LOCK FOR AN ACCUMULATOR

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system comprising a machine tool and an accumulator for supplying the machine tool with electrical energy.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an accumulator for supplying a machine tool with electrical energy.

[0003] Systems consisting of a machine tool and a rechargeable battery as a power supply are widely known from the prior art. Furthermore, rechargeable batteries for supplying a machine tool with electrical energy are also widely known from the prior art. Examples are known from US 2020 / 295506 A1, DE 10 2018 219397 A1, DE 20 2007 014418 U1, or DE 10 2018 219399 A1.

[0004] To supply the machine tool with electrical energy, an accumulator is usually detachably connected to the machine tool via an interface. The interface comprises mechanical and electrical components. The mechanical components serve to mechanically connect the accumulator to the machine tool in the form of a form-fitting connection. The electrical components transfer the electrical energy from the accumulator to the machine tool. The mechanical components are often a rail system with which the accumulator can be pushed onto the machine tool. The electrical components are usually designed as plug-in contacts, i.e. a plug and socket, so that a plug on the accumulator can be inserted into a corresponding socket on the machine tool.By sliding the accumulator onto the machine tool using the rails, the plugs of the accumulator are connected to the sockets of the machine tool.

[0005] When using a machine tool with a connected battery, considerable mechanical stress in the form of vibrations or impacts can occur. Particularly when the machine tool is designed as a drill or chisel hammer, relatively strong vibrations can occur in most applications. Because the machine tool and the battery have different masses, they vibrate differently relative to each other. This results in a relative movement between the machine tool and the battery, so that both the mechanical and electrical connecting components at the

[0006] Interface between the machine tool and the accumulator may be damaged.

[0007] In particular, the plug-socket connection between the accumulator and the machine tool is sensitive to these relative movements or vibrations.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a system comprising a machine tool and an accumulator for supplying the machine tool with electrical energy, as well as an accumulator for supplying a machine tool with electrical energy, which at least solves the above-mentioned problem.

[0009] The problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claims 1 and 5.

[0010] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the corresponding subclaims.

[0011] The object is achieved in particular by a system comprising a machine tool and an accumulator for supplying the machine tool with electrical energy.

[0012] According to the invention, the accumulator contains a locking device for releasably connecting the accumulator to the machine tool, wherein the locking device contains at least a first and a second lever element which are connected to one another in an articulated manner, so that the locking device can be moved reversibly from a locking position into a release position, wherein in the locking position the accumulator is firmly connected to the machine tool and in the release position the accumulator can be removed from the machine tool.

[0013] This allows for a better connection between the machine tool and the accumulator when mounted, thus reducing relative movement between the machine tool and the accumulator. In other words, play between the machine tool and the accumulator can be eliminated.

[0014] The second lever element can be designed to be elastic. This can create a preload in the locking device.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it may be possible for the accumulator to contain a third lever element for reversibly actuating the second lever element from a first position to a second position.

[0016] This can make it easier to handle the locking device for re-connecting the accumulator to the machine tool.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it may be possible for the second lever element to be at least partially elastic.

[0018] This allows a preload to be generated by the locking device for a higher contact pressure of the accumulator on the machine tool.

[0019] According to claims 1 and 5 of the present invention, the locking device is designed as a toggle lever mechanism. This also allows the locking device to be implemented in a simple manner.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it may be possible for at least one elastic stop element to be included between the accumulator and the machine tool, wherein the at least one elastic stop element is positioned opposite the locking device.

[0021] In addition, the task is solved by an accumulator for supplying a machine tool with electrical energy.

[0022] According to the invention, the accumulator contains a locking device for releasably connecting the accumulator to the machine tool, wherein the locking device contains at least a first and a second lever element which are connected to one another in an articulated manner, so that the locking device can be moved reversibly from a locking position into a release position, wherein in the locking position the accumulator is firmly connected to the machine tool and in the release position the accumulator can be removed from the machine tool.

[0023] This allows for a better connection between the machine tool and the accumulator when mounted, thus reducing relative movement between the machine tool and the accumulator. In other words, play between the machine tool and the accumulator can be eliminated.

[0024] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the figures. The figures illustrate various embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] The figures, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The skilled person will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations.

