Charging device

Abstract

Charging device (11) for charging an energy storage device (13), in particular a battery pack, a hand-held power tool (15), comprising a cooling device (41) for cooling the energy storage device (13), in particular the battery pack, a housing which forms at least a section of an outer housing (33), and a receiving unit (35) for receiving the energy storage device (13), which is provided for receiving the energy storage device (13) and / or holding it on the charging device (11), wherein the cooling device (41) comprises a cooling element (43, 51, 53) which is provided for cooling an airflow (KS) directed towards the energy storage device (13), wherein the cooling element (43, 51, 53) has a cooling temperature in at least one operating state which is lower than an ambient temperature surrounding the charging device (11) and / or the energy storage device (13), in order to cool the energy storage device (13) by means of the cooling temperature, characterized in thatthat the cooling device (41) has a heat conducting element (55) with a heat conducting surface (57) which at least partially forms the outer housing (33) of the charging device (11) and with which the energy storage device (13) can be contacted in a charging state.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a charging device for charging an energy storage device of a hand-held power tool according to the preamble of claim 1. State of the art

[0002] There are known charging stations that can accommodate a battery for charging. These charging stations may have a fan to cool the battery. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of improving a charging device for an energy storage device, in particular a battery, by means of simple design measures.

[0004] The problem is solved with a charging device, in particular for charging an energy storage device, in particular a battery pack, a hand-held power tool, with a cooling device for cooling the energy storage device, in particular the battery pack, with a housing which forms at least a partial outer housing and with a receiving unit for receiving the energy storage device, which is intended to receive the energy storage device and / or to hold it on the charging device.

[0005] According to the invention, characterized in that the cooling device comprises a first cooling element which is designed to cool an airflow directed towards the energy storage device. In at least one operating state, the cooling element has a cooling temperature which is lower than the ambient temperature surrounding the charging device and / or the energy storage device, in order to cool the energy storage device by means of the cooling temperature.

[0006] It is understood that the charging device can be designed to charge more than one energy storage device. It is also understood that the cooling device can have more than one cooling element.

[0007] Ambient temperature, as defined in DIN EN 60204-1, refers to the temperature of the ambient air or other surrounding medium in which the charging device and / or energy storage system is used as intended. The ambient temperature can vary considerably, especially if the charging device or energy storage system is exposed to direct sunlight. This allows the energy storage system to be charged regardless of elevated ambient temperatures.

[0008] The charging device according to the invention can be detachably connected to an energy storage device. The charging device is designed to charge the energy storage device. The charging device may have an electrical interface.

[0009] The energy storage device can have an electrical interface that can be coupled to an electrical interface of the charging device and transfers electrical energy from the charging device to the energy storage device. The interfaces can have metallic contact elements for conducting electrical current. The energy storage device can be designed as a battery pack. The energy storage device can comprise multiple battery cells. Lithium cells can be used as battery cells.

[0010] The cooling device is designed to cool the energy storage device in order to enable rapid charging of the energy storage device with electrical energy at high ambient temperatures, such as above 30 °C or above 40 °C. The cooling temperature of the cooling element is preferably at least 1 °C, particularly at least 3 °C, preferably at least 5 °C, more preferably at least 8 °C, most preferably at least 12 °C, and more preferably at least 20 °C, cooler than the ambient temperature.

[0011] The cooling device can be designed to cool the energy storage device during a charging process. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling device can be designed to cool the energy storage device independently of a charging process.

[0012] Furthermore, after discharge, for example through use in a hand-held power tool, the energy storage device can be cooled more quickly to the optimal charging temperature for recharging with the charging device according to the invention, thus enabling rapid recharging. In particular, any heat generated during charging can be compensated for, thereby ensuring the longevity of the energy storage device.

[0013] The housing surrounds the charging device. The housing forms an outer enclosure designed to essentially enclose the cooling device. The housing may have an air inlet and an air outlet. The housing may have one or more air inlets. The housing may have one or more air outlets. The openings (air inlet, air outlet) may be designed as penetrations that open the housing from an outside to an inside. The penetration is designed to allow an airflow of ambient air from the outside environment through the penetration into the interior of the charging device. The penetration is designed to allow an airflow of ambient air from the interior of the charging device through the penetration to the outside environment.An airflow is defined as a directed flow of air, intended in particular to dissipate heat inside the housing and to create a cooling airflow from the air outlet. A directed flow is understood to mean, in particular, a substantially straight flow. The air inlet can be located on the side of the housing opposite the air outlet.

