Method for the controlled discharge of a rechargeable battery to a specific charge value

Abstract

A method for the open-loop and closed-loop control of a rechargeable battery, in particular as an energy supply for a machine tool, containing a rechargeable battery housing, a rechargeable battery interface, an open-loop control unit and a number of energy storage elements, the open-loop control unit containing at least one measuring apparatus for measuring at least one charge value. A rechargeable battery, in particular as an energy supply for a machine tool, for carrying out the method. A system containing a rechargeable battery and at least one input device for carrying out the method.

Description

[0001] Method for controlled discharge of a battery to a specific charge level

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for controlling and regulating a battery, in particular as a power supply for a machine tool, comprising a battery housing, a battery interface, a control unit and a number of energy storage elements, wherein the control unit includes at least one detection device for detecting at least one charge value.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an accumulator, in particular as a power supply for a machine tool, for carrying out the method according to the invention, comprising an accumulator housing, an accumulator interface, a storage unit, a control unit and a number of energy storage elements, wherein the control unit includes at least one detection device for detecting at least one charge value. In addition, the present invention relates to a system comprising an accumulator with at least one energy storage element and at least one input device for carrying out the method according to the invention.

[0004] Rechargeable batteries as a refillable energy source for machine tools are widely known. To indicate the amount of electrical energy or charge stored in the battery, some commercially available batteries feature a corresponding indicator. These indicators are often implemented as bar graph displays (also called bar or band displays) on the battery casing. A problem with such indicators is the accurate representation of the actual energy or charge stored in the battery (also called state of charge, or SoC).

[0005] For example, if a repair, service measure and / or test procedure requires that a very specific amount of energy or charge be stored in the existing battery, this can only be achieved very inaccurately or not at all using the battery indicator devices available on the market.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to solve the problem described above. This object is achieved by the subject matter of independent claims 1, 4 and 14.

[0007] Further advantageous embodiments of the subject matter according to the invention are contained in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0008] The problem is solved in particular by a method for controlling and regulating an accumulator, especially as an energy supply for a machine tool, comprising an accumulator housing, an accumulator interface, a control unit and a number of energy storage elements, wherein the control unit includes at least one detection device for detecting at least one charge value.

[0009] According to the invention, the process steps are provided

[0010] - Emitting at least one signal from an input device to at least one detection device for detecting at least one first charge value;

[0011] - Setting at least one energy absorption element into an activation mode such that electrical energy is drawn from the energy storage elements by the at least one energy absorption element when the at least one detected charge value exceeds at least one threshold value stored in the storage unit;

[0012] - Detecting at least one second charge value by the detection device; and - Setting the at least one energy absorption element into a deactivation mode so that no electrical energy is drawn from the energy storage elements by the at least one energy absorption element when the at least second charge value falls below the at least threshold value.

[0013] The extraction of electrical energy from the energy storage elements can be described as a discharge process or discharging of the energy storage elements.

[0014] The charge value can also be referred to as State of Charge (SoC) or Ampere-hour value (Ah).

[0015] The charge value can be defined by the total voltage of the battery or by the sum of the voltage values ​​of the individual energy storage elements. Furthermore, the charge value can also be defined by determining the capacity, for example, by Coulomb counting.

[0016] The threshold can be, for example, 30% of the OCV (Open Circuit Voltage). However, it is also possible for the threshold to be higher or lower than 30% of the OCV. In this case, it is particularly advantageous if the threshold is a maximum of 29% of the OCV. Specifically, it is possible for the threshold to be in the range of 10% to 40% of the OCV. The threshold can also be, for example, 30% of the SoC (State of Charge). Generally, the threshold can be freely selectable.

[0017] The energy storage elements can also be referred to as energy cells, energy storage cells, battery cells or cells.

