Battery pack, system having battery pack and having electrical consumer and / or having charging device, and method for operating battery pack

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery pack (10a; 10b), which has at least one connection interface (20a; 20b) for connecting to an electrical consumer (14a; 14b), in particular an electric hand tool (16a; 16b), and / or a charging device having a signal output unit (30a; 30b), which can be connected to the signal output unit via the connection interface (20a; 20b) of at least one identical signal connection (34a; 34b) outputs at least one analog signal and at least one digital signal. According to the invention, the signal output unit (30a; 30b) has at least one circuit (42a; 42b), which is designed to output a signal in the signal output unit (30a; 30b) and a digital operating mode of the signal output unit (30a; 30a, 30b) of the motor vehicle (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a battery pack, a system having the battery pack and having an electrical load and / or having a charging device, and also to a method for operating the battery pack. Background Art

[0002] A battery pack having a signal output unit provided for analog data exchange via a signal connection portion has been proposed. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention starts from a battery pack, which has at least one connection interface for connecting to an electrical appliance, in particular an electric hand tool, and / or a charging device. The battery pack has a signal output unit, which is configured to output at least one analog signal and at least one digital signal through at least one identical signal connection part of the connection interface.

[0004] It is proposed that the signal output unit has at least one circuit which is provided for switching between a digital operating mode of the signal output unit and an analog operating mode of the signal output unit.

[0005] By the battery pack according to the present invention, it is advantageously possible to realize fast data transmission on sensitive interfaces, which is advantageously able to robustly cope with electrostatic discharge and / or has high electromagnetic compatibility. Advantageously, it is possible to provide a safer and more efficient operation of the energy storage of the battery pack. In addition, it is advantageously possible to provide a battery pack that is set to be used for not only digital data exchange but also analog data exchange, especially through a connection interface. In addition, it is advantageous to provide an analog and / or digital interface with a signal connection portion, which is advantageously configured to be backward compatible, especially with analog electrical appliances, preferably with analog interfaces, especially with old electrical appliances, and / or forward compatible, especially with digital electrical appliances, preferably with digital interfaces, especially with newly developed electrical appliances. By supplementing a digital switching unit, it is advantageously possible to ensure that the old battery pack is compatible with the new electrical appliances and / or charging equipment, and the old electrical appliances and / or charging equipment are compatible with the new battery pack.

[0006] In particular, the battery pack has at least one energy storage device. The battery pack, in particular the energy storage device, has at least one battery cell, preferably a plurality of battery cells for storing electrical energy. The battery pack, in particular the energy storage device, is not limited to a specific battery cell type, for example, the battery cells of the battery pack can be configured as lithium-ion batteries and / or lithium polymer batteries and / or nickel-cadmium batteries and / or the like. Similarly, the battery cells of the battery pack according to the present invention are not limited to a specific geometry and / or a specific format, but can have different battery cell geometries and / or battery cell formats, for example, can be configured as round batteries or flat batteries or pouch batteries, etc., without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0007] In particular, the battery pack is used to connect at least to an electrical consumer, in particular to a preferably wireless electric hand tool, along a connection direction, and is in a connected state with an energy supply for the electrical consumer, in particular at least one unit of the electric hand tool, such as a drive unit and / or a display unit. The battery pack is not limited to use with a specific type of electric hand tool, but in principle can also be configured for connection with different types of electric hand tools. The electric hand tool that can be connected to the battery pack can be configured as, for example, but not limited to, a wireless screwdriver and / or an electric drill and / or a grinder and / or an electric saw, such as a jig saw and / or a router and / or a hot glue gun and / or a blower and / or a multi-function tool and / or a polisher and / or a planer and / or the like. It is also conceivable to use the battery pack alternately with different electric hand tools.

[0008] Preferably, the battery pack is connected to at least the charging device along the connection direction and is in a connected state with the battery pack for charging by an external power source. The charging device preferably has an input interface connected to the external power and an output interface connected to the battery pack. In particular, the charging device has a control and / or regulation unit for controlling and / or regulating the charging method, in particular setting a suitable charging method according to the charging state, rated voltage and / or performance capability of the battery pack.

[0009] The connection interface is preferably an electromechanical interface between an electrical consumer and / or a charging device. Preferably, the connection interface has at least two power connections, which are provided for electrical connection to a charging device and / or an electrical consumer, in particular to a connection interface of an electrical consumer and / or a charging device, in particular for discharging and / or charging. Preferably, the connection interface of the battery pack consists of connection tulips, which are inserted into each other as connection blades and are used for connection to the connection interface of the electrical consumer and / or the charging device.

[0010] The connection interface preferably has at least one signal connection part, which is configured separately from the power connection part of the connection interface. The signal connection part is preferably used for signal transmission, in particular analog and digital signal transmission, from the battery pack to the electrical consumer and / or the charging device, preferably to the corresponding signal connection part of the electrical consumer and / or the charging device. It is particularly preferred that the connection interface of the electrical consumer and / or the charging device has at least one signal connection part corresponding to the signal connection part.

[0011] The signal output unit preferably at least partially forms a signal connection portion, or is at least partially arranged on the signal connection portion. In particular, the digital signal is modulated on the analog line. The signal output unit preferably has at least one signal output element, in particular a digital signal output element, at least for receiving and / or transmitting digital signals, and an analog signal output element for transmitting and / or receiving, in particular reading analog signals. The electronic appliance and / or the charging device preferably has at least one additional signal output unit for receiving and / or transmitting analog and / or digital signals.

