Interface module for charging and discharging an electrochemical energy store

Abstract

The invention relates to an interface module (16) for charging and discharging an electrochemical energy store (12) for an electrical consumer (14), in particular for an electric-motor-powered vehicle (74), the interface module having a first interface (20) and at least one second interface (32) that is electrically connected to the first interface (20). It is proposed that the first interface (20) is designed, in particular of proprietary design, such that the interface module (16) is connectable to a corresponding counterpart interface (20) of the electrochemical energy store (12), and that the at least one second interface (32) is of universal design such that the interface module (16) is connectable to a corresponding counterpart interface (32) of an external constant-voltage or constant-current source (30) for the purposes of charging the electrochemical energy store (12) and is connectable to a corresponding counterpart interface (32) of a further electrical consumer (44) for the purposes of discharging the electrochemical energy store (12). The invention furthermore relates to an adapter (102) and to an electric-motor-powered vehicle (74) having an interface module (16) according to the invention.

Description

[0001] Interface module for charging and discharging an electrochemical energy storage device

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to an interface module for charging and discharging an electrochemical energy storage device for an electrical consumer, as well as to an adapter and an electric motor-driven vehicle with an interface module according to the invention according to the preamble of the independent claims.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] A large number of electrical devices are powered by rechargeable electrochemical energy storage devices, which are discharged by the electrical device and recharged using a charger. Such energy storage devices typically consist of a plurality of energy storage cells connected in series and / or parallel to achieve a required battery voltage or capacity. If the energy storage cells are designed as lithium-ion cells (Li-ion), for example, a very high power and energy density can be achieved with particular advantage.

[0006] Energy storage devices for high power and energy densities in particular usually have to be charged with special chargers. For this purpose, both the chargers and the electrochemical energy storage devices have special high-performance connections as electromechanical interfaces, which are often manufacturer-specific - i.e. proprietary - because in addition to the energy, charging protocols and / or operating parameters such as battery voltage, battery current, a temperature measured in the energy storage device, special coding signals, etc. for monitoring the charging process are transmitted from the energy storage device to the charger. The error-free interaction of the energy storage device with the charger and the application is very important, since errors can give rise to safety-relevant issues or even a fire in the energy storage device. This transmission can take place either via special data orSignal contacts of the electromechanical interfaces or powerline communication via the power contacts. Furthermore, the chargers must be equipped with special and therefore often cost-intensive charging electronics (AC / DC converters, isolation transformers, specially designed rectifiers and power output stages, etc.).

[0007] The Bosch GAA 18V-24 and GAA 12V-21 also offer adapters for using power tool interchangeable battery packs for other electrical devices, such as smartphones, heated vests, etc. The adapters can be pushed onto the interchangeable battery packs without the need for tools using a first, proprietary, electromechanical interface compatible with the interchangeable battery packs. The adapters then supply the electrical devices with power from the interchangeable battery packs via a second universal USB-A interface.

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide an interface module which, in addition to discharging, also enables safe charging of an electrochemical energy storage device, in particular an electrochemical high-energy storage device, with an external energy source which is simple to design and therefore cost-effective.

[0009] Advantages of the invention

[0010] To achieve the object, it is provided that the first interface is designed in such a way, in particular proprietary, that the interface module can be connected to a corresponding counter-interface of the electrochemical energy store, and that the at least one second interface is designed universally in such a way that the interface module can be connected to a corresponding counter-interface of an external constant voltage or current source for charging the electrochemical energy store and to a corresponding counter-interface of a further electrical consumer for discharging the electrochemical energy store.

[0011] The invention particularly advantageously enables the charging of an electrochemical energy storage device, in particular a high-performance electrochemical energy storage device, with a standardized universal charger, which can be designed as a cost-effective constant voltage or current source without complex AC / DC conversion or specially designed rectification. Examples of this would be USB plug-in power supplies, power banks, or simple vehicle charging adapters. In contrast to a charger that regulates to a fixed battery voltage using a CCCV (Constant Current Constant Voltage) charging method, a constant voltage or current source only provides a specific maximum voltage or current.

[0012] In addition to the charging function, the discharging function of the electrochemical high-performance energy storage device via the second universal interface allows its use as a power bank to operate one or more additional electrical consumers, such as a laptop, to charge a mobile phone, a light, an electric compressor or fan, or the like.

[0013] A proprietary interface is defined as an interface that is specific to a single manufacturer or a closed manufacturer network and is therefore not universally usable. A universal interface, in contrast, is defined as an interface that can be used by a variety of different manufacturers and has established itself as a cross-manufacturer standard.

[0014] The term "charging and discharging" should be understood to mean that the interface module is suitable for both charging the electrochemical energy storage device - i.e., transferring energy into the energy storage device - and discharging the electrochemical energy storage device - i.e., transferring energy from the energy storage device. In particular, this can be understood to mean that, by means of the interface module, charging and discharging of the electrochemical energy storage device connected to the interface module is possible both simultaneously and at different times. Simultaneous charging and discharging occurs, for example, when another electrical consumer is connected to a universal interface of the interface module in parallel with the charging device. The electrical consumer can, in particular, be an electric motor-driven vehicle, for example, an electric bicycle (e.g.The invention can be designed as a bicycle (e.g., an electric bicycle, an electric bike, an electric motor, a one- or two-wheeled e-scooter, an e-moped, or the like). The invention is equally applicable to other applications in the field of micro-mobility applications, such as e-kick scooters, monowheels, or other non-type-approved vehicles with permanently or replaceably installed battery packs. An electric motor-driven vehicle should therefore also be understood to mean a vehicle that has a drive unit to assist the driver or an electric motor-driven partial drive.