[0018] Setting up an energy storage element means activating an energy storage element to absorb electrical energy or connecting an energy storage element to the accumulator. Simply connecting the energy storage element to the accumulator allows the process of sensing the accumulator's charge level and, if necessary, discharging the accumulator to a specific threshold to begin, even without activating the input device.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the process step may include: - Setting the accumulator into a lockout mode so that no electrical energy can be absorbed by the energy storage elements when the at least second charge value falls below the at least threshold value.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is possible for electrical energy to be drawn from the energy storage elements by the at least one energy absorption element at a predetermined discharge rate. This makes it possible that

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the discharge rate at which the at least one energy absorption element draws electrical energy from the energy storage elements may depend on the extent to which the first detected charge value exceeds the threshold. In other words, the higher the first detected charge value, or the more the first detected charge value exceeds the threshold, the greater the amount of energy extracted from the energy storage elements by the energy absorption element. Alternatively, the discharge process of the energy storage elements by the energy absorption element is faster the more the first detected charge value exceeds the threshold.

[0022] Furthermore, the problem is solved by an accumulator, in particular as an energy supply for a machine tool, for carrying out the method according to the invention, comprising an accumulator housing, an accumulator interface, a storage unit, a control unit and a number of energy storage elements, wherein the control unit includes at least one detection device for detecting at least one charge value.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, it may be possible that the at least one energy absorption element is implemented in the form of at least one component of the control unit of the accumulator.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one energy-accumulating element may be implemented in the form of a signal output device. The signal output device may be a light unit.

[0025] The energy absorption element can be designed as a consumer of electrical energy or as an energy storage device.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one energy absorption element may be implemented in the form of at least one electrical resistance element. In a particular embodiment, the resistance element may also be a MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor) as the electrical load element.

[0027] Furthermore, the energy storage element can be designed as a storage device for electrical energy. According to an advantageous embodiment, the energy storage element is designed in the form of an energy storage cell or battery cell using lithium-ion technology. Generally, the energy storage element can be referred to as a secondary cell.

[0028] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one energy absorption element may be implemented in the form of at least one component of an external device that can be reconnected to the accumulator. The external device may be a machine tool, a charging device with a discharging device, a lamp, or the like. The discharging device may be designed as a pure discharging device.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the input device may be implemented at least partially in the form of a touchscreen integrated into the battery housing. The user interface may also be referred to as a user interface or MMI (Man-Machine Interface). According to a further advantageous embodiment, the input device may be implemented at least partially in the form of a wired or wireless signal transmission device. The signal transmission device may be based on RFID, Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), or WLAN. Furthermore, the signal transmission device may also be based on optical signal transmission, e.g., infrared, light in general, or the like.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the input device may be implemented at least partially in the form of a charging device connectable to the accumulator. Such a charging device can also be referred to as a discharging device and includes a discharge function with which electrical energy can be drawn from the energy storage elements. The input device includes at least one input element for sending an electrical signal.

[0031] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the input device may be implemented at least partially in the form of a machine tool connectable to the accumulator. The input device includes at least one input element for sending an electrical signal.

[0032] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the input device may be implemented at least partially in the form of a mobile device connectable to the accumulator. The mobile device could, for example, be a smartphone. For the transmission of electrical signals, both the input device and the accumulator each contain at least one transceiver.

[0033] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a system comprising an accumulator with at least one energy storage element and at least one input device for carrying out the method according to the invention.

[0034] According to the invention, at least one external energy absorption element can be connected to the accumulator to reduce the charge level of the energy storage elements. Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the figures. The figures illustrate various embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] The figures, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider these features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0036] They show:

[0037] Figure 1 shows a side sectional view through a machine tool in the form of a cordless screwdriver with a battery for power supply;

[0038] Figure 2 shows a sectional view through the accumulator;

[0039] Figure 3 shows a side sectional view through the accumulator in conjunction with a first external device;

[0040] Figure 4 shows a side sectional view through the accumulator in conjunction with a second external device; and

[0041] Figure 5 shows a side sectional view through the accumulator in conjunction with a

[0042] Charging device. Examples of implementation:

[0043] Figure 1 shows a machine tool 2 and an accumulator 8.

