Optimized charging routine for an accumulator

Abstract

The invention relates to a system containing a charging device and at least one accumulator which can be charged by the charging device and which comprises at least one energy storage element, wherein the charging device contains a control unit for controlling a charging process of the accumulator and for setting the charging process to at least one first or second charging setting. In order to detect at least one first and second physical duration, at least one real-time clock is provided which is equipped so as to transmit at least one signal to the control unit in order to set the charging process from a first charging state to a second charging state after at least the first physical duration has expired.

Description

[0001] Optimized charging routine for a battery

[0002] The present invention relates to a system comprising a charging device and at least one accumulator which can be charged by the charging device and has at least one energy storage element, wherein the charging device contains a control unit for controlling a charging process of the accumulator and for setting the charging process to at least a first or second charging setting.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a charging device for use in a system according to the invention.

[0004] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a system comprising a charging device and at least one accumulator which can be charged by the charging device and has at least one energy storage element, wherein the charging device contains a control unit for controlling a charging process of the accumulator and for setting the charging process to at least a first or second charging setting.

[0005] 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.

[0006] To charge or recharge with electrical energy, the battery is usually connected to a charging device (also called a charger). The charging device supplies electrical energy to the individual energy storage cells of the battery according to a predetermined charging setting (also called charging mode) with fixed parameters for the actual charging process.

[0007] The charging process starts immediately, regardless of whether internal or external conditions are ideal or even adequate (too hot or too cold). Charging as quickly as possible (maximum energy in the shortest time) accelerates the aging process and permanently damages the battery.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to solve the problem described above. This object is also achieved by the subject matter of claims 1, 7, and 8. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the corresponding subclaims.

[0009] The object is achieved in particular by a system comprising a charging device and at least one accumulator which can be charged by the charging device and has at least one energy storage element, wherein the charging device contains a control unit for controlling a charging process of the accumulator and for setting the charging process in at least one first or second charging setting.

[0010] According to the invention, at least one real-time clock is included to detect at least a first and second physical time period, which real-time clock is designed to send at least one signal to the control unit to adjust the charging process from a first charging setting to a second charging setting after at least the first physical time period has elapsed.

[0011] In this context, duration means that an actual time or clock time and the actual date—that is, a time of day with hours, minutes, and seconds, as well as a calendar day or day of the week—are measured or recorded. A real-time clock can measure or record the actual time—that is, hours, minutes, and seconds. Furthermore, a real-time clock can measure or record the actual date—that is, day, week, month, and year.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment, it may be possible to include at least one photodetector for detecting at least one radiation value and transmitting at least one signal to the control unit depending on the at least one detected radiation value. "Detecting at least one radiation value" can refer to the brightness or amount of light of or in a room, room, or the like. This makes it easy to determine whether it is day or night, or whether a room is illuminated by artificial light.

[0013] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible to include at least one sound transducer for detecting at least one sound value and transmitting at least one signal to the control unit depending on the at least one detected sound value. This makes it easy to determine whether work or activities are being carried out in the immediate vicinity.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, it may be possible to include at least one temperature sensor for detecting at least one temperature value and transmitting at least one signal to the control unit depending on the at least one detected temperature value. This makes it easy to determine whether a room is heated or whether it is nighttime.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible to include at least one acceleration sensor for detecting at least one acceleration value and transmitting at least one signal to the control unit depending on the at least one detected acceleration value. This allows vibrations or shocks resulting from steps, work, or other activities to be detected.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for the charging device to contain at least one photodetector, sound transducer, temperature sensor and / or acceleration sensor.

[0017] Furthermore, the object can be achieved by a charging device for use in a system according to the invention.

[0018] Furthermore, the object can be achieved by a method for controlling a system comprising a charging device and at least one accumulator which can be charged by the charging device and has at least one energy storage element, wherein the charging device contains a control unit for controlling a charging process of the accumulator and for setting the charging process to at least a first or second charging setting.

[0019] According to the invention, the process steps include:

[0020] - detecting at least a first and second physical time duration by at least one real-time clock;

[0021] - sending at least one signal from the real-time clock to the control unit after expiration of at least the first physical time period; and

[0022] - Setting the charging process from a first charging setting to a second charging setting.

