Interchangeable Battery Charging Device for Power Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging devices for power tools with interchangeable batteries require batteries to be removed from tools for charging, which is inconvenient and can lead to mechanical wear and corrosion, and often rely on complex multiplexers for sensor signal evaluation.
Innovation Solution
The charging device includes additional contact means on the energy storage units that allow charging both when connected to and disconnected from the power tool, with sensor signals transmitted through these contacts for evaluation by both the power tool and charging unit, enabling safe and efficient charging without a multiplexer and reducing mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If batteries are removed from power tools for charging, then charging can be performed, but mechanical wear and corrosion increase and convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact means on the battery are segmented into two distinct sets: first contact means for tool connection and second contact means for charging unit connection. This segmentation allows the battery to establish different electrical connections depending on whether it is in the tool or the charging unit, enabling charging without removal while preventing harmful mechanical wear on the tool contacts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex multiplexers are used for sensor signal evaluation, then multiple power tools can be supported, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multiplexer function is extracted from the charging unit and replaced by direct sensor signal evaluation. The sensor signal from the battery contains sufficient information for the charging unit to determine charging requirements, eliminating the need for complex signal switching and reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-tool compatibility.
3Reliability
If batteries remain connected to power tools during charging, then operational safety improves, but sensor signal evaluation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Different contact means are assigned different local qualities and functions: the first contact means are optimized for tool connection and power transmission, while the second contact means are specifically designed for charging unit connection and sensor signal transmission. This local differentiation allows simultaneous tool connection and charging with simplified signal evaluation, as each contact set handles its designated function independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging device (10, 100) includes a charging unit (12) and at least one interchangeable, rechargeable energy storage unit (14), in particular an interchangeable battery (18), of a power tool (16). Each energy storage unit (14) has first contact means (24) for contacting the corresponding power tool (16) and additional contact elements (38) for contacting the charging unit (12) in such a way that the charging unit (12) is able to charge the energy storage unit (14) via the additional contact elements (38), both when the unit is connected to the power tool (16) and when it is disconnected from the power tool (16).