Charging device with undercarriage assembly

Abstract

Device for supplying accumulators, in particular as energy storage units of a power tool, with electrical energy, comprising a control unit, at least one rectifier, at least one DC voltage converter, at least a first and second battery charging unit for respectively charging an accumulator, and at least one input interface for receiving electrical energy. The device comprises an undercarriage assembly for moving the device.

Description

[0001] 2025ID00038

[0002] Hilti Aktiengesellschaft in Schaan

[0003] Principality of Liechtenstein

[0004] Loading device with chassis equipment

[0005] The present invention relates to a device for supplying accumulators, in particular as energy storage devices for a machine tool, with electrical energy, comprising a control device, at least one rectifier, at least one DC / DC converter, at least one first and second battery charging unit for charging an accumulator respectively, and at least one input interface for receiving electrical energy.

[0006] Commercially available devices for supplying batteries with electrical energy, or battery chargers, especially those for power tool batteries, are usually tied to a fixed mains power source (i.e., a wall socket). This means the chargers are only available at a specific location (stationary), often requiring users to travel considerable distances to access them. Using these chargers can therefore be time-consuming and lead to unwanted work interruptions.

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

[0008] The problem is solved by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1.

[0009] Further advantageous embodiments of the subject matter according to the invention are contained in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0010] The problem is solved in particular by a device for supplying accumulators, especially as energy storage devices for a machine tool, with electrical energy, comprising a control device, at least one rectifier, at least one DC voltage converter, at least one first and second battery charging unit for charging an accumulator, and at least one input interface for receiving electrical energy.

[0011] According to the invention, the device includes a chassis for moving the device. Each battery charging unit can be configured to provide an output voltage of 12 to 30 volts, and in particular 22 volts, or an output power of 100 to 200 watts, and in particular 150 watts, for charging at least one battery.

[0012] The input interface for receiving electrical energy can be designed to receive an AC input voltage value of, for example, 120, 220 or 400 volts.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment, it may be possible to include an energy storage device which is designed at least to supply a battery charging unit with electrical energy.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible to include an energy generation device which is designed at least to supply a battery charging unit with electrical energy.

[0015] The energy generation device can be designed, for example, as a diesel generator, photovoltaic system, wind turbine or fuel cell.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible to include at least one output interface for supplying electrical energy.

[0017] The output interface can be designed to provide either a direct current or an alternating current.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible that at least one first lockable compartment for receiving and holding at least one storage container with a first volume and at least one second lockable compartment for receiving and holding at least one storage container with a second volume is included.

[0019] The storage container can be designed as a case, especially a tool case, or as a drawer. Furthermore, the device can include a roller shutter or a door to close or lock the compartments.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible that at least one stair climbing device is included.

[0021] The stair climbing device can be designed as a star wheel system with, for example, six or ten wheels. Depending on the embodiment, three or five wheels are arranged opposite each other. According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is possible that at least one drive for powering the device is included.

[0022] The drive for the device can be designed as an electric motor with a gearbox.

[0023] According to another advantageous embodiment, it may be possible that at least one drive for driving the stair climbing device is included.

[0024] The drive for the stair climbing device can be designed as an electric motor with a gearbox.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is possible that at least one steering device is configured to steer the device in at least a first or second direction. Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the figures. The figures illustrate various embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] 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.

[0027] They show:

[0028] Figure 1 shows a perspective front view of a device according to the invention in an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 shows a perspective rear view of the device according to the invention in the exemplary embodiment;

[0030] Figure 3 shows a front view of the device with a number of accumulators and a storage container designed as a case;

[0031] Figure 4 shows a side view of the device with a chassis and stair-climbing mechanism; and

[0032] Figure 5 shows a front view of the device with a steering mechanism. Examples of implementation:

[0033] Figures 1 to 4 show a device 1 for supplying accumulators 2 with electrical energy according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] The device 1 essentially comprises a housing 3, control unit 4, a rectifier 5a, a DC / DC converter 5b, an input interface 6 for receiving electrical energy, an output interface 7 for supplying electrical energy, a number of battery charging units 8 for each charging a battery 2 and a chassis device 23.

