Retention device for rechargeable cells

Abstract

A rechargeable battery as an energy supply for a power tool has at least a first energy storage element and a second energy storage element. Comprising at least a first retention device for receiving and retaining at least a first energy storage element and at least a second retention device for receiving and retaining at least a second energy storage element, at least a sub-region of the outer surface of at least the first retention device and / or the second retention device is configured such that at least one gap for a cooling fluid is provided between adjacent retention devices. A power tool having at least one rechargeable battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a rechargeable battery as an energy supply for a power tool. The rechargeable battery has at least a first energy storage element and a second energy storage element.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a power tool having at least one rechargeable battery. Background Art

[0003] Rechargeable batteries are well known in the prior art as energy supplies for power tools. These rechargeable batteries include a plurality of energy storage cells (also called rechargeable cells) that are used and designed to receive, store and deliver electrical energy. Receiving electrical energy into the energy storage cells may also be referred to as charging (or loading). The delivery of electrical energy from the energy storage cells may also be referred to as discharging.

[0004] When using rechargeable batteries (ie when charging and discharging), there is the problem of undesired or unavoidable heating of the energy storage cells. Due to the heating of the energy storage cells, charging and discharging cannot be carried out optimally or the charging and discharging process is significantly slowed down. Summary of the invention

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] This object is likewise achieved by the subject-matter of claims 1 and 10. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] The object is achieved in particular by a rechargeable battery as an energy supply for a power tool, which rechargeable battery has at least a first energy storage element and a second energy storage element.

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a device comprising at least a first retaining device and at least a second retaining device, wherein the at least first retaining device is used to receive and retain at least a first energy storage element, and the at least second retaining device is used to receive and retain at least a second energy storage element, wherein at least a sub-region of the outer surface of at least the first retaining device and / or the second retaining device is configured such that at least one gap for cooling fluid is provided between adjacent retaining devices. Thus, effective cooling of the energy storage element can be achieved.

[0009] According to an advantageous exemplary embodiment, at least a first retaining device and at least a second retaining element may be included, wherein the at least first retaining device is used to receive and retain at least a first energy storage element, and the at least second retaining element is used to receive and retain at least a second energy storage element, wherein at least a sub-region of the outer surface of at least the first retaining device and / or the second retaining device is configured such that at least one gap for a cooling fluid is provided between adjacent retaining devices.

[0010] According to a further advantageous exemplary embodiment, at least one frame device may be included for receiving and retaining at least the first retaining device and the second retaining device. Thus, the energy storage element may additionally be supported in the retaining device or held in place.

[0011] According to another advantageous exemplary embodiment, at least the first retaining device and the second retaining device can be connected to each other by means of a connecting device. The mutual support of the retaining devices can be achieved by the connecting device. In addition, a plurality of retaining devices can be connected to each other and then positioned in the housing of the rechargeable battery, so that the rechargeable battery can be installed faster and more efficiently.

[0012] According to another advantageous exemplary embodiment, the connection device can be configured such that at least the first retaining device and the second retaining device are releasably connected to each other. Thus, a modular and flexible connection of the retaining devices relative to each other or the installation of a rechargeable battery can be achieved.

[0013] According to another advantageous exemplary embodiment, the connecting device can be configured such that at least the first retaining device and the second retaining device are rigidly connected to each other. Thus, a stable and strong connection of the retaining devices relative to each other can be achieved, which connection can withstand high mechanical loads.

[0014] According to a further advantageous exemplary embodiment, at least one cooling element may be comprised at least at a sub-region of the outer surface of the first retaining device and / or the second retaining device. Thus, an improved cooling performance may be achieved.

[0015] According to a further advantageous exemplary embodiment, at least one cooling element may be configured as a cooling rib.Thereby, an improved cooling performance may be achieved in a simple and effective manner.

[0016] According to another advantageous exemplary embodiment, at least the first retaining device and / or the second retaining device may comprise a polygonal outer surface.Thereby, positioning of adjacent retaining devices relative to each other may be facilitated and a multi-directional arrangement of the retaining devices relative to each other may be achieved.

[0017] According to another advantageous exemplary embodiment, at least the first retaining device can have a first embodiment of the outer surface, and at least the second retaining device can have a second embodiment of the outer surface. In particular, the retaining device positioned on the side of the housing of the rechargeable battery can have no or only small cooling elements at least on the outer surface. Thus, the corresponding retaining device can be positioned more tightly or more firmly to the side of the housing of the rechargeable battery.

[0018] Furthermore, the object can be achieved by a power tool according to the invention having at least one rechargeable battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Additional advantages will become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings show particularly preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The accompanying drawings, the specification and the claims contain many combined features. It will also be convenient for those skilled in the art to consider these features individually and to combine these features to form other reasonable combinations.

