Charging adapter for transferring charging current to a replaceable power supply unit of an electrical device.

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging adapter (1) for transferring a charging current (IL) to a replaceable power supply unit (2) of an electrical device (3). The invention further relates to a power supply unit (2) with a charging adapter (1) and a method for transferring a charging current (IL) to a replaceable power supply unit (2) of an electrical device (3). In addition, the invention relates to an arrangement and a system with a charging adapter (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention lies in the field of electrical power transmission technology and relates to a charging adapter for transmitting a charging current to a removable power supply unit of an electrical device. The present invention further relates to a removable power supply unit with such a charging adapter, and to a method for transmitting a charging current to a removable power supply unit of an electrical device by means of such a charging adapter. The present invention also relates to an arrangement and a system, each comprising such a charging adapter.

[0002] Charging adapters typically serve as electrical coupling devices between power supplies and the devices being charged. Depending on their intended use and application, charging adapters are configured differently and must meet a variety of requirements.

[0003] For example, a standard USB charging adapter (USB stands for "Universal Serial Bus") can deliver a charging power of up to approximately 100 watts at a charging voltage of 20 volts per USB charging cable. However, for higher charging power or voltages, specific charging adapter solutions are used, which often do not adhere to a (uniform) standard in certain applications and thus represent an individual, non-standardized solution. For electrical devices in the form of mobile, handheld power tools, specific charging devices are provided in addition to the power supply units, which also entails the consumption of corresponding raw materials and resources for the production of the charging device.

[0004] Various concepts for adapters are known from the patent literature of the prior art.

[0005] German patent application DE 10 2022 209 014 A1 describes a compact power adapter designed to allocate power to multiple electronic devices (laptops, phones). Power allocation is either consistent, regardless of the connection order, or, in cases of power shortages or with non-battery-powered devices, prioritized according to the connection order. The allocation logic takes battery charge levels into account and assigns higher power priority to devices with low charge.

[0006] German patent application DE 10 2018 222 092 A1 discloses a method for the sequential operation of a charging device with multiple charging interfaces for battery packs of hand-held power tools. An automatic charging logic is configured so that the battery pack most recently connected to a charging interface is charged first.

[0007] Chinese patent application CN 105 591 442 B relates to a charging adapter for use with notebook computers. The charging adapter has at least two USB output ports. To operate a notebook computer, a dual USB charging cable is used, which is connected simultaneously to two USB output ports. A microcontroller unit in the charging adapter detects the dual USB connection and switches the output voltage of the two ports to the required voltage and current.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a charging adapter for transferring a charging current to a replaceable power supply unit of an electrical device, which is characterized above all by simple handling and configurability, a compact design and in particular by the possibility of using standardized charging cables and / or charging technology, whereby in particular higher charging powers and / or shorter charging times can be achieved.

[0009] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a power supply device with such a charging adapter and a method for transferring a charging current to a replaceable power supply device of an electrical appliance by means of such a charging adapter. A further object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement and a system, each with such a charging adapter.

[0010] The problem is solved by the features of claims 1, 12, 13, 14 and 15. Further embodiments and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the figures.

[0011] According to a first general aspect, the present invention relates to a charging adapter for transmitting a charging current to a replaceable power supply unit of an electrical device, comprising: • at least one first adapter interface for forming a detachable connection with a first supply line and for providing a first supply current to the charging adapter via the first supply line; • at least one second adapter interface for forming a detachable connection with a second supply line and for providing a second supply current to the charging adapter via the second supply line; • a charging control unit for adjusting, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the charging current to the power supply unit during a charging process;wherein the at least one first adapter interface and the at least one second adapter interface are each configured according to an interface standard, in particular according to an interface standard identical to each other; and wherein the charging control unit is configured to set a first supply voltage of the first supply current and a second supply voltage of the second supply current to a defined charging voltage of the charging current, in particular to add them in an adjustable manner.

[0012] The present invention provides a charging adapter that can be operated, for example, using standardized supply lines in the form of charging cables and standardized connectors to form plug connections. The applicability of existing components in conjunction with the charging adapter according to the present invention thus conserves raw materials and resources.

[0013] The charging adapter according to the present invention is characterized, for example, by an individually configurable number of supply lines, particularly depending on the configuration of the power supply device to be charged and / or the number of adapter interfaces. At least one adapter interface, and in particular all adapter interfaces, can each be configured as a so-called port.

[0014] The interface standard can be a uniform interface standard, for example, with regard to the definition of a connector face and / or with regard to a protocol for establishing a communication connection and / or for transmitting electrical energy. The interface standard can, for example, be a so-called USB standard, in particular a USB-C standard, and / or at least be based on one. With the charging adapter according to the present invention, individually adjustable and / or higher charging capacities are possible than with known USB charging components.

[0015] The defined charging voltage can be a voltage that is higher than each of the first and second supply voltages, and in particular, at least twice as high. The defined charging voltage can also be a voltage resulting from the supply voltages, specifically from adding them together.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the charging adapter comprises a circuit unit which is connected to the charging control unit, to the at least one first adapter interface and to the at least one second adapter interface, and which is configured to connect the first supply line and the second supply line in series.

