Optimized charging routine for battery

Abstract

The invention relates to a system comprising a charging device and at least one battery which can be charged by the charging device and which comprises at least one energy storage element, the charging device comprising a control unit, the control unit is used for controlling a charging process of the storage battery and for setting the charging process to at least one first charging setting or a second charging setting. In order to detect at least one first physical duration and one second physical duration, at least one real-time clock is provided, the at least one real-time clock is equipped to transmit at least one signal to the control unit after at least the first physical duration has elapsed in order to set the charging process from a first charging state to a second charging state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a system comprising a charging device and at least one storage battery which can be charged by the charging device and has at least one energy storage element, wherein the charging device comprises a control unit for controlling a charging process of the storage battery and for setting the charging process to at least a first charging setting or a second charging setting.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a charging device for use in the system according to the invention.

[0003] In addition, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a system, the system comprising a charging device and at least one storage battery, which can be charged by the charging device and has at least one energy storage element, wherein the charging device comprises a control unit for controlling a charging process of the storage battery and for setting the charging process to at least a first charging setting or a second charging setting. Background Art

[0004] Batteries are widely known in the prior art as energy supplies for power tools. These 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.

[0005] In order to load or charge the battery with electrical energy, the battery is usually connected to a charging device (also called a charger) which conducts the electrical energy according to a predetermined charging profile (also called a charging mode) with defined parameters for the actual charging process at the individual energy storage cells of the battery.

[0006] The charging process starts immediately, regardless of whether the internal or external conditions are ideal or even just adequate (too hot or too cold). Charging as fast as possible (maximum energy in the shortest possible time) accelerates the aging process and permanently damages the battery. Summary of the invention

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] This object is likewise achieved by the subject-matter of claims 1, 7 and 8. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0009] The object is achieved in particular by a system comprising a charging device and at least one battery, which can be charged by the charging device and has at least one energy storage element, wherein the charging device comprises a control unit for controlling the charging process of the battery and for setting the charging process to at least a first charging setting or a second charging setting.

[0010] According to the invention, it is proposed to include at least one real-time clock for detecting at least a first and a second physical time period, and the at least one real-time clock is designed to send at least one signal to the control unit after at least the first physical time period has elapsed, for setting the charging process from the first charging setting to the second charging setting.

[0011] In this context, time period means measuring or detecting real time or time of day and real date, i.e. time of day with hours, minutes and seconds and calendar date or weekday. Real time clock can be used to measure or detect real time, i.e. hours, minutes and seconds. In addition, real time clock can measure or detect real date, i.e. day, week, month and year.

[0012] According to an advantageous exemplary embodiment, it is possible to include at least one photodetector for detecting at least one radiation value and to send at least one signal to the control unit depending on at least one detected radiation value. The expression "detecting at least one radiation value" may mean the brightness or amount of light of or in a space, a room, etc. This makes it easy to determine whether it is day or night, or whether a room is illuminated by artificial light.

[0013] According to another advantageous exemplary embodiment, it is possible to include at least one sound transducer for detecting at least one sound value and to send at least one signal to the control unit depending on at least one detected sound value. This makes it easy to determine whether construction or activities are taking place in the vicinity.

[0014] According to an advantageous exemplary embodiment, it is possible to include at least one temperature sensor for detecting at least one temperature value and to send at least one signal to the control unit depending on at least one detected temperature value. This makes it easy to determine whether a room is heated or whether it is nighttime.

[0015] According to another advantageous exemplary embodiment, it is possible to include at least one acceleration sensor for detecting at least one acceleration value and to send at least one signal to the control unit depending on at least one detected acceleration value. This enables the detection of vibrations or shocks caused by steps, work or other activities.

[0016] According to an advantageous exemplary embodiment, it is possible that the charging device comprises the at least one photodetector, acoustic transducer, temperature sensor and / or acceleration sensor.

[0017] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a charging device for use in the system according to the invention.

[0018] Furthermore, the object can be achieved by a method for controlling a system, the system comprising a charging device and at least one storage battery, the at least one storage battery being chargeable by the charging device and having at least one energy storage element, wherein the charging device comprises a control unit for controlling a charging process of the storage battery and for setting the charging process to at least a first charging setting or a second charging setting.

