Battery pack; load or charging device having a housing with an electrical interface for electrical connection to a battery pack

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery pack, in particular an exchangeable battery pack for a load in the form of a small electrical appliance, having a housing in which at least one battery cell is arranged, an electrical interface for electrical connection to a load, and a mechanical interface for mechanical connection to the load, wherein the housing has a first housing part and a second housing part, wherein the first housing part has at least one first connecting element and the second housing element has at least one second connecting element for engaging in the first connecting element of the first housing part. According to the invention, the at least one first connecting element is associated with the mechanical interface.

Description

[0001] R. 417196

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Battery pack; consumer or charger with a housing having an electrical interface for electrical connection to a battery pack

[0004] Description

[0005] State of the art

[0006] EP 2 295 206 B1 describes an electric hand tool with a battery for power supply.

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] The invention relates alternatively to a battery pack, in particular a replaceable battery pack for a consumer in the form of a small electrical appliance, comprising a housing in which a single battery cell is arranged, an electrical interface for electrical connection to a consumer, and a mechanical interface for mechanical connection to the consumer. The electrical interface has at least two contact elements, each arranged in a recess in the housing, and each recess has a first opening through which the battery pack can be connected by means of a linear insertion along a first connection direction. It is proposed that each recess has a second opening through which the battery pack can be connected by means of a pivoting movement along a second connection direction. Advantageously, this optimizes the connection between the battery pack and the consumer.In particular, this ensures that the battery pack can be connected to different devices in different ways, thus always allowing for optimal adaptation of the connection to the housing type.

[0009] The battery pack is, in particular, part of a system comprising the battery pack and the consumer, especially a small electrical appliance, whereby the consumer is supplied with energy via the battery pack during operation. (R. 417196)

[0010] - 2 -

[0011] The interchangeable battery pack is specifically designed to be connected to a charging device for recharging the battery pack. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the battery pack can be charged via an electrical charging interface of the consumer device. The small electrical device can be, for example, a power tool, a household appliance, a measuring device, or the like. An interchangeable battery pack is understood to be, in particular, a battery pack that can be connected to the consumer device without tools and is therefore interchangeable without tools.

[0012] The battery pack housing is preferably partially or completely designed as an outer casing. The battery pack housing may have a mechanical interface via which the battery pack can be connected to the load by force-fit and / or form-fit. The battery pack housing may comprise one or more housing parts. The housing parts are connected to one another by force-fit, form-fit, and / or material-fit. The housing may also be designed as a single piece, in one part, or in multiple parts. In the context of this application, "single piece" is understood to mean, in particular, a component that is formed from a single piece and not from several components that are connected to one another by material-fit and / or force-fit and / or form-fit. A single-piece component therefore consists of a single material.In the context of this application, "one-piece" shall be understood to mean, in particular, a single component, or several components that are joined together by a material bond, for example via two-component injection molding. It is also conceivable that the housing is formed from a thin film or foil.

[0013] The electrical interface is designed for electrical connection with the consumer and / or a charger. The interchangeable battery pack can be charged and / or discharged via this electrical connection. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that information can be transmitted via the electrical interface. The electrical interface is preferably designed as a contact interface, in which the electrical connection is made via a physical contact between at least two conductive components. The electrical interface preferably comprises at least two electrical contact elements. In particular, one of the electrical contact elements is designed as a positive contact and the other as a negative contact. Additionally, the electrical interface can have at least one auxiliary contact designed to transmit additional information to the consumer. R. 417196

[0014] - 3 -

[0015] to transfer power to the consumer and / or to the charging device. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical interface can include a secondary charging coil element for inductive charging. Furthermore, the housing of the replaceable battery pack contains at least one battery cell, which can be electrically connected to the consumer via the electrical contact device.

[0016] The battery cell can be designed as a galvanic cell with a structure in which one cell terminal is located at one end and another cell terminal at the opposite end. The cell terminals form the end faces of the battery cell. In particular, the battery cell has a positive cell terminal at one end and a negative cell terminal at the opposite end. Preferably, the battery cells are designed as NiCd or NiMH cells, and especially preferably as lithium-based or Li-ion battery cells. The battery voltage of the battery pack is generally a multiple of the voltage of a single battery cell and results from the connection (parallel or series) of the battery cells. For common battery cells with a voltage of 3.6 V, exemplary battery voltages of 3.6 V, 7.2 V, 10 V, 8 V, 14.4 V, 18 V, 36 V, 54 V, 108 V, etc., are thus possible.Preferably, the battery cell is designed as a cylindrical cell, at least in its essential shape, with the cell poles arranged at the ends of the cylindrical shape.