[0015] In the context of the invention, battery-operated machine tools for machining workpieces using an electrically powered tool can also be understood as electrical loads. The machine tool can be designed either as a handheld power tool or as a stationary machine tool. Furthermore, the battery pack can be permanently integrated into the machine tool or designed to be replaceable without tools. Typical power tools in this context are handheld or pillar drills, screwdrivers, impact drills, hammer drills, planers, angle grinders, orbital sanders, polishers, circular saws, table saws, miter saws, and jigsaws, or the like. However, battery-operated garden and construction equipment such as lawn mowers, grass trimmers, pruning saws, power cutters and trenchers, blowers, robot breakers and excavators, or the like can also be considered as electrical loads.Furthermore, the invention is applicable to battery-operated measuring devices, such as laser rangefinders or levels, wall scanners, etc., as well as household appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, blenders, and camping accessories, such as battery-operated refrigerators or heaters, coffee machines, etc. Furthermore, the invention is applicable to electrical devices that are simultaneously powered by a plurality of interchangeable battery packs to achieve a long operating time and / or performance.

[0016] The electrical load can be driven by a brushless DC motor (EC or BLDC motor) controlled by a power output stage using pulse width modulation (PWM). Other types of electric motors, such as brushed DC motors or AC motors, as well as inductive, capacitive, and / or resistive loads, are also conceivable without limiting the invention. These are well known to those skilled in the art, so they will not be discussed further here.

[0017] The electrochemical energy storage device can be permanently integrated into the electrical consumer or designed as a removable battery pack that can be removed without tools. In the case of an removable battery pack, it can also be provided that it can be charged both when connected to the consumer and when disconnected from the consumer. Specifically, depending on the application, discharging by the application or use of the application can be prevented when the removable battery pack is being charged, e.g. in electrically powered / assisted vehicles. The battery voltage of a typical electrochemical energy storage device is generally a multiple of the voltage of an individual energy storage cell of the energy storage device and results from the interconnection (parallel and / or series) of the individual energy storage cells. The energy storage cells are preferably designed as lithium-based energy storage cells, e.g. Li-ion, Li-polymer, Li-metal, Na-ions or the like.However, the invention is also applicable to electrochemical energy storage devices with Ni-Cd, Ni-MH cells, or other suitable cell types. For common Li-ion energy storage cells with a cell voltage of 3.6 V, nominal battery voltages of 3.6 V, 18 V, 36 V, 54 V, etc., are typical examples. However, the invention is not dependent on the type and design of the energy storage cells and energy storage device used, but can be applied to any electrochemical energy storage device and energy storage cell, e.g., in addition to round cells, also pouch cells or the like, with battery voltages of 36 V, 48 V, 52 V, or the like.

[0018] In a further development of the invention, the interface module comprises an electronic unit that translates a universal charging or discharging protocol transmitted via the at least one second universal interface into a charging or discharging protocol necessary for the charging or discharging process of the electrochemical energy storage device connected to the first interface, in particular a proprietary one, and vice versa. This particularly advantageously allows the charging and discharging process to be started via the second universal interface. Otherwise, potentially serious safety incidents could occur that could lead to considerable damage to the electrical consumer and / or the electrochemical energy storage device. The protocols are preferably transmitted via electrical data or signal contacts of the first and second interfaces.

[0019] Before charging the electrochemical energy storage device, the electronics unit checks whether a DC voltage applied to the at least one second universal interface and / or a DC current flowing from the external constant voltage or current source is greater than or equal to a maximum battery voltage and / or a maximum battery current for the electrochemical energy storage device. This ensures that the electrochemical energy storage device is not overloaded during the charging process, as the electronics unit only enables the charging process when the maximum limits are not exceeded.Accordingly, before starting the discharge process, the electronics unit adjusts the battery voltage and / or battery current via the at least one second universal interface depending on a supply voltage and / or supply current of the additional electrical load connected to the at least one second universal interface in order to protect the connected electrical load from possible damage. The corresponding limit values ​​are transmitted analogously to the charging and / or discharging protocols via corresponding electrical data or signal contacts of the first and second interfaces.

[0020] In addition, the interface module has a DC / DC converter, which is controlled by the electronics unit in such a way that the DC voltage and / or the flowing DC current applied to the at least one second universal interface is adapted to the battery voltage and / or the battery current of the electrochemical energy storage device, or that the battery voltage and / or the battery current provided by the electrochemical energy storage device is adapted to the supply voltage and / or the supply current of the further electrical consumer connected to the at least one second universal interface. Regulation of the battery voltage or current is necessary to compensate for any deviations between the constant voltage or current source and the electrochemical energy storage device, on the one hand, and between the electrochemical energy storage device and the further electrical consumer, on the other.

[0021] Furthermore, it is provided that the electronics unit monitors the charging and / or discharging process using at least one operating parameter measured in the interface module, in the electrochemical energy storage device, and / or in the electrical consumer. Preferably, the at least one operating parameter is configured as a measured actual voltage, a maximum battery voltage, a measured actual current, a current integral, a maximum battery current, an actual temperature, an upper and / or lower temperature limit, information about a coding resistor, or other values ​​for identifying the electrochemical energy storage device. If multiple operating parameters are used for monitoring, it is possible to utilize additional interface contacts configured as signal or data contacts.As mentioned above, all data signals can also be transmitted via the electrical power contacts of the interfaces in the form of powerline communication. Corresponding methods for powerline communication are known to those skilled in the art and will not be discussed further here.

