Charging system, electrical system and method for charging a rechargeable battery

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging system for a battery-operated electrical appliance, in particular in the form of an electric tool, a household appliance or a garden appliance, said charging system comprising at least one rechargeable battery and a charging device for charging the rechargeable battery, the rechargeable battery has a first control and / or regulation device, in particular for controlling, regulating and monitoring the charging, discharging and operating states, characterized in that the charging device comprises at least one charging device and an adapter device, the charging device comprises a charging device housing, the adapter device comprises an adapter device housing, the charging device housing and the adapter device housing are configured independently of each other, and the adapter device and the charging device are connected or can be connected to each other in the charging position via a connection cable or a direct plug connection part. At least one charging device comprises a second control and / or regulation device for controlling and / or regulating the charging parameter during the charging process, and in the charging position, the first control and / or regulation device and the second control and / or regulation device are connected to each other in an effective communication manner, the charging parameter transmission device is used for transmitting charging parameters special for the at least one rechargeable battery from the first control and / or regulation device to the second control and / or regulation device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a charging system for a battery-operated electrical appliance, in particular in the form of an electric tool, a household appliance or a gardening appliance, wherein the charging system comprises at least one rechargeable battery and a charging device for charging the rechargeable battery, the rechargeable battery having a first control and / or regulating device, in particular for controlling, regulating and monitoring charging, discharging and operating states.

[0002] The invention further relates to an electrical appliance system comprising at least one battery-operated electrical appliance, in particular in the form of an electric tool, a household appliance or a gardening appliance, and at least one rechargeable battery for supplying the at least one electrical appliance with electrical energy and a charging system for charging the rechargeable battery.

[0003] The invention further relates to a method for charging a rechargeable battery, comprising a first control and / or regulating device, which is particularly designed to control, regulate and monitor the charging and / or discharging of the rechargeable battery, wherein the rechargeable battery is designed to supply electrical energy to an electrical appliance, particularly in the form of an electric tool, a household appliance or a gardening tool. Background Art

[0004] Charging systems of the type described above are known in a variety of ways. In particular, battery-operated electrical appliances (such as power tools, household appliances or gardening tools) that are operated by rechargeable batteries (whose battery voltage is greater than 5 volts, such as 18 volts or 36 volts) are charged with the help of charging devices in the form of dedicated chargers, which are constructed specifically for the respective electrical appliances or rechargeable batteries (hereinafter also referred to as storage battery packs). These chargers are used to adjust the charging parameters that vary from battery to battery, in particular the charging current. Such charging systems require that a special charger must usually be provided for each type of rechargeable battery. In this way, a large amount of electronic waste is generated every year, because the chargers can only be used for the rechargeable batteries or storage battery packs assigned to them due to their dedicated matching. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a charging system, an electrical system and a method for charging a rechargeable battery in such a way that, in particular, the generation of electronic waste is reduced.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention in a charging system of the aforementioned type as follows, namely, the charging device comprises at least one charging device and an adapter device, the charging device comprising a charging device housing, the adapter device comprising an adapter device housing, the charging device housing and the adapter device housing being constructed independently of one another, the adapter device and the charging device being connected or connectable to one another in the charging position via a connecting cable or a direct plug, the at least one charging device comprising a second control and / or regulation device for controlling and / or regulating charging parameters during the charging process, and in the charging position the first control and / or regulation device and the second control and / or regulation device being connected to one another in an operatively communicative manner for transmitting charging parameters specific to at least one rechargeable battery from the first control and / or regulation device to the second control and / or regulation device.

[0007] This type of charging system can especially realize the use of a standard charger for charging rechargeable batteries. Therefore, the charging device arranged or constructed in an independent charging device housing forms its own charger, which can be coupled to the rechargeable battery through an adapter device that is different from the battery to charge it. Therefore, in particular, multiple different types of batteries can be charged with a single charger. For this purpose, only different adapter devices that match the respective battery types are required. The adapter device itself can be provided with a minimum electronic component configuration. In particular, the power electronics required for charging the rechargeable battery can be completely omitted when constructing the adapter device. In this way, a large amount of electronic waste can be avoided every year, because the charging device (hereinafter also referred to as the charger) can continue to be used, even if the battery is not available or the user wants to use a new appliance that must be operated with other battery types (previously, a dedicated charging device must be provided for the other battery type). The user can now simply use his charging device (that is, a non-dedicated charger) to charge the new battery type of his new appliance. The direct plug connection can include in particular a plug element on the adapter device and a corresponding plug element on the charging device, which engage with each other in the charging position, in particular in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner, to form an electrical and mechanical connection between the adapter device and the charging device. A rechargeable battery in the sense of the present application includes one or more preferably identically constructed battery cells or storage battery cells. In this case, these can be lithium-ion batteries in particular.

[0008] Advantageously, the charging device comprises power electronics, the power electronics are only included in the charging device, and the adapter device is designed without power electronics. As already mentioned above, all relevant electrical power components (also referred to as power electronics) required for charging the rechargeable battery can be integrated into the charging device, the so-called charger. The elimination of power electronics in the adapter device simplifies its structure and minimizes its manufacturing costs.

[0009] Preferably, the charging device is designed to provide a charging power of at least 50 W, in particular at least 120 W. With such a charging device, rechargeable batteries with a rated voltage greater than 5 volts, for example 18 volts, 36 volts or 48 volts, can be quickly and safely charged.