[0017] In particular, the battery pack includes electronic components. These electronic components are preferably designed for controlling or regulating and / or acquiring information from the battery pack and / or the connected device. The battery pack's electronic components may include a circuit board, a temperature sensor, a processing unit, a control unit, a transistor, a capacitor, and / or a memory unit. Specifically, the electronic components include a protection circuit associated with a battery management system (BMS) designed to monitor the battery pack. The BMS is specifically designed to prevent overcharging and / or deep discharging of the battery pack. The electronic components may include additional sensor elements, such as a motion sensor for detecting movement. Alternatively or additionally, the electronic components may include a coding element, such as a coding resistor.Additionally or alternatively, it is also conceivable that information is determined by the electronics. The temperature sensor can, for example, be an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient), whose resistance decreases with increasing temperature, or a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient). 417196.

[0018] - 4 -

[0019] The temperature sensor can be designed with a temperature coefficient (Tel. coefficient), whose resistance increases with rising temperature, or similarly, such as a temperature-dependent resistor (RTD - Resistance Temperature Detector) with a nearly linear temperature response, or a thermocouple based on the Seebeck effect. The temperature sensor can be placed directly on the circuit board or connected to it via separate leads. The data acquired by the temperature sensor is processed by the electronics to control the charging and discharging processes and to prevent overheating or undercooling of the battery pack.

[0020] Furthermore, it is proposed that the first and second openings be adjacent to each other and arranged on two mutually perpendicular sides. The first opening is preferably located on an end face of the housing. This arrangement enables a robust yet simple-to-manufacture mechanical interface that supports both linear insertion and pivoting movements. The openings are specifically designed such that the first opening transitions into the second opening. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the openings to be separate.

[0021] Furthermore, it is proposed that the battery pack housing, adjacent to the electrical interface, has a functional element in the form of a recess designed for centering, coding, and / or positioning. This functional element advantageously enables precise centering, coding against incompatible devices, and defined positioning for secure electrical contact and a reliable connection to the device.

[0022] Furthermore, it is proposed that the recess be cylindrical or conical. These geometries are advantageous because they are easy to manufacture and enable robust and reliable guidance during the centering and positioning of the battery pack. The rotationally symmetrical shape also simplifies assembly and tolerates minor deviations in alignment. The recess can also be designed as a cuboid, polyhedron, or a combination of these shapes, for example, to implement more complex coding or to adapt the recess to the shape of the counterpart in the consumer. It is also conceivable to design the recess R. 417196

[0023] - 5 -

[0024] to be provided with undercuts or locking tabs to reinforce the mechanical connection between the battery pack and the consumer and to prevent unintentional loosening.

[0025] Furthermore, it is proposed that the recess have a circular or oval opening. These shapes are easy to manufacture and allow for good centering. The circular opening advantageously offers optimal rotational symmetry, while the oval opening can provide additional guidance in a specific direction. In addition, the recess can also have polygonal openings, particularly rectangular or square ones, or a combination of different shapes, for example, to ensure a defined orientation of the battery pack or to integrate more complex coding mechanisms.

[0026] It is further proposed that the battery cell be designed as a cylindrical cell with two opposing cell poles, the battery pack having a longitudinal axis extending perpendicular to the cell poles. In particular, the electrical interface is located behind the cell pole when viewed along the longitudinal axis. This arrangement advantageously allows for a compact design of the battery pack with respect to its cross-section. Alternatively, the electrical interface can also be arranged laterally offset from the cell poles, for example, to optimally utilize the available space in the battery pack or to facilitate integration into certain device geometries.

[0027] Furthermore, it is proposed that the electrical interface, in particular the recesses, and the recess be arranged in an end-face base of the housing. This arrangement allows easy access to the electrical interface and simplifies the manufacturing of the battery pack. Integrating the recess into the end-face base also contributes to a compact design.

[0028] Furthermore, it is proposed that the base have at least one coding element designed for mechanical coding. In particular, the coding element is designed as a depression, a protrusion, or a notch. These different embodiments advantageously allow for flexible coding design and adaptation to different requirements. R. 417196

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[0030] Additionally, it is also conceivable that the coding element is designed as a combination of depressions, elevations and indentations in order to realize more complex codings.