[0014] The cooling device is designed to create an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet during operation. The airflow at the outlet should be colder than the airflow at the inlet. The airflow at the outlet can be used to cool the energy storage device by means of an airflow directed towards and around it.

[0015] The energy storage device can cover the air outlet opening, especially completely, so that the airflow from the air outlet opening flows directly towards the energy storage device.

[0016] The cooling device is intended to provide active cooling for the energy storage unit.

[0017] The cooling device is designed to be activated during charging, thus enabling cooling during charging.

[0018] The airflow may be designed to pass through the charger.

[0019] The dependent claims specify advantageous further developments of the charging device according to the invention.

[0020] Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the cooling device to include a fan element designed to generate the airflow directed towards the energy storage device. The airflow can extend essentially between the energy storage device and the fan element. The fan element can be designed to completely circulate and / or pass through the energy storage device with the airflow. The fan element can be configured as a fan wheel. The cooling device can include one or more fan elements. The fan element can be located within the housing. The fan element can be surrounded by the housing. The fan element can have several fan wheel blades spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. The cooling device can generate a directed airflow such that the air inlet opening has an inlet airflow and the air outlet opening has an outlet airflow.This allows the cooling device to be cooled in a particularly effective way.

[0021] Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the first cooling element to be surrounded by the airflow. Preferably, the first cooling element can be arranged between the energy storage device and the fan element in the direction of airflow. Following the fan element in the direction of airflow, the first cooling element is followed by the energy storage device, and the first cooling element is followed by the energy storage device. This allows for particularly reliable cooling of the airflow.

[0022] Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the cooling device to have a second cooling element, which is arranged downstream of the first cooling element in the direction of airflow. In the direction of airflow, the fan element follows the second cooling element, the first cooling element follows the fan element, and the energy storage device follows the first cooling element. Preferably, the cooling device has a third cooling element, which is arranged at least substantially between the first and second cooling elements in the direction of airflow.

[0023] It is proposed that the first, and in particular each, cooling element be designed as a Peltier element and / or as an evaporator. The cooling device may include a compressor and a refrigerant, in particular a refrigerant fluid. The compressor may be designed to circulate the refrigerant within the cooling device. Alternatively, the cooling device may include a circulation pump designed to circulate the refrigerant within the cooling device. The cooling device may be designed as a refrigeration machine. The refrigerant may be a refrigerant fluid. The refrigerant may be in a liquid phase at least substantially in at least one operating state and in a gaseous phase at least substantially in at least one other operating state. The refrigerant may be contained within a pipe system. The pipe system may form a cooling circuit. It is understood that the cooling circuit is connected to an external orThe cooling circuit located outside the charging device can be connected.

[0024] The cooling element can be designed as a convection element. The evaporator can be designed as an evaporator of a refrigeration unit. This allows for particularly reliable cooling of the energy storage device.

[0025] Furthermore, it is proposed that the cooling device include a heat-conducting element with a heat-conducting surface, which forms at least part of the outer casing of the charging device and with which the energy storage device can be contacted in a charging state. The heat-conducting element can be surrounded by the outer casing in a 360° plane. During a charging process, the heat-conducting element can serve as a contact surface or as a bearing surface for the energy storage device, enabling contact with the energy storage device and facilitating heat conduction. This allows for a particularly simple and rapid transfer of heat to cool the energy storage device.

[0026] The first and / or second cooling element can be designed as an evaporator of a refrigeration unit. The first and second cooling elements can be integrally connected. The third cooling element can be designed as a Peltier element and is intended to contact the energy storage device during a charging process.

[0027] The cooling elements can be formed in one piece and create a cooling circuit for the evaporator of a refrigeration machine.

[0028] It is further proposed that the heat-conducting element, in particular the heat-conducting surface, be formed integrally with the Peltier element or the evaporator. The heat-conducting element is to be understood as an element with a thermal conductivity of more than 1 W / mK, in particular more than 10 W / mK, preferably more than 100 W / mK. The heat-conducting element can be designed to absorb and dissipate thermal energy from the energy storage device in order to cool the energy storage device. This enables additional cooling by means of a heat-conducting surface.

