Automatic charger for rechargeable batteries

Abstract

The apparatus contains a housing having at least one feeding and dispensing device for feeding at least one rechargeable battery into the apparatus or for dispensing at least one rechargeable battery from the apparatus, a control device having at least one storage unit, a communication device for inputting and outputting signals, at least one charging device having at least a first and a second charging unit for each supplying a rechargeable battery with electric energy, a drive device for selectively and reversibly moving the at least one charging unit from at least one first position to a second position, the at least one charging unit being positionable in at least one position on the feeding and dispensing device, and an energy supply at least for supplying the drive and the charging device with electric energy. The invention also relates to a method for a closed-loop and open-loop control of an apparatus for storing and supplying a number of rechargeable batteries, in particular as energy stores for a machine tool, with electric energy.

Description

[0001] Hilti Aktiengesellschaft in Schaan

[0002] Principality of Liechtenstein

[0003] Automatic battery charger

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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 its 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.

[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 claims 1 and 6. Further advantageous embodiments of the subject matter according to the invention are contained in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0009] 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.

[0010] According to the invention, the device comprises a housing with at least one input and output device for inputting at least one accumulator into the device or 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, at least one charging device with at least one first and second charging unit for supplying an accumulator with electrical energy, a drive device for selectively and reversibly moving the at least one charging unit from at least one first position to a second position, wherein the at least one charging unit can be positioned in at least one position on the input and output device, and a power supply at least for supplying the drive device and the charging device with electrical energy.

[0011] The input and output device can include a separate input unit and a separate output unit.

[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] The charging device can be designed as a wireless, contactless, or cable-free energy transfer device, for example, as an inductive charging device. Furthermore, the energy transfer can be based on the principle of a resonant transformer.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible that at least one sensor is included for detecting at least one characteristic value of the at least one accumulator.

[0015] According to another advantageous embodiment, it may be possible to include a temperature control device with at least one temperature sensor, at least one heater and at least one cooling unit.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it may be possible that at least one storage container for receiving and holding at least one accumulator and a gripping device for inserting the at least one accumulator into the at least one storage container are included.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is possible that the at least one storage container contains a deletion device. According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is possible that the input and output device contains at least one locking device for selectively locking the input and output device.

[0018] According to another 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] According to the invention, the process includes the following steps:

[0021] - Connecting at least one accumulator to a charging device in a first position; - Detecting at least one characteristic value of the at least one accumulator by at least one sensor;

[0022] - Supplying at least one accumulator with electrical energy via the charging device, depending on at least one first recorded characteristic value; and

[0023] - Moving the accumulator from the first position to a second position depending on at least one second recorded characteristic value.

[0024] 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.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the additional process steps may include:

[0026] - Inserting an accumulator into the at least one storage container when at least one detected characteristic value corresponds to or exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0027] According to another advantageous embodiment, the additional process step may include:

[0028] - Output of at least one accumulator from the device by the input and output device when at least one predetermined signal for output of the at least one accumulator has been received from the communication device. According to a further advantageous embodiment, the additional process steps may include:

[0029] - 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.

[0030] According to another advantageous embodiment, the additional process steps may include:

[0031] - Output of at least one accumulator from the device by the input and 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.

[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 side view of a device according to the invention in a first exemplary embodiment;

[0035] Figure 2 shows a side view of a device according to the invention in a second exemplary embodiment in a first state;

[0036] Figure 3 shows a side view of the device according to the invention in the second exemplary embodiment in a second state;

[0037] Figure 4 shows a side view of the device according to the invention in the second exemplary embodiment in a third state;

[0038] Figure 5 shows a side view of the device according to the invention in a third exemplary embodiment; and

[0039] Figure 6 shows a side view of the device according to the invention in a fourth exemplary embodiment. Examples of embodiments:

[0040] Figure 1 shows a device 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment for storing and supplying a number of accumulators 2, in particular as energy storage for a machine tool, with electrical energy.

[0041] The device includes a housing 3 with an input and output device 10, a control device 4, a storage unit 5, a communication device 6, a charging device 7, a drive device 8 and a power supply 9.

[0042] 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 7. As described in detail below, the functions of the charging unit 7 include controlling and regulating a charging voltage or charging power when a battery 2 is connected to the charging unit 7 for supplying electrical energy.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the input and output device 10 comprises a separate input unit 10a and a separate output unit 10b, see Figures 1 to 4. The input unit 10a serves to input or insert an accumulator 2 into the interior of the housing 3 of the device 1.

