Adapter, system and control method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adapter for releasably connecting a power tool to a rechargeable battery, comprising a first and a second interface, a first and a second control electronic device, and a switch element for reversibly setting the second control electronic device to an activation mode or an inactivation mode. The first control electronic device comprises a first transistor and a second circuit, and the second control electronic device comprises a second transistor and a first circuit. The first control electronic device can receive an activation signal from an activation switch of the power tool via the first interface and the interface of the power tool, so that the first transistor can be activated and the second circuit can be closed, so that electrical energy can be transferred from the adapter to the power tool. In the activation mode, the second transistor can be driven, so that electrical energy can be transferred from the rechargeable battery to the adapter. The present invention also relates to a system comprising a power tool, a rechargeable battery, and an adapter. The present invention also relates to a method for open-loop control and closed-loop control of an adapter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an adapter for releasably connecting a power tool to at least one rechargeable battery.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system comprising a power tool and at least one rechargeable battery for supplying electrical energy to the power tool and an adapter for releasably connecting the power tool to the at least one rechargeable battery.

[0003] The invention further relates to a method for open-loop and closed-loop control of an adapter for connecting a power tool to at least one rechargeable battery. Background Art

[0004] Modern power tools (e.g. hammer drills, saws, grinders, etc.) can be supplied with electrical energy via replaceable rechargeable batteries. Both the power tool and the rechargeable battery usually also have communication interfaces, by means of which a large number of information items and data items can be exchanged between the power tool and the rechargeable battery. The interfaces of the power tool and the rechargeable battery must be matched or coordinated with each other so that the desired two-way communication between the power tool and the rechargeable battery is possible. If both the power tool and the rechargeable battery are from corresponding or common generations, then the compatibility of the two interfaces with each other is usually not a problem. Such a power tool and the rechargeable battery belonging to the power tool then usually have interfaces that are matched or coordinated with each other.

[0005] However, problems arise when the interfaces of the power tool and the rechargeable battery are so technically different that there is insufficient compatibility for the desired communication (ie data exchange) between the power tool and the rechargeable battery and / or for a sufficient power supply. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an adapter for releasably connecting a power tool to at least one rechargeable battery, by means of which the above-mentioned problems can be solved and sufficient compatibility between the power tool and the at least one rechargeable battery can be achieved.

[0007] In addition, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a system comprising a power tool and at least one rechargeable battery and an adapter for supplying electrical energy to the power tool, so that the above-mentioned problems can be solved and full compatibility between the power tool and at least one rechargeable battery can be achieved.

[0008] This object is achieved in particular by an adapter for releasably connecting a power tool to at least one rechargeable battery.

[0009] According to the present invention, the adapter includes: a first interface for releasably connecting a power tool to the adapter and a second interface for releasably connecting the at least one rechargeable battery to the adapter; a first control electronic device for performing open-loop control and closed-loop control of the functionality of the power tool and a second control electronic device for performing open-loop control and closed-loop control of the functionality of the rechargeable battery, the first control electronic device including a first transistor and a second circuit, the second control electronic device including a second transistor and a first circuit, the first control electronic device being able to receive an activation signal of an activation switch of the power tool through the first interface and the interface of the power tool, through which the first transistor can be activated and the second circuit can be closed, so that electrical energy can be transferred from the adapter to the power tool; and a switching element for reversibly setting the second control electronic device to a start mode or a deactivation mode, wherein in the start mode, the second transistor can be driven so that electrical energy can be transferred from the at least one rechargeable battery to the adapter by activating the second transistor and closing the first circuit.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one sensor for detecting at least one parameter of the power tool may be included, and the second transistor may be designed to at least temporarily interrupt the supply of electrical energy from the rechargeable battery to the power tool when the parameter detected by the sensor reaches a predetermined threshold value. The parameter may be a voltage value, an amperage value, a temperature value, the state of charge of the rechargeable battery, or the like. By means of the second transistor, which generally functions as a switching element for selectively interrupting the current or voltage supply, the current or voltage supply can be interrupted as a precautionary measure when the threshold value is reached.

[0011] According to a further advantageous exemplary embodiment of the present invention, instead of the first transistor and the second transistor, only a single transistor may be included in the adapter. In this case, the single transistor may be included in the second control electronics.