[0026] They show: Figure 1 shows a perspective rear view of a machine tool with a rechargeable battery in an assembled state; Figure 2 shows a perspective rear view of the machine tool with the rechargeable battery in a disassembled state; Figure 3a shows a perspective detailed view of a rechargeable battery interface of the machine tool; Figure 3b shows a perspective sectional view of the rechargeable battery interface of the machine tool; Figure 4 shows a side sectional view of the rechargeable battery with the locking device in a first state; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the rechargeable battery with the locking device in the first state; Figure 6 shows a side sectional view of the rechargeable battery with the locking device in a second state; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the rechargeable battery with the locking device in the second state; Figure 8 shows a side sectional view of the rechargeable battery with the locking device in a third state;Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the accumulator with the locking device in the third state; Figure 10 shows a side sectional view of the accumulator with the locking device in a fourth state; Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the accumulator with the locking device in the fourth state; Figure 12 shows a side sectional view of the accumulator with the locking device in a fifth state; and Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the accumulator with the locking device in the fifth state. Examples of implementation:

[0027] In Figure 1 shows a system 1 comprising a machine tool 2 and an accumulator 3 in a first state, wherein the accumulator 3 is connected to the machine tool 2. The accumulator 3 serves to supply the machine tool 2 with electrical energy.

[0028] The accumulator 3 can also be referred to as a rechargeable battery or battery.

[0029] In Figure 2 the machine tool 2 and the accumulator 3 are shown in a second state, wherein the accumulator is removed or pulled away from the machine tool 2 in direction A.

[0030] The machine tool 2 is designed, for example, in the form of a hammer drill. Alternatively, the machine tool 2 can be designed in the form of a grinder, a saw, a chisel hammer, or the like.

[0031] The Figure 1 Machine tool 2 essentially contains a housing 4, a tool holder 5, a main handle 6, an auxiliary handle 7 and a battery interface 8.

[0032] The housing 4 of the machine tool 2 has a front end 4a, a rear end 4b, a top side 4c and a bottom side 4d.

[0033] A drive in the form of an electric motor, a gear mechanism, a percussion mechanism, and a control device are located inside the housing 4 of the machine tool 2. The drive, the gear mechanism, the percussion mechanism, and the control device are not shown in the figures.

[0034] The tool holder 5 is positioned at the front end 4a of the housing 4 of the power tool 2 and serves to receive and hold a tool. In the present embodiment, in which the power tool 2 is configured as a hammer drill, the tool is a drill. The tool is not shown in the figures.

[0035] The main handle 6 is positioned at the rear end 4b of the housing 4 of the machine tool 2 and serves a user to hold and guide the machine tool 2. The user of the machine tool 2 is not shown in the figures.

[0036] The auxiliary handle 7 is also positioned at the front end 4a of the housing 4 of the machine tool 2 and serves a user in addition to the main handle 6 for holding and guiding the machine tool 2. As in Figure 1 and 2 The auxiliary handle 7 is shown arranged in the direction of arrow A in front of the tool holder 5. The auxiliary handle 7 is detachably connected to the housing 4 of the machine tool 2.

[0037] As also in Figure 1 and 2 As can be seen, a battery interface 8 is positioned at the rear end 4b of the housing 4 of the machine tool 2. The battery interface 8 is arranged in the direction of arrow C below the main handle 6 and serves to receive and hold the battery 3.

[0038] The battery interface 8 essentially contains a mechanical connection device and an electrical connection device. The mechanical connection device serves on the machine tool side for the positive connection of the battery 3 to the machine tool 2. The electrical connection device, on the machine tool side, serves for the electrical connection of the battery 3 to the machine tool 2, so that electrical energy can be transferred from the battery 3 to the machine tool 2.

[0039] As in Figure 3a and 3bAs indicated, the mechanical connection device is essentially designed in the form of two grooves 9 and a first and second recess 10a, 10b. The grooves 9 can also be referred to as joints or furrows. As described below, the grooves 9 serve to receive corresponding rails 11 on the accumulator 3. The first and second recess 10a, 10b serve to receive a lever element of the accumulator 3, so that a positive and non-positive connection can be formed between the accumulator 3 and the machine tool 2. As in Figure 4 As shown, the first and second recesses 10a, 10b have essentially a triangular cross-sectional area with a certain undercut in the direction of arrow A.

[0040] As also in the Figures 3a and 3bAs indicated, the electrical connection device is essentially configured by four plugs 12. The four plugs 12 are designed to be plugged into corresponding sockets 13 on the accumulator 3, thereby creating an electrical connection between the accumulator 3 and the machine tool 2.

[0041] As shown in the figures, the accumulator 3 includes a battery housing 14 having a front side 14a, a back side 14b, a top side 14c and a bottom side 14d.

[0042] A plurality of energy storage cells 15a and a control device 15b are positioned inside the battery housing 14. The energy storage cells 15a serve to receive, store, and release electrical energy. In the present embodiment, the energy storage cells 15a are based on lithium-ion technology.