[0012] The analog signal output element preferably has at least one coding resistor, in particular a coding resistor for battery coding, and / or at least one NTC resistor, in particular as a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the battery pack, which resistor can be read by the signal connection unit, in particular by the signal output unit of the electrical appliance and / or the charging device, preferably according to the control and / or regulation unit of the electrical appliance and / or the charging device. The analog signal is preferably a signal given by reading the resistor. In particular, the analog signal is used to read the performance capacity, voltage, configuration and / or temperature of the battery pack, in particular the battery cell. In particular, the analog signal output element has at least one 1kOhm to 1MOhm resistor as a coding resistor, in particular matching the value of the battery cell. In particular, the analog signal output element has a resistor between 1MOhm and 10Ohm, preferably between 100kOhm and 100Ohm, and particularly preferably between 50kOhm and 1kOhm, as an NTC resistor, in particular matching the value of the battery cell, preferably related to temperature.

[0013] The battery pack preferably has at least one control and / or regulating unit, to which the signal output unit is connected, in particular electrically connected, at least for sending and / or receiving. The control and / or regulating unit is preferably able to communicate with a control and / or regulating unit of an electrical consumer and / or a charging device. In particular, the control and / or regulating unit at least partially forms a digital signal output element.

[0014] In particular, a digital signal output element for transmitting, in particular sending and / or receiving digital signals, is at least partially constructed as a digital bus system. A variety of protocols and driver circuits are known for such digital bus systems, including but not limited to UART and LIN. The digital signal output element, in particular the digital bus system, preferably operates according to the master / slave principle. In particular, the digital signal output element has a transmission element, in particular a bus line, for transmitting digital signals. The digital signal output element for receiving and / or sending digital signals preferably has a receiving circuit, in particular a receiver and a pull-down circuit. It is particularly preferred that the bus is directly connected to the signal connection portion, so that analog signals and digital signals can be transmitted through the bus respectively. Preferably, the electronic appliance and / or the charging device has a supplementary digital bus system as a digital signal output element, and has at least one other transmission element, in particular a bus line, a receiver circuit and a pull-down circuit.

[0015] Preferably, the signal output unit, in particular, a circuit element for transmitting, preferably outputting a digital signal, preferably, at least a digital signal output element of the signal output unit, particularly preferably, at least a digital bus system of the signal output unit is connected to the signal connection part, in particular, is built on the signal connection part or is supplemented by the signal connection part. In at least one configuration of the battery pack according to the present invention, the signal output unit is at least partially, preferably a digital signal output element, and particularly preferably a digital bus system is configured to be separable from the signal connection part, in particular the battery pack. Therefore, it is advantageously possible to supplement a battery pack having only a signal output unit for analog signal transmission with a digital signal output element, in particular a digital bus system. The digital signal is preferably a charge state, a battery voltage, a temperature measurement value and / or a temperature warning, an error message, an authentication signal, a remaining operating time, or other signals that are meaningful to a person skilled in the art. Advantageously, the digital signal is used for improved interaction between an electrical appliance, in particular an electric hand tool, and a user, provides a safety function, and helps to extend the service life of the battery pack. In particular, the data transmission rate of the digital bus system is at least 1 kBaud, preferably at least 10 kBaud, preferably at least 50 kBaud, particularly preferably at least 100 kBaud. Slower data transmission rates may also be expedient in application-specific cases.

[0016] When switching between the analog operating mode and the digital operating mode, the circuit is preferably configured to switch at least one circuit element so that the signal output unit only outputs an analog signal or a digital signal, in particular, outputs an analog signal or a digital signal through at least the same signal connection part of the connection interface. The signal output unit is preferably configured to output an analog signal in the analog operating mode. It is particularly preferred that the circuit is configured in the analog operating mode to provide a reading of an analog signal output element, in particular a coding resistor or an NTC resistor. The signal output unit is preferably configured for a digital operating mode to output a digital signal. It is particularly preferred that when the control and / or regulation unit of the battery pack communicates with the control and / or regulation unit of the electrical consumer and / or the charging device, the circuit is configured for a digital operating mode to provide transmission and / or reception of digital signals. In particular, the circuit forms at least part of a digital bus system.

[0017] In addition, it is proposed that the circuit is arranged to electrically isolate the analog signal output element of the signal output unit from the signal connection part in the digital operation mode of the signal output unit. Therefore, although the analog signal output element provides a resistance bandwidth, the signal level required for bus communication can still be realized as simply and stably as possible. When digital communication is required, it is preferably detected using a circuit so that the circuit electrically isolates the analog signal output element from the signal connection part. It is particularly preferred that the digital signal output element, especially the digital bus system, is not affected by the analog signal output element in the digital operation mode of the signal output unit. Preferably, the digital signal output element, especially the digital bus system, has an ESD protection circuit, which is preferably arranged to reduce the existing capacitance, especially in the digital operation mode, preferably together with the analog signal output element, to reduce the capacitance. The ESD protection circuit is arranged to reduce the capacitance to a maximum of 100nF, preferably to a maximum of 10nF, advantageously to a maximum of 5nF, and particularly preferably to a maximum of 1nF. It is thus advantageously possible to immediately transmit the switching edge of the bus. The ESD protection circuit preferably has at least one ESD suppressor diode.

[0018] It is further proposed that the circuit is configured to electrically isolate the digital signal output element of the signal output unit from the signal connection portion in an analog operating mode of the signal output unit. When the digital signal output element is arranged on the same signal connection portion, this will advantageously provide the output of the analog signal, in particular the reading of the analog signal output element. When the digital signal output ends, the circuit is preferably able to detect so that the circuit electrically disconnects the digital signal output element from the signal connection portion. It is particularly preferred that in the analog operating mode of the signal output unit, the analog signal output element is not affected by the digital signal output element. In the analog operating mode, the circuit is preferably configured to avoid current and line flow to the analog signal output element. It is particularly preferred that in the analog operating mode, the electrical signal output unit is outside the digital signal transmission, in particular the digital signal output element is electrically isolated from the signal connection portion.