[0012] Furthermore, according to a further advantageous exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the adapter may also include a first transistor, a second transistor, and a third transistor. In this case, the first transistor may be located in the positive path (positive line) of the power supply circuit. In this case, the second transistor may be located in the negative path (i.e., negative line) of the power supply circuit. For safety reasons, the third transistor may be located in the higher-order main current path (i.e., main current line).

[0013] The first transistor and / or the second transistor may be a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) or some other suitable field effect transistor (FET).According to a further embodiment of the present invention, instead of the first transistor and / or the second transistor, a first switching element and / or a second switching element may also be provided accordingly.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one display device for displaying at least one state of the adapter can be included.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one voltage divider can be included for supplying electrical energy to at least the first or second control electronics. This ensures that the first or second control electronics are supplied with electrical energy.

[0016] Furthermore, the object is achieved in particular by a system comprising a power tool and at least one rechargeable battery for supplying electrical energy to the power tool and an adapter for releasably connecting the power tool to the at least one rechargeable battery.

[0017] According to the present invention, in this case, the adapter includes: a first interface for releasably connecting the power tool to the adapter and a second interface for releasably connecting the at least one rechargeable battery to the adapter; a first control electronic device for open-loop control and closed-loop control of the functionality of the power tool and a second control electronic device for open-loop control and closed-loop control of the functionality of the rechargeable battery, the first control electronic device including a first transistor and a second circuit, the second control electronic device including a second transistor and a first circuit, the first control electronic device being able to receive an activation signal of an activation switch of the power tool via the first interface and the interface of the power tool, through which the first transistor can be activated and the second circuit can be closed, so that electrical energy can be transferred from the adapter to the power tool; and a switching element for reversibly setting the second control electronic device to a start mode or a deactivation mode, wherein in the start mode, the second transistor can be driven so that by activating the second transistor and closing the first circuit, electrical energy can be transferred from the at least one rechargeable battery to the adapter.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one sensor for detecting at least one parameter of the power tool may be included, the second transistor being designed to at least temporarily interrupt the supply of electrical energy from the rechargeable battery to the power tool when the parameter detected by the sensor reaches a predetermined threshold value.

[0019] The first transistor and / or the second transistor may be a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (also known as a MOSFET) or some other suitable field effect transistor (also known as a FET).

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one display device for displaying at least one state of the adapter can be included.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one voltage divider can be included for supplying electrical energy to at least the first or the second control electronics.

[0022] Furthermore, the object is achieved in particular by a method for open-loop and closed-loop control of an adapter for connecting a power tool to at least one rechargeable battery.

[0023] According to the invention, in this case, the method comprises the following method steps:

[0024] - connecting the adapter to the power tool and the at least one rechargeable battery;

[0025] - setting the second control electronics from the deactivated mode to the activated mode; and

[0026] - driving the second transistor such that by activating the second transistor and closing the first circuit, electrical energy can be transferred from the at least one rechargeable battery to the adapter.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method step of displaying at least one state of the adapter by means of at least one display device can be included.

[0028] The releasable connection of the power tool to the at least one rechargeable battery in this case means a mechanical, electrical and / or electronic connection. This connection can also be referred to as a coupling.

[0029] The functionality of the rechargeable battery may be, for example, the delivery of electrical energy from at least one rechargeable battery cell to the power tool, the setting of the current intensity, the detection and monitoring of temperature values, and / or the setting and detection of the voltage of at least one rechargeable battery cell. The functionality of the rechargeable battery may be referred to as a function of the rechargeable battery.

[0030] In contrast, the functionality of the power tool may be the consumption of electrical energy from the rechargeable battery cells of the at least one rechargeable battery to the power tool, the detection of current intensity, the detection and monitoring of temperature values and / or the detection of voltage. The functionality of the power tool may be referred to as a function of the rechargeable battery.

[0031] Both the power tool and the rechargeable battery have a function by which, in particular, an oversupply or undersupply of electrical energy, a state of charge, a temperature value, a voltage and / or an amperage can be detected. To achieve this function, at least one suitable sensor is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Further advantages can be found in the following description of the drawings. A number of different exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings and the description contain many combined features. A person skilled in the art will also readily consider these features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0033] In the attached figure:

[0034] Figure 1 shows a section through a system according to the invention comprising a power tool, a rechargeable battery and an adapter according to the invention positioned between the power tool and the rechargeable battery;

[0035] Figure 2 A view showing details of a power tool, a rechargeable battery and an adapter according to the present invention; and

[0036] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing various components of an adapter according to the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] exist Figure 1 , a system 1 with a power tool 2 , an adapter 40 and a rechargeable battery 3 is shown.