[0044] The machine tool 2 shown in Figure 1 is designed in the form of a cordless screwdriver according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0045] According to an alternative embodiment, the machine tool 2 can also be designed in the form of a saw, a grinding machine, a hammer drill, or the like. Alternatively, the machine tool can also be implemented in the form of a lamp.

[0046] The power tool 2, designed as a cordless screwdriver, essentially comprises a housing 4, a handle 5 and a tool holder 5.

[0047] The housing 4 has a front end 4a, a rear end 4b, a top end 4c and a bottom end 4d.

[0048] The tool holder 5 is positioned at the front end 4a of the housing 4.

[0049] The tool holder 5 serves to receive and hold a tool 5a. In the exemplary embodiment, the tool 5a is designed as a screwdriver bit.

[0050] At the lower end 4d of the housing 4, a first end 5a of the handle 5 is positioned. At the second end 5b of the handle 5, an interface 6 is provided.

[0051] As also shown in Figure 1, the handle 5 has an activation switch 7 on its front side, which can be used to set the machine tool 2 to an activated or deactivated state. Pressing the activation switch 7 in the direction of arrow A activates the machine tool 2.

[0052] A power supply 8, for example a battery, can be reattached to interface 6 in a releasable manner.

[0053] The interface 6 of the machine tool 2 contains a positive contact, a negative contact, and a communication contact. In a connected state, corresponding positive, negative, and communication lines of the power supply 8 are detachably attached to the respective positive, negative, and communication contacts.

[0054] An input device 9 is positioned on the front of the interface 6 of the machine tool 2. The input device 9 can be referred to as a user interface and includes a button 9a and a signal output device 9b.

[0055] The 9a key can also be referred to as a push button or switch.

[0056] As described in detail later, the signal output device 9b serves to perform various functions. Firstly, after pressing button 9a, the signal output device 9b indicates that the accumulator 8 is in a state where its charge level is being recorded. Secondly, it indicates that the accumulator 8 is in a discharge state until a threshold value is reached. Furthermore, the signal output device 9b displays the state of the accumulator 8 when its charge level reaches or falls below the threshold value. The display of the different states is indicated by corresponding signal output sequences or frequencies (or signal sequences).

[0057] A 90 Hz signal output indicates the status of the current charge level of accumulator 8 being detected. A 50 Hz signal output indicates the discharge status of accumulator 8. A continuous illumination of the signal output device 9b indicates that the charge threshold of accumulator 8 has been reached or fallen below.

[0058] Alternatively, the signal output device 9b is designed in the form of a display. The charge state or charge value of the accumulator 8 is displayed on this signal output device 9b, which is designed as a display, in percent or as a percentage value (%).

[0059] In the present embodiment, the signal output device 9b is designed in the form of an LED light.

[0060] According to an alternative embodiment, the input device 9 can also contain more than one button and more than one LED light.

[0061] Alternatively, an input device 9 can be provided on the machine tool 2 which does not contain a separate button 9a on the input device 9, but in which the function of the separate button 9a is fulfilled by the activation switch 7.

[0062] In the present embodiment, the power supply 8 is designed in the form of a single accumulator. Alternatively, more than one accumulator can also be provided as the power supply 8 for the machine tool 2.

[0063] The power supply 8 serves to supply the machine tool 2 and in particular the electrical consumers of the machine tool 2 with electrical energy.

[0064] Inside the housing 4, essentially a drive 10 in the form of an electric motor, a gear unit 11, a drive shaft 12, and a control unit 13 are positioned. The drive 10, the control unit 13, and individual components of the control unit 13 can each be described as energy-consuming elements in the form of consumers. The signal output unit 9b also serves as a consumer of electrical energy.

