Charging apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for supplying rechargeable batteries, in particular as energy stores of a machine tool, with electric energy. According to the invention, the system contains at least one closed-loop and open-loop control unit having at least one input interface for receiving electric energy, at least one output interface for outputting electric energy, at least one rectifier, at least one first connection device, which can be at least electrically connected to the closed-loop and open-loop control unit, for supplying at least one first and second rechargeable battery with electric energy, and a second connection device, which can be at least electrically connected to the closed-loop and open-loop control unit, for supplying at least one storage unit with electric energy, wherein each storage unit contains at least one rechargeable battery interface for supplying at least one rechargeable battery with electric energy. The invention also relates to a method for a closed-loop and open-loop control of the system for supplying rechargeable batteries with electric energy.

Description

[0001] 2025ID00037

[0002] Hilti Aktiengesellschaft in Schaan

[0003] Principality of Liechtenstein

[0004] Charging device

[0005] The present invention relates to a system for supplying accumulators, in particular as energy storage devices for a machine tool, with electrical energy.

[0006] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for controlling and regulating a system for supplying at least a number of accumulators, in particular as energy storage devices for a machine tool.

[0007] Battery charging devices available on the market, in particular charging devices for supplying machine tool batteries with electrical energy, according to the state of the art, usually only have a fixed or unchangeable number of battery interfaces for receiving and charging batteries.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to solve the problem described above.

[0009] The problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claims 1 and 12. Further advantageous embodiments of the subject matter according to the invention are contained in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0010] The task is solved in particular by a system for supplying accumulators, especially as energy storage devices for machine tools, with electrical energy.

[0011] According to the invention, the system comprises at least one control unit with at least one input interface for receiving electrical energy, with at least one output interface for supplying electrical energy, with at least one rectifier, at least one power supply unit that can be at least electrically connected to the control unit for supplying at least one first and second accumulator with electrical energy, and a connection device that can at least be electrically connected to the control unit for supplying at least one storage unit with electrical energy, wherein each storage unit comprises at least one battery interface for supplying at least one accumulator with electrical energy.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for the at least one control unit to convert an AC input voltage value to a DC output voltage with a value of 12 to 60 volts, and in particular 48 volts, using the at least one rectifier.

[0013] The AC input voltage value can be, for example, 120, 220 or 400 volts.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for the supply device and the connection device to each contain at least one DC voltage converter, so that an output voltage with a value of 12 to 30 volts, and in particular 22 volts, or output power with a value of 100 to 200 watts, and in particular 150 watts, is available for charging at least one accumulator.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for the supply device and the connection device to each contain at least one temperature control device for selectively heating or cooling at least one accumulator.

[0016] The temperature control device for optional cooling can be a fan.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible that the at least one supply device contains at least one lockable chamber for receiving at least one accumulator.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for the connection device to include at least one variable-length conductor device which can be reconnected to the at least one storage unit for the transmission of electrical energy.

[0019] The cable system can be designed as a cable drum.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one storage unit may be designed as a case. The storage unit, for example designed as a case, has a size or volume such that at least one machine tool and at least one accumulator for supplying the machine tool with electrical energy can be stored in the storage unit.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is possible that the supply device contains at least one first and one second module unit, wherein each module unit is designed to accommodate at least one accumulator and wherein each module unit contains at least one interface for releasable connection with at least one further module unit, and wherein the module units are connected to each other at least mechanically, electrically and for data exchange.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for the control and regulation unit to contain at least one input and output device and / or at least one radio interface.

[0023] The wireless interface can also be called a transceiver and can be based on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology. The input and output device can also be designed as an MMI interface with at least one optical output element. This optical output element can be an LED light.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for the control and regulation unit to contain at least one DC voltage converter and at least one battery charging interface.

[0025] The DC / DC converter can also be called a DC-DC converter. The battery charging interface may be an inductive charging device.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for a control and regulating unit for use in a system for supplying at least a number of accumulators, in particular as energy storage devices for a machine tool, with electrical energy to include at least one input interface for receiving electrical energy, at least one output interface for supplying electrical energy, at least one rectifier and a control unit.

[0027] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a method for controlling and regulating a device for supplying at least a number of accumulators, in particular as energy storage devices for a machine tool.

