Holding device for rechargeable battery cells

Abstract

A rechargeable battery as an energy supply for a power tool, with at least a first and a second energy-storage element. The rechargeable battery includes at least a first holding device for receiving and holding the at least first energy-storage element and at least a second holding device for receiving and holding the at least second energy-storage element, wherein at least a partial region of an outer lateral surface of the at least first and / or second holding device is designed such that at least one hole for a cooling fluid is provided between adjacent holding devices. A power tool with at least one rechargeable battery.

Description

[0001] Holding device for battery cells

[0002] The present invention relates to an accumulator as a power supply for a machine tool with at least a first and a second energy storage element.

[0003] Furthermore, a machine tool with at least one accumulator is concerned.

[0004] Accumulators as a power supply for machine tools are widely known in the art. These accumulators contain a number of energy storage cells (also called rechargeable cells) that are designed to receive, store, and release electrical energy. The absorption of electrical energy into the energy storage cells can also be referred to as charging. The release of electrical energy from the energy storage cells can also be referred to as discharging.

[0005] One problem with using the rechargeable battery, i.e., during charging and discharging, is the unwanted or unavoidable heating of the energy storage cells. This heating of the energy storage cells results in suboptimal charging and discharging, and the charging and discharging processes are significantly prolonged.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to solve the problem described above.

[0007] The object is also achieved by the subject matter of claims 1 and 10. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

[0008] The object is achieved in particular by an accumulator as an energy supply for a machine tool with at least a first and a second energy storage element.

[0009] According to the invention, at least one first holding device for receiving and holding the at least first energy storage element and at least one second holding device for receiving and holding the at least second energy storage element are included, wherein at least a partial area of ​​an outer circumferential surface of the at least first and / or second holding device is configured such that at least one recess for a cooling fluid is provided between adjacent holding devices. This allows for effective cooling of the energy storage elements.According to an advantageous embodiment, it may be possible to include at least one first holding device for receiving and holding the at least first energy storage element and at least one second holding device for receiving and holding the at least second energy storage element, wherein at least a partial area of ​​an outer circumferential surface of the at least first and / or second holding device is designed such that at least one recess for a cooling fluid is provided between adjacent holding devices.

[0010] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible to include at least one frame device for receiving and holding the at least first and second holding devices. This allows the energy storage elements to be additionally supported or held in position in the holding devices.

[0011] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for the at least first and second holding devices to be connected to one another by means of a connecting device. The connecting device can provide mutual support for the holding devices. Furthermore, several holding devices can be connected to one another before positioning within a housing of the accumulator, allowing for faster and more efficient assembly of the accumulator.

[0012] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for the connecting device to be designed such that the at least first and second holding devices are detachably connected to one another. This allows for a modular and flexible connection of the holding devices to one another and for mounting the accumulator.

[0013] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for the connecting device to be designed such that the at least first and second holding devices are firmly connected to one another. This allows a stable and robust connection of the holding devices to one another that can withstand high mechanical stress.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for at least one cooling element to be included on at least a partial area of ​​an outer circumferential surface of the first and / or second holding device. This can achieve improved cooling performance. According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for the at least one cooling element to be designed as a cooling fin. This also allows for improved cooling performance to be achieved in a simple and effective manner.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for the at least first and / or second holding device to contain a polygonal outer surface.

[0016] This can facilitate the positioning of adjacent holding devices relative to one another or achieve a multi-directional arrangement of the holding devices relative to one another.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for the at least first holding device to have a first outer surface configuration, and for the at least second holding device to have a second outer surface configuration. It is particularly possible for holding devices positioned on a side surface of the accumulator housing to have no cooling elements or only relatively small cooling elements on at least one outer surface. As a result, the corresponding holding device can be positioned closer or more closely to the side surface of the accumulator housing.

[0018] Furthermore, the object can be achieved by a machine tool according to the invention with at least one accumulator.

[0019] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the figures. The figure illustrates a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention. The figures, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0020] In the figure, identical and similar components are numbered with the same reference numerals.