[0010] Advantageously, the charging device is constructed in the form of a USB charger. The charging device is provided as a USB charger, and in particular, a universal charging system can be realized. Therefore, for example, a common USB charger can be used to finally charge any rechargeable battery for a battery-operated electrical appliance. Only the adapter device is dedicated to the respective battery type. However, they are preferably constructed as follows, that is, they can be coupled to any USB charger configured to provide the required charging parameters (such as charging voltage, charging current and charging power) to charge the rechargeable battery. This improved scheme of the charging system can especially realize the use of battery-operated electrical appliances on the road. For example, a USB charger can be provided in a hotel. The user only needs to carry an adapter device that matches his rechargeable battery so that the rechargeable battery of his electrical appliance can be charged. If the charging device is damaged or the power electronics included in it fails, only the charging device needs to be replaced without replacing the adapter device. If the charging device is a standardized USB charger, the user can quickly and conveniently obtain a replacement part. In particular, they no longer rely on the charging device of the manufacturer of their electrical appliance, but can use common USB chargers which can provide the required charging voltage, the required charging current and thus the required charging power for charging the rechargeable batteries used by them.

[0011] Preferably, the charger is designed at least in accordance with the USB 3.1 PD standard. Such chargers and their further development towards higher powers allow external control of the charging parameters, for example by transmitting corresponding control signals from the rechargeable battery (in particular the first control and / or regulating device). The charger itself does not have to provide the battery-specific charging parameters, for example in its storage device. Rather, they are transmitted by the battery to be charged. This allows such chargers to be used also for charging battery types that will only be available in the future.

[0012] Advantageously, the charging device is designed to charge a rechargeable battery having a battery voltage greater than 5 V, in particular a battery voltage of at least 18 V or at least 36 V. With such a charging device, in particular a rechargeable battery having an operating voltage greater than 5 V, in particular a battery voltage of 18 V or, for example, 36 V or 48 V, can be used to operate the electrical appliance.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the adapter device comprises a first adapter interface device, at least one rechargeable battery comprises a battery interface device, and the first adapter interface device and the battery interface device are designed correspondingly to each other for mechanically and electrically coupling to each other in the first coupling position. Such a design of the adapter device allows a mechanically and electrically defined coupling between the battery and the adapter device in the first coupling position. Thus, a defined connection between the rechargeable battery and the adapter device can be ensured independently of the design of the charging device in order to charge the rechargeable battery in the charging position in which the adapter device and the charging device are connected to each other via a direct plug connection or a connecting cable.

[0014] Advantageously, the direct plug connection or the connecting cable is permanently and non-detachably connected to the adapter device or to the charging device. Thus, the plug of the connecting cable or the plug connection is either fixed to the adapter device or to the charging device, so that only one releasable connection is provided, namely between the connecting cable or the plug connector and the charging device or between the connecting cable or the plug connector and the adapter device. Thus, the number of contact points for operating the charging system can be minimized. In particular, the reliability of the charging system during use can be improved as a result.

[0015] Advantageously, the adapter device comprises a second adapter interface device, the connecting cable comprises a first connecting cable interface device, and the second adapter interface device and the first connecting cable interface device are configured correspondingly to each other for mechanically and electrically coupling to each other in the second coupling position. In other words, the connecting cable and the adapter device are releasably connectable to each other. Here, the interface is defined by the second adapter interface device and the first connecting cable interface device corresponding thereto.

[0016] It is also advantageous if the charging device comprises a first charging device interface device, the connecting cable comprises a second connecting cable interface device, and the first charging device interface device and the second connecting cable interface device are configured correspondingly to each other so as to be mechanically and electrically coupled to each other in the third coupling position. This design makes it possible in particular to release the connection between the connecting cable and the charging device. Thus, the adapter device can be quickly and safely separated from the charging device. If the connecting cable comprises not only the first connecting cable interface device but also the second connecting cable interface device, then if the connecting cable is damaged, for example, it can be replaced in a simple manner in the charging system by a new connecting cable. The adapter device and the charging device can then continue to be used with the new connecting cable.

[0017] Advantageously, the second adapter interface device, the first connecting cable interface device, the second connecting cable interface device and the first charging device interface device are constructed in the form of USB interface devices. They can be constructed in the form of USB sockets or corresponding USB plugs in particular. For example, USB sockets can be provided on the adapter device and on the charging device. The connecting cable can include two USB plugs, for example. Therefore, a common USB connecting cable can be used for the charging system so that the charging device and the adapter device are connected to each other in an effective conductive manner. The connecting cable can also include one or more data lines in particular so as to exchange data between the adapter device and the charging device and thus indirectly between the charging device and the rechargeable battery (in particular the first control and / or regulating device). Therefore, the charging device can communicate with the rechargeable battery (in particular its first and second control and / or regulating devices).

[0018] Advantageously, the USB interface is designed as a USB-C interface, in particular as a USB-C 3.1 or higher interface. Such an interface can be used in particular to use a charging device with a high charging power, which provides a very high current of, for example, up to 5 amperes during charging.