[0028] According to the invention, the following process steps are included.

[0029] - Providing a first power value at at least one power supply unit for charging at least one first accumulator with a second power value and at least one second accumulator with a third power value, wherein the second and third power values ​​are nearly identical; or - Providing a first power value at at least one power supply unit for charging at least one first accumulator with a second power value and at least one second accumulator with a third power value, wherein the second and third power values ​​are different.

[0030] According to another advantageous embodiment, the additional process step can be included

[0031] - Providing the second and third power values ​​for charging a first accumulator. Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the figures. The figures illustrate various embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] 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.

[0033] They show:

[0034] Figure 1 shows a view of the device according to the invention in a first state; and

[0035] Figure 2 shows another view of the device according to the invention in a second

[0036] State. Examples of implementation:

[0037] Figure 1 shows a system 1 for supplying accumulators 2, in particular as energy storage devices for a machine tool 3, with electrical energy according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] System 1 essentially comprises a control and regulation unit 4, a supply unit 5 and a connection unit 6.

[0039] The control unit 4 comprises a housing 7, an input interface 8a for receiving electrical energy, and an output interface 8b for supplying electrical energy. The housing 7 of the control unit 4 contains, among other things, a control unit 9, a rectifier 10, a DC-DC converter 11, a radio interface 12, and a storage unit 13.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the radio interface 12 is designed as a Bluetooth module to wirelessly send and receive data and information.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the radio interface 12 can also be designed as an independent GSM / LTE / (2 / 2.5 / 3G / 4G / 5G (LTE) module or WiFi module.

[0042] As indicated in the figures, the radio interface 12 serves for data and information exchange with an external device 14, such as a smartphone.

[0043] The input interface 8 is designed for releasable connection to a power supply 44, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 1. The exemplary power supply 44 is designed as a power cable for releasable connection of the control unit 4 to a mains power source (= socket). According to the present embodiment, the control unit 4 is supplied with an alternating voltage (AC) of 220 V.

[0044] Alternatively, the control unit 4 can also be connected to a photovoltaic system, fuel cell, generator (e.g. diesel generator and / or a wind turbine).

[0045] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the output interface 8 is designed for releasable connection to a power line (i.e., a line for transmitting electrical energy). A DC voltage of 48 volts is provided at the output interface 8. Generally, the DC voltage at the output interface 8 is less than 60 volts. According to an alternative embodiment, more than one output interface 8 can also be provided on the control unit 4. In the case that several output interfaces 8 are provided on the control unit 4, either a nearly identical voltage value (e.g., 48 V) or different voltage values ​​(e.g., 12 to 60 V) are provided at all output interfaces 8.

[0046] An input and output device 15 is provided on the front of the housing 7 of the control unit 4. The input and output device 15, shown by way of example in the figure, comprises an input unit 16 and an output unit 17. The input unit 16 allows a user of the system 1 to input various data and information into the control unit 4. As described in detail below, the input data and information can include specific commands for charging individual accumulators 2. The output unit 17 can, for example, display the specific status of the system 1 or the specific charging status of an accumulator 2 to a user of the system 1. The user is not shown in the figures.

[0047] For example, a first battery charging interface 18a and a second battery charging interface 18b are positioned on a top surface 7a of the housing 7 of the control unit 4. A battery charging interface 18a, 18b serves to receive and supply an accumulator 2 with electrical energy.

[0048] According to an alternative embodiment, more or fewer than two battery charging interfaces 18a, 18b may be present. The DC-DC converter 11 provides a voltage of 22V at each battery charging interface 18a, 18b, and a charging power of 150W. However, it is also possible for different voltage values ​​to be provided at the battery charging interfaces 18a, 18b.

[0049] The control unit 9 serves to control and regulate the various functions of the entire system 1. Furthermore, the control unit 9 serves to control and regulate the individual functions of the control unit 4, the first and second power supply units 5, and the connection unit 6. These functions include, among others, the selection and setting of a charging power and / or charging voltage for a power supply unit 5 or individual accumulators 2 in a power supply unit 6.

[0050] A power supply unit 5 essentially comprises a housing 19, a power input interface 20, a power output interface 21, a DC voltage converter 22 and a number of battery interfaces 23.

