Modular battery system

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular battery system, comprising a battery module in which at least two battery interfaces are formed, wherein each battery interface is configured for electrical and mechanical connection to a removable battery pack, wherein the battery module has a busbar which is electrically connected to each battery interface, and wherein the battery module has at least one electrical connection which is electrically connected to the busbar and which is configured for connection to a consumer and / or to a charging device.

Description

State of the art

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular battery system.

[0002] Battery systems for consumer devices such as hand tools, gardening equipment, and the like are well known. Such battery systems often use removable battery packs for power supply, which can be removed and replaced by the consumer. The removable battery packs can, for example, be used for different consumers. Interchangeability is often only possible within different battery systems that are geometrically and electrically compatible with each other. For example, they are often divided into different voltage classes, such as a 12V system and an 18V system. Consumer devices are also known that do not allow battery operation but can only be operated via a wired power supply. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] The modular battery system according to the invention with the features of claim 1 is characterized by a particularly high level of flexibility. In particular, the provision of electrical energy for a large number of different consumers can be made possible with a simple design. In addition, a particularly high amount of electrical energy can be provided in a simple manner. This is achieved according to the invention by a modular battery system comprising a battery module in which at least two battery interfaces are formed. Each battery interface is designed for electrical and mechanical connection to a respective replaceable battery pack. The battery module has a busbar that is electrically connected to each battery interface. In addition, the battery module has at least one electrical connection that is electrically connected to the busbar.The electrical connection is designed for connection to a consumer and / or to a charging device.

[0004] In particular, a battery module is considered to be an element that can be handled as a single, integral component.

[0005] A busbar is considered to be a common electrical main line, which can also be referred to as a common power bus, for example. The busbar can be implemented, for example, as a physical busbar, or alternatively, it can be formed by cabling or conductor tracks on a printed circuit board.

[0006] The electrical connection can be designed in a variety of ways, for example as a connecting element that can be connected to a plug and / or a socket.

[0007] In other words, a modular battery system is provided that includes a battery module that can be coupled to multiple interchangeable battery packs. The interchangeable battery packs can provide their stored electrical energy via the battery module at at least one electrical connection. Alternatively or additionally, the interchangeable battery packs can be charged jointly via the at least one electrical connection of the battery module.

[0008] The modular battery system therefore offers the advantage that several interchangeable battery packs can be combined with one another in a particularly advantageous way. This means, for example, that the electrical capacities of several interchangeable battery packs can be used together in order to operate a consumer device for a particularly long runtime in a simple and convenient way. More preferably, by combining the several interchangeable battery packs, their performance can be combined, so that, for example, particularly powerful consumers can be enabled using simple interchangeable battery packs. Furthermore, the electrical energy stored in the interchangeable battery pack can be made available in a particularly flexible way and for a large number of consumers, for example by significantly increasing the compatibility of electrical interfaces via the battery module. In addition, different types of interchangeable battery packs can be used together.

[0009] The subclaims contain preferred developments of the invention.

[0010] The modular battery system preferably comprises an inverter for providing an alternating voltage to at least one electrical connection. The inverter is preferably configured to provide an alternating voltage of at least 120 V, in particular a maximum of 240 V. In other words, the inverter is preferably configured to provide a mains voltage. In particular, the inverter can be arranged between the electrical connection and the busbar. For example, the inverter can be part of the battery module. Alternatively, the inverter can preferably be separate from the battery module, wherein the latter is only connected when required, for example. This can provide particularly advantageous modularity. The inverter can preferably be reversible.The inverter can thus provide a mains voltage or be used as a charging device when an external AC voltage is available, for example, via a power outlet. This allows for a simple and convenient power supply of loads intended for mains operation using the battery module.

[0011] Preferably, at least one electrical connection of the battery module and / or the inverter is configured as a socket. In particular, a household socket is considered a socket, which is configured, for example, for connection to a standard household power plug. This enables the operation of loads intended for mains operation using the battery module in a particularly simple and convenient manner.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the battery module comprises at least one electrical connection which is configured for direct electrical connection to a consumer. Preferably, the battery module additionally has a mechanical interface which is configured for connection to the consumer, in particular in the region of the corresponding electrical interface. This means, for example, that the one electrical connection can be designed as a combination of electrical and mechanical interface in order to be able to connect a consumer having a corresponding interface directly to the battery module. This makes it possible to enable particularly efficient operation, for example of a consumer with high power requirements, in a simple and robust manner.

