Deep discharge device for deeply discharging batteries, and corresponding method

Abstract

The invention relates to a deep discharge device (10) for deeply discharging batteries (12), comprising: a battery set circuit (13.1) for discharging a set (S1) of batteries (12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5), which circuit has a first battery connection point (14.1) for contacting a first battery (12.1), at least one second battery connection point (14.2) for contacting at least one second battery (12.2), a first diode (16.1), which is connected in anti-parallel with the first battery connection point (14.1), and at least one second diode (16.2), which is connected in anti-parallel with the at least one second battery connection point (14.2); and a load (18), in particular an inverter, which is connected in series with the battery connection points (14).

Description

[0001]

[0002] Duesenfeld GmbH legal file:

[0003] Rothbergstraße 8 6110-0108 PCT-1 38176 Wendeburg

[0004] Germany Date:

[0005] October 20, 2025

[0006] Deep discharge device for deep discharging batteries and corresponding procedure

[0007] The invention relates to a deep discharge device for deep discharging batteries.

[0008] Batteries, or accumulators, consist of at least one galvanic cell. To recycle them, for example, because they have reached the end of their service life or because they are production rejects, it is advantageous to discharge them as completely as possible. Such a device is known from DE 102020 118418 A1, which uses two relays to enable the exchange of batteries to be discharged. In this way, several batteries can be discharged simultaneously, and already discharged batteries can be exchanged for batteries that are not yet discharged, while other batteries continue to be discharged.

[0009] It has been found that such a deep discharge device is also well suited for battery modules, i.e., for batteries containing several interconnected galvanic cells. While this device is also suitable for discharging individual cells, i.e., accumulators containing only one galvanic cell, its construction is comparatively complex.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of improving the discharge, in particular the deep discharge, of accumulators.

[0011] The invention solves the problem by means of a deep discharge device for deep discharging batteries, comprising (a) a battery pack circuit for discharging a set of batteries, which has (a) a first battery terminal for connecting a first battery, (b) at least one second battery terminal for connecting at least one second battery, (c) a first diode connected in antiparallel to the first battery terminal, and (d) at least one second diode connected in antiparallel to the at least one second battery terminal, and (ii) a load, in particular an inverter, connected in series with the battery terminals. This series circuit could also be called a discharge circuit.

[0012] According to a second aspect, the invention solves the problem by means of a method for deep discharging accumulators, comprising the steps (i) connecting at least one accumulator to a battery terminal of a deep discharge device according to the invention and (ii) removing the accumulator from the battery terminal when a predetermined final voltage has been undershot. The predetermined final voltage is, for example, less than a discharge cut-off voltage of the accumulator, in particular at most 1 volt, in particular at most 0.5 volts, in particular at most 0.1 volts.

[0013] An advantage of the invention is that the deep discharge device is relatively simple in design. The use of switches, such as relays or contactors, is unnecessary, as the diode performs their function.

[0014] The advantage of using diodes is that a discharged battery can be removed from the series circuit with the load, while at least one other battery remains in series with the load and continues to discharge. This is particularly advantageous when at least one battery, or especially a majority of the batteries, is a single cell, meaning it contains only one galvanic cell. Cells discharge faster than battery modules, making the ability to easily swap batteries for discharge particularly important. Furthermore, since the deep discharge device has a simple design, numerous battery connections can be provided with relatively little effort.

[0015] Because the at least two diodes are connected in antiparallel, they prevent the battery from being charged with reverse polarity at the corresponding battery terminal. In other words, polarity reversal in the battery is avoided. When the battery is completely discharged, no current flows through it. If the voltage across the battery rises sufficiently again, for example due to relaxation, the diode automatically switches the battery back into the parallel circuit. The diode therefore acts like a short-circuit switch on a discharged battery, short-circuiting the battery connected to the terminal, but without requiring any active, external control. For the purposes of this description, a deep discharge device is understood to be a device that is not only capable of, but also designed to, discharge batteries below their discharge cut-off voltage and / or to such an extent that they are irreversibly damaged.Preferably, the deep discharge device is designed to discharge the batteries to a predetermined final voltage that is less than 1 V, in particular less than 0.5 V, preferably less than 0.2 V. The feature that the deep discharge device is designed in this way means, in particular, that the deep discharge device automatically discharges the batteries as described.