[0065] The drive 10, designed as an electric motor, the gear unit 11, the drive shaft 12 and the tool holder 5 are arranged inside the housing 4 in such a way that a torque generated in the electric motor 10 can be transmitted to the gear unit 11, the drive shaft 12 and finally to the tool holder 5 or to the tool 5a contained in the tool holder 5.

[0066] The drive 10, designed as an electric motor, is in the form of a brushless DC motor.

[0067] The control unit 13 is used to control and regulate the various functions of the machine tool 2. These functions include, for example, the speed of the drive 10 or the regulation and control of the intake of electrical energy from the power supply 8.

[0068] The input device 9 on the front of the interface 6 of the machine tool 2 is connected to the control unit 13 via a line, so that electrical signals can be sent and received.

[0069] The energy supply 8, designed as an accumulator, can be reconnected to the machine tool 2 in a reversible manner in order to supply the machine tool 2 with electrical energy.

[0070] The accumulator 8 essentially comprises a battery housing 14, a number of energy storage elements 15, a battery interface 16, a storage unit 17, a detection device 18 for detecting charge values, an input device 19 and a control unit 20.

[0071] The energy storage elements 15 can also be referred to as battery cells, cells or energy storage cells and are arranged inside the battery housing 14.

[0072] The battery housing 14 essentially comprises a lid element 14a, a front wall side 14b, a rear wall side 14c, a first and second side shell 14d, 14e and a bottom element 14f.

[0073] The battery interface 16 is located on the outside of the cover element 14a and serves for the electrical, electronic, and mechanical connection of the battery 8 to, for example, the machine tool 2 or a charging device 21. For electrical and electronic connection, the battery interface 16 has a positive contact 16a, a negative contact 16b, and a communication contact 16c, see Figure 2.

[0074] The battery interface 16 can be connected to the interface 6 of the machine tool 2 such that the positive and negative contacts 16a and 16b of the battery 8 and the machine tool 2 can be connected to each other. Furthermore, the communication contacts 16c of the battery 8 and the machine tool 2 can be connected to each other.

[0075] The positive and negative contacts are used to create an electrical circuit when the accumulator 8 is connected to a machine tool 2 or a charging device 21. The communication contact 16c is used to send and receive data and information in the form of electrical signals.

[0076] Alternatively or in addition to the communication contact 14c, the accumulator 5 can also contain radio communication (e.g. Bluetooth) or wireless communication.

[0077] The energy storage elements 16 serve to absorb, store and release electrical energy.

[0078] The energy storage elements 16 are designed in a cylindrical shape and based on lithium-ion technology.

[0079] Each energy storage element 16 contains a contact device at one end, which serves to transmit electrical energy. The individual contact devices are connected to the control unit 17 of the accumulator 8 via corresponding lines.

[0080] Alternatively, the energy storage elements 16 can also be based on another suitable technology.

[0081] The cylindrical shape of the energy storage elements 16 is also optional, so that any other suitable shape or geometry can be chosen. In particular, it is also possible for the energy storage elements 16 to be designed as pouch cells.

[0082] It is also possible that the accumulator 8 contains both cylindrical energy storage elements 16 and pouch cells. In particular, it is possible that the accumulator 8 contains only a single cylindrical energy storage element 16 and a single pouch cell.

[0083] The control unit 16 of the accumulator 8 regulates and controls various functions of the accumulator 8. These functions include, among others, controlling the absorption and release of electrical energy into and from the energy storage elements 16. In addition, the control unit 17 controls the amount of electrical energy to be absorbed or released by the energy storage elements 16.

[0084] The figures show an embodiment of the accumulator 8 with an input device 19 on a rear wall 14c. The input device 19 can also be positioned at another location on the accumulator housing 14.

[0085] The input device 19 shown in the figures, which is positioned on the battery housing 14, contains a button 19a and a signal output device 19b.

[0086] The 9a key can also be referred to as a push button or switch.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the signal output device 19b is designed in the form of an LED light. According to an alternative embodiment, the input device 19 can also include more than one button and more than one LED light.