[0031] Furthermore, it is proposed that the functional element and the coding element be designed with a distance between them. This spatial separation allows for independent design and optimization of both elements. For example, the functional element can be primarily focused on centering and positioning the battery pack, while the coding element ensures compatibility.

[0032] Alternatively, the invention relates to a consumer or charger comprising a housing, an electrical interface for electrical connection to a battery pack, and a mechanical interface for mechanical connection to the battery pack. The consumer has a contact holder that corresponds to the electrical interface of the battery pack and has at least two contact elements. The contact holder includes a functional element that, in the connected state, engages at least partially with the functional element of the battery pack. This corresponding functional element in the consumer advantageously ensures a secure and precise connection to the battery pack.

[0033] Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising a battery pack as previously described and a consumer as previously described.

[0034] The invention further relates to a battery pack, in particular a replaceable battery pack for a consumer in the form of a small electrical appliance, comprising a housing in which at least one battery cell is arranged, an electrical interface for electrical connection to a consumer, and a mechanical interface for mechanical connection to the consumer. The housing comprises a first housing part and a second housing part, wherein the first housing part comprises at least one first connecting element and the second housing part comprises at least one second connecting element for engaging with the first connecting element of the first housing part. It is proposed that the at least one first connecting element be associated with the mechanical interface. Advantageously, this allows R. 417196

[0035] - 7 -

[0036] The connecting element can be used both to connect the housing parts and to provide a mechanical connection to the consumer, making it possible to create a particularly cost-effective and compact battery pack.

[0037] Furthermore, it is proposed that the first connecting element be designed to receive a connecting element of the consumer. In particular, the connecting element of the consumer may be designed, for example, as a projection, a locking lug, a hook, a bolt, a ball or another suitable element.

[0038] Furthermore, it is proposed that the first connecting element be designed as a recess in the first housing part. The recess can have various shapes, such as a slot, an elongated hole, a round bore, a polygonal opening, or a combination of these. The dimensions and shape of the recess are adapted to the geometry and function of the consumer's connecting element. To secure the connection between the battery pack and the consumer and prevent unintentional loosening, the recess can have additional features, such as undercuts, chamfers, recesses, protrusions, spring elements, or magnetic elements. Alternatively, the recess can also be designed as part of a more complex locking mechanism, such as a twist lock, a bayonet lock, or a sliding mechanism.

[0039] It is further proposed that the first housing part be cup-shaped and incorporate the electrical and mechanical interfaces. In particular, the second housing part is designed as a housing cover. Alternatively, the kinematic inversion is also conceivable. The cup-shaped form can be cylindrical, conical, prismatic, or a combination of these shapes and serves to house and protect the battery cell. The housing cover closes the cup-shaped first housing part and can be fastened by various mechanisms, such as snap connections, locking tabs, screws, clamp connections, or a combination thereof. R. 417196

[0040] - 8 -

[0041] Furthermore, it is proposed that the second housing part be detachably connected to the first housing part, allowing the battery cell to be removed when detached. The advantage of this is that it enables a simple and quick replacement of the battery cell without the need for tools or special knowledge.

[0042] Furthermore, the invention relates to a consumer, in particular a small electrical appliance, comprising a housing, an electrical interface for electrical connection to a battery pack, and a mechanical interface for mechanical connection to the battery pack. It is proposed that the mechanical interface includes at least one pivotable connecting element. The pivotable connecting element can be, for example, a lever, a pivoting arm, a flap, or a slider that pivots about a defined axis, in particular a rotational axis. The pivotable connecting element serves to secure and fix the battery pack within the consumer. The pivoting movement of the connecting element enables easy insertion and removal of the battery pack. Alternatively or additionally, the pivotable connecting element can be designed for spring-assisted movement and for a locking function in various positions.

[0043] It is further proposed that the mechanical interface include at least one actuating element designed to actuate the connecting element. The actuating element can be, for example, a button, a switch, a lever, a slider, or another suitable operating device. Actuating the actuating element moves the connecting element, particularly the pivotable connecting element, into the desired position to lock or unlock the battery pack. The form and function of the actuating element are adapted to ergonomic requirements and user-friendliness. In particular, the connecting element and the actuating element are formed as a single piece. This advantageously saves costs and installation space. The one-piece design can be achieved, for example, by injection molding, die casting, or other suitable manufacturing processes.Alternatively, the connecting element and the actuating element can also be designed in multiple parts and mechanically coupled to each other via a joint, a spring, or another mechanism. This allows for greater design flexibility and can be advantageous depending on the specific requirements of the application. R. 417196.