[0019] It is also advantageous if the first adapter interface, the second adapter interface, the first connecting cable interface, the second connecting cable interface and the first charging device interface comprise at least one communication contact for transmitting and exchanging data between the first control and / or regulating device and the second control and / or regulating device. In this way, in particular parameters related to charging the rechargeable battery can be exchanged between the rechargeable battery and the charging device, in particular before the start of the charging process or also during the charging process, more precisely regularly or irregularly or continuously. The advantage of this design is in particular that the charging device itself does not have to provide the charging parameters in order to charge the rechargeable battery. All parameters required for this purpose can be stored in the form of data in a data memory of the rechargeable battery and then, if the rechargeable battery and the charging device are electrically and communicatively connected to each other in the charging position, the parameters are transmitted from the rechargeable battery to the charging device. However, it is also possible to transmit only control signals from the rechargeable battery to the charging device in order to control it in such a way that it can provide the charging voltage and the required charging current required for charging the rechargeable battery at any time.

[0020] If the connecting cable is designed in the form of a USB connecting cable, the charging system can be designed in a simple and inexpensive manner. It can be designed in particular in the form of a connecting cable of the USB-C type. Therefore, no special connecting cable is required here, but in particular a common standard USB-C connecting cable can be used. Thus, the user can assemble his charging system in the desired manner, for example, depending on whether he needs a short or long connecting cable due to the space conditions.

[0021] According to another preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the adapter device includes a communication device, which is designed to transmit and exchange data between the first control and / or regulating device and the second control and / or regulating device. The communication device of the adapter device can be used in particular to transmit data and / or control signals from the rechargeable battery to the charging device. Such a communication device can be provided in particular if the rechargeable battery is designed, for example, not to communicate directly with a charger of the USB-C 3.1 PD type. In this case, the communication device is designed in particular to couple the rechargeable battery and the charging device using different communication protocols to each other in an effective communication manner.

[0022] Preferably, the communication device comprises a microcontroller which is connected or connectable in an effective communication manner to a control and / or regulating device for at least one rechargeable battery and a control and / or regulating device for at least one charging device. With such a microcontroller, communication between the rechargeable battery and the charging device can be realized in a simple manner. In particular, it is possible to realize different data transmission protocols with the microcontroller. The microcontroller forms a kind of translation device which can realize communication between the rechargeable battery and the charging device.

[0023] Advantageously, the charging device comprises a second charging device interface device for mechanical and electrical coupling directly or indirectly to the power supply network. With the second charging device interface device, the charging device can be plugged directly into a socket (which is connected to the power supply network), for example via a plug arranged or formed on the housing of the charging device, and thus supplied with current.

[0024] Preferably, the second charging device interface device is configured for mechanical and electrical coupling to the power connection cable. In particular, this design allows the power connection cable to be separated from the charging device when necessary. Thus, different power connection cables, whose sockets are different, can be provided for different power supply networks. This makes it possible, for example, to use the charging device worldwide, but only to add matching power connection cables to the charging system for different countries.

[0025] It is also advantageous if the second charging device interface device comprises a plug connection or a power connection cable which is non-detachably connected to the charging device when the charging device is used as intended, wherein the plug connection and the power connection cable are designed for direct mechanical and electrical coupling, for example, to a socket. The proposed improvement allows the charging device to be coupled directly to the socket or to the socket via a power connection cable connected to the charging device when the plug connection is arranged on the housing of the charging device. The plug connection, for example in the form of a plug, in particular in the form of a power plug, allows a particularly compact design of the charging device. In particular, the power connection cable allows the charging device to be positioned spatially separated from the socket in order to charge the rechargeable battery.

[0026] According to the invention, the above-mentioned object is also achieved in an electrical system of the type mentioned at the outset in that the charging system is designed in the form of one of the above-mentioned charging systems.

[0027] The electrical system improved in the proposed manner has the advantages explained above in conjunction with the advantageous embodiments of the charging system described above. As particularly pointed out, the charging device of the charging system of the electrical system can be used to charge different rechargeable batteries. The individual adaptation of the charging device to different battery types is achieved by the proposed adapter device.

[0028] Advantageously, the battery-operated household appliance or gardening appliance is constructed in the form of a cleaning appliance, in particular in the form of a vacuum cleaner, a high-pressure cleaner, a steam cleaner, a sweeper, a saw, a hair dryer, a lawn mower or a trimmer. With this electrical system, in particular, one or the same rechargeable battery can be used to drive the exemplarily mentioned device. However, the electrical system can also include different battery types, but they can be charged with a single charging device. For different types of batteries, the electrical system can include different adapter devices, which correspond to the respective battery types. The electrical system can of course also include two or more charging devices. However, in principle, a single charging device is sufficient. However, multiple batteries of the electrical system may not be charged simultaneously in sequence. If the adapter device includes not only one but two or more first adapter interface devices, simultaneous charging can be achieved, so that the adapter device can be coupled to two or more rechargeable batteries at the same time to charge them.

[0029] Preferably, the battery-operated appliance is designed to be operated with at least one, in particular only one, two, three, four or more rechargeable batteries. This design makes it possible in particular to extend the service life of the appliance when using two or more rechargeable batteries without having to replace the batteries. In addition, the batteries can also be connected in series to operate the appliance. Thus, higher operating voltages can be achieved.

[0030] Advantageously, at least one rechargeable battery can be selectively coupled to different battery-operated electrical appliances. This design makes it possible, for example, to operate multiple electrical appliances with only a single battery and a single charging device, although not simultaneously, but sequentially. Since the user can usually only operate one electrical appliance at a time, he can use different electrical appliances in sequence. To this end, the user only needs to remove the rechargeable battery from one electrical appliance and couple it to another. If the user only has one battery available, he must interrupt the work performed with his different electrical appliances during the battery charging. If the user has multiple batteries available, he can replace the empty battery with a fully charged battery.

