Topology for a multi-charging device

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging device, in particular for supplying at least a first and second energy storage unit with electrical energy, the charging device containing a mains power connection for detachable connection to a mains power source. The invention also relates to a control device. The charging device contains: a rectifier; a power factor correction filter; a presetting device having an insulated DC-to-DC converter and capacitor for generating an insulated intermediate circuit voltage; and a precision adjustment device having at least a first and second regulated and uninsulated DC-to-DC converter, wherein each DC-to-DC converter contains an interface apparatus for detachable connection to an energy storage unit such that a power value can be provided at the first and / or second interface apparatus, and wherein the power value at the first and / or second interface apparatus corresponds to at least a portion of a total power.

Description

[0001] Topology for a multi-charger

[0002] The present invention relates to a charging device, in particular for supplying at least a first and second energy storage unit with electrical energy, comprising a mains power connection for releasable connection to a mains power source and a control device.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system comprising a charging device and at least a first and second energy storage unit connectable to the charging device, wherein the charging device comprises a mains power connection for releasable connection to a mains power source and a control device.

[0004] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for controlling and regulating a system comprising a charging device and at least a first and a second energy storage unit connectable to the charging device, wherein the charging device comprises a mains power connection for releasable connection to a mains power source and a control device, and wherein the at least first and second energy storage units each comprise a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals.

[0005] Charging devices (also called chargers) for charging rechargeable batteries or other energy storage units are widely known in the art. The rechargeable batteries and energy storage units can be used, for example, to power machine tools (i.e., drills, hammer drills, saws, grinders, lamps, or the like). Such charging devices have one or more interface devices through which rechargeable batteries or other energy storage units can be detachably connected to the charging device and supplied with electrical energy.

[0006] The state-of-the-art charging devices are often too complex and therefore too expensive.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to solve the problem described above.

[0008] The object is achieved by the subject matter of independent patent claims 1, 8 and further advantageous embodiments of the subject matter according to the invention are contained in the corresponding dependent patent claims.

[0009] The object is achieved in particular by a charging device, in particular for supplying at least a first and second energy storage unit with electrical energy, comprising a mains power connection for a releasable connection to a mains power source and a control device.

[0010] According to the invention, the charging device contains

[0011] - a rectifier;

[0012] - a power factor correction filter;

[0013] - a presetting device with an isolated DC-DC converter and capacitor for generating an isolated intermediate circuit voltage and

[0014] - a fine-regulation device with at least a first and second regulated and uninsulated DC-DC converter, wherein each DC-DC converter contains an interface device for releasably connecting to an energy storage unit, so that a power value can be provided at the first and / or second interface device, and wherein the power value at the first and / or second interface device corresponds to at least a portion of a total power.

[0015] The power factor correction filter can also be called a power factor correction filter.

[0016] The capacitor can also be referred to as an intermediate circuit capacitor.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for the presetting device to contain at least one power factor correction filter.

[0018] According to an alternative embodiment, it may be possible for the power factor correction filter (PFC filter) and the isolated DC-DC converter to be integrated into a single component.

[0019] According to an alternative embodiment, it may be possible for the isolated intermediate circuit voltage to be 60 volts or less.

[0020] According to an alternative embodiment, it may be possible for at least one filter element to be included. According to an alternative embodiment, it may be possible for each interface device to contain at least one transceiver, so that at least one signal from at least one first energy storage unit can be received for setting a power value at a first interface device.

[0021] According to an alternative embodiment, it may be possible for the energy storage unit to be designed in the form of an accumulator, in particular for supplying a machine tool with electrical energy.

[0022] The object is further achieved by a system comprising a charging device and at least a first and second energy storage unit connectable to the charging device, wherein the charging device comprises a mains power connection for releasable connection to a mains power source and a control device.

[0023] According to the invention, the charging device contains a rectifier, a power factor correction filter, a presetting device with an isolated DC-DC converter and capacitor for generating an isolated intermediate circuit voltage, and a fine regulation device with at least a first and second regulated and uninsulated DC-DC converter, wherein each DC-DC converter contains an interface device for releasably connecting to an energy storage unit, so that a power value can be provided at the first and / or second interface device, and wherein the power value at the first and / or second interface device corresponds to at least a portion of a total power.

[0024] According to an alternative embodiment, it may be possible for each energy storage unit to contain a transceiver for at least transmitting at least one signal to a transceiver of the control device, and wherein the charging device is designed to provide a voltage value to the at least one interface device corresponding to the signal received from the charging device, wherein the power value corresponds to a proportion of the total power.