[0017] The circuit unit can be a component of the charging control unit. Using the circuit unit, the first supply line can be connected in series with the second supply line, whereby, by appropriately connecting the respective terminals, the supply voltage is increased accordingly as the charging voltage. For example, by connecting the first and second supply lines in series, it is possible to identify supply lines with low or reduced power (electrical transmission power).

[0018] It is possible that the charging adapter includes at least a third adapter interface for forming a detachable connection with a third supply line and for providing a third supply current to the charging adapter via the third supply line, and that a circuit unit of the charging adapter is connected to the charging control unit and to the at least one third adapter interface and is configured, depending on at least one charging parameter, to connect the at least one third supply line in parallel with at least one of the following lines in order to transmit a charging current adapted to the respective state of charge of the power supply device: the first supply line, the second supply line.

[0019] In other words, the charging adapter according to the present invention allows for a configurable parallel connection in addition to the serial connection with respect to supply lines, which enables the adjustment of respective charging currents and / or charging voltages and thus provides further configurability of the charging adapter with respect to a charging process of the power supply device.

[0020] The at least one charging parameter can include, for example, the number of charging cycles, a cumulative amount of charging energy, and / or a current state of charge. The at least one charging parameter can be assigned to the power supply device being charged.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the charging control unit is configured for determining and evaluating at least one charging parameter, and for setting, in particular controlling, a circuit unit of the charging adapter depending on the determined and evaluated at least one charging parameter, wherein the at least one charging parameter is a retrieved, a measured and / or a calculated charging parameter, wherein in particular the at least one charging parameter comprises at least one of the following pieces of information: • a duration of the charging process until a target charging level of the power supply device is reached, • a power output of at least one first, second and / or third supply line.

[0022] The circuit unit can, for example, be configured to independently set a defined charging voltage and / or charging current based on a defined number of connected supply lines and their respective supply voltages and / or currents. At least one charging parameter can be assigned to the power supply device being charged and / or to at least one supply line.

[0023] It is possible that the charging control unit is configured to establish a communication link with a charging management unit of the power supply facility in order to control and / or regulate the charging process at least partially together and / or alternately.

[0024] This allows a charging adapter with appropriate communication, control, and / or regulation capabilities to be provided for the charging process. In other words, the charging adapter can be characterized by intelligent charging logic and thus goes beyond a rigid wiring logic dependent on connected supply lines. This allows the charging adapter to be operated with relatively simple and / or standardized power supplies to carry out a charging process. It is understood that the power supplies are connected to the charging adapter via the respective supply lines and / or can be connected to it.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the charging control unit is configured to determine the respective power of the first supply line and the second supply line in order to adjust the charging current and / or the charging voltage depending on the lowest of the determined power.

[0026] This can, for example, prevent overloading of supply lines, which in turn increases their lifespan.

[0027] It is possible that at least one interface standard includes a USB standard which defines a plug face and / or a plug section for forming a plug connection with a mating connector of a line for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals, wherein in particular the plug face and / or the plug section is designed according to a USB-C standard.

[0028] This allows for the provision of a charging adapter characterized by a widely used interface configuration. For example, it makes it possible to operate the charging adapter with power supply lines in the form of standardized USB charging cables. This enables power supply units with multiple cell units (also referred to as "cells") in the form of battery packs to be charged using existing USB technology at charging voltages greater than, for example, 20 volts. In other words, higher charging powers, such as greater than 100 watts, can be achieved with standardized USB technology, which in turn reduces charging time.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, it is possible that at least one interface standard includes a USB standard which defines a protocol for establishing a communication connection using electrical signals and / or a protocol for transmitting electrical energy, in particular the protocol for transmitting electrical energy being defined according to a USB-C standard or a USB-PD standard (USB-PD being an abbreviation for "USB Power Delivery").

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, the charging adapter may include a converter unit which is connected to the charging control unit and which is configured to reduce and / or substantially stabilize the charging voltage.

[0031] The converter unit can be designed as a buck converter or include a buck converter to adjust the charging voltage.

[0032] It is possible that the charging adapter comprises at least one first display element assigned to the first supply line, and at least one second display element assigned to the second supply line, and in particular at least one third display element assigned to at least one third supply line; or that the charging adapter comprises a single (common) display element assigned to the first supply line, the second supply line, and in particular at least one third supply line;wherein the charging control unit is configured to determine the respective power output of the first supply line, the second supply line and in particular the at least one third supply line in order to control, depending on the determined respective power output, the at least one first display element, the at least one second display element and in particular the at least one third display element, or the single (common) display element.

[0033] This allows, for example, the provision of a charging adapter characterized by improved handling, particularly with regard to the use of supply lines. For instance, a charging line with reduced or lower power (electrical transmission power) can be identified and this visually indicated via a display element, for example by changing the color of the indicator light.