[0088] The input device 19 is connected to the control unit 17 of the accumulator 8 via a line, so that electrical signals can be sent and received.

[0089] The input device 19 of the accumulator 8 is essentially identical in structure and function to the input device 9 of the machine tool 2.

[0090] As described in detail below, and similar to the input device 9 of the machine tool 2, the signal output device 19 of the accumulator 8 serves to perform various functions. Firstly, after pressing button 19a, the signal output device 19b indicates that the accumulator 8 is in a state where its charge level is being recorded. Secondly, it indicates that the accumulator 8 is in a discharge state until a threshold value is reached. Furthermore, the signal output device 19b displays a state of the accumulator 8 when its charge level reaches or falls below the threshold value. The respective display of the different states is indicated by corresponding signal output sequences or frequencies (or signal sequences).

[0091] A 90 Hz signal output indicates the status of the current charge level of accumulator 8 being detected. A 50 Hz signal output indicates the discharge status of accumulator 8. A continuous illumination of the signal output device 19b indicates that the charge threshold of accumulator 8 has been reached or fallen below.

[0092] Alternatively, the signal output device 9b is designed in the form of a display. The charge state or charge value of the accumulator 8 is shown on this signal output device 19b, designed as a display, in percent or as a percentage value (%). In the present embodiment, the signal output device 19b is designed in the form of an LED light.

[0093] According to an alternative embodiment, the input device 19 can also contain more than one button and more than one LED light.

[0094] The detection device 18 serves to detect charge values ​​of an energy storage element 16, a plurality of energy storage elements 16 or all energy storage elements 16 of the accumulator 8. The charge value can also be referred to as electrical charge, capacity, ampere-hour value (or just ampere-hour (Ah)), state of charge, state of charge (SoC).

[0095] The detection device 18 can also be referred to as a sensor or sensor device. The detection device 18 can contain more than one sensor.

[0096] Values ​​and data acquired by the acquisition device 18 are stored in the storage unit 17 of the accumulator 8.

[0097] In addition, the storage unit contains 17 different look-up tables and thresholds, each with a reference to the data and values ​​that can be captured by the acquisition device.

[0098] According to an advantageous embodiment, the accumulator 8 contains an energy storage element 24 in the form of an additional electrical energy consumer. In this context, this additional consumer 24 is to be understood as a component or device through which electrical energy is solely consumed or converted. Alternatively, more than one additional electrical energy consumer 24 can be provided in the accumulator 8. In one embodiment, the at least one additional consumer 8 is implemented in the form of one or more MOSFETs. Alternatively, the additional consumer 8 can also be implemented as one or more electrical resistors.

[0099] According to a further advantageous embodiment, Figure 4 shows a system 1 consisting of an accumulator 8 and an external device 25. The external device 25 is releasably connected to the accumulator 8 via the battery interface 16.

[0100] The external device 25 comprises a housing 26 with an interface 27 on one side. Through this interface 27, the external device 25 can be connected to the accumulator 8 via the battery interface 16. An electrical resistor 24a is positioned inside the housing 26 and is connected to the interface 27 via a wire. Electrical energy can be transferred from the accumulator 8 to the external device 25 via this wire.

[0101] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the external device 25 includes, in addition to the load 24 configured as an electrical resistor 24a, an energy storage element 24b. The resistor 24a and the energy storage element 24b are components of the external device 25. The energy storage element 24b is configured as a battery cell and serves to absorb and store electrical energy. The external device 24 also includes a control unit 29 for controlling and regulating functions of the device 25. These functions include, among others, detecting the state of charge (SoC) of a connected battery 8 and assessing whether and in what quantity electrical energy should be drawn from the battery 8. To detect the state of charge of the battery 8, the external device 25 includes a corresponding detection device 28 for detecting charge values.

