Storage and charging device for rechargeable batteries

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for transporting a number of rechargeable batteries, in particular as energy stores for a machine tool, comprising a control device having at least one storage unit, a communication device for inputting and outputting signals, a navigation device, a receiving and holding device for receiving and holding at least one rechargeable battery, a drive for driving the device, a chassis device having a steering unit, and a power supply at least for supplying the drive with electrical energy. The invention also relates to a method for a closed-loop and open-loop control of a device for transporting a number of rechargeable batteries, to a system containing a device for transporting a number of rechargeable batteries, and to a charging device for supplying at least one rechargeable battery with electrical energy.

Description

[0001] 2025ID00043

[0002] Hilti Aktiengesellschaft in Schaan

[0003] Principality of Liechtenstein

[0004] Storage and charging device for batteries

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

[0007] Commercially available battery chargers, particularly those for supplying power tool batteries with electrical energy, are typically designed with a charger housing featuring an interface on the top for connecting to a battery. If the battery charger and battery are located outdoors (i.e., not indoors), both the charger and the battery are exposed to various weather conditions (e.g., rain or sunlight). These conditions can disrupt the battery charging process or even damage the charger and / or the battery.

[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 5. 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 storing and supplying a number of accumulators, especially as energy storage for a machine tool with electrical energy.

[0011] According to the invention, the device comprises a housing with at least one input device for inputting at least one accumulator into the device and at least one output device for outputting at least one accumulator from the device, a control device with at least one storage unit, a communication device for inputting and outputting signals, a position detection device for detecting at least one position value of an accumulator, an alignment device for aligning at least one accumulator in at least one direction and / or about at least one directional axis, at least one sensor for detecting at least one characteristic value of the at least one accumulator, at least one charging device for supplying at least one accumulator with electrical energy, and a power supply.

[0012] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for the input device to include a locking device for selectively locking the input device.

[0013] According to another advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for the dispensing device to include a locking device for selectively locking the dispensing device.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for the locking device to include a signal input unit for reversibly setting the locking device to a locked or unlocked state.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, it may be possible for the alignment device to include at least a first rotary device and a second rotary device.

[0016] According to another advantageous embodiment, it may be possible that a storage device for receiving and storing at least one accumulator is included.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible to include a temperature control device with at least one temperature sensor, at least one cooling unit and at least one heating unit.

[0018] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a method for controlling and regulating a device for storing and supplying a number of accumulators, in particular as energy storage for a machine tool with electrical energy.

[0019] According to the invention, the following process steps are included: - Inserting at least one accumulator into the device by means of at least one input device;

[0020] - Capturing at least one position value of at least one accumulator by a position detection device;

[0021] - Aligning at least one accumulator in at least one direction and / or around at least one alignment axis;

[0022] - Capturing at least one characteristic value of the at least one accumulator by at least one sensor;

[0023] - Connecting at least one accumulator to a charging device to supply at least one accumulator with electrical energy depending on at least one measured parameter; and

[0024] - Emitting at least one signal through the communication device if at least one charge level value of the at least one accumulator corresponds to at least one value stored in a memory unit of the device.

[0025] The parameter can refer to the state of charge (or also charging capacity or charge), SoC (State of Charge) or SoH (State of Health) of a battery.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment, the additional process steps may include:

[0027] - Locking an accumulator or a sensor module in a receiving unit by means of the locking device by inputting at least a first signal at the signal input unit; and

[0028] - Unlocking at least one accumulator or sensor module from the recording unit by inputting at least one second signal at the signal input unit.

[0029] According to another advantageous embodiment, the additional process steps may include:

[0030] - Output of at least one accumulator from the device by the input device or the output device when at least one predetermined signal for output of the at least one accumulator has been received from the communication device.

[0031] According to another advantageous embodiment, the additional process steps may include:

[0032] - Emitting at least one signal through the communication device if the at least one detected characteristic value of the at least one accumulator does not correspond to at least one value stored in a memory unit of the device.

