Rechargeable battery having two interface devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a rechargeable battery, in particular as a detachable energy source for a machine tool, comprising at least one energy storage cell. The rechargeable battery contains at least a first and a second interface device, wherein the at least one first and second interface device is configured both for charging the at least one energy storage cell with electrical energy and for discharging electrical energy from the at least one energy storage cell. The invention also relates to a system comprising a machine tool and at least one rechargeable battery that can be connected to the machine tool.

Description

[0001] Accumulator with two interface devices

[0002] The present invention relates to an accumulator, in particular as a removable energy source for a machine tool, containing at least one energy storage cell.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system comprising a machine tool and at least one accumulator connectable to the machine tool.

[0004] Accumulators are widely known in the art and can be used, among other things, to connect to machine tools so that the machine tool can be supplied with electrical energy from the accumulator. The accumulator essentially contains a large number of energy storage cells (also called battery cells) located in a fixed housing. With the help of the energy storage cells, electrical energy can be stored by the accumulator and also made available to a consumer (e.g., a machine tool).

[0005] An interface is provided on one side of the battery housing, through which the battery can be releasably connected either to a machine tool or a charging device. To charge a battery with electrical energy, the battery is releasably connected to the charging device. According to the prior art, charging devices have an interface on the top side of the charging device housing, through which the battery is mechanically and electrically connected to the charging device.

[0006] Charging devices, especially those used to charge batteries for machine tools, are relatively complex and expensive. The relatively complex and expensive design of these charging devices is due to the fact that, among other things, they are used in harsh and demanding environments (e.g., on construction sites or in workshops) and simultaneously have to supply highly sophisticated batteries with electrical energy in sometimes complex charging processes. To achieve this, these charging devices must be both very solid and robust, and also incorporate sensitive technology.

[0007] The design of the charging device's interface presents a particular technical challenge. This is because the interface is usually open at the top, thus exposing the electrical connections to the risk of water and / or dust penetrating the charging device. Penetrating water can, among other things, cause defects in the charging device, such as short circuits, and thus permanently damage the device. Penetrating dust and other contaminants can also damage the charging device.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to solve the problem described above.

[0009] The object is achieved by the subject matter of independent patent claims 1 and 5. Advantageous embodiments of the subject matter according to the invention are contained in the corresponding dependent patent claims.

[0010] The object is achieved in particular by an accumulator, in particular as a reusable energy source for a machine tool, containing at least one energy storage cell.

[0011] According to the invention, at least one first and second interface device is contained in the accumulator, wherein the at least one first and second interface device is designed both for charging the at least one energy storage cell with electrical energy and for discharging electrical energy from the at least one energy storage cell.

[0012] According to an alternative embodiment, it may be possible for the first and second interface devices to be designed to transmit and receive signals and / or data.

[0013] According to a further alternative embodiment, it may be possible for the at least first or second interface device to be designed as a USB socket.

[0014] According to a further alternative embodiment, it may be possible for the at least first or second interface device to be designed as a cable with at least one USB connector.

[0015] According to a further alternative embodiment, it may be possible to include a current and voltage value detection device and / or a current and voltage value setting device.

[0016] According to a further alternative embodiment, it may be possible to include a communication device. The communication device can be configured as an IoT (Internet of Things) module. Furthermore, the object is achieved by a system comprising a machine tool and at least one accumulator connectable to the machine tool.

[0017] According to the invention, the accumulator contains at least a first and a second interface device, wherein the at least first and a second interface device is designed both for charging the at least one energy storage cell with electrical energy and for discharging electrical energy from the at least one energy storage cell, and the machine tool contains at least a third interface device, wherein the at least third interface device is designed for releasable connection to at least the first or second interface device and for receiving electrical energy.

[0018] According to a further alternative embodiment, it may be possible for the third interface device to be designed to transmit and receive signals and / or data.

[0019] According to a further alternative embodiment, it may be possible for the accumulator, as a component of the system, to contain a current and voltage value detection device and / or a current and voltage value adjustment device. It should be noted that in the system, only the accumulator contains a current and voltage value detection device and / or a current and voltage value adjustment device.