[0019] According to the present invention, the following method steps are involved:

[0020] - detecting at least one first physical time period and a second physical time period by at least one real time clock;

[0021] - sending at least one signal from the real time clock to the control unit after at least the first physical time period has elapsed; and

[0022] - setting the charging process from the first charging setting to the second charging setting.

[0023] The first physical time period and the second physical time period can be understood as the first time and the second time. Here, the difference between the first time period and the second time period can be several minutes or hours.

[0024] The charge setting may be the amount of electrical energy transferred from the charging device to the battery during the charging process.

[0025] In addition, the charging setting may also be a value of current intensity and / or current voltage for the charging process.

[0026] Furthermore, the charging setting may also be a charge value which the charging device delivers to the battery for the charging process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Further advantages can be found in the following description of the drawings. Particularly preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description and the claims include many combined features. Those skilled in the art will also conveniently consider these features individually and combine these features to form other reasonable combinations.

[0028] In the accompanying drawings, the same and similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0029] In the attached picture:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a side view of a system according to the present invention, the system consisting of a power tool and a battery;

[0031] Figure 2 shows a side view of a battery; and

[0032] Figure 3 A side view of a charging device according to the invention and a battery connected to the charging device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figure 1 A system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, which is formed by a power tool 2 and a battery 3. The battery 3 is removably connectable to the power tool 2 in order to supply the power tool 2 with electrical energy.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the power tool 2 is configured as a power drill. Alternatively, the power tool may also be configured as a power drill, a saw, a grinder, and the like.

[0035] like Figure 1 The indicated power tool 2 configured as a power drill substantially comprises a power tool housing 4 having a tool accessory 5 and a handle 6 .

[0036] The tool accessory 5 is used to receive and hold a tool 7. In the current exemplary embodiment, the tool 7 is a drill bit. Alternatively, the tool 7 can also be configured as a screwdriver bit.

[0037] In particular, a drive 8 , a transmission 9 , an output shaft 10 and a control unit 11 are arranged inside the power tool housing 4 .

[0038] The driver 8 is configured as, for example, a brushless electric motor and is used to generate torque.

[0039] The control unit 11 controls the functions and behavior of the power tool 2 , in particular the drive 8 , ie the rotation direction and speed of the drive 8 , in closed-loop and open-loop manner.

[0040] The handle 6 in turn comprises an activation switch 12 , an upper end 6a and a lower end 6b . The activation switch 12 is connected to a control unit such that actuation of the activation switch 12 causes activation of the driver 8 or power tool 2 .

[0041] Also like Figure 1 As shown, the driver 8, the transmission 9, the output shaft 10 and the tool accessory 5 are arranged relative to each other so that the torque generated by the driver 8 can be transmitted to the tool accessory 5 via the transmission 9 and the output shaft 10. The torque generated by the driver 8 is finally transmitted to the tool 7 through the tool accessory 5.

[0042] Furthermore, the power tool housing 4 has an upper side 4 a , a lower side 4 b , a front end 4 c , and a rear end 4 d .

[0043] The tool accessory 5 is positioned at the front end 4c. The upper end 6a of the handle 6 is secured to the underside 4b of the power tool housing 4 near the rear end 4d. The power tool interface 13 is positioned at the lower end 6b of the handle 6.

[0044] The power tool interface 13 is used to releasably connect the power tool 2 to the battery 3 .

[0045] According to an alternative exemplary embodiment (not shown in the figures), the power tool 2 can also be configured such that it is connected to more than one battery 3 as energy source.

[0046] The battery 3 described in the exemplary embodiment can be used in particular as an energy storage device or electrical energy source for the power tool 2. The battery 3 here essentially comprises a battery housing 14, a plurality of energy storage cells 15, a storage device 16, a battery interface 17 and a control device 18. The energy storage cells 15 can also be referred to as rechargeable cells.

[0047] The storage device 16 is positioned within the interior of the battery housing 14 and is used to store and provide data and information.

[0048] The battery interface 17 is used to electrically or electronically connect the battery 3 to the power tool 2 by means of the power tool interface 13. For this purpose, the battery interface 17 comprises a positive contact P, a negative contact M and a communication contact K.

[0049] The positive contact P and the negative contact M serve to transfer electrical energy from the energy storage cells 15 of the battery 3 to consumers (in particular drives) of the machine tool 2 .

