Charging system, electrical appliance system, and method for charging a rechargeable battery

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging system for a battery-operated electrical appliance, in particular in the form of an electric tool, a domestic appliance or a gardening tool. The charging system comprises: at least one rechargeable battery having a first open-loop and / or closed-loop control device, in particular for the open-loop control, closed-loop control and monitoring of the charging, discharging and an operating state; and a charging apparatus for charging the rechargeable battery. The charging system is characterized in that the charging apparatus comprises at least one charging device and one adapter device, in that the charging device comprises a charging device housing, in that the adapter device comprises an adapter device housing, in that the charging device housing and the adapter device housing are separate from each other, in that the adapter device and the charging device are or can be interconnected, in a charging position, by means of a connection cable or a direct plug-in connection, in that the at least one charging device comprises a second open-loop and / or closed-loop control device for the open-loop control and / or closed-loop control of charging parameters during a charging process, and in that, in the charging position, the first open-loop and / or closed-loop control device and the second open-loop and / or closed-loop control device are communicatively interconnected for the transmission of charging parameters specific to the at least one rechargeable battery from the first open-loop and / or closed-loop control device to the second open-loop and / or closed-loop control device.

Description

[0001] Charging system, electrical device system and method for charging a rechargeable battery

[0002] The present invention relates to a charging system for a battery-operated electrical device, in particular in the form of a power tool, a household or gardening device, wherein the charging system comprises at least one rechargeable battery with a first control and / or regulating device, in particular for controlling, regulating and monitoring the charging, discharging and a battery state, and a charging device for charging the rechargeable battery.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to an electrical device system comprising at least one battery-operated electrical device, in particular in the form of a power tool, a household or gardening device, at least one rechargeable battery for supplying the at least one electrical device with electrical energy and a charging system for charging the rechargeable battery.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for charging a rechargeable battery, which comprises a first control and / or regulating device, which is particularly designed to control, regulate and monitor the charging and / or discharging of the rechargeable battery, wherein the rechargeable battery is designed to supply an electrical device, in particular in the form of a power tool, a household or gardening device, with electrical energy.

[0005] Charging systems of the type described above are known in a variety of forms. In particular, battery-operated electrical devices, such as power tools, household appliances, or gardening equipment, which are powered by rechargeable batteries with battery voltages greater than 5 volts, for example, 18 volts or 36 volts, are charged using charging devices in the form of proprietary chargers that are specifically designed for the respective electrical devices or rechargeable batteries, hereinafter also referred to as battery packs. These chargers serve to regulate the battery-specific charging parameters, in particular a charging current. Such charging systems generally require a dedicated charger to be provided for each type of rechargeable battery.This results in large amounts of electronic waste being generated every year because, due to their specific adaptation, the chargers can only be used for the rechargeable batteries or battery packs assigned to them.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a charging system, an electrical device system and a method for charging a rechargeable battery in such a way that, in particular, the generation of electronic waste is reduced.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention in a charging system of the type described above in that the charging device comprises at least one charging device and one adapter device, that the charging device comprises a charging device housing, that the adapter device comprises an adapter device housing, that the charging device housing and the adapter device housing are formed separately from one another, that the adapter device and the charging device are connected or connectable to one another via a connecting cable or a direct plug connection in a charging position,that the at least one charging device comprises a second control and / or regulating device for controlling and / or regulating charging parameters during the charging process, and that in the charging position, the first control and / or regulating device and the second control and / or regulating device are communicatively connected to one another for transmitting charging parameters specific to the at least one rechargeable battery from the first control and / or regulating device to the second control and / or regulating device. Such a charging system makes it possible, in particular, to use standard chargers to charge the rechargeable batteries. The charging device, which is arranged or formed in a separate charging device housing, thus forms an independent charging device that can be coupled to the rechargeable battery via the battery-specific adapter device.to charge them. In particular, a single charger can charge a variety of different battery types. This requires only different adapter devices adapted to the respective battery types. The adapter devices themselves can be provided with a minimal set of electronic components. In particular, the adapter devices can completely dispense with the power electronics required to charge the rechargeable battery. In this way, significant amounts of electronic waste can be avoided each year, since the charging device, hereinafter also referred to as a charger, can continue to be used even if a battery is unusable or a user wishes to install a new electrical device that requires a different battery type.for which a proprietary charging device would previously have to be provided. A user can now simply use their charging device, i.e., the non-specific charger, to charge the new battery type for their new electrical device. A direct plug connection can, in particular, comprise a plug element on the adapter device and a corresponding plug element on the charging device, which engage in the charging position, in particular with a force-locking and / or positive locking, to form an electrical and mechanical connection between the adapter device and the charging device. Rechargeable batteries within the meaning of this application comprise one or more battery or accumulator cells, which are preferably of identical design. In particular, these can be lithium-ion cells.

[0008] It is advantageous if the charging device includes power electronics, if the power electronics are exclusively included in the charging device, and if the adapter device is designed without power electronics. As already indicated above, all relevant electrical power components required for charging the rechargeable battery, referred to as power electronics, can be integrated into the charging device, i.e., the so-called charger. Eliminating power electronics in the adapter device simplifies its design and also minimizes its manufacturing costs.