[0102] Furthermore, the control unit 29 decides whether the energy drawn from the accumulator 8 is to be consumed by the load 24 or stored in the energy storage element 24b. As indicated in Figure 4, the external device 25 includes an input device 30 on one side of its housing, which in turn contains a button 30a and a signal output device 30a. The input device 30 is connected to the control unit 29 via corresponding lines.

[0103] The design and function of the input device 30 of the external device 25 is essentially similar to the design and function of the input device 9 of the machine tool or the input device 19 of the accumulator 8.

[0104] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the accumulator 8 includes a transceiver 33 for sending and receiving information and data in the form of electrical signals. The transceiver 33 serves to communicate with an external device 25 and, in the present embodiment, is designed in the form of a Bluetooth module, see Figure 2. The external device 25 can be a smartphone, a charging device 21, a machine tool 2, another accumulator 8, or the like. For example, Figure 3 shows an external device 25 in the form of a smartphone, and Figure 5 shows one in the form of a charging device 21. The external device 25 in the form of a smartphone can also be referred to as a mobile device.

[0105] As shown in Figure 3, the transceiver 33 of the accumulator 8 is designed for wireless transmission and reception of electrical signals. In the present embodiment, the transceiver 33 is designed as a Bluetooth module. Alternatively, the transceiver 33 can also be designed as a standalone GSM / LTE / (2 / 2.5 / 3G / 4G / 5G (LTE)) module.

[0106] As indicated in Figure 3, the accumulator 8 is in wireless communication with a smartphone 25. In addition to the usual functions and features of a smartphone 25, the smartphone 25 shown in this embodiment also has an input device 34 with which electrical signals can be selectively sent to the accumulator 8. As described in detail later, these electrical signals emitted by the external device 25 can be used to control and regulate individual functions of the accumulator 8. Furthermore, various data and values ​​transmitted to the smartphone 25 by the accumulator 8 via the transceiver 33 can be displayed and / or modified on the smartphone 25. Storing this data and these values ​​on a memory 35 of the smartphone 25 is also possible.

[0107] Figure 5 shows a battery 8 which is detachably connected to a charging device 21. The charging device 21 includes a housing 36, a mains plug 37, an interface device 38, a control unit 39, a storage unit 40, an energy absorption element 41, a detection device 42 for detecting charge values ​​of a connected battery 8, and an input device 43.

[0108] The control unit 39 serves to control and regulate the various functions of the charging device 21. These functions include, among others, the supply and withdrawal of electrical energy to and from a battery 8 connected to the charging device 21. The control unit 39 is connected via appropriate cables to the interface device 38, the input device 43, and the mains plug 37. The input device 43 is positioned on a side wall of the housing 36 of the charging device 21 and contains a button 43a and a signal output device 43b. The input device 43 is connected to the control unit 39 of the charging device 21 via appropriate cables.

[0109] In the present embodiment, the signal output device 45 is designed in the form of an LED light. According to an alternative embodiment, the input device 45 can also include more than one button and more than one LED light.

[0110] The design and function of the input device 43 of the charging device 21 are essentially similar to the design and function of the input device 9 of the machine tool or the input device 19 of the accumulator 8. The energy absorption element 24 is designed as a consumer of electrical energy and, in particular, as an electrical resistance element. Alternatively, the energy absorption element 24 can also be designed as a storage device for electrical energy. In this embodiment, the storage device is designed as a battery cell.

[0111] The method according to the invention can only be carried out with the accumulator 8 alone, or when the accumulator 8 is connected either to the machine tool 2, an external device 25 (e.g. smartphone) or the charging device 21.

[0112] According to a first embodiment, the accumulator 8 has its own input device 19 on the accumulator housing 14.

[0113] To carry out the method according to the invention, the button 19a of the input device 19 is pressed in the direction of arrow B, thereby sending an electrical signal from the input device 19 to the detection device 18. The detection device 18 then detects the current charge value (= state of charge) of the energy storage cells 16 of the accumulator 8. According to this embodiment, the signal output device 19b of the accumulator 8 is designed as an LED light.