[0019] In addition, it is proposed that the circuit includes at least one first switching element for electrical isolation of the digital signal output element and at least one other switching element for electrical isolation of the analog signal output element. It is thus possible to switch between the digital operating mode and the electrical operating mode by means of cheap and widely used elements. The first switching element for electrical isolation of the digital signal output element and at least one other switching element for isolation of the analog signal output element are preferably constructed separately. The first switching element is preferably constructed to avoid current parallel connection to the analog signal output element in the analog operating mode. It is particularly preferred that the first switching element is a semiconductor switch, such as an npn BJT and / or an n-type MOSFET. It is particularly preferred that the first switching element is arranged in the digital signal output element, especially in the digital bus system, preferably in the input circuit of the digital signal output element receiving circuit. The input circuit is preferably part of the circuit. In particular, at least one switching element is directly arranged on the analog signal output element. Preferably, the other switching element is constructed as a semiconductor switch, especially a MOSFET semiconductor switch. When using an NTC resistor as an analog signal output element, it is preferred to construct the MOSFET semiconductor switch arranged in the NTC resistor as an additional switching element.

[0020] It is further proposed that the switch element, in particular the first switch element, is arranged to electrically isolate the current conduction path of the digital signal output element from the ground of the battery pack in the analog operating mode of the signal output unit. This advantageously enables an interference-free analog operating mode to be provided, in particular, the analog signal output element to be read without interference. In the analog operating mode, the switch element, in particular the first switch element, is preferably arranged to prevent the current from being connected in parallel to the analog signal output element and flowing into the ground through the current conduction path. The switch element is particularly intended to prevent the current from flowing through the digital bus system. In the analog operating mode, the current preferably flows through the analog signal output element.

[0021] It is further proposed that the signal output unit has at least one activation unit, which is configured to switch from the analog operating mode to the digital operating mode, in particular to switch at least one first switching element and at least one further switching element, when an activation signal, in particular a digital activation signal, is detected and / or recognized. Influencing the analog signal output element can thereby be effectively avoided, in particular in the analog operating mode. The switching element, in particular the first switching element, is preferably configured to close a current conduction path of the digital signal output element to ground, in particular starting from the activation signal. The activation unit is preferably used for pulse detection. The activation signal is preferably a pulse sequence, which preferably has a signal edge within a specified time interval. The activation signal is preferably a binary signal, which can be any specified binary code, such as "1010101". The activation unit is configured to preferably at least largely avoid the digital signal output element from emitting interference signals in the analog operating mode. It is particularly preferred that the activation unit has at least one high-pass filter, which is configured to permanently avoid the flow of current in the activation unit, in particular in the analog operating mode. The activation unit preferably has at least one transistor, in particular an npnBJT transistor. Preferably, the high-pass filter is used to transmit the filtered signal, preferably the activation signal, to the transistor. The transistor preferably transmits a signal, preferably an activation signal, to a control and / or regulating device, which preferably checks the signal, preferably the activation signal. In particular, the control and / or regulating device establishes a digital operating mode when the signal is identified as an activation signal, wherein in particular the control and / or regulating device closes a first switching element for electrical isolation of the digital signal output element and opens a further switching element for electrical isolation of the analog signal output element.

[0022] The activation unit preferably has at least one diode for decoupling the capacitance of the high-pass filter from the transmission element, in particular the bus. This is advantageous in reducing the influence on the bus line, in particular in the digital operating mode. The diode is preferably designed as a Schottky diode, so that the flux voltage is low. The activation unit preferably has a resistor, which is preferably connected in parallel with the high-pass capacitor. In particular, the resistor is provided to ensure a defined discharge of the capacitor.

[0023] In another embodiment of the battery pack according to the invention, the activation device has an activation switch on the battery pack housing and / or the electrical consumer and / or the charging device. In particular, the activation switch can be manually operated. The activation switch is preferably used to switch the signal output unit from an analog operating mode to a digital operating mode.

[0024] In addition, it is proposed that the battery pack has at least an energy storage device, which is at least configured to provide useful energy for the operation of the electrical appliance, and to provide a signal voltage for the signal output unit for the digital operation mode. The voltage level of the signal voltage preferably reaches a sufficiently high value, preferably at least 5V, and particularly preferably reaches the voltage of the battery itself. It is thus possible to provide a relatively large voltage swing, which is conducive to achieving a steep signal edge. In addition, even in the case of a large series resistance upstream of the energy storage device, a steep signal edge can be advantageously provided. The signal output unit preferably has at least one series resistor upstream of the energy storage device, especially upstream of the digital signal output element. The digital signal output element, especially the digital bus system, is preferably a digital signal output element from the bus master, preferably connected to the energy storage device through a series resistor. The series resistor is preferably arranged in the corresponding signal output unit of the electrical appliance and / or the charging device. The resistance of the series resistor is preferably at least 100Ohm, preferably at least 500Ohm, preferably 1kOhm, and particularly preferably at least 2kOhm. For example, for an energy storage device with 5x lithium-ion batteries, the signal voltage, especially as a pull-up voltage, is between 15V and 21V.

