Adaptive control for batteries

Abstract

A method for controlling and adjusting a system comprising at least one storage battery and a charging device, the at least one storage battery being equipped with a transceiver, at least one sensor and a storage unit, and the charging device being equipped with a transceiver and a storage unit, wherein at least one first control parameter is stored in the storage unit of the storage battery. The invention also relates to a system for carrying out the method, comprising at least a first system component, a second system component and a third system component, the first system component being in the form of a storage battery with a transceiver and a storage unit, the second system component being in the form of a data storage and computing device with a transceiver, and the third system component being in the form of a machine tool with a transceiver and a storage unit or charging device with a third transceiver and a storage unit.

Description

[0001] Adaptive control for batteries

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for controlling and regulating a system having at least one accumulator and a charging device, wherein the at least one accumulator contains a transceiver, at least one sensor and a storage unit and the charging device contains a transceiver and a storage unit, wherein at least one first control parameter is stored in the storage unit of the accumulator.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for carrying out the method comprising at least a first system component, a second system component and a third system component, wherein the first system component is designed in the form of an accumulator with a transceiver and a storage unit, the second system component is designed in the form of a data storage and computing device with a transceiver and the third system component is designed in the form of a machine tool with a transceiver and a storage unit or charging device with a third transceiver and a storage unit.

[0004] The use of accumulators to supply machine tools with electrical energy is largely known from the state of the art.

[0005] These accumulators typically contain a number of energy storage cells (also called battery cells) designed to absorb, 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] Special charging and discharging parameter sets are stored in storage units within a battery. These sets ensure that the actual supply of electrical energy to a machine tool—i.e., the discharging and charging of the battery—corresponds to precisely predetermined processes. These charging and discharging parameter sets can also be referred to as control parameter sets.

[0008] Due to manufacturing tolerances, wear, aging and misuse (i.e. in the form of misuse, falls or the like), the specified charging and discharging parameter sets of the batteries may no longer be suitable for optimal performance when charging and / or discharging the battery.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to solve the problem described above.

[0010] The problem is also solved by the subject matter of claim 1 and by the subject matter of claim 4.

[0011] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the corresponding subclaims.

[0012] The object is achieved in particular by a method for controlling and regulating a system with at least one accumulator and a charging device, wherein the at least one accumulator contains a transceiver, at least one sensor and a storage unit and the charging device contains a transceiver and a storage unit, wherein at least one first control parameter is stored in the storage unit of the accumulator.

[0013] According to the invention, the following process steps are provided

[0014] - detecting at least one operating characteristic value by the at least one sensor of the accumulator;

[0015] - Connecting the at least one accumulator to the charging device;

[0016] - transmitting at least one operating characteristic value of the accumulator from the accumulator to the charging device before starting a charging process;

[0017] - sending the at least one operating characteristic value from the charging device to a data storage and computing device;

[0018] - comparing the at least one operating characteristic value with a threshold value stored in the data storage and computing device;

[0019] - Sending at least one second control parameter from the data storage and computing device via the charging device to the at least one accumulator to replace the corresponding first control parameter if the received operating characteristic exceeds a threshold value stored in the data storage and computing device; - Charging the at least one accumulator with electrical energy by the

[0020] Charging device with at least the first control parameter; or

[0021] - Charging of at least one accumulator with electrical energy by the

[0022] Charging device with at least the first control parameter.

[0023] The phrase "start of a charging process" means that electrical energy is transferred from a charging device to the battery. "Control parameters of a battery" can also be understood as "actual data of a battery."

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible that the method step:

[0025] - transmitting at least one first control parameter of the accumulator from the accumulator to the charging device before the start of a charging process.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may also be possible for the method step:

[0027] - connecting the at least first or second accumulator to a machine tool;

[0028] - Supplying the machine tool with electrical energy by discharging the accumulator with at least the second control parameter.

[0029] The object is further achieved by a system for carrying out the method comprising at least a first system component, a second system component and a third system component, wherein the first system component is in the form of an accumulator with a first transceiver and a first memory unit, the second system component is in the form of a data storage and computing device with a second transceiver and the third system component is in the form of a machine tool with a third transceiver and a second memory unit or charging device with a third transceiver and a third memory unit. Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the figures. The figure shows a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The figures, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination.The person skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations.