[0033] According to another advantageous embodiment, the additional process steps may include:

[0034] - Output of at least one accumulator from the device via the input device or an output device if the at least one detected characteristic value does not correspond to at least one value stored in a memory unit of the device. 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 perspective external view of a device according to the invention in an exemplary embodiment;

[0038] Figure 2 shows a side view of a device according to the invention in an exemplary embodiment in a first state;

[0039] Figure 3 shows a side view of the device according to the inventive embodiment in a second state;

[0040] Figure 4 shows a side view of the device according to the inventive embodiment in a third state;

[0041] Figure 5 shows a side view of the device according to the inventive embodiment in a fourth state;

[0042] Figure 6 shows a side view of the device according to the invention in the exemplary embodiment in a fifth state;

[0043] Figure 7 shows a side view of the device according to the inventive embodiment in a sixth state;

[0044] Figure 8 shows a side view of the device according to the invention in the exemplary embodiment in a seventh state;

[0045] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the alignment device according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0046] Figure 10 shows a side view of the device according to the invention in a further exemplary embodiment. Examples of embodiments:

[0047] Figures 1 to 8 show a device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment for storing and supplying a number of accumulators 2, in particular as energy storage for a machine tool, with electrical energy.

[0048] The device 1 essentially comprises a housing 3, a control device 4, a communication device 5, a position detection device 6, an alignment device 7, a number of sensors 8, a charging device 9 and a power supply 10.

[0049] The housing 3 essentially comprises a lid 3a, a base 3b and four side walls 3c. Only two opposing side walls are indicated in the figures.

[0050] A signal lamp 11 is positioned on the cover 3a and is connected to the control unit 4 via a cable. The signal lamp 11 serves as an aid for locating the device 1 and can be activated by a corresponding signal that can be received wirelessly (e.g., via radio) by the communication unit 5. The connecting cable is not shown in the figures.

[0051] Furthermore, four eyelets for transporting the device 1 are provided on the cover 3a. An input device 12 for inserting accumulators 2 into the interior of the device 1 is positioned on a first side wall 3c. In the present embodiment, the input device 12 is designed in the form of a chamber. The volume of the chamber is selected such that an accumulator 2 can be positioned in the chamber, see Figure 1. The input device 12 includes a locking device 13a in the form of a flap, which is pivotally mounted on a hinge. The flap is moved by a drive 14a, so that the locking device 13a can be in a locked or unlocked state. The locking device 13a of the input device 12 is connected to the control device 4 in such a way that the flap of the locking device 13a can be selectively opened or closed by the control device 4.

[0052] Furthermore, a dispensing device 15 for dispensing accumulators 2 from inside the device 1 is positioned on the first side wall 3c. In the present embodiment, the dispensing device 15 is designed in the form of a chamber. The volume of the chamber is selected such that an accumulator 2 can be positioned in the chamber, see Figure 8. The dispensing device 15 includes a locking device 13b in the form of a flap, which is pivotally mounted on a hinge. The flap is moved by a drive 14b so that the locking device 13b can be in a locked or unlocked state. The locking device 13b of the dispensing device 15 is connected to the control device 4 in such a way that the flap of the locking device 13b can be selectively opened or closed by the control device 4.

[0053] The control unit 4 serves to control and regulate the various functions of the entire device 1 as well as individual assemblies and components. In particular, the control unit 4 controls and regulates the functions of the charging unit 9. As described in detail below, the functions of the charging unit 9 include controlling and regulating a charging voltage or charging power when a battery 2 is connected to the charging unit 9 for supplying electrical energy.

[0054] The control device 4 contains a storage unit 16 in which various data, information, parameters, characteristic values, threshold values, algorithms and the like are stored.

[0055] The communication device 5 is used for inputting and outputting signals.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the communication device 5 includes a data input device 17 (also called Man-Machine Interface (MMI)) and a radio communication device 18.

[0057] The data input device 17 is positioned on a first side wall 3c and has a screen (also called a display) and a number of switches. The radio communication device 18 is designed as a Bluetooth module so that data and information can be exchanged between the device 1 and an external device 19. In the figures, an external device 19 is shown as an example smartphone. Alternatively, the radio communication device 18 is designed as a WiFi module or as a standalone GSM / LTE / (2 / 2.5 / 3G / 4G / 5G (LTE)) module.