[0020] In the accompanying drawings, the same and similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the attached picture:

[0021] Figure 1 shows a side view of a power tool having a rechargeable battery;

[0022] Figure 2 A perspective view of a retaining device for receiving and retaining an energy storage element according to a first embodiment is shown;

[0023] Figure 3 shows a front view of a retaining device according to a second embodiment;

[0024] Figure 4 shows a front view of a retaining device according to a second embodiment in a housing of a rechargeable battery;

[0025] Figure 5 shows a front view of a retaining device according to a third embodiment in a housing of a rechargeable battery;

[0026] Figure 6 shows a front view of a retaining device according to a fourth embodiment in a housing of a rechargeable battery;

[0027] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a retaining device according to a fourth embodiment in a housing of a rechargeable battery;

[0028] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a retaining device according to a fifth embodiment in a housing of a rechargeable battery;

[0029] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a retaining device according to a sixth embodiment in a first arrangement;

[0030] Fig.10 shows a perspective view of a retaining device according to a sixth embodiment in a second arrangement;

[0031] Fig.11 shows a perspective view of a retaining device according to a seventh embodiment in a first arrangement; and

[0032] Fig.12 A perspective view of a retaining device according to a seventh embodiment is shown in a second arrangement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figure 1 A power tool 1 and a rechargeable battery 11 according to an exemplary embodiment are shown.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the power tool 1 is configured as a screwdriver. Alternatively, the power tool 1 may also be configured as a power drill, a hammer drill, a saw, a grinder, or the like.

[0035] like Figure 1 The indicated power tool 1 configured as a screwdriver essentially comprises a power tool housing 2 having a tool accessory 3 and a handle 4 .

[0036] The tool accessory 3 is used to receive and retain a tool 5. In this example, the tool 5 is a screwdriver bit. Alternatively, the tool 5 can also be configured as a drill bit.

[0037] In particular, a drive 6, a transmission 7a, an output shaft 7b and a control unit 8 are arranged inside the power tool housing 2. The drive 6 is configured as a brushless electric motor, for example, and is used to generate torque.

[0038] The control unit 8 controls the functions and behaviors of the power tool 1 , in particular the drive 6 , in closed-loop and open-loop manner.

[0039] The handle 4 in turn comprises an activation switch 9 , an upper end 4a and a lower end 4b . The activation switch 9 is connected to the control unit 8 , such that actuation of the activation switch 9 results in activation of the driver 6 or the power tool 1 .

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the driver 6, the transmission 7a, the output shaft 7b and the tool accessory 3 are arranged relative to each other so that the torque generated by the driver 6 can be transmitted to the tool accessory 3 via the transmission 7a and the output shaft 7b. The torque generated by the driver 6 is finally transmitted to the tool 5 through the tool accessory 3.

[0041] Furthermore, the power tool housing 2 has an upper side 2 a , a lower side 2 b , a front end 2 c , and a rear end 2 d .

[0042] The tool accessory 3 is positioned at the front end 2c. The upper end 4a of the handle 4 is fastened to the underside 2b of the power tool housing 2 near the rear end 2d. The power tool interface 10 is positioned at the lower end 4b of the handle 4. The power tool interface 10 is used to releasably connect the power tool 1 to a rechargeable battery 11.

[0043] The rechargeable battery 11 described in the exemplary embodiment can be used in particular as an energy storage device or electrical energy source for the power tool 1. The rechargeable battery 11 mainly comprises a rechargeable battery housing 12, a plurality of energy storage cells 13, a storage device 16, a rechargeable battery interface 23, and a control device 17. The energy storage cells 13 can also be referred to as rechargeable cells.

[0044] The storage device 16 is positioned within the interior of the rechargeable battery housing 12 and is used to store and provide data and information.

[0045] The rechargeable battery interface 23 is used to connect the rechargeable battery 11 to the power tool 1 via the power tool interface 10 .

[0046] The energy storage cell 13 may also be referred to as a rechargeable cell and is used to receive, store and retransmit electrical energy. As indicated in the drawings, the energy storage cell 13 is cylindrical and is configured based on lithium-ion technology. Alternatively, the energy storage cell 13 may also be based on another suitable technology. The cylindrical shape of the energy storage cell 13 is also optional, so that any other suitable shape or geometry may also be selected.

[0047] As indicated in the figures, the rechargeable battery 11 according to the exemplary embodiment shown has a plurality of retaining devices 18. These retaining devices are used to receive and retain the energy storage elements 13. In each case, one retaining device 18 is provided for each energy storage element 13. As described below, the retaining devices 18 can be configured differently.