[0034] A display element can, for example, be a light-emitting diode (abbreviated "LED"). The single (common) display element can be a display. The at least one LED or the display can be connected to the charging control unit. The charging control unit can be configured to control the LED or the display.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the at least one first adapter interface and the at least one first display element are arranged opposite each other and / or adjacent to each other on a housing side of a housing part of the charging adapter, wherein in particular the housing side is arranged and / or aligned away from a plug section of the charging adapter for the power supply device.

[0036] This prevents, for example, a power supply device plugged into the connector from obscuring at least one display element in one viewing direction.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the at least one first adapter interface and the at least one second adapter interface and in particular at least one third adapter interface are arranged in a row, with substantially equal distances between them, on a common housing side, in the form of a rectangle, in a star shape and / or along a circular circumference, on a housing part of the charging adapter, in particular as a multi-USB-C interface arrangement.

[0038] This allows, for example, a comparatively compact design for the charging adapter.

[0039] It is possible that the charging adapter comprises a first housing part and a second housing part, each of which is manufactured as a separate housing part, wherein the at least one first adapter interface and the at least one second adapter interface are arranged and / or formed on the first housing part, wherein the second housing part comprises a plug section for forming a detachable plug connection with the power supply device, and wherein the second housing part is designed to be manually interchangeable with the first housing part via a mounting section, in particular by a plugging operation, in order to adapt to the configuration of the power supply device.

[0040] This allows for the provision of a charging adapter that is configured for specific power supply devices through interchangeable and, in particular, different plug sections. Further configurability of the charging adapter is achieved by designing and / or arranging the plug section on a second housing part of the charging adapter, which is configured for manual, detachable assembly on a first housing part containing the adapter interfaces. The charging adapter can thus be adapted relatively easily to charging processes for differently configured power supply devices.

[0041] According to a second general aspect, the present invention relates to an interchangeable power supply device for an electrical device with at least one cell unit (abbreviated "cell") for receiving, storing and / or supplying electrical energy, wherein the power supply device comprises a charging adapter configured as disclosed herein, wherein in particular the power supply device comprises a housing for integrating the at least one cell unit and the charging adapter is arranged at least partially within the housing and / or on the housing.

[0042] According to a third general aspect, the present invention relates to a method for transferring a charging current to a replaceable power supply unit of an electrical device by means of a charging adapter, wherein the charging adapter comprises: • at least a first adapter interface for forming a detachable connection with a first supply line and for providing a first supply current to the charging adapter via the first supply line; • at least a second adapter interface for forming a detachable connection with a second supply line and for providing a second supply current to the charging adapter via the second supply line; • a charging control unit for adjusting, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the charging current to the power supply unit during a charging process;comprising, wherein the at least one first adapter interface and the at least one second adapter interface are each configured according to an interface standard, in particular according to an interface standard identical to each other; wherein a first supply current is provided to the at least one first adapter interface and a second supply current is provided to the at least one second adapter interface, and wherein the charging control unit sets a first supply voltage of the first supply current and a second supply voltage of the second supply current to a defined charging voltage of the charging current, in particular adjustable and adding them together, wherein in particular the charging adapter is configured as disclosed herein.

[0043] According to a fourth general aspect, the present invention relates to an arrangement for transmitting a charging current to a replaceable power supply unit of an electrical device, comprising: • a charging adapter configured as disclosed herein; • at least one first supply line and at least one second supply line, wherein the at least one first supply line is connected to a first charger configured to convert mains current, and wherein the at least one second supply line is connected to a second charger configured to convert mains current; or wherein the at least one first supply line and the at least one second supply line are connected to a common charger configured to convert mains current, wherein, in particular, the arrangement for carrying out the method is configured as disclosed herein.

[0044] According to a fifth general aspect, the present invention relates to a system with a charging adapter and a replaceable power supply unit for an electrical device with at least one cell unit for receiving, storing and / or supplying electrical energy, wherein the charging adapter is configured as disclosed herein, wherein in particular the system comprises at least one supply line for providing a supply current, which is configured to form a detachable connection with at least one adapter interface.

[0045] To avoid repetition, features relating solely to the device of the charging adapter and / or the power supply device according to the invention and / or disclosed in connection therewith shall also be deemed to be disclosed according to the method and be claimable, and vice versa.

[0046] The embodiments and features of the present invention described above can be combined arbitrarily or expediently. Further details and advantageous effects of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0047] They show: Fig. 1 an arrangement and / or a system according to the present invention comprising a charging adapter for transferring a charging current to a replaceable power supply device, wherein the charging adapter is designed according to a first embodiment and is in a first state. Fig. 2. the charging adapter Fig. 1, which is in a second state.

[0048] Identical or functionally equivalent devices, units, or elements are identified in the figures with the same reference numerals. To avoid repetition, reference is sometimes made to the descriptions of other embodiments and / or figures for their explanation.

[0049] The following detailed description of the embodiments shown in the figures serves to illustrate or clarify the invention in no way limiting its scope.