[0030] In the figure, identical and similar components are numbered with the same reference numerals.

[0031] It shows:

[0032] Figure 1 is a side view of a machine tool with a connected accumulator according to a first exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an interface device of the machine tool;

[0034] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an interface device of the accumulator;

[0035] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a loading device; and

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a system comprising a first machine tool connected to a first accumulator, a second machine tool connected to a second accumulator, a third machine tool connected to a third accumulator, a first charging device to which the first accumulator can be connected, a second charging device to which the second accumulator can be connected, a third charging device to which the third accumulator can be connected, and a data storage and computing device.

[0037] Examples of implementation:

[0038] Figure 1 shows a machine tool 1 connected to a battery 2. In the present embodiment, the machine tool 1 is designed as a cordless screwdriver.

[0039] The machine tool 1 essentially contains a housing 3, a handle 4 and a tool holder 5. Inside the housing 3, a drive 6 in the form of an electric motor, a transmission device 7, an output shaft 8, a control unit 9, a storage unit 10 and a transceiver 11 are positioned.

[0040] The drive 6, designed as an electric motor, the transmission device 7, and the output shaft 8 are arranged relative to one another in such a way that a torque generated by the electric motor 6 can be transmitted to the tool holder 5 via the output shaft 8 and the transmission device 7. The tool holder 5 is positioned at a front end 3a of the housing 3 and is used to receive and hold a tool.

[0041] In the case of a cordless screwdriver, the tool can be designed as a screwdriver bit. The tool is not shown in the figures.

[0042] The handle 4 is positioned on a bottom side 3b of the housing 3. The handle 4 is fastened with a first end 4a to the bottom side 3b of the housing 3. A machine tool interface 12 is positioned at a second end 4b of the handle 4 and serves for the electrical or electronic as well as mechanical connection of the machine tool 1 with the accumulator 2. For the electrical or electronic connection, the

[0043] Machine tool 1 has a positive contact 13a, a negative contact 13b and a

[0044] Communication contact 13c. The positive and negative contacts 13a, 13b serve to create an electrical circuit when the accumulator 2 is connected to the machine tool 1. The communication contact 13c serves to send and receive data and information in the form of electrical signals.

[0045] An actuation switch 14 is provided at a front end 4c of the handle 4. The actuation switch 14 serves to activate the machine tool 1. The control unit 9 with the transceiver 11 and the storage unit 10 is positioned inside the handle 4. The control unit 9 controls and regulates the individual functions of the machine tool 1. These functions include, for example, setting a specific speed of the electric motor 6.

[0046] Alternatively, the power tool 1 can also be configured as a hammer drill, drill, saw, grinder, or the like. The accumulator 2 can be detachably connected to the power tool 1 to supply the power tool 1 with electrical energy. The accumulator 2 essentially contains a battery housing 15, a number of energy storage cells 16, a battery interface 17, a storage unit 18, a transceiver 19, a control device 20, and a plurality of sensors.

[0047] The energy storage cells 16 can also be referred to as battery cells and are arranged inside the battery housing 15.

[0048] The battery housing 15 essentially contains a cover element 15a, four side walls 15b and a base element 15c.

[0049] The battery interface 17 is arranged on the outside of the cover element 15a and serves for the electrical or electronic as well as mechanical connection of the battery 2 to the machine tool 1 or a charging device 22.

[0050] For electrical or electronic connection, the battery interface 17 has a positive contact 17a, a negative contact 17b, and a communication contact 17c. The positive and negative contacts 17a, 17b serve to create an electrical circuit when the battery 2 is connected to a machine tool 1 or a charging device 22. The communication contact 17c serves to send and receive data and information in the form of electrical signals.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the accumulator may also contain radio communication (e.g. Bluetooth) or wireless communication.

[0052] The energy storage cells 16 serve to absorb, store, and re-release electrical energy. As indicated in the figures, the energy storage cells 16 are cylindrical in shape and based on lithium-ion technology. Each energy storage cell 16 contains a contact device at one end, which serves to transmit electrical energy. The individual contact devices are connected to the control device 20 of the accumulator 2 via corresponding lines.

[0053] Alternatively, the energy storage cells 16 may also be based on another suitable technology.