[0058] The position detection device 6 serves to detect one or more position values ​​of a battery 2, which may be arbitrarily inserted into the device 1. According to the present embodiment, the position detection device 6 includes a camera 20 for detecting the position or orientation of the inserted battery 2 relative to the input device 12. The position detection device 6 is connected to the alignment device 7 and the control device 4, so that the data detected by the position detection device 6 can be sent to the alignment device 7. The alignment device 7 is aligned accordingly by the data sent by the position detection device 6 in order to grip a battery 2. The alignment device 7 serves to align a battery 2 in different directions and / or about different axes.For this purpose, the alignment device 7 includes a drive 21, a rod 22 whose length (i.e., in direction A or B) can be changed, a first rotary device 23, and a second rotary device 24. According to the present embodiment, the length-changeable rod 22 is designed as a telescopic rod. The rod 22 is connected to the drive 21 so that its length can be adjusted in direction A or B.

[0059] The telescopic rod 22 has a first and second end 22a, 22b. As indicated in Figure 1, the first end 22a is connected to the drive 21. The first rotary device 23, 24 is positioned at the second end 22b of the rod 22, see Figure 9.

[0060] The first rotary device 23 includes a first gripping unit 25 for gripping or picking up an accumulator 2, and the second rotary device 24 includes a second gripping unit 26 for gripping or picking up an accumulator 2. The first rotary device 23 can be rotated in either direction G or H. For this purpose, the first rotary device 23 is connected to the drive 21 of the alignment device 7 via a first shaft 27 and a drive belt. The first shaft 27 and the rod 22 can be the same component. The drive belt is not shown in the figures.

[0061] The second rotary device 24 can be rotated in either direction I or J; for this purpose, the second rotary device 24 is connected to the drive 21 of the alignment device 7 via a second shaft. The second shaft is not shown in the figures.

[0062] The first and second rotary devices 23, 24 successively engage the accumulator 2 for alignment. The first rotary device 23 is movable in direction C or D as well as in direction E or F. The second rotary device 24 is movable in direction C or D as well as in direction E or F. A first number of sensors 8 for detecting characteristic values ​​of the accumulator 2 received in the device 1 are positioned on a sensor holding device 28. According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor holding device 28 is positioned in the direction of arrow C above the alignment device 7 such that the sensors 8 can be connected to the interface 2a of an accumulator 2 when the accumulator 2 is aligned accordingly by the alignment device 7 and is still held by the alignment device 7. The sensors 8 are designed in the form of a voltage sensor (voltmeter), a temperature sensor, and a current sensor (ammeter).Furthermore, a sensor for reading identification data is included to determine the type of accumulator 2. Alternatively or additionally, a camera can be included to capture the visual appearance of the accumulator 2 and subsequently compare it with a database stored in memory unit 16 for identification purposes. It is also possible that the camera of the position detection device 6 is used to identify the accumulator 2.

[0063] The charging device 9 serves to supply accumulators 2 with electrical energy. As indicated in the figures, the charging device 9 is depicted in the form of a rack with four charging units 29. Alternatively, the charging device 9 can contain more or fewer than four charging units 29. Each charging unit 29 contains an interface 30 for releasably connecting the charging unit 29 to an accumulator 2. An accumulator 2 can be supplied with electrical energy via the interface 30. Furthermore, each charging unit 29 contains a second set of sensors 31 for recording characteristics of the accumulator 2. In addition, a communication link between an accumulator 2 and the charging device 9 can be established via the interface 30 for exchanging data and information. This data and information includes, among other things, characteristics of the accumulators 2 recorded by the sensors 31.The key parameters include, among other things, the current state of charge (SoC) of the battery being charged.

[0064] As indicated in Figure 1, the device 1 can have a window pane 32 on a first side wall 3c. The loading device 9, among other things, can be viewed through the window pane 32. According to an alternative embodiment, the window pane 32 can be configured as a door with a locking unit. The locking unit is connected to the control unit 4 and communication unit 5, so that the locking unit can be controlled.

[0065] As indicated in the figures, a temperature control device 33 is positioned on the charging device 9. The temperature control device 33 serves to detect temperature values ​​and to selectively cool or heat the charging device 9. The temperature control device 33 essentially comprises a temperature sensor 34, a cooling unit 36 ​​in the form of a fan, and a heating unit 35 in the form of a heater.

[0066] The temperature sensor 34, the heater 35, and the two fans 36 are connected to the control unit 4 via cables such that temperature values ​​detected by the temperature sensor 34 can be sent to the control unit 4. If a detected temperature value corresponds to a specific threshold stored in the memory unit 16, the heater 35 and / or the fans 36 are activated or deactivated.