[0044] It is possible that more than one input unit 10a and more than one output unit 10b are present on the device 1. The device 1 can also contain several output units 10b of different sizes. The size of an output unit can be adapted to the size or volume of an accumulator 2.

[0045] Furthermore, the input unit 10a includes a locking device 11 with a flap 12. The flap 12 is pivotally mounted about a hinge 14 in the direction E or F by means of a drive 13. The drive 13 of the input unit 10a is connected to the control unit 4 for control purposes. A corresponding signal is sent from the control unit 4 to the drive 13 of the input unit 10a, so that the flap 12 is either opened or closed.

[0046] The output unit 10b serves to dispense or discharge an accumulator 2 from the device 1. Furthermore, the output unit 10b includes a locking device 15 with a flap 16. The flap 16 is pivotally mounted about a hinge 18 in the direction E or F by means of a drive 17. The drive 17 of the output unit 10b is connected to the control unit 4 for control purposes. A corresponding signal is sent from the control unit 4 to the drive 17 of the output unit 10b, so that the flap 16 is either opened or closed.

[0047] The communication device 6 is used for inputting and outputting signals.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the communication device 6 includes an input device 6a (also called Man-Machine Interface (MMI)) and a radio communication device 6b.

[0049] The input device 6a is positioned on a first side wall 3a and has a screen (also called a display) and a number of switches. The radio communication device 6b is designed as a Bluetooth module, enabling the exchange of data and information 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 6b is designed as a WiFi module or as a standalone GSM / LTE / (2 / 2.5 / 3G / 4G / 5G (LTE)) module.

[0050] The charging device 7 serves to supply the accumulators 2 with electrical energy. According to the first embodiment in Figure 1, the charging device 7 comprises seven charging units 20 and a DC / DC converter 21. Each charging unit 20 includes a charging interface 22 for mechanically, electrically, and communicatively connecting the charging unit 20 to an accumulator 2. Electrical energy is supplied to an accumulator 2 connected to a charging unit 20 via the respective charging interface 22. Each charging unit 20 is connected to the power supply 9 for this purpose.

[0051] Furthermore, each charging unit 20 contains a number of sensors 23. Using the sensors 23, the charging unit 20 can detect various parameters of an accumulator 2 connected to it. These parameters include, among others, a voltage value or state of charge (i.e., SoC in %) of an accumulator 2. Each charging unit 20 is connected to the control unit 4 via appropriate lines for sending and receiving data and information. The sensors 23 can also detect the type, species, or other characteristic of an accumulator 2 and transmit this information to the control unit 4. Using these values ​​or data, an accumulator 4 can be identified.

[0052] The drive device 8 includes, among other things, a drive 24 and a conveyor belt 25. Alternatively, a chain can be included instead of the conveyor belt 25.

[0053] As indicated in the figures, the conveyor belt 25 runs over two wheels 26. The drive 24 powers one wheel 26. The wheel 26, in turn, powers the conveyor belt 25. Because the drive 24 is connected to the control unit 4, the direction (E or F) and speed of the conveyor belt 25 can be controlled and regulated. Furthermore, a position at which the conveyor belt 25 stops can be selected via the control unit 4. For example, the control unit 4 can stop the conveyor belt 25 so that a specific loading unit 20 stops at the input unit 10a or at the output unit 10b. As also indicated in the figures, the loading units 20 are connected to the conveyor belt.

[0054] According to the present embodiment, the power supply 9 is designed as a power cable for detachable connection to a mains power source (socket). The power supply 9 contains a rectifier 27 and serves to supply the drive 24 and the charging device 7 with electrical energy. Alternatively or additionally, the power supply 9 can also be designed to provide electrical energy by means of a separate battery, a photovoltaic system, a wind turbine, a fuel cell, or the like.

[0055] As indicated in the figures, a temperature control device 28 is positioned in the housing 3 of the device 1. The temperature control device 28 serves to detect temperature values ​​and to selectively cool or heat the device 1 and, in particular, the charging device 7. The temperature control device 28 essentially comprises a temperature sensor 29, a heater 30, and a fan 31.

[0056] The temperature sensor 29, the heater 30, and the fan 31 are connected to the control unit 4 via cables such that temperature values ​​detected by the temperature sensor 29 can be sent to the control unit 4. If a detected temperature value corresponds to a specific threshold stored in the memory unit 5, the heater 30 and / or the fan 31 is activated or deactivated.

