POWER SUPPLY OF AN ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE BY MEANS OF A BATTERY PACK AND CHARGING OF A BATTERY PACK USING AN ADAPTER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an adapter for connecting a battery pack to an electrical device, a battery pack arrangement with such an adapter, an electrical device arrangement with such an adapter, a method for supplying electrical energy to an electrical device, and a method for charging a battery pack.

[0002] Electrical devices, such as power tools, household appliances, or electric vehicles, can sometimes be powered by removable battery packs. From both a user convenience and environmental perspective, it would be advantageous if different devices could be operated with the same battery pack. The same applies to chargers for charging the battery pack. Ideally, one charger should be usable for different battery packs, or a single battery pack should be chargeable with different chargers.

[0003] Interfaces and connectors of electrical appliances, chargers, and battery packs from a single manufacturer are often designed in such a way as to ensure comprehensive compatibility. However, this is not the case with devices, battery packs, or chargers from different manufacturers.

[0004] Adapters that establish a mechanical and electrical connection between a power tool and a battery pack are known. For example, document US 2012 / 0189892 A1 describes an adapter that enables the use of a slide-on battery pack with a power tool that is originally designed to be powered by a so-called pin battery in the handle of the power tool.

[0005] Document US 2002 / 0125857 A1 describes an adapter for electrically connecting a battery pack to an electrical device, such as a cordless power tool or a charger. The adapter comprises a first part and a second part. The first part allows for detachable attachment to the electrical device. The second part physically accommodates at least part of the battery pack. In this context, reference is also made to document DE202011110568U1.

[0006] Different models or brands of electrical appliances generally not only differ in the mechanical design of their battery packs and corresponding interfaces. Furthermore, control and regulation systems, such as battery management systems, device management systems, and charger management systems, may also be distributed differently across various models and brands. For example, one electrical appliance might have a battery management system for its associated battery pack, meaning the battery pack itself does not have a corresponding battery management system. Conversely, a second electrical appliance might be the opposite, lacking a battery management system altogether. Therefore, combining the second electrical appliance with a battery pack for the first using a simple adapter is not straightforward.This example is purely illustrative. Numerous variations exist regarding the distribution of the battery management system, the device management system, and the charger management system.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved concept for an adapter for connecting a battery pack to an electrical device, by which compatibility between battery pack and electrical device can be achieved for a wider variety of initial situations.

[0008] This problem is solved here by the respective subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] The improved concept is based on the idea of ​​providing a control unit in an adapter for connecting a battery pack to an electrical device, which can monitor the operating status of the battery pack and / or the electrical device and initiate a measure depending on the monitoring.

[0010] The term "electrical device" can refer here and in the following to both an electrical consumer, such as a power tool, an electrical household appliance or an electrically powered vehicle, in particular a small vehicle such as a kick scooter or an electrically powered bicycle, as well as a charger for charging the battery pack.

[0011] According to the improved concept, an adapter is provided for connecting a battery pack to an electrical device for transferring an electrical discharge current from the battery pack via the adapter to the electrical device and / or for transferring an electrical charging current from the electrical device via the adapter to the battery pack. Specifically, the adapter is designed to transfer the electrical discharge current when the electrical device is configured as an electrical load and / or to transfer the electrical charging current when the electrical device is configured as a charger. The electrical device and the battery pack are incompatible with respect to a mechanical and / or electrical connection and / or functionality. The adapter has a device interface for the mechanical and electrical connection of the adapter to the electrical device, as well as a battery interface for the mechanical and electrical connection of the adapter to the battery pack.The adapter also has a control unit designed to monitor the operating state of the battery pack and / or the electrical device and, depending on the monitoring, in particular on a result of the monitoring, to initiate at least one measure to prevent a predetermined impermissible operating state of the battery pack or the electrical device.