[0044] - 9 -

[0045] Furthermore, it is proposed that the device have two actuating elements arranged opposite each other. Advantageously, this arrangement allows for symmetrical operation and even force distribution when inserting and removing the battery pack. The actuating elements can be designed, for example, as buttons, levers, sliders, or other suitable operating devices. Simultaneous actuation of both actuating elements engages the connecting element(s) of the mechanical interface to lock or unlock the battery pack. Alternatively, the actuating elements can also be arranged side by side, offset, or in another configuration, depending on the specific requirements of the application and the device design. It is also conceivable that only a single actuating element is provided, positioned centrally or at another suitable location.

[0046] Furthermore, it is proposed that the connecting element and the actuating element be connected to the consumer housing via a force-fit and / or form-fit connection element. The consumer connection element can be formed integrally with the consumer housing or as a separate component.

[0047] Furthermore, it is proposed that the connecting element for connection with a first connecting element of a battery pack be designed as described above.

[0048] The invention further relates to a system comprising a battery pack as previously described and a consumer as previously described. R. 417196

[0049] - 10 -

[0050] Drawings

[0051] Further advantages arise from the following description of the drawings. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. It is advantageous for those skilled in the art to also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations. Reference numerals for alternative embodiments of the invention are identified by the same number and a letter that characterizes the embodiment.

[0052] They show:

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a consumer with a battery pack;

[0054] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a battery pack for the consumer according to Fig. 1;

[0055] Fig. 3 shows a top view of the battery pack according to Fig. 2;

[0056] Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section through the battery pack according to Fig. 2 in the state connected to an electrical interface of the consumer;

[0057] Fig. 5 shows a perspective partial view of the consumer's electrical interface;

[0058] Fig. 6 shows another longitudinal section of the battery pack;

[0059] Fig. 7 shows a section through the consumer in the state mechanically connected to the battery pack;

[0060] Fig. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the battery pack during a linear connection process with a consumer; R. 417196

[0061] - 11 -

[0062] Fig. 9a shows the battery pack according to Fig. 8 during a connection process with an alternative embodiment of a consumer by means of a pivoting movement;

[0063] Fig. 9b shows the battery pack according to Fig. 8 in the state connected to the consumer according to Fig. 9a;

[0064] Fig. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of an opening for a functional element of the battery pack;

[0065] Fig. 11 shows another alternative embodiment of an opening for a functional element of the battery pack;

[0066] Fig. 12 shows a perspective partial section through an alternative embodiment of a consumer in the state connected to the battery pack;

[0067] Fig. 13 shows another view of the consumer and the battery pack according to Fig.

[0068] 12.R. 417196

[0069] - 12 -

[0070] Description of the exemplary implementations

[0071] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a consumer 10 in the form of a small electrical appliance 12 with a battery pack 100. The small electrical appliance 12 is designed as an example of a screwdriver 14. The small electrical appliance 12 has a housing 16 in which the battery pack 100 is fully enclosed. The small electrical appliance 12 has a tool holder 18, which is designed to receive an insert tool 20, for example, in the form of a bit 22. The tool holder 18 is connected to a drive unit (not shown) comprising an electric motor, which can be activated via an operating switch 24.

[0072] The housing 16 of the consumer 10 has a battery compartment 26 in which the battery pack 100 is arranged in the connected state. The battery compartment 26 is, by way of example, located in a grip area 28 of the housing 16. The battery compartment 26 has, by way of example, a cover 30 that can be removed without tools and opened by the user to replace the battery pack 100.

[0073] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the battery pack 100. The battery pack 100 has a housing 102 in which a single battery cell 104 (see Figure 6) is arranged.

[0074] The housing 102 of the battery pack 100 comprises, by way of example, a first housing part 106 and a second housing part 108. The first housing part 106 is cup-shaped and the second housing part 108 is lid-shaped. Both housing parts 106 and 108 are, by way of example, made of a hard plastic. The two housing parts 106 and 108 are, by way of example, connected to each other by force and form-fitting. In particular, the two housing parts 106 and 108 are connected to each other in a way that allows them to be removed without damage.