[0035] The accumulators 2 can be used as a power supply for a machine tool or the like. No machine tool or the like is shown in the figures.

[0036] The housing 3 of the device 1 contains a first compartment 10, a second compartment 11, a first drawer 12 and a second drawer 13. The first compartment 10 has a larger volume than the second compartment 11.

[0037] Furthermore, the first drawer 12 has a larger volume than the second drawer 13.

[0038] It is also possible that there are more or less than two compartments or two drawers in the housing 3.

[0039] Furthermore, the compartments and drawers can also have almost identical volumes.

[0040] Furthermore, it is also possible that the device contains only compartments or only drawers.

[0041] The compartments and drawers are primarily designed to hold and accommodate storage containers 14.

[0042] According to the present embodiment, the storage containers 14 are designed as cases for storing a machine tool together with corresponding accessories.

[0043] The drawers can be pulled out of the housing in direction A. The compartments are firmly connected to the housing 3 of the device 1.

[0044] As indicated in Figure 3, the control device 4 contains the rectifier 5a and DC voltage converter 5b.

[0045] On a first outer wall side 3a of the housing 3 of the device 1, the input interface 6 for receiving electrical energy is positioned, cf. Figure 3. The input interface 6 is connected to the control device 4 and is designed to receive an alternating voltage (AC).

[0046] On a second outer wall 3b of the housing 3 of the device 1, the output interface for supplying electrical energy is positioned, see Figure 3. The output interface 7 is also connected to the control unit 4 and is designed to output an alternating current (AC).

[0047] Alternatively, output interface 7 can be configured to output a direct current (DC).

[0048] Furthermore, the device 1 has a power supply 15 in the form of a power cable on the first outer wall side 3a, so that the device 1 can be connected to a mains power source (i.e. socket) to receive electrical energy (i.e. in the form of alternating voltage (AC)).

[0049] The mains power source is not shown in the figures.

[0050] The control unit 4, the rectifier 5a, the DC voltage converter 5b, the compartments 10, 11, the drawers 12, 13 and the battery charging units 8 are positioned inside the housing 3 of the device 1.

[0051] The control unit 4 serves to control and regulate the various functions of the entire device 1 or individual parts or components of the device 1. These functions include, among others, the selection and setting of a charging power and / or charging voltage for an individual battery charging unit 8 as well as the output interface 7. As described in more detail below, an input and output device 16 is provided on the housing 3 of the device 1. Various commands for controlling certain functions of the device 1 can be entered via the input and output device 16.

[0052] Furthermore, data and information regarding the status of the entire device 1 or the status of some components of the device 1 can be output.

[0053] As indicated in Figure 3, the control unit 4 includes a radio interface, which in this embodiment is designed as a Bluetooth module. The radio interface serves for wirelessly sending and receiving data and information to and from an external device 17. As shown in Figure 3, the external device 17 is, for example, a smartphone.

[0054] Alternatively, the radio interface can also be designed as a standalone GSM / LTE / (2 / 2.5 / 3G / 4G / 5G (LTE)) module. According to the exemplary embodiment, the battery charging units 8 are also arranged on a drawer, so that the battery charging units 8 can also be pulled out of the housing 2 of the device 1 a certain distance in the direction of arrow A. In the present embodiment, eight battery charging units 8 are included. The eight charging units 8 are arranged in two rows. Figure 1 shows only four battery charging units 8, or a first row of battery charging units 8.

[0055] Alternatively, more or fewer than eight battery charging units can be provided in different arrangements.

[0056] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the eight battery charging units 8 are identically designed. However, it is also possible for the battery charging units 8 to be designed differently from one another. Each charging unit 8 can provide a different charging power for supplying batteries 2 with electrical energy.

[0057] As indicated in Figure 3, the battery charging units 8 are connected to the control unit 4, the rectifier 5a, and the DC-DC converter 5b. The device 1 is designed to provide an AC voltage of 220 volts. According to the present embodiment, a charging voltage of 22 volts or a charging power of 150 watts is provided at each battery charging unit 8.