[0114] The current charge level is indicated by the LED light flashing at a frequency of 90 Hz.

[0115] With the aid of the control unit 20, the measured current charge value of the energy storage cells 16 of the accumulator 8 is compared with a threshold value. According to this embodiment, the threshold value is 30% of the OCV (= Open Circuit Voltage) and is stored in the storage unit 17 of the accumulator 8.

[0116] If the detected charge value exceeds this threshold (i.e., detected charge value > 30% OCV), the energy storage element 24 is set to an activation mode by means of the control unit 20. In this embodiment, the energy storage element 24 is designed as an electrical resistance element, which is connected to the energy storage elements 16 via appropriate conductors. Electrical energy is drawn from the energy storage elements 16 by means of the electrical resistance, or the electrical resistance element converts the electrical energy of the energy storage elements 16 into thermal energy (heat or heat energy). In other words, the energy storage elements 16 or the accumulator 8 discharge through the load designed as a resistor.

[0117] The discharge of the energy storage elements 16 is indicated by the flashing of the LED at a frequency of 50 Hz. Alternatively, the threshold can also be more or less than 30% of the OCV.

[0118] The charge value of the energy storage cells 16 is then measured again and compared with the threshold value. According to this embodiment, the renewed measurement of the current charge value is indicated by the LED flashing at a frequency of 90 Hz.

[0119] The current charge level of the energy storage elements 16 is measured at regular intervals. In this embodiment, the interval between two measurements is 10 seconds. However, the intervals can also be greater or less than 10 seconds.

[0120] If the further detected charge value is equal to or lower than the threshold, the energy absorption element 16 is set to a deactivation mode so that no further electrical energy is taken from the energy storage cells 16 by the energy absorption element 16.

[0121] The reaching of the charge threshold for the energy storage elements 16 is indicated by a continuous illumination of the signal output device 19b, which is designed as an LED light. After a period of 20 seconds, the continuous illumination of the LED light then ends.

[0122]

[0123] 1 system

[0124] 2 machine tools

[0125] 4 Machine tool housing

[0126] 4a front end of the housing

[0127] 4b rear end of the case

[0128] 4c upper end of the case

[0129] 4d lower end of the housing

[0130] 5 Tool holder

[0131] 6. Machine tool interface

[0132] 7 Activation switches of the machine tool

[0133] 8 Accumulator

[0134] 9 Input device of the machine tool

[0135] 9a Input device key

[0136] 9b Signal output device of the input device 10 Drive

[0137] 11 Gearbox device

[0138] 12 Drive shaft

[0139] 13 Control unit of the machine tool

[0140] 14 battery housings

[0141] 14a Cover element of the battery housing

[0142] 14b front wall of the battery housing

[0143] 14c rear wall of the battery housing

[0144] 14d first side panel of the battery housing

[0145] 14e second side panel of the battery housing

[0146] 14f Base element of the battery housing

[0147] 15 Energy storage element of the accumulator 16 Battery interface

[0148] 16a Positive contact of the battery interface

[0149] 16b Negative contact of the battery interface

[0150] 16c Communication contact of the battery interface

[0151] 17 Storage unit of the accumulator

[0152] 18 Accumulator detection device

[0153] 19 Input device of the accumulator

[0154] 19a Key of the accumulator's input device

[0155] 19b Signal output device of the accumulator input device 20 Control unit of the accumulator

[0156] 21 Charging device

[0157] 24 Energy absorption element of the accumulator

[0158] 24a Electrical resistance of the external device

[0159] 24b Energy storage element of the external device

[0160] 25 external devices

[0161] 26 Housing of the external device

[0162] 27 External device interface

[0163] 29 Control unit of the external device

[0164] 30 Input device of the external device

[0165] 30a Key of the input device of the external device

[0166] 30b Signal output device of the input device of the external device 33 Transceiver of the accumulator