[0009] The charging device is preferably designed to provide a charging power of at least 50 watts, in particular at least 120 watts. Such charging devices allow rechargeable batteries, especially those with nominal voltages greater than 5 volts, such as 18 volts, 36 volts, or 48 volts, to be charged quickly and safely.

[0010] It is advantageous if the charging device is designed in the form of a USB charger. Providing the charging device as a USB charger makes it possible, in particular, to create a universal charging system. For example, commercially available USB chargers can be used to ultimately charge any rechargeable batteries for battery-operated electrical devices. Only the adapter devices are then specific to the respective battery type. However, these are preferably designed such that they can be coupled to any USB charger designed to provide the necessary charging parameters such as charging voltage, charging current, and charging power in order to charge the rechargeable batteries. Such a development of a charging system makes it possible, in particular, to use battery-operated electrical devices while traveling. For example, USB chargers can be provided in hotels.A user then only needs to carry the appropriate adapter device for their rechargeable battery in order to charge the rechargeable battery of their electrical device. If the charging device is damaged or the power electronics it contains are defective, only the charging device needs to be replaced, not the adapter device. If the charging devices are standardized USB chargers, the user can obtain a replacement quickly and easily. In particular, they are not dependent on charging devices from the manufacturer of their electrical device, but can use commercially available USB chargers that can provide the required charging voltage, the required charging current, and thus the required charging power for the rechargeable battery they use.

[0011] Preferably, the charger is designed at least according to the USB 3.1 PD standard. Such chargers, as well as their further developments toward higher performance, enable the external control of charging parameters, for example, by transmitting corresponding control signals from the rechargeable battery, in particular the first control and / or regulating device. The chargers therefore do not have to store the battery-specific charging parameters themselves, for example, in a storage device within the battery. Rather, they are transmitted from the battery to be charged. This makes it possible to use such chargers to charge battery types that will only be available in the future.

[0012] It is advantageous if the charging device is designed to charge rechargeable batteries with a battery voltage greater than 5 volts, in particular with battery voltages of at least 18 volts or at least 36 volts. Such charging devices can be used, in particular, to power rechargeable batteries for electrical devices that use operating voltages greater than 5 volts, in particular battery voltages of 18 volts or, for example, 36 volts or 48 volts.

[0013] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the adapter device comprises a first adapter interface device, that the at least one rechargeable battery comprises a battery interface device, and that the first adapter interface device and the battery interface device are configured to correspond to one another for mechanical and electrical coupling to one another in a first coupling position. This configuration of the adapter device enables a defined mechanical and electrical coupling between the battery and the adapter device in the first coupling position.Thus, regardless of the design of the charging device, a defined connection between the rechargeable battery and the adapter device can be ensured in order to charge the rechargeable battery in the charging position in which the adapter device and the charging device are connected to each other via a direct plug connection or a connecting cable.

[0014] It is advantageous if the direct plug connection or the connecting cable is permanently and irreversibly connected to the adapter device or the charging device. The connecting cable or a connector of the plug connection is thus fixed either to the adapter device or the charging device, so that only one detachable connection is provided, namely between the connecting cable or the connector and the charging device, or between the connecting cable or the connector and the adapter device. This minimizes the number of contact points required to operate the charging system. This can, in particular, improve the reliability of the charging system in use.

[0015] It is advantageous if the adapter device comprises a second adapter interface device, if the connecting cable comprises a first connecting cable interface device, and if the second adapter interface device and the first connecting cable interface device are configured to correspond to one another for mechanical and electrical coupling to one another in a second coupling position. In other words, the connecting cable and the adapter device are detachably connectable to one another. The interface is defined here by the second adapter interface device and the first connecting cable interface device corresponding thereto.Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the charging device comprises a first charging device interface, if the connecting cable comprises a second connecting cable interface device, and if the first charging device interface device and the second connecting cable interface device are designed to correspond to one another for mechanical and electrical coupling to one another in a third coupling position. This configuration makes it possible, in particular, to release a connection between the connecting cable and the charging device. This allows the adapter device to be quickly and safely separated from the charging device. If the connecting cable has both a first connecting cable interface device and a second connecting cable interface device, the connecting cable can be easily replaced with a new connecting cable in the charging system if, for example, it is damaged.The adapter device and the charging device can then continue to be used with the new connection cable.

[0016] It is advantageous if the second adapter interface device, the first connecting cable interface device, the second connecting cable interface device, and the first charging device interface device are designed in the form of USB interface devices. In particular, they can be designed in the form of USB sockets or corresponding USB plugs. For example, USB sockets can be provided on the adapter device and on the charging device. The connecting cable can, for example, comprise two USB plugs. Thus, a conventional USB connecting cable can be used for the charging system to electrically connect the charging device and the adapter device to one another.In particular, the connecting cables can also comprise one or more data lines to exchange data between the adapter device and the charging device, and thus indirectly also between the charging device and the rechargeable battery, in particular the first control and / or regulating device. This allows the charging devices and the rechargeable battery, in particular their first and second control and / or regulating devices, to communicate with each other. Advantageously, the USB interface devices are designed as USB-C interface devices. In particular, they can be designed as interface devices of type USB-C 3.1 or higher. Such interface devices can be used, in particular, to utilize charging devices with high charging power that provide high currents during charging, for example, up to 5 amperes.