[0013] More preferably, the modular battery system further comprises at least one adapter which is configured for connection to at least one electrical connection of the battery module. In addition, the adapter is configured for connection to a consumer. In particular, the adapter can thus have corresponding electrical and mechanical interfaces in order to be able to connect the connection of the battery module and a consumer. For example, the adapter can have an electrical line, for example in the form of a cable, in order to be able to enable particularly flexible use and a high level of user convenience. Furthermore, the adapter can be configured to be able to connect several consumers simultaneously using a single connection. For example, more and more devices are known which, due to their high power and / or high performance, are operated with two or more interchangeable battery packs.Using an adapter that is suitable for connecting to multiple consumers, such devices can also be operated easily and efficiently with the battery system.

[0014] The battery module preferably further comprises a DC-DC converter, also known as a DC-DC converter. In particular, the DC-DC converter is configured to convert a voltage on the battery interface side into a higher voltage on the busbar and / or electrical connection side. This allows, for example, interchangeable battery packs with lower voltages to also be used as an energy source for consumers with higher power requirements. Furthermore, it advantageously allows interchangeable battery packs with different voltages and / or different capacities and / or different performance capabilities to be used simultaneously. This enables particularly high flexibility in the application of the battery module.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the modular operating system further comprises a housing and a fixing device. The battery module can be releasably fixed to or within the housing by means of the fixing device. The fixing device preferably comprises at least one fixing rail and / or a locking device and / or a magnetic connection and / or a screw connection. The housing can thus provide mechanical protection for the battery module and simplify handling. For example, the battery module can be removed from the housing and replaced by means of the releasable fixing device.

[0016] This allows for particularly high levels of flexibility and user comfort.

[0017] The modular battery system preferably comprises at least two battery modules, each of which can be releasably secured in the housing by means of a respective securing device. In particular, all battery modules are structurally identical or have an identical design. The battery modules can preferably be electrically connected to one another, so that, for example, all interchangeable battery packs of all battery modules can jointly provide the entire stored electrical energy at at least one of the terminals. This allows for a particularly high degree of modularity and thus a particularly high degree of flexibility with regard to a wide variety of applications.

[0018] The housing further preferably comprises a frame which surrounds a receiving space within which the battery module can be fixed. In particular, the housing can thus be designed in a cage-like manner, wherein the outer dimensions of the housing are defined by the frame, and the battery module is in particular arranged entirely within this frame. This not only offers the advantage that the housing can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively, but also provides a high level of mechanical protection. In addition, the housing ensures easy transport and handling, since, for example, the frame can be easily grasped by a user. Furthermore, the cage-shaped housing allows good accessibility to the battery module, which, in addition to ease of use, has the advantage of good air circulation and thus efficient cooling of the components.

[0019] The housing preferably comprises a backpack carrying device. In particular, a backpack carrying device is considered to be a construction which enables the housing with the battery module located therein to be carried as a backpack. The backpack carrying device preferably comprises at least one shoulder strap. This allows the battery module to be carried on a person's back, for example as a large additional energy storage device while in use by a consumer such as a hand tool. For example, the housing can have an additional sub-housing which is provided separately from the backpack carrying device. This allows the battery module with the sub-housing to be handled separately from the backpack carrying device, for example, which can enable particularly flexible handling of the battery system.

[0020] Preferably, all battery interfaces of the battery module are identically configured. This means that multiple identically constructed interchangeable battery packs can be used. Alternatively, at least two battery interfaces of the battery module can preferably be configured differently for connection to different interchangeable battery packs.

[0021] Particularly preferably, the battery module further comprises a cooling device configured to cool the battery interfaces. Preferably, the cooling device is additionally configured to cool the busbar and / or the electrical connection and / or the DC-DC converter. This enables long-term, efficient operation even at high power levels.

[0022] Preferably, the modular battery system further comprises a control unit, which can be integrated, for example, into the battery module. The control unit is configured to adjust the intake and / or supply of electrical energy by means of the battery module in a controlled manner. This means that the control unit can adjust the charging and / or discharging process of the battery module or the interchangeable battery packs connected to the battery module in a controlled manner. This enables particularly flexible and efficient operation of the modular battery system.

[0023] Further preferably, the control unit is configured to release a controlled supply of electrical energy, which is stored in particular in exchangeable battery packs connected to the battery interfaces, to a second electrical connection when a supply of electrical energy begins at a first electrical connection. In other words, the control device automatically switches the second electrical connection to active in response to a power supply, for example to a consumer, via the first electrical connection. This makes it particularly easy to automatically enable combined, coordinated operation, for example of two separate consumers. Alternatively or additionally, preferably, the control device can be configured to stop a power supply to the second electrical connection when the supply of electrical energy to the first electrical connection ends.This means that the second electrical connection can be automatically shut down when operation of a consumer connected to the first electrical connection is terminated. This allows for particularly efficient and user-friendly operation of the battery system and multiple consumers connected to the battery system. Short description of the drawings