[0031] According to the invention, the proposed object is also achieved in a method of the aforementioned type as follows, namely, a rechargeable battery is charged using one of the above-mentioned charging systems, the charging device is automatically controlled by a first control and / or regulating device, and the first control and / or regulating device predetermines charging parameters for the charging device during the charging process.

[0032] The proposed improved method makes it possible in particular to provide a charging device of the charging system independently of the battery type and independently of the appliance. All information and parameters required for charging various rechargeable battery types do not have to be stored in the charger, i.e. the charging device, or provided therein. The proposed charging system makes it possible in particular for this information to be provided by the rechargeable battery. In this way, the charging device can also be used for battery types of future generations. There is no need to update the charging device in order to enable it to use new battery types. All information required for charging new battery types can be stored in the rechargeable battery, for example in a first control and / or regulating device or in a storage device included in the rechargeable battery. As charging parameters, in particular a charging current and / or a charging voltage can be predetermined.

[0033] Preferably, the charging parameters are predetermined periodically or irregularly or continuously during the charging process. In this way, it is particularly possible to predetermine the charging process of the rechargeable battery only by a first control and / or regulating device of the rechargeable battery. The first control and / or regulating device is also referred to as a battery management system (BMS).

[0034] Furthermore, the use of one of the above-mentioned charging systems for charging a rechargeable battery is proposed, in particular for carrying out one of the above-mentioned methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is used to further illustrate the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of a charging system;

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing another embodiment of a charging system;

[0038] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an electrical system including a plurality of electrical appliances and a charging system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figure 1 An embodiment of a charging system 10 is schematically shown, which the electrical system 12 schematically shown in FIG. 3 may include, for example.

[0040] The electrical appliance system 12 comprises at least one battery-operated electrical appliance 14. FIG. 3 shows three electrical appliances 14 by way of example, namely in the form of a power tool 16, a household appliance 18 and a gardening appliance 20.

[0041] Figure 1 The schematically shown charging system 10 includes a rechargeable battery 22 for supplying electrical energy to one of the electrical appliances 14 .

[0042] FIG. 3 schematically shows three rechargeable batteries 22 , which are designed in the form of mutually differentiated rechargeable battery packs 82 a , 82 b and 82 c .

[0043] The rechargeable batteries 22 each comprise a first control and / or regulating device 30 . The first control and / or regulating device 30 is designed to control, regulate and monitor the charging, discharging and operating state of the rechargeable batteries 22 .

[0044] The charging system 10 also includes a charging device 32 for charging the rechargeable battery 22 .

[0045] The charging device 32 includes a charging device 34 and an adapter device 36 .

[0046] The charging device 34 includes a charging device housing 38 . The adapter device 36 includes an adapter device housing 40 .

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown schematically, the charging device housing 38 and the adapter device housing 40 are designed to be independent of one another. In the charging position, the adapter device 36 and the charging device 34 are connected or can be connected to one another via a connecting cable 42 . Figure 1 The cable 42 is shown connected to the adapter device 36 and separated from the charging device 34 .

[0048] The charging device 34 comprises a second control and / or regulating device 44 for controlling and / or regulating charging parameters during the charging process of the rechargeable battery 22 .

[0049] The first control and / or regulating device 30 and the second control and / or regulating device 44 are designed such that they are connected to one another in an operatively communicating manner via the connecting cable 42 in the charging position in order to transmit charging parameters specific to the rechargeable battery 22 from the first control and / or regulating device 30 to the second control and / or regulating device 44. It goes without saying that the charging device 34 is also connected in an operatively conducting manner to the adapter device 36 via the connecting cable 42 in order to conduct the charging current from the charging device 34 to the adapter device 36.

[0050] The adapter device 36 comprises a first adapter interface device 46. The rechargeable battery 22 comprises a battery interface device 48. The first adapter interface device 46 and the battery interface device 48 are designed correspondingly to one another in order to be mechanically and electrically coupled in the first coupling position.

[0051] Figure 1 The rechargeable battery 22 is shown in a position separated from the adapter device 36. In the first coupling position, the rechargeable battery 22 and the adapter device 36 are coupled to one another mechanically and electrically conductively in a defined manner.

[0052] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the adapter device 36 includes a second adapter interface device 50. In this embodiment, the connecting cable 42 includes a first connecting cable interface device 52 and a second connecting cable interface device 54.

[0053] The first connecting cable interface device 52 and the second adapter interface device 50 are designed correspondingly to one another in order to be mechanically and electrically coupled to one another in the second coupling position. Figure 1 The second adapter interface device 50 and the first connecting cable interface device 52 are shown disconnected.

[0054] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the charging device 34 includes a first charging device interface device 56 and a second charging device interface device 58 .

[0055] The first charging device interface device 56 and the second connecting cable interface device 54 are configured correspondingly to each other so as to be mechanically and electrically coupled to each other in the third coupling position. Figure 1 In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the second connection cable interface device 54 is disconnected from the first charging device interface device 56 .

[0056] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the charging system 10 comprises a power connection cable 60, which comprises a power plug 62 for connecting to a socket of a power supply network at one end. A connection plug 64 is arranged or constructed at the other end of the power connection cable 60, which can be mechanically and electrically connected to the second charging device interface device 58. Figure 1Second charging device interface device 58 is shown disconnected from connection plug 64 .