[0012] The fact that the electrical device and the battery pack are mechanically incompatible can be understood, for example, to mean that the mechanical interfaces of the electrical device and the battery pack are incompatible with each other, meaning that the battery pack cannot be attached directly to the electrical device without the adapter. The fact that the electrical device and the battery pack are electrically incompatible with each other can be understood, in particular, to mean that the necessary electrical connections or signals required for operating the electrical device or charging the battery pack are not present on the other side, or not present in the required manner, or that incompatible parameters, voltage ranges, current ranges, and so on are used.The fact that the electrical device and the battery pack are functionally incompatible can be understood, in particular, to mean that an operationally relevant, safety-relevant, or other function during the operation of the electrical device or during the charging of the battery pack is not implemented by either the electrical device or the battery pack. For example, this could concern a communication protocol for data exchange between the electrical device and the battery pack. The incompatibility can exist at the software level and / or at the technical or hardware level. Specifically, at least a part of a battery management system, at least a part of a device management system, and / or at least a part of a charger management system is not implemented by either the electrical device or the battery pack.

[0013] In other words, if the electrical device is designed as an electrical appliance, it cannot be operated with the battery pack, or its operation is limited. If the electrical device is designed as a charger, the battery pack cannot be charged with the charger without the adapter, or its charging is limited. Furthermore, a safety-critical condition can arise with both electrical appliances and chargers when used as electrical devices.

[0014] The corresponding incompatibility, mechanical, electrical and / or functional, is overcome by inserting the adapter between the battery pack and the electrical device.

[0015] The device interface and the battery interface are primarily machine interfaces or hardware interfaces. However, additional data interfaces or software interfaces may also be provided, particularly for communication purposes.

[0016] The control device may include, for example, one or more control units, in particular CPUs or microcontrollers, FPGAs, circuit carriers, discrete electronic circuits, sensors, timers, and so on.

[0017] The operating state of the battery pack and / or electrical device can be understood, for example, as the sum of one or more values ​​for corresponding operating parameters or other parameters. These can include, for example, the discharge or charging current, various temperatures, voltages at electrical connections, operating times, or current, voltage, or temperature profiles. The temperature can, for example, correspond to the ambient temperature or the internal temperature of the electrical device or battery pack, or to the temperature of an electronic component, such as a switching component, within the battery pack, the electrical device, or the adapter. The corresponding sensors for measuring the parameter values ​​and thus monitoring the operating state by the adapter's control unit can be provided in the electrical device, the battery pack, and / or the adapter.If the relevant sensors are partially or fully integrated into the electrical device or battery pack, the adapter has the appropriate hardware and software equipment to receive the relevant sensor signals or derived information from the electrical device and / or battery pack.

[0018] The impermissible operating condition therefore includes an impermissible combination of the relevant parameters or an exceeding of predefined limit curves and the like.

[0019] In a simple case, the operating state can be determined, for example, by the current strength of the electrical discharge current or charging current, and an impermissible operating state can correspond, for example, to exceeding a corresponding limit value for the charging current or discharge current.

[0020] The measure to prevent the impermissible operating state can include any measures suitable for influencing the relevant parameters in such a way that the impermissible operating state does not occur, or is highly unlikely to occur. This can be achieved, for example, by reducing the corresponding charging or discharging current, by completely interrupting the charging or discharging current, by activating a cooling device in the battery pack or electrical device, or by activating a heating device in the battery pack, and so on. The corresponding actuators can be located in the adapter, the electrical device, or the battery pack.

[0021] This allows the adapter to overcome all mechanical, electrical, and / or functional incompatibilities between the battery pack and the electrical device. In particular, using the adapter enables the electrical device to be operated as intended and without functional limitations via the battery pack, or conversely, the battery pack can be charged as intended and without functional limitations via the adapter using the electrical device as a charger.

[0022] In particular, the adapter's control unit can at least partially take over the functionality of a battery management system, a device management system for an electrical consumer, and / or a charger management system for a charger. This significantly increases the flexibility when combining different, inherently incompatible battery packs and electrical devices, which is advantageous from the perspective of user-friendliness and convenience, as well as from a cost and, last but not least, an environmental perspective.

[0023] According to at least one embodiment of the adapter, the control device has a control unit that is configured to monitor the operating state depending on at least one sensor signal.

[0024] The control unit can receive at least one sensor signal, for example, from the electrical device and / or the battery pack. Alternatively or additionally, the adapter's control unit can have at least one sensor configured to generate at least one sensor signal depending on at least one measured variable relating to the operating state.

[0025] The at least one sensor can, in particular, include at least one current sensor, at least one voltage sensor and / or at least one temperature sensor.