[0050] The communication contacts K are in turn used for communication between the control device 18 of the battery 3 and the control unit 11 of the power tool 2. For the communication between the battery 3 and the power tool 2, data and information are exchanged in the form of data.

[0051] The energy storage cell 15 is used to receive, store and re-deliver electrical energy. As indicated in the drawings, the energy storage cell 15 is cylindrical and is configured based on lithium-ion technology.

[0052] Alternatively, the energy storage cell 15 can also be based on another suitable technology. The cylindrical shape of the energy storage cell 15 is also optional, so that any other suitable shape or geometric structure can also be selected. For example, in particular, the energy storage cell 15 can also be implemented as a pouch cell.

[0053] For releasably mechanically coupling the battery 3 to the power tool 2 , the system 1 comprises a rail device 19 .

[0054] As indicated in the drawings, the rail device 19 is positioned between the battery interface 17 and the power tool interface 13, so that the battery 3 can slide along the rail device 19 and slide onto the power tool 2 in the arrow direction C and can be removed (slid off) from the power tool 2 again in the arrow direction D. If the battery 3 is connected to the power tool 2 by means of the rail device 19, the positive contact P, the negative contact M and the communication contact K of the battery 3 are in contact with the corresponding positive contact P, the negative contact M and the communication contact K of the power tool 2. Electrical energy and electrical signals can then reach the power tool 2 from the battery 3.

[0055] A locking device (not shown in the figures) is used to removably connect the battery 3 to the power tool 2 .

[0056] Figure 3 The system 1 is shown with a charging device 20 which is releasably connectable to the accumulator 3 for charging the accumulator 3 with electrical energy.

[0057] The charging device 20 basically includes a charger housing 21, a charger interface 22, a control and display device 23, a controller 24, a real-time clock 25, a photodetector 26, an acoustic transducer 27, a temperature sensor 28, a battery 29, a memory 30, a charge measuring device 31 and an acceleration sensor 32.

[0058] The charger housing 21 basically includes an upper side 21 a , a lower side 21 b , two side walls, a front side 21 c , and a rear side 21 d . Figure 3 The two side walls are not shown in FIG. Controller 24 , real time clock 25 , battery 29 , memory 30 , charge measurement device 31 and acceleration sensor 32 are positioned within charger housing 21 .

[0059] The photodetector 26, the acoustic transducer 27 and the temperature sensor 28 are positioned on the front side of the charger housing 21. The photodetector 26 is positioned on the front side 21c of the charger housing 21 in such a manner that the brightness of ambient light or light near the charging device 20 can be detected.

[0060] Furthermore, the sound transducer 27 is positioned on the front side 21 c of the charger housing 21 in such a way that sound or noise in the vicinity of the charging device 20 can be detected.

[0061] In addition, a temperature sensor 28 is positioned on the front side 21 c of the charger housing 21 in such a manner that the temperature in the vicinity of the charging device 20 can be detected.

[0062] The control and display unit 23 is positioned on the rear side 21 d of the charger housing 21 , and is used to input commands or instructions into the controller 24 and to display information.

[0063] A first end of the power cable 33 is arranged at the rear portion 21d of the charger housing 21. A plug 34 is provided at a second end of the power cable 33 and can be releasably connected to a socket (not shown). The power cable 33 is used to transmit power from the socket to the charging device 20.

[0064] The charging interface 22 is positioned on the upper side 21a of the charger housing 21 and is used for the releasable connection of the charging device 20 to the battery interface 17 of the battery 3. Figure 3 As indicated, the charger interface 22 and the battery interface 3 both include a positive contact P, a negative contact M, and a communication contact K. When the battery interface 17 is connected to the charger interface 22, the positive contact P of the battery interface 17 is connected to the positive contact P of the charger interface 22, the negative contact M of the battery interface 17 is connected to the negative contact M of the charger interface 22, and the communication contact K of the battery interface 17 is connected to the communication contact K of the charger interface 22. The positive contact P and the negative contact M can be used to transfer electrical energy from the charging device 20 to the battery 3. Data and information can be exchanged in the form of electrical signals between the battery 3 and the charging device 20 via the communication contact K. The positive contact P, the negative contact M, and the communication contact K of the battery interface 17 are connected to the control unit 18 of the battery 3. Accordingly, the positive contact P, the negative contact M, and the communication contact K of the charger interface 22 are connected to the controller 24 of the charging device 20.