[0057] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, to charge the rechargeable battery 22, the rechargeable battery 22 is engaged with its battery interface 48 to the first adapter interface 46. The connection cable 42 is engaged with its first connection cable interface 52 to the second adapter interface 50. The second connection cable interface 54 is engaged with the first charging device interface 56. In addition, the connection plug 64 of the power connection cable 60 is engaged with the second charging device interface 58. Finally, the power plug 62 is plugged into a power outlet.

[0058] The described connection of the components to one another now enables automatic charging of the rechargeable battery 22. To this end, the rechargeable battery 22 and the charging device 34 communicate with one another. The first control and / or regulating device 30 transmits data and information for controlling the charging device 34 to the second control and / or regulating device 44 of the charging device 34 via the adapter device 36 and the connecting cable 42. Depending on the state of charge of the rechargeable battery 22 and other relevant parameters, in particular the ambient temperature, the charging current is now provided by the power electronics 66 of the charging device 34 and conducted to the adapter device 36 via the connecting cable 42, and from the adapter device to the rechargeable battery 22 to charge one or more battery cells, which are not shown in the drawing for reasons of overview and are accommodated in the battery housing 68 of the rechargeable battery 22.

[0059] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the second adapter interface device 50 , the first connecting cable interface device 52 , the second connecting cable interface device 54 and the first charging device interface device 56 are constructed in the form of a USB interface device 70 .

[0060] The USB interface device 70 of the adapter device 36 and of the charging device 34 is designed in the form of a USB socket 72 , and the USB interface device 70 of the connecting cable 42 is designed in the form of a USB plug 74 .

[0061] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the USB interface device 70 is constructed in the form of a USB-C interface device 76. In this embodiment, the USB-C interface device 76 is constructed in the form of a USB-C 3.1 type interface device.

[0062] For the transmission and exchange of data between the first control and / or regulating device 30 and the second control and / or regulating device 44, the first adapter interface 46, the second adapter interface 50, the connecting cable interface 52, the second connecting cable interface 54 and the first charging device interface 56 comprise one or more communication contacts, which are not shown in the drawing for reasons of overview.

[0063] With its USB interface device 70 , the connecting cable 42 is designed in the form of a USB connecting cable 78 , ie in the form of a connecting cable 42 of the USB-C type.

[0064] Figure 2 Another embodiment of a charging system 10 is schematically shown. Figure 1 Therefore, to identify the same and functionally similar components, the same Figure 1 The same reference numerals as in the embodiment of FIG. 3 .

[0065] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of the rechargeable battery 22 and the adapter device 36 is similar to Figure 1 The same is true for the connecting cable 42. The only difference is the charging device 34. Figure 1 Unlike the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second charging device interface device 58 is not provided here, but a plug connection device 80 is provided, which is non-detachably connected to the charging device housing 38 when the charging device 34 is used as intended. The plug connection device 80 is designed in the form of a power plug, which can be directly plugged into a socket of the power supply network.

[0066] about Figure 2 The functions of the schematically shown charging system 10 can be referred to in the above description of the Figure 1 An embodiment of a charging system 10 is described.

[0067] In an embodiment not shown in the drawings, instead of a plug connection 80 directly connected to the charging device housing 38, a power connection cable is arranged on the charging device housing 38, i.e., a power connection cable which is non-detachably connected thereto when the charging device 34 is used as intended. A power plug is in turn arranged on the power connection cable or is designed to engage with a socket on the power supply network.

[0068] An exemplary design of the electrical system 12 is further described below with reference to FIG. 3 .

[0069] FIG3 shows three rechargeable batteries 22 by way of example. They are constructed in the form of battery packs 82a, 82b and 82c. Battery pack 82a has a rated voltage of 18V and includes five battery cells (not shown). Battery pack 82b has a rated voltage of 36V and includes ten battery cells (not shown).

[0070] The battery pack 82 c has a nominal voltage of 36 V and likewise includes ten battery cells.

[0071] The battery cells of the battery packs 82 a , 82 b and 82 c are all identical and are designed as lithium-ion battery cells.

[0072] Battery interface device 48 is designed identically in battery packs 82a and 82b.

[0073] Each of the three battery packs 82a , 82b and 82c comprises a first control and / or regulating device 30 , which is designed in particular for controlling, regulating and monitoring the charging, discharging and operating state of the battery pack 82a , 82b or 82c .

[0074] The electrical system 12 according to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 3 comprises a plurality of differently designed adapter devices 36. These are designed in the form of adapters 84a to 84i.

[0075] The adapters 84a to 84i differ in the design of the first adapter interface 46. In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures of the adapters 84a, 84b and 84e to 84i, the first adapter interface 46 is designed identically, namely in the form of a first adapter interface 86a. In the adapters 84c and 84d, the first adapter interface 46 is designed in the form of a first adapter interface 86b.

[0076] Battery interface device 48 is designed in the form of battery interface 88a in battery packs 82a and 82b and in the form of battery interface 88b in battery pack 82c. Battery interfaces 88a and 88b differ in their shape and the design of their contacts.

[0077] The first adapter interface 86a is designed to correspond to the battery interface 88a, and the first adapter interface 86b is designed to correspond to the battery interface 88b. This allows the rechargeable battery 22 to be coupled to the adapter device 36, wherein the battery interface device 48 and the first adapter interface device 46 are designed to correspond to each other.

[0078] Each adapter 84a to 84i includes a second adapter interface device 50. The second adapter interface device is designed in the form of a second adapter interface 90a, 90b or 90c. The second adapter interface 90a is designed in the form of a USB socket 72. The second adapter interface 90b is designed in the form of a USB cable 92 permanently and non-detachably connected to the adapter device 36 and a USB plug 74 arranged on its free end. The second adapter interface 90c is designed in the form of a USB plug 74 designed on the adapter device housing 40.

