to the electronic device, the data transmission capacity of the electronic device can be enhanced.

[0035] It is recommended that the battery pack include a current sensor element adapted to determine the current drawn by the electronic device from the battery cell during its operation, to which the battery pack is connected. For example, if the electronic device is not operating, i.e. the electric motor of the electronic device is not running, the electronic device will not draw current from the battery cell or will only draw a small amount of current from the battery cell. In contrast, the electronic device will consume a large amount of current when it is in operation, i.e. when its electric motor is running. Therefore, with the aid of the current sensor, the battery pack can obtain information about the operating state of the electronic device to which the battery pack is connected. Of course, the current sensor can also be designed so that it does not measure the current directly. It can measure another electrical value (e.g., the voltage applied across the shunt resistor) and derive or determine the current (I=U / R) therefrom. In addition, the current sensor can also estimate the current drawn by the electronic device based on one or more other electrical and / or physical characteristics and values ​​(e.g., vibration, temperature, etc.).

[0036] Furthermore, according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed that the central processing unit of the battery pack is adapted to start wireless data communication via a wireless data communication link, which is established and set by wireless communication means according to the determined current. In particular, it is proposed that if the amount of current drawn by the electronic device exceeds a given first threshold, an on signal is transmitted via the wireless data communication link. Alternatively or additionally, if the amount of current drawn by the electronic device is below a given second threshold, a off signal is transmitted via the wireless data communication link. The first threshold and the second threshold may be the same or different values.

[0037] The on / off signal may be received by a corresponding external wireless communication device, which may cause a portion of the external electronic device to be separated from the electronic device to which the battery pack is connected. For example, if a battery pack according to the present invention is attached and electrically connected to a power tool, the battery pack may transmit the on / off signal to a vacuum cleaner, which automatically turns on and off according to the received signal and therefore according to the current operating state of the power tool. A delay element in the power tool may delay the transmission of one or both of the on / off signals, thereby causing a delay in turning the vacuum cleaner on and / or off. The delay element in the vacuum cleaner may delay turning the vacuum cleaner on and / or off in response to the received on / off signal.

[0038] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is suggested that the wireless communication device is adapted to automatically establish and set up a wireless radio communication link to a corresponding external wireless communication device after the electronic card is inserted into the card slot. For this purpose, it is suggested that the wireless communication device automatically searches for possible participants at the expected data communication. The user of the electronic device can then select one of the detected possible participants, and automatically establish and set up a radio communication link to the selected participant. Alternatively, information about the proposed participant to whom the radio communication link is to be established is stored in a corresponding storage device (such as a flash memory, etc.) of the electronic card, and the wireless communication device automatically establishes and sets up a radio communication link to the participant without interacting with the user. For example, an electronic card with a wireless communication device may be sold together with a corresponding electronic card to be inserted into another external electronic device such as a vacuum cleaner. Relevant information about the wireless communication devices of the two electronic cards (for example, provided by the manufacturer of the electronic card) can be stored in the corresponding electronic card. Once both electronic cards are in electrical contact with the corresponding electronic device, the wireless communication device in the card automatically establishes and sets up a radio communication link.

[0039] Preferably, the electronic card comprises an electronic storage unit in which the characteristics and properties of the wireless communication link to be established and set up between the wireless communication device of the electronic card and the corresponding external wireless communication device are stored. The stored information may refer to possible participants at the intended radio communication link, a certain data format to be transmitted over the link, a certain communication standard, etc. The storage unit may also store information about previously established and set up links in order to facilitate and accelerate the re-establishment of a known link once the wireless communication device is provided with power and the link is within reach / coverage of the participants.

[0040] The wireless communication device may be implemented to implement a radio communication link according to one or more known standards or according to any proprietary standard. Preferably, it is suggested that the wireless communication device is adapted to establish and set up a radio communication link to a corresponding external wireless communication device according to at least one of the following standards:

[0041] - Complies with IEEE 802.11n WiFi standard;

[0042] - Bluetooth or Bluetooth low energy compliant with IEEE 802.15n;

[0043] - Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard according to the Wireless USB Specification version managed by the USB Implementers Forum;

[0044] - Zigbee standard compliant with IEEE 802.15.4;

[0045] - WiGig compliant with IEEE 802.11ad and IEEE 802.11ay; and

[0046] -Mobile cellular radio standards, including GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications; 2G), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), EDGE (Enhanced Data Global Evolution), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System; 3G), LTE (Long Term Evolution; 4G), and 5G technologies.

[0047] The use of well-known radio communication standards has the advantage that standard off-the-shelf electronic components can be used to construct the electronic card and / or the wireless communication device. In addition, developers of wireless communication devices and wireless communication links can rely on precisely defined standards and can be assured that two corresponding wireless communication devices can actually interact and communicate with each other, even if they come from different manufacturers. Furthermore, it may be possible to easily implement a plug-and-play functionality of the corresponding wireless communication devices.

[0048] The first five radio communication standards mentioned above allow high-speed data communication over distances of up to a few meters and up to about 100 meters. These radio communication standards are preferably used for communication between an electronic device in the form of a battery-powered handheld power tool and a vacuum cleaner. Mobile cellular radio standards allow data communication over much greater distances, as long as the wireless communication means of the two electronic devices that are participants in the respective wireless data communication link are within the reach / coverage of a base station of the cellular network.

[0049] The electronic card and the interface between the card and the card slot can be designed according to any well-known standard or in any other proprietary manner. The size and form of the card slot are selected depending on the size and form of the electronic card to be inserted therein. The card slot should be able to receive the inserted card and guide the inserted card into its final position in the slot, in which the card contacts are in electrical contact with the slot contacts. In addition, one or more retaining elements can be provided in or at the slot and / or the card to keep the inserted card in its final position in the slot. It is recommended that the retaining elements automatically enter mutual engagement once the electronic card is in its final position. The retaining elements can be released to allow the electronic card to be removed from the slot.

[0050] The holding element can work mechanically or magnetically. The mechanical holding element can be implemented as a card held in the slot by friction, snap-on connection, resilient and / or flexible and / or elastic holding members (e.g., spring elements), etc. Advantageously, the electrical contacts of the card slot and the electronic card include plug and socket elements, and the plug is inserted and held in the corresponding socket under friction, thereby realizing the function of the holding element. In this case, no additional separate holding element is required. The magnetic holding element can be implemented as a magnetic force between a magnetic element acting on a housing or housing of a battery pack disposed in or at the slot, or disposed near the slot, and a magnetic element disposed in or at the shell of the electronic card on the other hand, and the card is held in the slot. The magnetic elements of the battery pack and the card can be implemented as permanent magnets of opposite polarity, or one magnetic element can be implemented as a permanent magnet and the other magnetic element can be implemented as a ferromagnetic element.