[0024] The invention is described below using an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the figures. In the figures, functionally identical components are identified by the same reference numerals. Here: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a detail of a modular battery system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the modular battery system of the preferred embodiment in the application of an alternator, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the modular operating system of the preferred embodiment in the application of an alternative alternator, Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the modular operating system of the preferred embodiment in the application of a power supply of a high-power consumer, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the modular operating system of the preferred embodiment in the application of a backpack battery pack, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an adapter of the modular battery system of the preferred embodiment, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative adapter of the modular battery system of the preferred embodiment, and Fig. 8 is a simplified view of the modular battery system of the preferred embodiment in the application of a power supply to a wired consumer. Preferred embodiments of the invention

[0025] The Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a detail of a modular battery system 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 to 8 show preferred applications of the modular battery system 10 of the Fig. 1.

[0026] The modular battery system 10 comprises a battery module 1, in which, in the preferred embodiment shown, four battery interfaces 2 are formed.

[0027] The battery module 1 is preferably designed as an element that can be handled as a one-piece component. The battery module 1 can preferably have a one-piece base body in which the battery interfaces 2 are formed.

[0028] Each battery interface 2 has an electrical interface and a mechanical interface. The respective battery interface 2 can be electrically or mechanically connected to a removable battery pack 50 by means of the electrical interface and the mechanical interface. The mechanical interface can preferably comprise a rail guide and / or a locking mechanism in order to establish a particularly simple and cost-effective connection between the removable battery pack 50 and the battery module 1.

[0029] This connection of the battery interface 2 to the removable battery pack 50 is designed to be detachable. This allows the removable battery packs 50 to be flexibly connected to and disconnected from the battery module 1. For example, this allows for easy replacement of the removable battery packs 50. Furthermore, the total number of removable battery packs 50 connected to the battery module 1 can be easily and flexibly adjusted.

[0030] In the embodiment shown, 18V interchangeable battery packs for consumers 51, such as electrical hand tools, can preferably be used as interchangeable battery packs 50.

[0031] The battery module 1 has a common busbar 3, to which all battery interfaces 2 are directly and permanently electrically connected. The busbar 3 is preferably an electrically conductive element, such as a conductor element made of copper. In particular, the busbar 3 can also be referred to as a power bus.

[0032] Furthermore, the battery module 1 comprises a control unit 30 and an electrical connection 4. The electrical connection 4 is directly electrically connected to the busbar 3 and is configured for direct or indirect electrical and mechanical connection to a consumer 51.

[0033] The control unit 30 can adjust the intake and supply of electrical energy by means of the battery module 1 in a controlled manner. In detail, both charging and discharging of the interchangeable battery packs 50 connected to the battery module 1 can take place via the electrical connection 4. This means that both a charging device 52, which can provide an electrical current for charging the interchangeable battery pack 50, and a consumer 51, which can be supplied with electrical energy stored in the interchangeable battery packs 50, can be connected to the electrical connection 4.

[0034] Furthermore, the battery module 1 can have a cooling device 40 configured to cool the battery interfaces 2. The cooling device 40 can generate the cooling effect, for example, by means of liquid cooling and / or air cooling. This can enable particularly efficient operation of the modular battery system 10 and prevent overheating.

[0035] Exemplary applications of the Modular Battery System 10 are described below with reference to the Fig. 2 to 8 described.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the modular battery system 10 of the preferred embodiment in use with an AC generator. Exactly two electrical connections 4 are provided and designed as sockets, which are particularly designed for connection to a standard household power plug.

[0037] The modular battery system 1 also includes an inverter 5 (see Fig. 1), which is designed to convert a direct voltage of the interchangeable battery packs 50 into an alternating voltage, preferably of at least 120 V, preferably of a maximum of 240 V. The alternating voltage is provided at the electrical connections 4. As a result, consumers 51, which are intended for mains operation, can be operated by means of the modular battery system 10, as exemplified in the Fig. 8 shown. Fig. 8 shows an example of a power supply of a wired consumer 51, which is connected to the modular battery system 10 via a cable 51a.

[0038] Fig. 2 further shows, by way of example, a connection of the modular battery system 10 to a charging device 52, which can advantageously provide a mains voltage through the use of the inverter 5 in order to charge the interchangeable battery packs 50.

[0039] In the Fig. In the application of the modular battery system 10 as an alternating current generator shown in Figure 2, the battery system 10 further comprises a housing 20 with a frame 21. The frame 21 preferably forms a framework that encompasses a receiving space 22. The battery module 1 and preferably further components of the modular battery system 10 are arranged entirely within the receiving space 22. The frame 21 provides good accessibility to the battery module 1 and its components, which facilitates operability and also improves air circulation and thus cooling of the battery module 1.

