System and method for temperature control of an accumulator

Abstract

A system (50) consisting of at least one charging device (10) and one accumulator (32), wherein: - the charging device (10) comprises a charging device housing (12) with at least one accumulator interface to which at least one accumulator (32) can be mechanically coupled or is coupled, - the charging device (10) comprises at least one blower device (18) arranged within the charging device housing (12), which is configured to generate an air volume flow, - the charging device (10) and / or the accumulator (32) shall include at least one sensor device which is configured to measure and / or record the actual accumulator surface temperature and / or the actual accumulator cell temperature, - the charging device (10) comprises at least one temperature control element (28) for tempering the air volume flow generated by the blower device (18) to a defined temperature, wherein the at least one temperature control element (28) is fluidically connected downstream of the blower device (18), and wherein the tempered air volume flow (24) is directed towards the accumulator (32) in such a way that its outer surface is surrounded by the tempered air volume flow (24), - the charging device (10) comprises a control and / or regulating device (S) connected to or communicating with the at least one sensor device, which is configured to compare the actual accumulator surface temperature and / or actual accumulator cell temperature with a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature, wherein the temperature control element (28) is controlled as a function of the target-actual comparison of the accumulator surface temperature and / or the accumulator cell temperature such that the accumulator (32) has and / or reaches a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature by means of the temperature-controlled air volume flow (24), wherein - the charging device housing (12) has at least one or more air inlet openings (31) through which the blower device (18) is connected to the environment, in particular fluidically, and wherein - the charging device housing (12) includes at least one or more air outlet openings (22) through which the air volume flow generated by the blower device (18) exits the charging device housing (12) in order to blow the accumulator (32) with the tempered air volume flow (24).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for temperature control of the accumulator, comprising at least one charging device and an accumulator, and to a method for temperature control of an accumulator with the features of the independent claims.

[0002] Battery charging is highly temperature-dependent. For example, a battery charges relatively slowly at ambient temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius and very slowly at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. Below 0 degrees Celsius, the battery management system (BMS) typically prevents charging. Charging a battery at low temperatures ultimately carries the risk of an internal short circuit in one of the cells. Furthermore, the cells age considerably. To eliminate these problems, it is already known in the art to preheat the battery, and especially its individual cells, to a specific temperature before and / or during charging. This heating can be achieved, for example, through integrated heating elements, electrical resistance heating, or similar methods.However, it has proven to be a disadvantage that the desired temperatures are difficult to reach or maintain using only such heating elements.

[0003] If the ambient temperature and / or the surface temperature of the accumulator and / or the cell temperature are too high, the problem arises that the accumulator cells overheat. Therefore, it is essential to dissipate the heat and / or cool the accumulators. In the prior art, it is known, for example, to cool an accumulator connected to a charging device before and / or during charging. For instance, DE 100 66 410 B4 discloses a charging device equipped with a fan. The fan can generate an airflow that is blown through the accumulator. The accumulator cells or the accumulator itself can then be cooled by this airflow. To allow the airflow to be blown into the interior of the accumulator, the accumulator housing requires appropriate air inlet and outlet openings.However, if moisture, dust, or other particles enter the battery through such an opening, there is a risk of a short circuit. Due to moisture ingress, the battery components can also corrode very quickly.

[0004] Document DE 10 2018 204 761 A1 describes a charging device for charging a battery pack of a hand-held power tool, wherein the charging device includes a cooling device for cooling the battery pack. The cooling device is designed to create an airflow directed towards the battery pack, which flows around the battery pack at least partially. For example, the charging device can initiate a charging process when the average temperature of the battery pack falls below a certain threshold, for example, 45°C.

[0005] Document DE 10 2017 211 205 A1 also describes a charging device for charging a battery pack of a hand-held power tool, wherein the charging device includes a cooling device for cooling the battery pack. The cooling device has a first cooling element, which is designed to cool an airflow directed towards the battery pack. For this purpose, the cooling element has a cooling temperature that is lower than the ambient temperature. The first cooling element can be arranged in the direction of the airflow between the battery pack and a fan element.

[0006] Document US 2009 / 0167253A1 describes a charger for charging a power tool battery pack. The battery pack contains a battery and a temperature sensor. The charger has a fan to draw in air through a vent, which is then heated by a heating element and supplied to the battery through additional vents. The heating element generates heat based on a control signal from a control unit. The control unit regulates the operation of the heating element and the fan based on a battery temperature signal from the temperature sensor, which indicates the battery's temperature.

[0007] Document DE 10 2016 124 500 A1 describes an adapter for temperature control of a battery pack. The adapter can receive a temperature-controlled fluid and discharge it into the connected battery pack through an outlet opening. The fluid can be returned from the battery pack to the adapter via an inlet opening.

[0008] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a system consisting of at least one charging device and an accumulator, as well as a method for temperature control of an accumulator, by means of which the accumulator can be quickly and easily brought to an ideal temperature before or during charging.

[0009] The aforementioned problem is solved by a system for temperature-controlled charging of the accumulator, comprising at least one charging device and an accumulator, and by a method for temperature control of an accumulator, having the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0010] The invention relates to a system for temperature control of the battery, comprising at least one charging device and a battery, either before or during charging. The charging device includes a charging device housing with at least one battery interface to which the at least one battery can be mechanically connected or is connected.

[0011] Inside the charging device housing, a blower unit is arranged which is designed to generate an air volume flow.

[0012] The system, in particular the charging device and / or the accumulator, further comprises at least one sensor device which is designed to measure and / or record the actual accumulator surface temperature and / or the actual accumulator cell temperature.