[0025] In addition, it is proposed that the signal output unit has at least one voltage regulating unit, which is used to stabilize and / or regulate the signal voltage, especially to regulate it downward to a constant value less than the output voltage of the energy storage. It is thus possible to achieve a stable voltage over the entire battery voltage range. In addition, due to the limitation of the maximum voltage rise, interference radiation can also be efficiently improved. In addition, in a digital bus system, the receiver can be detected by the transmitter using a specified voltage level in an optimized manner. The voltage regulating device preferably has at least one diode, especially a Zener diode, such as an 8V Zener diode. In particular, the voltage regulating device has a series resistor, the resistance of which is preferably between 50Ohm and 10kOhm, preferably between 100Ohm and 1kOhm, and particularly preferably between 250Ohm and 500Ohm. A series resistor of 330Ohm is particularly suitable. In particular, the voltage regulating device can be used to regulate the output voltage downward by 10%, preferably 25%, preferably at least 33%, and particularly preferably at least 45%. The signal voltage, in particular the high level, is preferably set by the voltage regulating unit to a constant value between 30 V and 1 V, preferably between 20 V and 2 V, preferably between 15 V and 5 V, particularly preferably between 10 V and 6 V. In particular, when using an 8 V Zener diode, the signal voltage is approximately 8 V. In particular, the receiving circuit is configured to convert the signal voltage into a variable that can be processed by the control and / or regulating unit, in particular a logical 1, for example into 3.3 V. The conversion of the receiving circuit preferably uses semiconductor switches, for example n-type MOSFET semiconductor switches and / or npn BJT semiconductor switches.

[0026] In addition, it is proposed that the signal output unit has at least one voltage divider, which is arranged to compensate for the ground offset between the battery pack and the electrical load and / or the charging device, in particular the offset between the ground of the battery pack and the ground of the electrical load and / or the charging device. In this way, despite the presence of a higher ground offset, in particular a ground offset of up to 2V, a stable signal transmission, in particular a clear low level, can be provided between the battery pack and the electrical load and / or the charging device, in particular between the master and the slave. The voltage divider is preferably connected in the input circuit of the receiving circuit of the digital signal output element. The voltage divider is preferably connected upstream of the semiconductor switch for conversion, in particular an n-type MOSFET semiconductor switch and / or an npn BJT semiconductor switch. In particular, the voltage divider has a series resistor and a current-conducting resistor. Preferably, the voltage divider ratio of the voltage divider is in particular between 5% and 50%, preferably between 8% and 30%, preferably between 10% and 20%, and particularly preferably between 10% and 15%. It is particularly preferred that the voltage divider ratio is about 13%, the series resistor is about 10kOhm, and the current-conducting resistor is about 1.5kOhm.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a system having a battery pack, an electrical appliance and / or a charging device, each of which has at least one connection interface, which is connected to the battery pack and has at least a signal output unit, which is configured to output at least an analog signal through the connection interface at least via a signal connection part of the battery pack.

[0028] The system according to the invention enables fast data transmission over sensitive interfaces, which are advantageously robust against electrostatic discharges and / or have a high electromagnetic compatibility. In addition, a system with a consumer and / or a charging device can be provided which can be used for both digital and analog data exchange, in particular via a connection interface.

[0029] The invention furthermore relates to a method for operating a battery, wherein in at least one method step a switch is made between an analog operating mode and a digital operating mode.

[0030] The method according to the invention enables fast data transmission on sensitive interfaces which are advantageously robust against electrostatic discharges and / or have high electromagnetic compatibility. Advantageously, this can provide for the safest and most efficient operation of the energy storage of the battery pack.

[0031] Preferably, when the activation signal is detected, the activation device switches from the analog operation mode to the digital operation mode. Preferably, when switching from the analog operation mode to the digital operation mode, at least the first switch element for electrically isolating the digital signal output element is closed, and in particular, at least one other switch element for electrically isolating the analog signal output element is opened. When switching from the digital operation mode to the analog operation mode, preferably at least the first switch element for electrically isolating the digital signal output element is opened, and in particular, at least one other switch element for electrically isolating the analog signal output element is closed.

[0032] The battery pack according to the invention, the system according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention should not be limited to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, the battery pack according to the invention, the system according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention may have a number of individual elements, components and units and method steps that differ from the number mentioned here in order to realize the operating mode described in the invention and to meet the functional mode described here. In addition, for the numerical ranges described in the present disclosure, the numerical values ​​within the mentioned limits should also be regarded as disclosed and as being able to be used arbitrarily. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Further advantages are apparent from the following description of the drawings. Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description and the claims contain features in a plurality of combinations. A person skilled in the art may also consider the features individually and combine them into other meaningful combinations.

[0034] Shows:

[0035] Figure 1 The system according to the invention comprises a battery pack and an electrical consumer, in particular an electrical hand tool.

[0036] Figure 2 Conceptual representation of the signal output unit of the battery pack and the signal output unit of the electrical appliance,

[0037] Figure 3 The input circuit of the battery pack signal output unit receiving circuit,

[0038] Figure 4 The activation unit circuit of the battery pack signal output unit,

[0039] Figure 5 A method for operating a battery pack, and

[0040] Figure 6 Conceptual representation of an alternative embodiment of a battery signal output unit according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Figure 1 A system 12a with a battery pack 10a and an electrical load 14a is schematically shown. The electrical load 14a is designed as an electric hand tool 16a, in particular a battery-powered hammer drill. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the electrical load 14a is designed as another electrical load 14a that is appropriate for a person skilled in the art. The battery pack 10a is arranged on the electrical load 14a in a detachable manner, in particular in a non-destructive manner.

[0042] The battery pack 10a includes an energy storage 70a. The energy storage 70a is at least configured to provide useful energy for the operation of the electrical appliance 14a. The energy storage 70a includes a plurality of battery cells connected in series with each other. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the energy storage 70a has only one battery cell. The battery pack 10a is configured as a lithium-ion battery pack 10a. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the battery pack 10a is configured as a nickel-cadmium battery pack 10a or other battery packs 10a that are meaningful to those skilled in the art. For example, the energy storage 70a has five lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, the energy storage 70a provides a pull-up voltage between 15V and 21V.