[0022] In addition to the at least one second universal interface, further universal interfaces can be provided, particularly for parallel connection to corresponding universal counter-interfaces of additional constant voltage or current sources and / or additional electrical loads. This particularly advantageously enables charging with higher charging currents, for example, for a rapid charging function, and the simultaneous use of several different loads, such as a light, a radio, a power bank, a smartphone, or the like. Furthermore, it can be provided that universal interfaces used for charging cannot be used for discharging, and vice versa.

[0023] To prevent the unused universal interfaces from being exposed to voltages that could be dangerous to humans during a charging process, or to prevent damage due to unforeseen short circuits, the electronics unit blocks these universal interfaces, particularly for the discharging process, if one or more of the universal interfaces are connected to an external constant voltage or current source.

[0024] It is particularly advantageous to have at least one of the universal interfaces configured as a USB-C interface. Especially in conjunction with "USB-C next generation," battery voltages of up to 48 V and charging currents of 4 to 5 A can be achieved via the universal interface, which enables correspondingly fast charging processes, particularly for high-performance energy storage devices such as those used in some EPACs, e-bikes, or e-scooters.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the universal interfaces is designed as a CHAdeMO-EPAC interface with two power supply contacts and preferably three signal or data contacts. High DC voltages and currents can be provided particularly advantageously via the power supply contacts of the CHAdeMO-EPAC interface, while the signal or data contacts serve for the parallel transmission of several of the aforementioned operating parameters and the charging protocol.

[0026] Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one of the additional universal interfaces is designed as a wireless, particularly inductive, interface with at least one primary coil for energy transmission, in particular according to the possibly further developed Qi or Ki standard or a protocol based on the WPP adapted for light electric vehicles. The transmission of the charging or discharging protocol and / or the operating parameters can then be carried out via Near Field Communication (NFC) using a separate data coil. Since more and more smartphones can be charged according to the Qi standard, this allows for very universal usability of the interface module.

[0027] The interface module has a communication interface for wireless data exchange with an external device, such as a smartphone, smart watch, tablet, PC, remote cloud server, or the like. This allows operating parameters to be monitored and settings to be made in the electronics unit for different charging profiles or the like. The communication interface preferably uses WLAN, Bluetooth, BLE, ZigBee, NFC, or the like for wireless transmission. A human-machine interface (HMI) is also provided in the interface module for local setting and / or display of the different charging profiles and / or operating parameters. The HMI can be designed, for example, as a touch display, as a display in conjunction with hardware buttons, or as a simple LED display.Acoustic or haptic feedback for certain settings is also conceivable.

[0028] The invention further relates to an adapter with the interface module according to the invention, wherein the first interface of the interface module is designed as an electromechanical interface for a tool-free detachable connection to a corresponding electromechanical interface of an electrochemical energy store or an electrical consumer, in particular of an electric motor-driven vehicle. The electromechanical interface can be designed as a cable connection with an electromechanical plug or as guide rails with electrical contacts accommodated in a housing of the adapter. Since the respective proprietary interfaces are designed very differently, they will not be discussed in further detail below. Just like the first interface, the at least one second universal interface can also be designed as a cable connection or as a socket or connector integrated in the adapter.A plug can be used. Any combination of these is also conceivable. The adapter can be connected to a public charging infrastructure with particular advantage and, moreover, can be designed as a particularly compact travel charging adapter that can be carried, for example, in saddlebags, handbags, backpacks, or the like. A "tool-free connection" is understood, in particular, to mean a connection that can be made and released manually. Since those skilled in the art are sufficiently familiar with such electromechanical interfaces, particularly for interchangeable battery packs and electrical devices that can be operated with them, they will not be discussed in further detail here.

[0029] The invention also relates to an electric motor-driven vehicle with the interface module according to the invention, wherein the interface module is firmly integrated into a frame or housing part of the electric motor-driven vehicle, in particular a drive unit of the electric motor-driven vehicle.

[0030] drawing

[0031] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to Figures 1 to 6, wherein the same reference numerals in the figures indicate the same components with the same mode of operation.

[0032] It shows

[0033] Fig. 1: a block diagram of a system comprising a charger, an electrochemical energy storage device and the interface module according to the invention in a first embodiment,

[0034] Fig. 2: a schematic representation of the interface module according to the invention in a further embodiment,

[0035] Fig. 3: a schematic representation of a system consisting of an electrical consumer designed as an electric bicycle with an electrochemical energy storage device designed as a removable battery pack and the interface module according to the invention in a third embodiment,

[0036] Fig. 4: a perspective view of the energy storage device designed as a removable battery pack without (Fig. 4a) and with (Fig. 4b) the interface module according to the invention designed as an adapter in a fourth embodiment,

[0037] Fig. 5: a perspective view of the electrical consumer designed as an electric bicycle with a permanently integrated interface module according to the invention in a fifth embodiment and Fig. 6: a perspective view of the electrochemical energy storage device designed as an exchangeable battery pack with a permanently integrated interface module according to the invention in a sixth embodiment.