[0017] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first adapter interface device, the second adapter interface device, the first connecting cable interface device, the second connecting cable interface device, and the first charging device interface device comprise at least one communication contact for transmitting and exchanging data between the first control and / or regulating device and the second control and / or regulating device. In this way, parameters relevant in particular for charging the rechargeable battery can be exchanged between the rechargeable battery and the charging device, in particular before the start of a charging process or during a charging process, at regular or irregular intervals or continuously. This embodiment has the particular advantage that the charging device itself does not have to provide any charging parameters in order to charge the rechargeable battery.All of the necessary parameters can be stored as data in a data memory of the rechargeable battery and then, when the rechargeable battery and the charging device are electrically and communicatively connected in the charging position, transferred from the rechargeable battery to the charging device. However, control signals can also be transmitted from the rechargeable battery to the charging device to control the charging device so that the charging voltage and current required to charge the rechargeable battery are available at all times.

[0018] The charging system can be implemented in a simple and cost-effective manner if the connecting cable is in the form of a USB connection cable. In particular, it can be in the form of a USB-C connection cable. Therefore, no special connection cable is required; instead, a standard USB-C connection cable can be used. This allows users to configure their charging system as desired, depending on whether they require a short or long connection cable due to their space constraints.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the adapter device comprises a communication device which is designed to transmit and exchange data between the first control and / or regulating device and the second control and / or regulating device. The communication device of the adapter device can serve in particular to transmit data and / or control signals from the rechargeable battery to the charging device. Such a communication device can be provided in particular if the rechargeable battery is designed, for example, not to communicate directly with a USB-C 3.1 PD type charger. In such a case, the communication device can be designed in particular to communicatively couple rechargeable batteries and charging devices that use different communication protocols to one another.

[0020] The communication device preferably comprises a microcontroller, which is communicatively connected or connectable to the control and / or regulating device of the at least one rechargeable battery and the control and / or regulating device of the at least one charging device. With such a microcontroller, communication between the rechargeable battery and the charging device can be easily implemented. In particular, it is possible to implement different data transmission protocols with the microcontroller. It then forms a type of translation device that enables communication between the rechargeable battery and the charging device. It is advantageous if the charging device comprises a second charging device interface device for direct or indirect mechanical and electrical coupling to a power supply network.With the second charging device interface device, the charging device can then be plugged directly into a socket that is connected to a power supply network, for example via a plug arranged or formed on the charging device housing, and thus supplied with power.

[0021] Preferably, the second charging device interface device is designed for mechanical and electrical coupling to a power cable. This configuration makes it possible, in particular, to detach the power cable from the charging device as needed. Thus, different power cables can be provided for different power grids with different sockets. This makes it possible, for example, to use charging devices worldwide, but only add the appropriate power cable to the charging system for different countries.

[0022] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the second charging device interface device comprises a plug-in connection device or a power cable that is permanently connected to the charging device during intended use of the charging device, wherein the plug-in connection device and the power cable are designed for direct mechanical and electrical coupling, for example, to a power outlet. The proposed development, in the case of a plug-in connection device arranged on the charging device housing, makes it possible to couple the charging device directly to a power outlet or to couple it to a power outlet via the power cable connected to the charging device. The plug-in connection device, for example in the form of a plug, in particular a power plug, enables a particularly compact design of the charging device.The power cable makes it possible, in particular, to position the charging device spatially separate from a power outlet for charging a rechargeable battery. The object stated above is further achieved according to the invention in an electrical device system of the type described above in that the charging system is designed in the form of one of the charging systems described above.

[0023] An electrical device system developed in the proposed manner then has the advantages already explained above in connection with the described advantageous embodiments of charging systems. As explained in particular, the charging devices of the charging system of the electrical device system enable the charging of different rechargeable batteries. Individual adaptation of the charging devices to different battery types is achieved via the proposed adapter device.

[0024] It is advantageous if the battery-operated household or garden appliance is designed in the form of a cleaning appliance, in particular in the form of a vacuum cleaner, a high-pressure cleaner, a steam cleaner, a sweeper, a saw, a blower, a lawnmower, or a hedge trimmer. With such an electrical appliance system, the appliances mentioned as examples can in particular be operated with one and the same rechargeable battery. However, the electrical appliance system can also comprise different battery types, which can be charged with a single charging device. For different battery types, the electrical appliance system can comprise different adapter devices corresponding to the respective battery types. The electrical appliance system can of course also comprise two or more charging devices. In principle, however, a single charging device would be sufficient.However, multiple batteries of the electrical device system can then only be charged sequentially, not simultaneously. Simultaneous charging can, however, be enabled if the adapter device comprises not just one, but two or more first adapter interface devices, so that the adapter device can be coupled simultaneously to two or more rechargeable batteries for charging them. Preferably, the battery-operated electrical device is designed to be operated with at least one, in particular with only one, with two, three, four or more rechargeable batteries. This configuration makes it possible, in particular when using two or more rechargeable batteries, to extend the operating time of the electrical device without the need for a battery change. Furthermore, the batteries can also be connected in series to operate the electrical device. This allows higher operating voltages to be achieved.