[0026] Such designs are particularly advantageous when neither the electrical device nor the battery pack has the necessary sensors to monitor the operating status. The adapter also makes such combinations of electrical device and battery pack possible.

[0027] According to at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor has at least one current sensor for measuring the discharge current. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one sensor can have at least one current sensor for measuring the charging current.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor has a voltage sensor for measuring an output voltage of the battery pack, in particular at the battery interface.

[0029] If the electrical device is designed as an electrical consumer, this can, for example, prevent deep discharge of the battery pack. If the electrical device is designed as a charger, this can prevent the battery pack's maximum charge level from being exceeded.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor has at least one further voltage sensor for measuring an output voltage of the electrical device, in particular at the device interface.

[0031] If the electrical device is designed as a charger, the control unit can therefore implement corresponding functionalities of a charger management system.

[0032] According to at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor has at least one temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the adapter and / or the ambient temperature of the adapter.

[0033] The temperature of the adapter can, for example, correspond to a temperature in an environment or immediate vicinity of an electronic component of the adapter, such as a switching element like a field-effect transistor.

[0034] This prevents both overheating of the adapter itself and overloading of the battery pack and / or the electrical device. Furthermore, various parameters can be set based on temperature to avoid impermissible operating conditions. For example, a minimum output voltage of the battery pack might be more acceptable at lower ambient temperatures than at higher ambient temperatures, and so on. Similarly, maximum charging and / or discharging currents might be lower at higher ambient temperatures than at lower ambient temperatures, and so forth.

[0035] According to at least one embodiment, the impermissible operating state is characterized by a current strength of the charging current that is greater than a predetermined first limiting charging current, in particular whose magnitude is greater than the first limiting charging current.

[0036] In other words, the impermissible operating condition is reached when the magnitude of the charging current exceeds the first limiting charging current.

[0037] According to at least one embodiment, the impermissible operating state is characterized by a charging current strength that is permanently greater than a predetermined second limit charging current strength during a time interval, wherein the duration of the time interval is greater than a predetermined limit duration.

[0038] In other words, the impermissible operating condition is reached when the magnitude of the charging current is greater than the second limit charging current for longer than the specified limit duration.

[0039] For example, the impermissible operating condition can be characterized by exceeding the first limit charging current as well as by continuously exceeding the second limit charging current, as described. The second limit charging current is then, for example, lower than the first limit charging current. In other words, the impermissible operating condition is reached when the current exceeds the second limit charging current in magnitude for a duration longer than the limit duration, or when the current exceeds the first limit charging current in magnitude.

[0040] According to at least one embodiment, the impermissible operating condition is characterized by a temperature of an electronic component of the control device that is greater than a predetermined limit temperature.

[0041] The electronic component can, for example, include a switching element, such as a transistor, in particular a field-effect transistor, of the control device. The switching element can, for example, be configured and arranged to interrupt the charging current and / or the discharging current.

[0042] According to at least one embodiment, the impermissible operating state is characterized by an output voltage of the battery pack that is smaller than a predetermined limit voltage, particularly when the electrical device is designed as an electrical consumer.

[0043] According to at least one embodiment, the impermissible operating condition is characterized by an amount of the output voltage of the battery pack that is greater than a predetermined second limit voltage.

[0044] Such an impermissible operating condition can be relevant for both an electrical consumer and a charger as electrical devices.

[0045] The various described conditions for current, temperature and / or output voltages can also, in combination, characterize the impermissible operating condition.

[0046] According to at least one embodiment, the measure to prevent the impermissible operating condition includes an interruption of the discharge current or the charging current.

[0047] In particular, the adapter may include at least one switching element, especially at least one transistor, for example at least one field-effect transistor, for interrupting the charging or discharging current to initiate the action. Alternatively, the control unit may be configured to control the electrical device and / or the battery pack in order to interrupt the discharging or charging current.

[0048] The adapter, for example the control unit, has a device communication interface configured to receive initial information about the operating state from the electrical device and to adapt this initial information according to a predefined initial rule. The control unit, in particular the control module, is configured to monitor the operating state based on this adapted initial information.

