Topology for multi-path charging device

Abstract

A charging device, particularly for supplying electrical energy to at least a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, includes an AC power supply connector for releasable connection to an AC power source and a control device. The charging device includes a rectifier; a power factor correction filter; a preset device having an isolated DC-DC converter and a capacitor for generating an isolated DC link voltage; and a fine-tuning device having at least a first regulated and non-isolated DC-DC converter and a second regulated and non-isolated DC-DC converter, wherein each DC-DC converter includes an interface means for releasable connection to the energy storage unit, enabling the provision of power values ​​at the first and / or second interface means, and wherein the power values ​​at the first and / or second interface means correspond to at least a portion of the total power.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging device, particularly for supplying electrical energy to at least a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, the charging device comprising an AC power supply connector for releasable connection to an AC power source and a control device.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system including a charging device and at least a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit being connectable to the charging device, wherein the charging device includes an AC power connector for releasable connection to an AC power source and a control device.

[0003] Additionally, the present invention relates to a method for controlling and regulating a system comprising a charging device and at least a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit being connectable to the charging device, wherein the charging device includes an AC power connector for releasable connection to an AC power source and a control device, and wherein at least the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit each include a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals.

[0004] Charging devices (also known as chargers or charging units) for charging rechargeable batteries or other energy storage units are well known in the art. Rechargeable batteries and energy storage units can be used, for example, to power power tools (i.e., drills, hammer drills, saws, grinders, lamps, etc.). Such charging devices have one or more interface devices through which rechargeable batteries or other energy storage units can be releasably connected to the charging device and supplied with electrical energy.

[0005] Existing charging devices often have overly cumbersome or complex designs, and are therefore too expensive.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] This objective is achieved through the subject matter of independent patent claims 1, 8 and 10.

[0008] Other advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the invention can be found in the corresponding dependent patent claims.

[0009] This objective is achieved, in particular, by a charging device for supplying electrical energy to at least a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, the charging device including an AC power supply connector for releasable connection to an AC power source and a control device.

[0010] According to the present invention, the charging device includes:

[0011] - Rectifier;

[0012] - Power factor correction filter;

[0013] - A preset device having an isolated DC-DC converter and capacitors for generating an isolated DC link voltage, and

[0014] - A fine-tuning device having at least a first regulated and non-isolated DC-DC converter and a second regulated and non-isolated DC-DC converter, wherein each DC-DC converter includes an interface device for releasably connecting to an energy storage unit, such that a power value can be provided at the first interface device and / or the second interface device, and wherein the power value at the first interface device and / or the second interface device corresponds to at least a portion of the total power.

[0015] The capacitor can also be called a DC link capacitor.

[0016] According to another advantageous embodiment, the preset device may include at least one power factor correction filter.

[0017] According to alternative embodiments, the power factor correction filter (PFC filter) and the isolated DC-DC converter can be integrated into a single component.

[0018] According to alternative embodiments, the isolated DC link voltage may correspond to 60 volts or lower.

[0019] According to alternative embodiments, at least one filtering element may be included.

[0020] According to an alternative embodiment, each interface device may include at least one transceiver, enabling it to receive at least one signal from at least a first energy storage unit for setting a power value at the first interface device.

[0021] According to alternative embodiments, the energy storage unit may take the form of a rechargeable battery, particularly for supplying electrical energy to power tools.

[0022] This objective is further achieved by a system comprising a charging device and at least a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, the first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit being connectable to the charging device, wherein the charging device includes an AC power connector for releasable connection to an AC power source and a control device.

[0023] According to the present invention, the charging device includes a rectifier; a power factor correction filter; a preset device having an isolated DC-DC converter and a capacitor for generating an isolated DC link voltage; and a fine-tuning device having at least a first regulated and non-isolated DC-DC converter and a second regulated and non-isolated DC-DC converter, wherein each DC-DC converter includes an interface means for releasably connecting to an energy storage unit, such that a power value can be provided at the first interface means and / or the second interface means, and wherein the power value at the first interface means and / or the second interface means corresponds to at least a portion of the total power.

[0024] According to an alternative embodiment, each energy storage unit may include a transceiver for transmitting at least one signal to a transceiver of a control device, and wherein the charging device is configured to provide a voltage value at at least one interface device based on the signal received by the charging device, wherein the power value corresponds to a portion of the total power.

[0025] Additionally, this objective is achieved by a method for controlling and regulating a system comprising a charging device and at least a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit, the first and second energy storage units being connectable to the charging device, wherein the charging device includes an AC power connector for releasable connection to an AC power source and a control device, and wherein at least the first and second energy storage units each include a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals.