[0025] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for controlling and regulating a system comprising a charging device and at least one first and second energy storage unit connectable to the charging device, wherein the charging device comprises a mains power connection for releasable connection to a mains power source and a control device, and wherein the at least first and second energy storage units each contain a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals. According to the invention, the method comprises the following method steps:

[0026] - generating an isolated intermediate circuit voltage by a pre-regulation device comprising an isolated DC-DC converter and a capacitor;

[0027] - Connecting at least one energy storage unit to at least one interface device of the charging device;

[0028] - transmitting at least one signal from the at least one energy storage unit to the charging device; and

[0029] - Providing a power value at the at least one interface device corresponding to the signal received from the charging device, wherein the power value at the at least one interface device corresponds to a proportion of the total power.

[0030] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the figures. The figures illustrate various embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] The figures, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The skilled person will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations.

[0032] They show:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a charging device according to an exemplary embodiment with four interface devices and three accumulators;

[0034] Figure 2 shows a circuit diagram of the subject matter of the invention according to a first embodiment;

[0035] Figure 3 shows a circuit diagram of the subject matter of the invention according to a second embodiment; and

[0036] Examples of implementation:

[0037] Figure 1 shows a system 1 comprising a charging device 2 and a number of energy storage units 3. In the present exemplary embodiment, the energy storage units 3 are configured as accumulators. The energy storage units 7 configured as accumulators can serve, for example, to supply power to a machine tool (i.e., a hammer drill, a drill, a saw, a grinder, or the like). A machine tool is not shown in the figures.

[0038] The charging device 2 according to a first embodiment essentially comprises a charger housing 4, a mains power connector 5 for releasably connecting to a mains power source, and four interface devices 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d. The mains power source, not shown in the figures, can also be referred to as a socket.

[0039] The charger housing 4 contains a top side 4a, a bottom side 4b and four side walls 4c.

[0040] Each interface device 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d serves to receive and hold an energy storage unit 7 so that the energy storage unit 7 can be supplied with electrical energy by the charging device 2 in one charging process.

[0041] The interface devices 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d are positioned on the top of the charger housing 4.

[0042] Furthermore, each interface device 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d contains a positive contact 23a, a negative contact 23b and a communication contact 23c.

[0043] The mains power connection 5 is designed in the form of a power cable and is connected to one of the side walls 4c such that electrical energy can be supplied to the charging device 2 through the mains power connection 5. In the present embodiment, the electrical voltage of the mains power source is 230V. According to an alternative embodiment, the mains power source can also provide less than 230V (e.g., 120V).

[0044] Figure 1 shows the charging device 2, in which two of the four interface devices 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d are each connected to an energy storage unit 7. A third energy storage unit 7 is brought in direction A onto a third interface device 6c. A fourth interface device 6d is shown without an energy storage unit. The energy storage units 7 shown in the figures are essentially identical in design.

[0045] Furthermore, the charging device 2 according to the first embodiment includes a control device 8, a filter element 9, a rectifier 10, a power factor correction filter 11, a presetting device 12, a transceiver 22 and a fine adjustment device 13.

[0046] According to an alternative embodiment, the charging device 2 does not contain a filter element.

[0047] The presetting device 12 essentially serves to reduce the voltage value of the mains power source from 230V to a voltage value of less than 60 Volts.

[0048] The presetting device 12 essentially contains an isolated DC-DC converter 14 and a capacitor 15. The isolated DC-DC converter 14 and the capacitor 15 serve to generate an intermediate circuit or an isolated intermediate circuit voltage. According to the first embodiment, the presetting device 12 generates an intermediate circuit voltage of 55 volts. The present presetting device 12 is designed such that a maximum of 59 volts or less can be generated.

[0049] The control device 8 serves to control and regulate the various functions of the charging device 2 and its components. These functions include, among other things, setting or controlling the output power (also referred to as charging power) to an energy storage unit 7 connected to the charging device 2.

[0050] The charging device 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2 according to the first embodiment has a power factor correction filter 11 as an independent component, which is not part of the presetting device 12.

[0051] The circuit diagram shown in Figure 2 includes a fine-tuning device 13 with only two uninsulated DC-DC converters 3, each of which contains an interface device 6a, 6b. Alternatively, more than two uninsulated DC-DC converters 3, each with an interface device 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, can be included.

[0052] As already described above, each interface device 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d serves for releasable connection to a respective energy storage unit 7.

[0053] Each DC-DC converter 3 is connected to the control device 8 such that a voltage value and a current value for generating a power value can be provided at an interface device 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d. The power value that can be set or is available at each interface device 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d is a proportion of the total power generated in the intermediate circuit. For example, it is possible for an equal proportion of the total power to be provided at each interface device 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d at any given time. The energy storage unit 7, designed as an accumulator, can, for example, be detachably connected to the machine tool (not shown in the figures) in order to supply the machine tool with electrical energy.