[0051] The energy input interface 20 serves to receive electrical energy from the control unit 4 in the form of a DC voltage below 60 volts. Electrical energy is received via line L. In addition to transmitting electrical energy, line L can also be used for wired communication, i.e., the exchange of data and information in the form of electrical signals. For communication transmission, at least one additional wire can be provided in or on line L. Alternatively, a separate communication line can be provided alongside the power-carrying line L. Alternatively, wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth or WiFi) can be provided for data and information exchange.

[0052] Each battery interface 23 is connected to the energy input interface 20 in such a way that, with the help of the DC voltage converter 22, a voltage value of 22 V or a charging power of 150 W is provided at each battery interface 23.

[0053] Alternatively, more than one DC-DC converter 22 may be present. It is also possible that a separate DC-DC converter is provided for each battery interface 23.

[0054] The energy output interface 21 serves to supply electrical energy from a first supply unit 5 to a second supply unit 5'. The first supply unit 5 and the second supply unit 5' can be identical in design.

[0055] According to an alternative embodiment, each supply unit 5, 5' contains a transceiver for wireless or wired data and information exchange with another supply unit 5, 5' and / or connection unit 6.

[0056] The optional transceiver of a supply unit 5, 5' is not shown in the figures.

[0057] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, a power supply unit 5 comprises a number of module units 24. Each module unit 24, in turn, comprises a module housing 25 with a handle 26 and a number of battery interfaces 24 for receiving and supplying batteries 2 with electrical energy. According to this exemplary embodiment, each module unit 24 contains four battery interfaces 24. Alternatively, more or fewer than four battery interfaces 24 can be present per module unit 24.

[0058] Each module unit 24 contains a mechanical and electrical interface 27, so that individual module units 24 can be connected to each other.

[0059] As indicated in Figure 2, a first module unit 24 can be moved away from a second module unit 24 in direction B and in direction D. Electrical energy can be transferred from one module unit 24 to another via the electrical interface. Furthermore, each module unit 24 contains a communication unit 28, through which various data and information can be exchanged wirelessly or via wired connections between the module units 24.

[0060] In addition, the communication unit 28 also serves to enable data and information to be exchanged wirelessly or via wired connections between one or more module units 24 and the control unit 4.

[0061] As indicated in Figures 1 and 2, a temperature sensor 29 and a temperature control unit 30 are located near a battery 2 connected to a battery interface 23. The temperature control unit 30, in turn, includes a heater 31 and a fan 32. Furthermore, the individual battery interfaces 23 are interconnected via corresponding lines so that electrical energy can be transferred from one battery interface 23 to one or more battery interfaces 23. It is also possible for electrical energy to be transferred from several battery interfaces 23 to a single battery interface 23.

[0062] The connection device 6 essentially comprises a housing 33, a power input interface 34, a DC voltage converter 35 and a number of connection units 36.

[0063] The energy input interface 34 is used to receive electrical energy from the control unit 4 in the form of a DC voltage below 60 volts.

[0064] Each connection unit 36 ​​is connected to the DC voltage converter 35 in such a way that a DC voltage of 22 volts or a charging power of 150 watts is provided at each connection unit 36.

[0065] Furthermore, each connection unit 36 ​​includes a cable reel 37 with a length-adjustable cable 38 for transmitting electrical energy to a storage unit 39 designed as a case. The cable 38 has a plug 41 at one free end 40. The plug 41 can be detachably connected to a socket 42 of a storage unit 39. As indicated in the figures, a battery interface 43 is positioned on an inner wall of the case 39. The battery interface 43 is connected to the socket 42, allowing electrical energy to be supplied to charge a battery 2 located in the battery interface 43. 22 volts or 150 watts are available at the battery interface 43. According to an alternative embodiment, a DC-DC converter can also be provided for each connection unit 36.The figures do not show the embodiment in which a DC voltage converter is present at each connection unit 36.

[0066] The storage unit 39, designed as a case, has a size or internal volume such that, in addition to the accumulator 2, a machine tool 3 can also be stored.

[0067] According to a further embodiment, a connection device 6 can be designed such that connection units 36 can be inserted into and removed from a connection device 6 in a modular (i.e., releasable) manner.