[0057] According to an alternative embodiment, the device 1 includes a storage container 32 for receiving and holding a battery 2, see Figure 4. The storage container 32 serves for the controlled storage of a battery 2 that has been removed from the charging device 7. A battery 2 can be inserted into the storage container 32 and stored there if at least one characteristic value of a battery 2 corresponds to or exceeds a predetermined threshold value. One characteristic value of the battery 2 can be a temperature value.

[0058] The storage container 32 includes a first flap 33 for selectively closing an access point and a second flap 34 for selectively closing an exit point. As indicated in Figure 4, the storage container 32 is arranged on the housing 3 of the device 1 such that the access point to the storage container 32 faces the interior of the housing 3. The exit opens the storage container 32 to the outside, i.e., outside the housing 3 of the device 1. The first and second flaps 33, 34 are each connected to an actuator 33a, 34a, so that the flaps 33, 34 can be individually moved by the actuator 33a, 34a into an open or closed position. The actuator 33a, 34a is connected to the control unit 4 via cables, so that the control unit 4 can control the position of the respective flaps 33, 34. A corresponding command can be sent via the communication unit 6.A corresponding signal is sent to control the storage container 32 or the flaps 33, 34. The storage container 32 also contains a gripping device 35 for inserting an accumulator 2 into the interior of the storage container 32. The gripping device 35 is driven by the actuator 33a, 34a, which also drives the flaps 33, 34 of the storage container 32. Alternatively, the gripping device 35 can also have its own independent drive.

[0059] The gripping device 35 is also designed to eject an accumulator 2 from the storage container 32, either through the inlet or outlet. Furthermore, the gripping device 35 is also designed to position an accumulator 2, which has been inserted into the storage container 32 from outside the device 1, onto a free charging unit 20 after receiving a corresponding signal from the communication device 6. The function and position of the drive 24 of the gripping device 35, the flaps of the gripping device 35, and the drive device 8 of the charging unit 7 are controlled by the control unit 4 for appropriate interaction.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, the storage container 32 contains an extinguishing device 40. According to an exemplary embodiment, the extinguishing device 40 contains a CO2 capsule, the activation of which is controlled via the control device 4.

[0061] According to an alternative embodiment of the device 1, the input and output device 10 contains only a single recess 36 on the housing 3 of the device 1, see Figure 5. The recess 36 contains a locking device 36a for selectively locking the recess 36 in the form of a pivotable flap.

[0062] According to a further alternative embodiment of the device 1, the input and output device 10 includes a first, second and third recess 37a, 37b, 37c on the housing 3 of the device 1. Each recess 37a, 37b, 37c includes a first, second and third locking device 38a, 38b, 38c for selectively locking the respective recess 37a, 37b, 37c in the form of a pivotable flap.

[0063] Figure 6 shows another alternative embodiment of the device 1. In this embodiment, the device 1 includes a storage unit 39 in the form of a shelf with a first, second, and third compartment 39a, 39b, 39c. There can be more or fewer than three compartments. Each compartment 39a, 39b, 39c has an interface for releasably connecting a battery 2 to the storage unit 39. The charging device 7 includes only a charging unit 20, which is connected to a conveyor belt 25 of a drive device 8. The charging unit 20 includes an inductive charger for inductively charging inductively chargeable batteries 2. Because the charging unit 20 can be moved reversibly by the drive device 8 in the direction of arrow C or D, the charging unit 20 can be positioned for inductive charging of a battery 2.

[0064] To carry out the method for a device 1 according to a first embodiment, a user first sends a corresponding signal via the communication device 6 to the locking device 11 of the input unit 10a and to the drive device 8. The user is not shown in the figures.

[0065] The flap 12 of the input unit 10a opens upon receipt of the signal. Upon receiving the signal, the drive device 8 moves a charging unit 20 to the level of the input unit 10a, allowing a user to position a battery 2 against the charging unit 20. The charging unit 20 detects the presence of the battery 2 and sends a corresponding signal via the control device 4 to the closing device 11 of the input unit 10a. The flap 12 of the input unit 10a closes upon receipt of the signal.