[0079] In the embodiment of the adapter device 36 shown in FIG3 , the adapter devices 84a to 84e each include an identical second adapter interface 90a. The adapters 84f and 84g include an identical second adapter interface 90b. The two adapters 84h and 84i include an identical second adapter interface 90c.

[0080] A portion of the adapters 84 a to 84 i comprises a communication device 94 which is designed to transmit and exchange data and signals, for example control signals, between the first open-loop and / or closed-loop control device 30 and the second open-loop and / or closed-loop control device 44 .

[0081] The communication device 94 comprises a microcontroller 96 . In the charging position, the microcontroller is connected or can be connected in an operatively communicative manner to the first control and / or regulating device 30 and the second control and / or regulating device 44 .

[0082] 3 also shows three exemplary embodiments of charging devices 34 in the form of chargers 98a, 98b and 98c. The chargers 98a, 98b and 98c each include a power electronics 66 accommodated in a charger housing 38. A second control and / or regulating device 44 is also accommodated in the charger housing.

[0083] Charger 98 includes first charging device interface device 56 , which is designed in the form of a USB socket 72 .

[0084] The chargers 98a, 98b and 98c are selectively connected to the adapters 84a to 84i. In order to connect to the adapters 84a to 84e, a connection cable 42 including two USB plugs 74 is required, which are configured correspondingly to the USB sockets 72.

[0085] Additionally, adapters 74 f and 74 g may utilize USB plug 74 on USB cable 92 to couple to USB receptacles 72 on chargers 98 a , 98 b , and 98 c .

[0086] The chargers 98a, 98b, and 98c may be directly coupled to the adapters 84h and 84i by inserting the USB plug 74 into the USB receptacle 72 of the corresponding charger 98a, 98b, or 98c.

[0087] The charging device 34 also includes a second charging device interface device 58 .

[0088] In the case of the three chargers 98a , 98b , and 98c , second charger interface device 58 is designed in the form of a second charger interface 104a , 104b , and 104c .

[0089] First charger interface device 56 is designed identically in all three chargers 98 a , 98 b , and 98 c in the form of a first charger interface 102 .

[0090] The second charger interface 104a is designed in the form of a power plug 62, which is arranged directly on the charger housing 38. Thus, a compact charger 98a is formed which can be plugged directly into a socket with the power plug 62.

[0091] Second charger interface 104 b of charger 98 b comprises a connecting cable 100 which is fixedly connected, ie, non-detachably connected, to charger housing 38 and which has, at its free end, a power plug 62 which can be plugged into a socket.

[0092] The charger interface 104 is designed in the form of a connection socket 106, which corresponds to the connection plug 64 of the power connection cable 60. The power connection cable 60 also includes a power plug 62 for plugging into a power socket.

[0093] The electrical appliance 14 schematically shown in FIG3 includes an electrical appliance interface 108a or 108b for mechanical and electrical coupling with the battery interface 88a or 88b. In the embodiment of FIG3, the electrical appliance interface 108a is constructed correspondingly to the battery interface 88a. The electrical appliance interface 108b is constructed correspondingly to the battery interface 88b. In this way, the rechargeable battery 22 (whose battery interface 88a or 88b corresponds to the electrical appliance interface 108a or 108b) can be connected to the respective electrical appliance 84, so that it can be supplied with electrical energy by the coupled battery 22.

[0094] 3 schematically shows an electrical appliance 14 designed in the form of a domestic appliance 18 with two appliance interfaces 108 a . The electrical appliance 14 can be coupled to two batteries 22 .

[0095] 3 schematically shows a household appliance or gardening appliance 18 or 20 which can be designed in particular in the form of a cleaning appliance, for example in the form of a vacuum cleaner, a high-pressure cleaner, a steam cleaner, a sweeper, a saw, a hair dryer, a lawn mower or a trimmer. It goes without saying that these listed electrical appliances are not exhaustive.

[0096] Even though it is not shown in the figures, a different number of appliance interfaces 108 a or 108 b are provided in the exemplary embodiment of the battery-operated appliance 14. For example, only a single appliance interface 108 a or 108 b may be provided, or two, three, four or more may be provided. Thus, the battery-operated appliance 14 is coupled to a corresponding number of rechargeable batteries 22 (depending on the energy requirement of the appliance).

[0097] The electrical system 12 is also designed such that the rechargeable battery 22 can be selectively coupled to different battery-operated electrical appliances 14 .

[0098] In this electrical system 12, the USB interface device 70 is constructed in the form of a USB-C interface device 76. In one embodiment, it is constructed in particular in the form of a USB-C 3.1 type interface device.

[0099] The chargers 98a, 98b, and 98c schematically shown in Figure 3 are also configured to provide a charging power of at least 50 W. In some embodiments, they are configured to provide a charging power of at least 120 W.

[0100] The chargers 98a, 98b and 98c are designed in the form of USB chargers. The USB socket 72 is designed in the form of a USB-C socket or a USB-A socket depending on the embodiment.

[0101] In one embodiment, chargers 98a, 98b, and 98c are constructed according to the USB 3.1 PD standard.

[0102] In the charging system 12 , the charging device 34 is configured to charge the rechargeable battery 22 having a battery voltage greater than 5 V. As described in the battery packs 82 a , 82 b , and 82 c , the battery voltage may be at least 18 V or at least 36 V.