[0021] It shows:

[0022] Figure 1 is a side view of a machine tool with an accumulator;

[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view of holding devices according to a first embodiment for receiving and holding energy storage elements;

[0024] Figure 3 is a front view of holding devices according to a second embodiment;

[0025] Figure 4 is a front view of holding devices according to a second embodiment in a housing of the accumulator;

[0026] Figure 5 is a front view of holding devices according to a third embodiment in a housing of the accumulator;

[0027] Figure 6 is a front view of holding devices according to a fourth embodiment in the housing of the accumulator;

[0028] Figure 7 is a perspective view of holding devices according to the fourth

[0029] Embodiment in the housing of the accumulator;

[0030] Figure 8 is a perspective view of holding devices according to a fifth

[0031] Embodiment in the housing of the accumulator;

[0032] Figure 9 is a perspective view of holding devices according to a sixth

[0033] Embodiment in a first arrangement;

[0034] Figure 10 is a perspective view of holding devices according to the sixth

[0035] Embodiment in a second arrangement;

[0036] Figure 11 is a perspective view of holding devices according to a seventh

[0037] Embodiment in a first arrangement; and

[0038] Figure 12 is a perspective view of holding devices according to the seventh

[0039] Embodiment in a second arrangement. Embodiments:

[0040] Figure 1 shows a machine tool 1 and an accumulator 11 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] In the embodiment shown, the machine tool 1 is designed as a screwdriver. Alternatively, the machine tool 1 can also be designed as a drill, a hammer drill, a saw, a grinder, or the like.

[0042] As indicated in Figure 1, the machine tool 1 designed as a screwdriver essentially contains a machine tool housing 2 with a tool holder 3 and a handle 4.

[0043] The tool holder 3 serves to accommodate and hold a tool 5. In this example, the tool 5 is a screwdriver bit. Alternatively, the tool 5 can also be designed as a drill.

[0044] Inside the machine tool housing 2, among other components, there is a drive 6, a gear 7a, an output shaft 7b, and a control unit 8. The drive 6 is designed, for example, as a brushless electric motor and serves to generate torque.

[0045] The control unit 8 regulates and controls the functions and behavior of the machine tool 1 and in particular of the drive 6.

[0046] The handle 4 in turn contains an actuating switch 9, an upper end 4a and a lower end 4b. The actuating switch 9 is connected to the control unit 8, so that actuation of the actuating switch 9 leads to activation of the drive 6 or the machine tool 1.

[0047] As also shown in Figure 1, the drive 6, the gear 7a, the output shaft 7b, and the tool holder 3 are arranged relative to one another such that a torque generated by the drive 6 can reach the tool holder 3 via the gear 7a and the output shaft 7b. The torque generated by the drive 6 is ultimately transmitted to the tool 5 via the tool holder 3.

[0048] The machine tool housing 2 further has a top side 2a, a bottom side 2b, a front end 2c, and a rear end 2d. The tool holder 3 is positioned at the front end 2c. The upper end 4a of the handle 4 is attached to the bottom side 2b and near the rear end 2d of the machine tool housing 2. A machine tool interface 10 is positioned at the lower end 4b of the handle 4. The machine tool interface 10 serves to detachably connect the machine tool 1 to the accumulator 11.

[0049] The accumulator 11 described in the exemplary embodiment can serve, in particular, as an energy storage device or electrical energy source for the machine tool 1. The accumulator 11 essentially contains a battery housing 12, a number of energy storage cells 13, a storage device 16, a battery interface 23, and a control device 17. The energy storage cells 13 can also be referred to as battery cells.

[0050] The storage device 16 is positioned inside the battery housing 12 and serves to store and provide data and information.

[0051] The battery interface 23 serves to connect the battery 11 to the machine tool 1 via the machine tool interface 10.

[0052] The energy storage cells 13 can also be referred to as rechargeable cells and serve to absorb, store, and re-release electrical energy. As indicated in the figures, the energy storage cells 13 are cylindrical in shape and based on lithium-ion technology. Alternatively, the energy storage cells 13 can also be based on another suitable technology. The cylindrical shape of the energy storage cells 13 is also optional, so any other suitable shape or geometry can be selected.

[0053] As indicated in the figures, the accumulator 11 according to the exemplary embodiments shown has a plurality of holding devices 18. The holding devices serve to receive and hold an energy storage element 13. A holding device 18 is provided for each energy storage element 13. As described below, the holding devices 18 can be designed differently.