[0043] The battery pack 10a includes at least one control and / or regulation unit 24a. The control and / or regulation unit 24a includes at least one processor and a memory element and an operating program stored on the memory element. The memory element is configured as a digital memory medium, such as a hard disk, etc. The control and / or regulation unit 24a has at least one protection function for protecting the battery cell. For example, the protection function is related to at least one operating parameter. The operating parameter may be a voltage parameter, a current parameter, a resistance parameter, a temperature parameter, etc. Preferably, when the battery pack 10a is deactivated, the control and / or regulation unit 24a is deactivated. It is particularly preferred that when the battery pack 10a is deactivated, the control and / or regulation unit 24a is deactivated, especially in order to achieve the lowest possible power consumption.

[0044] The battery pack 10a has at least one connection interface 20a. The connection interface 20a is provided for connection to an electrical load 14a. The electrical load 14a has a further connection interface 22a. The further connection interface 22a of the electrical load 14a is provided for connection to the battery pack 10a, in particular the connection interface 20a of the battery pack 10a.

[0045] The battery pack 10a is configured to supply an electrical load 14a with electrical energy via a connection interface 20a. The connection interface 20a serves as an electromechanical interface between the electrical load 14a and / or a charging device. The connection interface 20a has at least two power connections for electrically connecting to the electrical load 14a, in particular to two power connections of a connection interface 22a of the electrical load 14a. The connection interface 20a of the battery pack 10a consists of connection tulips, which are inserted into each other as connection blades for connection to the connection interface 22a of the electrical load 14a.

[0046] The connection interface 20a has at least one signal connection part 34a (see 2). The signal connection part 34a is configured to transmit signals from the battery pack 10a to the electrical load 14a. The signal connection part 34a is configured separately from the power connection part in the connection interface 20a. The signal connection part 34a is configured to transmit analog signals from the battery pack 10a to the electrical load 14a. The signal connection part 34a is configured to transmit digital signals from the battery pack 10a to the electrical load 14a. The connection interface 22a of the electrical load 14a has another signal connection part 34a. The other signal connection part 34a of the connection interface 22a of the electrical load 14a is configured to transmit digital signals from the electrical load 14a to the battery pack 10a. The signal connection part 34a of the connection interface 20a of the battery pack 10a and the other signal connection part 34a of the connection interface 22a of the electrical load 14a are in an electrical, especially electromechanical connection part. The analog signal is transmitted from the signal receiving section 34a of the connection interface 20a of the battery pack 10a through another signal receiving section 34a of the connection interface 22a of the electrical load 14a. The digital signal is transmitted from the signal receiving section 34a of the connection interface 20a of the battery pack 10a through another signal receiving section 34a of the connection interface 22a of the electrical load 14a.

[0047] The battery pack 10a has at least one signal output unit 30a. The signal output unit 30a is configured to output at least one analog signal and at least one digital signal via at least one identical signal connection section 34a of the connection interface 20a (see also 2). The signal output unit 30a at least partially forms the signal connection section 34a or is at least partially modulated to the signal connection section 34a. The electrical appliance 14a has a further signal output unit 32a. The signal output unit 32a of the electrical appliance 14a is configured to output at least an analog signal via at least the signal connection section 34a of the battery pack 10a. The signal output unit 32a of the electrical appliance 14a is configured to output at least a digital signal via at least the same signal connection section 34a of the battery pack 10a.

[0048] The control and / or regulating unit 24a is connected to the signal output unit 30a at least for transmitting and / or receiving digital signals. The control and / or regulating unit 24a is provided for communicating with a further control and / or regulating unit 26a of the electrical load 14a, in particular via the signal output unit 30a of the battery pack 10a and a further signal output unit 32a of the electrical load 14a.

[0049] The digital signal is a charge state, battery voltage, temperature measurement and / or temperature warning, error message, verification signal, remaining operating time or other signal meaningful to a person skilled in the art. The digital signal is used for improved interaction between the electrical appliance 14a, in particular the electric hand tool 16a, and the user, provides safety functions, and helps to extend the service life of the battery pack 10a.

[0050] The analog signal is given by at least one coding resistor, in particular for battery coding. Alternatively and / or additionally, the analog signal is provided by at least one NTC resistor, in particular as a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the battery pack 10a, which can be read by the signal connection part 34a, in particular by the signal output unit 32a of the electrical appliance 14a, preferably according to the control and / or regulation unit 26a of the electrical appliance 14a. The analog signal is a signal given by reading the coding resistor or the NTC resistor. The analog signal is used to read the performance capability, voltage, configuration and / or temperature of the battery pack 10a, in particular the performance capability, voltage, configuration and / or temperature of the battery cell (see also 2).

[0051] The battery pack 10a is configured to be connected to at least one charging device. The charging device has at least one connection interface. The charging device has at least one signal transmission device. The charging device has an input interface connected to an external energy source and an output interface connected to the battery pack 10a. A control and / or regulation unit is provided in the charging device, which is used to monitor and control the charging method. In the following description of the embodiment, only the connection with the electrical consumer 14a is further described. However, it is applicable that the description of the electrical consumer 14a is equally applicable to the charging device. The charging device has components that are at least approximately the same as those of the electrical consumer 14a. The charging device can be used similarly in the case of each described feature of the electrical consumer 14a. A difference may only occur in the energy supply of the signal transmission device, wherein, in the case of the charging device, it can be considered that the energy supply is provided by an external current supply.

[0052] Figure 2 The signal output unit 30a of the battery pack 10a and the signal output unit 32a of the electrical load 14a are conceptually shown.

[0053] The signal output unit 30a has an analog signal output element 40a. The analog signal output element 40a is configured to output an analog signal. The analog signal is a signal given by reading the analog signal output element 40a. The analog signal output element 40a is a coding resistor, in particular for battery coding, and / or at least an NTC resistor, in particular as a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the battery pack 10a. For example, the resistance of the coding resistor is between 1kOhm and 1MOhm. The coding resistor is related to the value of the energy storage device 70a. The resistance of the NTC resistor is, for example, between 50kOhm and 1kOhm and is temperature-dependent. The NTC resistor is related to the value of the energy storage device 70a.