[0051] It is recommended that electronic cards with card contacts and card slots with slot contacts be designed according to at least one of the following standards:

[0052] - PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) according to PCMCIA specifications;

[0053] - PC Cards according to PCMCIA specifications;

[0054] - CompactFlash (CF) Type I (CF1) or Type II (CF2) according to the specifications of the CompactFlash Association, in particular one of CompactFlash versions 1.0 to 6.0 or CompactFast;

[0055] - USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard adapted to USB Type A, Type B or Type C, in particular according to revisions USB 1.x to USB 4.x;

[0056] - An SD (Secure Digital) card, miniSD card, or microSD card in accordance with one of the SD Card Specifications 1.0 to 7.0 of the SD Card Association.

[0057] The PCMCIA interface was originally designed for portable computers. Since 1990, PCMCIA has issued and maintained a series of standards adapted to the parallel communication peripheral interface in laptop computers, in particular PCMCIA cards, later renamed PC cards (from the second edition of the specification), and ExpressCard (2003). PCMCIA was dissolved in 2009, and all its activities since then have been managed by the USB Developer Forum. The PCMCIA standard specifies removable devices measuring 2.126 inches x 3.37 inches (5.4 cm x 8.6 cm). PCMCIA cards have 68 pins assigned and interface with 8-bit and 16-bit buses. Despite the fact that the PCMCIA interface is no longer used in recent laptop computers, it may still be an advantageous interface when used as an interface between an electronic card with a wireless communication device and a card slot of a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0058] CF cards use the Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment (PATA) interface, while a variation of CompactFlash, the so-called CompactFast card, uses the Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface. Newer versions of CF cards, the so-called XQD cards, are based on the PCI Express interface. The CompactFlash interface is a 50-pin (50-pin) subset of the 68-pin (68-pin) PCMCIA interface. CF cards can be easily slipped into a passive 68-pin (60-pin) PCMCIA Type II to CF Type I adapter that fully complies with the PCMCIA electrical and mechanical interface specifications. Other adapters are also available that allow CF cards to be connected to PCI, IDE, and SATA connections. CF cards measure 42.8 mm x 36.4 mm. CF cards exist primarily in two subsections: Type I (CF1) with a thickness of 3.3 mm and Type II (CF2) with a thickness of 5 mm. According to the standard, CF cards are allowed to draw up to 70 mA (CF1) and up to 500 mA (CF2), respectively. This is sufficient to enable the wireless communication device to operate safely and reliably and to transmit data across the wireless data communication link within an acceptable range (eg, a few meters, preferably up to several hundred meters).

[0059] Secure Digital (SD) is a proprietary card format developed by the SD Association (SDA) for portable devices (such as cameras, laptops, smartphones, etc.). An SD card measures 32 mm x 24 mm. A full-size SD card has a thickness of 2.1 mm. The physical dimensions of a miniSD card are 21.5 mm x 20 mm x 1.4 mm. A microSD card measures 15 mm x 11 mm x 1.0 mm. Various adapters are available to insert and electrically connect miniSD and microSD cards into a conventional SD card interface, or to insert and electrically contact miniSD, microSD, and SD cards into a conventional USB interface. miniSD, microSD, and SD cards can draw up to 100 mA of current. This is sufficient for wireless communication devices to operate safely and reliably and to transfer data across a wireless data communication link within acceptable limits.

[0060] Universal Serial Bus (USB) is an industry standard that has established specifications for connectors and protocols for connection, communication and power supply between computers and peripheral devices. The USB standard is currently maintained by the USB Developer Forum (USB-IF). The interface between the slot contacts and the card contacts according to the USB standard can be used for data transmission between an electronic card and a battery pack and for supplying electrical power from the battery cells of a battery pack to an electronic card. The electrical contacts are designed so that they are also arranged to physically attach the electronic card to the battery pack, and therefore do not require other separate retaining elements. The electronic card and the card slot can have any desired form, as long as the interface complies with the USB standard. The card slot will be slightly larger in size than the size of the electronic card.

[0061] The objects of the present invention are also solved by an electronic device comprising the following features. In particular, starting from an electronic device of the type described above, it is proposed that the electronic device comprises a battery pack according to the present invention. The electronic device can be a battery-powered handheld power tool, in particular a polisher or a grinder, or a battery-powered vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner can be pneumatically connected to an air outlet port of the power tool, through which dust-laden air is conveyed during the intended use of the power tool. The connection of the vacuum cleaner to the power tool can be achieved by means of a suction pipe or hose, which is pneumatically attached to the suction opening of the vacuum cleaner, which suction opening leads to the dust collection container of the vacuum cleaner.

[0062] Preferably, both the power tool and the vacuum cleaner are equipped with a battery pack according to the present invention so as to enhance their respective functions and realize a wireless data communication function, preferably a two-way data communication, between the two electronic devices. In this way, the power tool can transmit data and information about its current use and operation to the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner can use this information, for example, to automatically turn on the power supply if it receives information according to which the power tool is turned on, and to automatically turn off the power supply if it receives information according to which the power tool is turned off. In addition, the vacuum cleaner can adjust the speed of its motor and the volume of the suction flow generated according to the amount of dust and particles in the dust-laden air generated by the power tool during its intended use. The amount of dust and particles in the dust-laden air can be determined, for example, by scanning the optical sensor of the power tool and determining the transmittance of the dust-laden air generated by the power tool.

[0063] In the opposite direction, the vacuum cleaner can transmit information and data about its current use or operating status to the power tool. For example, if the filter element of the vacuum cleaner has not been cleaned for a certain amount of time and / or if it is clogged, the operating speed of the power tool can be reduced or the power tool can be completely shut down. In addition, the power tool can output information to the user indicating that the battery of the vacuum cleaner is low. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] Further features and advantages of the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Individual features of the embodiments shown in the drawings may be relevant to the invention per se, even if they are shown and described in combination with other features. Furthermore, features shown in the drawings and described below may be combined, even if this particular combination is not explicitly shown and described. The accompanying drawings show:

[0065] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an electronic device according to the present invention to which a battery pack according to the present invention is attached and connected;

[0066] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a battery pack according to the present invention;

[0067] Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of a battery pack according to the present invention;

[0068] Figure 4 is a second embodiment of an electronic device according to the present invention, to which a battery pack according to the present invention is attached and connected;

[0069] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of an electronic device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an electronic device in the form of a battery-powered handheld power tool 2, in particular a sander, according to the present invention is shown. Of course, the power tool 2 can also be implemented as any other type of battery-powered handheld power tool, such as an electric drill, an electric screwdriver, an electric saw, a grinder, etc.

