Reusable protective device for protecting a rechargeable battery and operating method for such a protective device

Abstract

The invention relates to a reusable protection device (V) for protecting a rechargeable battery (10) from overheating when charged by a charger (12). The protection device comprises a first housing element (3) having an electrical circuit (B) with an electrical first switch (4); a second housing element (1) rotatably connected to the first housing element, the two housing elements being rotatable between a closed position and an open position. Furthermore, a strap (9) is provided, one end of which can be fastened to the first housing element and which can be retained in a guided manner in the second housing element, such that a ring (9a) is formed between the strap and the battery side, in which ring the battery to be charged can be securely fastened. The first switch is closed only in the closed position such that a current circuit for charging the battery can be closed. When the actual volume of the battery exceeds the rated volume of the battery, the current circuit can be interrupted, and the second housing element can be rotated by means of a torque which is caused by the battery that expands due to the increase in volume and which acts on the second housing element by means of a belt that is tensioned and locked.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a reusable protective device for protecting a rechargeable battery, according to the respective independent claims, and a method of operating such a protective device. Background Technology

[0002] Rechargeable batteries are known. They can be obtained in a variety of different implementations. Here, shape and size can vary greatly depending on the application. Furthermore, these batteries differ in their electrical properties, such as charging time, energy density, and efficiency. These properties depend on the materials used. The most well-known batteries include lithium-ion batteries, which can be further subdivided into, for example, lithium polymer batteries (LiPo) and lithium manganese batteries (LiMn).

[0003] Typically, the charging process can present problems for batteries due to the heat generated by the energy input. This can lead to overheating of the battery cells, or, in the case of LiPo batteries, cell "swelling," especially when such cells are damaged, due to overload or complete discharge during discharge. In the worst-case scenario, this could result in battery cell explosion or fire, which must, of course, be prevented under all circumstances to avoid potential danger to the user and damage to the battery.

[0004] Therefore, protection schemes have been developed for different battery types. While sophisticated computer-aided protection systems with intelligent charging cycles have been developed for larger batteries, such as those used in electric vehicles, these schemes cannot be used for smaller batteries, such as those commonly found in remote-controlled model airplanes, because these protection systems are too large, too heavy, and too expensive.

[0005] Solutions have also been developed for such "small-size" applications. For example, for LiPo batteries, there are devices that interrupt the charging current by breaking the current circuit through a metal strip as the battery expands. The drawback of this solution is that the protection device can only be used once. Other solutions, especially in model-built vehicles where weight is not a significant factor, use rigid-cased batteries, where the expansion problem is less pronounced. Using fewer battery cells, such as in applications involving children, also minimizes the problem. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved protection device, particularly a reusable protection device.

[0007] This objective is achieved in a first aspect of the invention by a reusable protective device for protecting a rechargeable battery from overheating during charging with a charger. The protective device has electrical terminals such that the same terminals of the battery and the charger are connected to the protective device. The protective device further includes: a first housing element having a circuit with a first electrical switch; and a second housing element rotatably connected to the first housing element by means of a first rotary joint disposed on the battery side of the first housing element, wherein the two housing elements are rotatable between a closed position and an open position, in which the two housing elements are abutting each other, and wherein the housing elements are held in the closed position by means of a restraining force caused by a restraining device. Finally, the protective device includes a belt, one end of which is fixable to the first housing element, and the other end is guideably held in the second housing element such that a loop is formed between the belt and the battery side, in which the battery to be charged can be accommodated. The belt can be tensioned and stopped in the second housing element, such that the battery is securely fixed to the battery side of the first housing element.

[0008] The first switch is open in the stationary state and closed only in the closed position. By closing the first switch, the charger's terminal is electrically connected to the same terminal of the battery, so that the current loop for charging the battery can be closed when the battery is connected to the charger as specified.