[0054] The signal output unit 30a has at least one digital signal output element 36a. The digital signal output element 36a is configured to output a digital signal. The digital signal output element 36a is configured to receive and / or send a digital signal. The digital signal output element 36a at least partially forms a digital bus system 28a. Various protocols and driver circuits can be applied to the digital bus system 28a, including but not limited to UART and LIN. The digital signal output element 36a has a transmission element 100a for transmitting a digital signal. The transmission element 100a forms a bus line 104a. The digital signal output element 36a has a receiving circuit 90a, in particular a receiver, for receiving and / or sending a digital signal. The digital signal output element 36a has a pull-down circuit 108a for receiving and / or sending a digital signal. The signal output unit 30a is connected to ground 50a.

[0055] The digital signal output element 36a has an ESD protection circuit 96a. The ESD protection circuit 94a has at least one ESD suppressor diode (not shown). The ESD protection circuit 94a is configured to reduce the capacitance in the digital operating mode, preferably together with the analog signal output element 40a. The ESD protection circuit 94a is configured to reduce the capacitance to a maximum of 100 nF, preferably to a maximum of 10 nF, advantageously to a maximum of 5 nF, and particularly preferably to a maximum of 1 nF. This advantageously enables the switching edges of the bus 104a to be transmitted immediately.

[0056] The bus 104a is directly connected to the signal connection 34a. Analog signals and digital signals can be transmitted via the bus 104a, respectively. As a digital signal output element 38a, the electrical appliance 14a has a supplementary digital bus system 28a, which has at least one other transmission element 102a, in particular a bus line 106a, a receiving circuit 92a, a pull-down circuit 110a and an ESD protection circuit 98a. The signal output unit 32a of the electrical appliance 14a is connected to another ground 52a. The digital signal output element 36a and the digital signal output element 38a of the battery pack 10a form a digital bus system 28a.

[0057] The signal output unit 32a of the electrical consumer 14a, in particular the circuit 44a of the signal output unit 32a, has at least one series resistor 62a. The digital bus system 28a, in particular the signal output unit 32a of the electrical consumer 14a and the signal output unit 30a of the battery pack 10a, are connected to an energy storage device 70a via the series resistor 62a. The resistance of the series resistor 62a is at least 100 Ohm, preferably at least 500 Ohm, preferably 1 kOhm, and particularly preferably at least 2 kOhm. The energy storage device 70a is provided for providing a signal voltage of the signal output unit 30a for the digital operating mode.

[0058] The digital bus system 28a operates according to the master-slave principle. The host acts as a master driver and provides a constant pull-up voltage, for example 3.3 V or 5 V, wherein the host switches the digital bus system 28a to 0 V (pull-down) for transmitting digital signals. The data transmission rate of the digital bus system 28a is at least 1 kBaud, preferably at least 10 kBaud, preferably at least 50 kBaud, particularly preferably at least 100 kBaud. Application-specifically, slower data transmission rates may also be meaningful.

[0059] The signal output unit 30a has at least one circuit 42a. The circuit 42a is configured to switch between a digital operating mode and an analog operating mode. The circuit 42a includes at least the circuit elements of the battery pack 10a of the digital bus system 28a. The signal output unit 32a of the electrical appliance 14a has another circuit 42a, which includes the circuit elements of the electrical appliance 14a of the digital bus system 28a. In the analog operating mode, the signal output unit 30a is configured to output an analog signal. In the digital operating mode, the signal output unit 30a is configured to output a digital signal. In the case of switching between the analog operating mode and the digital operating mode, the circuit 42a is configured to switch at least one circuit element so that the signal output unit 30a only outputs an analog signal or a digital signal, in particular, outputs an analog signal or a digital signal through at least the same signal connection part 34a of the connection interface 20a. The circuit 42a at least partially forms the digital bus system 28a. The circuit 42a is connected to the circuit 44a of the electrical appliance 14a.

[0060] In the analog operating mode, the circuit 42a is configured to provide for reading of the analog signal output element 40a, in particular a coding resistor or an NTC resistor. In the digital operating mode, the circuit 42a is configured to provide for the transmission and / or reception of digital signals, preferably in the case of communication between the control and / or regulating unit 24a of the battery pack 10a and the control and / or regulating unit 26a of the electrical load 14a.

[0061] In the digital operation mode of the signal output unit 30a, the circuit 42a is arranged to be used to electrically isolate the analog signal output element 40a of the signal output unit 30a from the signal connection part 34a. The circuit 42a includes at least one switching element 48a for the electrical isolation of the analog signal output element 40a. The switching element 48a is directly arranged on the analog signal output element 40a. The switching element 48a is configured as a semiconductor switch, in particular a MOSFET semiconductor switch. If an NTC resistor is used as the analog signal output element 40a, the MOSFET semiconductor switch connected to the NTC resistor is configured as the switching element 48a. In the analog operation mode, the switching element 48a is closed. In the digital operation mode, the switching element 48a is disconnected. In the analog operation mode of the signal output unit 30a, the circuit 42a is configured to be used to electrically isolate the digital signal output element 36a of the signal output unit 30a from the signal connection part 34a (see 3).

[0062] Figure 3 The input circuit 112a of the receiving circuit 90a of the signal output unit 30a of the battery pack 10a is shown. The input circuit 112a is a part of the circuit 42a of the signal output unit 30a.