[0071] The power tool 2 comprises a housing 4 and a working element 6 protruding from the housing 4 and performing a working movement. In an embodiment of a sander, the working element 6 is realized as a backing pad, to the bottom surface of which a sanding member 8 in the form of sanding paper or sanding fabric can be releasably connected, for example by hook and loop fasteners. In the embodiment of the grinder, the working motion can be a random orbital motion, a rotary orbital (gear-driven) motion or a pure orbital motion. Of course, if the power tool 2 is not implemented as a grinder but as a different type of power tool, the working element 6 can be implemented as a chuck for an electric drill or screwdriver, a spindle, a saw blade holder, a grinding disc holder, etc. In addition, in other embodiments of the power tool 2, the working motion can be a pure rotational motion, a linear back and forth motion, etc.

[0072] The power tool 2 further comprises an electric motor 10 located in the housing 4 for driving the working element 6 directly or indirectly through a gear mechanism (not shown). Figure 1 In the embodiment of the invention, the working element 6 is directly driven by the motor shaft 12, to which the working element 6 is attached. An eccentric element (not shown) may be located between the motor shaft 12 and the working element 6. The motor shaft 12 may be attached to the eccentric element in a torque-resistant manner. The working element 6 may be supported by the eccentric element in a freely rotatable manner. By means of the eccentric element, a random orbital working motion of the working element 6 is achieved in a plane extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation 14 of the motor shaft 12.

[0073] The power tool 2 is equipped with a dust extraction system 16, which includes a fan blade 18 attached to the tool shaft 12 and rotating therewith. During operation of the power tool 2, the fan blade 18 generates an air flow 20. The air flow 20 flows from a working surface 22, during the intended use of the power tool 2, the grinding member 8 through an opening and channel 24 provided in the working element 6, and a corresponding opening in the grinding member 8, an opening in the top surface of the working element 6 into a portion of the housing 4 that accommodates the fan blade 18, and further exits the housing 4 through an air outlet or exhaust port 26 of the dust extraction system 16. The air flow 20 conveys dust-laden air from the working surface 22 to the exhaust port 26, thereby keeping the working surface 22 free of dust and small particles and allowing the user to closely inspect the working surface 22 and the work results achieved so far. Vacuum cleaners, such as those from Figure 4 and Figure 5 The vacuum cleaner 100 can be pneumatically attached to the exhaust port 26 via a suction pipe or hose, thereby sucking the dust-laden air, separating the dust and small particles from the airflow 20, and collecting them in a dust collection container. In this way, the amount of dust and small particles floating in the ambient air around the power tool 2 is significantly reduced.

[0074] Of course, the dust extraction system 16 may include only the exhaust port 26 without the fan blades 18. Furthermore, the power tool 2 may even be implemented without any dust extraction system 16.

[0075] The power tool 2 includes a battery pack 30 that is releasably attached to or inserted into a recess of the housing 4 and electrically connected to the power tool 2. The battery pack 30 has a battery pack housing 32 and at least one battery cell 34 accommodated therein. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack 32 includes four battery cells 34. Of course, the battery pack 30 may include more or less than four battery cells 34. The number of battery cells 34 depends on the desired output voltage and current of the battery pack 30. In order to achieve the desired output voltage and current of the battery pack 30, the battery cells 34 may be interconnected in series and / or in parallel. Figure 1 The connections between the battery cells 34 and other components of the battery pack 30 are not shown.

[0076] Preferably, the battery pack 30 and / or the power tool 2 include interacting securing elements to retain the battery pack 30 in its attached position relative to the housing 4 of the power tool 2 and prevent the battery pack 30 from being accidentally or unintentionally separated therefrom. Figure 5 Schematically, fixing elements are shown in FIG, wherein a first element 66 is attached to a recess of the housing 104 or electronic device 100 and a second element 68 is attached to the housing 32 of the battery pack 30. The fixing elements 66, 68 may act mechanically or magnetically. The mechanical fixing elements 66, 68 may be implemented to hold the battery pack 30 in or at the housing 4 of the power tool 2 by friction, snap connections, recoverable and / or flexible and / or elastic retaining members (e.g., spring elements), etc. Figure 2 and Figure 3In an embodiment, the battery pack 30 includes a recess 62 on a surface 64 of the housing 4 facing the power tool 2 when attached to the power tool 2. When the battery pack 30 is in its attached position, the recess 62 is adapted to interact with a corresponding protrusion (not shown) of the housing 4 of the power tool 2. The recess 62 and the protrusion form a fixing element. Alternatively, once the battery pack 30 is in its attached position relative to the housing 4, 104, the magnetic fixing elements 66, 68 can hold the battery pack 30 in or at the housing 4, 104 of the electronic device 2, 100 by a magnetic force acting between the battery pack 30 and the housing 4, 104. The magnetic force can be achieved by corresponding magnetic elements, which include permanent magnets of opposite polarity or permanent magnets and corresponding ferromagnetic elements.

[0077] In addition, the battery pack 30 includes a plurality of electrical battery pack contacts 36 accessible from the outside of the battery housing 32 and electrically connected to the battery cells 34. The battery pack 30 is adapted to be electrically connected to corresponding electrical device contacts 38 of an electronic device, i.e., a power tool 2, through its battery pack contacts 36, and to provide electrical energy to the power tool 2 after being connected to the power tool 2. Figure 1 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , there are four battery pack contacts 36 and four corresponding device contacts 38. Of course, the number of contacts 36, 38 may be different from Figure 1 Quantity shown.

[0078] In order to provide a possibility to update existing battery-powered electronic devices (i.e. the known power tool 2) with wireless communication functionality with reasonable effort in terms of reconstruction and cost for the manufacturer and for the user, it is proposed that at least one of the battery pack contacts 36 is implemented as a battery pack data transmission contact 36d, which, after connecting the battery pack 30 to the housing 4 of the power tool 2, makes electrical contact with at least one corresponding electronic device data transmission contact 38d of the power tool 2. The other two battery pack contacts 36 and the device contact 38 are preferably adapted to transmit electrical power from the battery pack 30 to the power tool 2. For this purpose, it is proposed that one battery pack contact 36 and one corresponding device contact 38 are provided for ground potential ('-'), and the other battery pack contact 36 and one corresponding device contact 38 are provided for positive voltage ('+').

[0079] Furthermore, it is suggested that the battery pack 30 includes a slot 40 in the battery pack housing 32. The slot 40 is accessible from the outside of the battery pack housing 32 and includes a plurality of slot contacts 42 located inside the slot 40. The slot contacts 42 are in electrical contact with the battery pack contacts 36. Preferably, at least one of the slot contacts 42 is implemented as a slot data transmission contact 42d that is in electrical contact with at least one corresponding battery pack data transmission contact 36d of the battery pack 30. Preferably, the other two slot contacts 42 are in contact with the battery cells 34, while Figure 1 The connection between the battery cell 34 and the other two slot contacts 42 is not shown.