[0067] Furthermore, according to an alternative embodiment, each charging unit 29 of the charging device 9 can have an access hatch 37, see Figure 11. As indicated in the figure, each access hatch 37 is positioned on a third side wall 3c (not shown in the figures). Each access hatch 37 contains a hinge and an electronically operated lock. Each lock of the access hatches 37 is individually connected to the control device 4. The control device 4 can control access to a charging unit 29 by sending a corresponding signal from the control device 4 to a lock of an access hatch 37. Corresponding signals from the control device 4 either lock or unlock the lock of an access hatch 37.The communication device 5 can send a corresponding command via the control device 4 to a lock of an access hatch 37, so that an access hatch 37 is locked or unlocked.

[0068] The power supply 10 is connected to the charging device 9 via a DC-DC converter 38 and the control unit 4, such that electrical energy can reach the accumulators 2. In the present embodiment, the power supply 10 is equipped with a power cable for connecting the device 1 to a mains power source (mains voltage 120V, 230V, or 400V). Alternatively or additionally, the device 1 can incorporate a photovoltaic system, a wind turbine, a fuel cell, or the like for generating electrical energy. The power supply 10 can also be designed as an accumulator.

[0069] The methods according to the invention essentially include the exemplary process steps shown in Figures 2 to 8.

[0070] Figure 2 shows a device 1 in a first state. An external device 19, designed as a smartphone, sends a corresponding signal to the communication device 5. The signal is forwarded to the control device 4 and evaluated. If the signal meets predetermined criteria, a corresponding signal is sent to the locking device 13a of the input device 12, causing the locking device 13a to change from a locked state to an unlocked state. The locking device 13a of the input device 12, designed as a flap, is rotated in the direction of rotation E, and the interior of the input device 12 is opened to receive an accumulator 2.

[0071] The insertion of the accumulator 2 into the input device 12 is detected by the camera of the position detection device 6, and a corresponding signal is sent to the control device. This signal rotates the flap of the input device 12 in direction F and closes the input device 12 again. The camera of the position detection device then detects the position or orientation of the accumulator 2 in the input device 12. A corresponding signal is sent to the control device 4. The control device 4, in turn, sends a signal to the alignment device 7 to align the accumulator 2 into a predetermined orientation if the accumulator 2 is not already in that orientation. The alignment of the accumulator 2 primarily serves to bring the interface 2a of the accumulator 2 into a predetermined position or orientation.

[0072] As shown in Figure 3, the accumulator 2 has been moved by the alignment device 7 in the direction of arrow A, so that the accumulator 2 can be connected to the sensor holding device 28. The sensors 8 are used to detect the various characteristic values ​​and also to identify the accumulator 2. If a characteristic value corresponds to a predetermined control value or threshold, the corresponding accumulator 2 can be removed from the device 1 by the alignment device 7, either via the input device 12 or the output device 15. This can occur, for example, if a temperature value of an accumulator 2 corresponds to or even exceeds a threshold stored in the control device 4 or in the storage unit 16.

[0073] The characteristic values ​​recorded by the sensors 31 of the sensor holder 28 are sent to the control unit 4. A user can input corresponding commands into the control unit 4 via the data input unit 17 or the radio connection unit 18 of the communication unit 5. A command could, for example, be a request to charge the previously inserted accumulator 2 to a specific state of charge (e.g., 80% SoC).

[0074] Depending on the parameters of the accumulator 2 detected by the sensors and the commands entered into the control unit 4, a specific function of the device 1 is performed and monitored by the control unit 4. If the corresponding sensor detects a charge level of the accumulator 2 that is lower than the desired (i.e., user-specified) charge level, the accumulator 2 is transferred by the alignment device 7 to an available charging unit 29 of the charging device 9, see Figures 4 and 5. The interface 2a of the accumulator 2 is connected to the interface 30 of the charging unit 29 so that the accumulator 2 can be supplied with electrical energy. The charge level at the beginning of the charging process, as well as the current or changing charge level, is detected by the corresponding sensors 31 of the charging unit 29 and sent to the control unit 4 for monitoring, controlling, and regulating the charging process.

[0075] When the desired charge level of the accumulator 2 is reached, a corresponding signal is sent to the control unit 4. The charging process is then terminated. A corresponding signal is subsequently sent by the control unit 4 via the communication unit 5, so that a user is informed of the charge level of the accumulator 2 or that the charging process has ended.