[0026] According to the present invention, the method includes the following steps:

[0027] - An isolated DC link voltage is generated by a pre-conditioning device, which includes an isolated DC-DC converter and a capacitor;

[0028] - At least one interface device that connects at least one energy storage unit to a charging device;

[0029] - Sending at least one signal from at least one energy storage unit to a charging device; and

[0030] - A power value is provided at at least one interface device based on a signal received from the charging device, wherein the power value at the at least one interface device corresponds to a portion of the total power.

[0031] Other advantages will become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings. Different exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings.

[0032] The accompanying drawings, description, and claims contain many combinations of features. Those skilled in the art will also be able to consider these features individually and combine them to produce other useful combinations.

[0033] In the attached diagram:

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic side view of a charging device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, having four interface devices and three rechargeable batteries;

[0035] Figure 2 A circuit diagram according to the invention and its first embodiment is shown;

[0036] Figure 3 A circuit diagram according to the invention, specifically the subject matter according to a second embodiment, is shown; and Detailed Implementation

[0037] Figure 1 A system 1 comprising a charging device 2 and multiple energy storage units 3 is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the energy storage units 3 are in the form of rechargeable batteries. The energy storage units 7, in the form of rechargeable batteries, can be used, for example, to supply energy to power tools (i.e., hammer drills, drilling rigs, saws, grinders, etc.). Power tools are not shown in the figures.

[0038] The charging device 2 according to the first embodiment mainly includes a charger housing 4, an AC power connector 5 for releasable connection to an AC power source, and four interface devices 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d. The AC power source, not shown in the figure, can also be referred to as a socket.

[0039] The charger housing 4 includes a top side 4a, a bottom side 4b, and four side walls 4c.

[0040] Each interface device 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d is used to receive and hold the corresponding energy storage unit 7, so that the energy storage unit 7 can be supplied with electrical energy by the charging device 2 during the charging operation.

[0041] Interface devices 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d are positioned on the top side of the charger housing 4.

[0042] In addition, each interface device 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d includes a positive contact 23a, a negative contact 23b, and a communication contact 23c, respectively.

[0043] The mains power connector 5 is in the form of a power cable and is connected to one of the side walls 4c, allowing electrical energy to reach the charging device 2 via the mains power connector 5. In this exemplary embodiment, the mains power supply voltage is 230 V. According to an alternative embodiment, the mains power supply may also provide a voltage less than 230 V (e.g., 120 V).

[0044] Figure 1A charging device 2 is shown, in which two of the four interface devices 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d are connected to the corresponding energy storage unit 7. A third energy storage unit 7 is connected to the third interface device 6c along direction A. A fourth interface device 6d without an energy storage unit is shown. The energy storage units 7 shown in the accompanying drawings are substantially the same.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the charging device 2 includes a control device 8, a filter element 9, a rectifier 10, a power factor correction filter 11, a preset device 12, a transceiver 22, and a fine-tuning device 13.

[0046] According to an alternative embodiment, the charging device 2 does not include a filter element.

[0047] The preset device 12 is mainly used to reduce the voltage of the mains power supply from 230 V to less than 60 V.

[0048] In this configuration, the preset device 12 primarily comprises an isolated DC-DC converter 14 and a capacitor 15. The isolated DC-DC converter 14 and the capacitor 15 are used to generate a DC link or isolated DC link voltage. According to a first exemplary embodiment, the preset device 12 generates a 55-volt DC link voltage. This preset device 12 is designed to generate a maximum voltage of 59 volts or lower.

[0049] The control device 8 is used to control and regulate the various functions of the charging device 2 and its components. These functions include, in particular, setting or controlling and regulating the output power (also known as charging power) of the energy storage unit 7 connected to the charging device 2.

[0050] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The charging device 2 shown in the first embodiment has a power factor correction filter 11 as a separate component rather than part of the preset device 12.

[0051] Figure 2 The circuit diagram shown has a fine-tuning device 13 with only two non-isolated DC-DC converters 3, each including interface devices 6a and 6b. Alternatively, it may include more than two non-isolated DC-DC converters 3, each including interface devices 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d.

[0052] As described above, each interface device 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d is designed to be releasably connected to the corresponding energy storage unit 7.

[0053] Each DC-DC converter 3 is connected to a control device 8 in such a way that voltage and current values ​​for generating power values ​​can be provided at interface devices 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d. The power value that can be set or available at each interface device 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d is a portion of the total power generated in the DC link. For example, an equal portion of the total power can be provided at each interface device 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d at any given time.