[0025] Advantageously, the at least one rechargeable battery can be selectively coupled to different battery-operated electrical devices. This configuration makes it possible, in particular, to operate several electrical devices, for example with just a single battery and a single charging device, not simultaneously, but sequentially. Since a user can generally only operate one electrical device at a time, they can use different electrical devices sequentially. To do so, they simply need to remove the rechargeable battery from one electrical device and couple it to the other. If they only have one battery available, they must interrupt work with their various electrical devices while the battery is charging. If they have multiple batteries available, they can replace the empty battery with a charged one.

[0026] The object stated at the outset is further achieved according to the invention in a method of the type described at the outset in that the rechargeable battery is charged with one of the charging systems described above, that the charging device is automatically controlled by the first control and / or regulating device and that the first control and / or regulating device specifies charging parameters for the charging device during the charging process.

[0027] The proposed enhanced method, in particular, enables the charging devices of the charging system to be provided in a manner that is non-specific to the battery type and non-specific to the electrical device. All information and parameters required for charging a wide variety of rechargeable battery types do not need to be stored or provided in the charger, i.e., the charging device. The proposed charging system, in particular, enables this information to be provided by the rechargeable battery. This allows the charging device to also be used for future generations of battery types. Updating the charging device to use it with new battery types is not necessary.All information required for charging new battery types can be stored in the rechargeable battery, for example, in the first control and / or regulation device or in a storage device included in the rechargeable battery. In particular, a charging current and / or a charging voltage can be specified as charging parameters.

[0028] Preferably, the charging parameters are specified during the charging process at regular or irregular intervals or continuously. In this way, it is particularly possible to specify the charging process of the rechargeable battery exclusively by the first control and / or regulating device of the rechargeable battery. The first control and / or regulating device is also referred to as a battery management system (BMS).

[0029] Furthermore, the use of one of the charging systems described above for charging a rechargeable battery is proposed, in particular for carrying out one of the methods described above.

[0030] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention serves to explain the invention in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. They show:

[0031] Figure 1: a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a charging system; Figure 2: a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a charging system;

[0032] Figure 3: a schematic representation of an electrical device system comprising several electrical devices and a charging system.

[0033] Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a charging system 10, which can, for example, be comprised of an electrical device system 12 shown schematically in Figure 3.

[0034] The electrical device system 12 comprises at least one battery-operated electrical device 14. Figure 3 shows three electrical devices 14 as examples, namely in the form of a power tool 16, a household appliance 18 and a gardening tool 20.

[0035] The charging system 10 shown schematically in Figure 1 comprises a rechargeable battery 22 for supplying one of the electrical devices 14 with electrical energy.

[0036] Figure 3 schematically shows three rechargeable batteries 22, which are designed in the form of different battery packs 82a, 82b and 82c.

[0037] The rechargeable batteries 22 each comprise a first control and / or regulating device 30. The first control and / or regulating device 30 is designed to control, regulate, and monitor the charging, discharging, and an operating state of the rechargeable battery 22.

[0038] The charging system 10 further comprises a charging device 32 for charging the rechargeable battery 22.

[0039] The charging device 32 comprises a charging device 34 and an adapter device 36. The charging device 34 comprises a charging device housing 38. The adapter device 36 comprises an adapter device housing 40.

[0040] As schematically illustrated in Figure 1, the charging device housing 38 and the adapter device housing 40 are formed separately from one another. The adapter device 36 and the charging device 34 are connected or connectable to one another in a charging position via a connecting cable 42. In Figure 1, the connecting cable 42 is shown separated from both the adapter device 36 and the charging device 34.

[0041] The charging device 34 comprises a second control and / or regulation device 44 for controlling and / or regulating charging parameters during a charging process of the rechargeable battery 22.

[0042] The first control and / or regulating device 30 and the second control and / or regulating device 44 are designed such that they are communicatively connected to one another in the charging position via the connecting cable 42 for transmitting charging parameters specific to the rechargeable battery 22 from the first control and / or regulating device 30 to the second control and / or regulating device 44. Of course, the charging device 34 is also electrically connected to the adapter device 36 via the connecting cable 42 in order to conduct a charging current from the charging device 34 to the adapter device 36.

[0043] The adapter device 36 comprises a first adapter interface device 46. The rechargeable battery 22 comprises a battery interface device 48. The first adapter interface device 46 and the battery interface device 48 are configured to correspond to one another for mechanical and electrical coupling to one another in a first coupling position.

[0044] In Figure 1, the rechargeable battery 22 is shown in a position separated from the adapter device 36. In the first coupling position, the rechargeable battery 22 and the adapter device 36 are mechanically and electrically connected to each other in a defined manner.

[0045] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the adapter device 36 comprises a second adapter interface device 50. The connecting cable 42 in this embodiment comprises a first connecting cable interface device 52 and a second connecting cable interface device 54.

[0046] The first connecting cable interface device 52 and the second adapter interface device 50 are configured to correspond to each other for mechanical and electrical coupling to each other in a second coupling position. In Figure 1, the second adapter interface device 50 and the first connecting cable interface device 52 are shown disengaged.

[0047] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the charging device 34 comprises a first charging device interface device 56 and a second charging device interface device 58.

[0048] The first charging device interface device 56 and the second connecting cable interface device 54 are configured to correspond to one another for mechanical and electrical coupling to one another in a third coupling position. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the second connecting cable interface device 54 and the first charging device interface device 56 are disengaged.