[0063] Circuit 42a includes at least one switching element 46a for electrical isolation of digital signal output element 36a. The switching element 46a for electrical isolation of digital signal output element 36a and at least one other switching element 48a for isolating analog signal output element 40a are constructed separately from each other. Switching element 46a is configured to avoid parallel conduction to analog signal output element 40a in analog operating mode. Switching element 46a is a semiconductor switch. Switching element 46a is an n-type MOSFET semiconductor switch. Alternatively, npn BJT can also be used as a semiconductor switch. The first switching element 46a is arranged in the digital signal output element 36a, especially in the digital bus system 28a, preferably in the input circuit 112a of the receiving circuit 90a of the digital signal output element 36a. In the analog operating mode of the signal output unit 30a, the switching element 46a is configured to electrically isolate the conduction path of the digital signal output element 36a from the ground 50a of the battery pack 10a. In the analog operating mode, the switching element 46 a is configured to prevent a current from flowing in parallel with the current-conducting path 50 a directed to the ground 50 a toward the analog signal output element 40 a .

[0064] The signal output unit 30a has at least one voltage divider 80a. The voltage divider 80a is configured to balance the ground offset between the battery pack 10a and the electrical consumer 14a. The voltage divider 80a is configured to balance the ground offset between the ground terminal 50a of the battery pack 10a and the ground terminal 52a of the electrical consumer 14a, in particular, an offset of up to 2V. In the input line 112a of the receiving circuit 90a, the voltage divider 80a is connected upstream of the semiconductor switch 86a. The voltage divider 80a has a series resistor 82a and a current-conducting resistor 84a. The resistance of the series resistor 82a is 10kOhm, the resistance of the current-conducting resistor 84a is 1.5kOhm, and the voltage division ratio is about 13%. Therefore, the 2V "low" level affected by the ground offset can be reduced to about 260mV. This value is much smaller than the switching threshold of the semiconductor switch 86a. Despite the voltage divider 80a, since the signal voltage of the energy storage 70a is higher than the switching threshold of the semiconductor switch, the "high" level still reaches more than 1V. Depending on the specific requirements of system 12a, fine tuning can be performed by varying the "high" level on bus 104, the switching threshold of semiconductor switch 86a, and the desired ground offset. Semiconductor switch 86a is an npn BJT semiconductor switch with a switching threshold of approximately 0.7V.

[0065] Figure 4 The circuit diagram of the activation unit 60a of the signal output unit 30a of the battery pack 10a is shown. When the activation signal is detected and / or recognized, the activation unit 60a switches from the analog operating mode to the digital operating mode. The activation signal is a digital signal. The activation unit 60a is configured to switch at least one first switching element 46a and at least one further switching element 48a when the activation signal is detected.

[0066] The activation unit 60a is configured for pulse detection on the bus 104. The activation signal is a defined pulse sequence having signal edges within a defined time interval. The activation signal is binary and can adopt any defined binary coding, for example "1010101". The activation unit 60a is configured to at least largely avoid that the digital signal output element 36a emits interference signals in the analog operating mode. The control and / or regulation unit 24a of the battery pack 10a or the control and / or regulation unit 26a of the electrical load 14a is configured to generate the activation signal.

[0067] The activation unit 60a has at least one high-pass filter 62a. The purpose of the construction of the high-pass filter 62a is to permanently prevent current from flowing into the activation unit 60a, especially in the analog operating mode. The activation unit 60a has at least one transistor 68a, especially an npn BJT transistor. The high-pass filter 62a is configured to filter the pulse sequence (preferably the activation signal) and pass it to the transistor 62a. The transistor 62a is configured to transmit the pulse sequence (preferably the activation signal) to the control and / or regulation unit 24a. The control and / or regulation unit 24a is configured to check the pulse sequence, preferably the pulse sequence of the activation signal. When the pulse sequence is confirmed as an activation signal, the control and / or regulation unit 24a will set the digital operating mode, wherein the control and / or regulation unit 24a is particularly configured to close the first switching element 46a to electrically isolate the digital signal output element 36a, and disconnect the other switching element 48a to electrically isolate the analog signal output element 40a.

[0068] The activation unit 60a has at least one diode 66a, which is provided for decoupling the capacitance of the high-pass filter 62a from the transmission element 100a, in particular the bus 102a. Due to the low flux voltage, the diode 66a is designed as a Schottky diode. The activation unit 60a has a resistor 64a connected in parallel with the high-pass capacitor. The resistor 64a is provided to ensure a defined discharge of the capacitor. For example, the resistance of the resistor 64a is 1 Ohm.

[0069] Figure 5 A method 150a for operating a battery pack 10a is shown. In at least one method step, the system switches between an analog operating mode and a digital operating mode.

[0070] In method step 152a, the signal output unit 30a is operated in a simulation operating mode. The signal output unit 30a outputs a simulation signal via the signal connection 34a.

[0071] In a further method step 154a for initiating the switch to the digital operating mode, an activation signal is generated by the control and / or regulating unit 24a of the battery pack 10a or the control and / or regulating unit 26a of the electrical load 14a. The activation signal is transmitted on the bus 104a.

[0072] In a further method step 156a, a detection is performed with the aid of the activation unit 60. If a positive pulse is generated on the bus 104a, it is filtered by the high-pass filter 62a and passed to the base of the transistor 68a. The transistor 68a is temporarily switched on and transmits the pulse sequence to the control and / or regulating unit 24a.

[0073] In a further method step 158a, the activation unit 60a is configured to switch from the analog operating mode to the digital operating mode when an activation signal is detected. If the activation signal is detected from the pulse sequence by the control and / or regulating unit 24a, the first switching element 46a and the at least one further switching element 48a are switched by the control and / or regulating unit 24a. When switching from the analog operating mode to the digital operating mode, at least the first switching element 46a is closed for electrical isolation of the digital signal output element 36a, and at least one further switching element 48a is opened for electrical isolation of the analog signal output element 40a.

[0074] In a further method step 160a, the signal output unit 30a is operated in a digital operating mode. The signal output unit 30a outputs a digital signal via the signal connection 34a.