[0023] The first and second physical durations can be understood as a first and second time. The difference between the first and second durations can be minutes or even hours.

[0024] The charging setting can refer to the amount of electrical energy transferred from the charging device to the battery during the charging process. It can also refer to the current and / or voltage used during the charging process.

[0025] Furthermore, the charging setting can also be the value of the electrical charge for the charging process that the charging device delivers to the battery.

[0026] 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.

[0027] In the figure, identical and similar components are numbered with the same reference numerals.

[0028] It shows:

[0029] Figure 1 is a side view of a system according to the invention comprising a machine tool and an accumulator;

[0030] Figure 2 is a side view of the accumulator; and

[0031] Figure 3 is a side view of the charging device according to the invention and the accumulator connected to the charging device.

[0032] Examples of implementation:

[0033] Figure 1 shows a system 1 comprising a machine tool 2 and a battery 3 according to an exemplary embodiment. The battery 3 is detachably connected to the machine tool 2 in order to supply the machine tool 2 with electrical energy.

[0034] In the embodiment shown, the machine tool 2 is designed as a drill. Alternatively, the machine tool can also be designed as a drill, a hammer drill, a saw, a grinder, or the like.

[0035] As indicated in Figure 1, the machine tool 2 designed as a drilling machine essentially contains a machine tool housing 4 with a tool holder 5 and a handle 6.

[0036] The tool holder 5 serves to receive and hold a tool 7. In the present embodiment, the tool 7 is a drill. Alternatively, the tool 7 can also be designed as a screw bit.

[0037] Inside the machine tool housing 4 there is, among other things, a drive 8, a gear 9, an output shaft 10 and a control unit 11.

[0038] The drive 8 is designed, for example, as a brushless electric motor and serves to generate a torque.

[0039] The control unit 11 regulates and controls the functions or behavior of the machine tool 2 and in particular of the drive 8, i.e. the direction of rotation and speed of the drive 8.

[0040] The handle 6 in turn contains an actuating switch 12, an upper end 6a and a lower end 6b. The actuating switch 12 is connected to the control unit, so that actuation of the actuating switch 12 leads to activation of the drive 8 or the machine tool 2.

[0041] As also shown in Figure 1, the drive 8, the gear 9, the output shaft 10, and the tool holder 5 are arranged relative to one another such that a torque generated by the drive 8 can reach the tool holder 5 via the gear 9 and the output shaft 10. The torque generated by the drive 8 is ultimately transmitted to the tool 7 via the tool holder 5. The machine tool housing 4 further has a top side 4a, a bottom side 4b, a front end 4c, and a rear end 4d.

[0042] The tool holder 5 is positioned at the front end 4c. The upper end 6a of the handle 6 is attached to the underside 4b and near the rear end 4d of the machine tool housing 4. A machine tool interface 13 is positioned at the lower end 6b of the handle 6.

[0043] The machine tool interface 13 serves to detachably connect the machine tool 2 to the accumulator 3.

[0044] According to an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the machine tool 2 can also be designed such that it is connected to more than one accumulator 3 as an energy source.

[0045] The accumulator 3 described in the exemplary embodiment can serve, in particular, as an energy storage device or electrical energy source for the machine tool 2. The accumulator 3 essentially contains a battery housing 14, a number of energy storage cells 15, a storage device 16, a battery interface 17, and a control device 18. The energy storage cells 15 can also be referred to as battery cells.

[0046] The storage device 16 is positioned inside the battery housing 14 and serves to store and provide data and information.

[0047] The battery interface 17 serves to electrically or electronically connect the battery 3 to the machine tool 2 by means of the machine tool interface 13. For this purpose, the battery interface 17 contains a positive contact P, a negative contact M and a communication contact K.

[0048] The positive contact P and negative contact M serve to transfer electrical energy from the energy storage cells 15 of the accumulator 3 to the consumers (in particular the drive) of the machine tool 2.

[0049] The communication contact K, in turn, serves to communicate between the control device 18 of the accumulator 3 and the control unit 11 of the machine tool 2. For communication between the accumulator 3 and the machine tool 2, data and information are exchanged in the form of data. The energy storage cells 15 serve to absorb, store, and re-release electrical energy. As indicated in the figures, the energy storage cells 15 are cylindrical and designed based on lithium-ion technology.

