Adapter for a multiple charging device

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] Adapter for a multiple 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 connection to a mains power source and a control device.

[0003] 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 adapter device for each connecting to an energy storage unit, wherein the charging device comprises a mains power connection for connecting to a mains power source and a control device, and wherein the at least first and second energy storage unit each comprises a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals.

[0004] 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 connected to the charging device and supplied with electrical energy.

[0005] The state-of-the-art charging devices are often too complex and therefore too expensive.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to solve the problem described above.

[0007] The object is achieved by the subject matter of independent patent claims 1 and 8. Further advantageous embodiments of the subject matter according to the invention are contained in the corresponding dependent patent claims.

[0008] 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 connection to a mains power source and a control device.

[0009] According to the invention, the charging device contains

[0010] - a rectifier;

[0011] - a power factor correction filter;

[0012] - a presetting device with an isolated DC-DC converter and capacitor for generating an isolated intermediate circuit voltage, wherein the presetting device contains at least a first and second interface, and

[0013] - at least a first and a second adapter device, wherein each adapter device contains an adapter interface for connecting to the at least one first or second interface of the presetting device, and wherein each adapter device contains a fine-tuning device with an interface device for connecting to an energy storage unit, and wherein each fine-tuning device contains a regulated and unisolated DC-DC converter, 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.

[0014] The power factor correction filter can also be called a power factor correction filter (= PFC filter).

[0015] The connection of an adapter interface of an adapter device with an interface of the presetting device can be designed to be removable or non-removable (i.e. fixed).

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

[0017] According to a further alternative embodiment, it may be possible for each adapter device to contain at least one transceiver, so that at least one signal can be sent from the adapter device to the control device for setting a voltage value at an interface device.

[0018] According to a further alternative embodiment, it may be possible for the presetting device to contain at least one filter. The filter may be configured as a power factor correction filter. According to a further alternative embodiment, it may be possible for the power factor correction filter and the isolated DC-DC converter to be integrated into a single component.

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

[0020] According to a further alternative embodiment, it may be possible for at least one filter element to be included.

[0021] According to a further 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] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for controlling and regulating a system comprising a charging device and at least a first and a second adapter device for each connecting to an energy storage unit, wherein the charging device contains a mains power connection for connecting to a mains power source and a control device, and wherein the at least first and second energy storage unit each contains a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals.

[0023] According to the invention, the method comprises the following steps:

[0024] - generating an isolated intermediate circuit voltage by a pre-regulation device comprising an isolated DC-DC converter and a capacitor;

[0025] - connecting the at least first and / or second adapter device to the pre-regulation device, each adapter device containing a fine-regulation device with a regulated and uninsulated DC-DC converter,

[0026] - transmitting at least one signal from the at least first and / or second adapter device to the control device; and

[0027] - Providing a first power value at the interface device of a first adapter device according to the signal received from the fine-tuning device, and providing a second power value at the interface device of a second adapter device according to the signal received from the fine-tuning device, wherein each power value corresponds to at least a portion of a total power. Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the figures. The figures illustrate various embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] 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.

[0029] They show:

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a charging device according to an exemplary embodiment with four interface devices and three accumulators, wherein two interface devices each have a

[0031] adapter device is positioned and a third adapter device is positioned opposite to the direction of arrow A above a third interface device;

[0032] Figure 2 shows a circuit diagram of the subject matter of the invention according to a first

[0033] embodiment; and Figure 3 shows a circuit diagram of the subject matter of the invention according to a second

[0034] Embodiment.

[0035] Examples of implementation:

[0036] Figure 1 shows a system 1 consisting of a charging device 2, a first, second, third and fourth adapter device 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and a first, second and third energy storage unit 4a, 4b, 4c.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the energy storage units 4a, 4b, 4c are configured as accumulators. The energy storage units 4a, 4b, 4c configured as accumulators can be used, for example, to supply power to a machine tool (i.e., a hammer drill, a drill, a saw, a grinder, or the like).

[0038] A machine tool is not shown in the figures.

