Device for detecting dangerous falls

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (6) for detecting a dangerous fall of a rechargeable battery (1) and a rechargeable battery (1) having a device (6) for detecting a dangerous fall, wherein the rechargeable battery (1) includes a control device (5) having a discharge device (4) and at least one energy storage device (3). The device (6) includes: at least one sensor (8) for detecting an acceleration value in a predetermined direction, control electronics (9) designed to control at least one function of the rechargeable battery (1), and a fastening element (10) for the at least one sensor (8), whereby the at least one sensor (8) is pivotally mounted relative to the rechargeable battery (1) about a pivot point (DP) and remains substantially in a predetermined spatial position relative to the rechargeable battery when the rechargeable battery (1) rotates about at least one axis of rotation (x, y, z).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for detecting a dangerous fall of a rechargeable battery.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a rechargeable battery having a device for detecting a dangerous fall, wherein the rechargeable battery includes a control device having a discharging device and at least one energy storage device. Background Art

[0003] Modern power tools such as hammer drills, saws, grinders, etc. and rechargeable batteries that can be connected to power tools as an energy supply usually have a very robust design and show almost no damage after a fall or rough use.

[0004] However, after a long fall from a particularly high height onto a hard or non-deformable ground, the power tool and / or the rechargeable battery are likely to be damaged. Such damage may not be directly visible or noticeable to the user of the power tool and / or the rechargeable battery. However, damage to the power tool and / or the rechargeable battery that the user cannot see or notice may represent a problem because the function or operating mode of the power tool and / or the rechargeable battery may no longer exist. However, it is not always easy for the user to determine whether a fall or drop of one of the power tool and / or the rechargeable battery has caused damage and whether the further use of the power tool and / or the rechargeable battery is still safe enough.

[0005] Devices for detecting dangerous falls available on the market or known from the prior art often use acceleration sensors to measure acceleration values, and the acceleration values are used as an indicator of the fall of the rechargeable battery. Depending on the measured acceleration values, the fall of the rechargeable battery can be rated as dangerous or not dangerous.

[0006] However, devices having multiple acceleration sensors or devices having multiple sensors for measuring acceleration in different directions have problems because the number of acceleration values measured and that must be processed often does not allow for clear measurement results that have reliable findings regarding the dangerousness of the fall of the rechargeable battery. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a device for detecting a dangerous fall of a rechargeable battery and a rechargeable battery having a device for detecting a dangerous fall, by which the above-mentioned problems can be solved and a dangerous fall or drop can be clearly detected.

[0008] This object is achieved in particular by a device for detecting a dangerous fall of a rechargeable battery.

[0009] According to the present invention, the device comprises: at least one sensor for detecting an acceleration value in a predetermined direction, control electronics configured to control at least one function of the rechargeable battery, and a fastening element for the at least one sensor, whereby the at least one sensor is pivotally mounted relative to the rechargeable battery about a pivot point and the at least one sensor remains substantially in a predetermined spatial position relative to the rechargeable battery when the rechargeable battery rotates about at least one axis of rotation. In this way, it can be ensured that the sensor always detects the acceleration value in a single direction. Therefore, the amount of data and values detected can be reduced, and the risk of falling can be more easily evaluated.

[0010] A fall from a dangerous (i.e., very high) height causes the falling object to decelerate suddenly and relatively strongly on the base surface where the device hits. This deceleration on the base surface corresponds to a strong acceleration of the falling device. The longer the fall time, the greater the acceleration of the device.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is possible that the control electronics is configured to send at least one signal to the control electronics when a predetermined acceleration threshold is detected by the at least one sensor. The signal sent can achieve the effect of disabling the rechargeable battery and no longer being able to deliver electrical energy. In addition, the signal sent can have the effect of making the rechargeable battery no longer able to be recharged with electrical energy. For this purpose, the signal sent by the control electronics goes to the control means of the rechargeable battery.

[0012] Furthermore, this object is achieved by a rechargeable battery of a device having a device for detecting a dangerous fall, wherein the rechargeable battery comprises a control means having a discharging device and at least one energy storage means.

[0013] According to the present invention, there is provided a device for detecting a dangerous fall, the device comprising: at least one sensor for detecting an acceleration value in a predetermined direction, control electronics configured to control at least one function of the rechargeable battery, and a fastening element for the at least one sensor, wherein the fastening element is configured such that the at least one sensor is pivotally mounted relative to the rechargeable battery about a pivot point and such that the at least one sensor remains substantially in a predetermined spatial position relative to the rechargeable battery when the rechargeable battery rotates about at least one axis of rotation.

[0014] The sensor can be an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, etc., with which the acceleration or acceleration value can be detected. In this case, the sensor can be configured to detect only the acceleration value in a single direction. However, it is also possible for the sensor to be configured to detect the acceleration values on three mutually orthogonal axis directions.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, if a predetermined acceleration threshold is detected by at least one sensor, it is possible that at least one energy storage device is partially discharged by a discharge device. Thus, the safety during the manipulation of a possibly damaged rechargeable battery caused by a dangerous fall can be increased.