[0065] The real-time clock 25 is used to detect a physical time period or to detect the current (ie, local) time, and is connected to the controller 24 and the memory 30. The term "local time" refers to the time at the location of the charging device 20, i.e., Central European Time (CET) at a location in Germany, for example. Alternatively, a different time, such as Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), may also be used for the real-time clock 25.

[0066] By means of the real time clock 25, the controller 24 can control the timing of the charging process of the battery 3, ie the charging of the battery 3 connected to the charging device 20. In other words: the charging process can be started at certain times, interrupted temporarily or stopped permanently.

[0067] like Figure 3 As indicated, the battery 29 is connected to the real-time clock 25 in such a way that when the charging device 20 is not connected to a socket via the power cable 33, the real-time clock is supplied with electrical energy from the battery 29. The battery 29 is designed as a rechargeable battery (i.e., a secondary battery or storage battery). With the help of the battery 29, the real-time clock 25 can remain functional and record the time even if no power is available via the power cable 33.

[0068] Furthermore, a charging unit 35 is provided within the charging housing 21 and is connected to the battery 29 and the power cable 33. The charging unit 35 may be used to charge the battery 29 with electric energy from a socket via the power cable 33.

[0069] In order to perform the charging process taking into account the real time detected by the real time clock 25, the charging device 20 starts the charging process of the storage battery 3 according to the method of the present invention at a first time (for example at 17:00). After a period of, for example, 30 minutes has passed (i.e., when the real time clock 25 detects a time of 17:30), the charging process is stopped so that additional electrical energy is supplied from the charging device 20 to the connected storage battery 3. In order to interrupt the charging process, the real time clock 25 sends a corresponding signal to the controller 24, as a result of which additional electrical energy is not supplied from the charging device 20 to the storage battery 3.

[0070] When the real-time clock 25 detects the time of 07:00 (i.e., 13 hours and 30 minutes after the charging process has been interrupted), the charging process is continued with the battery 3 still connected. The charging process can continue until a predetermined amount of charge is reached. The amount of charge reaching the battery 3 from the charging device 20 is detected by the charge measuring device 31 and transmitted to the controller. Instead of or in addition to detecting the amount of charge by the charge measuring device 31, the charge reaching the battery 3 from the charging device 20 during the charging process can also be detected by a measuring device that is part of the battery 3. The measuring device for detecting the amount of charge as part of the battery 3 is not shown in the figure.

[0071] The charging process can also be influenced by means of the photodetector 26 , the acoustic transducer 27 , the temperature sensor 28 and the acceleration sensor 32 .

[0072] The photodetector 26 detects light conditions near the charging device 20. If the photodetector 26 detects a brightness value having a certain threshold, the data stored in the memory 30 can be used to determine whether it is dark near the charging device 20. For example, this makes it possible to conclude that it is nighttime and / or the lighting is no longer in use. Therefore, it is possible that, due to these circumstances, there is no longer a user near the charging device 20 or the battery 3, and the battery 3 is not expected to be used in the near future. Due to the expected relatively long period of non-use of the battery 3, the charging process may be interrupted. Once the photodetector 26 detects a brightness value having a certain threshold again, the charging process can be resumed.

[0073] The acoustic transducer 27 detects noise near the charging device 20, and thus can determine whether there is no noise near the charging device 20. In the case of a noiseless or almost noiseless environment, it can be assumed that there is no longer a user near the charging device 20 or the battery 3, and the battery 3 is not expected to be used in the near future. Due to the expected relatively long period of non-use of the battery 3, the charging process may be interrupted. Once noise is detected again, the charging process can be resumed.

[0074] The temperature sensor 28 detects the temperature in the vicinity of the charging device 20. By comparing the detected temperature with a temperature threshold stored in the memory 30, it can be determined whether the environment of the charging device 20 is cold. It can therefore be assumed that the heating system in the vicinity of the charging device 20 has been deactivated. This can be done overnight, for example, in order to save energy and costs. Due to the unheated environment, it can be assumed that there is no longer a user in the vicinity of the charging device 20 or the battery 3, and that the battery 3 is not expected to be used in the near future. Due to the expected relatively long period of non-use of the battery 3, the charging process may be interrupted. As soon as the temperature sensor 28 detects a temperature with a certain threshold again, the charging process can be resumed.