[0038] Description of the embodiments

[0039] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a system comprising a commercially available charger 10, a commercially available, rechargeable, electrochemical energy storage device 12 for an electrical consumer 14, and the interface module 16 according to the invention in a first exemplary embodiment. The electrochemical energy storage device 12 can be permanently integrated into the electrical consumer 14 or can be designed as an interchangeable battery pack 18 that can be detachably connected to the electrical consumer 14. The interchangeable battery pack 18 is preferably detachably connected to the electrical consumer 14 without the use of tools - i.e. by hand - via a first, electromechanical interface 20 and a corresponding counter-interface. For this purpose, the first, electromechanical interface 20 has, in addition to electrical contacts (not shown in detail) for power supply and data orSignal transmission is also possible via possible mechanical coding, for example in the form of special slide rails, contact arrangements, recesses, projections, etc., which only allow a connection in conjunction with the corresponding mechanical coding of the counterpart interface. Since these mechanical codings are often manufacturer-specific, the first interfaces 20 are proprietary. However, a proprietary interface 20 should also be understood to mean that, in contrast to a universal interface, it can only be used by a restricted group, for example, a manufacturer association or a battery alliance. In this context, a universal interface should be understood to mean that it can be freely used across manufacturers. Since the proprietary interfaces can therefore be designed very differently, their design will not be discussed in detail below.Depending on the application and manufacturer, a specialist will therefore use the corresponding proprietary first interface 20. For theft protection or other security measures, it may alternatively be advisable for the removable battery pack 18 to be removable from the electrical consumer 14 only with the aid of a special tool or a mechanical key. Likewise, the removable battery pack 18 may be electronically secured within the electrical consumer 14.

[0040] The electrochemical energy storage device 12 has a plurality of energy storage cells 22, which can be connected in series and / or in parallel. The series connection defines a battery voltage Ußatt of the electrochemical energy storage device 12 that drops across the power supply contacts of the first electromechanical interface 20, while the parallel connection of individual energy storage cells 22 primarily increases the capacity of the electrochemical energy storage device 12. Individual cell clusters consisting of parallel-connected energy storage cells 22 can also be connected in series to achieve a specific battery voltage Ußatt while simultaneously increasing capacity.In common Li-ion round storage cells 22 with a nominal cell voltage Uceii of 3.6 V each, battery voltages Ußatt of n • 3.6 V drop across the power supply contacts of the first interface 22, where n defines the number of energy storage cells 22 or cell clusters connected in series. For other electrochemical energy storage cells 22, the nominal cell voltage Uceii can differ, so that depending on the type and application of the electrochemical energy storage device 12, battery voltages of 3.6 V to 70 V and more are possible. Depending on the number of energy storage cells 22 connected in parallel in a cell cluster, the capacity of commercially available high-performance energy storage devices 12 can be up to 14 Ah and more, so that, for example, up to over 750 Wh can be achieved in the e-bike sector. However, the invention is not limited to the type, design, voltage, current delivery capacity, etc.the energy storage cells 22 used, but can be applied to a variety of different energy storage devices 12.

[0041] To monitor the individual, series-connected energy storage cells 22 or cell clusters of the energy storage device 12, an SCM (single-cell monitoring) pre-stage (not shown) can be provided, which is controlled by an electronics unit 24 of the energy storage device 12. The electronics unit 24 can be designed as an integrated circuit in the form of a microprocessor, ASIC, DSP, or the like. However, it is also conceivable for the electronics unit 24 to consist of several microprocessors or at least partially of discrete components with corresponding transistor logic. In addition, the electronics unit 24 can have a memory for storing operating parameters of the energy storage device 12, such as the battery voltage Ußatt, the cell voltages Uceii, a temperature T, a battery current I, or the like.The temperature T of the energy storage device 12 or of the energy storage cells 22 can be measured by means of a temperature sensor 26 arranged in the electrochemical energy storage device 12, which is preferably designed as an NTC and is in close thermal contact with at least one of the energy storage cells 22. So that a charging device (not shown) connected to the first interface 20 can identify the energy storage device 12 and, if necessary, release it for charging, the energy storage device 12 has a coding resistor 28 with a fixed resistance value Rc. If the resistance value Rc of the coding resistor 28, designed as a further operating parameter, matches a value stored in the charging device, the charging device enables the charging process and charges the energy storage device 12 according to the operating parameters stored in a look-up table, in particularthe measured battery current I, a maximum battery current lBatt,max, the measured battery voltage Ußatt, a maximum battery voltage Ußatt,max, the measured temperature T, a permissible temperature range, etc. In an analogous manner, the electrical consumer 14 can enable the discharging process of the energy storage device 12 via the coding resistor 28 or a further coding resistor (not shown). If the values ​​do not match, the discharging process of the energy storage device 12 is stopped or not permitted, so that the electrical consumer 14 cannot be put into operation. If they match, an operator can put the electrical consumer 14 into operation. Furthermore, corresponding charging or discharging protocols can also be transmitted via the first interface 20 to identify or adapt the operating parameters.