[0054] Figure 2 shows holding devices according to a first exemplary embodiment. The holding device 18 according to the first embodiment contains a cylindrical tube 20, in each of which an energy storage cell 13 is received and held. Figure 2 shows two holding devices 18 without an energy storage cell 13. A total of ten cooling elements 15 in the form of cooling fins are arranged on an outer circumferential surface 14. Five cooling elements 15 designed as cooling fins extend in the radial direction from a first and a second side surface of the tube 20. Between the holding devices 18 there is a recess 21 through which a cooling fluid F (i.e. air) can flow. The cooling elements protrude into the recess 21. With the help of the cooling elements 15, heat can be dissipated from the holding device 18 or from an energy storage cell 13 that is located in the holding device 18.According to the first embodiment, the holding devices 18 are positioned relative to one another inside the battery housing 12 such that the free ends of the cooling elements 15 of each holding device 18 are not in contact with one another. As indicated in Figure 2, the holding devices 18 are connected to one another by means of a first connecting device 19. The first connecting device 19 is according to the first embodiment of the holding device.

[0055] 18 in the form of a flat plate. The first connecting device 19, designed as a plate, has a groove (not shown in the figures) on opposite side edges, in which groove the free ends of the cooling fins 15 can be received and held. Two holding devices 18 can thus be connected to one another in a horizontal or horizontal plane in a releasable and force-fitting manner. Alternatively, the free ends of the cooling fins 15 of each holding device 18 can also be permanently connected to the first connecting device 19. A permanent connection can, for example, and in addition to a force-fitting or form-fitting connection, also be achieved via a material-to-material connection (e.g. by means of an adhesive).

[0056] A second connecting device 19 is provided at an upper end of the tube 20 of a holding device 18 and a third connecting device 19 is provided at a lower end of the tube 20 of a holding device 18. The second and third connecting devices

[0057] 19 are designed identically for the first embodiment of the holding device 18 and, like the first connecting device 19, serve to connect adjacent holding devices 18 to one another. According to a first embodiment, the second and third connecting devices 19 are designed such that a lower side edge and an upper side edge each have a rail element.

[0058] The rail elements are not shown in the figures.

[0059] The rail elements allow the second connecting device 19 to be releasably connected to an upper end of the tube 20 and the third connecting device 19 to be releasably connected to a lower end of the tube 20, so that adjacent holding devices 18 can be connected vertically to one another. Instead of the rail elements, a tongue and groove device can also be provided to vertically connect the holding devices 18 to one another by the second and third connecting devices 19. The second and third connecting devices 19 are releasably connected to the tubes 20 of the holding devices 18 by a force-fitting or form-fitting connection. Alternatively or in addition to the force-fitting or form-fitting connection, a material-to-material connection (e.g., by means of an adhesive) is also possible.

[0060] Figures 3 and 4 show a further embodiment for connecting the individual holding devices

[0061] 18 according to the first embodiment. The connection of adjacent holding devices 18 in a horizontal plane is achieved by the first connecting device 19. The connection in the vertical plane is achieved with a fourth connecting device 19, which in each case connects the free ends of the lowest cooling elements 15 of an upper holding device 18 with the respective free ends of the uppermost cooling elements 15 of a lower holding device 18. The connection of the adjacent holding devices 18 with the fourth connecting device 19 is designed according to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 by a rail element or a tongue and groove device. The connection by the fourth connecting device 19 is designed to be removable. Alternatively or additionally, a materially bonded connection (e.g. by adhesive) can also be provided.

[0062] Figures 6 and 7 show the holding devices 18 according to the first embodiment in the battery housing 12. The fifth connecting device 19 has, according to the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, a horizontally arranged plate and a vertically arranged plate. With the aid of the fifth connecting device, the individual holding devices 18 can be connected to one another both in a vertical direction y and in a horizontal direction z. The connection in the vertical or horizontal plane to the fifth connecting device 19 is made by a rail element or a tongue and groove device, which connect the free ends of the respective cooling elements 15 of the holding devices 18 to one another. The rail elements and tongue and groove devices are not shown in the figures. The connection by the fifth connecting device 19 is designed to be removable.Alternatively or additionally, a material connection (e.g. by means of adhesive) can also be provided.