[0038] The rechargeable battery 3 is connected to the power tool via the adapter 40 and is used to supply electric energy to the electric load of the power tool 2. During supply, current flows from the rechargeable battery 3 to the power tool 2 via the adapter 40.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the power tool 2 is in the form of a rechargeable battery-operated screwdriver. According to other alternative embodiments, the power tool 2 can also be designed in the form of a power drill, a saw, a grinder, etc.

[0040] The power tool 2 designed as a screwdriver operated by a rechargeable battery generally comprises a housing 4, a handle 5, a base 6, a tool assembly 7, an electric drive 8 in the form of an electric motor, a control device 9, a transmission mechanism 10, an input shaft 11, an output shaft 12 and an activation switch 13. The electric motor may be a brushless motor.

[0041] An electric drive 8 designed as an electric motor, a transmission mechanism 10, an input shaft 11, an output shaft 12, and a control device 9 are positioned within the housing 4. The drive 8, the transmission mechanism 10, the input shaft 11, and the output shaft 12 are positioned relative to each other and within the housing 10 such that the torque generated by the drive 8 is transmitted to the output shaft 12. The output shaft 12 transmits the torque to the transmission mechanism 10, which in turn transmits the torque to the input shaft 11. The tool assembly 7 is driven by the input shaft 11 by transmitting the torque. Figure 1As shown, a tool 14 in the form of a bit is held in the tool assembly 7. With the help of the bit, a screw can be screwed into the material. Neither the screw nor the material is shown in the figures.

[0042] like Figure 1 As further shown, the housing 4 includes a top side 4a and a bottom side 4b. The handle 5 includes a first end 5a and a second end 5b. The first end 5a of the handle 5 is fixed to the bottom side 4b of the housing 4. Furthermore, the base 6 includes an upper end 6a and a lower end 6b. The upper end 6a of the base 6 is fixed to the second end 5b of the handle 5. The lower end 6b of the base 6 includes an interface 15 and is used to mechanically, electrically, and electronically connect the power tool 2 to the adapter 40. In this case, the connection can be released again.

[0043] In order to extract electrical energy (or electric current), the interface 15 comprises a plurality of power connections. The interface 15 also comprises data connections for sending and receiving information and data in the form of signals.

[0044] Can be obtained from Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, the control device 9 of the power tool 2 is positioned in the base 6 of the power tool 2. The control device 9 of the power tool 2 is used for open-loop and closed-loop control of various processes associated with the power tool 2 and the rechargeable battery 3. The control device 9 specifically controls the current or current intensity flowing from the rechargeable battery 3 to the power tool 2 and, in particular, for driving the drive 8, which is formed as an electric motor. Furthermore, the control device 9 is used to detect the voltage applied by the rechargeable battery.

[0045] In this case, the control device 9 of the power tool 2 comprises a microcontroller 18 (also referred to as MCU) and a data interface 19 as part of a communication circuit for bidirectional communication between the rechargeable battery 3 and the power tool 2 .

[0046] The rechargeable battery 3 generally comprises a housing 21 with a rechargeable battery interface 22. In the housing 21 of the rechargeable battery 3 there are a plurality of energy storage cells 23 and a set of control electronics 24 with a microcontroller 25.

[0047] The rechargeable battery 3 further comprises a data interface 29 as part of a communication circuit for bidirectional communication between the rechargeable battery 3 and the power tool 2 .

[0048] The energy storage unit 23 may also be referred to as a rechargeable battery cell and is used to remove, store, and provide electrical energy or voltage.

[0049] The rechargeable battery interface 22 is positioned on one side of the housing 21. The rechargeable battery interface 22 includes a plurality of power connectors for extracting and delivering current, and also includes a data connector for transmitting and receiving signals between the power tool 2 and the rechargeable battery 3. Current from the energy storage unit 23 can be delivered through the power connector.

[0050] The power connector of the rechargeable battery 3 is connected to the power connection of the power tool 2. Likewise, the data connector of the rechargeable battery 3 is connected to the data connection of the power tool 2.