[0080] The battery pack 30 includes an electronic card 44 adapted to be releasably inserted into the card slot 40. The electronic card 44 includes a wireless communication device 46 and a plurality of electrical card contacts 48. The electrical card contacts 48 are in electrical contact with the wireless communication device 46 and are adapted to automatically enter into mutual electrical contact with the electrical slot contacts 42 when the electronic card 44 is inserted into the card slot 40. Preferably, at least one of the electrical card contacts 48 is implemented as an electrical card data transmission contact 48d, which is adapted to enter into electrical contact with at least one corresponding electrical slot data transmission contact 42d of the card slot 40 after the electronic card 44 is inserted into the card slot 40. Preferably, after the electronic card 44 is inserted into the card slot 40, the other two electrical card contacts 48 are adapted to enter into contact with the corresponding electrical slot contacts 42, which are in contact with the battery cell 34.

[0081] The electrical card contacts 48 may be directly connected to the wireless communication device 46 (not shown). Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 4 , the electric card contacts 48 are indirectly connected to the wireless communication device 46 via the central processing unit (CPU) 50 of the electronic card 44. Thus, the electric card contacts 48 are in contact with the CPU 50, supplying it with power from the battery unit 34, and (via the electric card data transmission contacts 48d) providing it with data to be transmitted by the wireless communication device 46. The CPU 50 provides the wireless communication device 46 with power required for its operation and data to be transmitted.

[0082] The present invention allows for easy and cost-effective updating of conventional electronic devices, namely power tools 2, to provide them with wireless data communication functionality. According to the present invention, rather than having to modify and reconstruct the entire power tool 2 to implement wireless communication functionality, only a small portion of the power tool 2 and a separate component, namely the battery pack 30, is modified and reconstructed.

[0083] The power tool 2 may include a central processing unit (CPU) 52 for controlling the operation of the power tool 2. The CPU 52 may receive signals from tool sensors 54 to determine the current operating state and use of the power tool. The sensors 54 may include a speed sensor for measuring the current speed of the working element 6, a sensor (e.g., an optical sensor) for measuring the content of dust and small particles in the airflow 20 of the dust-laden air, a temperature sensor for measuring the operating temperature of the power tool 2, a vibration sensor for measuring the current value or the average value over time of the vibration of the power tool 2, etc. Depending on the sensor signals, the CPU 52 may control the operation of the power tool 2.

[0084] In addition, the battery pack 30 may include a central processing unit (CPU) 70 for processing data related to at least one of the following:

[0085] - the current charge state of at least one battery cell 34;

[0086] - the operating state of the electronic device 2 to which the battery pack 30 is connected; 100;

[0087] - data transmission from and / or to the electronic device 2, 100 via one or more data transmission contacts 36d, 38d; and

[0088] - Data communication via a wireless data communication link 56 established and set up by the wireless communication device 46.

[0089] If any, the software (or firmware) can be modified or updated in the CPU 52 to allow the power tool 2 to control data communication by means of the wireless communication device 46 of the electronic card 44 inserted into the battery pack 30 connected to the power tool 2. An existing electronic device 2 without wireless communication function can be easily enhanced and provided with wireless communication function by attaching and electrically connecting the battery pack 30 according to the present invention to the device 2, and possibly updating the computer software (firmware) running on the CPU 52 of the device 2.

[0090] For example, the computer software (firmware) running on the CPU 52 may have additional settings or menus for the wireless data communication function, which may be automatically activated if the battery pack 30 having the electronic card 44 with the wireless communication device 46 is connected to the electronic device 2. Alternatively, the wireless data communication function may be manually activated by the user of the device 2 through the settings or menus of the computer software. In addition, the settings and parameters for the wireless data communication established through the wireless communication device 46 may be manually set by the user through the settings or menus of the computer software.

[0091] All new electronic devices, such as the power tool 2, are already equipped with a corresponding computer program running on the CPU 52, which allows the wireless communication device 46 to be controlled, regardless of whether the battery pack connected to the device is a conventional battery pack or a battery pack 30 according to the invention. If the battery pack is a conventional battery pack, the electronic device will not have a wireless data communication function. If a battery pack 30 according to the invention is connected to such a new electronic device, it will have a wireless data communication function.

[0092] If the wireless data communication function is activated, the electronic device 2, such as a battery-powered handheld power tool 2, can transmit data related to its operating parameters and settings, including the current on / off state of the device 2, and the operating time of the device 2 since the last task was performed (e.g., turning on the device 2 or replacing the polishing or grinding member 8 of the polisher or sander 2), the rotation speed of the device 2 or its working element 6, the current operating temperature of the device 2 or a part thereof, the previous maximum operating temperature of the device 2 or a part thereof, the current vibration value of the device 2, the previous maximum vibration value of the device 2, the charge state of the battery cells 34 in the battery pack 30, the unique identifier of the electronic card 44 connected to the battery pack 30 of the device 2, inserted into the card slot 40 of the battery pack 30, or forming part of the inserted electronic card 44, etc. The operating parameters can be determined by sensors such as the sensor 54 of the device 2.

[0093] The transmitted data may be received by a corresponding external wireless communication device, which may cause a portion of the external electronic device to be separated from the electronic device 2 to which the battery pack 30 is connected. The external device may be, for example, Figure 4 and Figure 5 , in which a battery-powered handheld power tool 2 can be pneumatically connected to a suction port 102 of the vacuum cleaner 2. The external device 100 can adaptively adjust or control its own operation based on the content of the data received via the wireless data communication link 56 from the electronic device 2 equipped with the battery pack 30 according to the present invention.

[0094] In the following description, we assume that the power tool 2 is an electronic device equipped with the battery pack 30 according to the present invention and having a wireless data transmission function for transmitting data via the wireless data communication link 56, and the vacuum cleaner 100 is an external electronic device having a wireless data reception function for receiving data from the electronic device 2 via the wireless data communication link 56. In order to realize the wireless data reception function, the vacuum cleaner 100 may also be equipped with the battery pack 30 according to the present invention. Alternatively, the wireless data reception function may be an integrated function of the vacuum cleaner 100.

[0095] certainly, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The vacuum cleaner of can be regarded not only as an external electronic device that receives data via the data communication link 56, but also as an electronic device that is equipped with the battery pack 30 according to the present invention and provides the vacuum cleaner with a wireless data transmission function. In this case, for example, Figure 1 The power tool 2 will be used as an external electronic device that receives data from the vacuum cleaner 100 via the data communication link 56. Therefore, the data communication link 56 can be used for unidirectional data transmission from the power tool 2 to the vacuum cleaner 100 and from the vacuum cleaner 100 to the power tool 2 and / or for bidirectional data transmission between the power tool 2 and the vacuum cleaner 100. For this purpose, the wireless communication device 46 may include only a transmitter, or only a receiver, allowing only unidirectional wireless data communication, or it may include a combination of a transmitter and a receiver, thereby allowing bidirectional wireless data communication via the wireless communication link 56.