[0050] Fig. Figure 1 shows an arrangement and / or a system according to the present invention. The arrangement and / or the system comprises a charging adapter 1 for transferring a charging current IL to a replaceable power supply unit 2 of an electrical device 3. The charging adapter 1 according to the present invention is configured according to a first embodiment and is in a first state, which, for example, comprises an initial state. Some units 20, 30, 70 of the charging adapter 1 and units 2LM, ZE of the power supply unit 2 are in Fig. 1 are highlighted and are described in more detail below.

[0051] The charging adapter 1 is configured to transmit a charging current IL at an applied charging voltage UL to a replaceable power supply unit 2 of an electrical device 3.

[0052] The power supply unit 2 can be designed as a portable, manually tool-free assembled and disassembled, and / or as a replaceable battery pack 2. The power supply unit 2 serves to store electrical energy during a charging process and / or to release electrical energy during a discharging process. The power supply unit 2 is configured as an electrical energy source for an electrical device 3 to supply the electrical energy to the electrical device 3. For this purpose, the power supply unit 2 comprises at least one cell unit ZE and, in particular, a plurality of cell units ZE, which are also referred to as "battery cells" or, in short, "cells". The at least one cell unit ZE can be based on lithium-ion storage technology. Alternatively, the at least one cell unit ZE can be based on another electrochemical storage technology.

[0053] The power supply unit 2 is characterized by a housing 2G, which is designed for handling the power supply unit 2 and in particular for integrating (accommodating) the at least one cell unit ZE, especially the plurality of cell units ZE.

[0054] The power supply unit 2 comprises a charge management unit 2LM, which is configured to monitor a charging process. During a charging process, the charge management unit 2LM is configured to distribute, in particular to control and / or regulate, a supplied charging current IL and / or a supplied charging voltage UL to at least one cell unit ZE, in particular to the plurality of cell units ZE (so-called "cell balancing"). Additionally or alternatively, during a discharging process, the charge management unit 2LM is configured to draw, in particular to control and / or regulate, a discharge current (stored charge current IL) from the at least one cell unit ZE, in particular from the plurality of cell units ZE.It is understood that the power supply unit comprises 2 further units and / or elements, and / or is characterized by further units and / or elements, for example a display unit and / or at least one counter-contact element for forming an electrical connection with a contact element of the charging adapter 1 assigned as a contact element, of which in . Fig. 1 the contact element 61 is visible and marked.

[0055] The energy supply unit 2 can be designed as an energy supply unit which is known from the prior art.

[0056] The electrical device 3 can be mobile, portable, manually operated, self-contained (mains-independent), and / or motor-driven. The electrical device 3 can, for example, be configured as one of the following: a garden tool, such as a trimmer, shears, scythe, brush cutter, leaf blower, or leaf vacuum; a forestry tool, such as a chainsaw; a cleaning tool, such as a pressure washer; or another type of electrical device, such as a drill, angle grinder, saw, vacuum cleaner, or compressor. Further configurations and designs of the electrical device 3 are possible.

[0057] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of an electrical device 3 in the form of an electrically operated chainsaw 3. The power supply unit 2 shown in connection with the electrical device 3 is interchangeably mounted in a shaft of the electrical device 3, in particular by a mounting process in the form of a plug-in operation in one mounting direction.

[0058] The charging adapter 1 is characterized by a housing G1, G2, which is designed in two parts. The charging adapter 1 comprises a first housing part G1 and a second housing part G2. Each of the housing parts G1, G2 can be made of an insulating material with inherent electrical insulating properties and resulting insulating capabilities. Each of the housing parts G1, G2 can be manufactured by at least one of the following processes: a casting process, an injection molding process, a sintering process, a 3D printing process, a curing process, or a shrinking process.

[0059] The housing parts G1, G2 can each be shell-shaped to fully integrate, at least partially integrate, and / or arrange the respective units and / or elements of the charging adapter 1 into the housing G1, G2 formed by this assembly, when the charging adapter 1 is installed. As an example, a converter unit 70 of the charging adapter 1 is highlighted, which is arranged within the housing G1, G2 and thus integrated into it. The converter unit 70 is connected to the charging control unit 20 and configured to adjustably reduce and / or substantially stabilize the charging voltage UL. The converter unit 70 can include a buck converter or be configured as a buck converter.

[0060] For example, housing part G2 includes plug section 60 to form a plug interface 50. Plug section 60 is configured to form a plug connection with the power supply unit 2 in the plug-in direction X, thus creating both a mechanical and an electrical connection between the charging adapter 1 and the power supply unit 2 when the power supply unit 2 is plugged in. Housing part G2 can be interchangeable with housing part G1 and can include a differently configured plug section 60 for differently configured power supply units 2. Housing part G2 can be part of the system and / or a product range.

[0061] The charging adapter 1 according to the present invention is characterized above all by a relatively compact design and by comparatively small dimensions.

[0062] In the present embodiment, the charging adapter 1 is designed as a self-contained, pre-assembled unit. This allows the charging adapter 1 to be manufactured completely independently. Alternatively, the charging adapter 1 can be an integral part of the power supply unit 2. For example, the charging adapter 1 can be integrated section by section within the housing G2 of the power supply unit 2.