[0049] Depending on the adapter's design, the device communication interface can include a data interface, a software interface, and / or a hardware interface. Using the device communication interface, the adapter, particularly the control unit, can interpret, transcribe, or essentially "translate" the initial information so that the control unit or battery pack can process it. Adapting the initial information according to the first instruction can be achieved, for example, using a lookup table or an interpretation algorithm, which may be implemented in software. In some designs, the adaptation of the initial information can also be accomplished, for example, by appropriately adapting electrical signals within an electronic circuit.The first piece of information can be, for example, digital information or in the form of an analog voltage or current signal.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally to the device communication interface, the adapter, for example the control unit, has a device communication interface configured to receive a second piece of information regarding the action from the control unit and to adapt this second piece of information according to a predefined second rule. The adapted second piece of information can then be transmitted from the device communication interface to the electrical device to initiate the action.

[0051] As already described regarding the first piece of information, the device communication interface can interpret or translate the second piece of information, which can also be in the form of digital information or an analog voltage or current signal, in order to make it processable for the electrical device.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally to the device communication interface, the adapter, in particular the control unit, has a battery communication interface configured to receive third-party information regarding the operating status from the battery pack and to adapt this information according to a predefined third-party rule. The control unit, in particular the control device, is configured to monitor the operating status based on this adapted third-party information.

[0053] Depending on the adapter's design, the battery communication interface can also include a data interface, a software interface, and / or a hardware interface. The statements regarding the device communication interface apply analogously to the battery communication interface.

[0054] Alternatively or in addition to the battery communication interface, the adapter, for example the control unit, has a battery communication interface which is configured to receive a fourth piece of information concerning the measure from the control unit and to adapt the received fourth piece of information according to a specified fourth rule and to transmit the adapted fourth piece of information to the battery pack to initiate the measure.

[0055] According to at least one embodiment, the adapter, in particular the control unit, has a switching device configured and arranged to interrupt the discharge current and / or the charging current, and / or to reverse an interruption of the discharge current and / or the charging current, particularly when controlled by the control unit. The interruption of the charging current and / or the discharge current can, for example, be part of the measure to prevent an impermissible operating condition.

[0056] For example, the switching device can have at least one switching element, such as a transistor, in particular a field-effect transistor, for each current direction. In other words, different switching elements may be provided for interrupting the discharge current and the charging current.

[0057] According to at least one embodiment, the adapter for connecting the battery pack to an electrical consumer is designed as an electrical device and / or the adapter for connecting the battery pack to a charger for charging the battery pack is designed as an electrical device.

[0058] According to the improved concept, a battery pack arrangement is also specified, comprising a battery pack with an additional battery interface. The battery pack arrangement includes an adapter according to the improved concept, wherein the adapter is mechanically and electrically connectable to the battery pack via the adapter's battery interface and the battery pack's additional battery interface.

[0059] Another electrical device, different from the one used, can be electrically, mechanically, and functionally compatible with the battery pack and be mechanically and electrically connected to it via the additional battery interface. The adapter makes the battery pack configuration compatible with the other electrical device.

[0060] According to the improved concept, an electrical appliance arrangement is also specified, which includes an electrical appliance with an additional device interface. The electrical appliance arrangement has an adapter according to the improved concept, wherein the adapter is mechanically and electrically connectable to the electrical appliance via the adapter's device interface and the additional device interface of the electrical appliance.

[0061] A different battery pack can be electrically, mechanically, and functionally compatible with the electrical device and connectable to it mechanically and electrically via the device's interface. The adapter makes the electrical device configuration compatible with the battery pack as well.

[0062] According to at least one embodiment, the electrical device arrangement includes the battery pack with the additional battery interface. The adapter is connected or connectable to the battery pack via the adapter's battery interface and the battery pack's additional battery interface.