[0016] The discharge cut-off voltage is the voltage down to which a battery can be discharged without risking damage to the battery or affecting its long-term performance. The discharge cut-off voltage is known for each battery and is usually specified for the battery, for example, in a datasheet. It can be determined, for instance, by repeated charging and discharging cycles, measuring the battery's capacity each time.

[0017] The nominal voltage of the battery is positive. In other words, the battery voltage is positive when the battery is fully charged. When a fully charged battery is connected to a terminal, such as the primary battery terminal, a positive voltage is also present at that terminal. If the battery is reversed by deep discharge, a negative voltage will be present at that terminal.

[0018] The deep discharge device is specifically not a battery management system. Preferably, the deep discharge device is not designed to charge the battery.

[0019] Preferably, the deep discharge device is designed in such a way that charging a connected battery is impossible.

[0020] Preferably, the deep discharge device is not part of a vehicle, in particular not part of a road vehicle.

[0021] A battery is understood to be either a cell or a battery. A cell consists of only one galvanic element. A battery consists of two or more galvanic elements. Preferably, the weight of a galvanic element is no more than 3 kg. A battery can be a battery module. A battery module is a battery with two or more cells, wherein a battery module does not have a protective housing. A protective housing is an enclosure designed to protect the object enclosed by the enclosure against external force. However, it is possible for a battery module to have an enclosure designed to hold together the components of the battery module, in particular the cells.

[0022] A battery can also be a battery system. A battery system contains two or more cells and / or two or more modules and a battery management unit.

[0023] A battery connection refers to the primary battery connection, the secondary battery connection and, if present, a third battery connection or any other connection.

[0024] A set is understood to be a group of accumulators. The number of accumulators within a set is preferably at least 2 and is in principle unlimited upwards, but preferably the number is less than 50, in particular less than 10.

[0025] A load is understood in particular to be a component that is designed to convert electrical energy from the batteries into another form of energy, in particular thermal energy or another form of electrical energy.

[0026] The principle of a deep discharge device is based on diodes limiting the negative voltage that can occur across a battery in a series circuit. This negative voltage arises when the battery in question is more discharged than the other batteries in the series. The voltage of the less discharged batteries causes an electric current to flow through the series circuit. The more deeply discharged battery has a higher internal resistance, so the electric current through it creates a voltage drop across the more deeply discharged battery that opposes the voltage that would be present across the battery without any electric current. Due to the electric current and high internal resistance, the battery heats up considerably, which can lead to thermal runaway. During thermal runaway, the battery heats up so intensely that parts of its internal structure are destroyed.This then leads to an uncontrollable chemical reaction with high temperatures and often results in the release of toxic gases.

[0027] By connecting the diode in antiparallel, the diode blocks current, and the electric current flowing through the series circuit flows through the battery connected to the respective battery terminal when the voltage across that battery is greater than the negative of the diode's forward voltage Uf. The forward voltage Uf is the voltage across the diode at which 1 The forward voltage is therefore positive. Since the diode is connected antiparallel to the battery, the diode switches when Ubattery < -Uf.

[0028] If the voltage drop across a battery is less than the negative of the diode's forward voltage (Uf), the diode becomes conductive and current no longer flows through the battery. In this way, no battery connected to a battery terminal can have a voltage lower than the negative of the diode's forward voltage (Uf). This is almost always sufficient to prevent the battery from shorting out.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the breakdown voltage of each diode is greater than the nominal voltage of the batteries connected to the respective battery terminals. Preferably, the breakdown voltage of the diodes is greater than 4 V, and particularly greater than 5 V.