[0103] The charging system 10 can charge the rechargeable battery 22 including the first control and / or regulating device 30 in a simple manner by means of a charging device 34 in the form of chargers 98a, 98b and 98c. In the charging method, the charging device 34 is automatically controlled by the first control and / or regulating device 30 of the rechargeable battery 22, which predetermines charging parameters, i.e., in particular, the charging current and the charging voltage, for the charging device 34 before and / or during the charging process. In this case, the first control and / or regulating device 30 can in particular predetermine the charging parameters regularly or irregularly, or continuously during the charging process.

[0104] 3, all adapter devices 36 are designed without power electronics 66. The power electronics 66 are only included in the charging device 34. The function of the adapter device 36 is therefore limited to electromechanically matching the rechargeable battery 22 to the charging device 34 by correspondingly designing its first and second adapter interface devices 46 and 50.

[0105] The proposed embodiment of the charging system 10 allows the use of chargers 98a, 98b and 98c which are not specifically matched to the rechargeable battery 22, as is conventional. Rather, the chargers can be coupled to different variants of the rechargeable battery 22 for charging the same using a corresponding adapter device 36. The rechargeable battery 22 can differ in shape, size and its rated voltage.

[0106] The charging device 34 is controlled as described by the rechargeable battery 22. The advantage is that no information specific to a particular battery type has to be stored in the charging device 34. This information can be stored in the respective rechargeable battery 22. When the charging device 34 is controlled by the rechargeable battery 22, it can be used to charge the battery type that will be available in the future.

[0107] 3 shows only a selection of possible configurations of the rechargeable battery 22, the adapter device 36, the charging device 34 and the electrical appliance 14. The respective interfaces of the components of the charging system 10 can ultimately be designed in any desired manner, resulting in many more possible combinations than shown in FIG3 and described above.

[0108] 3, depending on which electrical appliances 14 are to be used and which rechargeable batteries 22 are to be used. Then, only those adapter devices 36 and, in principle, only one charging device 34 need to be provided in order to be able to use the electrical system 12.

[0109] Reference numerals list

[0110] 10. Cleaning utensils

[0111] 12 Electrical system

[0112] 14 Electrical appliances

[0113] 16 Power Tools

[0114] 18 Household appliances

[0115] 20 Gardening tools

[0116] 22 Rechargeable batteries

[0117] 30 First control and / or regulating device

[0118] 32 Charging equipment

[0119] 34 Charging device

[0120] 36 Adapter device

[0121] 38 Charging device housing

[0122] 40 Adapter unit housing

[0123] 42 Connection cables

[0124] 44 Second control and / or regulating device

[0125] 46 first adapter interface device

[0126] 48 Battery interface device

[0127] 50 Second adapter interface device

[0128] 52 First connection cable interface device

[0129] 54 Second connection cable interface device

[0130] 56 First charging device interface device

[0131] 58 Second charging device interface device

[0132] 60 Power connection cable

[0133] 62 Power plug

[0134] 64 Connecting plug

[0135] 66 Power Electronics

[0136] 68 Battery housing

[0137] 70 USB interface device

[0138] 72 USB ports

[0139] 74 USB plug

[0140] 76 USB-C interface device

[0141] 78 USB connection cable

[0142] 80 Plug connection

[0143] 82a, 82b, 82c Battery pack

[0144] 84a, 84b, 84c adapters

[0145] 84d, 84e, 84f adapters

[0146] 84g, 84h, 84i adapters

[0147] 86a, 86b first adapter interface

[0148] 88a, 88b Battery interface

[0149] 90a, 90b, 90c Second adapter interface

[0150] 92 USB cable

[0151] 94 Communication devices

[0152] 96 Microcontroller

[0153] 98a, 98b, 98c charger

[0154] 100 Connecting cable

[0155] 102 Charger port

[0156] 104a, 104b, 104c Charger interface

[0157] 106 Connector socket

[0158] 108a, 108b Electrical interface

Claims

1. A charging system (10) for a battery-operated electrical appliance (14), in particular in the form of an electric tool (16), a household appliance or a gardening appliance (18, 20), in, The charging system (10) comprises at least one rechargeable battery (22) and a charging device (32) for charging the rechargeable battery (22), wherein the rechargeable battery has a first control and / or regulation device (30) for controlling, regulating and monitoring charging, discharging and operating conditions, and is characterized in that the charging device (32) comprises at least one charging device (34) and an adapter device (36), wherein the charging device (34) comprises a charging device housing (38), and the adapter device (36) comprises an adapter device housing (40), wherein the charging device housing (38) and the adapter device housing (40) are constructed independently of each other, and the adapter device housing (40) is connected to the charging device housing (38) and the adapter device housing (40) is connected to the charging device housing (38). The adapter device (36) and the charging device (34) are connected or can be connected to each other in the charging position via a connecting cable (42) or a direct plug connection, the at least one charging device (34) comprising a second control and / or regulation device (44) for controlling and / or regulating charging parameters during the charging process, and in the charging position, the first control and / or regulation device (30) and the second control and / or regulation device (44) are connected to each other in an operative communication manner for transmitting charging parameters specific to the at least one rechargeable battery (22) from the first control and / or regulation device (30) to the second control and / or regulation device (44).

2. The charging system according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The charging device (32) comprises a power electronics component (66), which is only included in the charging device (34), and the adapter device (36) is designed without the power electronics component (66).