[0054] The cylindrical shape of the energy storage cells 16 is also optional, so any other suitable shape or geometry can be selected. In particular, it is also possible for the energy storage cells 16 to be designed as pouch cells.

[0055] It is also possible for the accumulator 2 to contain both cylindrical energy storage cells 16 and pouch cells. In particular, it is possible for the accumulator 2 to contain only a single cylindrical energy storage cell 16 and a single pouch cell. The control device 20 regulates and controls various functions of the accumulator 2. These functions include, among others, controlling the absorption and release of electrical energy into and from the energy storage cells 16. Furthermore, the control device 20 is used to control the amount of electrical energy to be absorbed or released by the energy storage cells 16.

[0056] A first control parameter set containing a plurality of control parameters is stored in the memory unit 18. The control parameters can also be referred to as control parameters or setting parameters.

[0057] The storage unit 18 is connected to the control device 20 in such a way that the control device 20 can access the individual control parameters stored in the storage unit 18 and, based on these control parameters, can control or regulate the functions of the accumulator 2. The control parameters include maximum discharge currents (current value), maximum charging currents (current value), minimum and maximum charging times, minimum and maximum internal resistances, and minimum and maximum capacity values ​​(in Ah).

[0058] The control parameters also include methods for reducing or completely blocking the energy absorption or release by the energy storage cells 16 in the event of a maximum acceleration value or braking value, a predetermined number of braking values ​​within predetermined threshold values, and minimum and maximum temperature values.

[0059] The accumulator 2 also contains a sensor for recording operating parameters. These operating parameters can also be referred to as operating parameters, operating variables, or operating variables.

[0060] In particular, the accumulator 2 contains a sensor for detecting a charging current and a discharging current 30, a sensor for detecting a charging time 31, a sensor for detecting an acceleration value and a braking value 32, a sensor for detecting temperature values ​​33, a sensor for detecting internal resistance values ​​34, a sensor for detecting the capacity 35 and a counter 36 for the number of acceleration values ​​which exceed a predetermined threshold value.

[0061] The sensor for detecting a charging time 31 can also be called a clock or real-time clock.

[0062] The acceleration value can be referred to as a value for positive acceleration, and the deceleration value can also be referred to as a value for negative acceleration. The sensor for detecting temperature values ​​33 can also be referred to as a thermometer or temperature gauge.

[0063] The sensor for detecting internal resistance values ​​34 can also be called an ohmmeter.

[0064] The capacity sensor 35 can also be called the ampere-hour (Ah) sensor.

[0065] According to an alternative embodiment of the system or the accumulator 2, it is possible for more or fewer sensors to be included in the accumulator 2.

[0066] Figure 4 shows the charging device 22, which essentially includes a charger housing 23, a control unit 24, a transceiver 25, a storage unit 26, and a power supply 27. The charger housing 23 essentially includes a cover element 23a, four side walls 23b, and a base element 23c.

[0067] A charger interface 28 is positioned on the cover element 23a and serves to electrically or electronically connect the charging device 22 to the accumulator 2. For electrical or electronic connection, the charger interface 28 has a positive contact 28a, a negative contact 28b, and a communication contact 28c. The positive and negative contacts 28a, 28b serve to create an electrical circuit when the accumulator 2 is connected to the charging device 22. The communication contact 28c serves to send and receive data and information in the form of electrical signals.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, the charging device 22 may also include radio communication (e.g., Bluetooth) or wireless communication.

[0069] The power supply 27 of the charging device 22 is designed in the form of a power cable for connection to a mains power source (ie socket) not shown.

[0070] The control unit 24, the transceiver 25, and the storage unit 26 are located inside the charger housing 23. The control unit 24 controls and regulates the individual functions of the charging device 22. These functions include, among others, setting a charging current (i.e., the current value) when a rechargeable battery 2 is detachably connected to the charging device 22 for charging. The transceiver 25 is used to transmit and receive data and information in the form of electrical signals.

[0071] As indicated in Figure 5, the charging device 22 is particularly designed to exchange data and information with a data storage and computing device 29. The data storage and computing device 29 contains a transceiver 37, a computing unit 38, and a memory unit 39. The data storage and computing device 29 can also be referred to as a cloud or cloud computer.