[0063] The charging adapter 1 includes the charging control unit 20. The charging control unit 20 is configured to set, in particular control and / or regulate, the charging current IL to the power supply unit 2 at a set charging voltage UL during a charging process. The charging control unit 20 can, for example, include a processing unit with at least one processing core, which is configured to execute at least one algorithm of a computer program for a charging process.

[0064] The charging control unit 20 is specifically configured to establish a communication link with the charging management unit 2LM of the power supply unit 2 in order to control and / or regulate a charging process at least partially and / or alternately.

[0065] The charging adapter 1 comprises, in particular, a first adapter interface 10.1, a second adapter interface 10.2, and a third adapter interface 10.3. It is possible that the charging adapter 1 comprises exactly two adapter interfaces 10.1 and 10.2, or more than two adapter interfaces 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.n, for example, n adapter interfaces 10.n. The charging adapter 1 is described in more detail below with reference to the adapter interfaces 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3.

[0066] The first adapter interface 10.1 is configured to form a detachable connection with a first supply line L1 and to provide a first supply current I1 to the charging adapter 1 via the first supply line L1. The second adapter interface 10.2 is configured to form a detachable connection with a second supply line L2 and to provide a second supply current I2 to the charging adapter 1 via the second supply line L1, and the third adapter interface 10.3 is configured to form a detachable connection with a third supply line L3 and to provide a third supply current I3 to the charging adapter 1 via the third supply line L3. Each of the supply lines L1, L2, L3 is specifically designed as an electrical line with respective electrical conductors, for example in the form of stranded wires, for the transmission of electrical energy and / or electrical signals.

[0067] Each of the supply lines L1, L2, L3 is electrically connected to a corresponding power supply unit N1, N2, N3, which is configured to provide a respective supply current I1, I2, I3 by applying a respective supply voltage U1, U2, U3. Each of the power supplies N1, N2, N3 is in turn connected via a respective electrical line (not shown in the figures for clarity) to, for example, a respective socket S1, S2, S3. Each of the sockets S1, S2, S3 is configured to provide mains power from an electrical power supply network.

[0068] The adapter interfaces 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 are each designed and / or configured according to at least one interface standard, in particular according to an interface standard identical to each other, and this applies in particular to the design of a detachable mechanical connection as well as to the design of a detachable electrical connection for the transmission of electrical energy and / or electrical signals.

[0069] The interface standard, at least one of which may include a USB standard or be at least partially based on one, defines a connector face and / or connector section for forming a connection with a mating connector of a cable, i.e., a supply line L1, L2, L3, Ln for transmitting electrical power and / or electrical signals. The connector face and / or connector section of adapter interfaces 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3 is specifically designed according to a USB-C standard.

[0070] Additionally or alternatively, at least one interface standard can include a USB standard or be at least partially based on one, which defines a protocol for establishing a communication link using electrical signals and / or a protocol for transmitting electrical power. The protocol for transmitting electrical power can be defined, in particular, according to a USB-C standard or a USB-PD (USB Power Delivery) standard.

[0071] In other words, the configuration of each of the adapter interfaces 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 can be based on the international standard IEC 62680-1-3 and / or at least on the IEC 62680 series of standards (IEC stands for "International Electrotechnical Commission") or at least partially specified according to it, thus enabling the realization of requirements and characteristics for so-called USB Power Delivery (abbreviated "USB PD"). This makes it possible, for example, to transmit higher electrical power levels via multiple power supply lines L1, L2, L3 in the form of USB charging cables.

[0072] For example, with the charging adapter 1 it is possible to charge a power supply unit 2 with a comparatively shorter charging time using two or more USB charging cables L1, L2, L3, Ln via USB-C adapter interfaces 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.n.

[0073] Alternatively, it is possible that the adapter interfaces 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.n are designed and / or specified according to a different standard and / or norm and / or specification, and / or are at least partially based on it, for example Thunderbolt™ 3, Thunderbolt™ 4 or Thunderbolt™ 5.

[0074] Fig. 2 shows the charging adapter 1 from Fig. 1 additionally in a second state, which represents a display state, which will be described in more detail below.

[0075] The charging control unit 20 is configured to adjust a first supply voltage U1 of the first supply current I1, a second supply voltage U2 of the second supply current I2 and a third supply voltage U3 of the third supply current I3 to a defined charging voltage UL of the charging current IL, in particular to add them.

[0076] In other words, the charging control unit 20 is configured to connect the supply lines L1, L2, L3, which are connected via the adapter interfaces 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, in series.

[0077] The supply lines L1, L2, L3 are each configured to transmit a direct current I1, I2, I3 to the charging adapter 1 when a direct voltage U1, U2, U3 is applied. The charging control unit 20 of the charging adapter 1 forms a series connection of the supply lines L1, L2, L3, which are detachably connected to their respective adapter interfaces 10.1, 10.2, 10.3.