[0075] The battery pack 100 has an electrical interface 110 designed for electrical connection to the load 10. The electrical interface 110 has, by way of example, three electrical contact elements 112, which are designed, by way of example, as contact tips 114. The electrical contact elements 112 are located in recesses 116 of the housing 102 of the battery pack 100. R. 417196

[0076] - 13 -

[0077] in particular the first housing part 106 of the battery pack 100. The recesses 116 are, by way of example, parallel to each other and evenly spaced. The two outer electrical contact elements 112 are designed as power contacts 118 for supplying power to the consumer 10. The middle electrical contact element 112 is designed as a data contact 120 and, by way of example, for transmitting a temperature parameter, which is detected by means of a temperature sensor (not shown) arranged in the area of ​​the battery cell 104.

[0078] The recesses 116 each have a first opening 122 and a second opening 124. The first opening 122 is designed such that the battery pack 100 can be connected to the load 10 via a first connection direction by means of a linear insertion. The linear insertion is coaxial or parallel to a longitudinal axis 126 of the battery pack 100, which extends along the accommodated battery cell 104. The second opening 124 is designed such that the battery pack 100 can be connected to a load via a second connection direction by means of a pivoting movement. The second opening 124 is arranged adjacent to the first opening 122. In particular, the first opening 122 and the second opening 124 are arranged on two mutually perpendicular sides of the housing 102. The first opening 122 and the second opening 124 are connected, by way of example, such that the first opening 122 transitions into the second opening 124.

[0079] Figure 3 shows a top view of the battery pack 100. The first openings 122 of the recesses 116 extend parallel to each other but have different lengths. The two outer first openings 122 are longer than the middle first opening 122, with the length of the first openings 122 being adapted to the width of the electrical contact elements 112 arranged in the recesses 116.

[0080] The battery pack 100 further comprises a functional element 130, which is designed for centering and / or coding and / or positioning the battery pack 100 during the connection process with the consumer 10. This function is performed partly by the functional element 130 of the battery pack 100 and partly by R. 417196

[0081] - 14 -

[0082] formed by a corresponding functional element 50 of the consumer 10. Depending on the combination, the functional element 130 can, for example, only perform a coding function or only a centering function.

[0083] The electrical interface 110 of the battery pack 100 and the functional element 130 are arranged, by way of example, in an end-face socket 132 of the battery pack 100. The functional element 130 is, by way of example, designed as a recess 131. The functional element 130 has an opening 134, which is preferably asymmetrically designed. Advantageously, the asymmetry ensures that a connection can only be made in predefined relative orientations of the battery pack 100 and the load 10 to each other. The functional element 130 has, by way of example, a rectangular opening 134 with rounded sides. The recess 131 is, by way of example, cylindrically designed.

[0084] The functional element 130 is, by way of example, partially arranged in an area 136, which is defined by the two outer recesses 116, but is spaced apart from the middle recess 116. In particular, at least 40%, or by example at least 50%, of the functional element 130 is arranged in the area 136. Advantageously, this allows for a particularly compact base area to be realized.

[0085] The base 132 also has a coding element 138, which is intended for mechanical coding. Mechanical coding means that a compatible device has a compatible coding element and a non-compatible device has a non-compatible coding element, thus effectively preventing proper connection between the battery pack 100 and the device 10. The coding element 138 is, for example, designed as a recess 140 in a side surface of the base 132. The recess 140 is designed such that the mirror symmetry of the base 132 in the top view is broken in the area of ​​the recess 140. R. 417196

[0086] - 15 -

[0087] The coding element 138 and the functional element 130 are spaced apart from each other and also have different depths, as shown in Fig.

[0088] 4 can be seen in a longitudinal section of the battery pack 100.

[0089] The coding element 138 has a depth that essentially corresponds to the height 142 of the base 132. The functional element 130 has a depth 144, which, by way of example, is less than half the height 142 of the base 132. The height of the base 132 essentially corresponds to the length of the electrical contact elements 112 that are mounted in the base 132.