[0051] Through the connection, current can flow from the energy storage unit 23 of the rechargeable battery 3 to the power tool 2. In addition, signals can be exchanged between the rechargeable battery 3 and the power tool 2 for communication.

[0052] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the adapter 40 is positioned between the power tool 2 and the rechargeable battery 3. In this case, the adapter 40 is releasably connected to both the power tool 2 and the rechargeable battery 3.

[0053] The adapter 40 comprises a housing 41 having a top side 41a and a bottom side 41b. Furthermore, the adapter 40 generally comprises a first interface 43, a second interface 44, a first set of control electronics 51, a second set of control electronics 52, a switching element 60 and a display device 70.

[0054] Furthermore, the adapter 40 comprises a sensor 80 for detecting at least one parameter of the power tool 1. The parameter may be temperature, voltage, amperage, operating status or the like.

[0055] The first control electronic device 51 is used for open-loop control and closed-loop control of the functionality of the power tool 2 related to the rechargeable battery 3 as a power source, and the second control electronic device is used for open-loop control and closed-loop control of the functionality of the rechargeable battery 3 related to the power tool 2 as a receiver of electrical energy delivered by the rechargeable battery 3.

[0056] In this case, the first interface 43 is located on the top side 41a of the adapter housing 41, and the second interface 44 is located on the bottom side 41b of the adapter housing 41. The first interface 43 is designed to enable a releasable connection to the interface 15 of the power tool 2. The second interface 44 is again designed to enable a releasable connection to the rechargeable battery interface 22 of the rechargeable battery 3.

[0057] The first control electronics 51 comprises a first transistor 53 , a first current measuring device 54 , a first communication device 55 , and a voltage device 56 .

[0058] The voltage device 56 is connected to each rechargeable battery cell 23 and is used to detect and monitor the voltage of each rechargeable battery cell 23. The communication device 55 is used to communicate with the power tool 2 and is designed to send and receive data.

[0059] The second control electronics 52 comprises the electric motor driver 42, a second transistor 57, a second current measuring device 58 and a second communication device 59. The second communication device 59 serves for communication with the rechargeable battery 3 and is designed to send and receive data.

[0060] In the exemplary embodiment cited, both the first transistor 53 and the second transistor 57 are designed as MOSFETs.The first current measuring device 54 and the second current measuring device 58 can also be referred to as ammeters.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the switch element 60 and the display device 70 are positioned on the outside of the housing 41 .

[0062] The interface 15 of the power tool 2 is incompatible with the rechargeable battery interface 22 of the rechargeable battery 3. However, in order to connect the rechargeable battery 3 to the power tool 2, the adapter 40 is placed between the power tool 2 and the rechargeable battery 3 in such a way that the first interface 43 of the adapter 40 is connected to the interface 15 of the power tool 2, and the second interface 44 of the adapter 40 is connected to the rechargeable battery interface 22 of the rechargeable battery 3. In this way, the rechargeable battery 3 and the power tool 2 are indirectly connected to each other.

[0063] If the interfaces are mechanically, electrically, and / or electronically incompatible, there is a compatibility issue. Even if the interfaces can be mechanically connected, there may still be electronic incompatibility. In the case of electronic incompatibility, there is typically no suitable signal transmitted from the power tool 2 to the rechargeable battery 3, and the rechargeable battery 3 is based on this signal transmission to send electrical energy to the power tool 2.

[0064] To allow electrical energy to be transferred from the rechargeable battery cells 23 of the rechargeable battery 3 to the power tool 2, the switching element 60 is first actuated. By actuating the switching element 60, the signal to the second control electronics 52 is placed in an operating state (also referred to as mode) in which the second transistor 57 is activated and the first circuit KS1 in the second control electronics 52 is closed. Activation of the second transistor 57 and the closed circuit KS1 allow electrical energy to be transferred from the rechargeable battery 3 to the adapter 40.

[0065] Can be obtained from Figure 1As can be seen, the activation switch 13 is positioned on the front side 5 c of the handle 5 . By moving the activation switch 13 in direction A, a signal can be sent from the activation switch 13 to the control device 9 , which in turn sends a signal to the first control electronics 51 of the adapter 40 via the interfaces 15 , 43 . This signal activates the first transistor 53 and closes the second circuit KS2 in the first control electronics 51 . The activation of the first transistor 53 and the closed circuit KS2 then allow electrical energy to be transferred from the adapter 40 to the power tool 2 , in particular, to the driver 8 .