[0009] When the actual volume of the battery exceeds its rated volume during continuous charging of the fixed battery, the current circuit can be interrupted. The second housing element can rotate around the first rotary joint by means of the torque caused by the battery expanding due to the increased volume and acting on the second housing element through the tensioned and stopped belt, thereby overcoming the constraint force. As a result, the housing element can be moved from a closed position to one of the open positions, and thus the first switch can be turned on.

[0010] This objective is achieved in a second aspect of the invention, alternative to the first aspect, by a reusable protective device for protecting a rechargeable battery from overheating during charging with a charger. The protective device has electrical terminals such that the same terminals of the battery and the charger are connected to the protective device. The protective device further includes: a first housing element having a circuit having a first electrical switch and a circuit breaker connected in series with the first switch; and a second housing element rotatably connected to the first housing element by means of a first rotary joint arranged on the battery side of the first housing element, wherein the two housing elements are rotatable between a closed position and an open position, in which the two housing elements are abutting each other, and wherein the housing elements are held in the closed position by means of a restraining force caused by a restraining device. Finally, the protective device includes a belt, one end of which can be fixed to the first housing element, and the other end is guideably held in the second housing element such that a loop is formed between the belt and the battery side, in which the battery to be charged can be accommodated. The belt can be tensioned and stopped in the second housing element, such that the battery is securely fixed to the battery side of the first housing element.

[0011] The first switch is open in the stationary state and closes only in the closed position of the housing element. The circuit breaker is conductive in the stationary state regardless of the position of the housing element, such that when the first switch is closed and the circuit breaker is conductive, the charger's poles can be electrically connected to the same poles of the battery, so that when the battery is connected to the charger as specified, the current loop for charging the battery can be closed.

[0012] The current loop can be interrupted under the following conditions during continuous charging of a fixed battery:

[0013] The rated volume of the battery exceeds its actual volume. The second housing element, by means of the torque caused by the expansion of the battery due to the increased volume and acting on the second housing element via a tensioned and stopped belt, can rotate about the first rotary joint against constraints. This allows the housing element to move from a closed position to one of the open positions, and thus the switch can be opened to interrupt the current circuit, and / or

[0014] If the maximum permissible temperature of the battery during charging is exceeded, the current loop can be interrupted by means of a circuit breaker.

[0015] A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for protecting a rechargeable battery from overheating during charging by means of a protection device according to the first or second aspect. The method includes the following steps:

[0016] a) Connect one terminal of the battery to the first terminal of the protection device, and connect the same terminal of the charger to the second terminal of the protection device.

[0017] b) Introduce the battery into the loop.

[0018] c) A tensioning band is used to bring the housing element to a closed position by pulling the band away from the second housing element and towards the first housing element, thereby securely fixing the battery to the battery side of the first housing element.

[0019] d) When the housing element is brought to the closed position, the stop band, and

[0020] e) Connect the other terminal of the battery directly to the same other terminal of the charger.

[0021] The advantage of this invention is that it generally provides a reusable solution for protecting batteries. This is achieved in a first variant of the device by interrupting the current circuit for charging when the battery expands (which is particularly likely to occur in LiPo batteries due to overheating), by rotating the housing element to the open position. Thus, the device can be easily returned to the closed position of the housing element for the next use. No maintenance is required.

[0022] Another advantage is that batteries of different sizes are possible because the device has a special construction with a ring that can be adapted to fit the size of the battery and securely enclose it.

[0023] The device in the second variant according to the invention has the advantages already mentioned compared to the first option. Furthermore, the second option offers the advantage that overheat protection can be performed directly through temperature monitoring, thus also protecting batteries of the type that do not expand when overheated. Therefore, in the combination of the first and second options, the protection device takes into account a wide range of battery types.

[0024] The method demonstrates that the device can be prepared with minimal steps and a small cost by essentially simply clamping the battery in a ring and closing the housing components. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Other embodiments, advantages, and applications of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 A side view of the arrangement for charging the battery is shown, including a protective device according to the invention in a first open intermediate position.

[0027] Figure 2 A side view of an arrangement for charging a storage battery is shown, including a protective device according to the invention in a closed position.