[0090] Figure 5 shows a perspective partial view of the interior of the battery compartment 26 of the device 10. The device 10 has a corresponding electrical interface 40 for electrical connection. The electrical interface 40 of the device 10 comprises three electrical contact elements 42, which are exemplified as contact blades 44 and are arranged such that they can be received by the electrical contact elements 112 of the battery pack 100. The electrical contact elements 42 of the device 10 are arranged on a contact holder 46, in particular on a base body 48 of the contact holder 46. The base body 48 of the contact holder 46 is made of an electrically non-conductive material, e.g., a plastic. The contact holder 46 is received in the housing 16 of the device. The contact holder 46 can be rigidly or movably received or mounted in the housing 16.

[0091] In addition to the contact elements 42, the contact holder 46 has a functional element 50 that corresponds to the functional element 130 of the battery pack 100. The functional element 50 is, by way of example, formed integrally with the base body 48. The functional element 50 is, by way of example, designed as a web-shaped rib 52 which, in the connected state, engages in the recess 131 of the housing 102 of the battery pack 100. The functional element 50 is provided for coding and positioning, since a connection, in particular a movement into the end position, is only possible with corresponding functional elements 50 and 130. R. 417196

[0092] - 16 -

[0093] The consumer 10, in particular the contact holder 46 of the consumer 10, is designed for connection via a first connection direction 1, which is achieved via a linear insertion along the longitudinal axis of the battery pack 100. A connection by means of a pivoting movement is not possible due to the functional element 50.

[0094] In addition to the functional element 50, the consumer also has an additional coding element 60. The coding element 60 is, by way of example, spaced apart from the contact holder 46, and in particular spaced apart from the functional element 50 of the contact holder 46. The coding element 60 is, by way of example, formed integrally with the housing 16 of the consumer 10. Thus, both the contact holder 46 and the housing 16 of the consumer have coding means, which advantageously allows mechanical coding to be carried out via both the contact holder and the housing.

[0095] Figure 6 shows a longitudinal section of the battery pack 100. The battery pack 100 has a cell holder 150 designed to fix the battery cell 104. The cell holder 150 comprises two cell holder housing parts 152 and 154, which are spaced apart from each other. The battery cell 104 is, by way of example, a cylindrical cell with two opposing cell poles 156. The cell holder housing parts 152 and 154 are each arranged in the region of the cell poles 156 and, by way of example, partially enclose them.

[0096] The first cell holder housing part 152 is designed as a completely internal housing part. The first cell holder housing part 152 also has connecting means (not shown) for force-fit and / or form-fit connection with a circuit board 158 of an electronics 159 of the battery pack 100. The first cell holder housing part 152 is specifically arranged between a cell terminal 156 and the circuit board 158.

[0097] The electrical contact elements 112 of the battery pack 100 are also arranged or attached to the circuit board 158. The shape of the power contacts 118 differs from the shape of the data contact 120. The power contacts 118 have two symmetrical arms extending in the direction of R. 417196

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[0099] The arms of the power contacts 118 extend essentially in a straight line from a contact point 119, which is intended for contact with the electrical contact elements 42 of the load 10, towards each other. In the region of the contact point 119, the arms of the power contacts 118 have a minimal distance between them. The data contact 120 has essentially the same length as the power contacts 118 and also two symmetrical arms. To ensure robust data transfer at this length, the data contact 120 has a path extension element 121 for each arm, which extends the arms towards a contact point 123 of the data contact 120. The two path extension elements 121 are designed, by way of example, such that they extend towards each other. By way of example, the two path extension elements 121 are essentially V-shaped, although another suitable shape, for example U-shaped, is also conceivable.Advantageously, the path extension elements ensure a lower mechanical load on the data contact 120 at a defined opening during engagement.

[0100] The first housing part 106 has, by way of example, two first connecting elements 107, and the second housing part 108 has, by way of example, two second connecting elements 109, wherein the second connecting elements 109 are designed to engage with the first connecting elements 107. The first connecting elements 107 are, by way of example, designed as recesses 160 in the first housing part 106, wherein the recess 160 is, by way of example, formed through and thus, in the unconnected state, is open both inwards towards the battery cell 104 and outwards. The second connecting elements 109 are, by way of example, designed as spring-loaded locking arms 162.In the joining process, the lid-shaped second housing part 108 is thus pushed into the cup-shaped first housing part 106 by deformation or by pressing in the second connecting elements 109, until the connecting elements 107, 109 lock into place and a force-fit and form-fit connection is created. By designing the second housing part 108 as a cell holder housing part 154, the battery cell 104 is advantageously inserted simultaneously. The battery cells are connected to the circuit board 158 via cell connectors (not shown). R. 417196.