[0096] If the vacuum cleaner 100 is an electronic device equipped with a battery pack 30 according to the present invention, the vacuum cleaner 100 can transmit data related to its operating parameters and settings, including the current on / off state of the device 100, the operating time of the device 100 since the last task performed (for example, turning on the device 100, cleaning or replacing the filter element or emptying the dust collection container), the current speed at which the device 100 or its motor is running, the current operating temperature of the device 100 or a part thereof, the previous maximum operating temperature of the device 100 or a part thereof, the charge state of the battery cells 34 in the battery pack 30 connected to the device 100, a unique identifier of the battery pack 30, the electronic card 44 or the wireless communication device 46, etc.

[0097] If the vacuum cleaner 100 is an electronic device equipped with the battery pack 30 according to the present invention, the transmitted data can be received by a corresponding external wireless communication device, which may separate a part of the external electronic device from the electronic device 100 to which the battery pack 30 is connected. The external device may be, for example, a handheld electric tool, such as Figure 1 The power tool 2 is pneumatically connected to the suction port 102 of the vacuum cleaner 100, for example, through a suction pipe or hose. The external device, such as the power tool 2, can adaptively adjust or control its own operation based on the content of the data received from the electronic device 100 equipped with the battery pack 30 according to the present invention via the wireless data communication link 56.

[0098] Now returning to the embodiment in which the power tool 2 is an electronic device equipped with the battery pack 30 according to the present invention and having a wireless data transmission function for transmitting data via the wireless data communication link 56, and the vacuum cleaner 100 is an external electronic device having a wireless data reception function for receiving data from the power tool 2 via the wireless data communication link 56, the process of data transmission will be described in more detail:

[0099] The CPU 52 and the computer program running on the CPU 52 respectively control the operation of the power tool 2. In particular, the CPU 52 controls the speed of the electric motor 10 and the working element 6. For this purpose, the CPU 52 is provided with electrical energy from the battery cells 34 of the battery pack 30 through the battery pack contacts 36 ('+' and '-') and the device contacts 38 ('+' and '-') and the corresponding connecting lines. The CPU 52 controls the current supplied to the motor 10 so that the motor 10, the tool shaft 12 and / or the working element 6 rotate at the desired speed. During the intended use of the power tool 2, the sensor 54 can determine certain system and / or operating parameters and forward the acquired values ​​to the CPU 52. The CPU 52 can use them to control the operation of the power tool 2.

[0100] At least some of the acquired parameters or other data may be selected for transmission to the vacuum cleaner 100 via the wireless data communication link 56. To this end, the CPU 52 initiates data transmission by forwarding the selected data to the electronic card 44 via the data transmission contact 38d of the power tool 2 and the battery data transmission contact 36d of the battery pack 30. In the embodiment shown, there are two data transmission contacts 36d, 38d each. The data to be transmitted is then forwarded from the battery data transmission contact 36d of the battery pack 30 to the CPU 50 of the electronic card 44 via the slot data transmission contact 42d of the card slot 40 and the electric card data transmission contact 48d of the electronic card 44. Of course, the number of data transmission contacts 36d, 38d, 42d, 48d may also vary. For example, there may be only one of each data transmission contact 36d, 38d, 42d, 48d, wherein data transmission is achieved with reference to the ground potential ('-') of one of the battery contacts 36, one of the device contacts 38, one of the slot contacts 42 and one of the electric card contacts 48. In this case, there may be only three battery pack contacts 36 , three device contacts 38 , three electrical slot contacts 42 , and three electrical card contacts 48 .

[0101] The CPU 50 processes the received data and converts them into a suitable format for wireless data transmission via the wireless communication device 46. For example, the data can be converted into corresponding data packets, data frames, data segments and / or data streams for transmission via the wireless communication device 46. The data packets, data frames or data segments can be provided with appropriate headers and trailers. The CPU 50 can also compress and / or encode the data. Other data processing can also be performed by the CPU 50. Of course, the CPU 50 can also be an integral part of the wireless communication device 46.

[0102] The CPU 50 receives electrical energy from the battery cells 34 of the battery pack 30 through the electrical slot contacts 42 ('+' and '-'), the electrical card contacts 48 and corresponding electrical conductors. Alternatively, the electronic card 44 may also be provided with its own battery cells to provide electrical energy to the CPU 50 and other electronic components of the card 44. The CPU 50 forwards the electrical energy to the wireless communication device 46. Alternatively, the wireless communication device 46 may be directly connected to the electrical card contacts 48 ('+' and '-') or to one or more internal battery cells of the electronic card 44. In addition, the CPU 50 forwards the processed data to the wireless communication device 46 for transmission via the wireless communication link 56.

[0103] In another embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack 30 may be provided with a CPU (not shown) for controlling at least a portion of the data transmission via the wireless communication device 46 and / or for taking over at least a portion of the data processing performed by the CPU 50 of the electronic card 44 before transmitting the data via the wireless communication link 56. The CPU of the battery pack may also control the current charging state of the battery cell 34 and the process of charging the battery cell 34.

[0104] Preferably, the battery pack 30 has a sensor element 58 for detecting that the electronic card 44 is inserted into the card slot 40 (see Figure 5 ). The sensor element 58 may be an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, etc. For this purpose, the card 44 may be provided with a corresponding element 60 adapted to interact with the sensor 58 after the card 44 is inserted into the slot 40. Alternatively, the sensor 58 may be a current sensor that senses when the inserted electronic card 44 draws electrical energy from the battery cell 34. Information from the sensor 58 may be used to enable certain functions and / or initiate certain tasks in the wireless communication device 46, the battery pack 30, or the electronic device 100 to which the battery pack 30 is connected. In order to implement certain functions and / or initiate certain tasks in the electronic device 100 to which the battery pack 30 is connected, it is recommended that the sensor information be transmitted from the battery pack 30 to the electronic device 100 via the battery pack contacts 36 and the corresponding device contacts 38.

[0105] The CPU 52 of the electronic device 2 initiates the data transmission via the wireless communication device 46. Therefore, the CPU 52 has information about when the wireless communication device 46 is used and when it is not used. If no data is sent or received by the wireless communication device 46, the CPU 52 can switch the wireless communication device 46 to a sleep mode in which it consumes less power. Preferably, in the sleep mode, the wireless communication device 46 is still able to receive data or detect data to be received via the wireless communication link 56. Similarly, if data is received or is to be received or is to be transmitted via the wireless communication device 46, the CPU 52 may wake up the wireless communication device 46 from the sleep mode and switch the wireless communication device 46 to its normal operating mode. This can optimize the power consumption by the electronic card 44 and significantly increase the life of the battery cells 34 of the battery pack 30 before recharging is required.