[0042] As a rule, a charger that can be connected to the first interface 20 is used to charge the energy storage device 12. However, such chargers often have to be adapted to the specifications of the energy storage devices 12 to be charged with them, or they have to be flexibly adaptable. In addition to AC / DC conversion, this often also requires correspondingly expensive isolating transformers as well as power, rectifier and filter stages. The interface module 16 according to the invention offers the advantage in this regard that a particularly simple and cost-effective charger 10 can be used for universally charging the energy storage device 12. The charger 10 has a constant voltage or current source 30 or is designed as such, so that the AC / DC conversion, any isolating transformers and possibly cost-intensive power, rectifier and filter stages can be dispensed with. Such universal chargers 10 orConstant voltage or current sources 30 are well known as plug-in power supplies or the like and are commercially available, so they will not be discussed further here. They typically feature a universal interface 32 in the form of a USB port (e.g., USB-A, USB-C) or the like, via whose electrical contacts, in addition to the power, a specific charging protocol (PD - Power Delivery) for a connected electrical consumer or its energy storage device can be transmitted and evaluated in an electronics unit 34 integrated in the charger 10.

[0043] The interface module 16 according to the invention is intended to make such a universal charger 10 usable for charging the electrochemical energy storage device 12. For this purpose, it comprises, on the one hand, a first interface 20 for electrical connection to the corresponding proprietary counter-interface 20 of the electrochemical energy storage device 12. On the other hand, at least one second universal interface 32 is provided, which is electrically connected to the first interface 20 such that an external constant voltage or current source 30 connected to the at least one second universal interface 32 can charge the energy storage device 20.

[0044] For this purpose, the interface module 16 has an electronics unit 36 ​​which translates a universal charging or discharging protocol transmitted via the at least one second universal interface 32 into a charging or discharging protocol required, in particular a proprietary, for the charging or discharging process of the electrochemical energy storage device 12 connected to the first interface 20, and vice versa. This is necessary in order to avoid any serious safety incidents that could lead to considerable damage to the electrical consumer 14 and / or the energy storage device 12. For this purpose, the electronics unit 36 ​​controls power electronics 38 of the interface module 16 in order to be able to interrupt the charging or discharging process by means of appropriate switching means (e.g. relays, transistors) in the event of deviations or inconsistencies. In addition, the power electronics 38 can have further filter means for, if necessary,necessary improvement in the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of the interface module 16. In addition, it can be provided that the electronics unit 36 ​​checks, before the charging process of the electrochemical energy storage device 12, whether a direct voltage UDC applied to the at least one second universal interface 32 and / or a flowing direct current IDC of the external constant voltage or current source 30 is greater than or equal to the maximum battery voltage UBatt,max and / or the maximum battery current lBatt,max for the energy storage device 12. In this way, it can be ensured that the energy storage device 12 is not overloaded during the charging process, since the electronics unit 36 ​​only enables the charging process when the maximum limit values ​​are not exceeded.

[0045] A DC / DC converter 40 of the power electronics 38 also serves to provide any necessary adjustment between the direct voltage UDC provided by the constant voltage or current source 30 or the flowing direct current IDC and the battery voltage Ußatt required to charge the energy storage device 12 or the battery current Ißatt or the maximum battery voltage Ußatt, max or the maximum battery current Ißatt, max permitted to charge the energy storage device 12. The control is necessary or advantageous because the external constant voltage or current source 30 can only provide a constant direct voltage UDC or a constant direct current IDC, and these are not always directly suitable for charging the energy storage device 12. In addition, the power electronics 38 can have a temperature sensor 42 for detecting the temperature T occurring in the interface module 16 or in the power electronics 38, so that the electronics unit 36 ​​can, if necessary.If the temperature is too high, the charging process is interrupted or reduced. Accordingly, the electronics unit 36 ​​can receive the operating parameters stored in the energy storage device 12 and in the electronics unit 24 there via the first interface 20 and store and evaluate them to regulate the charging process.

[0046] The first and at least one second universal interface 20, 32 can be used not only for charging but also for discharging the energy storage device 12. Thus, not only the data or signal transmission via the first and second interfaces 20, 32 is bidirectional, but also the energy transport. For this reason, the arrows between the interfaces 20, 32 are also depicted as double arrows.If, instead of the charger 10, another electrical load 44 with its universal interface 32 is connected to the at least one second universal interface 32 of the interface module 16, the electronics unit 36 ​​of the interface module 16 sets the battery voltage Ußatt and / or the battery current Ißatt by means of the DC / DC converter 40, before the start of the discharging process of the energy storage device 12, as a function of a supply voltage LLoad and / or a supply current Load of the other electrical load 44, in particular of an energy storage device 46 integrated in the other electrical load, in order to protect the connected electrical load from any damage. Accordingly, all protective measures that can be implemented for the charging process using the power electronics 38 are also possible for the discharging process.

[0047] Optionally, the interface module 16 can have an additional universal interface 32, which is designed as a wireless, in particular inductive, interface 48 with at least one primary coil 50 for energy transmission, in particular according to the Qi standard, Ki standard or a further developed protocol based thereon. The transmission of the charging or discharging protocol and the operating parameters can then take place via near field communication (NFC) using a separate data coil 52, which is preferably arranged concentrically within the primary coil 50. In this way, for example, the energy storage device 46 of a further electrical consumer 44 designed as a smartphone can be inductively charged via the interface module 16.