[0050] Alternatively, the energy storage cells 15 can also be based on another suitable technology. The cylindrical shape of the energy storage cells 15 is also optional, so any other suitable shape or geometry can be selected. In particular, it is also possible for the energy storage cells 15 to be designed as pouch cells.

[0051] For the releasable mechanical coupling of the accumulator 3 to the machine tool 2, the system 1 contains a rail device 19.

[0052] As indicated in the figures, the rail device 19 is positioned between the battery interface 17 and the machine tool interface 13, so that the battery 3 can be pushed along the rail device 19 and in the direction of arrow C onto the machine tool 2 and removed (pushed off) the machine tool 2 again in the direction of arrow D. When the battery 3 is coupled to the machine tool 2 using the rail device 19, the positive contact P, the negative contact M, and the communication contact K of the battery 3 are in contact with the corresponding positive and negative contacts P, M, and the communication contact K of the machine tool 2. Electrical energy and electrical signals can then travel from the battery 3 to the machine tool 2.

[0053] A locking device (not shown in the figures) serves to releasably connect the accumulator 3 to the machine tool 2.

[0054] Figure 3 shows a system 1 with a charging device 20, which is detachably connected to the accumulator 3 for charging the accumulator 3 with electrical energy.

[0055] The charging device 20 essentially contains a charger housing 21, a charger interface 22, an operating and display device 23, a controller 24, a real-time clock 25, a photodetector 26, a sound transducer 27, a temperature sensor 28, a battery 29, a memory 30, a charge measuring device 31 and an acceleration sensor 32.

[0056] The charger housing 21 essentially includes a top side 21a, a bottom side 21b, two side walls, a front side 21c, and a rear side 21d. The two side walls are not shown in Figure 3. The controller 24, the real-time clock 25, the battery 29, the memory 30, the charge measuring device 31, and the acceleration sensor 32 are positioned inside the charger housing 21.

[0057] The photodetector 26, the acoustic transducer 27, and the temperature sensor 28 are positioned on the front side of the charger housing 21. The photodetector 26 is positioned on the front side 21c of the charger housing 21 so that the ambient light or the brightness of the light in the vicinity of the charger 20 can be detected.

[0058] Furthermore, the sound transducer 27 is positioned on the front side 21c of the charger housing 21 so that the sound or noises in the vicinity of the charging device 20 can be detected.

[0059] Furthermore, the temperature sensor 28 is positioned on the front side 21c of the charger housing 21 so that the temperature in the vicinity of the charging device 20 can be detected. The operating and display device 23 is positioned on the rear side 21d of the charger housing 21 and serves to input commands into the controller 24 and to display information.

[0060] Furthermore, a first end of a power cable 33 is arranged on the rear side 21d of the charger housing 21. A plug 34 is provided at a second end of the power cable 33, which can be releasably connected to a socket (not shown in the figures). The power cable 33 serves to transport electrical energy from the socket to the charging device 20.

[0061] The charger interface 22 is positioned on the top side 21a of the charger housing 21 and serves to detachably connect the charging device 20 to the battery interface 17 of the rechargeable battery 3. As indicated in Figure 3, both the charger interface 22 and the battery interface 3 contain a positive contact P, a negative contact M, and a communication contact K. When the battery interface 17 is connected to the charger interface 22, the positive contact P of the battery interface 17 is connected to the positive contact P of the charger interface 22, the negative contact M of the battery interface 17 is connected to the negative contact M of the charger interface 22, and the communication contact K of the battery interface 17 is connected to the communication contact K of the charger interface 22. With the help of the positive and negative contacts P, M, electrical energy can reach the rechargeable battery 3 from the charging device 20.Data and information can be exchanged between the rechargeable battery 3 and the charging device 20 in the form of electrical signals via the communication contacts K. The positive contact P, negative contact M, and communication contact K of the battery interface 17 are connected to the control device 18 of the rechargeable battery 3. Accordingly, the positive contact P, negative contact M, and communication contact K of the charging interface 22 are connected to the controller 24 of the charging device 20.