[0016] The discharge device can be formed by at least one capacitor, at least one transistor, and / or at least one resistor.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is possible that an electronic device and / or a control device is configured such that if a predetermined acceleration threshold is detected by at least one sensor, charging of at least one energy storage device with electrical energy is prevented. Thus, potential risks caused by charging electrical energy into a possibly damaged rechargeable battery can be avoided.

[0018] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain many combinations of features. A person skilled in the art will also conveniently consider these features individually and combine them into useful further combinations. Description of the Drawings

[0019] In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 A perspective view of a rechargeable battery with a device for detecting a dangerous fall of the rechargeable battery is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A perspective view of a device for detecting a dangerous fall of a rechargeable battery in a first spatial position or in a linear arrangement, the device being connected to a control device of the rechargeable battery, is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 A perspective view of a device for detecting a dangerous fall of a rechargeable battery in a second spatial position or in a linear arrangement, the device being connected to a control device of the rechargeable battery, is shown; and

[0023] Figure 4 A view showing details of a sensor with a sensor fastening element is shown. Detailed Description

[0024] Figure 1 A rechargeable battery 1 is depicted. The rechargeable battery 1 can be detachably connected, for example, to a power tool in order to supply electrical energy to the power tool. The power tool is not shown in the figures. The power tool can be a drill, a saw, a grinder, etc.

[0025] The rechargeable battery 1 basically includes a housing 2, a plurality of energy storage cells 3, a discharging device 4, and a control device 5. The energy storage cells 3 are used to receive, store, and indicate electrical energy or voltage. The discharging device 4 is configured in the form of a high-capacity capacitor and is used for the controlled discharging of the energy storage cells 3, that is, removing electrical energy from the energy storage cells 3. The control device 5 is used to control and regulate the various components of the rechargeable battery 1 or the various functions of the entire rechargeable battery 1.

[0026] The energy storage cells 3 can also be referred to as rechargeable battery cells and are based on lithium-ion technology.

[0027] In addition, the rechargeable battery 1 includes a device 6 for detecting a dangerous fall. As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the device 6 for detecting a dangerous fall is connected to the control device 5 of the rechargeable battery 1. The control device 5 is connected to the energy storage cells 3 such that electrical energy can be transferred from the energy storage cells 3 to the control device 5. The connection to the control device 5 supplies voltage or electrical energy from the energy storage cells 3 to the device 6. In addition, data and information can be exchanged in the form of signals between the device 6 and the control device 5 of the rechargeable battery 1.

[0028] Figure 2 The device 6 for detecting a dangerous fall is depicted in an exemplary embodiment given by way of example.

[0029] In this case, the device 6 basically includes a frame 7, a sensor 8, control electronics 9, a fastening element 10, and a carrier device 11.

[0030] The frame 7 basically has an upper side 7a, a lower side 7b, a front side 7c, a rear side 7d, a left side wall 7e, and a right side wall 7f. Thus, the frame 7 forms an internal space or internal volume V.

[0031] The fastening element 10 is in the form of a rod having a first end 10a and a second end 10b.

[0032] The sensor 8 is configured in the form of an acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor is configured to detect acceleration in the form of an acceleration value in the direction z.

[0033] The carrier device 11 is configured in the form of a hollow sphere having an internal space or internal volume W. As Figure 4 shown, the sensor 8 is firmly fixed in the internal space W of the carrier device 11 configured as a sphere. As in Figure 4As can also be seen therein, the counterweight element 11a is fixed to the underside of the bearing device 11 configured as a sphere. The additional counterweight element 11a serves to increase the inertia of the bearing device 11. Additionally, the elastic coupling element 11b is positioned between the second end 10b of the fastening element 10 and the bearing device 11. The coupling element 11b serves to compensate for relative movement between the second end 10b of the fastening element 10 and the bearing device 11.

[0034] The control electronics 9 are configured in the form of a planar printed circuit board and are fixed to the underside 7b in the interior space V of the frame 7. The control electronics 9 are used in particular for storing and processing acceleration values detected by the sensors, and for emitting signals derived from the acceleration values and other data.

[0035] In Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can also be seen therein, the line L leads from the sensor 8 to the control electronics 9, whereby the acceleration values detected by the sensor 8 are sent to the control electronics 9. The fact that the control electronics 9 of the rechargeable battery 1 and the control device 5 are interconnected by the line M means that data and information can likewise be exchanged between the control electronics 9 and the control device 5.

[0036] The fastening element 10 is fixed in the interior of the frame 7 or in the interior volume V of the frame 7 by the first end 10a on the upper side 7a of the frame 7. The bearing device 11 configured as a sphere is fixed to the second end or free end 10b of the fastening element 10. The first end 10a of the fastening element 10 is movably fixed to the upper side 7a of the frame 7 such that the bearing device 11 can swing freely like a pendulum in the interior volume V of the frame 7 by means of the fastening element 10. The first end 10a of the fastening element 10 thus serves as the pivot point DP of the sensor 8. The size or side length of the frame 7 and the length of the fastening element 10 are selected such that when there is a rotation of the frame 7 in the rotational direction A, rotational direction B, rotational direction C or rotational direction D, the bearing device 11 configured as a sphere cannot reach as far as the side wall of the frame 7.