[0101] - 18 -

[0102] Figure 7 schematically shows a section through the battery pack 100 and the load 10 in a connected state. In the connected state, the battery pack 100 is shown, by way of example, completely arranged in the battery compartment 26 of the load 10. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the battery pack 100 is only partially arranged in the load 10, in particular in the battery compartment 26 of the load 10, and protrudes from the housing 16.

[0103] The battery pack 100 has a mechanical interface 170, which is designed for the mechanical connection, in particular for locking, of the battery pack 100 in the battery compartment 26 of the consumer 10. By way of example, the first two connecting elements 107 of the first housing part 106 are assigned to the mechanical interface 170. Thus, the second housing part 108 of the battery pack 100 is connected via the first connecting elements 107, and the battery pack 100 is also fixed or locked in the battery compartment 26.

[0104] The consumer 10 has, for example, a corresponding connecting element 61 for each first connecting element 107 of the battery pack 100, which is designed to lock the battery pack 100 in the battery compartment 26 of the consumer 10. The connecting element 61 is, for example, rotatably mounted in the housing 16 of the consumer 10 and is designed as a locking hook 62. The connecting element 61 is connected to a return element (not shown) in the form of a spring, which exerts a force on the connecting element 61 in the direction of the locking position. When the battery pack 100 is inserted, the connecting element 61 of the consumer 10 is pushed outwards by the housing 102 of the battery pack 100 against the spring force and engages in the locking position by means of a pivoting movement at the end of the insertion.

[0105] The locking mechanism is released or unlocked by actuating an actuating element 64, which is mechanically coupled to the connecting element 61. For example, the actuating element 64 and the connecting element 61 are formed as a single piece and are thus both pivotally mounted. However, a multi-part design is also possible (see R. 417196).

[0106] - 19 -

[0107] bar and / or a linear movement of at least one of the components. The actuating element is arranged in a recess 66 of the housing 16, for example flush with the outer surface of the housing 16.

[0108] Figure 8 shows a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of a battery pack 100a with a functional element 130a for connection to a load 10a along a first connection direction 1a by means of a linear insertion. The battery pack 100a differs from the previously described battery pack 100, particularly in the design of the functional element 130a. The functional element 130a is not cylindrical but conical with a cross-section that decreases with increasing depth. The load 10a has a corresponding functional element 50a, which is also conical. This shape provides an additional centering function via the functional element 130a, optimally centering the battery pack 100a relative to the load 10a and thus ensuring an optimal electrical connection.The functional element 50a of the consumer 10a can, for example, be assigned to a contact holder or a housing of the consumer 10a.

[0109] Figure 9a shows an alternative embodiment of a consumer 10b, which differs in particular by the functional element 50b and thus enables a connection along a second connection direction 2b by means of a pivoting movement. Figure 9a schematically shows the consumer 10b with the previously described battery pack 100a during the connection process and Figure 9b in the connected state.

[0110] Consumer 10b has a functional element 50b that is movably mounted in the housing 16b of consumer 10b. For example, the functional element 50b of consumer 10b is connected to the housing 16b via a spring element 51b. In the connection process, the battery pack 10ba is first inserted laterally into a battery compartment 26b of consumer 10b. Subsequently, the battery pack 10ba is pivoted into the battery compartment 26b by means of a pivoting movement along the second connection direction 2b. During this process, the base 132a acts on the connecting element 50b of consumer 10b and exerts a force on the connecting element 50bR against the spring force of the spring element 51b. 417196

[0111] - 20 -

[0112] This causes the connecting element 50b to shift so that the battery pack 100a can be slid past the connecting element 50b. Once the battery pack 100a is fully inserted into the battery compartment 26b, the functional element 50b of the consumer 10b snaps into the corresponding functional element 130a of the battery pack.

[0113] Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of an opening 134c for the functional element 130 of the battery pack 100. The opening 134c is rectangular, with one side having straight edges and the opposite side being concave.

[0114] Figure 11 shows another alternative embodiment of an opening 134d for the functional element 130 of the battery pack 100. The opening 134d is circular in shape, with an additional positioning element 135d formed on one side, which allows a connection only in a defined relative position of the consumer to the battery pack.