[0062] The real-time clock 25 is used to record a physical time period or to record the current (i.e., local) time and is connected to the controller 24 and the memory 30. Local time refers to the time at the location of the charging device 20, e.g., Central European Time (MEZ, CET) for a location in Germany. Alternatively, a different time (e.g., Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)) can also be used for the real-time clock 25.

[0063] With the help of the real-time clock 25, the controller 24 can time-control a charging process of the accumulator 3, i.e., charging of an accumulator 3 connected to the charging device 20. In other words, the charging process can be started at specific times, temporarily interrupted, or permanently stopped.

[0064] As indicated in Figure 3, the battery 29 is connected to the real-time clock 25 in such a way that the latter is supplied with electrical energy from the battery 29 when the charging device 20 is not connected to a power outlet via the power cable 33. The battery 29 is designed as a rechargeable battery (i.e., a secondary battery or accumulator). With the help of the battery 29, the real-time clock 25 can remain functional and record the time even when no energy is available through the power cable 33.

[0065] Furthermore, a charging unit 35 is provided inside the charging housing 21, which is connected to the battery 29 and the power cable 33. The charging unit 35 allows the battery 29 to be charged with electrical energy from the socket via the power cable 33.

[0066] To carry out the charging process taking into account the real time detected by the real-time clock 25, according to the method according to the invention, a charging process of the rechargeable battery 3 is started by the charging device 20 at a first time (for example, at 5:00 p.m.). After a period of time of, for example, 30 minutes has elapsed (i.e., when the real-time clock 25 detects a time of 5:30 p.m.), the charging process is stopped, so that further electrical energy reaches the connected rechargeable battery 3 from the charging device 20. To interrupt the charging process, the real-time clock 25 sends a corresponding signal to the controller 24, as a result of which no further electrical energy reaches the rechargeable battery 3 from the charging device 20.

[0067] When the real-time clock 25 detects a time of 7 a.m. (i.e., 13 hours and 30 minutes after the charging process was interrupted), the charging process continues with the rechargeable battery 3 still connected. The charging process can be continued until a predetermined charge level is reached. The amount of electrical charge that passes from the charging device 20 to the rechargeable battery 3 is detected by the charge measuring device 31 and transmitted to the controller. Alternatively, or in addition to detecting the charge level by the charge measuring device 31, the charge that passes from the charging device 20 to the rechargeable battery 3 during the charging process can also be detected by a measuring device as a component of the rechargeable battery 3. The measuring device for detecting a charge level as a component of the rechargeable battery 3 is not shown in the figures.

[0068] The charging process can be further influenced with the help of the photodetector 26, sound transducer 27, temperature sensor 28 and acceleration sensor 32.

[0069] The photodetector 26 detects the lighting conditions in the vicinity of the charging device 20. If the photodetector 26 detects a brightness value with a specific threshold, it can be determined with the help of data stored in the memory 30 whether it is dark in the vicinity of the charging device 20. This can be used to conclude that it is night, for example, and / or that the lighting is no longer in use. It is therefore likely that, due to these circumstances, no user is in the vicinity of the charging device 20 or the rechargeable battery 3, and that the rechargeable battery 3 is not expected to be used any time soon. The charging process can be interrupted due to the expected extended non-use of the rechargeable battery 3. As soon as a brightness value with a specific threshold is detected again by the photodetector 26, the charging process can be resumed.

[0070] The sound transducer 27 detects noises in the vicinity of the charging device 20 and can thereby determine whether the surroundings of the charging device 20 are silent. In the case of a silent or nearly silent environment, it can be assumed that no user is in the vicinity of the charging device 20 or the rechargeable battery 3, and that the rechargeable battery 3 is not expected to be used any time soon. The charging process can be interrupted due to the expected extended non-use of the rechargeable battery 3. As soon as noises are detected again, the charging process can be resumed.

[0071] The temperature sensor 28 detects the temperature in the vicinity of the charging device 20. By comparing the detected temperatures with temperature threshold values ​​stored in the memory 30, it can be determined whether the vicinity of the charging device 20 is cold. It can therefore be assumed that heating systems in the vicinity of the charging device 20 have been deactivated. This can happen, for example, overnight to save energy and costs. Due to an unheated environment, it can be assumed that no user is in the vicinity of the charging device 20 or the rechargeable battery 3 and that the rechargeable battery 3 is not expected to be used any time soon. The charging process can be interrupted due to the expected extended non-use of the rechargeable battery 3. As soon as a temperature with a certain threshold value is detected again by the temperature sensor 28, the charging process can be resumed.