[0039] The charging device 2 according to a first embodiment essentially comprises a charger housing 5 and a mains power connector 6 for a removable connection to a mains power source. The mains power source can also be referred to as a socket and is not shown in the figures.

[0040] The charger housing 5 contains a top side 5a, a bottom side 5b and four side walls 5c.

[0041] Furthermore, the charging device 2 includes a presetting device 7 with an isolated DC-DC converter 8 and a capacitor 9 for generating an isolated intermediate circuit with an intermediate circuit voltage. The presetting device 7 further includes first, second, third, and fourth interfaces 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d.

[0042] As described in more detail below, a portion of the total power of the charging device 3 is provided at each interface 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d.

[0043] According to an alternative embodiment, the presetting device 7 may also have more or fewer than four interfaces 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d.

[0044] The mains power connection 6 is designed in the form of a power cable and is connected to one of the side walls 5c in such a way that electrical energy can be supplied to the charging device 2 through the mains power connection 6. In the present embodiment, the electrical voltage of the mains power source is 230 volts.

[0045] According to an alternative embodiment, the mains power source may also provide less than 230 volts (e.g. 120 volts).

[0046] The presetting device 7 essentially serves to reduce the voltage value of the mains power source from 230 V to an intermediate circuit voltage value of less than or equal to 60 V. The presetting device 7 essentially contains an isolated DC-DC converter 8 and a capacitor 9. According to the first embodiment, the presetting device 7 generates an intermediate circuit voltage of 55 V.

[0047] Furthermore, the charging device 2 according to the first embodiment includes a control device 11, a filter element 12, a rectifier 13 and a power factor correction filter 14. In addition, the charging device 2 includes a transceiver 26, which serves to transmit and receive information and data in the form of electrical signals.

[0048] According to an alternative embodiment, the charging device 2 does not contain a filter element.

[0049] The charging device 2 shown in Figure 1 according to the first embodiment has a power factor correction filter 14 as an independent component, which is not part of the presetting device 7.

[0050] Figure 1 shows the charging device 2 with first, second, third, and fourth adapter devices 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d. The first adapter device 3a is detachably connected to the first interface 7a, and the second adapter device 3b is detachably connected to the second interface 7b. The third adapter device 3c is positioned above the third interface 7c, opposite the direction of arrow A. The fourth adapter device 3d is not connected to the charging device 2, nor to an energy storage unit. To actually connect an adapter device 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d to an interface 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, the adapter device 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d is positioned in the direction of arrow A on the interface 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d. Alternatively, an adapter device 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d can also be firmly (ie non-detachably) connected to an interface 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d.

[0051] The adapter device 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d further includes an adapter interface 15 for releasably connecting to an interface 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d of the presetting device 7.

[0052] The interface 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d contains a positive contact 10a, a negative contact 10b, and a communication contact 10c. The adapter interface 15 also contains a positive contact 15a, a negative contact 15b, and a communication contact 15c. The positive contact 15a and negative contact 15b of the adapter interface 15 can be connected, respectively, to the positive contact 10a and negative contact 10b of an interface 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d of the presetting device 7 and serve to create an electrical circuit so that electrical energy can flow from the presetting device 7 to the adapter device 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d. The communication contacts 10c, 15c of the adapter device 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and the presetting device 7 can be connected to each other to create a communication connection so that data and information can be exchanged in the form of electrical signals.

[0053] The adapter device 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d in turn contains an interface device 16 for releasably connecting to an energy storage unit 4a, 4b, 4c.

[0054] Each interface device 16 includes a positive contact 16a, a negative contact 16b, and a communication contact 16c. An electrical circuit can be closed with the positive contact 16a and the negative contact 16b when an energy storage unit 4a, 4b, 4c is connected to the interface device 16.

[0055] In addition, the adapter device 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d contains a fine adjustment device

[0056] 17 for selectively setting a power value so that a certain amount of electrical energy can finally be provided to an interface device 16 for charging an energy storage unit.

[0057] The fine adjustment device 17 contains a regulated and uninsulated DC-DC converter 18. The regulated and uninsulated DC-DC converter

[0058] 18 a voltage value which is lower than the intermediate circuit voltage value is generated.