[0106] Preferably, the battery cells 34 are switched together in series and / or in parallel so that the battery pack 30 provides a voltage and a direct current at its battery pack contacts 36 (e.g., a negative contact 36 (-) and a positive contact 36 (+) for grounding) corresponding to the operating voltage and current of the electronic device 2 to which the battery pack 30 is connected. The operating voltage may be between 12V and 48V. The electronic card 44, and in particular the wireless communication device 46, will likely operate at a lower voltage below 12V, in particular at 2.4V, 3.7V or 5.0V. For this purpose it is recommended that the battery pack 30 has a voltage transformer (not shown) for converting the operating voltage provided by the battery pack 30 to the electronic device 2 to the lower voltage required by the electronic card 44 and its electronic components, in particular by the wireless communication device.

[0107] It is proposed that the wireless communication device 46 is adapted to automatically establish and set up a radio communication link 56 after the electronic card 44 is inserted into the card slot 40. For this purpose, it is proposed that the wireless communication device 46 automatically searches for possible participants, such as wireless communication devices of external communication devices within the reach of the wireless communication device 46, for the intended data communication. The user of the electronic device 2 can then select one of the detected possible participants, such as the wireless communication device of the vacuum cleaner 100, and the radio communication link 56 is automatically established and set up to the selected participant. Alternatively, information about the proposed participant to which the radio communication link 56 is to be established is stored in a corresponding electronic storage device (e.g., flash memory, etc.) of the electronic card 44, and the wireless communication device 46 automatically establishes and sets up the radio communication link 56 to the participant without interaction by the user.

[0108] Preferably, the electronic card 44 comprises an electronic storage device in which are stored the characteristics and properties of the wireless communication link 56 to be established and set up between the wireless communication means 46 of the electronic card 44 and the corresponding wireless communication means of the external electronic device, i.e. the vacuum cleaner 100. The stored information may refer to one or more possible participants at the expected radio communication link 56, a certain data format to be transmitted over the link 56, a certain communication standard of the link 56, etc. The storage device may also store information about previously established and set up links 56, once the wireless communication means 46 is provided with power and the link 56 is within the reach / coverage of the participants, in order to facilitate and accelerate the re-establishment of a known link 56. The electronic storage device may be an integral part of the CPU 50 or the wireless communication means 46.

[0109] The wireless communication device 46 may be implemented to implement the radio communication link 56 according to one or more known standards or according to any proprietary standard. Preferably, it is suggested that the wireless communication device 46 is adapted to establish and set up the radio communication link 56 to the corresponding wireless communication device of the external electronic device according to at least one of the following standards:

[0110] --Compliant with IEEE 802.11n WiFi standard;

[0111] - Bluetooth or Bluetooth low energy compliant with IEEE 802.15n;

[0112] - Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard according to the Wireless USB Specification version managed by the USB Implementers Forum;

[0113] - Zigbee standard compliant with IEEE 802.15.4;

[0114] - WiGig compliant with IEEE 802.11ad and IEEE 802.11ay; and

[0115] -Mobile cellular radio standards, including GSM (Global System for Mobile communications; 2G), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), EDGE (Enhanced Data Global Evolution), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System; 3G), LTE (Long Term Evolution; 4G), and 5G technologies.

[0116] The electronic card 44 and the mechanical and / or electrical interface between the card 44 and the card slot 40 can be designed according to any well-known standard or in any other proprietary manner. The size and form of the card slot 40 are selected depending on the size and form of the electronic card to be inserted therein. The card slot 40 should be able to receive the inserted card 44 and guide the inserted card 44 to its final position in the slot 40, in which the electrical card contact 48 is in electrical contact with the electrical slot contact 42. In addition, one or more retaining elements (not shown) can be provided in the slot 40 and / or at the card 44 to keep the inserted card 44 in its final position in the slot 40. It is suggested that once the electronic card 44 is in its final position, the retaining elements automatically enter mutual engagement. The retaining elements can be released to allow the electronic card 44 to be removed from the slot 40.

[0117] The retaining element may function mechanically or magnetically. The mechanical retaining element may be implemented to retain the card 44 in the slot 40 by friction, snap connections, resilient and / or flexible and / or resilient retaining members, etc. Figure 1 In the present case shown in , the electrical slot contact 42 and the electrical card contact 48 comprise plug and socket elements, and the plug is inserted and retained in the corresponding socket by friction, thereby realizing the function of the retaining element. Therefore, the electrical contacts 42, 48 provide an electrical connection and at the same time realize a retaining element for retaining the card 44 in the slot 40. Alternatively, once the card 44 is inserted into the slot 40 and is in its final position in the slot 40, the magnetic retaining element can retain the card 44 in the slot 40 by a magnetic force acting between the card 44 and the slot 40. The magnetic force can be realized by a corresponding magnetic element comprising a permanent magnet of opposite polarity or a permanent magnet and a corresponding ferromagnetic element.

[0118] It is recommended that the electronic card 44 having the electrical card contacts 48 and the card slot 40 having the electrical slot contacts 42 be designed to meet or comply with at least one of the following standards:

[0119] - PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) according to PCMCIA specifications;

[0120] - PC Cards according to PCMCIA specifications;

[0121] - CompactFlash (CF) Type I (CF1) or Type II (CF2) according to the specifications of the CompactFlash Association, in particular one of CompactFlash versions 1.0 to 6.0 or CompactFast;

[0122] - USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard adapted to USB Type A, Type B or Type C, in particular according to revisions USB 1.x to USB 4.x;

[0123] - An SD (Secure Digital) card, miniSD card, or microSD card in accordance with one of the SD Card Specifications 1.0 to 7.0 of the SD Card Association.

[0124] Now, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The vacuum cleaner 100 is described in more detail. As described above, the vacuum cleaner 100 can be used as an external electronic device for receiving data from the wireless communication device 46 of the power tool 2 via the wireless data communication link 56. However, the vacuum cleaner 100 can also be used as an electronic device to which the battery pack 30 having the wireless communication device 46 is connected, and the electronic device transmits data via the wireless communication link 56.

[0125] The vacuum cleaner 100 comprises a substantially two-part housing or casing having an upper portion 104 and a lower portion 106. The lower portion 106 comprises a dust collection container 108 for receiving and storing dust and other small particles that have been filtered and extracted from the airflow 20 of dust-laden air sucked by the vacuum cleaner 100. The upper portion 104 of the housing comprises, among other things, at least one electric motor 110 and at least one turbine 112 driven by the motor 110 for generating a low pressure or vacuum (i.e., a pressure below ambient pressure) in the container 108 and for generating the airflow 20 for sucking the dust-laden air. In addition, the upper portion 104 of the housing comprises one or more air filter elements 114 for filtering dust and small particles from the sucked dust-laden air. The spacing between the upper portion 104 and the bottom portion 106 is 1 / 4 in. Figure 5 1 and 120. On the outside of the upper part 4 of the housing, a user interface for operating the vacuum cleaner 100 and its motor 110 is provided. In the embodiment shown, the user interface includes a control switch 116 for turning the vacuum cleaner 100 on (“1”) and off (“0”). The vacuum cleaner 100 and its motor 110 are operated by electrical power from the battery pack 30.