[0020] According to a further alternative embodiment, it may be possible for the at least first or second interface device of the accumulator to be designed to discharge the accumulator with a voltage value of 21 to 60 V, in particular 48 V.

[0021] According to an alternative embodiment, it may be possible for the at least first or second interface device of the accumulator to be designed to discharge the accumulator with a current value of 1 to 10 A, in particular 5 A.

[0022] According to a further alternative embodiment, it may be possible for the at least first or second interface device of the accumulator to be designed to discharge the accumulator with a power value of 21 to 600 W, in particular 240 W.

[0023] According to an alternative embodiment, it may be possible for the at least first or second interface device of the accumulator to be configured to discharge the accumulator with a voltage value of 6 to 42 V. According to a further alternative embodiment, it may be possible for the at least first or second interface device of the accumulator to be configured to discharge the accumulator with a current value of at least 200 A.

[0024] According to a further alternative embodiment, it may be possible for the at least first or second interface device of the accumulator to be designed for discharging the accumulator with a power value of 1200 to 8400 W.

[0025] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the figures. The figures illustrate various embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] 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.

[0027] They show:

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a machine tool and an accumulator connected to the machine tool according to a first embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the accumulator according to the first

[0030] Embodiment connected to a charging device;

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the accumulator according to the first

[0032] Embodiment connected to a smartphone; Figure 4 is a schematic side view of an accumulator according to a second

[0033] embodiment; and

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the accumulator according to the second

[0035] Embodiment.

[0036] Examples of implementation:

[0037] Figure 1 shows a system 1 according to the invention comprising a machine tool 2 and a battery 3 according to a first exemplary embodiment. The battery 3 is detachably connected to the machine tool.

[0038] The accumulator 3 serves as a removable energy supply for the machine tool 2. As described below, another device can also be supplied with electrical energy by the accumulator 3 instead of the machine tool 2.

[0039] The accumulator 3 essentially contains a battery housing 4, a plurality of energy storage cells 5, a control device 6, a first and second interface device 7a, 7b and a communication device 8.

[0040] The energy storage cells 5 serve to absorb and store electrical energy. In the present embodiment, the energy storage cells 5 are designed as cylindrical cells based on lithium-ion technology. Alternatively, the energy storage cells 5 can also be designed as pouch cells.

[0041] As indicated in Figure 1, the individual energy storage cells 5 and the control device 6, among others, are positioned inside the battery housing 4. The energy storage cells 5 are electrically connected to each other and to the control device 6 via lines L. Electrical energy can be conducted to and from the energy storage cells 5 through this connection.

[0042] The battery housing 4 has a top side 4a, a bottom side 4b, a front side 4c, a rear side 4d, a left side wall, and a right side wall. The left side wall and right side wall are not shown in the figures.

[0043] As indicated in the figures, a connecting device 9 is positioned on the top side 4a of the battery housing 4. The connecting device 9 serves to detachably connect the battery 3 to the power tool 2. In the present embodiment, the connecting device 9 of the battery 3 is designed as the first component of a rail system.

[0044] Figures 1 to 3 show the accumulator 3 according to the first embodiment, with the first interface device 7a positioned on the rear side 4d and the second interface device 7b positioned on the top side 4a. Alternatively, the interface devices 7a, 7b can be positioned at other locations, or more than two interface devices 7a, 7b can be provided.

[0045] According to the first embodiment of the rechargeable battery 3, both the first and second interface devices 7a, 7b are configured as USB-C sockets (i.e., USB Type-C sockets). Configuring the first and second interface devices 7a, 7b as USB-C sockets makes it possible for the interface devices 7a, 7b to not only receive and deliver electrical energy, but also to send and receive electrical signals for exchanging data and information.

[0046] The control device 6 essentially contains a current and voltage value detection device 10a, a current and voltage value setting device 10b and the communication device 8.