[0049] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the charging system 10 comprises a power cable 60 with a power plug 62 at one end for connecting to a power outlet. A connector plug 64 is arranged or formed at the other end of the power cable 60, which can be mechanically and electrically engaged with the second charging device interface device 58. In Figure 1, the second charging device interface device 58 is shown separated from the connector plug 64.

[0050] To charge the rechargeable battery 22, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, its battery interface device 48 is engaged with the first adapter interface device 46. The connecting cable 42 is engaged with its first connecting cable interface device 52 with the second adapter interface device 50. The second connecting cable interface device 54 is engaged with the first charging device interface device 56. Furthermore, the connector plug 64 of the power cable 60 is engaged with the second charging device interface device 58. Finally, the power plug 62 is plugged into a power outlet.

[0051] The described connection of the components to one another now enables the automatic charging of the rechargeable battery 22. For this purpose, the rechargeable battery 22 and the charging device 34 communicate with one another. The first control and / or regulating device 30 transmits data and information for controlling the charging device 34 via the adapter device 36 and the connecting cable 42 to the second control and / or regulating device 44 of the charging device 34.Depending on the state of charge and other relevant parameters of the rechargeable battery 22, in particular an ambient temperature, a charging current is now provided by power electronics 66 of the charging device 34 and conducted via the connecting cable 42 to the adapter device 36 and from there to the rechargeable battery 22 for charging one or more battery cells (not shown in the figures for the sake of clarity) which are accommodated in a battery housing 68 of the rechargeable battery 22.

[0052] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the second adapter interface device 50, the first connecting cable interface device 52, the second connecting cable interface device 54 and the first charging device interface device 56 are designed in the form of USB interface devices 70.

[0053] The USB interface devices 70 of the adapter device 36 and the charging device 34 are designed in the form of USB sockets 72, the USB interface devices 70 of the connecting cable 42 are designed in the form of USB plugs 74.

[0054] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the USB interface devices 70 are designed in the form of USB-C interface devices 76. In this embodiment, the USB-C interface devices 76 are designed in the form of interface devices of the USB-C 3.1 type.

[0055] For transmitting and exchanging data between the first control and / or regulating device 30 and the second control and / or regulating device 44, the first adapter interface device 46, the second adapter interface device 50, the connecting cable interface device 52, the second connecting cable interface device 54, and the first charging device interface device 56 comprise one or more communication contacts. These are not shown in the figures for the sake of clarity.

[0056] With its USB interface devices 70, the connecting cable 42 is designed in the form of a USB connecting cable 78, specifically in the form of a connecting cable 42 of the USB-C type.

[0057] Figure 2 schematically shows a further exemplary embodiment of a charging system 10. It corresponds in part to the exemplary embodiment in Figure 1. To designate identical and functionally comparable components, the same reference numerals are used as in the exemplary embodiments in Figures 1 and 3. In the exemplary embodiment in Figure 2, the rechargeable battery 22 and the adapter device 36 are designed identically to the exemplary embodiment in Figure 1. This also applies to the connecting cable 42. The only difference is the charging device 34. Unlike in the exemplary embodiment in Figure 1, no second charging device interface device 58 is provided here, but rather a plug-in connection device 80 which, when the charging device 34 is used as intended, is permanently connected to the charging device housing 38.The plug connection device 80 is designed in the form of a mains plug which can be plugged directly into a socket of a power supply network.

[0058] For the functioning of the charging system 10, which is shown schematically in Figure 2, reference can be made to the above description of the charging system 10 according to the embodiment of Figure 1.

[0059] In an embodiment not shown in the figures, instead of the plug-in connection device 80, which is directly connected to the charging device housing 38, a power cable is arranged on the charging device housing 38. This power cable is permanently connected to the charging device 34 during its intended use. A power plug is arranged on the power cable or is designed to engage a power outlet on a power supply network.

[0060] With reference to Figure 3, an exemplary embodiment of an electrical device system 12 is explained in more detail below.

[0061] Figure 3 shows three rechargeable batteries 22 by way of example. These are in the form of battery packs 82a, 82b, and 82c. Battery pack 82a has a nominal voltage of 18V and comprises five battery cells (not shown). Battery pack 82b has a nominal voltage of 36V and comprises 10 battery cells (not shown). Battery pack 82c has a nominal voltage of 36V and also comprises 10 battery cells.

[0062] The battery cells of the battery packs 82a, 82b and 82c are identical and are designed as lithium-ion cells.

[0063] The battery interface device 48 is identical in the battery packs 82a and 82b.

[0064] Each of the three battery packs 82a, 82b and 82c comprises a first control and / or regulating device 30, which is designed in particular to control, regulate and monitor the charging, discharging and an operating state of the battery pack 82a, 82b or 82c.

[0065] The electrical device system 12 according to the embodiment of Figure 3 comprises a plurality of differently designed adapter devices 36. They are designed in the form of adapters 84a to 84i.

[0066] The adapters 84a to 84i differ in the design of the first adapter interface device 46. In the exemplary embodiments of the adapters 84a, 84b, and 84e to 84i shown in the figures, the first adapter interface devices 46 are identically designed, specifically in the form of first adapter interfaces 86a. In the adapters 84c and 84d, the first adapter interface device 46 is designed in the form of a first adapter interface 86b.

[0067] The battery interface device 48 is designed as a battery interface 88a for the battery packs 82a and 82b, and as a battery interface 88b for the battery pack 82c. The battery interfaces 88a and 88b differ in their shape and the configuration of the contacts.