[0059] The adapter device 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d further contains a transceiver 25, which serves to transmit and receive information and data in the form of electrical signals.

[0060] The control device 11 of the charging device 2 essentially serves to control and regulate the various functions of the charging device 2. These functions include, among other things, the control of the intermediate circuit voltage value, the current value and thus ultimately the power values ​​at the respective interface devices 16.

[0061] As described in more detail below, the control device 11 regulates the distribution or splitting of the power from the intermediate circuit to a plurality of DC-DC converters 18 when more than one adapter device 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d is connected to the charging device 2 and a plurality of energy storage units 4a, 4b, 4c are to be supplied with electrical energy simultaneously by the charging device 2 in one charging process.

[0062] For example, it is possible that at any given time an equal proportion (i.e., a quarter) of the intermediate circuit power is provided to each interface device 16.

[0063] The energy storage unit 4a, 4b, 4c, designed as a rechargeable battery, can be releasably connected to the machine tool (not shown in the figures), for example, to supply the machine tool with electrical energy. The rechargeable battery 4a, 4b, 4c essentially contains a battery housing 19, a number of energy storage cells 20, an energy storage interface 21, a transceiver 22, a storage unit 23, and a control device 24.

[0064] The transceiver 22 of an energy storage unit 4a, 4b, 4c, the transceiver 26 of the charging device 2 and the transceiver 25 of an adapter device 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d can each be connected to one another in such a way that information and data are exchanged in the form of electrical signals.

[0065] The energy storage cells 20 can also be referred to as battery cells and are arranged inside the battery housing 19.

[0066] The battery housing 19 essentially contains a cover element 19a, four side walls 19b and a base element 19c.

[0067] The energy storage interface 21 is arranged on the outside of the cover element 19a and serves for the electrical or electronic as well as mechanical connection of the accumulator 4a, 4b, 4c to the machine tool or the charging device 2. The energy storage interface 21 contains a positive contact 21a, a negative contact 21b, and a communication contact 21c. An electrical circuit can be closed with the positive contact 21a and negative contact 21b when the energy storage unit 4a, 4b, 4c configured as an accumulator is connected to the interface device 16 of an adapter device 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d.

[0068] The transceiver 22 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 4a, 4b, 4c.

[0069] The communication contact 21c is connected to the transceiver 22 and serves to transmit and receive data and information in the form of electrical signals. The transceiver 22, in turn, is connected to the control device 24.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, the transceiver 22 can also be designed as a wireless radio communication device (e.g. based on Bluetooth technology).

[0071] The energy storage cells 20 serve to absorb, store, and re-release electrical energy. The energy storage cells 20 are cylindrical in shape and are designed based on lithium-ion technology. Each energy storage cell 20 contains a contact device at one end, which serves to transmit electrical energy. The individual contact devices are connected to the control device 24 of the accumulator 4a, 4b, 4c via corresponding lines.

[0072] Alternatively, the energy storage cells 20 may also be based on another suitable technology.

[0073] The cylindrical shape of the energy storage cells 20 is also optional, so any other suitable shape or geometry can be selected. In particular, it is also possible for the energy storage cells 20 to be designed as pouch cells.

[0074] It is also possible for the accumulator 4a, 4b, 4c to contain both cylindrical energy storage cells 20 and pouch cells. In particular, it is possible for the accumulator 4a, 4b, 4c to contain only a single cylindrical energy storage cell 20 and a single pouch cell.

[0075] The control device 24 regulates and controls various functions of the accumulator 4a, 4b, 4c. These functions include, among others, controlling the absorption and release of electrical energy into and from the energy storage cells 20. Furthermore, the control device 24 controls the amount of electrical energy to be absorbed or released by the energy storage cells 20.

[0076] The storage unit 23 is connected to the control device 24 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 4a, 4b, 4c.

[0077] Figure 3 shows a circuit diagram of a charging device 2 according to a second embodiment, in which the power factor correction filter 14 is not a standalone component, but is formed into a single component together with the isolated DC-DC converter 18. As a result, the power factor correction filter 14 is a component of the presetting device.