[0013] The system, in particular the charging device, further comprises at least one temperature control element for tempering the air volume flow generated by the blower device to a defined temperature, wherein the at least one temperature control element is fluidically downstream and / or connected to the blower device, so that in particular a tempered air volume flow is formed. The tempered air volume flow is directed towards the accumulator, so that an outer surface of the accumulator can be, or is, exposed to the tempered air volume flow.

[0014] The system, in particular the charging device, further comprises at least one control and / or regulating device connected to or communicating with the at least one sensor device. The control and / or regulating device is configured to compare the actual battery surface temperature and / or actual battery cell temperature with a target battery surface temperature and / or target battery cell temperature.

[0015] Depending on the target / actual comparison of the accumulator surface temperature and / or the accumulator cell temperature, the temperature control element is controlled in such a way that the accumulator reaches a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature by being blown on with the tempered air volume flow.

[0016] The charging device housing has at least one or more openings through which the blower unit is connected to the environment, particularly via a fluid connection. The one or more openings can be round, oval, rectangular, or similar in shape. It is also conceivable that the one or more openings are slit-shaped.

[0017] Furthermore, the charging device housing includes at least one or more air outlet openings through which the air volume flow generated by the blower device exits the charging device housing in order to blow the accumulator with the temperature-controlled air volume flow.

[0018] The measured actual battery surface temperature and / or actual battery cell temperature may be below or above the target battery surface temperature and / or target battery cell temperature, i.e., the actual battery surface temperature and / or actual battery cell temperature may be "too cold" or "too warm", so that the battery cannot be charged optimally.

[0019] The controlled airflow allows the battery to be advantageously heated or cooled before or during charging. Since the battery, and especially its cells, can thus always be maintained at a defined temperature by this system, charging takes place within the optimal temperature range. Because overheating or undercooling of the battery is prevented, the battery, and especially its cells, can advantageously have a longer lifespan. Charging can also be carried out more quickly.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the temperature-controlled airflow can be generated by a warm or heated airflow. Therefore, if the target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature falls below the setpoint, the temperature-controlled airflow can advantageously warm the accumulator before or during charging. This prevents the accumulator from becoming too cold.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the temperature-controlled airflow can be generated by a cool or cooled airflow. Therefore, if the target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature is exceeded, cooling can advantageously be achieved by the temperature-controlled airflow before or during charging. This prevents the accumulator from becoming too cold.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the temperature-controlled air volume flow can optionally be formed by a warm or heated air volume flow or a cold or cooled air volume flow, i.e., depending on whether the target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature is exceeded or fallen below, the system can provide a correspondingly temperature-controlled air volume flow in order to adapt the actual accumulator surface temperature and / or actual accumulator cell temperature to the target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature.

[0023] Furthermore, the control and / or regulating device can control the blower device in such a way that the volume and / or speed of the air volume flow generated by the blower device can be varied, in particular increased or reduced.

[0024] With the present system, it is therefore possible that if the actual battery cell temperature and / or actual battery surface temperature is too low, the airflow can be briefly increased so that the battery can be heated quickly to the target battery surface temperature and / or target battery cell temperature by the tempered and simultaneously increased airflow. Such an increase in the airflow can continue at least until the target battery surface temperature and / or target battery cell temperature is at least approximately reached or completely reached.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, in the present system it may also be possible that if the actual battery cell temperature and / or actual battery surface temperature is too high, the air volume flow can be increased briefly, so that the battery can be cooled down quickly and significantly to a target battery surface temperature and / or target battery cell temperature by the tempered and simultaneously increased air volume flow.

[0026] If the target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature is at least approximately reached or fully reached, the fan can be controlled by the control unit to deliver a reduced airflow. This reduced airflow serves to maintain and / or stabilize the actual accumulator cell temperature and / or actual accumulator surface temperature. The airflow can be increased again as needed by appropriately controlling the fan via the control unit.

[0027] If the actual battery cell temperature and / or actual battery surface temperature deviates only slightly from the target battery surface temperature and / or target battery cell temperature, then it may also be conceivable that the blower device only delivers and / or generates a reduced air volume flow in order to reach, maintain, and / or stabilize the target battery cell temperature and / or target battery surface temperature of the battery.

[0028] Such a variable airflow rate can be advantageous because it can be adjusted as needed depending on the actual battery cell temperature and / or actual battery surface temperature, or the target battery surface temperature and / or target battery cell temperature. In combination with at least one temperature control element, the temperature-controlled and variable airflow rate can optimally contribute to maintaining the battery at the target battery cell temperature and / or target battery surface temperature.

[0029] According to one embodiment, it is conceivable that at least one sensor device is arranged inside the accumulator, so that its actual accumulator cell temperature can be measured and / or recorded.

[0030] Alternatively, according to one embodiment, it is conceivable that the at least one sensor device is arranged on the charging device in such a way that the actual surface temperature of the battery can be measured and / or recorded. The at least one sensor device can be a temperature sensor or the like.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, a combination is also conceivable in which at least one sensor device is arranged inside the accumulator and on the charging device, so that the actual accumulator cell temperature and the actual accumulator surface temperature of the accumulator are measured and / or recorded.

[0032] Furthermore, a wireless connection may be provided between the at least one sensor device and the control and / or regulating device. Suitable technologies for this include, for example, radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or similar. Alternatively, the at least one sensor device may be electrically connected to the control and / or regulating device by one or more cables or similar means.