[0054] For example, an energy storage unit 7 in the form of a rechargeable battery can be releasably connected to a power tool (not shown) to supply electrical energy to the power tool.

[0055] The rechargeable battery 7 mainly includes a rechargeable battery casing 16, multiple energy storage cells 17, a rechargeable battery interface 18, a transceiver 19, a storage unit 20, and a control device 21.

[0056] The energy storage cell 16 can also be referred to as a rechargeable battery cell, and is arranged inside the rechargeable battery casing 16.

[0057] The rechargeable battery housing 16 mainly includes a cover element 16a, four side walls 16b and a base element 16c.

[0058] A rechargeable battery interface 18 is disposed on the outside of the cover element 16a and is used to electrically or electronically and mechanically connect the rechargeable battery 7 to the power tool or charging device 2.

[0059] The transceiver 19 can also be referred to as a transmitting and receiving unit or a communication device, and is used to transmit and receive electrical signals, thereby transmitting data and information from or to the rechargeable battery 7.

[0060] For electrical or electronic connections, the rechargeable battery interface 18 has a positive contact 18a, a negative contact 18b, and a communication contact 18c.

[0061] Positive contact 18a is connected to positive contact 23a, negative contact 18b is connected to negative contact 23b, and communication contact 18c is connected to communication contact 23c.

[0062] Positive contact 18a and negative contact 18b are used to generate a circuit when the rechargeable battery 7 is connected to a power tool or charging device 2. Communication contact 18c is connected to transceiver 19 and is used to send and receive data and information in the form of electrical signals. Transceiver 19 is then connected to control device 21.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, transceiver 19 may also be in the form of a wireless radio communication device (e.g., based on Bluetooth technology).

[0064] The energy storage cell 17 is used to receive, store, and retransmit electrical energy. The energy storage cell 17 has a cylindrical shape and is based on lithium-ion technology. Each energy storage cell 17 includes a contact device at one end for transmitting electrical energy. Each contact device is connected to the control device 21 of the rechargeable battery 7 via a corresponding line.

[0065] As an alternative, the energy storage cell 17 can also be based on another suitable technology.

[0066] The cylindrical shape of the energy storage cell 17 is also optional, allowing for the selection of any other suitable shape or geometry. Therefore, in particular, the energy storage cell 17 can also be designed as a pouch cell.

[0067] Additionally, the rechargeable battery 7 may include both cylindrical energy storage cells 17 and pouch cells. Specifically, the rechargeable battery 7 may also include only a single cylindrical energy storage cell 17 and a single pouch cell.

[0068] The control device 21 regulates and controls various functions of the rechargeable battery 7. These functions include, in particular, controlling the reception of electrical energy into and from the energy storage cell 17. Furthermore, the control device 21 controls the amount of electrical energy to be received or transmitted by the energy storage cell 17.

[0069] Storage unit 20 is connected to control device 21 and is used to store and provide data and information. The data and information include, in particular, threshold values ​​of voltage and current intensity for the charging and discharging operations of energy storage unit 7.

[0070] Figure 3 A charging device 2 according to a second embodiment is shown, wherein the power factor correction filter 11 is not a separate component, but is formed together with the isolated DC-DC converter 14 in a single component. Therefore, the power factor correction filter 11 is a component of the preset device 12.

[0071] Figure 3 The circuit diagram shown includes only two interface devices 6a and 6b, each of which has a non-isolated DC-DC converter 3.

[0072] To perform this method, the mains voltage (e.g., 230 V) is first reduced to the DC link voltage in the DC link using an isolated DC-DC converter 14 and a capacitor 15.

[0073] A first energy storage unit 7, in the form of a rechargeable battery, is connected to a first interface device 6a, and a second energy storage unit 7, also in the form of a rechargeable battery, is connected to a second interface device 6b. By connecting the energy storage units 7 to the corresponding interface devices 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d, electrical signals can be exchanged between the energy storage units 7 and the charging device 2. Furthermore, electrical energy can be transferred from the charging device 2 to the corresponding energy storage units 7.