[0126] The bottom portion 106 of the shell may be provided with wheels 118 so that the vacuum cleaner 100 can be conveniently rolled from one position to another on the ground surface. Preferably, the front wheels 118 are pivotable about a substantially vertical pivot axis to allow easy maneuvering of the vacuum cleaner 100. Preferably, at least one of the front wheels 118 includes a locking brake for temporarily holding the vacuum cleaner 100 in its current position on the ground surface. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner 100 may also be implemented as a fixed unit or a wearable unit, which may be carried by the user by means of a fixing belt or the like around the user's waist or suspended over the user's shoulders. Such a wearable vacuum cleaner is described in detail in the co-pending application EP 19211438.7 filed on November 26, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0127] The dust container 108 has an air intake 102 for the dust-laden air of the airflow 20. The air intake 102 is located downstream of the motor 110, the turbine 112 and the filter element 114 and connects the interior of the dust container 108 to the environment. In addition, the vacuum cleaner 2 includes an exhaust port 122 for filtered air located upstream of the filter element 114 and leading to the environment. A pneumatic tube or hose (not shown) with a socket at its distal end can be attached to the air outlet or exhaust port 26 of the dust removal system 16 of the power tool 2 and to the air intake 102 of the vacuum cleaner 100, thereby pneumatically connecting the vacuum cleaner 100 to the power tool 2.

[0128] As previously mentioned Figure 1 As described above with respect to the power tool 2, the battery pack 30 according to the present invention is connected to the vacuum cleaner 100 to provide it with a wireless data communication function. Figure 5 In , the matching components are given by Figure 1 Regardless of whether the battery pack 30 is connected to the power tool 2 or the vacuum cleaner 100, only the function of the wireless communication device 46 to enable a portion of the electronic card 44 to be inserted into the card slot 40 of the battery pack 30 is the same.

[0129] exist Figure 5, the wireless communication device 46 can receive data from the power tool 2 via the wireless communication link 56. The received data is forwarded to the CPU 50 of the electronic card 44, where the data can be extracted and / or decompressed and / or decoded. The data is then forwarded to the CPU 52 of the vacuum cleaner 100 for further processing. In particular, the data can be used to control the vacuum cleaner 100 and its motor 110. The data is forwarded to the CPU 52 via the electrical card contact 48d, the electrical slot contact 42d, the battery pack contact 36d and the electrical device contact 38d. Further processing of the data by means of the CPU 52 may also include extraction and / or decompression and / or decoding of at least a portion of the received data.

[0130] Of course, as described above, the wireless communication device 46 connected to the battery pack 30 of the vacuum cleaner 100 can also be used to transmit data to the power tool 2 via the wireless data communication link 56. This only corresponds to what was previously described with respect to the data transmission by means of the wireless communication device 46 connected to the battery pack 30 of the power tool 2.

[0131] It is particularly preferred that the battery pack 30 itself or its central processing unit 70, respectively, is adapted to start, control and conduct wireless data communication by means of the wireless communication means 46 of the inserted electronic card 44 without any control or support from the electronic device 2, 100 or its central processing unit 52, respectively, to which the battery pack 30 is connected. Therefore, the wireless communication means 46 is not used to transmit data received from the electronic device 2, 100 to which the battery pack 30 is connected or data about the operating state of the electronic device 2, but only to transmit data originating from the battery pack 30 and possibly about the operating state of the battery pack 30. This has the advantage that the electronic device 2, 100, its central processing unit 52 and the computer software (e.g. firmware) running thereon do not need to be updated. The electronic device 2, 100 can enhance its data transmission capabilities simply by connecting a battery pack 30 according to the present invention to it.

[0132] It is recommended that the battery pack 30 include a current sensor element 72 (see Figure 5), during operation of the electronic device 2, 100 to which the battery pack 30 is connected, the current sensor element 72 is adapted to determine the current drawn by the electronic device 2, 100 from the battery cell 34. The current sensor element 72 may be part of the CPU 70 or separate therefrom. For example, if the electronic device 2, 100 is not operating, i.e. the electric motor 10; 110 of the device 2, 100 is not running, the electronic device 2, 100 will not draw current from the battery cell 34 or will only draw a small amount of current from the battery cell 34. In contrast, when the electronic device 2, 100 is operating, i.e. when its electric motor 10; 110 is running, the electronic device 2, 100 will draw a larger amount of current. Thus, by means of the current sensor 72, the battery pack 30 can obtain information about the operating state of the electronic device 2, 100 to which the battery pack 30 is connected, without requiring any data transmission contacts 36d, 38d between the device 2, 100 and the battery pack 30.

[0133] Of course, the current sensor 72 can also be designed so that it does not directly measure the current. It can measure another electrical value (e.g., the voltage applied across the shunt resistor) and deduce or determine the current (I=U / R) from it. In addition, the current sensor 72 can also estimate the current currently drawn by the electronic device 2, 100 based on one or more other electrical and / or physical characteristics and values ​​(e.g., vibration, temperature, etc.).

[0134] Furthermore, it is suggested that the central processing unit of the battery pack 30 is adapted to 70 initiate wireless data communication via the wireless data communication link 56 established and set according to the determined current by the wireless communication means 46. In particular, it is suggested that if the amount of current drawn by the electronic device 2, 100 exceeds a given first threshold, an on signal is sent via the wireless data communication link 56. Alternatively or additionally, if the amount of current drawn by the electronic device 2, 100 is below a given second threshold, an off signal is sent via the wireless data communication link 56. The first threshold and the second threshold may be the same or different values.

[0135] The on / off signal may be received by a corresponding external wireless communication device, which may cause a portion of the external electronic device to be detached from the electronic device 2, 100 to which the battery pack is connected. For example, if the battery pack is attached and electrically connected to the power tool 2, the battery pack 30 may transmit the on / off signal to the vacuum cleaner 100, which automatically turns on and off according to the received signal and therefore according to the current operating state of the power tool 2. The delay element in the power tool 2 may delay the transmission of one or both of the on / off signals, thereby causing a delay in turning on and / or turning off the vacuum cleaner 100. The delay element in the vacuum cleaner 100 may delay turning on and / or turning off the vacuum cleaner 100 in response to the received on / off signal.