3. A charging system according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The charging device (34) is designed to provide a charging power of at least 50 W, in particular at least 120 W.

4. A charging system according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The charging device (34) is designed in the form of a USB charger (98a, 98b, 98c). The USB chargers (98a, 98b, 98c) are constructed at least in accordance with the USB 3.1 PD standard.

5. A charging system according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The charging device (34) is configured to charge a rechargeable battery (22) having a battery voltage greater than 5V, in particular a battery voltage of at least 18V or at least 36V.

6. A charging system according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The adapter device (36) comprises a first adapter interface device (46), the at least one rechargeable battery (22) comprises a battery interface device (48), and the first adapter interface device (46) and the battery interface device (48) are constructed correspondingly to each other for mechanically and electrically coupling to each other in a first coupling position.

7. A charging system according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The direct plug connection comprises the connecting cable (42) and is permanently and non-detachably connected to the adapter device (36) or to the charging device (34).

8. A charging system according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The adapter device (36) includes a second adapter interface device (50), the connecting cable (42) includes a first connecting cable interface device (52), and the second adapter interface device (50) and the first connecting cable interface device (52) are constructed correspondingly to each other for mechanically and electrically coupling to each other in a second coupling position.

9. A charging system according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The charging device (34) includes a first charging device interface device (56), the connecting cable (42) includes a second connecting cable interface device (54), and the first charging device interface device (56) and the second connecting cable interface device (54) are constructed correspondingly to each other for mechanically and electrically coupling to each other in a third coupling position.

10. The charging system according to claim 8 or 9, It is characterized in that The second adapter interface device (50), the first connecting cable interface device (52), the second connecting cable interface device (54) and the first charging device interface device (56) are constructed in the form of USB interface devices (70), in particular in the form of USB sockets (72) or corresponding USB plugs (74). In particular, the USB interface device (70) is designed in the form of a USB-C interface device (76), in particular in the form of a USB-C 3.1 or higher interface device.

11. A charging system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, It is characterized in that The first adapter interface device (46), the second adapter interface device (50), the first connecting cable interface device (52), the second connecting cable interface device (54) and the first charging device interface device (56) include at least one communication contact portion for transmitting and exchanging data between the first control and / or regulating device (30) and the second control and / or regulating device (44).

12. A charging system according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The connecting cable (42) is designed in the form of a USB connecting cable (78), in particular in the form of a connecting cable (42) of the USB-C type.

13. A charging system according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The adapter device (36) comprises a communication device (94) which is designed to transmit and exchange data between the first control and / or regulating device (30) and the second control and / or regulating device (44). In particular, the communication device (94) comprises a microcontroller (96) which is connected or connectable in an operatively communicative manner to a first control and / or regulating device (30) of the at least one rechargeable battery (22) and to a second control and / or regulating device (44) of the at least one charging device (34).

14. A charging system according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The charging device (34) comprises a second charging device interface device (58) for mechanically and electrically coupling directly or indirectly to a power supply grid.

15. The charging system according to claim 14, It is characterized in that The second charging device interface device (58) is configured to be mechanically and electrically coupled to a power connection cable (60).

16. The charging system according to claim 15, It is characterized in that The second charging device interface device (58) comprises a plug connection (80) or a power connection cable (100) which is non-detachably connected to the charging device (34) when the charging device (34) is used as intended, wherein the plug connection (80) and the power connection cable (100) are designed for direct mechanical and electrical coupling to a power supply network.

17. An electrical system (12), comprising at least one battery-operated electrical appliance (14), in particular in the form of an electric tool (16), a household appliance or a gardening appliance (18, 20), and at least one rechargeable battery (22) for supplying electrical energy to the at least one electrical appliance (14), and a charging system (10) for charging the rechargeable battery (22), It is characterized in that The charging system ( 10 ) is designed in the form of a charging system ( 10 ) according to any of the preceding claims.

18. The electrical system according to claim 17, It is characterized in that The battery-operated domestic or garden appliance (18, 20) is designed as a cleaning appliance, in particular as a vacuum cleaner, a high-pressure cleaner, a steam cleaner, a sweeper, a saw, a hair dryer, a lawn mower or a trimmer.

19. The electrical system according to claim 17 or 18, It is characterized in that The battery-operated electrical appliance (14) is designed to be operated with at least one, in particular only one, two, three, four or more rechargeable batteries (22).

20. The electrical system according to any one of claims 17 to 19, It is characterized in that The at least one rechargeable battery (22) is selectively coupleable to different battery-operated electrical appliances (14).

21. A method for charging a rechargeable battery (22), the rechargeable battery (22) comprising a first control and / or regulating device (30) which is designed, in particular, for controlling, regulating and monitoring the charging and / or discharging of the rechargeable battery (22), in, The rechargeable battery (22) is designed to supply electrical energy to an electrical appliance (14), in particular in the form of an electric tool (16), a household appliance or a gardening tool (18, 20), and is characterized in that the rechargeable battery (22) is charged using a charging system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, a charging device (34) is automatically controlled by the first control and / or regulation device (30), and the first control and / or regulation device (30) specifies charging parameters, in particular a charging current and / or a charging voltage, for the charging device (34) during the charging process.

22. The method according to claim 21, It is characterized in that The charging parameters are predetermined periodically or irregularly, or continuously during the charging process.

23. Use of the charging system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 for charging a rechargeable battery (22), in particular for carrying out the method according to claim 21 or 22.

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