[0048] For wireless data exchange with an external terminal device 54, such as a smartphone, a smart watch, a tablet, a PC, a remote cloud server, or the like, the interface module 16 and the external terminal device 54 each have a communication interface 56. In this way, the operating parameters can be monitored via an app, and settings can be made in the electronics unit 36 ​​with regard to different charging profiles, time-controlled charging or discharging, a winter / transport / storage mode (discharging the energy storage device 12 to 50% / 30%), or the like. The communication interface 56 preferably uses WLAN, Bluetooth, BLE, ZigBee, NFC, or the like for wireless transmission. Corresponding communication interfaces 56 can also be provided in the energy storage device 12, in the electrical consumer device 14, and / or in the additional electrical consumer device 44.

[0049] For local adjustment and / or display of the various charging profiles, operating parameters, and / or the charge level of the energy storage device 12, a human-machine interface (HMI) 58 is also provided in the interface module 16. The HMI 58 can be configured, for example, as a touch display, a display in conjunction with hardware buttons, or even as a simple LED display. Acoustic or haptic feedback for certain settings is also conceivable.

[0050] Furthermore, the interface module can have additional functions 60, for example in the form of a flashlight, an integrated radio, a local weather station (measurement of ambient temperature, humidity, brightness, etc.), a data hub or the like.

[0051] Figure 2 shows the interface module in a further embodiment. It has a plurality of a total of six universal interfaces 32 for connection, in particular in parallel, to corresponding universal counter-interfaces of additional constant voltage or current sources 30 and / or additional electrical loads 44. This particularly advantageously enables charging with a higher battery current Ißatt, for example, for a rapid charging function, and also enables the simultaneous use of several different loads 44, such as a light, a radio, a power bank, a smartphone, or the like.

[0052] In order to prevent a voltage that could be dangerous for people from being present at the unused universal interfaces 32 during a charging process, or to prevent damage due to unforeseen short circuits, the electronics unit 36 ​​blocks these universal interfaces by means of the power electronics 38, in particular for the discharging process if one or more of the universal interfaces 32 are connected to an external constant voltage or current source 30. Three of the six universal interfaces 32 are each designed as a USB-C interface 62. In particular in conjunction with “USB-C next generation”, a battery voltage Ußatt of up to 48 V and a battery current Ißatt of 4 to 5 A can be provided via the universal interface 32 in this way, which is preferably the case with an electrochemical energy storage device 32 designed as a high-performance energy storage device, as is used, for example, in some EPACs ore-bikes, enabling correspondingly fast charging processes. The USB-C interfaces 62 can be used both for charging and discharging the energy storage device 12, which is connected to the first interface 20 via a cable 72.

[0053] Two additional universal interfaces 32 of the interface module 16 are configured as a USB-A interface 64. Since only limited electrical power can be transmitted via such a universal interface 32, the USB-A interfaces 64 are preferably used only for discharging the energy storage device 32 and / or for data transmission for corresponding electrical consumers 44. For example, it is possible for the interface module 16 to serve as a data hub for the USB-C interfaces 62 and the USB-A interfaces 64.

[0054] To also enable charging via public charging points, one of the universal interfaces 32 is designed as a CHAdeMO-EPAC interface 66 with two power supply contacts 68 and preferably three signal or data contacts 70. High DC voltages UDC and currents IDC can be provided particularly advantageously via the power supply contacts 68 of the CHAdeMO-EPAC interface 66, while the signal or data contacts 70 serve for the parallel transmission of several of the aforementioned operating parameters and the charging protocol. In addition to the universal interfaces 32 shown, other types of universal interfaces 32 for power and / or data transmission in the interface module 16 are also conceivable.

[0055] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a system consisting of the electrical consumer 14 embodied as an electric bicycle 74, the electrochemical energy storage device 12 embodied as a removable battery pack 18, the charger 10 with the constant voltage or current source 30, and the interface module 16 according to the invention. The electric bicycle 74 can be embodied, for example, as a pedelec, an e-bike, or the like.

[0056] The electric bicycle 74 has a housing in the form of a frame 76 with two wheels 78 mounted in the frame 76. The removable battery pack 18 is also detachably connected to the frame 76 via a connecting device 80. Furthermore, the electric bicycle 74 has a drive unit 82, which comprises an electric motor 84, preferably designed as an EC or BLDC motor, in the form of a mid-mounted motor. Instead of a mid-mounted motor, a hub motor can alternatively be used in one of the wheels 78. The electric bicycle 74, in particular its drive unit 82, is supplied with energy via the removable battery pack 18. The drive unit 82 comprises an electronic unit (not shown) for controlling or regulating the electric bicycle 74, in particular the electric motor 84.The electronics unit is further connected to a sensor unit (not shown), which, for example, comprises several sensor elements, such as a torque sensor, a motion sensor, for example in the form of an acceleration sensor, and a magnetic sensor. The electric bicycle 74 further has a pedal crank 86 with a pedal crankshaft 88. The electronics unit, the drive unit 82 with the electric motor 84, and the pedal crankshaft 88 are arranged in a drive housing 90 connected to the frame 76.

[0057] The drive movement of the electric motor 84 is preferably transmitted to the pedal crankshaft 88 via a transmission (not shown), with the intensity of the assistance provided by the drive unit 82 being controlled or regulated by the electronics unit. The electronics unit is designed to control the drive unit 82 in such a way that a rider of the electric bicycle 74 is assisted while pedaling. The electronics unit is preferably designed to be operable by the rider, allowing the rider to adjust the level of assistance.