[0030] Each battery connector preferably has a first contact for connecting a positive terminal of the battery and a second contact for connecting a negative terminal of the battery.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the deep discharge device (e) has at least one third battery connection for connecting a third battery and (f) a third diode which is connected in antiparallel to the third battery connection. It is also advantageous if the deep discharge device has four or more battery connections for connecting one battery each, as well as a diode for each battery connection, which is also connected in antiparallel.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the first diode is connected in antiparallel to the first battery terminal such that the diode is reverse-biased as long as the battery voltage of the first battery is positive. Preferably, the first diode is connected in antiparallel to the first battery terminal such that the diode conducts as soon as the battery voltage reverses polarity and its magnitude exceeds the forward voltage 1lf. This circuit is called antiparallel.

[0033] Preferably, the forward voltage llf of the diode is less than -0.5 volts, and particularly less than -1 volt. If the forward voltage is, for example, -0.5 volts, the diode blocks as long as the battery voltage UAkku of the first battery is positive. The diode conducts as soon as the battery voltage UAkku reverses polarity, for example to -0.51 volts, and its magnitude (i.e., 0.51 volts) exceeds the forward voltage of -0.5 volts.

[0034] When fully charged, the battery voltage is positive. The diode becomes conductive when a voltage is applied to the battery that is equal to or less than the negative forward voltage.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the deep discharge device (i) has a second battery pack circuit for discharging a second set of batteries. The second battery pack circuit preferably comprises (a) a second primary battery connection, (b) at least one second secondary battery connection, (c) a first secondary battery pack diode connected in antiparallel to the second primary battery connection, and (d) at least one second secondary battery pack diode connected in antiparallel to the at least one second secondary battery connection.

[0036] It is possible and advantageous, but not necessary, for the second battery pack circuit to be structured like the first battery pack circuit.

[0037] Preferably, the deep discharge device has a third battery pack circuit for discharging a third set of batteries. Particularly preferably, the deep discharge device has at least a fourth battery pack circuit for discharging a fourth set of batteries. It is advantageous if the third and any fourth battery pack circuit are constructed like the first battery pack circuit. All battery pack circuits are connected in series with the load.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the deep discharge device has a primary battery circuit diode connected antiparallel to the primary battery circuit. In other words, the primary battery circuit diode is configured to block current when the sum of the voltages of the batteries in the primary battery circuit is greater than the negative of its forward voltage. For example, if the sum of the battery voltages is 0.1 volts, the primary battery circuit diode blocks current, and an electric current flows through the batteries in the primary battery circuit. If the sum of the battery voltages in the primary battery circuit is less than the negative of the forward voltage of the primary battery circuit diode, it conducts and bypasses the battery circuit, so that no current flows through the batteries.

[0039] Preferably, the forward voltage is at most 1.1 volts in magnitude, in particular at most 0.7 volts, particularly preferably at most 0.45 volts, and in particular preferably at most 0.3 volts.

[0040] The diode in the first battery pack circuit prevents the sum of the negative voltages across the batteries in the first battery pack from becoming too high. Otherwise, two or more batteries could have negative voltages, which would be compensated for by a high voltage across another battery, resulting in a voltage of no more than the predetermined final voltage, for example, 0 V. Since the predetermined final voltage has been reached, the discharge process would stop, even though a partially discharged battery with a high voltage would remain. This battery could cause problems during further recycling.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the deep discharge device has at least one voltage indicator, which is wired to show whether at least one battery has reached or fallen below the predetermined final voltage. The final voltage is preferably below the discharge cut-off voltage. In particular, the voltage indicator can be set to a discharge state, in which it indicates that the battery has reached or fallen below the predetermined final voltage, and to a second state, in which it indicates that the battery has exceeded the predetermined final voltage.

[0042] In particular, the discharge state is only indicated by the voltage indicator when the discharge cut-off voltage has been undershot, specifically when a cell voltage of the battery falls below 1 V, particularly below 0.5 V, and particularly below 0.1 V. The cell voltage is the average of the voltages applied to the individual galvanic cells of the battery. For example, if the battery has 10 galvanic cells and outputs a voltage of 25 V, the cell voltage is 2.5 V. Alternatively or additionally, the discharge state is only indicated by the voltage indicator when the battery voltage falls below 3 V, particularly below 1 V, particularly below 0.2 V, preferably below 0.1 V, and particularly preferably at 0 V.