[0066] The sensors 23 of the charging unit 20, which is connected to the accumulator 2, detect various parameters of the accumulator 2. These parameters include, among others, the state of charge (SoC = State of Charge in %) of the accumulator and unique identification data for a proper charging process (i.e., supplying the accumulator 2 with the intended charging voltage or charging power). The detected data and parameters of the accumulator 2 are sent to the control unit 4 and compared with stored values ​​or threshold values. Depending on the detected values, the control unit 4 regulates the charging power for charging the accumulator 2. A corresponding signal from the control unit 4 closes the flap 12 of the input unit 10a. Alternatively, the flap of the input unit 10a closes after a certain period of time. This period can be up to two minutes.

[0067] After a corresponding signal is input at the communication device 6, the flap of the output unit 10b opens. The control device 4 moves the drive device 8 so that a charging unit 20 with a specific accumulator 2 is positioned at the level of the output unit 10b. The accumulator 2, positioned behind the output unit 10b, can be removed by a user from the charging unit 20 and from the device 1.

[0068] 1 Device

[0069] 2 Accumulator

[0070] 3 Machine tool housing

[0071] 4 Control unit

[0072] 5 storage units

[0073] 6 Communication device

[0074] 6a Input device of the communication device 6b Radio link device of the communication device 7 Charging device

[0075] 8 Drive device

[0076] 9 Energy supply

[0077] 10 Input and output setup

[0078] 10a Input unit

[0079] 10b output unit

[0080] 11. Locking device of the input unit

[0081] 12 Input unit flap

[0082] 13 Input unit drive

[0083] 14 Hinge of the input unit

[0084] 15. Locking device of the dispensing unit

[0085] 16. Flap of the output unit

[0086] 17 Drive of the output unit

[0087] 18 Hinge of the output unit

[0088] 19 external institutions

[0089] 20 charging units

[0090] 21 DC / DC converters

[0091] 22 Charging interface of the charging unit

[0092] 23 sensors of the charging unit 24 drive of the drive device

[0093] 25 Conveyor belt of the drive device

[0094] 26 Wheel of the drive device

[0095] 27 rectifiers of the power supply

[0096] 28 Temperature control device

[0097] 29 Temperature sensor

[0098] 30 Heating

[0099] 31 fans

[0100] 32 storage containers

[0101] 33 First flap of the storage container

[0102] 33a Drive for first flap of the storage container 34 second flap of the storage container

[0103] 34a Drive for second flap of the storage container 35 Gripping device of the storage container

[0104] 36 single recess on the housing of the device 37a first recess on the housing of the device 37b second recess on the housing of the device 37c third recess on the housing of the device 38a first locking device on the first recess 38b second locking device on the second recess 38c third locking device on the third recess 39 storage unit

[0105] 39a first compartment of the storage unit

[0106] 39b second compartment of the storage unit

[0107] 39c third compartment of the storage unit

[0108] 40 Fire extinguishing equipment

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 and output device (10) for inputting at least one accumulator (2) into the device (1) or for outputting at least one accumulator (2) from the device (1); - a control device (4) with at least one storage unit (5); - a communication device (6) for receiving and receiving signals; - at least one charging device (7) with at least one charging unit (20) for supplying each accumulator (2) with electrical energy; - a drive device (8) for selectively and reversibly moving the at least one loading unit (20) from at least a first position to a second position, wherein the at least one loading unit (20) can be positioned in at least one position on the input and output device (10); and - a power supply (9) at least to supply the drive device (8) and the charging device (7) with electrical energy.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one sensor (23) is included for detecting at least one characteristic value of the at least one accumulator (2).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a temperature control device (28) is included with at least one temperature sensor (29), at least one heater (30) and at least one cooling unit (31).

4. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one storage container (32) for receiving and holding at least one accumulator (2) and a gripping device (35) for inserting the at least one accumulator (2) into the at least one storage container (32) is included.

5. Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one storage container (32) contains a fire extinguishing device (40).

6. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input and output device (10) includes at least one locking device (11, 15, 38a, 38b, 38c) for selectively locking the input and output device (10).

7. Method for controlling and regulating a device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, comprising at least the method steps: - Connecting at least one accumulator (2) to a charging device (7) in a first position; - Capturing at least one characteristic value of the at least one accumulator (2) by at least one sensor (23); - Supplying the at least one accumulator (2) with electrical energy by the charging device (7) depending on at least one first detected characteristic value; and - Moving the accumulator (2) from the first position to a second position depending on at least one second recorded characteristic value.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized by the process step: - Inserting an accumulator (2) into the at least one storage container (32) if at least one detected characteristic value corresponds to or exceeds a predetermined threshold.

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