[0028] Figure 3A side view of the arrangement for charging the battery is shown, including a protective device according to the invention in a second open position.

[0029] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 Side view of the first housing element of the protective device.

[0030] Figure 5 and Figure 6 They are shown respectively Figure 1 Side view of component A in detail, and

[0031] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 Side view of the second housing element of the protective device. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Throughout this text, for simplicity, rechargeable batteries will be referred to as storage batteries or storage battery units, etc.

[0033] Figure 1 An arrangement for charging a storage battery 10 is shown, which has a protection device V according to the invention. The arrangement also includes a charger 12. The charger 12 is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the storage battery 10.

[0034] The protective device V includes a first housing component 3 and a second housing component 1, which are connected by a first rotary joint 1a ( Figure 4 7) They are rotatably connected to each other. In this figure, the battery to be charged is not yet inserted, and the first housing component and the second housing component are in the first open position, also known as the intermediate position. In this state, the battery cannot be charged.

[0035] In addition, the figure shows two detailed diagrams, A and B, which will be described in detail later. Detailed diagram A shows the components of the second housing element 1, and detailed diagram B shows the components of the circuitry used for charging / interrupting charging of the battery.

[0036] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The protective device is installed, but the battery is already in place. Here, the first and second housing components are in the closed position, allowing the battery to be charged.

[0037] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The protective device in the battery operates under fault conditions, where the battery expands and the protective device functions to cut off the charging circuit (hereinafter also referred to as the current circuit). When charging is interrupted, the two housing elements move from their adjacent closed positions to the open positions.

[0038] Now using Figures 4 to 7 Detailed description Figures 1 to 3 The individual components are described first. Then, any interactions between the components and other components are described.

[0039] Figure 4 The carrier 1 of the second housing element is shown, which is fixed to the first housing element 3 by means of a first rotary joint. The first side 1c of the carrier is adjacent to the first side 3b of the first housing element in the closed position. Figure 7 Furthermore, in any open position, it is not adjacent to the first side of the first housing element. In this context, it should be noted that due to rotation about the first rotary joint 1a, there are multiple open positions depending on the degree of rotation of the housing element about the first rotary joint. Therefore, throughout this document, the plural form of open positions is used.

[0040] The carrier 1 of the second housing element includes a locking pin 7 that protrudes from the first side 1c so far that its free end is located in the recess 5a in the first housing element in the closed position. Figure 3 )middle.

[0041] Figure 5 A guide element 2 is shown, which is rotatably fixed relative to the carrier 1 of the second housing element by means of a second rotary joint 1b. Preferably, the carrier includes a side lug, in which a hinge joint is held as a second rotary joint. The first side of the guide element 2 faces the first side of the first housing element (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 1 It is formed by a first facial segment 2a and a second facial segment 2b. These two facial segments are not located in the same plane.

[0042] In addition, the first magnet 6.1 of the restraint device is shown.

[0043] Figure 6 The clamping rod 8 of the second housing element is shown, which is rotatably supported in the belt guide element 2 by means of a third rotary joint 1c and is used for stopping the belt 9. Figures 1 to 3 The clamping rod includes a second magnet 6.2, which is arranged such that the second magnet of the clamping rod 8 attracts the first magnet 6.1 with a guiding element.

[0044] In summary, the guide element 2 is rotatably supported in the carrier 1, and the clamping rod 8 is rotatably supported in the guide element 2. These two rotational movements can be performed independently of each other, as illustrated by two independent rotary joints 1b and 1c. However, a single rotary joint, also designed as a hinge, is preferred, which reduces complexity and material consumption. Here, the guide element is held between the lugs of the carrier, and the clamping rod is held between the other lugs of the guide element.

[0045] Figure 7The first housing element 3 is shown. As described above, it is designed to connect to the second housing element via a first rotary joint 1a. It has... Figure 4 The first side 3b and the other battery side 3a are mentioned in the context. Furthermore, a second first magnet 6 is provided on the first side 3b. Inside the first housing component, [the following is shown] Figure 1 The circuit in detail B is responsible for establishing or interrupting the current loop required to charge the battery.