[0043] For example, a voltage indicator is or includes a light source, in particular a light-emitting diode (LED), which is configured to illuminate when the corresponding battery has a voltage above the specified final voltage, and / or not illuminate when the corresponding battery has a voltage below the specified final voltage. In this way, an operator can easily determine whether the battery can be removed from the series circuit with the load (i.e., when the light source is not illuminated) or not (i.e., when the light source is illuminated). Alternatively, the voltage indicator could, for example, be a voltmeter.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the voltage indicator includes a voltmeter for measuring the battery voltage. Preferably, the voltmeter is an analog voltmeter, since analog voltmeters do not require their own power supply. The voltage indicator is preferably connected in parallel to the diode of the corresponding battery terminal, preferably with a series resistor.

[0045] Preferably, the deep discharge device has a voltage indicator for at least a majority, and in particular for all, battery connections, which is configured to indicate whether the battery voltage of the respective battery is above the predetermined final voltage or not. In particular, at least a majority, and preferably all, of the voltage indicators have (a) at least one light source, in particular a light-emitting diode, which does not illuminate when the battery voltage of the respective battery is below the predetermined final voltage, and / or illuminates when the battery voltage of the respective battery is above the predetermined final voltage, and / or (b) a voltmeter.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the first battery connection has a first battery contact and a second battery contact, which are configured for the reversible connection of a first battery, in particular by positive locking or frictional connection, especially clamping or pressing. Preferably, each battery connection has a first battery contact and a second battery contact, which are configured for the reversible connection of a respective battery, in particular by positive locking or frictional connection, especially clamping or pressing. For example, the battery contacts are configured as clamps.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the deep discharge device (a) has a first battery pack receptacle which (i) contains the first battery pack circuit, (ii) is configured to receive the first set of batteries, and (iii) has a first battery pack receptacle connection configured to connect the first set of batteries into a circuit with the load. It is then possible to arrange all batteries of the first set in the first battery pack receptacle and connect them together in series with the load. Once all batteries of the first set are discharged, the first battery pack receptacle can be removed from the series circuit.

[0048] Preferably, the deep discharge device (b) has at least one secondary battery pack receptacle which (i) contains the second battery pack circuit, (ii) is configured to receive the second set of batteries, and (iii) has a secondary battery pack receptacle connection configured to connect the second set of batteries in series with the load. The secondary battery pack receptacle is preferably separate from the primary battery pack receptacle, and in particular, movable independently of it.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the deep discharge device has a base station with a first battery pack connector designed for reversible, specifically positive and / or frictional, connection to the first battery pack holder connector. Once the batteries of the first battery pack are discharged, the first battery pack holder can be easily disconnected from the base station and removed. It is then possible to connect another battery pack holder to the first battery pack connector.

[0050] Preferably, the base station is designed for reversible connection to the initial battery pack receptacle or any further battery pack receptacles, by means of a detachable connection, for example a plug connection.

[0051] It is advantageous if the initial battery pack circuit diode is connected to the initial battery pack terminal in such a way that it is connected in antiparallel to the first battery pack when the initial battery pack holder is connected. The initial battery pack circuit diode can be located, for example, in the base station or in the initial battery pack holder.

[0052] To enable the use of two, three, or more battery packs, the deep discharge device preferably (b) has a second battery pack connector configured for reversible, in particular positive and / or frictional, connection to the second battery pack connector. The second battery pack circuit diode is preferably connected to the second battery pack connector such that it is connected in antiparallel to the second battery pack when the second battery pack connector is connected. The second battery pack circuit diode can, for example, be located in the base station or in the first battery pack connector.

[0053] When a large number of accumulators, especially accumulators of identical design, need to be discharged, it is advantageous if each individual accumulator does not have to be contacted in a separate operation.It is therefore advantageous if the first battery pack receptacle has a first contacting device (i) on which a first first battery contact and a second first battery contact of the first battery connector are formed, and preferably a first second battery contact and a second second battery contact of the second battery connector, as well as preferably respective battery contacts of any further battery connectors present, wherein the first contacting device (ii) can be moved into a contacting position in which the battery contacts make contact with the respective batteries of the first pack, and which preferably (iii) can be moved into a removal position in which the battery contacts do not make contact with the respective batteries of the first pack and in which the batteries of the first pack can be removed from the battery receptacle. In this way, all batteries of the first pack can be contacted by moving the contacting device.