[0033] Furthermore, it can be provided that the accumulator is coupled to at least one accumulator interface in such a way that a flat side and / or longitudinal side of the accumulator is exposed to the temperature-controlled airflow. The temperature-controlled airflow can thus flow along the flat side and / or longitudinal side of the accumulator and, in this way, temper the accumulator from the outside to a desired target accumulator cell temperature and / or target accumulator surface temperature, in particular by heating or cooling it.

[0034] Blowing air onto the flat side of the accumulator can therefore be advantageous, as the airflow is distributed over a larger area, resulting in a more uniform and faster temperature distribution within the accumulator. When the term "flat side" is used below, it may refer specifically to the side of the accumulator opposite the flat side formed by the accumulator interface.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the airflow used to heat the accumulator can be tempered, and in particular heated, to a temperature between approximately 30 degrees Celsius and approximately 75 degrees Celsius by the at least one temperature control element. The accumulator can then be heated to a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature by blowing the heated airflow, particularly on its outer surface, especially its flat side. Heating the accumulator may be necessary, particularly at low ambient temperatures, low surface temperatures, and / or low cell temperatures, to ensure reliable charging.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, it can alternatively or additionally be provided that the airflow used to cool the accumulator can be temperature-controlled, and in particular cooled, to a temperature between approximately 0 degrees Celsius and approximately 29 degrees Celsius by the at least one temperature control element. The accumulator can be cooled to a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature by blowing the cooled or cold airflow onto the accumulator, particularly on its outer surface. Cooling the accumulator may be necessary, for example, to prevent overheating during charging and / or to cool the accumulator before charging.

[0037] Furthermore, the control and / or regulating device may be configured to briefly interrupt and / or reduce the temperature control of the airflow or to briefly switch off the fan and / or the temperature control element when the target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature is reached. If the actual accumulator surface temperature and / or actual accumulator cell temperature deviates from the target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature, the control and / or regulating device may be configured to reactivate the fan and / or the temperature control element and / or to regulate the airflow again so that the target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature is reached again.

[0038] Furthermore, it may be provided that an evaluation unit is assigned to the control and / or regulating device, or that an evaluation and / or computing unit is integrated into the control and / or regulating device. The evaluation and / or computing unit is designed to perform a target / actual comparison of the accumulator surface temperature and / or the accumulator cell temperature, the result of which is made available to the control and / or regulating device.

[0039] Furthermore, it may be provided that at least one temperature control element is formed by a heating element or the like. The heating element can, for example, be formed by a heating coil, by means of which it is possible to heat the air volume flow generated by the blower device to a defined temperature. Alternatively, the at least one temperature control element can be formed by a Peltier element. Advantageously, the Peltier element can be used to heat or cool the air volume flow generated by the blower device to a defined temperature.

[0040] Furthermore, it may be provided that the at least one temperature control element of the blower device is arranged downstream in such a way that the at least one temperature control element is blown on at least one or both sides by the at least one volume flow of air generated by the blower device.

[0041] Blowing air onto at least one of the temperature control elements from at least one side may be sufficient, for example, if the at least one temperature control element is formed by a heating element. This arrangement allows for the creation of a temperature-controlled, and in particular heated or warm, airflow.

[0042] Blowing air onto at least one of the temperature control elements from both sides may be necessary, for example, if the at least one temperature control element is formed by a Peltier element. The Peltier element can selectively generate a warm or heated airflow, or a cooled or cold airflow.

[0043] Furthermore, it can be provided that the target accumulator surface temperature is between approximately 25 degrees Celsius and approximately 55 degrees Celsius, preferably between approximately 38 degrees Celsius and approximately 45 degrees Celsius, and / or that the target accumulator cell temperature is between approximately 40 degrees Celsius and approximately 45 degrees Celsius, preferably between approximately 42 degrees Celsius and approximately 43 degrees Celsius.

[0044] Furthermore, it may be provided that the charging device housing includes at least one or more additional air outlet openings through which at least part of the air volume flow generated by the blower device can be released into the environment.

[0045] The one or more air outlet openings and / or the one or more additional air outlet openings can have an oval, round, or rectangular cross-section. Alternatively, the one or more air outlet openings can be formed by air ducts, nozzles, slots, or the like.

[0046] Furthermore, one or more air ducts can be arranged in the charging device housing, through which the air volume flow or the temperature-controlled air volume flow can be directed to the one or more air outlet openings and / or to the one or more additional air outlet openings.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the accumulator can be connected to, or is connected to, the charging device's at least one accumulator interface in such a way that the airflow strikes an outer surface of the accumulator at least approximately perpendicularly; that is, the accumulator can be supplied with a temperature-controlled airflow that strikes an outer surface of the accumulator approximately perpendicularly. The accumulator can be heated or cooled from the outside by the airflow flowing along the outer surface. The airflow strikes the outer surface of the accumulator in such a way that it divides into individual airflow sub-flows that flow along the outer surface of the accumulator and thus temperature-control the accumulator from the outside.

[0048] According to a further embodiment, the accumulator can be coupled to the at least one accumulator interface of the charging device in such a way that the airflow strikes an outer surface of the accumulator at an angle; that is, the accumulator can be supplied with an airflow that strikes an outer surface of the accumulator at approximately an angle. The airflow can, for example, strike the outer surface of the accumulator at an angle of at least 10 degrees and at most 80 degrees, preferably between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 50 degrees, where it divides into individual airflows that flow along the outer surface of the accumulator. The accumulator can be heated or cooled from the outside by the airflow flowing along its outer surface.In this embodiment, the airflow can better hit the outer surface of the accumulator and thus heat or cool the accumulator.