[0029] The invention further relates to a system comprising a charging device according to one of the preceding claims and an energy storage device, in particular a battery pack.

[0030] It may be advantageous for the energy storage device to have at least one battery thermal element with a battery thermal interface. The battery thermal interface may form at least a section of the battery's outer casing. The battery thermal interface may contact the thermal element, in particular the thermal interface, of the cooling device when the battery is charged.

[0031] Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the energy storage device to have at least one cooling recess designed to receive an airflow and dissipate heat to the airflow. The cooling recess can be arranged between at least two, and in particular three, adjacent battery cells, and may extend between them. The cooling recess can be designed as a cooling channel. The cooling channel can run in a space between adjacent battery cells. The cooling channel can extend along the entire length of the battery cells. The cooling channel can be arranged in a plane of 360° from the battery's outer casing. The cooling channel can be designed as a substantially closed channel. The cooling channel can have a channel inlet which, in a charging state where the energy storage device is connected to the charging device, covers the air outlet opening of the charging unit. List of characters

[0032] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations. This shows: Fig. 1. A perspective view of a hand-held power tool with an energy storage device, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a charging device according to the state of the art, Fig. 3 a schematic view of a first embodiment of a charging device and Fig. 4 a schematic view of a second embodiment of a charging device.

[0033] In the following figures, identical components are labelled with the same reference symbols.

[0034] The figures each refer to a charging device. 11 for use as a battery pack 13 trained energy storage 13 The battery pack 13 A hand-held power tool is intended for this purpose. 15 to supply with electrical energy. The hand-held power tool 15 for example, it is a rotary impact wrench or a drill ( Fig. 1) designed. In an alternative embodiment, the hand-held power tool can 15 also as another hand tool that would seem useful to a professional 15 , such as an angle grinder, must be trained.

[0035] The hand-held power tool 15 features one with a tool holding unit 17 The tool holder unit is designed to hold tools (not shown), such as screwdriver bits for driving screws or drill bits for drilling holes in a workpiece. 17features a clamping device known to a specialist 19 on, which is intended to be used as an insert tool in the hand-held power tool 15 to hold the hand-held power tool. 15 features a battery mounting unit 21 with a holding unit 23 for the detachable mounting of a battery pack 13 up. The holding unit 23 is intended to be used for the battery pack 13 in one with the hand-held power tool 15 to maintain the connected fastening state. The hand-held power tool 15 is a battery-powered hand tool 15 trained.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows the hand-held power tool 15 with a drive unit (not shown) for transmitting a working movement to a tool. The hand-held power tool 15 features a handle housing 25 designed housing 25 on, which is an outer casing 27the hand-held power tool 15 forms and is intended to be operated by one hand of a hand-held machine tool operator 15 to be grasped. The hand-held power tool 15 has an actuating element 29 for switching the drive unit (not shown) on and off by means of an on / off switch (not shown) and a gear unit designed as a planetary gear (not shown).

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a charging device 11 according to the state of the art. The charging device features 11 a cooling unit designed as air cooling 31 on, which is intended to hold the battery pack 13 to cool.

[0038] Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of the charging device according to the invention. 11 ( Fig. 3) and a second embodiment of the charging device according to the invention 11 ( Fig. 4) The charging device 11 is for charging a battery pack 13 trained energy storage 13 a hand-held power tool 15 trained. The battery pack 13 It features multiple battery cells (not shown). Furthermore, lithium-ion cells can be used as battery cells, as it is particularly possible with lithium cells to combine several battery cells into battery cell blocks in which several battery cells are connected in parallel. The battery cells can have different diameters and lengths.

[0039] The charging device 11 can be considered at least partially as an outer casing 33 designed housing 33 with a battery pack 13 recordable recording unit 35 exhibiting which is intended to accommodate the battery pack 13 to record and on the charging device 11 to hold the battery pack 13This can be solved with the recording unit. 35 connectable. The charging device 11 is intended to be used for the battery pack 13 to charge the charging device 11 has an electrical interface 37 on.