[0063] According to the improved concept, a method for supplying electrical energy to an electrical device, which is specifically designed as an electrical consumer, by means of a battery pack is also described, wherein the electrical device and the battery pack are incompatible with respect to a mechanical and / or electrical connection and / or with respect to functionality. For this purpose, the electrical device is mechanically and electrically connected to the battery pack via an adapter. To supply electrical energy to the electrical device, a discharge current is generated, which flows from the battery pack via the adapter to the electrical device. The adapter monitors the operating state of the battery pack and / or the electrical device, and, depending on the monitoring, initiates at least one measure to prevent a predetermined impermissible operating state of the battery pack and / or the electrical device.Using a device communication interface of the adapter, initial information regarding the operating status is received from the electrical device. This initial information is then adapted according to a predefined first rule, and the operating status is monitored by a control unit of the adapter based on this adapted initial information. Alternatively or additionally, a third piece of information regarding the operating status is received from the battery pack via a battery communication interface of the adapter. This third piece of information is also adapted according to a predefined third rule, and the operating status is monitored by the adapter's control unit based on this adapted third piece of information.Alternatively or additionally, a second piece of information concerning the measure is received from the control unit via the device communication interface, and the received second piece of information is adapted according to a predefined second regulation, and the adapted second piece of information is transmitted to the electrical device to initiate the measure.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, a fourth piece of information concerning the measure is received from the control unit via the battery communication interface, and the received fourth piece of information is adapted according to a predefined fourth regulation, and the adapted fourth piece of information is transmitted to the battery pack to initiate the measure.

[0065] According to the improved concept, a method for charging a battery pack using a charger is also described, wherein the charger and the battery pack are incompatible with respect to a mechanical and / or electrical connection and / or functionality. For this purpose, the charger is mechanically and electrically connected to the battery pack via an adapter. To charge the battery pack, a charging current is generated, which flows from the charger to the battery pack via the adapter. The adapter monitors the operating state of the battery pack and / or the charger, and, depending on the monitoring, initiates at least one measure to prevent a predetermined impermissible operating state of the battery pack and / or the charger.Using a device communication interface of the adapter, initial information regarding the operating status is received from the electrical device. This initial information is then adapted according to a predefined first rule, and the operating status is monitored by a control unit of the adapter based on this adapted initial information. Alternatively or additionally, a third piece of information regarding the operating status is received from the battery pack via a battery communication interface of the adapter. This third piece of information is also adapted according to a predefined third rule, and the operating status is monitored by the adapter's control unit based on this adapted third piece of information.Alternatively or additionally, a second piece of information concerning the measure is received from the control unit via the device communication interface, and the received second piece of information is adapted according to a predefined second regulation, and the adapted second piece of information is transmitted to the electrical device to initiate the measure.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, a fourth piece of information concerning the measure is received from the control unit via the battery communication interface, and the received fourth piece of information is adapted according to a predefined fourth regulation, and the adapted fourth piece of information is transmitted to the battery pack to initiate the measure.

[0067] Further embodiments of the method for supplying electrical energy to an electrical device and of the method for charging a battery pack according to the improved concept follow directly from the various embodiments of the adapter according to the improved concept, the battery pack arrangement according to the improved concept, and the electrical device arrangement according to the improved concept, and vice versa. In particular, an adapter connected to the electrical device and the battery pack can perform a method according to the improved concept.

[0068] The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those subsequently mentioned in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the invention. Embodiments and combinations of features that do not exhibit all the features of an originally formulated independent claim and / or that go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features set out in the cross-references of the claims are also to be considered disclosed.

[0069] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to specific embodiments and an accompanying schematic drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an adapter according to the improved concept.

[0070] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an adapter 1 for connecting a battery pack 2 to an electrical device, which can be configured as an electrical load 3a or as a charger 3b. The electrical load 3a is shown here as a power tool, in particular a battery-powered jigsaw. However, this does not represent a limitation of the improved concept. In particular, other electrical loads, such as household appliances or electrically powered vehicles, can also be an electrical device or an electrical load 3b within the meaning of this disclosure.

[0071] Adapter 1 has a device interface 4 for the mechanical and electrical connection of adapter 1 to the electrical load 3a or to the charger 3b. Adapter 1 also has a battery interface 5 for the mechanical and electrical connection of adapter 1 to the battery pack 2, which can be located, for example, on one side of adapter 1 opposite device interface 4. Accordingly, the load 3a has a further device interface 9a for electrical and mechanical connection to device interface 4, just as the charger 3b has a further device interface 9b for connection to device interface 4 of adapter 1. Battery pack 2 also has a further battery interface 9c for connection to battery interface 5 of adapter 1.