[0048] Figure 2 A retaining device according to a first exemplary embodiment is shown in . The retaining device 18 according to the first exemplary embodiment comprises a cylindrical tube 20 in which in each case one energy storage cell 13 is accommodated and retained. Figure 2 , two retaining devices 18 are shown without energy storage cells 13. A total of ten cooling elements 15 in the form of cooling ribs are arranged on the outer surface 14. In each case, five cooling elements 15 configured as cooling ribs extend in a radial direction from a first side surface and a second side surface of the tube 20. A gap 21 is provided between the retaining devices 18, through which a cooling fluid F (i.e. air) can flow. The cooling element protrudes into the gap 21. Heat can be dissipated from the retaining devices 18 or from the energy storage cells 13 located in the retaining devices 18 by means of the cooling elements 15. According to a first embodiment, the retaining devices 18 are positioned relative to each other in the interior of the rechargeable battery housing 12 so that the free ends of the cooling elements 15 of each retaining device 18 do not contact each other. As Figure 2As indicated, the retaining devices 18 are connected to one another by means of first connecting devices 19. According to a first embodiment of the retaining device 18, the first connecting device 19 is configured in the form of a flat plate. The first connecting device 19 configured as a plate has grooves (not shown in the drawings) at opposite side edges, in which the free ends of the cooling ribs 15 can be accommodated and retained. In each case, the two retaining devices 18 can thus be connected to one another releasably and in a press-fit manner in a horizontal plane. Alternatively, the free end of the cooling rib 15 of each retaining device 18 can also be permanently connected to the first connecting device 19. For example, in addition to a press-fit or form-fit connection, a permanent connection can also be achieved via a material-bonded connection, for example by an adhesive.

[0049] A second connecting device 19 is provided at the upper end of the tube 20 of the retaining device 18, and a third connecting device 19 is provided at the lower end of the tube 20 of the retaining device 18. The second connecting device and the third connecting device 19 are configured identically to the first embodiment of the retaining device 18, and are also used to connect adjacent retaining devices 18 to each other like the first connecting device 19. According to the first exemplary embodiment, the second connecting device and the third connecting device 19 are configured so that the lower side edge and the upper side edge each have a rail element.

[0050] The track elements are not shown in the drawings.

[0051] By means of the rail element, the second connecting device 19 can be releasably connected to the upper end of the tube 20 and the third connecting device 19 can be releasably connected to the lower end of the tube 20, so that adjacent retaining devices 18 can be connected vertically to each other. Instead of the rail element, a tongue and groove system can also be provided in order to connect the retaining devices 18 vertically to each other by means of the second connecting device and the third connecting device 19. The second connecting device and the third connecting device 19 are releasably connected together by means of a press fit or form fit connection with the tube 20 of the retaining device 18. As an alternative or in addition to the press fit or form fit connection, a material joint connection (for example by means of an adhesive) is also possible.

[0052] Figure 3 and Figure 4 , a further embodiment for connecting individual retaining devices 18 according to the first embodiment is shown. The connection of adjacent retaining devices 18 in the horizontal plane is achieved here by means of a first connecting device 19. The connection in the vertical plane is achieved by means of a fourth connecting device 19 which in each case connects the free end of the lowermost cooling element 15 of the upper retaining device 18 to the free end of the uppermost cooling element 15 of the lower retaining device 18. Figure 3 and Figure 4In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connection of the adjacent retaining means 18 to the fourth connecting means 19 is configured by a rail element or a tongue and groove system. The connection by the fourth connecting means 19 is here releasably configured. Alternatively or additionally, a material-bonded connection (e.g. by an adhesive) can also be provided.

[0053] Figure 6 and Figure 7 FIG. 4 shows a retaining device 18 according to a first embodiment in a rechargeable battery housing 12. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the fifth connecting device 19 has a horizontally arranged plate and a vertically arranged plate. The individual retaining devices 18 can be connected to each other in the vertical direction y and in the horizontal direction z by means of the fifth connecting device at the same time. The connection with the fifth connecting device 19 in the vertical plane or the horizontal plane is realized by a rail element or a tongue and groove system, which connects the free ends of the corresponding cooling elements 15 of the retaining devices 18 to each other. The rail element and the tongue and groove system are not shown in the figures. The connection by the fifth connecting device 19 is here releasably configured. Alternatively or additionally, a material-bonded connection (for example by an adhesive) can also be provided.