[0049] Furthermore, the charging device housing may be designed to be at least approximately U- or V-shaped. In this case, a first leg may form a base for the charging device, while a second leg is assigned the battery interface. It may also be provided that the first and second legs are connected to each other by a connecting leg.

[0050] It may be provided that the blower device is located inside the first leg, the second leg or the connecting leg.

[0051] Furthermore, it may be provided that the blower device is formed by a radial or centrifugal blower.

[0052] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the accumulator comprises at least one accumulator housing with at least one accumulator connection point. The accumulator connection point can be provided on an outer surface of the accumulator housing, via which the accumulator can be connected to the accumulator interface of a charging device. The accumulator connection point can preferably be provided on a first flat side of the accumulator.

[0053] Within the accumulator housing, one or more accumulator cells and at least one conductor carrier for operating the accumulator may be provided, the conductor carrier being electrically connected to the one or more accumulator cells.

[0054] Furthermore, it can be provided that the outer surface, in particular the flat or longitudinal side, of the accumulator is formed at least partially by a heat-exchanging element; that is, the accumulator housing can be formed at least partially by at least one heat-exchanging element. Through the heat-exchanging element, heat can flow to or from the accumulator cells via the accumulator surface; that is, the heat generated in the accumulator can be dissipated to the environment or is dissipated via the heat-exchanging element. Conversely, heat can also be introduced into the accumulator via the heat-exchanging element. The at least one heat-exchanging element can be part of the accumulator housing. Preferably, a second flat side of the accumulator can be formed partially by the at least one heat-exchanging element.At least one heat-exchanging element can be formed by a thermally conductive plastic or the like.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, the heat-exchange element can form a battery cell holder, i.e., the battery cells can be held by the heat-exchange element. A metallurgical connection can be provided between the heat-exchange element and the battery cells, through which the battery cells are thermally connected to the heat-exchange element.

[0056] The accumulator can be a lithium-ion battery or another type of accumulator, such as a nickel-cadmium battery. The accumulator preferably has a nominal voltage between approximately 10 volts and approximately 120 volts, with a preferred nominal voltage being between approximately 16 and 24 volts.

[0057] If the system according to the invention has been described previously, it should be expressly emphasized at this point that all aspects and embodiment variants explained in connection with the system equally relate to, or can be related to, the subsequent method according to the invention. Therefore, whenever the system is mentioned in the description or in the claim definitions, this applies equally to the method according to the invention. Conversely, the same applies, so that all aspects explained in connection with the method according to the invention can equally be related to the system.

[0058] The invention further relates to a method for temperature-controlling a battery before or during charging, which comprises at least the following steps.

[0059] First, the actual accumulator surface temperature and / or the actual accumulator cell temperature is measured using sensors.

[0060] Subsequently, the recorded actual accumulator surface temperature and / or actual accumulator cell temperature is compared with a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature.

[0061] Subsequently, a temperature-controlled air volume flow is generated at a defined temperature, taking into account the target-actual comparison of the accumulator surface temperature and / or the accumulator cell temperature.

[0062] The accumulator is then blown with the temperature-controlled air volume so that a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature is reached.

[0063] The procedure may include the provision that, upon reaching the target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature, the temperature control of the air volume flow is interrupted or reduced, or the blower device or a temperature control element is switched off.

[0064] Furthermore, it may be provided that the air volume flow is tempered to a defined temperature between approximately 30 degrees Celsius and approximately 75 degrees Celsius if the target accumulator cell temperature is undershot and / or the accumulator cell temperature is not reached.

[0065] Furthermore, it may be provided that the air volume flow is tempered to a defined temperature between approximately 0 degrees Celsius and approximately 29 degrees Celsius in order to cool the battery to a target battery surface temperature and / or target battery cell temperature if the target battery surface temperature and / or target battery cell temperature is exceeded.

[0066] The following exemplary embodiments of the invention and its advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual relative sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged for better illustration. Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a system consisting of a charging device and an accumulator in a schematic side view. Fig. Figure 2 shows another embodiment of a system consisting of a charging device and an accumulator in a schematic side view. Fig. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of a system consisting of a charging device and an accumulator in a schematic side view. Fig. Figure 4 shows another embodiment of a system consisting of a charging device and an accumulator in a schematic side view.

[0067] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals necessary for describing the respective figure are shown in the individual figures. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the device and / or the accumulator according to the invention may be configured and do not constitute an exhaustive limitation.

[0068] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a system 50 formed from a charging device 10 and at least one accumulator 32 for charging and temperature control of an accumulator 32.

[0069] The charging device 10 comprises a charging device housing 12, which is at least approximately U-shaped. The charging device housing 12 consists of two legs 14, 16, spaced apart from each other and opposite each other, and a connecting leg 17. The at least two opposite legs 14, 16 are at least approximately the same length, but can also be of different lengths. The connecting leg 17 is shorter than the opposite legs 14, 16. The first leg, designated by reference numeral 14, forms a base for the charging device housing 12 or the charging device 10.

[0070] The charging device housing 12 includes a battery interface (not shown). The battery interface is assigned to the second leg, identified by reference numeral 16. Specifically, the battery interface is located on the inner side of the second leg 16. The battery 32 has a battery coupling point (not shown) on its first flat side 34, through which the battery 32 is mechanically coupled to the battery interface. The first flat side 34 of the battery 32, which is provided with the battery interface, is the top side of the battery 32.

[0071] The accumulator 32 is coupled to the accumulator interface in such a way that its second flat side 36 is arranged approximately parallel to the first leg 14 of the charging device housing 12.