[0078] To implement the method according to the invention, an isolated intermediate circuit is first created by the isolated DC-DC converter 18 and the capacitor. In the present embodiment, the intermediate circuit voltage is 60 volts.

[0079] The first adapter device 3a is connected to the first interface 7a of the presetting device 7 such that the positive contact 15a and negative contact 15b of the first adapter interface 15 are connected to the corresponding positive contact 10a and negative contact 10b of the first interface. Connecting the positive and negative contacts closes an electrical circuit, allowing electrical energy to flow from the presetting device 7 or the intermediate circuit of the presetting device 7 to the first adapter device 3a.

[0080] Likewise, a second adapter device 3b is connected to the second interface 7b of the presetting device 7, so that the positive contact 15a and negative contact 15b of the second adapter interface 15 are connected to the corresponding positive contact 10a and negative contact 10b of the second interface 7b. Connecting the positive and negative contacts closes an electrical circuit, allowing electrical energy to flow from the presetting device 7 or the intermediate circuit of the presetting device 7 to the second adapter device 3b.

[0081] Subsequently, a first energy storage unit 4a, configured as a rechargeable battery, is connected to the first adapter device 3a. Through this connection, the positive contact, negative contact, and communication contact of the first energy storage unit 4a are in contact with the corresponding positive contact 15a, negative contact 15b, and communication contact 15c of the first adapter interface 15 in such a way that, on the one hand, an electrical circuit for transmitting electrical energy from the first adapter device 3a to the first energy storage unit 4a is closed. On the other hand, the first energy storage unit sends signals containing data and information about the charging parameters to the first adapter device 3a using the corresponding communication contacts 15c, 21c. The signals containing the charging parameters of the first energy storage unit 4a are transmitted to the control device 11 of the charging device 2.The control device 11 is connected to the first adapter device 3a, so that a specific power value is set by the fine-tuning device 17 or the DC-DC converter 18 of the first adapter device 3a for the charging process of the first energy storage unit 4a. The first power value set for the charging process of the first energy storage unit 4a corresponds to the signals sent from the first energy storage unit 4a to the charging device 2. The first power value corresponds to a portion of the total power.

[0082] Furthermore, a second energy storage unit 4b is connected to the second adapter device 3b. Through this connection, the positive contact 21a, negative contact 21b, and communication contact 21c of the second energy storage unit 4b are in contact with the corresponding positive contact 15a, negative contact 15b, and communication contact 15c of the second adapter interface 15, such that, on the one hand, an electrical circuit for transmitting electrical energy from the second adapter device 3b to the second energy storage unit 4b is closed. On the other hand, the second energy storage unit 4b sends signals containing data and information about the charging parameters to the second adapter device 3b using the corresponding communication contacts 15c, 21c. The signals containing the charging parameters from the second energy storage unit 4b are transmitted to the control device 11 of the charging device 2.The control device 11 is connected to the second adapter device 3b, so that a specific power value is set for the charging process of the second energy storage unit by the fine-tuning device 17 or the DC-DC converter 18 of the second adapter device 3b. The second power value set for the charging process of the second energy storage unit 4b corresponds to the signals sent from the second energy storage unit 4b to the charging device 2. The second power value corresponds to a portion of the total power.