[0068] The first adapter interface 86a is configured to correspond to the battery interface 88a. The first adapter interface 86b is configured to correspond to the battery interface 88b. This makes it possible to couple rechargeable batteries 22 to adapter devices 36, in which the battery interface device 48 and the first adapter interface device 46 are configured to correspond to one another.

[0069] Each adapter 84a to 84i comprises a second adapter interface device 50. This is designed in the form of a second adapter interface 90a, 90b, or 90c. The second adapter interface 90a is designed in the form of a USB socket 72. The second adapter interface 90b is designed in the form of a USB cable 92 permanently and non-detachably connected to the adapter device 36 and a USB plug 74 arranged at the free end thereof. The second adapter interface 90c is designed in the form of a USB plug 74 formed on the adapter device housing 40.

[0070] In the exemplary embodiments of the adapter devices 36 shown in Figure 3, the adapter devices 84a to 84e each comprise identical second adapter interfaces 90a. The adapters 84f and 84e comprise identical second adapter interfaces 90b. The two adapters 84h and 84i comprise identical second adapter interfaces 90c.

[0071] A portion of the adapters 84a to 84i comprises a communication device 94, which is designed to transmit and exchange data and signals, for example control signals, between the first control and / or regulating device 30 and the second control and / or regulating device 44.

[0072] The communication device 94 comprises a microcontroller 96. In a charging position, this is communicatively connected or connectable to the first control and / or regulating device 30 and the second control and / or regulating device 44.

[0073] Figure 3 also shows three exemplary embodiments of charging devices 34 in the form of chargers 98a, 98b, and 98c. Chargers 98a, 98b, and 98c each comprise power electronics 66, which is housed in the charging device housing 38. The second control and / or regulating device 44 is also housed therein.

[0074] The chargers 98 include first charger interface devices 56, which are designed in the form of USB sockets 72.

[0075] The chargers 98a, 98b, and 98c can be optionally connected to one of the adapters 84a to 84i. To connect to the adapters 84a to 84e, the connecting cable 42 with two USB plugs 74 is required, which are configured to correspond to the USB sockets 72.

[0076] Furthermore, the adapters 74f and 74g can be coupled with the USB plugs 74 on the USB cables 92 to the USB sockets 72 on the chargers 98a, 98b and 98c.

[0077] The chargers 98a, 98b and 98c can be coupled directly with the adapters 84h and 84i by inserting the USB plugs 74 into the USB sockets 72 of the respective chargers 98a, 98b and 98c.

[0078] The charging devices 34 further comprise a second charging device interface device 58.

[0079] The second charging device interface device 58 is designed in the three charging devices 98a, 98b and 98c in the form of a second charging device interface 104a, 104b and 104c, respectively.

[0080] The first charging device interface devices 56 are identically designed in the three charging devices 98a, 98b and 98c in the form of first charging device interfaces 102.

[0081] The second charger interface 104a is designed in the form of a power plug 62, which is arranged directly on the charging device housing 38. This creates a compact charger 98a, which can be plugged directly into a power outlet using the power plug 62.

[0082] The second charger interface 104b of the charger 98b comprises a connecting cable 100 which is permanently connected, i.e., permanently connected, to the charging device housing 38 and which has a mains plug 62 at a free end which can be plugged into a socket.

[0083] The charger interface 104c is designed as a connection socket 106, which corresponds to a connection plug 64 of a power cable 60. The power cable 60 further includes a power plug 62 for insertion into a power outlet.

[0084] The electrical devices 14 schematically illustrated in Figure 3 comprise electrical device interfaces 108a and 108b for electrical and mechanical coupling to the battery interfaces 88a and 88b, respectively. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the electrical device interfaces 108a are configured to correspond to the battery interfaces 88a. The electrical device interface 108b is configured to correspond to the battery interface 88b. In this way, rechargeable batteries 22, whose battery interfaces 88a and 88b correspond to the electrical device interfaces 108a and 108b, respectively, can be connected to the respective electrical device 84, so that they can be supplied with electrical energy from the coupled battery 22.

[0085] Figure 3 schematically shows the electrical device 14 in the form of the household appliance 18 with two electrical device interfaces 108a. This electrical device 14 can be coupled to two batteries 22.

[0086] The household or garden appliances 18 and 20, respectively, schematically illustrated in Figure 3, can be designed, in particular, as cleaning appliances, for example, in the form of vacuum cleaners, high-pressure cleaners, steam cleaners, sweepers, saws, blowers, lawn mowers, or hedge trimmers. Of course, this list of electrical appliances is not exhaustive.

[0087] Although not shown in the figures, different numbers of electrical device interfaces 108a and 108b are provided in exemplary embodiments of battery-operated electrical devices 14. For example, only a single electrical device interface 108a and 108b may be provided, or two, three, four, or more. Thus, the battery-operated electrical device 14 can be coupled to a corresponding number of rechargeable batteries 22, depending on the electrical device's energy requirements.

[0088] The electrical device system 12 is further designed such that the rechargeable batteries 22 can be selectively coupled to different battery-operated electrical devices 14.

[0089] In the electrical device system 12, the USB interface devices 70 are embodied in the form of USB-C interface devices 76. In one embodiment, they are embodied, in particular, in the form of USB-C 3.1 type interface devices.