[0072] The accumulator 32 is formed by a lithium-ion battery or the like. Alternatively, the accumulator 32 can also be formed by other types of accumulators, such as a nickel-cadmium battery. The accumulator 32 comprises an accumulator housing 38 (not shown), which is preferably formed in one or more parts. Within the accumulator housing 38, one or more accumulator cells (not shown) and a power carrier (not shown) are arranged. The power carrier is formed by a power board or circuit board or the like. Various components, such as power MOSFETs, contact units, etc., are arranged on the power carrier; these are required for the operation and / or control of the accumulator 32. The accumulator 32 preferably has a nominal voltage between approximately 10 volts and approximately 120 volts, with a preferred nominal voltage being between approximately 16 volts and 23 volts.

[0073] A second flat surface 36 of the accumulator 32 is formed, at least in part, by a heat-exchanging element 40. The second flat surface 36 is arranged opposite the first flat surface 34 of the accumulator 32; that is, the second flat surface 36 is the bottom or underside of the accumulator 32.

[0074] The at least one heat-exchanging element 40 is formed from a thermally conductive plastic, so that, for example, heat generated inside the accumulator 32 during charging by means of the charging device 10 can be dissipated to the environment. In this way, overheating of the accumulator 32 is advantageously prevented. Conversely, heat can also be introduced into the interior of the accumulator 32 by the at least one heat-exchanging element 40 in order to warm the accumulator 32. This prevents, for example, the accumulator 32 from becoming too cold.

[0075] The charging device housing 12 further comprises a blower assembly 18, which, according to the present embodiment, is arranged inside the first leg 14, which forms the base of the charging device housing 12. The blower assembly 18 can, of course, also be arranged inside the connecting leg 17 and / or the second leg 16.

[0076] The blower assembly 18 can be, for example, a radial blower 20 or a centrifugal blower. The blower assembly 18 is designed to generate an air volume flow (not shown).

[0077] The present system 50 further comprises at least one sensor device (not shown here) which is configured to measure and / or record the actual accumulator surface temperature and / or the actual accumulator cell temperature. The sensor device can, for example, be a temperature sensor or the like.

[0078] The at least one sensor device can be arranged inside the accumulator 32, which measures and / or records the actual accumulator cell temperature. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one sensor device can also be provided on the charging device housing 12 in such a way that it measures the actual accumulator surface temperature of an outer surface of the accumulator 32.

[0079] Furthermore, at least one temperature control element 28 is fluidically connected downstream and / or further downstream of the blower unit 18. This temperature control element 28 is formed by a heating element 29, meaning that the air volume flow generated by the blower unit 18 can be heated by the temperature control element 28, resulting in a tempered or heated air volume flow 24. The heating element 29 is preferably supplied with air from one side only by the air volume flow generated by the blower unit 18. The tempered air volume flow 24 is directed towards the accumulator 32, which is connected at the accumulator interface, such that an outer surface of the accumulator 32 is exposed to, or is exposed to, the air volume flow 24. In particular, the accumulator 32 is supplied with the tempered air volume flow 24 in such a way that its second flat side 36 is surrounded or blown by the air volume flow 24.

[0080] To ensure that the air volume flow generated by the blower 18, or the temperature-controlled air volume flow 24, can impinge on the second flat surface 36 of the accumulator 32, an air outlet opening 22 is provided in the charging unit housing 12. Specifically, the first leg 14 of the charging unit housing 12 has the air outlet opening 22 (not shown in detail). The air outlet opening 22 has a round, oval, or rectangular cross-section. Alternatively, the air outlet opening can also be formed by a nozzle. The air outlet opening 22 is positioned downstream of the blower 18 in such a way that the temperature-controlled air volume flow 24 is directed specifically onto the outer surface, in particular onto the second flat surface 36, of the accumulator 32.

[0081] In addition, one or more air channels (not shown) are arranged in the charging device housing12, through which the air volume flow or the temperature-controlled air volume flow can be directed to the one or more air outlet openings 22.

[0082] The at least one accumulator 32 is coupled to the at least one accumulator interface of the charging device 10 in such a way that the temperature-controlled air volume flow 24 strikes the second flat side 36, or underside, of the accumulator 32 at least approximately perpendicularly. Upon striking the second flat side 36 of the accumulator 32, the temperature-controlled air volume flow 24 breaks down into a multitude of individual partial air volume flows 26, 26', which flow along the second flat side 36 and heat the accumulator 32 from the outside. Fig. However, for the sake of clarity, only two air volume partial flows 26, 26' are shown.

[0083] System 50 further comprises a control and / or regulating device S connected to or communicating with at least one sensor device, which is configured to compare the actual accumulator surface temperature and / or actual accumulator cell temperature with a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature. For this purpose, an evaluation and / or processing unit may be assigned to the control and / or regulating device S, or an evaluation and / or processing unit may be integrated into the control and / or regulating device S.

[0084] The at least one sensor device and the control and / or regulating device S can communicate wirelessly with each other, e.g., via radio, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. Alternatively, the at least one sensor device and the control and / or regulating device S can be electrically connected. The electrical connection can be established by appropriate cables.

[0085] Depending on the measured actual accumulator surface temperature and / or actual accumulator cell temperature, the control and / or regulating device S controls the temperature control element 28 in such a way that the accumulator 32 reaches a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature by being blown on by means of a tempered air volume flow 24.