[0083] Reference symbol

[0084] 1 system

[0085] 2 charging device

[0086] 3a first adapter device

[0087] 3b second adapter device

[0088] 3c third adapter device

[0089] 3d fourth adapter device

[0090] 4a first energy storage unit

[0091] 4b second energy storage unit

[0092] 4c third energy storage unit

[0093] 5 charger housing

[0094] 5a Top of the charging case

[0095] 5b Bottom of the charging case

[0096] 5c Side panel of the charging case

[0097] 6 Mains power connection

[0098] 7 Presetting device

[0099] 7a first interface of the presetting device

[0100] 7b second interface of the presetting device

[0101] 7c third interface of the presetting device

[0102] 7d fourth interface of the presetting device

[0103] 8 isolated DC-DC converters

[0104] 9 Capacitor

[0105] 10a Positive contact of an interface of the presetting device

[0106] 10b Negative contact of an interface of the presetting device

[0107] 10c Communication contact of an interface of the presetting device

[0108] 11 Control device

[0109] 12 filter element

[0110] 13 rectifiers

[0111] 14 power factor correction filters

[0112] 15 Adapter interface 15a Positive contact of the adapter interface

[0113] 15b Negative contact of the adapter interface

[0114] 15c Communication contact of the adapter interface

[0115] 16 Interface setup

[0116] 16a Positive contact of the interface device

[0117] 16b Negative contact of the interface device

[0118] 16c Communication contact of the interface device

[0119] 17 Fine adjustment device

[0120] 18 uninsulated DC-DC converters

[0121] 19 Battery housing

[0122] 19a Cover element of the battery housing

[0123] 19b Side panel of the battery housing

[0124] 19c Bottom element of the battery housing

[0125] 20 energy storage cells

[0126] 21 Energy storage interface

[0127] 21a Positive contact of the energy storage interface

[0128] 21 b Negative contact of the energy storage interface

[0129] 21 c Communication contact of the energy storage interface

[0130] 22 transceivers of the energy storage unit

[0131] 23 Storage unit

[0132] 24 Control device

[0133] 25 T ransceiver of the adapter device

[0134] 26 Charging device transceiver

Claims

Patent claims 1. Charging device (2), in particular for supplying at least one first and second energy storage unit (4a, 4b, 4c) with electrical energy, comprising a mains power connection (6) for connection to a mains power source and a control device (11), characterized by - a rectifier (13); - a power factor correction filter (14); - a presetting device (7) with an isolated DC-DC converter (8) and capacitor (9) for generating an isolated intermediate circuit voltage, wherein the presetting device (7) contains at least a first and second interface (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d), and - at least one first and second adapter device (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), wherein each adapter device (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) contains an adapter interface (15) for connecting to the at least one first or second interface (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) of the presetting device (7), and wherein each adapter device contains a fine-regulation device (17) with an interface device (16) for connecting to an energy storage unit (4a, 4b, 4c), and wherein each fine-regulation device (17) contains a regulated and uninsulated DC-DC converter (18) so that a power value can be provided at the first and / or second interface device (16), and wherein the power value at the first and / or second interface device (16) corresponds to at least a portion of a total power.

2. Charging device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that each adapter device (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) contains at least one transceiver (25) so that at least one signal can be sent from the adapter device (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) to the control device (11) for setting a voltage value at an interface device (16).

3. Charging device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the presetting device (7) contains at least one power factor correction filter (14).

4. Charging device (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the power factor correction filter (14) and the isolated DC-DC converter (8) are integrated in a single component.

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

6. Charging device (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one filter element (12) is included.

7. Charging device (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the energy storage unit (4a, 4b, 4c) is designed in the form of an accumulator, in particular for supplying a machine tool with electrical energy.

8. A method for controlling and regulating a system (1) comprising a charging device (2) and at least one first and second adapter device (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) for connecting to an energy storage unit (4a, 4b, 4c), wherein the charging device (2) contains a mains power connection (6) for connecting to a mains power source and a control device (11), and wherein the at least first and second energy storage unit (4a, 4b, 4c) each contain a transceiver (22) for transmitting and receiving signals, characterized by the method steps: - generating an isolated intermediate circuit voltage by a pre-regulation device (7) comprising an isolated DC-DC converter (8) and a capacitor (9); - connecting the at least first and / or second adapter device (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) to the pre-regulation device (7), each adapter device (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) containing a fine-regulation device (17) with a regulated and uninsulated DC-DC converter (18), - transmitting at least one signal from the at least first and / or second adapter device (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) to the control device (11); and - Providing a first power value at the interface device (16) of a first adapter device (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) according to the Fine adjustment device (17) received signal and providing a second power value at the interface device (16) of a second adapter device (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) corresponding to the signal received from the fine adjustment device (17), wherein each power value corresponds to at least a portion of a total power.

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