[0043] A machine tool interface 16 is positioned on the top side 14c of the battery housing 14. The machine tool interface 16 also essentially contains a mechanical connection device and an electrical connection device. The mechanical connection device serves, on the battery side, for the positive connection of the accumulator 3 to the machine tool 2. The electrical connection device, on the battery side, serves for the electrical connection of the accumulator 3 to the machine tool 2, so that electrical energy can flow from the accumulator 3 to the machine tool 2. The electrical connection device is arranged on the top side 14c and near the front side 14a of the battery housing 14.

[0044] As indicated in the figures, especially in Figure 2, the mechanical connection device is essentially designed in the form of two rails 11. The rails 11 are designed such that they can be accommodated in the corresponding grooves 9 of the battery interface 8 on the machine tool 2.

[0045] As in Figure 2 As indicated, the electrical connection device of the machine tool interface 16 of the accumulator 3 is essentially configured by four sockets 13. The four sockets 13 serve to accommodate the corresponding plugs 11 on the mechanical connection device of the accumulator interface 8 of the machine tool 2, thereby creating an electrical connection between the accumulator 3 and the machine tool 2.

[0046] In addition, an elastic stop element 17 is provided at the battery interface 8 of the machine tool 2. As shown in Figure 4The elastic stop element 17 is best seen positioned so that it can exert its elastic spring force between the machine tool interface 16 and the battery interface 8.

[0047] As can also be seen in the figures, the accumulator 3 further contains a locking device 18. The locking device 18 serves to releasably connect the accumulator 3 to the machine tool 2 and extends from the top side 14c to the rear side 14b of the battery housing 14.

[0048] The locking element 18 essentially contains a first lever element 19, a second lever element 20, a third lever element 21, a first pivot joint 22, a second pivot joint 23, a third pivot joint 24 and a fourth pivot joint 25.

[0049] The first lever element 19 contains an elongated base body 26 with a first end 26a and a second end 26b. The first lever element 19 can be referred to as a locking element. The first end 26a of the base body 26 is rotatably positioned on the upper side 14c of the battery housing 14 by means of the first pivot joint 22. At the second end 26b of the base body 26, a first and second hook element 27a, 27b is provided, each extending essentially at an obtuse angle to a longitudinal orientation of the base body 26. The first and second hook elements 27a, 27b are shaped to be inserted into the corresponding recess on the battery interface 8 of the machine tool 2. The shape of the hook elements 27a, 27b essentially corresponds to the shape of the recesses 10a, 10b.

[0050] Furthermore, the second pivot joint 23 is included at the first end 26a of the base body 26. The second pivot joint 23 is positioned obliquely above the first pivot joint 22 in the direction of arrow D. As described in further detail below, the first and second pivot joints 22, 23 are arranged relative to one another such that rotation of the first lever element 19 about a pivot point of the second pivot joint 23 results in a concentric rotational movement of the first lever element 19.

[0051] The second lever element 20 essentially contains a curved base body 28. The second lever element 20 can be referred to as a connecting element. The second lever element 20 connects the first lever element 19 to the third lever element 21. The curved base body 28 can also be referred to as a bent base body. The curved base body 28 is designed such that the second lever element 20 has a certain spring function or spring effect. For this purpose, the curved base body 28 has a length-to-thickness ratio and is made of a material that gives the second lever element 20 a certain flexibility or elasticity. As can be seen in the figures, the contour of the curved base body 28 essentially follows a curved transition from the top side 14c to the rear side 14b of the battery housing 14.The curved transition from the top side 14c to the back side 14b of the battery housing 14 can also be referred to as a curve, rounded side edge, or rounded portion. The curved base body 28 is designed in this manner to fit the top side 14c and back side 14b of the battery housing 14 in a space-saving manner.

[0052] A first end 20a of the second lever element 20 is rotatably connected to the first lever element 19 by the second pivot joint 23, so that the first lever element 19 and the second lever element 20 can be pivoted relative to each other about the pivot point of the second pivot joint 23.

[0053] The third pivot joint 24 is provided at the second end 20b of the second lever element 20.

[0054] The third lever element 21 has a flat, elongated base body 29, which includes a first end 29a and a second end 29b. The third lever element 21 can also be referred to as an operating element. The third lever element 21, designed as an operating element, serves as an activation element for a user of the locking device 18 to operate the locking device 18.