[0086] If the actual surface temperature and / or cell temperature of battery 32 is too low, for example due to a low ambient temperature, then the battery 32 needs to be heated before or during charging. The airflow generated by the blower 18 is heated to a temperature between approximately 45° Celsius and approximately 65° Celsius, thus producing a tempered airflow 24. This tempered, and in particular warm, airflow 24 then heats the battery 32 to the desired surface temperature and / or cell temperature. Once the desired surface temperature and / or cell temperature is reached, the battery 32 can be charged more efficiently and / or quickly. Furthermore, the battery cells are less likely to age prematurely.

[0087] If, for example, the accumulator 32 needs to be heated very quickly, the control and / or regulating device S can also additionally control the blower device 18 so that the air volume flow is briefly increased. In this way, the heating of the accumulator 32 or the achievement of a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature can be accelerated.

[0088] The target accumulator surface temperature is between approximately 25 degrees Celsius and 55 degrees Celsius, preferably between approximately 38 degrees Celsius and approximately 45 degrees Celsius, and / or the target accumulator cell temperature is between approximately 40 degrees Celsius and 45 degrees Celsius, preferably between approximately 42 degrees Celsius and 43 degrees Celsius.

[0089] With the in Fig. With the charging device 10 shown, it is therefore possible to heat the air volume flow generated by the blower device 18 to a defined temperature, so that by blowing on the accumulator 32 it can be heated via the tempered air volume flow 24 until a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature is reached.

[0090] If the control and / or regulating device S, in particular the evaluation unit, determines during its actual-target comparison that the actual accumulator surface temperature and / or actual accumulator cell temperature corresponds at least approximately to the target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature, the temperature control of the air volume flow can be interrupted or reduced, or the blower device 18 and / or the temperature control element (28) can be switched off.

[0091] If the actual accumulator surface temperature and / or actual accumulator cell temperature deviates from the target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature, the control and / or regulating device S is configured to activate the blower device 18 and / or the temperature control element 28 and / or to re-temper the air volume flow.

[0092] If the control and / or regulating unit S, in particular the evaluation unit, determines during its actual-target comparison that the actual accumulator surface temperature and / or actual accumulator cell temperature is above the target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature, then the control and / or regulating unit is designed to deactivate the temperature control element and / or the fan unit. Temperature control of the accumulator 32 only resumes when it is necessary to heat the accumulator 32 to a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature.

[0093] The charging device housing 12 comprises at least one or more air inlet openings 31 (here three openings), which are slot-shaped. The one or more air inlet openings 31 serve to connect the blower device 18, in particular fluidically, to the environment; that is, the blower device 18 can thus draw in air from the environment to generate the air volume flow, which is then heated to a defined temperature.

[0094] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the system 50, consisting of at least one accumulator 32 and a charging device 10, in a schematic side view. In addition to the one shown in Fig. The embodiment shown in 1 comprises the Fig. The charging device housing 12 shown in Figure 2 has three air outlet openings 22, 22', 22", such that the air volume flow generated by the blower device 18 and tempered by the at least one temperature control element 28 is divided into three individual or divided air volume flows 25, 25', 25", each of which impinges on the second flat side 36 or on the underside of the accumulator 32 and divides there into further air volume partial flows 26, 26', 26", 26". This has proven particularly advantageous because the air volume flows 22, 22', 22", impinge on different areas of the second flat side 36 of the accumulator 32, thus enabling better heating or cooling of the accumulator 32.

[0095] In the Fig. Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the system 50, consisting of at least one accumulator 32 and a charging device 10, in a schematic side view. Fig. The 3-shown system 50 differs from the one in Fig. The difference in system 50 shown in 1 is merely that the charging device housing 12 of the charging device 10 is at least approximately V-shaped.

[0096] In particular, the first leg 14 is arranged at an angle to the second leg 16. Consequently, the accumulator 32 is coupled to the at least one accumulator interface in such a way that the airflow strikes the outer surface, in particular the second flat side 36, of the accumulator 32 at an angle; that is, the second flat side 36 is arranged obliquely or at an angle to the second leg 16 of the charging device housing 12. The angle can preferably be between approximately 10 degrees and 80 degrees, preferably 30 degrees.

[0097] In such an arrangement, the tempered air volume flow 24 strikes the second flat side 36 of the accumulator 32 obliquely or at an angle and then divides into individual air volume partial flows 26, 26', so that these air volume partial flows 26, 26' flow along the second flat side 36 of the accumulator 32 and heat or cool the accumulator 32 accordingly until a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature is reached.

[0098] In the Fig. Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the system 50, consisting of at least one accumulator 32 and a charging device 10, in a schematic side view. The Fig. The embodiment shown in section 4 differs from the previous ones. Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 regarding the arrangement and design of the blower unit 18 and the temperature control element 28.

[0099] Accordingly, the blower unit 18, for example in the form of a radial blower 20, is arranged inside the connecting leg 17. The blower unit 18 can draw in air from the environment via corresponding (here three) air inlet openings 31.

[0100] The blower unit 18 is fluidically connected to at least one temperature control element 28, wherein the at least one temperature control element 28 is formed by a Peltier element 30; i.e. depending on the respective actual accumulator surface temperature and / or actual accumulator cell temperature, the air volume flow generated by the blower unit 18 can be selectively heated or cooled by the temperature control element 28, so that a temperature-controlled air volume flow 24 is formed.

[0101] The at least one temperature control element 28 is arranged downstream of the blower unit 18 such that it is exposed to the airflow generated by the blower unit 18 on both sides. In particular, the airflow splits upon impacting the at least one temperature control element 28 so that it flows along both sides of the Peltier element 30. A portion of the airflow 27 is discharged back into the environment via a corresponding air outlet opening 23. This occurs via air ducts (not shown) located inside the charging unit housing 12 to guide the discharged portion of the airflow 27.