[0054] like Figure 8 As indicated, adjacent retaining devices 18 according to the first embodiment can be connected to each other vertically (in the y direction) and horizontally (in the z direction) by a sixth connecting device 19. For this purpose, the sixth connecting device 19 is configured as a plate, which is elongated in the vertical direction y and extends on the one hand over the entire extent of the retaining devices 18 arranged one above the other, and on the other hand over the entire length of the retaining devices 18 in the direction x. The sixth connecting device 19 configured as an elongated plate has regularly spaced gaps 21 on both sides, into which the free ends of the cooling ribs of the corresponding retaining devices are inserted. The gaps 21 can also be called grooves and are not shown in the figures. Alternatively, in addition to or instead of a press-fit or form-fit connection (i.e. in the form of a groove), the retaining device 18 can also be connected to the sixth connecting device 19 by a material-bonded connection (e.g. by an adhesive).

[0055] In a corresponding embodiment, the fifth and sixth connecting means 19 can also be regarded as a frame device 22 , by means of which the retaining device is additionally retained in the rechargeable battery housing 12 .

[0056] The connection device 19 can be connected to the inner face of the rechargeable battery housing 12. The connection can here be releasable or fixed.

[0057] Fig. 9 and Fig.10FIG. 1 shows a retaining device 18 according to a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the retaining device 18 has a hexagonal cross-sectional area. Fig. 9 In the arrangement of the retaining devices 18 shown, gaps 21 (or alternatively free spaces) are provided between adjacent retaining devices 18, through which air can flow as cooling fluid F. The cross-sectional area of ​​the gaps 21 is rectangular or rhombus-shaped. Fig.10 In the arrangement of the retaining devices 18 shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​the gaps 21 or free spaces between adjacent retaining devices 18 is configured as a triangle.

[0058] Fig.11 and Fig.12 1 shows a retaining device 18 according to a third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the retaining device 18 has an octagonal or star-shaped cross-sectional area. Fig.11 , the retaining means 18 according to the third embodiment are shown in a first arrangement relative to each other. Fig.12 4 shows the retaining devices 18 according to the third embodiment in a second arrangement relative to each other.

[0059] The retaining device according to the second embodiment and the third embodiment can also be combined with the first to sixth connecting devices. List of Reference Numerals

[0060] 1. Power Tools

[0061] 2Power tool housing

[0062] 3Tool Accessories

[0063] 4 handles

[0064] 4a Upper end of the handle

[0065] 4b Lower end of the handle

[0066] 5 Tools

[0067] 6. Drive

[0068] 7a Transmission

[0069] 7b output shaft

[0070] 8Control Unit

[0071] 9 Actuation switch

[0072] 10 Power tool interface

[0073] 11 Rechargeable battery

[0074] 12 Rechargeable battery housing

[0075] 13Energy storage cells

[0076] 14 External surface

[0077] 15 Cooling element

[0078] 16 Storage Devices

[0079] 17 Control Device

[0080] 18 Retention device

[0081] 19Connection device

[0082] 20 tubes

[0083] 21 Gap

[0084] 22 frame equipment

[0085] 23 Rechargeable battery interface

[0086] FCooling Fluid

Claims

1. A rechargeable battery (11) as an energy supply for a power tool (1), the rechargeable battery having at least a first energy storage element and a second energy storage element, It is characterized in that The invention comprises at least a first retaining device (18) and at least a second retaining device (18), wherein the at least first retaining device is used to receive and retain the at least first energy storage element (13), and the at least second retaining device is used to receive and retain the at least second energy storage element (13), wherein at least a sub-region of the outer surface of the at least first retaining device and / or the second retaining device (18) is configured such that at least one gap (21) for a cooling fluid (F) is provided between adjacent retaining devices (18).

2. The rechargeable battery (11) as claimed in claim 1, It is characterized in that It comprises at least one frame device (22) for receiving and retaining the at least first retaining device and the second retaining device (18).

3. The rechargeable battery (11) as claimed in claim 2, It is characterized in that The at least first retaining device and the second retaining device (18) are connected to each other by means of a connecting device (19).

4. The rechargeable battery (11) as claimed in claim 3, It is characterized in that The connecting means (19) are configured such that the at least first retaining means and the second retaining means (18) are releasably connected to each other.

5. The rechargeable battery (11) as claimed in claim 3, It is characterized in that The connecting means (19) are configured such that the at least first retaining means and the second retaining means (18) are releasably connected to each other.

6. The rechargeable battery (11) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, It is characterized in that At least one cooling element (15) is included at at least one sub-region of the outer surface of the first retaining device and / or the second retaining device (18).

7. The rechargeable battery (11) as claimed in claim 6, It is characterized in that The at least one cooling element (15) is configured as a cooling rib.

8. The rechargeable battery (11) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, It is characterized in that At least the first retaining means and / or the second retaining means (18) comprises a polygonal outer surface.

9. The rechargeable battery (11) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, It is characterized in that The at least first retaining means (18) has a first embodiment of the outer surface, and the at least second retaining means (18) has a second embodiment of the outer surface.

10. A power tool (1) comprising at least one rechargeable battery (12) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9.

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