[0167] 34 Input device of the external device

[0168] 35 External device storage

[0169] 36 Housing of the charging device

[0170] 37 power plugs

[0171] 38 Interface device 39 Control unit

[0172] 40 storage units

[0173] 41 Energy absorption element

[0174] 42 Recording device

[0175] 43 Input device

[0176] 43a Key of the input device of the charging device

[0177] 43b Signal output device of the input device of the charging device

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for controlling and regulating an accumulator (8), in particular as a power supply for a machine tool (2), comprising an accumulator housing (14), an accumulator interface (16), a storage unit (17), a control unit (20) and a number of energy storage elements (15), wherein the control unit (20) includes at least one detection device (18) for detecting at least one charge value, characterized by the method steps - Emitting at least one signal from an input device (19, 30, 34, 43) to the at least one detection device (18) for detecting at least one first charge value; - Setting at least one energy absorption element (24, 41) into an activation mode such that electrical energy is drawn from the energy storage elements (15) by the at least one energy absorption element (24, 41) when the at least one detected charge value exceeds at least one threshold value stored in the storage unit (17); - Detection of at least one second charge value by the detection device (18); and - Setting the at least one energy absorption element (24, 41) into a deactivation mode, such that no electrical energy is drawn from the energy storage elements (15) by the at least one energy absorption element (24, 41) when the at least second charge value falls below the at least threshold value.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the process step - Setting the accumulator (8) into a lock mode so that no electrical energy can be absorbed by the energy storage elements (15) when at least the second charge value falls below the at least threshold value.

3. Method according to claim 1 , characterized in that electrical energy is drawn from the energy storage elements (15) by the at least one energy absorption element (24, 41) at a predetermined discharge rate.

4. Method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the discharge rate at which the at least one energy absorption element (24, 41) obtains electrical energy from the energy storage elements (15) depends on the value by which the first detected charge value exceeds the threshold.

5. Accumulator (8), in particular as an energy supply for a machine tool (2), for carrying out the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, comprising an accumulator housing (14), an accumulator interface (16), a storage unit (17), a control unit (20) and a number of energy storage elements (15), wherein the control unit (20) includes at least one detection device (18) for detecting at least one charge value.

6. Accumulator (8) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one energy absorption element (24, 41) is implemented in the form of at least one component of the control unit (20) of the accumulator (8).

7. Accumulator (8) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one energy absorption element (24, 41) is implemented in the form of a signal output device (19b) of the accumulator (8).

8. Accumulator (8) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one energy absorption element (24, 41) is realized in the form of at least one electrical resistance element (24a).

9. Accumulator (8) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one energy absorption element (24, 41) is realized in the form of at least one component (24a, 24b) of an external device (25) which can be releasably connected to the accumulator (8).

10. Accumulator (8) according to at least one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the input device (19, 30, 34, 43) is implemented at least partially in the form of a user interface on the battery housing (14).

11. Accumulator (8) according to at least one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the input device (19, 30, 34, 43) is implemented at least partially in the form of a wired or wireless signal transmission device ().

12. Accumulator (8) according to at least one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the input device (19, 30, 34, 43) is implemented at least partially in the form of a charging device (21) that can be connected to the accumulator (8).

13. Accumulator (8) according to at least one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the input device (19, 30, 34, 43) is implemented at least partially in the form of a machine tool (2) that can be connected to the accumulator (8).

14. Accumulator (8) according to at least one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the input device (19, 30, 34, 43) is implemented at least partially in the form of a mobile device (25) that can be connected to the accumulator (8).

15. System (1) comprising an accumulator (8) with at least one energy storage element (15) and at least one input device (19, 30, 34, 43) for carrying out the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one external energy absorption element (24, 41) for reducing the charge level of the energy storage elements (15) can be connected to the accumulator (8).

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