[0075] The acceleration sensor 32 detects shocks in the form of vibrations or accelerations. If no vibrations or accelerations are detected that are caused by steps or work processes taken by the expected user of the battery 3, it can be assumed that there is no longer a user near the charging device 20 or the battery 3 and that the battery 3 is not expected to be used in the near future. Due to the expected relatively long period of non-use of the battery 3, the charging process may be interrupted. As soon as the acceleration sensor 32 detects shocks in the form of vibrations or accelerations again, the charging process can be resumed.

[0076] List of Reference Numerals

[0077] 1 System

[0078] 2 Power Tools

[0079] 3. Battery

[0080] 4Power tool housing

[0081] 4a Upper side of the power tool housing

[0082] 4b Underside of the power tool housing

[0083] 4c Front end of the power tool housing

[0084] 4d Rear end of the power tool housing

[0085] 5. Tool accessories

[0086] 6 handles

[0087] 6a Upper end of the handle

[0088] 6b Lower end of handle

[0089] 7 Tools

[0090] 8 Drivers

[0091] 9 Transmission

[0092] 10 Output shaft

[0093] 11 Control Unit

[0094] 12 Actuation switch

[0095] 13 Power tool interface

[0096] 14 Battery housing

[0097] 15 Energy storage cells

[0098] 16 Storage Devices

[0099] 17 Battery interface

[0100] 18 Control Devices

[0101] 19 Track equipment

[0102] 20 Charging equipment

[0103] 21 Charger housing

[0104] 21a Upper side of charger housing

[0105] 21b Underside of charger housing

[0106] 21c Front side of charger housing

[0107] 21d Rear side of charger housing

[0108] 22 Charger port

[0109] 23 Control and display equipment

[0110] 24 Controller for charging equipment

[0111] 25 Real-time clock

[0112] 26 Photodetector

[0113] 27 Acoustic transducer

[0114] 28 Temperature Sensor

[0115] 29 Batteries

[0116] 30 Memory

[0117] 31 Charge measurement device

[0118] 32 Acceleration sensor

[0119] 33 Power Cable

[0120] 34 Plug

[0121] 35 Charging Unit

[0122] P positive contact

[0123] M negative contact

[0124] K communication contact

Claims

1. A system (1) comprising a charging device (20) and at least one storage battery (3) which can be charged by the charging device (20) and has at least one energy storage element (15), wherein: The charging device (20) contains a control unit (11) for controlling the charging process of the battery (3) and for setting the charging process to at least a first charging setting or a second charging setting. The invention is characterized in that it contains at least one real-time clock (25) for detecting at least a first physical time period and a second physical time period, and the at least one real-time clock is designed to send at least one signal to a control unit (11) after at least the first physical time period has passed, so as to set the charging process from the first charging setting to the second charging setting.

2. The system (1) as claimed in claim 1, It is characterized in that At least one photodetector (26) is included for detecting at least one radiation value and for sending at least one signal to the control unit (11) depending on the at least one detected radiation value.

3. The system (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that At least one sound transducer (27) is included for detecting at least one sound value and for sending at least one signal to the control unit (11) depending on the at least one detected sound value.

4. The system (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that At least one temperature sensor (28) is included for detecting at least one temperature value and for sending at least one signal to the control unit (11) depending on the at least one detected temperature value.

5. System (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that At least one acceleration sensor (32) is included for detecting at least one acceleration value and for sending at least one signal to the control unit (11) depending on the at least one detected acceleration value.

6. System (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, It is characterized in that The charging device (20) comprises the at least one photodetector (26), an acoustic transducer (27), a temperature sensor (28) and / or an acceleration sensor (32).

7. A charging device (20) for use in a system (1) as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A method for controlling a system (1), the system comprising a charging device (20) and at least one storage battery (3), the at least one storage battery being chargeable by the charging device (20) and having at least one energy storage element (15), wherein: The charging device (20) contains a control unit (11) for controlling the charging process of the storage battery (3) and for setting the charging process to at least a first charging setting or a second charging setting. The method is characterized by the following steps: - detecting at least one first physical time period and a second physical time period by means of at least one real-time clock (25); - sending at least one signal from the real-time clock (25) to the control unit (11) after at least the first physical time period has elapsed; and - setting the charging process from the first charging setting to the second charging setting.

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