[0054] Preferably, the second battery pack receptacle has a second contacting device, (i) on which a first second battery pack contact and a second second battery pack contact of the second battery pack connection are formed, wherein the second contacting device is preferably (ii) moveable into a contacting position in which the battery contacts make contact with the respective batteries of the second pack, and wherein the second contacting device is preferably (iii) moveable into a removal position in which the battery contacts do not make contact with the respective batteries of the second pack and in which the batteries of the second pack can be removed from the battery receptacle. Other existing battery pack receptacles preferably also each have such a contacting device.

[0055] It is advantageous if the load is an inverter, which is designed, for example, to generate an alternating current (AC) voltage of a predefined frequency and voltage. For instance, the inverter is designed to connect to the public grid. In this way, electrical energy stored in batteries can be reused. Alternatively, the inverter can be a direct current (DC)-to-DC converter to output a direct current (DC) voltage of a predefined voltage.

[0056] Preferably, the load is an inverter. The inverter is preferably connected to, or connectable to, a grid, for example the public power grid.

[0057] A method according to the invention preferably comprises the steps (i) connecting a second battery to a second battery terminal of the deep discharge device and (ii) removing one of the batteries from its battery terminal while the other battery continues to be discharged. In this way, high productivity is achieved during deep discharge. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] Figure 1a shows a deep discharge device according to the invention, wherein none of the connected batteries has a negative voltage,

[0059] Figure 1b shows the deep discharge device according to Figure 1a, in which the second battery has a negative voltage,

[0060] Figure 1c shows a deep discharge device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0061] Figure 1d shows an alternative battery pack holder of a deep discharge device according to the invention,

[0062] Figure 2a shows a deep discharge device according to the invention, which has a first battery pack holder, in the removal position and

[0063] Figure 2b shows the deep discharge device according to Figure 2a, wherein the initial battery pack holder is in contact position.

[0064] Figure 1a shows a deep discharge device 10 according to the invention for deep discharging batteries 12.i (i = 1, 2, ...), with a battery pack circuit 13.1 for discharging a first pack S1 from N batteries 12.i (i = 1, 2, ..., N; here: N = 4). The deep discharge device 10 has a first battery connection 14.1 for connecting a first battery 12.1, a second battery connection 14.2 for connecting a second battery 12.2, a third battery connection 14.3 for connecting a third battery 12.3, and a fourth battery connection 14.4 for connecting a fourth battery 12.4. Preferably, the deep discharge device 10 has further battery connections.

[0065] The deep discharge device 10 has a first diode 16.1, which is connected antiparallel to the first battery terminal 14.1, and a second diode 16.2, which is connected antiparallel to the second battery terminal 14.2. The batteries 12.i are connected in series with a load 18, for example, an inverter. If the battery voltage ÜAkku,12.i of battery 12.i exceeds the negative -Uf,16.1 of the forward voltage Uf,16.1 of the associated diode 16.1, then the diode 16.1 is reverse-biased. In Figure 1a, this applies to all batteries 12.i (i = 1, 2, 3, 4), so that all diodes 16.i (i = 1, 2, 3, 4) are reverse-biased. Therefore, an electric current I flows, as shown schematically.

[0066] Figure 1b shows the deep discharge device 10 according to Figure 1a, in which the second battery 12.2 has a negative voltage that is less than the negative of the forward voltage Uf,i6.2 of the associated diode 16.2. Therefore, Übakku,12.2 < -Uf,16.2. The associated diode 16.2 is thus reverse-biased and no current flows through the second battery 12.2.