[0090] The chargers 98a, 98b, and 98c schematically illustrated in Figure 3 are further configured to provide a charging power of at least 50W. In some embodiments, they are configured to provide a charging power of at least 120W.

[0091] The chargers 98a, 98b, and 98c are configured as USB chargers. The USB sockets 72 are configured as USB-C sockets or USB-A sockets, depending on the embodiment.

[0092] In one embodiment, chargers 98a, 98b, and 98c are configured according to the USB 3.1 PD standard. In charging system 12, charging devices 34 are configured to charge rechargeable batteries 22 with battery voltages greater than 5V. As indicated for battery packs 82a, 82b, and 82c, the battery voltages may be at least 18V or at least 36V.

[0093] With the charging system 10, rechargeable batteries 22 comprising first control and / or regulating devices 30 can be easily charged using charging devices 34 in the form of chargers 98a, 98b, and 98c. In this charging method, the charging device 34 is automatically controlled by the first control and / or regulating device 30 of the rechargeable battery 22, which specifies charging parameters, namely in particular the charging current and the charging voltage, to the charging device 34 before and / or during the charging process. In particular, the first control and / or regulating device 30 can specify the charging parameters during the charging process at regular or irregular intervals, or even continuously.

[0094] In particular, with reference to the embodiment of Figure 3, it can be seen that all adapter devices 36 are designed without power electronics 66. The power electronics 66 are comprised exclusively by the charging device 34. Thus, the function of the adapter device 36 is limited exclusively to the electromechanical adaptation of the rechargeable battery 22 to the charging device 34 by appropriately designing its first and second adapter interface devices 46 and 50, respectively.

[0095] The proposed design of the charging system 10 enables the use of chargers 98a, 98b, and 98c that are not specifically adapted to the rechargeable batteries 22, as is usually the case. Rather, they can be coupled to different variants of rechargeable batteries 22 for charging the same using a corresponding adapter device 36. The rechargeable batteries 22 can differ in shape and size, as well as in their nominal voltage.

[0096] As described, the charging devices 34 are controlled via the rechargeable batteries 22. This has the advantage that no information specific to certain battery types needs to be stored in the charging devices 34. This information can be stored in the respective rechargeable battery 22. By controlling the charging device 34 during charging via the rechargeable battery 22, the charging devices 34 can also be used to charge battery types that become available in the future.

[0097] The charging system 10 schematically illustrated in Figure 3 shows only a selection of possible configurations of rechargeable batteries 22, adapter devices 36, charging devices 34, and electrical devices 14. The respective interfaces of the components of the charging system 10 can ultimately be designed in any desired manner, resulting in even more possible combinations than those illustrated in Figure 3 and described above.

[0098] Of course, embodiments of charging systems 10 may also comprise only a subset of the components shown in Figure 3, depending on which electrical devices 14 are to be used with which rechargeable batteries 22. Then, only those adapter devices 36 and, in principle, only a single charging device 34 need to be provided in order to be able to use the electrical device system 12.

[0099] List of reference symbols

[0100] cleaning device

[0101] Electrical appliance system

[0102] electrical appliance

[0103] Power tool

[0104] household appliance

[0105] Garden tool rechargeable battery first control and / or regulation device

[0106] Charging device

[0107] Charging device

[0108] Adapter device

[0109] Charging device housing

[0110] Adapter device housing

[0111] Connecting cable second control and / or regulating device first adapter interface device

[0112] Battery interface device second adapter interface device first connecting cable interface device second connecting cable interface device first charging device interface device second charging device interface device mains connection cable

[0113] Power plug

[0114] connector plug

[0115] Power electronics

[0116] Battery case

[0117] USB interface setup

[0118] USB socket

[0119] USB connector USB-C interface device

[0120] USB connection cable

[0121] Stretch connection device a, 82b, 82c Battery pack a, 84b, 84c Adapter d, 84e, 84f Adapter g, 84h, 84i Adapter a, 86b First adapter interface a, 88b Battery interface 11 ea, 90b, 90c Second adapter interface

[0122] USB cable

[0123] Communication device

[0124] Microcontroller a, 98b, 98c Charger 0 Connection cable 2 Charger interface 4a, 104b, 104c Charger interface 6 Connection socket 8a, 108b Electrical device interface