[0075] If no digital signal is output or received via the signal output unit 30a, the system switches from the digital operating mode to the analog operating mode. In a further method step 162a, at least the first switching element 46a for the electrical isolation of the digital signal output element 36a is opened, and in particular at least one further switching element 48a for the electrical isolation of the analog signal output element 40a is closed. The current conduction path of the digital signal output element 36a to the ground 50a is disconnected.

[0076] exist Figure 6 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The following description and drawings are basically limited to the differences between the embodiments. Therefore, for components with the same names, especially components with the same reference numerals, in principle, reference can also be made to the drawings and / or other embodiments, especially Figures 1 to 5 To distinguish different embodiments, Figures 1 to 5 The reference symbols of the embodiments are followed by the letter a. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the letter a is replaced by the letter b.

[0077] Figure 6 An alternative embodiment of the signal output unit 30b of the battery pack 10b according to the present invention is conceptually shown. The signal output unit 30b is used to output a digital signal or an analog signal to the electrical consumer 14b, in particular, the signal output unit 32b of the electrical consumer 14b, through a signal connection portion 34b.

[0078] The signal output unit 30b has at least one voltage regulating unit 120b. The voltage regulating unit 120b is configured to stabilize and / or regulate the signal voltage. The voltage regulating unit 120b is configured to regulate the signal voltage to a constant value that is significantly smaller than the output voltage of the energy storage 70b of the battery pack 10b.

[0079] The voltage regulating unit 120b has at least one diode, in particular a Zener diode, for example an 8V Zener diode (not shown). The voltage regulating unit 120b has a series resistor (not shown). Particularly suitable is a series resistor of 330 Ohm. The voltage regulating unit 120b adjusts the output voltage downward by 10%, preferably 25%, preferably at least 33%, and particularly preferably at least 45%. The voltage regulating unit 120b continuously adjusts the signal voltage to 8V. The receiving circuit 90b of the signal output unit 30b is configured to convert the signal voltage into a parameter that can be processed by the control and / or regulation unit 24b of the battery pack 10b, in particular a "logic 1", for example, into 3.3V. The receiving circuit 90b has a semiconductor switch 86b for conversion.

[0080] The signal output unit 32b of the electrical load 14b has a switch 122b which is provided for disconnecting at least the energy storage device 70b of the battery pack 10b from the signal output unit 32b of the electrical load 14b and the signal output unit 30b of the battery pack 10b.

Claims

1. A battery pack (10a; 10b), the battery pack having at least one connection interface (20a; 20b), the connection interface being used to connect to an electrical appliance (14a; 14b), in particular an electric hand tool (16a; 16b) and / or a charging device, the battery pack having a signal output unit (30a; 30b), the signal output unit being configured to output at least one analog signal and at least one digital signal via at least one identical signal connection portion (34a; 34b) of the connection interface (20a; 20b), characterized in that: The signal output unit (30a; 30b) has at least one circuit (42a; 42b) which is configured to switch between a digital operating mode of the signal output unit (30a; 30b) and an analog operating mode of the signal output unit (30a; 30b).

2. The battery pack (10a; 10b) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circuit (42a; 42b) is configured to electrically isolate an analog signal output element (40a; 40b) of the signal output unit (30a; 30b) from a signal connection (34a; 34b) in a digital operating mode of the signal output unit (30a; 30b).

3. The battery pack (10a; 10b) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The circuit (42a; 42b) is configured to electrically isolate a digital signal output element (36a; 36b) of the signal output unit (30a; 30b) from a signal connection portion (34a; 34b) in an analog operating mode of the signal output unit (30a; 30b).

4. The battery pack (10a; 10b) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 or 3, characterized in that The circuit (42a; 42b) comprises at least one first switching element (46a; 46b) for electrical isolation of a digital signal output element (36a; 36b) and at least one further switching element (48a; 48b) for electrical isolation of an analog signal output element (40a; 40b).

5. The battery pack (10a; 10b) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The switch element (46a; 46b) is configured to electrically isolate a current conduction path of a digital signal output element (36a; 36b) from a ground (50a; 50b) of a battery pack (10a; 10b) in an analog operating mode of the signal output unit (30a; 30b).

6. The battery pack (10a; 10b) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The signal output unit (30a; 30b) has at least one activation unit (60a; 60b), which is configured to switch from an analog operating mode to a digital operating mode, in particular to switch at least one first switching element (46a; 46b) and at least one further switching element (48a; 48b), when an activation signal, in particular a digital activation signal, is detected and / or recognized.

7. A battery pack (10a; 10b) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that At least one energy storage device (70a; 70b) is provided, which is configured at least to provide useful energy for operating an electrical load (14a; 14b) and to provide a signal voltage for a signal output unit (30a; 30b) for a digital operating mode.

8. The battery pack (10b) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The signal output unit (30b) has at least one voltage regulating unit (120b) which is configured to stabilize and / or regulate the signal voltage, in particular to regulate it downward to a constant value which is less than the output voltage of the energy storage device (70b).

9. The battery pack (10a; 10b) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The signal output unit (30a; 30b) has at least one voltage divider (80a; 80b), which is configured to compensate for a ground offset between the battery pack (10a; 10b) and the electrical load (14a; 14b), and / or the charging device.

10. A system (12a; 12b), comprising a battery pack (10a; 10b) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and an electrical consumer (14a; 14b) and / or a charging device, wherein the electrical consumer and / or the charging device respectively have at least one connection interface (22a; 22b) and at least one signal output unit (30a; 30b), the connection interface being used for connection to the battery pack (10a; 10b), and the at least one signal output unit being configured to output at least an analog signal via a signal connection portion (34a; 34b) of the battery pack (10a; 10b) via the connection interface (22a; 22b).

11. A method (150a; 150b) for operating a battery (10a; 10b) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: In at least one method step, a switch is performed between an analog operating mode and a digital operating mode.

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