[0054] The accumulator 7 essentially contains a battery housing 16, a number of energy storage cells 17, a battery interface 18, a transceiver 19, a storage unit 20 and a control device 21.

[0055] The energy storage cells 16 can also be referred to as battery cells and are arranged inside the battery housing 16.

[0056] The battery housing 16 essentially contains a cover element 16a, four side walls 16b and a base element 16c.

[0057] The battery interface 18 is arranged on the outside of the cover element 16a and serves for the electrical or electronic as well as mechanical connection of the battery 7 to the machine tool or the charging device 2.

[0058] The transceiver 19 can also be referred to as a transmitting and receiving unit or communication device and is used to transmit and receive electrical signals, whereby data and information can be sent from or to the accumulator 7.

[0059] For electrical or electronic connection, the battery interface 18 has a positive contact 18a, a negative contact 18b and a communication contact 18c.

[0060] The positive contact 18a is connected to the positive contact 23a, the negative contact 18b is connected to the negative contact 23b and the communication contact 18c is connected to the communication contact 23c.

[0061] The positive and negative contacts 18a, 18b serve to create an electrical circuit when the accumulator 7 is connected to a machine tool or a charging device 2. The communication contact 18c is connected to the transceiver 19 and serves to send and receive data and information in the form of electrical signals. The transceiver 19, in turn, is connected to the control device 21.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the transceiver 19 can also be designed as a wireless radio communication device (e.g. based on Bluetooth technology).

[0063] The energy storage cells 17 serve to absorb, store, and re-release electrical energy. The energy storage cells 17 are cylindrical in shape and based on lithium-ion technology. Each energy storage cell 17 contains a contact device at one end, which serves to transmit electrical energy. The individual contact devices are connected to the control device 21 of the accumulator 7 via corresponding lines.

[0064] Alternatively, the energy storage cells 17 may also be based on another suitable technology.

[0065] The cylindrical shape of the energy storage cells 17 is also optional, so any other suitable shape or geometry can be selected. In particular, it is also possible for the energy storage cells 17 to be designed as pouch cells.

[0066] It is also possible for the accumulator 7 to contain both cylindrical energy storage cells 17 and pouch cells. In particular, it is possible for the accumulator 7 to contain only a single cylindrical energy storage cell 17 and a single pouch cell.

[0067] The control device 21 regulates and controls various functions of the accumulator 7. These functions include, among others, controlling the absorption and release of electrical energy into and from the energy storage cells 17. Furthermore, the control device 21 controls the amount of electrical energy to be absorbed or released by the energy storage cells 17.

[0068] The storage unit 20 is connected to the control device 21 and serves to store and provide data and information. The data and information include, among other things, threshold values ​​for the voltage and current for a charging and discharging process of the energy storage unit 7.

[0069] Figure 3 shows a charging device 2 according to a second embodiment, in which the power factor correction filter 11 is not a standalone component, but is formed together with the isolated DC-DC converter 14 in a single component. As a result, the power factor correction filter 11 is a component of the presetting device 12.

[0070] The circuit diagram shown in Figure 3 has only two interface devices 6a, 6b, each with an uninsulated DC-DC converter 3.

[0071] To carry out the process, a mains voltage (e.g. 230V) is first reduced to an intermediate circuit voltage in the intermediate circuit by the isolated DC-DC converter 14 and capacitor 15.

[0072] A first energy storage unit 7, configured as an accumulator, is connected to the first interface device 6a, and a second energy storage unit 7, configured as an accumulator, is connected to the second interface device 6b. By connecting the energy storage units 7 to the respective interface devices 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, electrical signals can be exchanged between the energy storage unit 7 and the charging device 2. Electrical energy can also be transferred from the charging device 2 to the respective energy storage units 7.

[0073] When the first energy storage unit 7 is connected to the first interface device 6a, a corresponding signal is sent from the transceiver 19 of the first energy storage unit 7 to the transceiver 22 of the charging device 2. The signal reaches the control device 8 of the charging device 2. The received signal transmits the specific parameters for a charging process of the first energy storage unit 7 to the control device 8. Likewise, a corresponding signal is sent from the transceiver 19 of the second energy storage unit 7 to the transceiver 22 of the charging device 2 when the second energy storage unit 7 is connected to the second interface device 6b. This signal also reaches the control device 8 of the charging device 2. The received signal transmits the specific parameters for a charging process of the second energy storage unit 7 to the control device 8.The parameters include, among other things, threshold values ​​for the voltage and current for the charging process.

[0074] With the aid of the control device 8, a first power value is set by the first DC-DC converter 3, so that a first power for charging the first energy storage unit 7 is set at the first interface device 6a in accordance with the signal.