[0046] The circuit includes a switch (microswitch) 4. When switch 4 is closed, it connects the positive terminal of charger 12 to the battery to be charged, which is electrically connected to the device via a first charging cable 11a. The device is then connected to the positive terminal of the battery via a second charging cable 11b. As described above, the negative terminals of the charger and the battery are directly connected via a third charging cable 11c. If switch 4 is open, no current flows, and the charging process is interrupted. Furthermore, an overcurrent protector 13 is included in the circuit. Finally, the circuit has a button 5 that can be operated by the user to protect the device. Button 5 is designed to contact switch 4 and be able to place it in the closed position.

[0047] In addition, the circuit also includes a circuit breaker line 14, which is preferably designed as a bimetallic switch.

[0048] The functions of the protection device V, which has already been described, will be explained below.

[0049] First, let's explain how to secure the battery. Figure 1 In the diagram, the battery is shown outside the loop formed by band 9. In this configuration, the battery cannot be charged because switch 4 is open. This is intentional to prevent the battery from bypassing the protection function for charging. Figure 2 This shows the battery being held in the ring and charging (switch 4 closed). To do this, the battery is introduced into the ring, and at the free end 9a ( Figure 1The method involves pulling the strap substantially to the right while pressing the clamping lever 8, and releasing it after tightening. Tightening the strap causes the second housing element 1 to rotate toward the first housing element and tend to occupy the closed position, as the free end of the pulled strap generates a torque relative to the first rotary joint 1a. In this state, the housing component is in the open intermediate position, with the clamping lever abutting against button 5. To occupy the closed position, simply press button 5 (whose function and design will be described later), which causes the housing component to spring into the closed position due to the mutual attraction of magnets 6 and 6.1. However, the strap 9 can also be pulled simultaneously. This brings the housing element into the closed position, where the battery is securely held in the ring. "Securely" in this context means that the battery is essentially without gaps and force-locked in place because it is pressed against the first housing element at the previously mentioned battery side 3a (also called the rotary joint side). Figure 7 The protective device is preferably designed such that the battery can only be secured (tightened) in the closed position of the housing element. Thus, during the intended use of the protective device, it is ensured that the battery can only be charged when it is securely tightened. Of course, the protective device is designed such that at least one charging cable 11a, 11b, 11c is used to close the current loop for charging the battery, and can only be connected after the battery has been stopped / secured in the closed position of the housing element. For example, charging cable 11b may be provided with a pin that inserts into the device, such as... Figure 1 The circle at the end of the charging cable is shown. In the closed position of the housing element, the belt is stopped in the belt guide element by means of the clamping rod.

[0050] The process of removing the battery or interrupting charging due to a malfunction will now be described.

[0051] As described above, when the housing element moves from the closed position to the open position, the current circuit is interrupted. This can be intentional when the battery is fully charged, or it can occur automatically in the event of a fault. The user can achieve this by simply pulling the second housing element away from the first housing element. Preferably, the second housing element rotates from the closed position to the immediately following open position, causing the strap to loosen slightly, i.e., the loop enlarges, to facilitate the intentional removal of the charged battery, as the user can grasp the loop in this manner and further loosen it. (Reference) Figure 5 The belt is guided in the belt guide element 2 such that rotation of the belt guide element oriented the first face segment 2a parallel to the first side 3b of the first housing element corresponds to an increase in the ring size, and rotation of the belt guide element oriented the second face segment 2b parallel to the first side of the first housing element corresponds to a decrease in the ring size.

[0052] In the event of a malfunction, the battery expands ( Figure 3This results in a fault torque relative to the first rotary joint because the belt is simultaneously stopped in the belt guide element by means of the clamping rod. This causes the second housing element to rotate away from the first housing element, which in turn causes the current circuit to be interrupted.

[0053] The method of how the housing element is preferably and permanently held in the closed position will now be explained.