[0078] When the adapter interfaces 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 and the supply lines L1, L2, L3 are configured according to the USB standard “USB-PD”, for example, an electrical transmission power of up to approximately 240 watts (48 volts at 5 amps using USB-PD 3.1) can be achieved per supply line L1, L2, L3 and thus via a single USB-C charging cable L1, L2, L3, resulting in higher charging power and a reduction in the charging time of the power supply device 2.

[0079] It is possible that the charging control unit 20 is configured to request different supply voltages U1, U2, U3 (for example 15 volts, 20 volts, 36 volts or 48 volts) depending on the configuration of the power supply unit 2, which allows, among other things, different electrical transmission capacities of the supply lines L1, L2, L3 to be realized.

[0080] By means of the charging control unit 20 and a "USB-PD" configuration of the charging adapter 1, an optimal charging voltage UL and / or an optimal charging current IL can be set for the charging process of a power supply unit 2. The charging adapter 1 thus enables charging with supply lines L1, L2, L3 in the form of standardized USB-C charging cables. Therefore, power supply units 2 in the form of battery packs 2 can also be charged significantly above 20 volts and with higher charging powers, for example, greater than 100 watts, using USB-C technology. In other words, at least two USB-C power supplies (chargers) N1, N2, N3 can be connected in series using the charging adapter 1 according to the present invention. The USB-C power supplies N1, N2, N3 can each be configured as USB-C power supplies N1, N2, N3, which are known from the prior art.

[0081] To achieve its intended function, the charging adapter 1 includes, in particular, a circuit unit 30. The circuit unit 30 can be connected to the charging control unit 20 and / or be a component of the charging control unit 20.

[0082] The circuit unit 30 is connected to the first adapter interface 10.1 and therefore to the first supply line L1, to the second adapter interface 10.2 and therefore to the second supply line L2, and to the third adapter interface 10.3 and thus to the third supply line L3.

[0083] The circuit unit 30 is specifically configured to connect the first supply line L1, the second supply line L2, and the third supply line L3 in series. This primarily improves the functionality of the charging adapter 1 and, for example, also fault diagnosis.

[0084] With supply voltages U1, U2, U3 of approximately 24 volts each, a charging voltage of approximately 72 volts can be achieved.

[0085] The circuit unit 30 can, with more than two adapter interfaces 10.1, 10.2, connect at least a third adapter interface 10.3 and thus a third supply line L3 in parallel, depending on at least one charging parameter of the first supply line L1 and / or the second supply line L2, in order to transmit a charging current IL adapted to the respective state of charge of the power supply unit 2 at a correspondingly set, i.e. applied, charging voltage UL.

[0086] The charging control unit 20 can be configured to determine and evaluate at least one charging parameter and to adjust the circuit unit 30 depending on the determined and evaluated at least one charging parameter. The at least one charging parameter can be a charging parameter retrieved from a storage element, a measured parameter, and / or a calculated parameter. In particular, the at least one charging parameter can include at least one of the following pieces of information: a charging time until a target charging level of the power supply unit 2 is reached, or a power output (electrical transmission power) of the first, second, and / or third supply line L1, L2, L3.

[0087] Accordingly, the charging control unit 20 can be configured to determine the respective power of the first, second and / or third supply line L1, L2, L3 in order to adjust the charging current IL and / or the charging voltage UL depending on the power determined, which is, for example, the lowest.

[0088] Instead of individual power supplies N1, N2, N3, the representation in Fig. 2 the supply lines L1, L2, L3 are connected to a common power supply unit NG, which in turn is connected to a socket S1 to provide mains power from an electrical power supply network.

[0089] To provide feedback on the status to a user during handling, operation, and / or use of the charging adapter 1, the charging adapter 1 comprises output elements 40.1, 40.2, and 40.3 in the form of indicator elements. Each of the indicator elements 40.1, 40.2, and 40.3 can be configured as a light-emitting diode (LED), in particular as a color-changing LED. LED 40.1 is connected to the first supply line L1, LED 40.2 to the second supply line L2, and LED 40.3 to the third supply line L3. Each of the LEDs 40.1, 40.2, and 40.3 is connected to the charging control unit 20. The charging control unit 20 is configured, for example, to control the respective assigned LEDs 40.1, 40.2 and 40.3 according to the determined power of the supply lines L1, L2, L3.

[0090] For example, if a reduced or lower electrical transmission power is detected in a supply line L1, L2, L3, the light generated by the LEDs 40.1, 40.2, and 40.3 can change color, for example, from green (normal condition) to orange (reduced power condition) to red (fault condition). This allows a user of the charging adapter 1 to be visually notified of a defect in the supply line L1, L2, L3 and / or in the connected power supply unit N1, N2, N3.

[0091] As can be seen from the presentation in Fig. 2 results in the display elements 40.1, 40.2 and 40.3 being arranged in different shapes and / or at different locations on the housing parts G1, G2.

[0092] The display elements 40.1, 40.2, 40.3 are arranged on the housing part G2 near the plug section 60, whereas the adapter interfaces 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 are arranged on the housing part G1, and thus on a housing side GS which is arranged and / or aligned away from the plug section 60.