[0075] Furthermore, a second power value is set by the second DC-DC converter 3, so that a second power for charging the second energy storage unit 7 is set at the second interface device 6b according to the signal

[0076] The first and second power values ​​each correspond to a portion of the total available power of charging device 2.

[0077] Reference symbol

[0078] 1 system

[0079] 2 charging device

[0080] 3 uninsulated DC-DC converters

[0081] 4 charger housings

[0082] 5 Mains power connection

[0083] 6a first interface device

[0084] 6b second interface device

[0085] 6c third interface device

[0086] 6d fourth interface device

[0087] 7 Energy storage unit

[0088] 8 Control device of the charging device

[0089] 9 Filter element

[0090] 10 rectifiers

[0091] 11 Power factor correction filter

[0092] 12 Presetting device

[0093] 13 Fine adjustment device

[0094] 14 isolated DC-DC converter

[0095] 15 Capacitor

[0096] 16 battery housing

[0097] 16a Cover element

[0098] 16b Side walls

[0099] 16c floor element

[0100] 17 Energy storage cell

[0101] 18 Battery interface

[0102] 18a positive contact of the battery interface

[0103] 18b Negative contact of the battery interface 18c Communication contact of the battery interface

[0104] 19 T ransceiver of the energy storage unit

[0105] 20 Storage unit of the energy storage unit

[0106] 21 Control device 22 Charging device transceiver

[0107] 23a Positive contact of an interface device

[0108] 23b Negative contact of an interface device

[0109] 23c Communication contact of an interface device

Claims

Patent claims 1. Charging device (2), in particular for supplying at least one first and second energy storage unit (7) with electrical energy, comprising a mains power connection (5) for releasable connection to a mains power source and a control device (8), characterized by - a rectifier (10); - a power factor correction filter (11); - a presetting device (12) with an isolated DC-DC converter (14) and capacitor (15) for generating an isolated intermediate circuit voltage and - a fine-regulation device (13) with at least a first and a second regulated and uninsulated DC-DC converter (3), wherein each DC-DC converter (3) contains an interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) for releasably connecting to an energy storage unit (7), so that a power value can be provided at the first and / or second interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d), and wherein the power value at the first and / or second interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) corresponds to at least a portion of a total power.

2. Charging device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the presetting device (12) contains at least one power factor correction filter (11).

3. Charging device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the power factor correction filter (11) and the isolated DC-DC converter (14) are integrated in a single component.

4. Charging device (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the isolated intermediate circuit voltage corresponds to 60 volts or less.

5. Charging device (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one filter element (9) is included.

6. Charging device (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) contains at least one transceiver (19) so that at least one signal from at least one first energy storage unit (7) can be received for setting a power value at a first interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d).

7. Charging device (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the energy storage unit (7) is designed in the form of an accumulator, in particular for supplying a machine tool with electrical energy.

8. System (1) comprising a charging device (2) and at least a first and a second energy storage unit (7) connectable to the charging device (2), wherein the charging device (2) comprises a mains power connection (5) for releasable connection to a mains power source and a control device (8), characterized in that the charging device (2) comprises a rectifier (10), a power factor correction filter (11), a presetting device (12) with an isolated DC-DC converter (14) and capacitor (15) for generating an isolated intermediate circuit voltage and a fine regulation device (13) with at least a first and a second regulated and uninsulated DC-DC converter (3), wherein each DC-DC converter (3) comprises an interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) for releasable connection to an energy storage unit (7), so that a power value at the first and / or second interface device (6a, 6b, 6c,6d) can be provided, and wherein the power value at the first and / or second interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) corresponds to at least a portion of a total power., 9. System (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that each energy storage unit (7) contains a transceiver (19) for at least transmitting at least one signal to a transceiver (22) of the control device (8) and wherein the charging device (2) is designed to provide a power value to the at least one interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) corresponding to the signal received from the charging device (2).

10. A method for controlling and regulating a system (1) comprising a charging device (2) and at least a first and second energy storage unit (7) connectable to the charging device (2), wherein the charging device (2) comprises a mains power connection (5) for releasable connection to a mains power source and a control device (8), and wherein the at least first and second energy storage unit (7) each comprises a transceiver (19) for transmitting and receiving signals, characterized by the method steps: - generating an isolated intermediate circuit voltage by a pre-regulation device comprising an isolated DC-DC converter (14) and a capacitor (15); - connecting at least one energy storage unit (7) to at least one interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) of the charging device (2); - transmitting at least one signal from the at least one energy storage unit (7) to the charging device (2); and - Providing a power value at the at least one interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) corresponding to the signal received from the charging device (2), wherein the power value at the at least one interface device (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) corresponds to a proportion of the total power.

Images