[0102] As with the previous ones Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. As described in Figure 3, the temperature-controlled air volume flow 24 is directed via the air outlet opening 22 provided in the charging device housing 12 towards the accumulator 32, which is connected at the accumulator interface, such that an outer surface of the accumulator 32 can be, or is, exposed to the air volume flow 24. One or more air ducts (not shown) are arranged in the charging device housing 12, through which the air volume flow or the temperature-controlled air volume flow can be directed to the one or more air outlet openings 22.

[0103] In particular, the accumulator 32 is supplied with the temperature-controlled air volume flow 24 in such a way that its second flat side 36 is surrounded or blown upon by the air volume flow 24. Upon contact of the temperature-controlled air volume flow 24 with the second flat side 36 of the accumulator 32, it breaks down into a multitude of individual partial air volume flows 26, 26', which flow along the second flat side 36 and heat or cool the accumulator 32 from the outside. In the Fig. However, for the sake of clarity, only two air volume partial flows 26, 26' are shown in Figure 4.

[0104] The use of a Peltier element 30 offers the advantage that the accumulator 32 can be selectively heated or cooled depending on its actual accumulator surface temperature and / or its actual accumulator cell temperature.

[0105] This means that, depending on the detected actual accumulator surface temperature and / or actual accumulator cell temperature, the control and / or regulating device S controls the temperature control element 28 in such a way that the accumulator 32 reaches a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature by being blown on by means of a tempered air volume flow 24.

[0106] If the actual surface temperature and / or cell temperature of the battery 32 is too low, for example due to a low ambient temperature, then the battery 32 must be heated before or during charging. The airflow generated by the blower 18 is heated to a temperature between approximately 30°C and 75°C, thus producing a tempered airflow 24. The tempered, and in particular warm, airflow 24 can then be used to heat the battery 32 to the desired surface temperature and / or cell temperature.

[0107] If, for example, the accumulator 32 needs to be heated very quickly, the control and / or regulating device S can also additionally control the blower device 18 so that the air volume flow is briefly increased. In this way, the heating of the accumulator 32 or the achievement of a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature can be accelerated.

[0108] If the actual surface temperature and / or cell temperature of the battery 32 is too high, for example due to previous use of the battery 32 or high ambient temperatures, cooling of the battery 32 is necessary. The air volume flow 24 generated by the blower 18 is cooled to a temperature between approximately 0 degrees Celsius and approximately 29 degrees Celsius, thus generating a tempered air volume flow 24. The cooled air volume flow 24 can then be used to cool the battery 32 to a defined temperature, so that by blowing the cooled air volume flow 24 onto the battery 32, a target battery surface temperature and / or target battery cell temperature is achieved. Cooling the battery 32 can prevent overheating or thermal damage to the battery 32.

[0109] If, for example, the accumulator 32 needs to be cooled very quickly, the control and / or regulating device S can also additionally control the blower device 18 so that the air volume flow is briefly increased. In this way, the cooling of the accumulator 32 or the achievement of a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature can be accelerated.

[0110] If the control and / or regulating device S, in particular the evaluation unit, determines during its actual-target comparison that the actual accumulator surface temperature and / or actual accumulator cell temperature corresponds at least approximately to the target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature, the temperature control of the air volume flow can be interrupted and / or reduced or the blower device 18 can be switched off.

[0111] If the actual accumulator surface temperature and / or actual accumulator cell temperature deviates from the target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature, the control and / or regulating device S is configured to activate the blower device 18 and / or to re-temper the air volume flow.

[0112] As with the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. As described in section 3, the target accumulator surface temperature is between approximately 25 degrees Celsius and approximately 55 degrees Celsius, preferably between approximately 38 degrees Celsius and approximately 45 degrees Celsius, and / or the target accumulator cell temperature is between approximately 40 degrees Celsius and approximately 45 degrees Celsius, preferably between approximately 42 degrees Celsius and approximately 43 degrees Celsius.

[0113] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable to a person skilled in the art that modifications or changes to the invention can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the following claims. Reference symbol list 10 Charging equipment 12 charging unit housings 14 First leg of the case 16 Second leg of the case 17 connecting legs 18 Blower unit 20 radial blowers 22 Air outlet opening 22' Air outlet opening 22" air outlet 23 additional air outlets 24 temperature-controlled air volume flow 25 individual or divided air volume flow 26 Air volume partial flow 26' Air volume partial flow 26" air volume partial flow 27 discharged air volume partial flow 28 Temperature control element 29 Heating element 30 Peltier element 31 Air inlet opening 32 Accumulator 34 first flat side of the accumulator 36 second flat side of the accumulator 38 accumulator housings 40 heat-exchanging element 50 System S Control and / or regulating device