Claims

1. An adapter (40) for releasably connecting a power tool (1) to at least one rechargeable battery (3), characterized in that a first interface (43) for releasably connecting the power tool (1) to the adapter (40) and a second interface (44) for releasably connecting the at least one rechargeable battery (3) to the adapter (40); - a first control electronic device (51) for open-loop and closed-loop control of the functionality of the power tool (1) and a second control electronic device (52) for open-loop and closed-loop control of the functionality of the rechargeable battery (3), the first control electronic device (51) comprising a first transistor (53) and a second circuit (KS2), the second control electronic device (52) comprising a second transistor (57) and a first circuit (KS1), the first control electronic device (51) being capable of receiving an activation signal from an activation switch (13) of the power tool (1) via the first interface (43) and the interface (15) of the power tool (1), the first transistor (53) being capable of being activated and the second circuit (KS2) being capable of being closed by the activation signal, so that electrical energy can be transferred from the adapter (40) to the power tool (1); as well as a switching element (60) for reversibly setting the second control electronics (52) to an active mode or a deactivated mode, wherein in the active mode the second transistor (57) can be driven, By activating the second transistor (57) and closing the first circuit (KS1), electrical energy can be transferred from the at least one rechargeable battery (3) to the adapter (40).

2. The adapter (40) according to claim 1, characterized in that The invention comprises at least one sensor (80) for detecting at least one parameter of the power tool (1), the second transistor (57) being designed to at least temporarily interrupt the supply of electrical energy from the rechargeable battery (3) to the power tool (1) when the parameter detected by the sensor (80) reaches a predetermined threshold value.

3. The adapter (40) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one display device (70) is included for displaying at least one state of the adapter (40).

4. The adapter (40) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one voltage divider is included for supplying electrical energy to at least first or second control electronics (51, 52).

5. A system (100), comprising a power tool (1), at least one rechargeable battery (3) for supplying electrical energy to the power tool (1), and an adapter (40), the adapter (40) being used to releasably connect the power tool (1) to the at least one rechargeable battery (3), characterized in that: The adapter (40) comprises: a first interface (43) for releasably connecting the power tool (1) to the adapter (40) and a second interface (44) for releasably connecting the at least one rechargeable battery (3) to the adapter (40); - a first control electronic device (51) for open-loop and closed-loop control of the functionality of the power tool (1) and a second control electronic device (52) for open-loop and closed-loop control of the functionality of the rechargeable battery (3), the first control electronic device (51) comprising a first transistor (53) and a second circuit (KS2), the second control electronic device (52) comprising a second transistor (57) and a first circuit (KS1), the first control electronic device (51) being capable of receiving an activation signal from an activation switch (13) of the power tool (1) via the first interface (43) and the interface (15) of the power tool (1), the first transistor (53) being capable of being activated and the second circuit (KS2) being capable of being closed by the activation signal, so that electrical energy can be transferred from the adapter (40) to the power tool (1); and a switching element (60) for reversibly setting the second control electronics (52) to an active mode or a deactivated mode, wherein in the active mode the second transistor (57) can be driven, By activating the second transistor (57) and closing the first circuit (KS1), electrical energy can be transferred from the at least one rechargeable battery (3) to the adapter (40).

6. The system (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that The invention comprises at least one sensor (80) for detecting at least one parameter of the power tool (1), the second transistor (57) being designed to at least temporarily interrupt the supply of electrical energy from the rechargeable battery (3) to the power tool (1) when the parameter detected by the sensor (80) reaches a predetermined threshold value.

7. The system (100) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that At least one display device (70) is included for displaying at least one state of the adapter (40).

8. The system (100) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that At least one voltage divider is included for supplying electrical energy to at least first or second control electronics (51, 52).

9. A method for open-loop and closed-loop control of an adapter (40) for connecting a power tool (1) to at least one rechargeable battery (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The following steps: - connecting the adapter (40) to the power tool (1) and the at least one rechargeable battery (3); - setting the second control electronic device (52) from the deactivated mode to the activated mode; as well as - driving the second transistor (57) so that electrical energy can be transferred from the rechargeable battery (3) to the adapter (40) by activating the second transistor (57) and closing the first circuit (KS1).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein The following steps: - displaying at least one state of the adapter by means of at least one display device (70).

Images