[0047] The current and voltage value detection device 10a serves to measure and determine current and voltage values. The current and voltage value setting device 10 serves to set a specific current and voltage value. The communication device 8 serves to generate, transmit, receive, and process electrical signals for the exchange of data and information. The communication device 8 can be wired or wireless. In the case of the wireless embodiment, it can be a Bluetooth communication device.

[0048] The individual functions of the accumulator 3 can be controlled or regulated with the aid of the control device 6. The functions of the accumulator 3 include, among other things, the regulation of the absorption of electrical energy into the energy storage cells 5 and the release of electrical energy from the energy storage cells 5. The control device 6 is designed in particular to regulate the voltage value, the current value or the power value for the absorption (i.e. when charging the energy storage cells 5) or for the release (i.e. when discharging the energy storage cells 5) of electrical energy into or from the energy storage cells 5.

[0049] In Figure 2, the rechargeable battery 3 according to the first exemplary embodiment is shown detachably connected to a charging device 11. The charging device 11 serves to supply one or more rechargeable batteries 3 with electrical energy. Furthermore, the charging device 11 is also designed to receive electrical energy from one or more connected rechargeable batteries 3. The electrical energy absorbed by the rechargeable batteries 3 can be stored in an energy storage device 5 of the charging device 11.

[0050] The charging device 11 essentially contains a charger housing 12 with a control device 13, a first and second interface 14a, 14b and a power cable 15. The individual functions of the charging device 11 can be controlled or regulated with the aid of the control device 13. The functions of the charging device 11 include, among other things, the regulation of the delivery of electrical energy to the rechargeable battery 3 or to the energy storage cells 5 of the rechargeable battery 3. The control device 11 is designed in particular to regulate the voltage value, the current value or the power value for the delivery (i.e. when charging the energy storage cells 5) of electrical energy into the energy storage cells 5 of the connected rechargeable battery 3.

[0051] The first and second interfaces 14a, 14b are designed as USB-C sockets (i.e. USB Type C sockets) so that correspondingly designed USB-C plugs can be connected.

[0052] By means of the power cable 15, the charging device 11 can be releasably connected to a mains power source (ie socket) in order to receive electrical energy.

[0053] As also indicated in Figure 2, the charging device 11 can be connected to the rechargeable battery 3 via a connecting cable 16. For this purpose, the connecting cable 16 has a first plug 17a at a first end 16a and a second plug 17b at a second end 16b. In the present exemplary embodiment, both the first plug 17a and the second plug 17b are designed in the form of a USB-C plug (i.e. USB Type C plug), so that the first plug 17a can be plugged into the first interface device of the rechargeable battery 3, which is designed as a USB-C socket, and the second plug 17b can be plugged into the first interface 14a of the charging device 11, which is designed as a USB-C socket.

[0054] The electrical energy absorbed from the socket through the power cable 15 is conducted from the first interface 14 of the charging device 11 via the connecting cable 15 to the first interface device 7a of the accumulator 3 and finally to the energy storage cells 5 of the accumulator 3.

[0055] Due to the design of the interface devices 7a, 7b on the accumulator 3 and the charging device 11 in the form of a USB-C socket, a voltage value of 21 to 60 V, and in particular 48 V, a current value of 1 to 10 A, in particular 5 A, and a power value of 21 to 600 W, in particular 240 W, can be set for the transmission of electrical energy from the charging device 11 to the accumulator 3.

[0056] According to the embodiment in Figure 1, the machine tool 2 is designed in the form of a hammer drill. Alternatively, the machine tool 2 can also be designed in the form of a drill, a saw, a grinder, or the like. As also shown in Figure 1, the machine tool 2 essentially comprises a housing 18, a handle 19, a tool holder 20, a drive 21, a gear mechanism 22, a percussion mechanism 23, an output shaft 24, a control device 25, and a third interface device 26.

[0057] The housing 18 essentially contains a front end 18a, a rear end 18b, an upper end 18c and a lower end 18d.

[0058] The handle 19 serves to hold and guide the machine tool 2 and is positioned at the rear end 18b of the housing 18.