[0040] The battery pack 13 has an electrical interface 39 on, which has an electrical interface 37 the charging device 11 It can be coupled to supply electrical energy from the charging device. 11 on the battery pack 13 to transfer. The interfaces 37 , 39 They feature metallic contact elements (not shown) for conducting electric current.

[0041] The charging device 11 can a cooling device 41 for cooling the battery pack 13 exhibit the cooling device 41 a first cooling element 43 on, which is intended to be mounted on the battery pack13 directed airflow KS to cool. The first cooling element 41 exhibits a cooling temperature in at least one operating state which is at least 3 °C lower than that of the charging device 11 and the battery pack 13 surrounding ambient temperature to protect the battery pack 13 to cool using the cooling temperature.

[0042] The cooling device 41 is intended to be used for the battery pack 13 to cool during the charging process. This involves dissipating the electrical energy required for charging the battery pack. 13 Heated temperatures must be compensated.

[0043] The charging device 11 It is mains-powered and therefore has a power cable (not shown) which connects the charging device. 11 connects to, for example, a mains socket (not shown).

[0044] The outer casing 33 surrounds the charging device 11The outer casing 33 essentially surrounds the cooling device 41 The outer casing 33 features an air intake opening 43 and an air outlet opening 45 open. The openings (air intake opening) 43 , air outlet opening 45 ) are described as material breakthroughs 43 , 45 trained, which has an outer casing 33 opening from an outside to an inside. The material breakthrough. 43 , 45 is designed to create an airflow KS an ambient air from an outside environment through the material breakthrough 43 , 45 inside the charging device 11 to enable the material breakthrough 43 , 45 is designed to create an airflow KS an ambient air from the interior of the charging device 11 through the material breakthrough 43 , 45to allow access to an outdoor environment. The airflow KS is designed as a directed flow of air, which is intended to dissipate heat inside the outer casing. 33 to release and a cooling airflow from the air outlet opening 45 to form.

[0045] The cooling device 41 is designed to provide an airflow in an operating state KS from the air intake opening 43 to the air outlet opening 45 to form. The airflow is involved. KS the air outlet opening 45 colder than the airflow KS the air intake opening 43 The airflow KS the air outlet opening 45 is intended to be used for the battery pack 13 by means of a battery pack 13 directed airflow KS to cool it and to create a flow around it.

[0046] The battery pack 13 covers the air outlet opening 45the charging device 11 in a fully charged state, so that the airflow KS the air outlet opening 45 the battery pack 13 directly flows towards it.

[0047] The cooling device 41 features a fan element 47 , which is intended to be placed on the battery pack 13 directed airflow KS to form the airflow KS essentially extends between the battery pack 13 and the fan element 47 The fan element 47 is intended to be used for the battery pack 13 by means of the airflow KS to completely surround the fan element. 47 is designed as a fan wheel element. In an alternative embodiment, the cooling device can 41 multiple fan elements 47 exhibit the fan element 47 is in the outer casing 33 arranged. The fan element 47is from the outer casing 33 surrounded the fan element 47 It has several fan blades spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The cooling device 41 forms a directed airflow KS such that the air intake opening 43 It has an inlet airflow and the air outlet opening has an outlet airflow.

[0048] The first cooling element 43 is from the airflow KS surrounded by flow. The first cooling element 43 is in the direction of flow SR of the airflow KS between the battery pack 13 and the fan element 47 arranged. In the direction of flow. SR follows the fan element 47 the first cooling element, followed by the battery pack 13 ( Fig. 3, Fig. 4).

[0049] The cooling device 41 features a second cooling element 51which flows in one direction SR of the airflow KS behind the first cooling element 43 is arranged. In the direction of flow. SR follows the second cooling element 51 the fan element 47 and onto the fan element 47 The first cooling element follows 43 and onto the first cooling element 43 The battery pack follows 13 .

[0050] The cooling device 41 It features a third cooling element 53 up, which in the direction of flow SR at least essentially between the first cooling element 43 and the second cooling element 51 is arranged. The third cooling element 53 is designed as a Peltier element. The third cooling element 53 is as a heat conducting element 55 with a heat-conducting surface 57 formed. The heat-conducting element 55 forms at least part of the outer casing33 the charging device 11 and contacts the battery pack 13 in a charging state. The heat-conducting element 55 can be viewed in a 360° plane from the outer casing 33 be surrounded by the heat-conducting element. 55 is on a side surface 59 of the outer casing 33 be arranged and serves as a planting area 59 of the battery pack 13 during a charging process. The charging surface makes contact during this process. 59 the battery pack 13 and enables heat conduction. In an alternative embodiment, the heat-conducting element can be 55 through the outer casing 33 extend to escape the airflow KS to be cooled inside the housing.