Claims

[1] A system (50) consisting of at least one charging device (10) and an accumulator (32), wherein: - the charging device (10) comprises a charging device housing (12) with at least one accumulator interface to which at least one accumulator (32) can be mechanically coupled or is coupled, - the charging device (10) comprises at least one blower device (18) arranged within the charging device housing (12), which is designed to generate an air volume flow, - the charging device (10) and / or the accumulator (32) shall include at least one sensor device which is configured to measure and / or record the actual accumulator surface temperature and / or the actual accumulator cell temperature, - the charging device (10) comprises at least one temperature control element (28) for tempering the air volume flow generated by the blower device (18) to a defined temperature, wherein the at least one temperature control element (28) is fluidically connected downstream of the blower device (18), and wherein the tempered air volume flow (24) is directed towards the accumulator (32) in such a way that its outer surface is surrounded by the tempered air volume flow (24), - the charging device (10) comprises a control and / or regulating device (S) connected to or communicating with the at least one sensor device, which is configured to compare the actual accumulator surface temperature and / or actual accumulator cell temperature with a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature, wherein the temperature control element (28) is controlled as a function of the target-actual comparison of the accumulator surface temperature and / or the accumulator cell temperature such that the accumulator (32) has and / or reaches a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature by means of the temperature-controlled air volume flow (24), wherein - the charging device housing (12) has at least one or more air inlet openings (31) through which the blower device (18) is connected to the environment, in particular fluidically, and wherein - the charging device housing (12) includes at least one or more air outlet openings (22) through which the air volume flow generated by the blower device (18) exits the charging device housing (12) in order to blow the accumulator (32) with the tempered air volume flow (24). [2] System (50) according to claim 1, wherein the control and / or regulating device (S) controls the blower device (18) in such a way that the volume and / or speed of the air volume flow generated by the blower device (18) can be increased or reduced. [3] System (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one sensor device is arranged on the charging device (10) in such a way that the actual surface temperature of the accumulator (32) can be measured and / or recorded. [4] System (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one sensor device is arranged inside the accumulator (32) so that the actual accumulator cell temperature of the accumulator (32) can be measured and / or recorded. [5] System (50) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the accumulator (32) is coupled to the at least one accumulator interface of the charging device (10) in such a way that a flat side and / or longitudinal side of the accumulator (32) is exposed to the tempered air volume flow (24). [6] System (50) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the air volume flow for heating the accumulator (32) to a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature can be tempered to a defined temperature between approximately 30 degrees Celsius and approximately 75 degrees Celsius by the at least one tempering element (28). [7] System (50) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the air volume flow for cooling the accumulator (32) to a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature can be tempered to a defined temperature of between approximately 0 degrees Celsius and approximately 29 degrees Celsius by the at least one tempering element (28). [8] System (50) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control and / or regulating device (S) is configured to interrupt or reduce the temperature control of the air volume flow, or to switch off the blower device (18) or the temperature control element (28) when the target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature is reached. [9] System (50) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one temperature control element (28) is formed by a heating element (29), Peltier element (30) or the like. [10] System (50) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the temperature control element (28) is arranged downstream of the blower device (18) in such a way that the temperature control element (28) is blown on at least one or both sides by the at least one volume flow of air generated by the blower device (18). [11] System (50) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the target accumulator surface temperature is between approximately 25 degrees Celsius and approximately 55 degrees Celsius, preferably between approximately 38 degrees Celsius and approximately 45 degrees Celsius and / or wherein the target accumulator cell temperature is between approximately 40 degrees Celsius and approximately 45 degrees Celsius, preferably between approximately 42 degrees Celsius and approximately 43 degrees Celsius. [12] System (50) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the accumulator (32) is coupled or can be coupled to the at least one accumulator interface of the charging device (10) in such a way that the tempered air volume flow (24) hits the outer surface of the accumulator (32) at least approximately perpendicularly. [13] System (50) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the accumulator (32) is coupled or can be coupled to the at least one accumulator interface of the charging device (10) in such a way that the tempered air volume flow (24) hits the outer surface of the accumulator (32) at at least an angle or obliquely. [14] System (50) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer surface of the accumulator (32) is formed at least partially by a heat-exchanging element (40). [15] System (50) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging device housing (12) is formed at least approximately in a U- or V-shape. [16] Method for temperature control of an accumulator (32) in a system (50) formed from the accumulator (32) and a charging device (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the method is carried out before or during charging and comprises at least the following steps: - Sensory detection of an actual accumulator surface temperature and / or an actual accumulator cell temperature by a sensor device of the charging device (10) and / or the accumulator (32), - Comparison of the recorded actual accumulator surface temperature and / or the actual accumulator cell temperature with a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature by a control and / or regulating device (S) of the charging device (10) that is connected to or communicating with the at least one sensor device, - Generating and tempering a tempered air volume flow (24) to a defined temperature, taking into account the target-actual comparison of the accumulator surface temperature and / or the accumulator cell temperature, by means of a blower device (18) arranged within a charging device housing (12) and at least one tempering element (28) fluidically downstream of the blower device (18), wherein the charging device housing (12) has at least one or more air inlet openings (31) through which the blower device (18) is connected to the environment, in particular fluidically, and wherein the charging device housing (12) comprises at least one or more air outlet openings (22) through which the air volume flow generated by the blower device (18) exits the charging device housing (12) to blow the accumulator (32) with the tempered air volume flow (24), - Blowing the accumulator (32) with the tempered air volume flow (24) so ​​that a target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature is reached, wherein the tempered air volume flow (24) is directed towards the accumulator (32) in such a way that its outer surface is surrounded by the tempered air volume flow (24). [17] Method according to claim 16, wherein, upon reaching the target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature, the temperature control of the air volume flow is interrupted or reduced, or the blower device (18) or the temperature control element (28) is switched off. [18] Method according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the air volume flow is tempered to a defined temperature between approximately 30 degrees Celsius and approximately 75 degrees Celsius when the target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature is undershot. [19] Method according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the air volume flow is tempered to a defined temperature between approximately 0 degrees Celsius and approximately 29 degrees Celsius when the target accumulator surface temperature and / or target accumulator cell temperature is exceeded.

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