[0058] As indicated in Figures 1 and 3, an energy storage device 18 is releasably positioned in the lowest compartment of the device 1. According to the present embodiment, the energy storage device 18 contains up to 2 kWh. The energy storage device 18 essentially serves to autonomously supply the battery charging units 8 with electrical energy. For this purpose, the energy storage device 18 is connected to the respective battery charging units 8 via the control device 4 and the DC-DC converter 6.

[0059] Furthermore, the energy storage device 18 is connected to the output interface 7.

[0060] The housing 3 of the device 1 has an open front 3c through which the interior of the housing 3, as well as the compartments 10, 11 and drawers 12, 13, are accessible. As shown in Figure 1, the housing 3 of the device 1 includes a roller shutter 19 for closing the front 3c of the housing 3. The roller shutter 19 has a lock 20 to make the housing 3 inaccessible.

[0061] A handle 21 is provided on a rear side 3d of the housing 3 for sliding the device 1, see Figures 1 and 2. Furthermore, a fastening device 22 is positioned on a top side 3e of the housing 3 of the device 1. According to the present embodiment, the fastening device 22 is designed in the form of four eyelets, see Figures 1 and 2. With the aid of the fastening device 22, which is designed as eyelets, the device 1 can be lifted by a crane or the like.

[0062] The crane or similar structure is not shown in the figures. There may also be more or fewer than four eyelets.

[0063] The chassis assembly 23 is located on a lower surface 3f of the housing 3 of the device 1. As shown in the figures, the chassis assembly 23 has four equally sized wheels 23a. Alternatively, more or fewer than four wheels 23a can be provided. According to an alternative embodiment, the chassis assembly 23 can be designed as a chain drive.

[0064] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the device 1 has a stair-climbing device 25 on a rear side 3g of the housing 3. The stair-climbing device 25 serves to safely transport the device 1 along the steps of a staircase. No staircase is shown in the figures.

[0065] According to the present embodiment, the stair climbing device 25 is designed as star wheels and essentially comprises a wall connection 26, a first and second support device 27a, 27b, each with three axles 28, a central axle 29, and six identical wheels 30. The wall connection 26 connects the stair climbing device 25 to the rear side 3g of the housing 3 of the device 1. The central axle 29 is positioned at the free end of the wall connection 26. A support device 31 is rotatably arranged at each end of the central axle 29 in the direction of rotation N or R about the central axle 29. The support device 31 is designed as a triangular plate. An axle 28 with two wheels 30 is rotatably mounted at each corner of the plate-shaped support device 31. Each wheel 30 can also be rotated in the direction of rotation N or R.

[0066] According to an alternative embodiment, the device 1 includes a drive 32 for powering the chassis 23 of the device 1, see Figure 4. The drive 32 comprises an electric motor 33 and a gearbox 34 for driving the wheels 23a of the chassis 23. The drive 32 is connected to the control unit 4 in such a way that a connection to the input and output unit 16 exists. The input and output unit 16 allows a user of the device 1 to control the drive 32 and thus a speed for the device 1. No user is shown in the figures. As also shown in Figure 4, the drive 32 of the chassis 23 is connected to a separate power supply 34. Alternatively, the drive 32 of the chassis 23 can be supplied with electrical energy by the accumulators 2 in the battery charging units 8 and / or by the energy storage unit 18.

[0067] According to another alternative embodiment, the device 1 includes a drive 35 for driving the stair climbing device 25.

[0068] The drive 35 for the stair climbing device 25 comprises an electric motor 36 and a gearbox 37 for driving the central axis 29. The drive 35 is connected to the control unit 4 in such a way that a connection to the input and output unit 16 exists. Through the input and output unit 16, a user of the device 1 can control the drive 35 and thus a speed for the stair climbing device 25. As also shown in Figure 4, the drive 35 of the stair climbing device 25 is connected to the separate power supply 36 or to a further power supply for the drive 35 of the stair climbing device 25.