[0051] The first and second cooling element 43 , 51 are designed as a Peltier element.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment, at least the first and / or the second cooling element can be designed as an evaporator of a refrigeration unit. The first and second cooling elements can be integrally connected.

[0053] The cooling elements 43 , 51 , 53 are preferably supplied with electrical energy via electrical conductors, which is preferably drawn from the mains socket.

[0054] The battery pack 13 at least one battery-powered heating element 61 with a battery heat-conducting surface 63 on ( Fig. 4) The battery thermal interface 63 forms at least a partial outer casing for the battery 65 of the battery pack 13 The battery's thermal interface 63 contacts the heat-conducting surface 57 of the heat conducting element 55 the cooling device 41 in a charging state.

[0055] The battery pack 13has at least one cooling recess 67 on, which is designed to receive an airflow KS and transfer heat to the airflow KS to give away ( Fig. 3) The cooling recess 67 It is located between at least two, in particular three, adjacent battery cells and runs between them. The cooling recess 67 It is designed as a cooling channel. The cooling channel runs in a space between adjacent battery cells. The cooling channel extends along the entire length of the battery cells and, in particular, substantially along the entire length of the battery pack. 13 The cooling channel is in a 360° plane from the outer casing. 33 the charging device 11 The cooling channel is arranged. The cooling channel is designed as a substantially closed channel. The cooling channel has a channel inlet. 69 on, which is in a state of charge in which the battery pack 13 with the charging device 11is connected to the air outlet opening 45 the charging unit is covered. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited non-patent literature

[0000] DIN EN 60204-1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Charging device for charging an energy storage device (13), in particular a battery pack (13), a hand-held power tool (15), with a cooling device (41) for cooling the energy storage device (15), in particular the battery pack (13), with a housing which forms at least a partial outer housing (33) and with a receiving unit (35) for receiving the energy storage device (13), which is provided for receiving the energy storage device (13) and / or holding it on the charging device (11), characterized by , that the cooling device (41) has a cooling element (43, 51, 53) which is designed to cool an airflow (KS) directed towards the energy storage device (13), wherein the cooling element (43, 51, 53) has a cooling temperature in at least one operating state which is lower than an ambient temperature surrounding the charging device (11) and / or the energy storage device (13) in order to cool the energy storage device (13) by means of the cooling temperature. [2] Charging device Claim 1, characterized by , that the cooling device (41) has a fan element (47) which is designed to form the airflow (KS) directed towards the energy storage device (13), which extends essentially between the energy storage device (13) and the fan element (47). [3] Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first cooling element (43) is surrounded by the airflow (KS) and is arranged in the direction of flow (SR) of the airflow (KS) between the energy storage (13) and the fan element (47). [4] Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cooling device (41) has a second cooling element (51) which is arranged in a flow direction (SR) of the airflow (KS) behind the first cooling element (43). [5] Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first, in particular each, cooling element (43, 51, 53) is designed as a Peltier element and / or as an evaporator. [6] Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cooling device (41) has a heat conducting element (55) with a heat conducting surface (57) which at least partially forms the outer housing (33) of the charging device (11) and with which the energy storage device (13) can be contacted in a state of charge. [7] Charging device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the heat conducting element (55), in particular the heat conducting surface (57), is formed integrally with the Peltier element or the evaporator. [8] System comprising a charging device (11) according to one of the preceding claims and an energy storage device (13), in particular a battery pack (13). [9] System according to claim 9, characterized by, that the energy storage device has at least one battery thermal element (61) with a battery thermal conducting surface (63) which forms at least a section of an outer battery housing (65) of the energy storage device (13) and in particular which contacts the thermal conducting element (55), in particular the thermal conducting surface (67), of the cooling device (41) in a state of charge. [10] System according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized by , that the energy storage device (13) has at least one cooling recess (67) which is designed to receive an airflow (KS) and to transfer heat to the airflow (KS).

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