[0054] The battery is secured against the battery side of the first housing element, causing the belt to be tensioned, thereby generating a sustained torque relative to the first rotary joint. This torque will cause the second housing element to be pulled away from the first housing element, as described above for a fault condition. In operation of the protective device, a greater restraining force / greater counter-torque is required to counteract this sustained torque in order to hold the housing elements in the closed position. They should, by design, only move to the open position when the user applies their own force to overcome this restraining force / counter-torque, or more precisely, when they overcome the difference between the sustained torque and the restraining force / counter-torque, or when, in a fault condition, the fault torque caused by battery expansion overcomes this difference. This restraining force is generated by means of a restraining device comprising two first magnets 6, 6.1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing element has one of the two first magnets on its first side and the belt guide element has one of the two first magnets on its second section. The first magnets are arranged to attract each other, thereby providing the restraining force.

[0055] The following explains how magnets interact at different locations within the housing element to provide different functions.

[0056] By rotating the guide element 2 relative to the carrier 1, the first face segment 2a or the second face segment 2b can be oriented parallel to the first side 3b of the first housing element.

[0057] When the first face segment is oriented parallel to the ground, it lies in the same plane as the first side of the carrier. Only in the closed position is the first side of the carrier abutted against the first side of the first housing element together with the first face segment with the guide element. Figure 2 As can be seen in the figure, magnet 6.1 is not parallel to magnet 6. This position of the two first magnets relative to each other defines the constraint force when the housing element is in the closed position. However, this does not correspond to the maximum attractive force of the magnets. Since, as mentioned above, only a differential force is needed to open the housing element, this is not necessary. In this embodiment, during continuous charging of the battery, the actual volume of the battery is allowed to exceed the rated volume by a percentage based on the strength of the first magnets until the current circuit can be interrupted by moving the housing components from the closed position to one of the open positions. In other words, by appropriately selecting the first magnets, the timing of triggering the protection function can be set as expansion progresses in the event of a fault.

[0058] When the second face segment 2b is oriented parallel to the first side, it protrudes beyond the plane of the first side of the support element in the direction toward the first side of the first housing element, and in the open intermediate position, it abuts against the first side of the first housing element as a spacer retainer with respect to the first side of the support element, so that the closed position of the housing element cannot be occupied. This is in Figure 1 As can be seen: the carrier 1 is not adjacent to surface 3b of the first housing element ( Figure 7 In the open, intermediate position, the first magnets are arranged parallel to each other and provide the maximum attractive force mentioned. This is under consideration. Figure 1 The situation shown is advantageous because the battery is not introduced into the ring to prevent the closed position of the housing components from being occupied, thus bypassing the protective effect of the device. Clearly, charging the battery outside the ring could lead to overexpansion, overheating, and even fire or explosion. In other words, this arrangement of the first magnet and the associated contact surfaces 2b and 3b represents a safety feature. In the figures, the markings N and S in the magnets denote the poles of the respective magnets.

[0059] The clamping rod contains an additional magnet 6.2. The additional magnet is arranged to attract the first magnet 6.1. Figure 1 Detailed Figure A shows the arrangement of the clamping lever 8 relative to the belt guide element 2, with the clamping lever pressed by the user. This allows the belt 9 to be easily pulled past the belt guide element to reduce the loop size and secure the battery within it. If the user releases the clamping lever, it springs back due to the attraction between the first magnet 6.1 and the second magnet 6.2. Figure 1 The state shown is used to hold the strap. This makes operation easier for the user.

[0060] The following describes the closing and opening of the current circuit by means of the previously mentioned button 5, with reference to the relative movement of the housing elements to each other.