[0055] According to an alternative embodiment, the locking device 18 can also be designed without the third lever element 21. In this embodiment of the locking device 18, the second lever element 20 serves as an activation element with which a user can operate the locking device 18. The first end 29a of the third lever element 21 is connected to the rear side 14b of the battery housing 14 by the third pivot joint 24, so that the third lever element 21 can be pivoted or rotated about the third pivot joint 24 relative to the battery housing 14. The fourth pivot joint 25 is positioned near the first end 29a of the third lever element 21. As shown in Figure 4As can be seen, the fourth pivot joint 25 is arranged above the third pivot joint 24 in the direction of arrow D. The second end 20b of the second lever element 20 is rotatably connected to the first end 29a of the third lever element 21 by the fourth pivot joint 25, so that the second lever element 20 and third lever element 21 can be pivoted or rotated relative to each other.

[0056] As already mentioned above, the locking device 18 serves to releasably connect the rechargeable battery 3 to the machine tool 2. For this purpose, the locking device 18 can be reversibly moved from a locking position to a release position. In the locking position, the machine tool interface 16 of the rechargeable battery 3 is relatively firmly connected to the rechargeable battery interface 8 of the machine tool 2 by means of the locking device 18. The connection is at least sufficiently strong that even vibrations occurring during use of the machine tool 2 do not lead to a relative movement between the machine tool 2 and the connected rechargeable battery 3.

[0057] The functioning of the locking device 18 is primarily in the Figures 4 to 13 In particular, the Figures 4 to 13shown how the locking device 18 is moved from a release position to a locking position. In the locking position, the accumulator 3 and the machine tool 2 are connected to each other (see Figure 1 ) and in the release position the accumulator 3 and the machine tool 2 can be separated from each other (cf. Figure 2 ).

[0058] In Figure 4 and 5 The accumulator 3 is shown with the locking device 18 in a first position. The first position is a release position, in which the accumulator 3 can be removed from the machine tool 2 or pulled in the direction of arrow A from the machine tool 2. A positive or non-positive connection of the accumulator 3 with the machine tool 2 is not present in the release position. The second end 29b of the third lever element 21 is moved as far as possible in the direction of arrow D and is thus in the highest position. As shown in Figure 4 As can be seen, the elastic stop element 17 is not yet compressed or still relaxed, so that no or only a minimum of spring force acts from the elastic stop element 17 on the accumulator 3.

[0059] In Figure 6 and 7 The battery 3 is shown with the locking device 18 in a second position. The second end 29b of the third lever element 21 is moved downward (i.e., pressed) a certain distance in the direction of arrow C. The first end 29a of the third lever element 21 rotates about the pivot point of the third pivot joint 24 relative to the rear side 14b of the battery housing 14.

[0060] The first end 20a of the second lever element 20 moves in the direction of arrow A and the first lever element 19 rotates about the pivot point of the first pivot joint 22. The second pivot joint 23 serves to compensate for the relative movement of the first lever element 19 and the second lever element 20, since the first lever element 19 rotates concentrically about the pivot point of the second pivot joint 23. As shown in Figure 6 As can be seen, the first and second hook elements move in the direction of arrow D due to the rotational movement of the first lever element and engage in the two recesses 10a, 10b of the battery interface 8 of the machine tool 2. At the same time, the second end 20b of the second lever element 20 moves in the direction of arrow C. By rotating the third lever element 21 about the pivot point of the third pivot joint 24, the fourth pivot joint 25 rotates concentrically about the pivot point of the third pivot joint 24. As in Figure 6As can be seen, the accumulator 3 is moved by the movement of the locking device 18 in the direction of arrow B, so that the elastic stop element 17 is now compressed. A certain spring force from the elastic stop element 17 acts on the accumulator 3.

[0061] In Figure 8 and 9The accumulator 3 is shown with the locking device 18 in a third position. The second end 29b of the third lever element 21 is moved a further distance downward in the direction of arrow C (i.e., pressed). The first end 29a of the third lever element 21 rotates further about the pivot point of the third pivot joint 24 relative to the rear side 14b of the battery housing 14. The first end 20a of the second lever element 20 is moved further in the direction of arrow A, and at the same time, the second end 20b of the second lever element 20 is moved further in the direction of arrow C. The first and second hook elements 27a, 27b are moved further in the direction of arrow D by the rotational movement of the first lever element 19 and engage further in the two recesses 10a, 10b of the battery interface 8 of the machine tool 2.The battery 3 is moved in the direction of arrow B by the movement of the locking device 18, so that the elastic stop element 17 is further compressed between the battery 3 and the machine tool 2. The elastic stop element 17 presses on the battery 3 with a higher spring force.