[0072] The acceleration sensor 32 detects shocks in the form of vibrations or accelerations. If no vibrations or accelerations are detected due to steps of a presumed user of the rechargeable battery 3 or work processes, it can be assumed that no user is in the vicinity of the charging device 20 or the rechargeable battery 3, and that the rechargeable battery 3 is not expected to be used any time soon. The charging process can be interrupted due to the expected extended non-use of the rechargeable battery 3. As soon as shocks in the form of vibrations or accelerations are detected again by the acceleration sensor 32, the charging process can be resumed.

[0073] List of reference symbols

[0074] 1 system

[0075] 2 machine tools

[0076] 3 accumulator

[0077] 4 machine tool housings

[0078] 4a Top of the machine tool housing

[0079] 4b Bottom of the machine tool housing

[0080] 4c front end of the machine tool housing

[0081] 4d rear end of the machine tool housing

[0082] 5 Tool holder

[0083] 6 Handle

[0084] 6a upper end of the handle

[0085] 6b lower end of the handle

[0086] 7 Tools

[0087] 8 Drive

[0088] 9 gearboxes

[0089] 10 Output shaft

[0090] 11 Control unit

[0091] 12 operating switches

[0092] 13 Machine tool interface

[0093] 14 Battery housing

[0094] 15 energy storage cells

[0095] 16 Storage device

[0096] 17 Battery interface

[0097] 18 Control device

[0098] 19 Rail device

[0099] 20 loading device

[0100] 21 charger housing

[0101] 21 a Top of the charger housing

[0102] 21 b Bottom of the charger housing

[0103] 21c Front of the charger housing

[0104] 21 d Rear of the charger housing 22 Charger interface

[0105] 23 Operating and display device

[0106] 24 Charging device control

[0107] 25 Real-time clock 26 Photodetector

[0108] 27 transducers

[0109] 28 Temperature sensor

[0110] 29 Battery

[0111] 30 Storage 31 Charge measuring device

[0112] 32 acceleration sensors

[0113] 33 power cables

[0114] 34 plugs

[0115] 35 loading units

[0116] P positive contact

[0117] M negative contact

[0118] K Communication switch

Claims

Patent claims System (1) containing a charging device (20) and at least one accumulator (3) which can be charged by the charging device (20) and has at least one energy storage element (15), wherein the charging device (20) contains a control unit (11) for controlling a charging process of the accumulator (3) and for setting the charging process to at least a first or second charging setting, characterized in that for detecting at least a first and second physical time period, at least one real-time clock (25) is included, which is designed to send at least one signal to the control unit (11) for setting the charging process from a first charging setting to a second charging setting, after at least the first physical time period has elapsed.System (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one photodetector (26) is included for detecting at least one radiation value and transmitting at least one signal to the control unit (11) as a function of the at least one detected radiation value. System (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one sound transducer (27) is included for detecting at least one sound value and transmitting at least one signal to the control unit (11) as a function of the at least one detected sound value. System (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one temperature sensor (28) is included for detecting at least one temperature value and transmitting at least one signal to the control unit (11) as a function of the at least one detected temperature value.System (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one acceleration sensor (32) is included for detecting at least one acceleration value and transmitting at least. a signal depending on the at least one detected acceleration value to the control unit (11). System (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the charging device (20) contains the at least one photodetector (26), sound transducer (27), temperature sensor (28), and / or acceleration sensor (32). Charging device (20) for use in a system (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6. Method for controlling a system (1) containing a charging device (20) and at least one accumulator (3) rechargeable by the charging device (20) and having at least one energy storage element (15), wherein the charging device (20) contains a control unit (11) for controlling a charging process of the accumulator (3) and for setting the charging process to at least one first or second charging setting, characterized by the method steps: - detecting at least a first and second physical time duration by at least one real-time clock (25); - sending at least one signal from the real-time clock (25) to the control unit (11) after expiration of at least the first physical time period; and - Setting the charging process from a first charging setting to a second charging setting.

Images