[0061] As described above, the first housing element includes a button 5 that can be operated by the user of the protective device. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 Detailed diagram B for each button shows the button with the previously mentioned locking pin 7 ( Figure 4 The corresponding position during interaction. The button is not pressed in the stationary state, meaning it does not affect switch 4, and the switch is open. Preferably, this is achieved by providing a spring that is relaxed in the button's unpressed state and tensioned in the button's pressed state. The button's unpressed state corresponds to... Figure 1 The view shows that the locking pin does not reach the button, which is due to the aforementioned spacer retainer function of the second sub-surface 2b of the second housing element. The housing element can only move to the closed position when the button is pressed. Figure 1It can also be seen that even if the user pulls the belt 9 with such force that the corresponding torque theoretically causes the carrier to rotate to the position where the first sub-surface 2a is adjacent to the first housing element, this is impossible due to the stop of the locking pin at the button. Therefore, in Figure 1 It is impossible to occupy a closed position in the configuration.

[0062] exist Figure 1 The image also shows a recess 5a, which is formed by designing the head of button 5 to have a diameter smaller than that of the button body. The locking pin can only enter this recess when the button is in the pressed state. Figure 2 As can be seen, the recess is preferably arranged such that the button can be locked in the pressed state. This is achieved by the following method: when the button is pressed, the second housing element and the carrier are pulled toward the first housing element, thereby allowing the free end of the locking pin to enter the recess. If the free end of the locking pin remains in this position, the pin cannot return to the rest position under the continuous action of the spring, as... Figure 2 Detailed Figure B is shown. The pressed button is preferably permanently locked during the battery's scheduled charging period. The button is only released, bringing it to a stationary state, when the battery volume increases or the user moves the housing components from a closed position to an open position.

[0063] The protective device according to the invention can be manufactured in different sizes, wherein preferably, the length L of the device is... Figure 2 The maximum extension in this direction of the largest battery that can be used with this device is crucial. Preferably, for optimal protection, the length or width of the largest battery that can be used with the specific protection device does not exceed the length L, or only slightly exceeds it, preferably between 5% and 10%. The battery is then held in the ring with its smaller dimensions (length or width).

[0064] In the sense of the second variation of the protective device of the present invention, the circuit in detail B includes a circuit breaker line 14, which is preferably designed as a bimetallic switch. Advantageously, when the circuit breaker line is used in combination with the aforementioned protective circuit for self-expanding batteries, it can also protect non-expanding batteries that only heat up in the event of a fault. However, the circuit breaker line can also be used alone alternatively. The preferred bimetallic switch is preferably arranged directly on the battery side of the first housing element, so that it can perform its protective function as quickly as possible when the battery temperature rises. It is designed to interrupt the current circuit when a fixed limit temperature is reached. The functional principle of the bimetallic switch is known and will not be described in detail here.

[0065] Alternatively, the circuit breaker can be an electronic circuit that electronically interrupts the current loop when a programmable limit temperature is reached. In particular, when the circuit breaker is programmable, the protection device can be advantageously adapted to different battery types.

[0066] The method for operating the protective device of this invention will now be summarized, and its steps have been indirectly described.

[0067] In the first step, the battery terminal is connected to the first electrical terminal of the protection device, and the same terminal of the charger is connected to the second terminal of the protection device, such as the positive terminal, in the example shown.

[0068] Subsequently, the battery is introduced into the ring, and the belt is tensioned by pulling the free end of the belt away from the second housing element and towards the first housing element to bring the housing element to the closed position, so that the battery is securely fixed at the battery side of the first housing element.

[0069] Finally, connect the other terminal of the battery (in this case, the negative terminal) directly to the same other terminal of the charger. This step is interchangeable with the first step.

[0070] As described in the illustrated embodiment, a preferred but optional step may be to keep the button pressed during battery tensioning until the housing element is brought to the closed position. The button is then deactivated and can be released. However, other arrangements for closing and opening the current loop may also be employed, particularly where closing the current loop is independent of bringing the housing element to the closed position, and where only the interruption of the current loop is coupled to the rotational movement that brings the housing element to the open position.

[0071] It should be noted that the protection device according to the present invention can be used not only when charging the battery, but also when discharging the battery.