[0067] Figure 1c shows a deep discharge device 10 which, in addition to the first battery pack circuit 13.1 as shown in Figure 1a, has a second battery pack circuit 13.2 connected in series with the load 18. A second pack S2, also containing, for example, N batteries 12i (i = N+1,..., N+4), is discharged by means of the second battery pack circuit 13.2. In particular, if the battery pack holders 24.1 and 24.2 are identical, the battery 12.N+i (for example, 12.5) could also be designated as battery 12.i' (in the example: 12.T). The second battery pack circuit 13.2 has a second battery connection for each battery; thus, battery connection 12.5 has a second primary battery connection 14.1'. A first secondary battery set diode 16.1' is connected antiparallel to the second primary battery connection 14.1'.

[0068] Components of the second battery pack circuit 13.2, which correspond to the components of the first battery pack circuit 13.1, bear the same reference symbol, each with an apostrophe.

[0069] A first battery pack circuit diode 20.1 is connected antiparallel to the first battery pack circuit 13.1. A second battery pack circuit diode 20.2 is connected antiparallel to the second battery pack circuit 13.2.

[0070] For each battery connection 14.j (j = 1, 2,...) the deep discharge device 10 has a voltage indicator 22.j. In the case shown in Figure 1c, the voltage indicator 22.j is a light-emitting diode 23.j. If the light-emitting diode 23.j is illuminated, the corresponding battery 12.j at battery connection 14.j is being discharged. If the respective light-emitting diode 23.j is not illuminated, a predetermined final voltage Uend has been undershot and the corresponding battery 12.j can be removed. The deep discharge device 10 has a primary battery pack holder 24.1 and a secondary battery pack holder 24.2. The primary battery pack holder 24.1 has compartments 26.i for receiving, preferably without play, one battery 12.i each. The second battery pack holder 24.2 has corresponding compartments 26.N+i. For example, compartment 26.6 cannot hold a battery, but the other batteries 12.5, 12.7, 12.8 of the second set S2 can be discharged.

[0071] The first battery pack holder 24.1 has a first battery pack holder connector 30.1 for connecting the first battery pack holder 24.1 to a base station 28. The base station 28 has a first battery pack holder connector 32.1 for this purpose. For example, first battery pack holder connector 30.1 and first battery pack holder connector 32.1 form a plug-and-socket connection. When the first battery pack holder 24.1 is connected to the base station 28, the batteries of the first battery pack are connected in series with the load 18. The first battery pack circuit diode 20.1 is connected antiparallel to the batteries of the first set. In Figure 1c, the two contacts of the first battery pack holder connector 30.1 are spatially separated from each other; however, it is also possible for them to be arranged directly next to each other.

[0072] The second battery pack receptacle 24.2 has a second battery pack receptacle connection 30.2 for connecting to a second battery pack connection 32.2 for switching the second set S2 to batteries in series with the load 18.

[0073] Figure 1d shows an alternative embodiment for a battery pack holder of a deep discharge device according to the invention, here by way of example the first battery pack holder 24.1, in which the voltage indicators 22.j each have a voltmeter 25.j, preferably analog. The respective light-emitting diode 23.j is optional. The second battery pack holder 24.2 and any other existing battery pack holders can be constructed identically.

[0074] Figure 2a shows that the deep discharge device 10, in this case the first battery pack receptacle 24.1, has a first contact device 34.1 on which a first contact of the first battery pack 14.1 is formed. The further battery packs 14.i each also have corresponding first battery contacts 36a.i and second battery contacts 36b.1. A second contact device 34.2 has a first second battery pack contact 36a.T and a second second battery pack contact 36b.T of the second first battery pack 14.T. The further battery packs 14.j each have a first second battery pack contact 36a.j' and a second second battery pack contact 36b.T.

[0075] Figure 2a shows the contacting device 34.1 in a removal position, in which the batteries 12.i of the first set S1 can be removed from or inserted into the first battery pack receptacle 24.1. Figure 2b shows a first battery pack receptacle 24.1 in its contacting position, in which the first battery contacts 36a.1, 36b.1 contact the two poles 38a.1, 38b.1 of the first battery 12.1. In general, the first battery contacts 36a.i, 36b.i contact the poles 38a.i, 38b.i.