[0076] The user can then send a corresponding signal via the communication device 5 to the control device 4, so that the appropriately charged accumulator 2 is dispensed. The control device 4 then sends a corresponding signal to the alignment device 7, so that the alignment device 7 removes the accumulator 2 from the charging unit 29 and places it in the dispensing device 15, cf. Figures 7 and 8. To open the flap of the dispensing device 15, a corresponding signal is again sent from the control device 4 to the dispensing device 15.

[0077] 1 Device

[0078] 2 Accumulator

[0079] 2a Accumulator interface

[0080] 3 cases

[0081] 3a Cover of the housing

[0082] 3b Bottom of the case

[0083] 3c side walls

[0084] 4 Control unit

[0085] 5 Communication device

[0086] 6 Position detection device

[0087] 7 Alignment device

[0088] 8 sensors

[0089] 9 Charging device

[0090] 10 Energy supply

[0091] 11 Signal lamp

[0092] 12 Input device

[0093] 13a Locking device of the input device

[0094] 13b Locking device of the dispensing device

[0095] 14a Drive for the locking device of the input device 14b Drive for the locking device of the output device 15 Output device

[0096] 16 storage units

[0097] 17 Data entry device

[0098] 18 Radio communication device

[0099] 19 external institutions

[0100] 20 Camera of the position detection device 21 Drive of the alignment device 22 Rod

[0101] 22a first end of the pole

[0102] 22b second end of the pole

[0103] 23 first rotary device

[0104] 24 second rotary device

[0105] 25 first gripping unit

[0106] 26 second gripping unit

[0107] 27 first wave

[0108] 28 Sensor holding device

[0109] 29 charging units

[0110] 30 Charging unit interface

[0111] 31 sensors of the charging unit

[0112] 32 window pane

[0113] 33 Temperature control device

[0114] 34 Temperature sensor

[0115] 35 heating unit

[0116] 36 cooling units

[0117] 37 Access flap of the charging device 38 DC / DC converter

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) for storing and supplying a number of accumulators (2), in particular as an energy storage device for a machine tool with electrical energy, characterized by - a housing (3) with at least one input device (12) for inputting at least one accumulator (2) into the device (1) and at least one output device (15) for outputting at least one accumulator (2) from the device (1); - a control device (4) with at least one storage unit (16); - a communication device (5) for receiving and receiving signals; - a position detection device (6) for detecting at least one position value of an accumulator (2); - an alignment device (7) for aligning at least one accumulator (2) in at least one direction and / or about at least one directional axis; - at least one sensor (8, 31) for detecting at least one characteristic value of the at least one accumulator (2); - at least one charging device (9) for supplying at least one accumulator (2) with electrical energy; as well as - an energy supply (10).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the alignment device (7) includes at least a first rotary device (23) and a second rotary device (24).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a storage device (9) for receiving and storing at least one accumulator (2) is included.

4. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a temperature control device (33) is included with at least one temperature sensor (34), at least one cooling unit (36) and at least one heating unit (35).

5. Method for controlling and regulating a device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least the method steps: - Inserting at least one accumulator (2) into the device (1) by at least one input device (12); - Capturing at least one position value of the at least one accumulator (2) by a position detection device (6); - Aligning at least one accumulator (2) in at least one direction and / or about at least one alignment axis; - Capturing at least one characteristic value of the at least one accumulator (2) by at least one sensor (8, 31); - Connecting at least one accumulator (2) to a charging device (9) to supply at least one accumulator (2) with electrical energy depending on at least one detected characteristic value; and - Emitting at least one signal through the communication device (5) if at least one charge level value of the at least one accumulator (2) corresponds to at least one value stored in a storage unit (16) of the device.

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized by the process step: - Output of the at least one accumulator (2) from the device (1) by the input device (12) or the output device (15) when at least one predetermined signal for output of the at least one accumulator (2) has been received from the communication device (5).

7. Method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the process step: - sending at least one signal by the communication device (5) if the at least one detected characteristic value of the at least one accumulator (2) does not correspond to at least one value stored in a storage unit (16) of the device (1).

8. Method according to at least one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by the process step: - Output of the at least one accumulator (2) from the device (1) by the input device (12) or an output device (15) if the at least one detected characteristic value does not correspond to at least one value stored in a memory unit (16) of the device (1). 17

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