[0072] To carry out the method, the accumulator 2 is first connected to the machine tool 1 so that electrical energy can be transferred from the energy storage cell 16 to the consumers of the machine tool 1, see Figure 1. The respective interfaces of the accumulator 2 and the machine tool 1 are detachably connected to one another. By connecting the accumulator 2 to the machine tool 1, data and information in the form of electrical signals can also be exchanged between the accumulator 2 and the machine tool 1. The respective transceivers 19, 25 and the interconnected communication contacts 13c, 17c of the accumulator 2 and the

[0073] Machine tool 1.

[0074] During use of the accumulator 2 as a power supply for the machine tool 1, the sensors of the accumulator 2 record the various operating parameters mentioned above. It is possible that only some of the sensors record data. The operating parameters recorded by the sensors are stored in the memory unit.

[0075] As indicated in Figure 5, the accumulator 2 can be removed from the machine tool 1 and releasably connected to the charging device 22. The energy storage cells 16 of the accumulator 2 can be charged with electrical energy using the charging device 22.

[0076] The respective interfaces of the rechargeable battery 2 and the charging device 22 are detachably connected to one another such that the respective communication contacts 17c, 28c of the rechargeable battery 2 and the charging device 22 are in contact with one another. By connecting the rechargeable battery 2 to the charging device 22, data and information in the form of electrical signals can also be exchanged between the rechargeable battery 2 and the charging device 22. The respective transceivers 19, 25 of the rechargeable battery 2 and the charging device 22 are used to transmit and receive the electrical signals.

[0077] Before the actual charging process begins, i.e. before electrical energy reaches the energy storage cells 16 of the accumulator 2 from the charging device 22, the accumulator 2 sends the operating parameters stored in the storage unit 18 to the charging device 22 using the transceivers 19, 25 and communication contacts 17c, 28c.

[0078] It is possible for only a single operating parameter to be sent to the charging device 22, even if more than one operating parameter has been detected by the sensors. It is also possible for the accumulator 2 to send at least one control parameter or the entire set of control parameters currently stored in the accumulator 2 to the charging device 22.

[0079] The charging device 22 stores the received operating characteristics in the storage unit 24 of the charging device 22.

[0080] When the charging device 22 is connected to the data storage and computing device 29, the operating characteristics are sent to the data storage and computing device 29.

[0081] In the data storage and computing device 29, threshold values ​​for the corresponding operating parameters are stored, which are detected by the sensors of the accumulator 2.

[0082] Furthermore, individual control parameters as well as complete control parameter sets for a plurality of different accumulators 2 are stored in the data storage and computing device 29.

[0083] The recorded operating parameters are compared with the respective threshold values ​​in the data storage and computing device 29. If an operating parameter exceeds a corresponding threshold value, a new control parameter is sent from the data storage and computing device 29 to the charging device 22. The new control parameter is then sent from the charging device 22 to the connected accumulator 2. In the control device 20 of the accumulator 2, the received new control parameter is used to replace a corresponding control parameter. This corresponding control parameter can also be referred to as the previous or old control parameter.

[0084] According to an alternative embodiment, it may also be possible for more than one new control parameter to be sent from the data storage and computing device 29 to the charging device 22 if more than one operating characteristic exceeds the corresponding threshold values. It is also possible for one or more new control parameters to be sent from the data storage and computing device 29 to the charging device 22 if one or more detected operating characteristic values ​​do not yet exceed the corresponding threshold values, but rather the detected operating characteristic values ​​merely correspond to these threshold values.

[0085] Furthermore, it is also possible that, instead of one or more new control parameters replacing the corresponding control parameters, a completely new control parameter set is sent from the data storage and computing device 29 to the charging device 22 and finally to the accumulator 2. The completely new control parameter set serves to replace the existing control parameter set in the accumulator 2.

[0086] When the charging device 22 has sent the new control parameter to the accumulator 2 and this new control parameter has replaced the previously existing corresponding control parameter, the actual charging process is started taking into account the new and the still existing control parameters.

[0087] If the comparison of a received operating characteristic with a corresponding threshold value reveals that the threshold value has neither been exceeded nor reached, no new control parameter is sent from the data storage and computing device 29 to the charging device 22 and ultimately to the accumulator 2. As a result, the charging process is started taking into account the still existing control parameter.