[0059] The tool holder 2 serves to receive and hold a tool 27 designed as a drill and is positioned at the front end 18a of the housing 18.

[0060] The drive 21 is designed in the form of a brushless electric motor and serves to generate a torque.

[0061] As also shown in Figure 1, the drive 21 designed as an electric motor, the gear device 22, the impact mechanism device 23, the output shaft 24 and the tool holder 20 are arranged relative to one another in the housing 18 of the machine tool 2 in such a way that the torque generated in the drive 21 is transmitted to the tool holder 20 via the gear device 22, the impact mechanism device 23 and the output shaft 24.

[0062] The control device 25a serves to control and regulate the individual functions of the machine tool 2. Furthermore, the control device 25a contains a communication unit 25b for transmitting and receiving data or information in the form of electrical signals. With the help of the communication unit 25b, communication and the associated exchange of data and information can be established between the machine tool 2 and the communication device 8 of the accumulator 3. The communication unit 25b of the machine tool 2 can be wired or wireless.

[0063] As shown in Figure 1, a connecting device 28 is positioned below the handle 19. The connecting device 28 serves to detachably connect the machine tool 2 to the rechargeable battery 3. The connecting device 28 of the machine tool 2 is designed as a second component of the rail system, so that the connecting device 28 can be detachably connected to the corresponding connecting device 9 of the rechargeable battery 3. In Figure 1, the connecting device 9 of the rechargeable battery 3 is connected to the connecting device 28 of the machine tool 2. The third interface device 26 is also designed as a USB-C socket (i.e. USB Type C socket). Through the third interface device 26, electrical energy can be conducted via the control device 11 to the consumers of the machine tool 2, for example to the drive 21.To supply the machine tool 2 with electrical energy, the third interface device 26 of the machine tool 2 is connected to the accumulator 3. For this purpose, the first end 16a of the connecting cable 16, designed as a USB-C plug, is connected to the third end, designed as a USB-C socket.

[0064] Interface device 26 and the second end 16b of the connecting cable 16 designed as a USB-C plug with the second end designed as a USB-C socket

[0065] Interface device 7b of the accumulator 3. Through the connected connecting cable 16, both electrical energy and electrical signals for data and information exchange can be transferred between the machine tool 2 and the accumulator 3.

[0066] After connecting the accumulator 3 to the machine tool 2, communication is first established in the form of an exchange of corresponding signals between the accumulator 3 and the machine tool 2. By establishing the communication, the specific charging characteristics or charging parameters for the energy storage cell 5 of the machine tool 2 can be transmitted to the accumulator 3, so that the charging characteristics or charging parameters can be set using the control device 6. The charging characteristics or charging parameters are the specific charging voltage, charging current, or charging power suitable for the energy storage cell of the smartphone.By designing the interface devices on the accumulator and the machine tool 2 in the form of a USB-C socket, a voltage value of 21 to 60 V, and in particular 48 V, a current value of 1 to 10 A, in particular 5 A, and a power value of 21 to 600 W, in particular 240 W, can be set for the transmission of electrical energy from the accumulator to the machine tool.

[0067] Figure 3 shows the rechargeable battery 3 according to the first exemplary embodiment detachably connected to a smartphone 29. The smartphone 29 essentially contains a control device 30, an energy storage cell 31, and a USB-C socket as a connection 32 for the transmission of electrical energy. The USB-C socket 32 ​​can also be used to send and receive electrical signals for communication. To connect the rechargeable battery 3 to the smartphone 29, the connecting cable 16 is connected to the first USB-C plug 17a with an interface device 7a, 7b of the rechargeable battery 3, designed as a USB-C socket, and to the second USB-C plug 17b with the USB-C socket 32 ​​of the smartphone 29. By connecting the rechargeable battery 3 to the smartphone 29, communication is initially established in the form of an exchange of corresponding signals between the rechargeable battery 3 and the smartphone 29.By establishing communication, the specific charging parameters for the energy storage cell 31 of the smartphone 29 can be transmitted to the accumulator 3, so that the charging parameters can be set using the control device 6 of the accumulator 3. The charging parameters are the specific charging voltage, charging current, or charging power suitable for the energy storage cell 31 of the smartphone 29.