[0062] In Figure 10 and 11The accumulator 3 is shown with the locking device 18 in a fourth position. The second end 29b of the third lever element 21 is moved a further distance downward in the direction of arrow C (i.e., pressed). The first end 29a of the third lever element 21 rotates further about the pivot point of the third pivot joint 24 relative to the rear side 14b of the battery housing 14. The first end 20a of the second lever element 20 is moved further in the direction of arrow A, and at the same time, the second end 20b of the second lever element 20 is moved further in the direction of arrow C. The first and second hook elements 27a, 27b are moved further in the direction of arrow D by the rotational movement of the first lever element 19 and engage further in the two recesses 10a, 10b of the battery interface 8 of the machine tool 2.The battery 3 is moved in the direction of arrow B by the movement of the locking device 18, so that the elastic stop element 17 is further compressed between the battery 3 and the machine tool 2. The elastic stop element 17 presses on the battery 3 with a higher spring force.

[0063] In Figure 12 and 13the accumulator 3 is shown with the locking device 18 in a fifth or end position. The second end 29b of the third lever element 21 is moved a further distance downwards in the direction of arrow C (i.e. pressed), so that the third lever element 21 lies flat against the rear side 14b of the battery housing 14. The first end 20a of the second lever element 20 is moved further in the direction of arrow A and at the same time the second end 20b of the second lever element 20 is moved further in the direction of arrow C. The first and second hook elements 27a, 27b are moved further in the direction of arrow D by the rotary movement of the first lever element 19 and now engage completely in the two recesses 10a, 10b of the battery interface 8 of the machine tool 2. The accumulator 3 is now moved as far as possible in the direction of arrow B by the movement of the locking device 18.The elastic stop element 17 is now completely compressed between the accumulator 3 and the machine tool 2. The elastic stop element 17 presses against the accumulator 3 with maximum spring force in the direction of arrow A.

[0064] The accumulator 3 is now completely and firmly connected to the machine tool 2.

[0065] According to an alternative embodiment of the locking device 18, it may also be possible for the locking device 18 to be designed without the second and fourth pivot joints 23, 25. Reference symbol:

[0066] 1System 2Machine tool 3Accumulator 4Machine tool housing 4front end of the machine tool housing 4brear end of the machine tool housing 4ctop of the machine tool housing 4dbottom of the machine tool housing 5Tool holder 6Main handle 7Auxiliary handle 8Battery interface 9Groove 10aFirst recess 10bSecond recess 11Rail 12Plug 13Socket 14Battery housing 14aFront of the battery housing 14bRear of the battery housing 14cTop of the battery housing 14dBottom of the battery housing 15aEnergy storage cells 15bControl device 16Machine tool interface 17Stop element 18Locking device 19First lever element 20Second lever element 20aFirst End of the second lever element 20bsecond end of the second lever element 21third lever element 22first pivot joint 23second pivot joint 24third pivot joint 25fourth pivot joint 26elongated base body of the first lever element 26afirst end of the elongatedBase body 26bsecond end of the elongated base body 27asecond hook element 27bsecond hook element 28curved base body of the second lever element 29afirst end of the third lever element 29bsecond end of the third lever element

Claims

1. System (1) comprising a power tool (2) and a rechargeable battery (3) for supplying the power tool (2) with electrical energy, wherein the rechargeable battery (3) comprises a locking apparatus (18) for releasably connecting the rechargeable battery (3) to the power tool (2), characterized in that the locking apparatus (18) comprises at least one first and second lever element (19, 20) that are connected together in an articulated manner, such that the locking apparatus (18) is reversibly movable from a locking position into a releasing position, wherein, in the locking position, the rechargeable battery (3) is firmly connected to the power tool (2) and, in the releasing position, the rechargeable battery (3) is removable from the power tool (2), wherein the locking apparatus (18) is configured as a toggle mechanism.

2. System (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the rechargeable battery (2) comprises a third lever element (21) for reversibly actuating the second lever element (20) from a first position into a second position.

3. System (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second lever element (20) is configured at least partially in an elastic manner.

4. System (1) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one elastic stop element (17) is present between the rechargeable battery (3) and power tool (2), wherein the at least one elastic stop element (17) is positioned opposite the locking apparatus (18).

5. Rechargeable battery (3) for supplying a power tool (2) with electrical energy for a system (1) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the rechargeable battery (3) comprises a locking apparatus (18) for releasably connecting the rechargeable battery (3) to the power tool (2), characterized in that the locking apparatus (18) comprises at least one first and second lever element (19, 20) that are connected together in an articulated manner, such that the locking apparatus (18) is reversibly movable from a locking position into a releasing position, wherein, in the locking position, the rechargeable battery (3) is firmly connected to the power tool (2) and, in the releasing position, the rechargeable battery (3) is removable from the power tool (2), wherein the locking apparatus (18) is configured as a toggle mechanism.