[0088] List of reference symbols:

[0089] 1 machine tool

[0090] 2 accumulators

[0091] 3 housings

[0092] 3a front end of the housing

[0093] 3b lower end of the housing

[0094] 4 Handle

[0095] 5 Tool holder

[0096] 6 Drive

[0097] 7 Gear device

[0098] 8 Output shaft

[0099] 9 Control unit

[0100] 10 Machine tool storage unit

[0101] 11 T ransceiver of the machine tool

[0102] 12 Machine tool interface

[0103] 13a Positive contact of the machine tool interface

[0104] 13b Negative contact of the machine tool interface

[0105] 13c Communication contact of the machine tool interface

[0106] 14 operating switches

[0107] 15 battery housing

[0108] 15a Cover element

[0109] 15b Side walls

[0110] 15c floor element

[0111] 16 energy storage cells

[0112] 17 Battery interface

[0113] 17a Positive contact of the battery interface

[0114] 17b Negative contact of the battery interface

[0115] 17c Communication contact of the battery interface 18 Storage unit of the battery

[0116] 19 T ransceiver of the accumulator

[0117] 20 Accumulator control device

[0118] 22 Charging device

[0119] 23 charger housing

[0120] 23a Cover element of the charger housing

[0121] 23b Side walls of the charger housing

[0122] 23c Base element of the charger housing

[0123] 24 Charging device control unit

[0124] 25 Charging device transceiver

[0125] 26 Storage unit of the charging device

[0126] 27 Power supply of the charging device

[0127] 28 charger interface

[0128] 28a positive contact of the charger interface

[0129] 28b Negative contact of the charger interface

[0130] 28c Charger interface communication contact

[0131] 29 Data storage and computing device

[0132] 30 Sensor for detecting charging current and discharging current

[0133] 31 Sensor for recording a charging time

[0134] 32 Sensor for detecting an acceleration value and braking value

[0135] 33 Sensor for recording temperature values

[0136] 34 Sensor for measuring internal resistance values

[0137] 35 Sensor for detecting capacity

[0138] 36 counter

[0139] 37 Transceiver of the data storage and computing device

[0140] 38 Computing unit of the data storage and computing device

[0141] 39 Storage unit of the data storage and computing device

[0142] S System

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Method for controlling and regulating a system (S) with at least one accumulator (2) and a charging device (22), wherein the at least one accumulator (2) contains a transceiver (19), at least one sensor (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35) and a storage unit (18) and the charging device (22) contains a transceiver (25) and a storage unit (26), wherein at least one first control parameter is stored in the storage unit (10) of the accumulator (2), characterized by the method steps - detecting at least one operating characteristic value by the at least one sensor (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35) of the accumulator (2); - connecting the at least one accumulator (2) to the charging device (22); - transmitting the at least one operating characteristic value of the accumulator (2) from the accumulator (2) to the charging device (22) before starting a charging process; - sending the at least one operating characteristic value from the charging device (22) to a data storage and computing device (29); - comparing the at least one operating characteristic value with a threshold value stored in the data storage and computing device (29); - sending at least one second control parameter from the data storage and computing device (29) via the charging device (22) to the at least one accumulator (2) to replace the corresponding first control parameter if the received operating characteristic exceeds a threshold value stored in the data storage and computing device (29); - charging the at least one accumulator (2) with electrical energy by the charging device (22) with at least the first control parameter; or - Charging the at least one accumulator (2) with electrical energy by the charging device (22) with at least the first control parameter.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the method step - Sending at least one first control parameter of the accumulator (2) from the accumulator (2) to the charging device (22) before starting a charging process.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the method step - connecting the at least first or second accumulator (2) to a machine tool (1); - supplying the machine tool (1) with electrical energy by discharging the Accumulator (2) with at least the second control parameter.

4. System (S) for carrying out the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least a first system component, a second system component and a third system component, wherein the first system component is in the form of an accumulator (2) with a first transceiver (19) and a first memory unit (26), the second system component is in the form of a data storage and computing device (29) with a second transceiver (37) and the third system component is in the form of a machine tool (1) with a third transceiver (11) and a second memory unit (18) or charging device (22) with a third transceiver (25) and a third memory unit (26).

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