[0076] To discharge a plurality of accumulators 12.i, these are first inserted into accumulator receptacles 24.k (here: k = 1, 2, where more than two accumulator receptacles may be present) and contacted by means of the corresponding contacting device 34.k. The initial accumulator receptacle connection 30.1 is preferably formed on the contacting device 34.k, this feature being a preferred embodiment of the invention, irrespective of the other features of the illustrated embodiment.

[0077] The initial battery pack holder 24.1 is then connected to the base station 28 (see Figure 1c). If all batteries in the initial battery pack holder 24.1 fall below a predetermined final voltage Uend, the initial battery pack holder 24.1 is removed manually or automatically, and the batteries are taken out of the initial battery pack holder 24.1 and sent for further processing, for example by shredding and vacuum drying.

[0078] Reference symbol list

[0079] 10 Deep discharge device 14 Battery connection

[0080] 12 Battery 14.1 Initial battery connection

[0081] 13 Battery pack circuit 14.1' Second primary battery connection 13.1 First battery pack circuit 14.2 Second battery connection

[0082] 13.2 Second battery pack circuit 14.2' Second battery pack connection Third battery pack connection 32.1 First battery pack connection Fourth battery pack connection 32.2 Second battery pack connection Diode

[0083] first diode 34 contact device second diode 36a.1 first first battery contact first second battery set diode 36a.1 ' first second set first battery second second battery set diode contact

[0084] Last 36b.1 first initial battery contact initial battery set circuit diode 36b.1 ' second second set initial battery second battery set circuit diode contact voltage indicator 38a. i first pole of the i-th battery LED 38b.1 second pole of the i-th battery initial battery set connection

[0085] Second battery pack compartment i Battery runtime index (analog) Voltmeter j Battery terminal runtime index Compartment k Battery pack base station runtime index Recordings

[0086] S1 First set of batteries Initial battery set mounts - S2 Second set of batteries Connection UAkku Battery voltage Second battery set mounts - Uend Final voltage

[0087] Terminal Uf,i6.i Forward voltage of the i-th diode

Claims

' G ra mm L insinte II ectualp ro pe r ty Duesenfeld GmbH Attorney file: Rothbergstraße 8 6110-0108 PCT-1 38176 Wendeburg Germany Date: October 21, 2024 Patent claims 1. Deep discharge device (10) for deep discharging batteries (12), with (i) a battery pack circuit (13.1) for discharging a pack (S1) on batteries (12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5) which (a) a primary battery connector (14.1) for connecting a primary battery (12.1), (b) at least one secondary battery connection (14.2) for contacting at least one second battery (12.2), (c) a first diode (16.1) connected antiparallel to the first battery terminal (14.1), and (d) at least a second diode (16.2) connected in antiparallel to at least one secondary battery connection (14.2) and (ii) a load (18), in particular an inverter, connected in series with the battery connections (14).

2. Deep discharge device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that (a) the first diode (16.1) is connected antiparallel to the first battery connection (14.1) such that the first diode (16.1) blocks as long as the battery voltage (UAKKU) of the first battery (12.1) is positive and (b) the first diode (16.1) conducts as soon as the battery voltage reverses polarity and exceeds the forward voltage (Uf.-ie.i) in magnitude and (c) the forward voltage (UM ei) is less than 1.5 volts, in particular less than 1 volt, in particular less than 0.5 V.

3. Deep discharge device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by (i) a second battery pack circuit (13.2) for discharging a second set (S2) of batteries (12.5, 12.7, 12.8) which (a) a second initial battery connector (14.1 '), (b) at least one second second battery port (14.2'), (c) a first second battery set diode (16. T) connected in antiparallel to the second first battery connection (14. T), and (d) has at least one second second battery pack diode (16.2') which is connected in antiparallel to at least one second second battery pack connection (14.2'), (ii) wherein the second battery pack circuit (13.2) is connected in series with the first battery pack circuit (13.1) and the load (18).

4. Deep discharge device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by (a) a first battery pack diode (20.1) connected in antiparallel to the first battery pack circuit (13.1) and / or (b) a second battery pack diode (20.2) connected in antiparallel to the second battery pack circuit (13.2).