[0058] The electric bicycle 74 also includes, for example, an on-board computer 92, which is arranged on a handlebar 94 of the electric bicycle 74. The on-board computer 92 is, for example, designed to be partially detachable from the electric bicycle 74. The on-board computer 92 includes an HMI, which serves to display information and to control the on-board computer 92 and / or the electric bicycle 74 or the drive unit 82. The HMI is, for example, designed as a touchscreen or the like. The on-board computer 92 is connected to the drive unit 82 for the exchange of information and commands. For example, a speed determined by the electronics unit of the drive unit 82, a set level of assistance of the electric motor 84, route information from a navigation unit integrated in the on-board computer 92, or a charge level of the removable battery pack 18 can be displayed via the HMI.

[0059] According to the description of Figures 1 and 2, the removable battery pack 18 can now be charged using the constant voltage or current source 30 of the charger 10 and the interface module 16 according to the invention. For this purpose, the interface module 16 is connected, on the one hand, via at least one of the universal interfaces 32 to the charger 10—for example, using a suitable USB-C cable 96—and, on the other hand, via the first proprietary interface 20 and the cable 72 permanently connected to the interface unit 16.

[0060] Figure 4 shows a partial perspective view of the electrochemical energy storage device 12, designed as a removable battery pack 18, for the electrical consumer 14, designed as an electric bicycle 74. The removable battery pack 18 has a housing 98, which is formed, for example, from several housing parts. A plurality of energy storage cells 22 (not shown) are arranged in the housing 98 by means of at least one cell holder (not shown). Furthermore, the housing 98 of the removable battery pack 18 accommodates the electronics unit 24 described in Figure 1 for the battery management system (BMS) and, if applicable, at least one of the temperature sensors 26, 28, as well as the communication interface 56. An HMI 100 is provided on a first outer side of the housing 98 as a charge level and error display.According to Figure 4a, the proprietary electromechanical interface 20 is located on another outer side of the housing 98. The electrical contacts of the interface allow the removable battery pack 18 to be charged using a special charger and discharged using the electric bicycle 74. For this purpose, the special charger and the electric bicycle 74 each have the corresponding mating interfaces 20. In addition, further electrical contacts of the proprietary electromechanical interfaces 20 are provided as data or signal contacts for transmitting the operating parameters and the corresponding charging or discharging protocols. The electrical contacts can be designed, for example, as spring-loaded contact elements in the form of contact tulips or as flat contacts in the form of contact blades.

[0061] Figure 4b shows the interface module 16 plugged onto the proprietary interface 20 in the form of an adapter 102 with a separate housing 104. The housing 104 can be formed in one or more parts and completely surrounds all electronic components of the interface module 16 (see Figure 1) to protect them from moisture and dirt. Preferably, the housing 104 is made of plastic. However, other materials, such as metal, wood, ceramic composites, or the like, are also conceivable. On a first outer side of the housing 104, the proprietary interface 20 (not visible) is provided for a tool-free, detachable connection to the proprietary interface 20 of the removable battery pack 18. To fix the adapter 102 to the removable battery pack 18, a locking device 106 is provided, which, when the adapter 102 is plugged in, engages with corresponding fixing elements of the proprietary interface 20 of the removable battery pack 18.In order to be able to release the adapter 102 without tools, an actuating button 108 is provided on a further outer side of the adapter 102, which, when actuated accordingly, releases the locking device 106 so that the adapter 102 can be removed from the proprietary interface 20 of the removable battery pack 18.

[0062] The universal interfaces 32 are arranged on at least a third outer side of the housing 104 such that they are freely accessible when the adapter 102 is plugged onto the removable battery pack 18. For example, two universal USB-C interfaces 62 and one universal CHAdeMO-EPAC interface 66 are provided. The adapter can be particularly advantageously connected to a public charging infrastructure via the CHAdeMO-EPAC interface 66. Alternatively, charging via the USB-C interfaces 62 is also possible. These can also be used to discharge the removable battery pack 18 in the sense of a power bank for other electrical consumers 44 (see Figure 1). The adapter 102 can be designed to be particularly compact as a travel adapter, for example, to enable it to be carried in saddlebags, handbags, backpacks, or the like.

[0063] Furthermore, the adapter 102 can also be configured such that it can be directly connected to a corresponding counterpart interface 20 of the electric bicycle 74 via the proprietary interface 20 to supply power to the electric bicycle 74. This is particularly advantageous if the electric bicycle 74 has a permanently installed electrochemical energy storage device 12.

[0064] Figure 5 shows such an electric bicycle 74 with a permanently installed electrochemical energy storage device 12. In contrast to the previous exemplary embodiments, the interface module 16 is now fully integrated into the frame 76 of the electric bicycle 74. For charging and discharging the energy storage device 12 via the interface module 16, the electric bicycle 74 now directly has two universal interfaces 32. These are designed, for example, as USB-C interfaces 62, with a first USB-C interface 62 arranged in the frame 76 of the electric bicycle 74 and a second USB-C interface in the drive housing 90 of the drive unit 82. Since both the energy storage device 12 and the interface module 16 are permanently integrated into the frame 76 of the electric bicycle 74, the proprietary interfaces 20 can be dispensed with. Instead, the energy storage device 12 and the interface module 16 can be permanently wired to one another.Nevertheless, the term "interface module" should also be used here because a corresponding translation of the charging and discharging protocols is still required for the universal interfaces 32. Otherwise, the interface module 16 according to Figure 5 does not differ in its functionality from the embodiments of the interface module 16 described in Figures 1 to 4.