[0068] Figure 4 shows the accumulator 3 according to a second embodiment. The accumulator 3 according to the second embodiment is essentially identical to the accumulator 3 according to the first embodiment. In contrast to the first embodiment, the accumulator 3 according to the second embodiment contains a first interface device 7a in the form of a cable 33 with a USB-C plug and a second interface device 7b in the form of a USB-C socket.

[0069] Figure 5 shows the accumulator 3 according to a third embodiment. The accumulator 3 according to the second embodiment is essentially identical to the accumulator 3 according to the first embodiment. In contrast to the first embodiment, the accumulator 3 according to the third embodiment contains a first interface device 7a in the form of a first cable 33 with a USB-C connector and a second interface device 7b in the form of a second cable 34 with a USB-C connector.

[0070] Reference symbol

[0071] 1 system

[0072] 2 machine tools

[0073] 3 accumulator

[0074] 4 battery housing

[0075] 5 Energy storage cell

[0076] 6 Accumulator control device

[0077] 7a first interface device of the accumulator

[0078] 7b second interface device of the accumulator

[0079] 8 Communication device

[0080] 9 Connecting device

[0081] 10a voltage value recording device,

[0082] 10b Current and voltage value setting device

[0083] 11 Charging device

[0084] 12 charger housings

[0085] 13 Control device of the charger housing

[0086] 14a first interface

[0087] 14b second interface

[0088] 15 power cables

[0089] 16 connecting cables

[0090] 16a first end of the connecting cable

[0091] 16b second end of the connecting cable

[0092] 17a first connector of the connecting cable

[0093] 17b second connector of the connecting cable

[0094] 18 Machine tool housing

[0095] 18a front end of the machine tool housing

[0096] 18b rear end of the machine tool housing

[0097] 18c upper end of the machine tool housing

[0098] 18d lower end of the machine tool housing

[0099] 19 Handle 20 Tool holder

[0100] 21 Drive

[0101] 22 Gear device

[0102] 23 Impact mechanism 24 Output shaft

[0103] 25a Control device

[0104] 25b Communication unit

[0105] 26 third interface device

[0106] 27 Tool 28 Connection device

[0107] 29 smartphones

[0108] 30 Smartphone control device

[0109] 31 Energy storage cell of the smartphone

[0110] 32 Connecting the smartphone 33 First cable

[0111] 34 second cable

[0112] L lines

Claims

Patent claims 1. Accumulator (3), in particular as a releasable energy source for a machine tool (2), comprising at least one energy storage cell (5), characterized by at least one first and second interface device (7a, 7b), wherein the at least first and second interface device (7a, 7b) is configured both for charging the at least one energy storage cell (5) with electrical energy and for discharging electrical energy from the at least one energy storage cell (5).

2. Accumulator (3) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first and second interface devices (7a, 7b) are designed for sending and receiving signals and / or data.

3. Accumulator (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least first or second interface device (7a, 7b) is designed as a USB socket.

4. Accumulator (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least first or second interface device (7a, 7b) is designed as a cable (33, 34) with at least one USB connector.

5. Accumulator (3) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it includes a current and voltage detection device (10a) and / or a current and voltage control device (10b).

6. Accumulator (3) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a communication device (8) is included.

7. System (1) comprising a machine tool (2) and at least one accumulator (3) connectable to the machine tool (2), characterized in that the accumulator (3) comprises at least one first and second interface device (7a, 7b), wherein the at least first and second interface devices (7a, 7b) are configured both for charging the at least one energy storage cell (5) with electrical energy and for discharging electrical energy from the at least one energy storage cell (5), and the machine tool (2) comprises at least one third interface device (26), wherein the third interface device (26) is configured for releasable connection with at least the first or second interface device (7a, 7b) and for receiving electrical energy.

8. System (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the third interface device (26) is configured for sending and receiving signals and / or data.

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