[0093] Alternatively, it is possible that the first adapter interface 10.1, the second adapter interface 10.2 and the third adapter interface 10.3 are each arranged opposite and / or adjacent to a single (common) display element 40, which in Fig. 2 is indicated by a dashed line and the reference symbol 40. Display element 40 can, for example, be a display for showing charging-related and / or line-related information.

[0094] The present invention provides a charging adapter 1 which, in particular, can be operated with a different number of supply lines L1, L2, L3, Ln, for example in the form of USB charging cables, to achieve a specific charging power. Furthermore, the charging adapter 1 is able to detect and, in particular, visually display reduced or (unintentionally) decreased charging powers associated with the respective supply lines L1, L2, L3.

[0095] The present invention provides, among other things, a charging adapter 1 which can be operated using standard interfaces and standard charging cables in order to realize a charging process of a power supply device 2.

[0096] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the present invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the dependent claims independently of the referenced claims. Reference symbol list 1 charging adapter 2 Energy supply facility 2G setup enclosure 2LM charging management unit 3 Electrical appliance 10.1 Adapter interface 10.2 Adapter interface 10.3 Adapter interface 10.n Adapter interface 20 Charging control unit 30 circuit unit 40 Display element 40.1 Display element 40.2 Display element 40.3 Display element 40.n Display element 50 Steckgesicht 60 plug-in section 61 Contact element 70 converter unit G1 Housing part G2 housing part GS housing side I1 Supply current I2 Supply current I3 Supply current In supply current IL charging current L1 Supply line L2 supply line L3 Supply line Ln supply line N1 power supply N2 power supply N3 power supply Nn power supply S1 socket S2 socket S3 socket Sn socket U1 Supply voltage U2 Supply voltage U3 Supply voltage Un supply voltage UL charging voltage X Plug direction ZE cell unit