[0037] As described above, the sensor 8 in the bearing device 11 is mounted in the frame 7 in a manner that swings freely like a pendulum by means of the fastening element 10 such that a rotation or pivoting of the frame 7 in the rotational direction A, rotational direction B, rotational direction C or rotational direction D does not result in any change in the spatial position of the sensor 8. As Figure 3 shown, even when the rechargeable battery or the frame 7 is rotating, the spatial position or linear alignment of the sensor 8 remains stationary. Thus, the sensor 8 can always detect acceleration values in the same direction z.

[0038] If the rechargeable battery 1 falls and rotates around one or more of its three axes x, y, or z during free fall, the sensor 8 suspended like a pendulum remains aligned inside the device 6 at all times and always detects the acceleration value in the direction z.

[0039] Based on the acceleration value in the direction z detected by the sensor 8, it can be determined by means of the control electronics 9 whether a predetermined threshold of acceleration has been reached due to the fall. For this purpose, the threshold of acceleration is stored in the memory of the control electronics 9. The memory of the control electronics 9 is not shown in the figure.

[0040] When the threshold of acceleration in the direction z has been reached due to the fall of the rechargeable battery 1, it can be assumed that the impact of the rechargeable battery 1 on the ground due to the relatively high acceleration constitutes a dangerous fall. In the case of a dangerous fall, damage to the rechargeable battery 1 and its components cannot be excluded.

[0041] In response, the control electronics 9 sends a corresponding signal to the control device 5.

[0042] Then the control device 5 causes a controlled discharge of the energy storage cell 3 by means of the discharge device 4.

[0043] In addition, if the rechargeable battery 1 is connected to a charging device, it is also possible for the control device 5 to prevent the energy storage cell 3 from being recharged with electrical energy by transmitting a signal.

[0044] The charging device is not shown in the figure.

[0045] List of reference numerals

[0046] 1 Rechargeable battery

[0047] 2 Housing of the rechargeable battery

[0048] 3 Energy storage cell

[0049] 4 Discharge device

[0050] 5 Control device

[0051] 6 Device for detecting a dangerous fall of the rechargeable battery

[0052] 7 Frame

[0053] 7a Upper side of the frame

[0054] 7b Bottom side of the frame

[0055] 7c Front side of the frame

[0056] 7d Rear side of the frame

[0057] 7e Left side wall of the frame

[0058] Right side wall of the 7f frame

[0059] 8 Sensor

[0060] 9 Control electronics

[0061] 10 Fastening element

[0062] First end of the 10a fastening element

[0063] Second end of the 10b fastening element

[0064] 11 Carrier device

[0065] 11a Counterweight element

[0066] 11b Connecting element

[0067] DP rotation point

[0068] Internal volume of the V frame

[0069] Internal volume of the W carrier device

Claims

1. A device (6) for detecting a dangerous fall of a rechargeable battery (1), It is characterized in that at least one sensor (8) for detecting acceleration values in a predetermined direction (x, y, z), control electronics (9) configured to control at least one function of the rechargeable battery (1), and a fastening element (10) for the at least one sensor (8), whereby the at least one sensor (8) is pivotally mounted relative to the rechargeable battery (1) about a pivot point (DP) and the at least one sensor remains substantially in a predetermined spatial position relative to the rechargeable battery (1) when the rechargeable battery (1) rotates about at least one axis of rotation (x, y, z).

2. The device (6) according to claim 1, Characterized in that, wherein the control electronics (9) are configured to send at least one signal to the control electronics (9) when a predetermined acceleration threshold is detected by the at least one sensor (8).

3. A rechargeable battery (1) having a device (6) for detecting a dangerous fall, wherein, The rechargeable battery (1) includes a control device (5) having a discharging device (4) and at least one energy storage device (3), characterized in that the device (6) for detecting a dangerous fall includes: at least one sensor (8) for detecting acceleration values in a predetermined direction, control electronics (9) configured to control at least one function of the rechargeable battery (1), and a fastening element (10) for the at least one sensor (8), wherein the fastening element (10) is configured such that the at least one sensor (8) is pivotally mounted relative to the rechargeable battery (1) about a pivot point (DP) and the at least one sensor remains substantially in a predetermined spatial position relative to the rechargeable battery (1) when the rechargeable battery (1) rotates about at least one axis of rotation (x, y, z).

4. The rechargeable battery (1) according to claim 3, Characterized in that, if the at least one sensor (8) detects a predetermined acceleration threshold, the at least one energy storage device (3) is at least partially discharged by the discharging device (4).

5. The rechargeable battery (1) according to claim 3 or 4, It is characterized in that wherein the control electronics (9) and / or the control device (5) are configured such that if a predetermined acceleration threshold is detected by the at least one sensor (8), charging of the at least one energy storage device (3) with electrical energy is prevented.

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