[0072] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be noted that the invention may be implemented in other ways within the scope of the appended claims. Terms such as “preferred,” “particularly,” and “advantageous” used herein refer only to optional and exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. A reusable protection device (V) for protecting a rechargeable battery (10) from overheating during charging via a charger (12), wherein, The protection device has electrical terminals (10a) that allow the same terminals of the battery and the charger to be connected to the protection device. The protection device also includes... - A first housing element (3) having a circuit (B) having an electrical first switch (4). - A second housing element (1), which is rotatably connected to the first housing element by means of a first rotary joint (1a) arranged on the battery side (3a) of the first housing element, wherein the two housing elements are rotatable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the two housing elements are adjacent to each other in the closed position, wherein the housing elements are held in the closed position by means of a restraining force caused by a restraining device. - A band (9), one end of which can be fixed to the first housing element, and the other end of which is guideably held in the second housing element, such that a loop (9a) is formed between the band and the battery side, in which a battery to be charged can be accommodated, wherein the band can be tensioned and stopped in the second housing element, such that the battery is securely fixed to the battery side of the first housing element. The first switch is open in the stationary state and closed only in the closed position. By closing the first switch, the charger's terminal is electrically connected to the same terminal of the battery, so that when the battery is connected to the charger as specified, the current loop for charging the battery can be closed. Wherein, when the actual volume of the battery exceeds the rated volume of the battery during continuous charging of the fixed battery, the current circuit can be interrupted, and the second housing element can rotate about the first rotary joint by means of the torque caused by the battery expanding due to the increase in volume and acting on the second housing element via the tensioned and stopped belt, thereby overcoming the constraint force, whereby the housing element can be transferred from the closed position to one of the open positions, and thus the first switch can be opened.

2. A reusable protection device for protecting a rechargeable battery from overheating during charging with a charger, wherein, The protection device has electrical terminals, allowing the same terminals of the battery and the charger to be connected to the protection device. The protection device also includes... - A first housing element having a circuit having an electrical first switch (4) and a circuit breaker line (14) connected in series with the first switch. - A second housing element, rotatably connected to the first housing element by means of a first rotary joint arranged on the battery side of the first housing element, wherein the two housing elements are rotatable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the two housing elements are adjacent to each other in the closed position, wherein the housing elements are held in the closed position by means of a restraining force caused by a restraining device. - A strap, one end of which can be secured to the first housing element, and the other end which is guideably held in the second housing element, such that a loop is formed between the strap and the battery side, in which a battery to be charged can be accommodated, wherein the strap can be tensioned and stopped in the second housing element, such that the battery is securely secured to the battery side of the first housing element. The first switch is open in a static state and closed only in the closed position of the housing element, and the circuit breaker is conductive in the static state regardless of the position of the housing element, such that when the first switch is closed and the circuit breaker is conductive, the charger terminal can be electrically connected to the same terminal of the battery, so that when the battery is connected to the charger as specified, the current loop for charging the battery can be closed. The current loop can be interrupted when the following conditions occur during continuous charging of the fixed battery: The rated volume of the battery is exceeded by the actual volume of the battery. The second housing element can rotate about the first rotary joint by means of the torque caused by the expansion of the battery due to the increased volume and acting on the second housing element via a tensioned and stopped belt, thereby overcoming the constraint force. This allows the housing element to move from the closed position to one of the open positions, and thus the switch can be opened to interrupt the current circuit, and / or If the maximum permissible temperature of the battery during charging is exceeded, the current loop can be interrupted by means of the circuit breaker.

3. The protection device according to claim 2, wherein, The circuit breaker is a bimetallic switch, which is directly disposed on the battery side of the first housing element and is designed to interrupt the current circuit when a fixed extreme temperature is reached. The circuit breaker is an electronic circuit that interrupts the current loop when a programmable limit temperature is reached.

4. The protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second housing element includes a carrier (1) which is fixed to the first housing element by means of the first rotary joint, wherein a first side (1c) of the carrier is adjacent to a first side (3b) of the first housing element in the closed position and is not adjacent to a first side of the first housing element in the open position.