[0068] 1 system

[0069] 2 Accumulator

[0070] 3 machine tool

[0071] 4 Control and regulation unit

[0072] 5 Supply facility

[0073] 6 Connection device

[0074] 7 Housing of the control unit

[0075] 7a Top of the housing of the control unit 8a Input interface

[0076] 8b Output interface

[0077] 9 Control unit

[0078] 10 rectifiers

[0079] 11 DC / DC converters

[0080] 12 radio interface

[0081] 13 storage units

[0082] 14 external devices

[0083] 15 Input and output setup

[0084] 16 Input unit

[0085] 17 output units

[0086] 18a first battery charging interface

[0087] 18b second battery charging interface

[0088] 19" enclosure

[0089] 20 Energy input interface

[0090] 21 Energy output interface

[0091] 22 DC-DC converters

[0092] 23 battery interfaces 24 module unit

[0093] 25 module housings

[0094] 26 Handle

[0095] 27 Interface of a module unit 28 Communication unit

[0096] 29 Temperature sensor

[0097] 30 Temperature control device 31 Heating

[0098] 32 fans

[0099] 33 cases

[0100] 34 Energy input interface 35 DC / DC converter

[0101] 36 connection unit

[0102] 37 cable drum

[0103] 38 Management

[0104] 39 storage units

[0105] 40 free end of a line

[0106] 41 plugs

[0107] 42 Connection socket

[0108] 43 Battery interface

Claims

Patent claims 1. System (1) for supplying accumulators (2), in particular as energy storage devices for a machine tool (3), with electrical energy, characterized by at least one control unit (4) with at least one input interface (8a) for receiving electrical energy, with at least one output interface (8b) for supplying electrical energy, with at least one rectifier (10), at least one power supply unit (5) that can be electrically connected to the control unit (4) for supplying at least one first and second accumulator (2) with electrical energy, and a connection unit (6) that can be electrically connected to the control unit (4) for supplying at least one storage unit (39) with electrical energy, wherein each storage unit (39) contains at least one battery interface (42) for supplying at least one accumulator (2) with electrical energy.

2. System (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one control and regulation unit (4) converts an AC input voltage value to a DC output voltage with a value of 12 to 60 volts, and in particular 48 volts, using the at least one rectifier (10).

3. System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply device (5) and the connection device (6) each contain at least one DC voltage converter (22) so that an output voltage with a value of 12 to 30 volts, and in particular 22 volts, or output power with a value of 100 to 200 watts, and in particular 150 watts, is available for charging at least one accumulator (2).

4. System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply device (5) and the connection device (6) each contain at least one temperature control device (30) for selectively heating or cooling at least one accumulator (2).

5. System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply device (5) contains at least one lockable chamber for receiving at least one accumulator (2).

6. System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection device (6) contains at least one line (38) of variable length (L) which can be releasably connected to the at least one storage unit (39) for the transmission of electrical energy.

7. System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one storage unit (39) is designed as a case.

8. System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply device (5) contains at least one first and second module unit (24), wherein each module unit (24) is designed to accommodate at least one accumulator (2), and wherein each module unit (24) contains at least one interface (44) for releasable connection with at least one further module unit (24), and wherein the module units (24) are connected to each other at least mechanically, electrically and for data exchange by means of the connection.

9. System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control and regulating unit (4) contains at least one input and output device (15) and / or at least one radio interface (12).

10. System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control and regulation unit (4) contains at least one DC voltage converter (11) and at least one battery charging interface (18a, 18b).

11. Control and regulation unit (4) for use in a system according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by at least one input interface (8a) for receiving electrical energy, at least one output interface (8b) for supplying electrical energy, at least one rectifier (10) and a control unit (9).

12. Method for controlling and regulating a system for supplying accumulators (2), in particular as energy storage devices for a machine tool (3), with electrical energy according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by the process steps - Providing a first power value at at least one power supply unit (5) for charging at least one first accumulator with a second power value and at least one second accumulator with a third power value, wherein the second and third power values ​​are nearly identical; or - Providing a first power value at at least one power supply unit (5) for charging at least one first accumulator with a second power value and at least one second accumulator with a third power value, wherein the second and third power values ​​are different.

13. Method for controlling and regulating a system according to claim 12, characterized by the method steps - Providing the second and third power levels to charge at least one first accumulator.

Images