[0072] If the device 3a is connected to the battery pack 2 via adapter 1, an electrical discharge current can be transferred from the battery pack 2 to the device 3a via adapter 1, so that the device can be supplied with electrical energy from the battery pack 2. If the charger 3b is connected to the battery pack 2 via adapter 1, a charging current can be transferred from the charger to the battery pack 2 via adapter 1 to charge the battery pack 2 accordingly.

[0073] The device interfaces 9a, 9b of the consumer 3a and the charger 3b are inherently incompatible with the battery interface 9c of the battery pack 2. Only by using the adapter 1 is it therefore possible to charge the battery pack 2 using the charger 3b or to supply power to the consumer 3a using the battery pack 2.

[0074] The adapter 1 includes a control unit 6 that can receive one or more sensor signals to monitor the operating status of the load 3a, the charger 3b, and / or the battery pack 2. For this purpose, the adapter 1 can, in various configurations, include at least one sensor 7 that generates the sensor signals and transmits them to the control unit 6. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 6 can also receive one or more sensor signals from the load 3a or the charger 3b via the corresponding device interfaces 4, 9a, 9b and / or from the battery pack 2 via the corresponding battery interfaces 5, 9c.

[0075] For this purpose, the adapter, for example the control unit 6, has corresponding communication interfaces 8a, 8b, and 8c. A first communication interface 8a can, for example, be configured for communication between the control unit 6 and the consumer 3a, in particular another control unit (not shown) of the consumer 3a. A second communication interface 8b can be configured for communication between the control unit 6 and the charger 3b, in particular another control unit (not shown) of the charger 3b. A third communication interface 8c can be configured for communication between the control unit 6 and the battery pack 2, in particular another control unit (not shown) of the battery pack 2.

[0076] The sensor signals can, for example, relate to the current intensity of the discharge current or the charging current. Accordingly, the at least one sensor 7 can include one or more current sensors. Alternatively, corresponding current sensors can be provided in the electrical devices 3a, 3b and / or the battery pack 2, which can transmit their respective measured values ​​to the adapter 1 and, consequently, to the control unit 6 via the communication interfaces 8a, 8b, 8c.

[0077] In Similarly, the sensor signals can also relate to output voltages of the battery pack 2 or a temperature of the battery pack 2, the charger 3b, the consumer 3a and / or the adapter 1 or one or more of its electronic components.

[0078] The control unit 6 is now able to monitor the operating state of the battery pack 2 and / or the electrical device 3a, 3b, in particular based on the sensor signals. Depending on the monitoring, i.e., depending on a result of the monitoring, and in particular depending on the sensor signals, the control unit 6 can initiate one or more measures to prevent an impermissible operating state of the electrical device 3a, 3b and / or the battery pack 2.

[0079] For this purpose, the control unit 6 can, for example, interrupt the discharge current or the charging current, for instance, if it exceeds a limit value or exceeds another, possibly lower, limit value for a certain minimum duration. The control unit 6 can thus, depending on requirements, assume tasks of a battery management system, a charger management system, and / or a device management system with respect to the consumer 3a. In principle, any combination of electrical device 3a, 3b, and battery pack 2 is possible.

[0080] By implementing the control unit 6 and, if necessary, the sensors 7, situations can be addressed in which, for example, neither the electrical device 3a, 3b nor the battery pack 2 has appropriate sensors or control capabilities to ensure the intended or safe operation of the consumer 3a or the safe and intended charging of the battery pack 2.

[0081] The communication interfaces 8a, 8b, 8c, which can, for example, access corresponding transcription algorithms, lookup tables, or the like, or may optionally include corresponding electronic circuits for signal transcription or signal interpretation, can interpret or transcribe the communication between electrical device 3a, 3b and adapter 1 and vice versa, as well as the communication between battery pack 2 and adapter 1 and vice versa. For this purpose, the respective syntax, language architecture, command set, or similar communication parameters can be stored on adapter 1.

[0082] As described, the improved concept provides a way to combine different electrical devices and battery packs from different platforms, manufacturers and models, ensuring safe and reliable operation.