[0063] As indicated in Figure 8, adjacent holding devices 18 according to the first embodiment can be connected to one another vertically (in the y direction) and horizontally (in the z direction) by a sixth connecting device 19. The sixth connecting device

[0064] 19 is designed for this purpose as a plate which is elongated in the vertical direction y and extends on the one hand over the entire path of the holding devices 18 arranged one above the other and on the other hand over the entire length of the holding device 18 in the direction x. The sixth connecting device 19, designed as an elongated plate, has recesses 21 at regular intervals on both side surfaces, into which the free ends of the cooling fins of the corresponding holding devices are inserted. The recess 21 can also be referred to as a groove and are not shown in the figures. Alternatively, in addition to or instead of a force-fitting or form-fitting connection (i.e. in the form of a groove), the holding devices 18 can also be connected to the sixth connecting device 19 by a material-fitting connection (e.g. by means of an adhesive).

[0065] The fifth and sixth connecting devices 19 can also be regarded in the respective embodiment as a frame device 22, by means of which the holding devices are additionally held in the battery housing 12.

[0066] The connecting device 19 can be connected to the inner surface of the battery housing 12. This connection can be removable or permanent.

[0067] Figures 9 and 10 show holding devices 18 according to a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the holding device 18 has a hexagonal or hexagonal cross-sectional area. In the arrangement of the holding devices 18, as shown in Figure 9, recesses 21 (or free spaces) are provided between adjacent holding devices 18, through which air can flow as cooling fluid F. The cross-sectional area of ​​a recess 21 is quadrangular or rhombus-shaped. According to the arrangement of the holding devices 18, as shown in Figure 10, the cross-sectional area of ​​the recesses 21 or free spaces between adjacent holding devices 18 is triangular.

[0068] Figures 11 and 12 show holding devices 18 according to a third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the holding device 18 has an octagonal or star-shaped cross-sectional area. Figure 11 shows the holding devices 18 according to the third embodiment in a first arrangement relative to one another. Furthermore, Figure 12 shows the holding devices 18 according to the third embodiment in a second arrangement relative to one another.

[0069] The holding devices according to the second and third embodiments can also be combined with the first to sixth connecting devices. List of reference symbols

[0070] 1 machine tool

[0071] 2 machine tool housings

[0072] 3 tool holder

[0073] 4 Handle

[0074] 4a upper end of the handle

[0075] 4b lower end of the handle

[0076] 5 tools

[0077] 6 Drive

[0078] 7a Gearbox

[0079] 7b Output shaft

[0080] 8 Control unit

[0081] 9 operating switches

[0082] 10 Machine tool interface

[0083] 11 Accumulator

[0084] 12 battery housing

[0085] 13 energy storage cells

[0086] 14 Outer surface

[0087] 15 Cooling element

[0088] 16 Storage device

[0089] 17 Control device

[0090] 18 Holding device

[0091] 19 Connecting device

[0092] 20 tubes

[0093] 21 recess

[0094] 22 Frame device

[0095] 23 Battery interface

[0096] F Cooling fluid

Claims

Accumulator (11) as an energy supply for a machine tool (1) with at least a first and a second energy storage element, characterized in that at least one first holding device (18) for receiving and holding the at least first energy storage element (13) and at least one second holding device (18) for receiving and holding the at least second energy storage element (13) is included, wherein at least a partial region of an outer circumferential surface of the at least first and / or second holding device (18) is designed such that at least one recess (21) for a cooling fluid (F) is provided between adjacent holding devices (18). Accumulator (11) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one frame device (22) for receiving and holding the at least first and second holding devices (18) is included.Accumulator (11) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least first and second holding devices (18) are connected to one another by means of a connecting device (19). Accumulator (11) according to claim 3, characterized in that the connecting device (19) is designed such that the at least first and second holding devices (18) are detachably connected to one another. Accumulator (11) according to claim 3, characterized in that the connecting device (19) is designed such that the at least first and second holding devices (18) are firmly connected to one another.

6. The accumulator (11) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one cooling element (15) is contained on at least a partial area of ​​an outer surface of the first and / or second holding device (18).

7. The accumulator (11) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one cooling element (15) is designed as a cooling fin.

8. Accumulator (11) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least first and / or second holding device (18) contains a polygonal outer surface.

9. Accumulator (11) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least first holding device (18) has a first configuration of an outer surface and the at least second holding device (18) has a second configuration of an outer surface.

10. Machine tool (1) with at least one accumulator (12) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9.

Images