Claims

Claims: Charging system (10) for a battery-operated electrical device (14), in particular in the form of a power tool (16), a household or garden appliance (18, 20), wherein the charging system (10) comprises at least one rechargeable battery (22) with a first control and / or regulating device (30), in particular for controlling, regulating and monitoring the charging, discharging and an operating state, and a charging device (32) for charging the rechargeable battery (22), characterized in that the charging device (32) comprises at least one charging unit (34) and an adapter unit (36), that the charging unit (34) comprises a charging unit housing (38), that the adapter unit (36) comprises an adapter unit housing (40), that the charging unit housing (38) and the adapter unit housing (40) are designed separately from each other.that the adapter device (36) and the charging device (34) are connected or connectable to each other in a charging position via a connecting cable (42) or a direct plug connection, that the at least one charging device (34) comprises a second control and / or regulating device (44) for controlling and / or regulating charging parameters during a charging process, and that in the charging position the first control and / or regulating device (30) and the second control and / or regulating device (44) are communicatively connected to each other for transmitting charging parameters specific to the at least one rechargeable battery (22) from the first control and / or regulating device (30) to the second control and / or regulating device (44). Charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that the charging device (32) comprises power electronics (66),that the power electronics (66) are exclusively encompassed by the charging device (34) and that the adapter device (36) is designed without power electronics (66). A charging system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging device (34) is configured to provide a charging power of at least 50 W, in particular at least 120 W. A charging system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging device (34) is configured in the form of a USB charger (98a, 98b, 98c), wherein the USB charger (98a, 98b, 98c) is configured at least according to the USB 3.1 PD standard. A charging system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging device (34) is configured for charging rechargeable batteries (22) with a battery voltage greater than 5 V, in particular with battery voltages of at least 18 V or at least 36 V.Charging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter device (36) comprises a first adapter interface device (46), that the at least one rechargeable battery (22) comprises a battery interface device (48), and that the first adapter interface device (46) and the battery interface device (48) are configured to correspond to each other for mechanical and electrical coupling in a first coupling position. Charging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the direct plug connection comprises the connecting cable (42) and is permanently and inseparably connected to the adapter device (36) or to the charging device (34). Charging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter device (36) comprises a second adapter interface device (50), that the connecting cable (42) comprises a first connecting cable interface device (52) and that the second adapter interface device (50) and the first connecting cable interface device (52) are configured to correspond to each other for mechanical and electrical coupling in a second coupling position.Charging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging device (34) comprises a first charging device interface device (56), that the connecting cable (42) comprises a second connecting cable interface device (54) and that the first charging device interface device (56) and the second connecting cable interface device (54) are configured to correspond to each other for mechanical and electrical coupling with each other in a third coupling position.Charging system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the second adapter interface device (50), the first connection cable interface device (52), the second connection cable interface device (54), and the first charging device interface device (56) are configured in the form of USB interface devices (70), in particular in the form of USB sockets (72) or corresponding USB plugs (74), wherein in particular the USB interface devices (70) are configured in the form of USB-C interface devices (76), in particular in the form of interface devices of type USB-C 3.1 or higher. Charging system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the first adapter interface device (46), the second. The adapter interface device (50), the first connection cable interface device (52), the second connection cable interface device (54), and the first charging device interface device (56) comprise at least one communication contact for transmitting and exchanging data between the first control and / or regulation device (30) and the second control and / or regulation device (44). Charging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection cable (42) is designed in the form of a USB connection cable (78), in particular in the form of a USB-C type connection cable (42).Charging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter device (36) comprises a communication device (94) configured for transmitting and exchanging data between the first control and / or regulating device (30) and the second control and / or regulating device (44), wherein, in particular, the communication device (94) comprises a microcontroller (96) which is communicatively connected or connectable to the first control and / or regulating device (30) of the at least rechargeable battery (22) and the second control and / or regulating device (44) of the at least one charging device (34). Charging system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging device (34) comprises a second charging device interface device (58) for direct or indirect mechanical and electrical coupling to a power supply network. Charging system according to claim 14, characterized in that the second charging device interface device (58) is configured for mechanical and electrical coupling with a mains connection cable (60). Charging system according to claim 15, characterized in that the second charging device interface device (58) comprises a plug connection device (80) or a mains connection cable (100) which is permanently connected to the charging device (34) during intended use of the charging device (34), wherein the plug connection device (80) and the mains connection cable (100) are configured for direct mechanical and electrical coupling with a power supply network.An electrical appliance system (12) comprising at least one battery-operated electrical appliance (14), in particular in the form of a power tool (16), a household or garden appliance (18, 20), at least one rechargeable battery (22) for supplying the at least one electrical appliance (14) with electrical energy, and a charging system (10) for charging the rechargeable battery (22), characterized in that the charging system (10) is configured as a charging system (10) according to one of the preceding claims. An electrical appliance system according to claim 17, characterized in that the battery-operated household or garden appliance (18, 20) is configured as a cleaning appliance, in particular as a vacuum cleaner, a high-pressure cleaner, a steam cleaner, a sweeper, a saw, a blower, a lawnmower, or a hedge trimmer.Electrical appliance system according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the battery-operated electrical appliance (14) is designed to be operated with at least one, in particular with only one, with two, three, four or more rechargeable batteries (22). Electrical appliance system according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the at least one rechargeable battery (22) can be optionally coupled with different battery-operated electrical appliances (14).Method for charging a rechargeable battery (22), comprising a first control and / or regulating device (30), which is particularly configured for controlling, regulating and monitoring the charging and / or discharging of the rechargeable battery (22), wherein the rechargeable battery (22) is configured for supplying an electrical device (14), in particular in the form of a power tool (16), a household or garden appliance (18, 20) with electrical energy, characterized in that the rechargeable battery (22) is charged with a charging system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 19, that the charging device (34) is automatically controlled by the first control and / or regulating device (30) and that the first control and / or regulating device (30) specifies charging parameters to the charging device (34) during the charging process, in particular charging current and / or charging voltage.A method according to claim 21, characterized in that the charging parameters are specified at regular or irregular intervals or continuously during the charging process. Use of a charging system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 for charging a rechargeable battery (22), in particular for carrying out a method according to claim 21 or 22.

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