[0083] For this purpose, an adapter implements a battery management system, a device management system for an electrical consumer, and / or a charging management system, or respective parts thereof. This protects the battery cells of the battery pack from impermissible operating conditions and overloads with regard to the currents, voltages, and temperatures used. Similarly, the electrical consumer, in particular its mechanical and electronic components and, if applicable, its motor, can be protected from overload, unwanted electrical discharges, and so on. Components of the charger can also be protected from corresponding overloads in the same way.

[0084] The adapter, in various configurations, can interpret or translate the sensor information it receives from the electrical device or battery pack. Alternatively or additionally, the adapter can have its own sensors for monitoring operating conditions. REFERENCE MARK LIST:

[0085] 1 Adapter 2 Battery pack 3a Consumer 3b Charger 4 Device interface 5 Battery interface 6 Control unit 7 Sensors 8a, 8b, 8c Communication interfaces 9a, 9b Device interfaces 9c Battery interface

Claims

1. Adapter (1) for connecting a battery pack (2) to an electrical device (3a, 3b) for transferring an electric discharge current from the battery pack (2) via the adapter (1) to the electrical device (3a, 3b) and / or for transferring an electric charging current from the electrical device (3a, 3b) via the adapter (1) to the battery pack (2), wherein the electrical device (3a, 3b) and the battery pack (2) are incompatible with respect to a mechanical and / or electrical connection and / or functionality, wherein - the adapter (1) has a device interface (4) for mechanical and electrical connection with the electrical device (3a, 3b) and a battery interface (5) for mechanical and electrical connection with the battery pack (2); - the adapter (1) has a control device (6, 7) configured to monitor an operating state of the battery pack (2) and / or the electrical device (3a, 3b) and, depending on the monitoring, to initiate at least one measure to prevent a specified prohibited operating state, wherein - the adapter (1) has a device communication interface (8a, 8b) configured to receive from the electrical device (3a, 3b) a first information regarding the operating state and to adapt the received first information according to a specified first rule, wherein the control device (6, 7) is configured to monitor the operating state based on the adapted first information; and / or - the adapter (1) has a battery communication interface (8c) configured to receive from the battery pack (2) a third information regarding the operating state and to adapt the received third information according to a specified third rule, wherein the control device (6, 7) is configured to monitor the operating state based on the adapted third information.

2. Adapter (1) for connecting a battery pack (2) to an electrical device (3a, 3b) for transferring an electric discharge current from the battery pack (2) via the adapter (1) to the electrical device (3a, 3b) and / or for transferring an electric charging current from the electrical device (3a, 3b) via the adapter (1) to the battery pack (2), wherein the electrical device (3a, 3b) and the battery pack (2) are incompatible with respect to a mechanical and / or electrical connection and / or functionality, wherein - the adapter (1) has a device interface (4) for mechanical and electrical connection with the electrical device (3a, 3b) and a battery interface (5) for mechanical and electrical connection with the battery pack (2); - the adapter (1) has a control device (6, 7) configured to monitor the operating state of the battery pack (2) and / or the electrical device (3a, 3b) and, depending on the monitoring, to initiate at least one measure to prevent a specified prohibited operating state, wherein - the adapter (1) has a device communication interface (8a, 8b) configured to receive from the control device (6, 7) a second information regarding the measure and to adapt the received second information according to a specified second rule, and to transmit the adapted second information to the electrical device (3a, 3b) to initiate the measure; and / or - the adapter (1) has a battery communication interface (8c) configured to receive from the control device (6, 7) a fourth information regarding the measure and to adapt the received fourth information according to a specified fourth rule, and to transmit the adapted fourth information to the battery pack (2) to initiate the measure.

3. Adapter (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device (6, 7) includes at least one sensor (7) configured to generate at least one sensor signal depending on at least one operating state related measurement, and - the control device (6, 7) includes a control unit (6) configured to monitor the operating state based on the at least one sensor signal.

4. Adapter 1 according to claim 3, wherein the at least one sensor (7) - includes at least one current sensor for measuring the current of the discharge current and / or the charging current; and / or - includes a voltage sensor for measuring an output voltage of the battery pack (2); and / or - includes an additional voltage sensor for measuring an output voltage of the electrical device (3a, 3b); and / or - includes at least one temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the adapter (1) and / or the ambient temperature of the adapter (1).

5. Adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the prohibited operating state is characterized by - a charging current that exceeds a specified first threshold charging current; and / or - a charging current that, over a time interval, remains continuously higher than a specified second threshold charging current, wherein the duration of the time interval exceeds a specified threshold duration; and / or - a temperature of an electronic component of the control device (6, 7) that exceeds a specified threshold temperature.

6. Adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the measure includes an interruption of the discharge current or the charging current.

7. Adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, including a switching device configured and arranged to interrupt the discharge current and / or the charging current.

8. Adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the adapter (1) is configured to connect the battery pack (2) with an electrical consumer (3a) as an electrical device (3a, 3b); and / or - the adapter (1) is configured to connect the battery pack (2) with a charger (3b) as an electrical device (3a, 3b).

9. Battery-pack arrangement comprising - a battery pack (2) with an additional battery interface (9c); and - an adapter (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter (1) can be mechanically and electrically connected to the battery pack (2) via the battery interface (5) and the additional battery interface (9c).

10. Electrical-device arrangement comprising - an electrical device (3a, 3b) with an additional device interface (9a, 9b); and - an adapter (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the adapter (1) can be mechanically and electrically connected to the electrical device (3a, 3b) via the device interface (4) and the additional device interface (9a, 9b).

11. Method for electrically powering an electrical device (3a) using a battery pack (2), wherein the electrical device (3a) and the battery pack (2) are incompatible with respect to a mechanical and / or electrical connection and / or functionality, wherein - the electrical device (3a) is mechanically and electrically connected to the battery pack (2) via an adapter (1); - an electric discharge current is generated for powering the electrical device (3a), which flows from the battery pack (2) through the adapter (1) to the electrical device (3a); - an operating state of the battery pack (2) and / or the electrical device (3a) is monitored via the adapter (1); and - depending on the monitoring, at least one measure to prevent a specified prohibited operating state is initiated via the adapter (1), wherein - via a device communication interface (8a, 8b) of the adapter (1), a first information regarding the operating state is received from the electrical device (3a, 3b) and is adapted according to a specified first rule, and the operating state is monitored by the control device (6, 7) based on the adapted first information; and / or - via a battery communication interface (8c) of the adapter (1), a third information regarding the operating state is received from the battery pack (2) and is adapted according to a specified third rule, and the operating state is monitored by the control device (6, 7) based on the adapted third information; and / or - via the device communication interface (8a) of the control device (6, 7), a second information regarding the measure is received and adapted according to a specified second rule, and the adapted second information is transmitted to the electrical device (3a, 3b) to initiate the measure; and / or - via the battery communication interface (8c) of the control device (6, 7), a fourth information regarding the measure is received and adapted according to a specified fourth rule, and the adapted fourth information is transmitted to the battery pack (2) to initiate the measure.

12. Method for charging a battery pack (2) using a charger (3b), wherein the charger (3b) and the battery pack (2) are incompatible with respect to a mechanical and / or electrical connection and / or functionality, wherein - the charger (3b) is mechanically and electrically connected to the battery pack (2) via an adapter (1); - a charging current is generated for charging the battery pack (2), which flows from the charger (3b) through the adapter (1) to the battery pack (2); - an operating state of the battery pack (2) and / or the charger (3b) is monitored via the adapter (1); and - depending on the monitoring, at least one measure to prevent a specified prohibited operating state is initiated via the adapter (1), wherein - via a device communication interface (8a, 8b) of the adapter (1), a first information regarding the operating state is received from the electrical device (3a, 3b) and is adapted according to a specified first rule, and the operating state is monitored by the control device (6, 7) based on the adapted first information; and / or - via a battery communication interface 8c of the adapter (1), a third information regarding the operating state is received from the battery pack (2) and is adapted according to a specified third rule, and the operating state is monitored by the control device (6, 7) based on the adapted third information; and / or - via the device communication interface (8a) of the control device (6, 7), a second information regarding the measure is received and adapted according to a specified second rule, and the adapted second information is transmitted to the electrical device (3a, 3b) to initiate the measure; and / or - via the battery communication interface (8c) of the control device (6, 7), a fourth information regarding the measure is received and adapted according to a specified fourth rule, and the adapted fourth information is transmitted to the battery pack (2) to initiate the measure.