5. Deep discharge device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one first voltage indicator (22.1) to indicate whether at least one battery (12) has reached or fallen below a predetermined final voltage (Uend), wherein the voltage indicator (22.1) (a) a first light source, for example a first light-emitting diode (23.1) which is connected such that it lights up when the first battery (12) has a voltage above the specified final voltage (Uend) and / or (b) a voltmeter (25.1), in particular an analog voltmeter, for displaying the battery voltage.

6. Deep discharge device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first battery connection (14.1) has a first first battery contact (36a.1) and a second first battery contact (36b.1) which are designed for reversible connection of the first battery (12.1), in particular by positive locking or friction locking connection, especially clamps or Each battery connection (14) has a first battery contact and a second battery contact which are designed for reversible connection of a respective battery (12), in particular by positive locking or friction locking connections, especially clamps.

7. Deep discharge device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by (a) a first battery pack recording (24.1), which (i) the first battery pack circuit (13.1) contains, (ii) is designed to receive the first set (S1) on accumulators (12) and (iii) has a first battery set connection (30.1) configured to connect the first set of batteries (12) in series with the load (18), (b) at least one second battery pack holder (24.2) which (i) the second battery pack circuit (13.2) contains, (ii) is designed to receive the second set (S2) on accumulators (12) and (iii) has a second battery set connection (30.2') which is designed to connect the second set (S2) to batteries (12) in series with the load (18).

8. Deep discharge device (10) according to claim 7, characterized by a base station (28) which (a) has an initial battery pack connector (32.1), (i) which is designed for reversible, in particular form-fit and / or friction-fit, connection with the first battery pack mounting connection (30.1), (ii) wherein the first battery pack diode (20.1) is connected to the first battery pack terminal (32.1) such that it is connected antiparallel to the first pack (S1) when the first battery pack receptacle (24.1) is connected, (b) has a second battery pack connection (32.2), (i) which is designed for reversible, in particular form-fit and / or friction-fit, connection with the second battery pack mounting connection (30.2), (ii) wherein the second battery pack diode (20.2) is connected to the second battery pack terminal (32.2) such that it is connected antiparallel to the second pack (S2) when the second battery pack receptacle (24.2) is connected.

9. Deep discharge device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that (a) the initial battery pack receptacle (24.1) has a first contacting device (34), (i) on which the first primary battery contact (36a.1) and the second primary battery contact (36b.1) of the primary battery connector (14.1) and the battery contacts of the further battery connectors are formed and which (ii) can be brought into a contact position in which the battery contacts (36a.1, 36b.1) contact the respective batteries (12) of the first set, and (iii) into a removal position in which the battery contacts (36a.1, 36b.1) do not contact the respective batteries (12) of the first set (S1) and the batteries (12) of the first set (S1) can be removed from the primary battery set receptacle (24.1), and (b) the secondary battery set receptacle (24.2) has a second contacting device (34.2), (i) where a first second-set first-battery contact (36a.1') and a second second-set first-battery contact (36b.1') of the second first-battery connection (14.1') and the battery contacts of the further battery connections are formed and the (ii) into a contact position in which the battery contacts contact the respective batteries (12) of the second set (S2), and (iii) can be brought into a removal position in which the battery contacts do not contact the respective batteries (12) of the second set (S2) and in which the batteries (12) of the second set (S2) can be removed from the second battery set receptacle (24.2).

10. Deep discharge device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the load (18) is an inverter.

11. Method for deep discharging accumulators, with the steps (i) Connecting at least one battery (12) to a battery terminal (14) of a deep discharge device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, (ii) Removing the battery (12) from the battery connector (14) when a predetermined final voltage (U_end) is undershot.

12. Method according to claim 11, comprising the steps (i) Arranging batteries (12) of a first battery set in a first battery set receptacle (24.1) of the discharge device, (ii) Switching the initial battery pack input (24.1) into a circuit with the load (18), (iii) Arranging batteries (12) of a second battery set in a second battery set receptacle (24.2) of the discharge device, (iv) Switching the second battery pack holder (24.2) into the circuit with the load (18), (v) Remove the first battery pack receptacle (24.1) from the circuit with the load (18) when the batteries (12) of the first battery pack are discharged.

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