[0065] Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the interface module 16 according to the invention. In this case, it is integrated directly into the removable battery pack 18. In addition to the proprietary interface 20, the removable battery pack 18 now has, for example, two universal interfaces 32 in the form of USB-C ports 62. Thus, the removable battery pack 18 can be charged either directly via the universal interfaces 32 with a suitable constant voltage or current source 30 or, in the removed state, via the proprietary interface 20 with a suitable charger. In contrast to the proprietary interface 20, the universal interfaces 32 also allow charging while connected to the frame 76 of the electric bicycle 74. In addition, the universal interfaces 32 can be used to discharge the removable battery pack 18 in the sense of a power bank for at least one other electrical consumer 44.Finally, it should be noted that the illustrated embodiments are neither limited to Figures 1 to 6 nor to the stated values ​​and the illustrated proportions. In particular, the universal interfaces 32 have not been drawn to scale for clarity.

Claims

Claims 1. Interface module (16) for charging and discharging an electrochemical energy storage device (12) for an electrical consumer (14), in particular for an electric motor-driven vehicle (74), with a first interface (20) and at least one second interface (32) electrically connected to the first interface (20), characterized in that the first interface (20) is designed, in particular proprietary, such that the interface module (16) can be connected to a corresponding counter-interface (20) of the electrochemical energy storage device (12), and that the at least one second interface (32) is designed universally such thatthat the interface module (16) can be connected to a corresponding counter-interface (32) of an external constant voltage or current source (30) for charging the electrochemical energy store (12) and to a corresponding counter-interface (32) of a further electrical consumer (44) for discharging the electrochemical energy store (12).

2. Interface module (16) according to claim 1, characterized in that the interface module (16) has an electronic unit (24) which translates a universal charging or discharging protocol transmitted via the at least one second universal interface (32) into a charging or discharging protocol necessary for the charging or discharging process of the electrochemical energy store (12) connected to the first interface (20), in particular a proprietary charging or discharging protocol, and vice versa.

3. Interface module (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronics unit (24) checks, before the charging process of the electrochemical energy store (12), whether a direct voltage (UDC) applied to the at least one second universal interface (32) and / or a flowing direct current (IDC) of the external constant voltage or current source (30) is greater than or equal to a maximum battery voltage (UBatt,max) and / or a maximum battery current (lBatt,max) for the electrochemical energy store (12).

4. Interface module (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by means of the electronics unit (24) for discharging the electrochemical energy store (12) via the at least one second universal interface (32), a battery voltage (Ußatt) and / or a battery current (I Batt) can be set as a function of a supply voltage (U i_oad) and / or a supply current (Laod) of the further electrical consumer (44) connected to the at least one second universal interface (32).

5. Interface module (16) according to one of the preceding claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the interface module (16) has a DC / DC converter (40) which is controlled by the electronics unit (24) in such a way that the DC voltage (UDC) and / or the flowing DC current (IDC) applied to the at least one second universal interface (32) is adapted to the battery voltage (U ßatt) and / or the battery current (I Batt) of the electrochemical energy store (12) or that the battery voltage (U ßatt) and / or the battery current (I Batt) provided by the electrochemical energy store (12) is adapted to the supply voltage (Ui_aod) and / or the supply current (Load) of the further electrical consumer (44) connected to the at least one second universal interface (32).

6. Interface module (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic unit (24) monitors the charging and / or discharging process by means of at least one operating parameter measured in the interface module (16), in the electrochemical energy storage device (12) and / or in the electrical consumer (14, 44).

7. Interface module (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition to the at least one second universal interface (32), further universal interfaces (32) are provided for connection, in particular in parallel, to corresponding universal counter-interfaces (32) of further constant voltage or current sources (30) and / or further electrical consumers (44). Interface module (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronics unit (24) blocks all unused universal interfaces (32), in particular for the discharging process, if at least one of the universal interfaces (32) is connected to an external constant voltage or current source (30). Interface module (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the universal interfaces (32) is designed as a USB-C interface (62). Interface module (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the universal interfaces (32) is designed as a CHAdeMO-EPAC interface (66) with two power supply contacts (68) and preferably three signal or data contacts (70).Interface module (16) according to one of the preceding claims 7 or 8, characterized in that at least one of the further, universal interfaces (32) is designed as a wireless, in particular inductive, interface (48) with at least one primary coil (50) for energy transmission, in particular according to the Qi or Ki standard. Interface module (16) according to claim 11, characterized in that the transmission of the charging or discharging protocol and / or the operating parameters takes place via the wireless, in particular inductive, interface (48) by near field communication using a separate data coil (52). Interface module (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface module (16) has a communication interface (56) for the wireless exchange of signals or data with an external terminal (54).Interface module (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface module (16) has a human machine interface (58) for setting and / or displaying the operating parameters. and / or different charging profiles of the electronics unit (24). Adapter (102) with an interface module (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first, in particular proprietary, interface (20) of the interface module (16) is designed as an electromechanical interface for tool-free detachable connection to a corresponding electromechanical interface (20) of an electrochemical energy store (12) or an electrical consumer (14), in particular of an electric motor-driven vehicle (74). Electric motor-driven vehicle (74) with an interface module (16) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the interface module (16) is permanently integrated into a frame or housing part (76, 90) of the electric motor-driven vehicle (74), in particular a drive unit (82) of the electric motor-driven vehicle (74).

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