[0040] The housing 20 with the frame 21 is designed to enable a releasable fixation of the battery module 1 within the receiving space 22. This allows the battery module 1 to be removed and, for example, the entire battery module 1 and / or individual interchangeable battery packs 50 to be replaced.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the modular battery system 10 of the preferred embodiment in the application of an alternative alternator, wherein multiple battery modules 1 can be accommodated simultaneously within the housing 20. This allows a larger amount of electrical energy to be provided.

[0042] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the modular battery system 10 of the preferred embodiment in the application of a direct energy supply to a particularly powerful consumer 51. Here, the electrical connection 4 is configured for direct electrical connection to the consumer 51, wherein the battery module 1 additionally has a mechanical interface 4a for mechanical connection to the consumer 51. As a result, mobile consumers 51, that is, consumers 51 without a wired mains supply and with high energy consumption, can be operated easily and efficiently by the battery module 1 with the multiple interchangeable battery packs 50.

[0043] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the modular battery system 10 of the preferred embodiment in the application of a backpack battery pack. The housing 20 further comprises a backpack carrying device 23, which in particular comprises shoulder straps and, for example, additionally a hip belt, so that a user can carry the battery module 1 on their back. A load 51 can be connected to the battery module 1, for example, via a cable 51a. This enables a particularly high level of user comfort when operating the load 51.

[0044] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of an adapter 6 of the modular battery system 10, which is configured for use with the battery module 1. The adapter 6 has a first adapter interface 61, which is designed for connection to one of the electrical connections 4 of the battery module 1. The adapter 6 also has a cable 63 and a second adapter interface 62, wherein the cable 63 connects the two adapter interfaces 61, 62 to one another. The second adapter interface 62 is configured for connection to a consumer 51. Preferably, the second adapter interface 62 can be designed substantially identically to the battery interfaces 2. As a result, the adapter 6 can be used to supply power to a consumer 51, which is originally designed for use with one of the interchangeable battery packs 50 used in the battery module 1.This can, for example, enable a particularly long operating time for the consumer 51.

[0045] Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an alternative adapter 6 of the modular battery system 10 of the preferred embodiment. The adapter 6 of the Fig. 7 has two second adapter interfaces 62, each for connection to a consumer 51. This allows two separate consumers 51 to be operated simultaneously via a common electrical connection 4 of the battery module 1.

Claims

[1] Modular battery system comprising: - a battery module (1) in which at least two battery interfaces (2) are formed, - wherein each battery interface (2) is arranged for electrical and mechanical connection to a removable battery pack (50), - wherein the battery module has a bus bar (3) electrically connected to each battery interface (2), and - wherein the battery module (1) has at least one electrical connection (4) which is electrically connected to the busbar (3) and which is designed for connection to a consumer (51) and / or to a charging device (52). [2] Modular battery system according to claim 1, further comprising an inverter (5) for providing an alternating voltage, preferably of at least 120 V, in particular a maximum of 240 V, to at least one electrical connection (4). [3] Modular battery system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one electrical connection (4) is designed as a socket. [4] Modular battery system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one electrical connection (4) is arranged for direct electrical connection to a consumer (51), preferably wherein the battery module (1) additionally has a mechanical interface (4a) for connection to the consumer (51). [5] Modular battery system according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one adapter (6) which is connectable to at least one electrical connection (4), wherein the adapter (6) is adapted for connection to a consumer (51). [6] Modular battery system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery module (1) further comprises a DC-DC converter. [7] Modular battery system according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a housing (20) and a fixing device (25), wherein the battery module (1) can be releasably fixed in the housing (20) by means of the fixing device (25), in particular wherein the fixing device (25) comprises at least one fixing rail and / or a latching device and / or a magnetic connection and / or a screw connection. [8] Modular battery system according to claim 7, comprising at least two battery modules (1), each of which can be releasably fixed in the housing (20). [9] Modular battery system according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the housing (20) has a frame (21) which surrounds a receiving space (22), wherein the battery module (1) can be fixed within the receiving space (22). [10] Modular battery system according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the housing (20) has a backpack carrying device (23). [11] Modular battery system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein all battery interfaces (2) of the battery module (1) are identically designed or are differently designed for connection to different interchangeable battery packs (50). [12] Modular battery system according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cooling device (40) which is arranged to cool the battery interfaces (2). [13] Modular battery system according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control unit (30) which is configured to adjust a reception and / or a provision of the electrical energy by means of the battery module (1) in a controlled manner. [14] Modular battery system according to claim 13, wherein the control unit (30) is arranged to release in a controlled manner a provision of electrical energy at a second electrical terminal (4) when a provision of electrical energy at a first electrical terminal (4) begins.

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