Claims

[1] Charging adapter (1) for transferring a charging current (IL) to a replaceable power supply unit (2) of an electrical device (3), comprising: • at least one first adapter interface (10.1) for forming a detachable connection with a first supply line (L1) and for providing a first supply current (I1) to the charging adapter (1) via the first supply line (L1); • at least a second adapter interface (10.2) for forming a detachable connection with a second supply line (L2) and for providing a second supply current (I2) to the charging adapter (1) via the second supply line (L2); • a charging control unit (20) for setting, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the charging current (IL) to the power supply unit (2) during a charging process; wherein the at least one first adapter interface (10.1) and the at least one second adapter interface (10.2) are each configured according to an interface standard, in particular according to an interface standard that is identical to each other; and wherein the charging control unit (20) is configured to adjust a first supply voltage (U1) of the first supply current (I1) and a second supply voltage (U2) of the second supply current (I2) to a defined charging voltage (UL) of the charging current (IL), in particular to add them in an adjustable manner. [2] Charging adapter (1) according to claim 1, wherein the charging adapter (1) comprises a circuit unit (30) which is connected to the charging control unit (20), to at least one first adapter interface (10.1) and to at least one second adapter interface (10.2), and which is configured to connect the first supply line (L1) and the second supply line (L2) in series. [3] Charging adapter (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the charging adapter (1) comprises at least a third adapter interface (10.3) for forming a detachable connection with a third supply line (L3) and for providing a third supply current (I3) to the charging adapter (1) via the third supply line (L3), and wherein a circuit unit (30) of the charging adapter (1) is connected to the charging control unit (20) and to the at least one third adapter interface (10.3) and is configured, depending on at least one charging parameter, to connect the at least one third supply line (L3) in parallel with at least one of the following lines in order to transmit a charging current (IL) adapted to the respective state of charge of the power supply device (2): the first supply line (L1), the second supply line (L2). [4] Charging adapter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging control unit (20) is configured to determine and evaluate at least one charging parameter, and to adjust a circuit unit (30) of the charging adapter (1) depending on the determined and evaluated at least one charging parameter, where at least one charging parameter is a retrieved, a measured and / or a calculated charging parameter, where in particular at least one charging parameter includes at least one of the following pieces of information: • a time period of the charging process until a target charging level of the energy supply device is reached (2), • a service of at least one first, second and / or third supply line (L1, L2, L3); and wherein in particular the charging control unit (20) is configured to form a communication link with a charging management unit (2LM) of the power supply unit (2) in order to control and / or regulate the charging process at least partially together and / or alternately. [5] Charging adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging control unit (20) is configured to determine the respective power of the first supply line (L1) and the second supply line (L2) in order to adjust the charging current (IL) and / or the charging voltage (UL) depending on the lowest power determined. [6] Charging adapter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one interface standard includes a USB standard which defines a plug face and / or a plug section for forming a plug connection with a mating connector of a line (L1, L2, L3, Ln) for the transmission of electrical energy and / or electrical signals, in particular the connector face and / or connector section is designed according to a USB-C standard. [7] Charging adapter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where at least one interface standard includes a USB standard which defines a protocol for establishing a communication link using electrical signals and / or a protocol for transmitting electrical energy, in particular the protocol for the transmission of electrical energy is defined according to a USB-C standard or a USB-PD standard, wherein in particular the charging adapter (1) comprises a converter unit (70) which is connected to the charging control unit (20) and which is configured to reduce and / or stabilize the charging voltage (UL) in an adjustable manner. [8] Charging adapter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging adapter (1) comprises at least a first display element (40.1) which is assigned to the first supply line (L1), and at least a second display element (40.2) which is assigned to the second supply line (L2), and in particular at least a third display element (40.3) which is assigned to at least a third supply line (L3); or wherein the charging adapter (1) comprises a single display element (40) which is assigned to the first supply line (L1), the second supply line (L2) and in particular to at least a third supply line (L3); wherein the charging control unit (20) is configured to determine the respective power of the first supply line (L1), the second supply line (L2) and in particular the at least one third supply line (L3) in order to control, depending on the determined respective power, the at least one first display element (40.1), the at least one second display element (40.2) and in particular the at least one third display element (40.3), or the single display element (40). [9] Charging adapter (1) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one first adapter interface (10.1) and the at least one first display element (40.1) are arranged opposite each other and / or adjacent to each other on a housing side (GS) of a housing part (G1, G2) of the charging adapter (1), wherein in particular the housing side (GS) is arranged facing away from a plug section (60) of the charging adapter (1) for the power supply unit (2). [10] Charging adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first adapter interface (10.1) and the at least one second adapter interface (10.2) and in particular at least one third adapter interface (40.3) are arranged on a housing part (G1, G2) of the charging adapter (1), in particular as a multi-USB-C interface arrangement, in a row, with equal distances between them, on a common housing side (GS), in the form of a rectangle, in a star shape and / or along a circumference. [11] Charging adapter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging adapter (1) comprises a first housing part (G1) and a second housing part (G2), each of which is manufactured as separate housing parts (G1, G2), wherein at least one first adapter interface (10.1) and at least one second adapter interface (10.2) are arranged on the first housing part (G1), wherein the second housing part (G2) comprises a plug section (60) for forming a detachable plug connection with the power supply unit (2), and wherein the second housing part (G2) is designed to be manually interchangeable with the first housing part (G1) via a mounting section, in particular by a plugging operation, in order to adapt to the configuration of the power supply device (2). [12] Interchangeable power supply unit (2) for an electrical appliance (3) comprising at least one cell unit (CU) for receiving, storing and / or supplying electrical energy, wherein the power supply device (2) comprises a charging adapter (1) configured according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in particular the power supply device (2) comprises a device housing (2G) for integrating the at least one cell unit (ZE) and the charging adapter (1) is arranged at least partially within the device housing (2G) and / or on the device housing (2G). [13] Method for transferring a charging current (IL) to a replaceable power supply unit (2) of an electrical device (3) by means of a charging adapter (1), wherein the charging adapter (1) • at least one first adapter interface (10.1) for forming a detachable connection with a first supply line (L1) and for providing a first supply current (I1) to the charging adapter (1) via the first supply line (L1); • at least a second adapter interface (10.2) for forming a detachable connection with a second supply line (L2) and for providing a second supply current (I2) to the charging adapter (1) via the second supply line (L2); • a charging control unit (20) for setting, in particular controlling and / or regulating, the charging current (IL) to the power supply unit (2) during a charging process; includes wherein the at least one first adapter interface (10.1) and the at least one second adapter interface (10.2) are each configured according to an interface standard, in particular according to an interface standard that is identical to each other; wherein a first supply current (I1) is provided to the at least one first adapter interface (10.1) and a second supply current (I2) is provided to the at least one second adapter interface (10.2), and wherein the charging control unit (20) sets a first supply voltage (U1) of the first supply current (I1) and a second supply voltage (U2) of the second supply current (I2) to a defined charging voltage (UL) of the charging current (IL), wherein in particular the charging adapter (1) is configured according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11. [14] Arrangement for transferring a charging current (IL) to a replaceable power supply unit (2) of an electrical appliance (3), comprising: • a charging adapter (1) configured according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11; • at least one first supply line (L1) and at least one second supply line (L2), wherein at least one first supply line (L1) is connected to a first charger (N1) which is configured to convert mains power, and wherein at least one second supply line (L2) is connected to a second charger (N2) which is configured to convert mains power; or wherein at least one first supply line (L1) and at least one second supply line (L2) are connected to a common charger (NG) which is configured to convert mains power, wherein in particular the arrangement for carrying out the method according to claim 13 is configured. [15] System comprising a charging adapter (1) and a replaceable power supply unit (2) for an electrical device (3) with at least one cell unit (CU) for receiving, storing and / or supplying electrical energy, wherein the charging adapter (1) is configured according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, wherein in particular the system includes at least one supply line (L1, L2, L3) for providing a supply current (I1, I2, I3) which is configured to form a detachable connection with at least one adapter interface (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.n).

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