[0115] Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of a consumer 10e in a partial perspective view, wherein the consumer 10e differs from the previously described consumers 10 particularly in its mechanical interface. The battery pack 100 corresponds essentially to the previously described battery pack 100.

[0116] Consumer 10e has, for example, two locking elements 70e, each comprising a connecting element 61e in the form of a locking lug 62e and an actuating element 64e. The connecting element 61e is designed to engage with the corresponding connecting element 107 of the battery pack 100 in the first housing part 106.

[0117] The connecting element 61e and the actuating element 64e are arranged on opposite sides along the longitudinal extent of the locking element 70e. For fastening the locking element 70e to the housing 16e of the consumer 10e, the locking element 70e has a consumer connecting element 72e, for example in the form of an arm, wherein the arm 72e is located on a side of the R. 417196 facing away from the battery pack 100.

[0118] - 21 -

[0119] The locking element 70e is arranged and is connected to a receiving pocket 74e of the housing 16e in a force-fit and form-fit manner, for example by clipping it in. The locking element 70e is for example formed in one piece.

[0120] The locking element 70e is, by way of example, made of a plastic, in particular a hard plastic. The actuating element 64e is tab-shaped and extends section by section parallel to and spaced apart from the housing 102 of the battery pack 100. The actuating element 64e can have a grippy surface on its side facing away from the battery pack 100, for example, a specific structure with a pattern, ribs, or indentations. The connecting element 61e and the actuating element 64e are shaped and connected to each other such that when the actuating element 64e is acted upon in the direction of the battery pack 100, a force acts on the connecting element 61e in the opposite direction to the battery pack 100, and the connecting element 61e is guided out of the connecting element 107e of the battery pack 100 in the form of the recess.The locking element 70e is thus shaped in such an elastic way that an integrated spring effect is created.

[0121] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the consumer 10e in the connected state with the battery pack 100. The two locking elements 70e are advantageously arranged such that they are opposite each other, and thus the two actuating elements 64e can be pressed and actuated by the user with a single hand movement. The consumer 10e can have a cap, for example a screw cap, which covers the battery pack 100 in the connected state.

Claims

R. 417196 - 22 - Claims 1. Battery pack, in particular a replaceable battery pack for a consumer (10) in the form of a small electrical appliance (12), with a housing (102) in which at least one battery cell (104) is arranged, with an electrical interface (110) for electrical connection with a consumer (10), with a mechanical interface (170) for mechanical connection with the consumer (10), wherein the housing (102) has a first housing part (106) and a second housing part (108), wherein the first housing part (106) has at least a first connecting element (107) and the second housing part (108) has at least a second connecting element (109) for engaging with the first connecting element (107) of the first housing part (106), characterized by the fact that that at least one first connecting element (107) is assigned to the mechanical interface (170).

2. Battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the first connecting element (107) is designed to receive a connecting element (61) of the consumer (10).

3. Battery pack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connecting element (107) is designed as a recess (160) in the first housing part (106).

4. Battery pack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first housing part (106) is cup-shaped and comprises the electrical interface (110) and the mechanical interface (170).

5. Battery pack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second housing part (108) is designed as a housing cover. R. 417196 - 23 - 6. Battery pack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second housing part (108) is detachably connected to the first housing part (106), wherein the battery cell (104) is removable in the detached state.

7. Consumer, in particular small electrical appliance (12), or charger with a housing (16), with an electrical interface (40) for electrical connection to a battery pack (100) and with a mechanical interface for mechanical connection to the battery pack (100), characterized by the fact that the mechanical interface has at least one pivotable connecting element (61).

8. Consumer according to claim 7, characterized in that the mechanical interface has at least one actuating element (64) designed to actuate the connecting element (61).

9. Consumer according to claim 8, characterized in that the connecting element (61) and the actuating element (64) are formed in one piece.

10. Consumer according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the consumer (10) has two actuating elements (64) which are arranged opposite each other.

11. Consumer according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the connecting element (61 e) and the actuating element (64) are connected to the housing (16e) of the consumer (10e) by means of a force-fit and / or form-fit connection via a consumer connecting element (72e).

12. Consumer according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the connecting element (61) is configured for connection with a first connecting element (107) of a battery pack (100) according to claim 3. R. 417196 - 24 - 13. System comprising a battery pack (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and a consumer (10) according to one of claims 7 to 12.

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