[0069] The additional energy supply for the drive 35 of the stair climbing device 25 is not shown in the figures.

[0070] Alternatively, the drive 35 of the stair climbing device 25 can be supplied with electrical energy by the accumulators 2 in the battery charging units 8 and / or by the energy storage device 18.

[0071] According to a further alternative embodiment, the device 1 has a steering device 38 for steering the device 1. The steering device 38 essentially comprises a link 39, a steering rod 40 with a bracket 41, a steering pinion 42 at one end of the steering rod 40, and a transverse arm 43 with a rack 44. A rotational movement of the link 39 in the direction N or R is transmitted to the steering rod 40. The steering rod 40, in turn, transmits the rotational movement to the steering pinion 42. The steering pinion 42 and the rack 44 of the transverse arm 43 are arranged relative to each other such that the rotational movement of the steering pinion 42 is converted into a linear movement in the direction E or F of the transverse arm 43. The wheels 23a of the chassis 23 are rotatably mounted. The linear movement of the control arm 43 in direction E or F is transmitted to the wheels 23a in such a way that the wheels 23a are directed in a direction E or F.

[0072] According to a further alternative embodiment of the device 1, an energy generation device (not shown in the figures) is provided for supplying the battery charging unit 8 with electrical energy. The energy generation device can, for example, be designed as a diesel generator or fuel cell. Reference numerals

[0073] 1 Device

[0074] 2 Accumulator

[0075] 3 Housing of the device

[0076] 3a First outer wall of the housing 3b Second outer wall of the housing 3c Front of the housing

[0077] 3D back of the case

[0078] 3e Top of the case

[0079] 3f Underside of the case

[0080] 3g back of the case

[0081] 4 Control unit

[0082] 5a Rectifier

[0083] 5b DC-DC converter

[0084] 6 Input interface

[0085] 7 Output interface

[0086] 8 battery charging units

[0087] 10 first subject

[0088] 11 second subject

[0089] 12 first drawer

[0090] 13 second drawer

[0091] 14 storage containers

[0092] 15 Energy supply

[0093] 16 Input and output device

[0094] 17 external device

[0095] 18 Energy storage device

[0096] 19 roller shutters

[0097] 20 lock 21 handle

[0098] 22 Connection facility

[0099] 23 Chassis equipment

[0100] 23a Wheel of the chassis equipment

[0101] 25 Stair climbing equipment

[0102] 26 Wall connection

[0103] 27a first holding device

[0104] 27b second holding device

[0105] 28 axle

[0106] 29 Central axis

[0107] 30 Wheel of the stair climbing device

[0108] 31 Holding device

[0109] 32 Drive of the chassis system

[0110] 33 Electric motor of the chassis system 34 Gearbox of the chassis system

[0111] 35 Drive of the stair climbing device

[0112] 36 Electric motor of the stair climbing device 37 Gearbox of the stair climbing device 38 Steering device

[0113] 39 handlebars

[0114] 40 handlebar

[0115] 41 bracket

[0116] 42 Steering sprockets

[0117] 43 wishbones

[0118] 44 Rack and pinion

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) for supplying accumulators (2), in particular as energy storage devices for a machine tool, with electrical energy, containing -a control device (4), -at least one rectifier (5a), -at least one DC / DC converter (5b), - at least one first and second battery charging unit (8) for each charging a battery (2), as well as -at least one input interface (6) for receiving electrical energy, characterized by a chassis device (9) for moving the device (1).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by an energy storage device (18) which is designed at least to supply a battery charging unit (8) with electrical energy.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by an energy generation device which is designed to supply at least a battery charging unit (8) with electrical energy.

4. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one output interface (7) for supplying electrical energy.

5. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one first lockable compartment (10, 11) for receiving and holding at least one storage container (14) with a first volume and at least one second lockable compartment (10, 11) for receiving and holding at least one storage container (14) with a second volume.

6. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one stair climbing device (25).

7. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one drive (32) for driving the device (1).

8. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one drive (32) for driving the stair climbing device (25).

9. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one steering device (38) for steering the device (1) in at least one first or second direction (A, B).

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