5. The protection device according to claim 4, wherein, The second housing element includes a guide element (2) rotatably secured relative to the carrier within the carrier, wherein a first side of the guide element (2) faces a first side of the first housing element and is formed by a first face segment (2a) and a second face segment (2b), wherein the two face segments are not located in the same plane, and wherein, by rotation of the guide element relative to the carrier, either the first face segment or the second face segment can be oriented parallel to the first side of the first housing element. Specifically, when the first facial segment is oriented parallel to the ground, the first facial segment and the first side of the carrier are located in the same plane, and only in the closed position are the first side of the carrier and the first facial segment with the guide element adjacent to the first side of the first housing element. Wherein, when the second face segment is parallel oriented, the second face segment protrudes beyond the plane of the first side of the first housing element in the direction toward the first side of the first housing element, and in the open intermediate position, it is adjacent to the first side of the first housing element as a spacer retainer with respect to the first side of the first side of the first housing element, so that the closed position of the housing element cannot be occupied.

6. The protection device according to claim 5, wherein, The restraint device includes two first magnets (6, 6.1), wherein the first housing element has one of the two first magnets at the first side and the guide element has one of the two first magnets at the second section, wherein the first magnets are arranged to attract each other. The first magnet is arranged parallel to each other in the open intermediate position and provides maximum attraction. The constraint force is provided in the closed position without being parallel to each other and is less than the maximum attractive force.

7. The protection device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The belt is guided in the belt guide element such that a rotation of the belt guide element oriented the first face segment parallel to a first side of the first housing element corresponds to an increase in the ring size, and a rotation of the belt guide element oriented the second face segment parallel to a first side of the first housing element corresponds to a decrease in the ring size.

8. The protection device according to claim 7, wherein, The protective device is designed so that the battery can only be secured in the closed position of the housing element.

9. The protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first housing element includes a button (5) operable by a user of the protective device, wherein the button is not pressed in a stationary state, and wherein the housing element can only move to the closed position when the button is pressed.

10. The protection device according to claim 9, wherein, The pressed button can be permanently stopped during the battery's scheduled charging and can only be released when the housing element is moved from the closed position to one of the open positions, causing the button to come to a standstill, if the volume of the battery increases.

11. The protection device according to claim 10, wherein, The carrier of the second housing element includes a locking pin (7) that protrudes from the first side such that its free end is located in a recess (5a) in the first housing element in the closed position, wherein the recess is only accessible to the locking pin when the button is in the pressed button state, and wherein the recess is arranged such that the button can be locked in the pressed button state.

12. The protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second housing element further includes a clamping rod (8) that is rotatably supported in the belt guide element relative to the belt guide element for stopping the belt.

13. The protection device according to claims 12 and 6, wherein, The clamping rod includes a second magnet (6.2) arranged such that the second magnet attracts the first magnet with the guiding element.

14. The protective device according to any one of the preceding claims and claim 6, wherein, During continuous charging of the battery, until the current circuit can be interrupted by moving the housing component from the closed position to one of the open positions, the actual volume of the battery can be adjusted by a percentage exceeding the rated volume according to the strength of the first magnet.

15. A method for protecting a rechargeable battery from overheating during charging with a charger by means of a protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: a) Connect one terminal of the battery to the first terminal of the protection device, and connect the same terminal of the charger to the second terminal of the protection device. b) Introduce the battery into the ring. c) Tension the strap to bring the housing element to the closed position by pulling the strap away from the second housing element and towards the first housing element, wherein the battery is simultaneously securely fixed to the battery side of the first housing element. d) When the housing element is brought to the closed position, the belt is stopped, and e) Connect the other terminal of the battery directly to the same other terminal of the charger.

16. The method according to claims 15 and 7, wherein an intermediate step is performed after or during step c): c1) Press the button and hold the button pressed until the housing element is brought to the closed position.

17. Use of a protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 for protecting a lithium polymer battery during charging.

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