[0074] When the first energy storage unit 7 is connected to the first interface device 6a, a corresponding signal is transmitted from the transceiver 19 of the first energy storage unit 7 to the transceiver 22 of the charging device 2. This signal reaches the control device 8 of the charging device 2. The received signal is used to transmit specific parameters of the charging operation of the first energy storage unit 7 to the control device 8. Similarly, when the second energy storage unit 7 is connected to the second interface device 6b, a corresponding signal is transmitted from the transceiver 19 of the second energy storage unit 7 to the transceiver 22 of the charging device 2. This signal also reaches the control device 8 of the charging device 2. The received signal is used to transmit specific parameters of the charging operation of the second energy storage unit 7 to the control device 8. These parameters include, in particular, threshold values ​​for the voltage and current intensity of the charging operation.

[0075] With the aid of control device 8, a first power value is set by the first DC-DC converter 3, resulting in a first power being set at the first interface device 6a to charge the first energy storage unit 7 according to the signal.

[0076] Furthermore, by setting a second power value through the second DC-DC converter 3, a second power is set at the second interface device 6b to charge the second energy storage unit 7 according to the signal.

[0077] The first power value and the second power value each correspond to a portion of the total available power of the charging device 2.

[0078] Figure Labels

[0079] .

Claims

1. A charging device (2), particularly for supplying electrical energy to at least a first energy storage unit and a second energy storage unit (7), the charging device comprising an AC power supply connector (5) for releasable connection to an AC power supply and a control device (8). Its features are, - Rectifier (10); - Power factor correction filter (11). - A preset device (12) having an isolated DC-DC converter (14) and a capacitor (15) for generating an isolated DC link voltage, and - A fine-tuning device (13) having at least a first regulated and non-isolated DC-DC converter and a second regulated and non-isolated DC-DC converter (3), wherein each DC-DC converter (3) includes an interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) for releasable connection to an energy storage unit (7), such that a power value can be provided at the first interface device and / or the second interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d), and wherein the power value at the first interface device and / or the second interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) corresponds to at least a portion of the total power.

2. The charging device (2) as described in claim 1. characterized in that The preset device (12) includes at least one power factor correction filter (11).

3. The charging device (2) as described in claim 1 or 2. characterized in that The power factor correction filter (11) and the isolated DC-DC converter (14) are integrated into a single component.

4. The charging device (2) as described in at least one of claims 1 to 3. characterized in that The isolated DC link voltage corresponds to 60 volts or lower.

5. The charging device (2) as described in at least one of claims 1 to 4. characterized in that It includes at least one filter element (9).

6. The charging device (2) as described in at least one of claims 1 to 5. characterized in that Each interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) includes at least one transceiver (19) that enables it to receive at least one signal from at least the first energy storage unit (7) for setting the power value at the first interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d).

7. The charging device (2) as described in at least one of claims 1 to 6. characterized in that The energy storage unit (7) is in the form of a rechargeable battery, and is particularly used to supply electrical energy to power tools.

8. A system (1) comprising a charging device (2) and at least a first and a second energy storage unit (7) connectable to the charging device (2), wherein The charging device (2) includes an AC power connector (5) for releasable connection to an AC power source and a control device (8). The device is characterized by comprising: a rectifier (10); a power factor correction filter (11); a preset device (12) having an isolated DC-DC converter (14) and a capacitor (15) for generating an isolated DC link voltage; and a fine-tuning device (13) having at least a first regulated and non-isolated DC-DC converter and a second regulated and non-isolated DC-DC converter (3), wherein each DC-DC converter (3) includes an interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) for releasable connection to an energy storage unit (7), such that a power value can be provided at the first interface device and / or the second interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d), and wherein the power value at the first interface device and / or the second interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) corresponds to at least a portion of the total power.

9. The system (1) as described in claim 8. characterized in that Each energy storage unit (7) includes a transceiver (19) for sending at least one signal to at least one transceiver (22) of the control device (8), and wherein the charging device (2) is configured to provide a power value at at least one interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) based on the signal received by the charging device (2).

10. A method for controlling and regulating a system (1) comprising a charging device (2) and at least a first and a second energy storage unit (7) which can be connected to the charging device (2), wherein, The charging device (2) includes an AC power connector (5) for releasable connection to an AC power source and a control device (8), wherein the at least first energy storage unit and the second energy storage unit (7) each include a transceiver (19) for transmitting and receiving signals. Its characteristics are defined by the following method steps: - An isolated DC link voltage is generated by a pre-conditioning device, which includes an isolated DC-DC converter (14) and a capacitor (15). - Connect at least one energy storage unit (7) to at least one interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) of the charging device (2). - Send at least one signal from the at least one energy storage unit (7) to the charging device (2); and - A power value is provided at at least one interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) based on a signal received by the charging device (2), wherein the power value at the at least one interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) corresponds to a portion of the total power.

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