Claims

1. A battery-powered electronic device (2; 100), comprising: Equipment housing (4; 104, 106) and from the device housing (4; 104, 106) and a plurality of electrical device contacts (38) accessible from the outside thereof; and a battery pack (30) releasably attachable and electrically connected to a device housing (4; 104, 106), The battery pack (30) comprises: a battery pack housing (32) and at least one battery cell (34) housed within the battery pack housing (32), and a plurality of electrically powered battery contacts (36) accessible from outside the battery housing (32) and electrically connected to at least one battery cell (34), the battery pack (30) being adapted to electrically connect to electrical device contacts (38) of an electronic device (2; 100) via its battery contacts (36) and to provide electrical energy to the electronic device (2; 100) after connection to the electronic device; The battery pack (30) of the electronic device (2; 100) further comprises a card slot (40) in the battery pack housing (32), the card slot (40) being accessible from outside the battery pack housing (32) and comprising a plurality of slot contacts (42) located inside the card slot (40) and in electrical contact with the battery pack contacts (36); as well as The battery pack (30) includes an electronic card (44) adapted to be releasably inserted into a card slot (40), the electronic card (44) including a wireless communication device (46) and a plurality of card contacts (48) in electrical contact with the wireless communication device (46), the wireless communication device (46) being adapted to establish and set up a wireless data communication link (56) to an external electronic device (100; 2) separate from the electronic device (2; 100) to which the battery pack (30) is connected, and the card contacts (48) being adapted to automatically enter mutual electrical contact with the slot contacts (42) when the electronic card (44) is inserted into a final position in the card slot (40), The card slot (40) is adapted to receive an inserted electronic card (44) and guide the inserted electronic card (44) to its final position in the card slot (40); When the battery pack (30) is attached and connected to the electronic device (2; 100), the electronic card (44) is inserted into the battery pack (30) in its final position to provide wireless data communication capabilities to the electronic device (2; 100), and If the wireless data communication function can be used, data related to the operating parameters and settings of the electronic device (2; 100) are transmitted to the external electronic device (100; 2) via the wireless data communication link (56), and the data enables the external electronic device (100; 2) to adaptively adjust or control its own operation based on the content of the data received from the electronic device (2; 100) via the wireless data communication link (56).

2. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that At least one of the card contacts (48) is embodied as a data transmission contact (48d) adapted to come into electrical contact with at least one corresponding data transmission contact (42d) of the slot contact (42) after the electronic card (44) has been inserted into its final position in the card slot (40); and / or At least one of the battery pack contacts (36) is implemented as a data transmission contact (36d) which is adapted to enter into electrical contact with at least one corresponding data transmission contact (38d) of the electrical device contact (38) after the battery pack (30) is attached and connected to the electronic device (2; 100).

3. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: After the electronic card (44) is inserted into its final position in the card slot (40), the wireless communication device (46) of the electronic card (44) is provided with electrical energy from the battery cells (34) of the battery pack (30).

4. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The wireless communication device (46) of the electronic card (44) is a radio transceiver for sending and receiving data via a wireless data communication link (56).

5. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The battery pack (30) has a sensor element (58) for detecting the insertion of an electronic card (44) having a wireless communication device (46) into its final position in the card slot (40).

6. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The electronic card (44) has a central processing unit (50) for processing data to be sent or received via the wireless communication device (46).

7. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The battery pack (30) has a central processing unit (70) for processing data related to at least one of the following: a current state of charge of at least one battery cell (34); an operating state of the electronic device (2; 100) to which the battery pack (30) is attached and connected; data transmission from and / or to an electronic device (2; 100) via one or more data transmission contacts (36d; 38d); and Data communications via a wireless data communications link (56) established and configured by wireless communications means (46).

8. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The battery pack (30) includes a current sensor element (72) adapted to determine the current drawn from the battery cell (34) by the electronic device (2; 100) during operation of the electronic device to which the battery pack (30) is attached and connected.

9. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 8, characterized in that The central processing unit (70) of the battery pack (30) is adapted to initiate data communication via the wireless data communication link (56) established and set by the wireless communication device (46) based on the determined current.

10. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 9, characterized in that The central processing unit (70) is adapted to start data communication via a wireless data communication link (56) established and set by the wireless communication device (46) based on the determined current, and to send an on signal via the wireless data communication link (56) if the amount of current drawn by the electronic device (2; 100) exceeds a given threshold, and / or to send an off signal via the wireless data communication link (56) if the amount of current drawn by the electronic device (2; 100) is below a given threshold.

11. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The battery pack (30) is adapted to receive a data transmission initiation signal and / or data to be transmitted from an electronic device (2; 100) to which the battery pack (30) is attached and connected, via a wireless communication device (46) of an inserted electronic card (44).

12. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The wireless communication device (46) is adapted to automatically establish and set up a wireless data communication link (56) to a corresponding wireless communication device of an external electronic device (100; 2) after the electronic card (44) is inserted into its final position in the card slot (40) of a battery pack (30) attached and connected to the electronic device (2; 100).

13. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The electronic card (44) includes an electronic storage unit that stores characteristics and properties of a wireless data communication link (56) that will be established and set between a wireless communication device (46) of the electronic card (44) inserted into its final position within a card slot (40) of a battery pack (30) attached and connected to the electronic device (2; 100) and a corresponding wireless communication device of an external electronic device (100; 2).

14. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The wireless communication device (46) is adapted to establish and set up a wireless data communication link (56) to a corresponding wireless communication device of an external electronic device (100; 2) according to at least one of the following standards: - Complies with IEEE 802.11n WiFi standard; - Bluetooth or Bluetooth low energy compliant with IEEE 802.15n; - Wireless USB standards in accordance with the Wireless USB Specification version managed by the USB Implementers Forum; - Zigbee standard compliant with IEEE 802.15.4; - WiGig compliant with IEEE 802.11ad and IEEE 802.11ay; and -Mobile cellular radio standards, including GSM (2G), GPRS, EDGE, UMTS (3G), LTE (4G) and 5G technologies.

15. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The mechanical and / or electrical interface between an electronic card (44) having card contacts (48) and a card slot (40) having slot contacts (42) is designed according to at least one of the following standards: PCMCIA card according to PCMCIA specification; CompactFlash Type I or Type II or CompactFast according to the CompactFlash Association's specifications; Adapt to USB standard of USB Type A, Type B or Type C; An SD card, miniSD card, or microSD card in accordance with one of the SD Card Specifications 1.0 to 7.0 of the SD Card Association.

16. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 15, characterized in that The CompactFlash Association's specification refers to one of the CompactFlash versions 1.0 to 6.

0.

17. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic device (2; 100) is a battery-powered handheld electric tool (2).

18. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic device (2; 100) is a battery-powered vacuum cleaner (100).

19. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 17, characterized in that The electronic device (2; 100) is a polisher.

20. The battery-powered electronic device (2; 100) according to claim 17, characterized in that The electronic device (2; 100) is a grinder.

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