Charging device for rechargeable battery.

State of the art

The invention relates to a charging device according to the preamble of claim 1.

A known battery charger of this type (US-PS 36 96 283), has a box-shaped Basic module, which only the electrical switch includes processing elements for charging electricity, while laterally disposed on the base housing sockets, in which are arranged at the same distance of a plug expansion module are inserted, thereby manifestly Lich simultaneously a certain mechanical connection and the electrical connection of the respective extension module are made. It can on the one He extension module continuously further expansion modules are connected, in each case on the free side the expansion module sockets are arranged again, in which plug from the next extension module to grab.

The expansion modules form a parallel circuit the power module, each individual extension module again a parallel branch of the parallel branch forms.

To possibly different charging requirements ver To meet various batteries, which also is desired, is provided in this publication propose, in the extension module a counterclaim was in series with the port cells provide contacts, so the desired charging current for the specific battery ensure. This requires, however, that in a specific expansion module only certain batteries can be used corresponding to the respective through the Resistance certain charge current conditions correspond, where it appears questionable whether this way manage different batteries with significantly union rated voltages on the basis of a prior to load existing power base module, of any order switching systems for differing charging voltages having, but only between a fast charge and slow trickle charge is different. Also the mechanical anchoring of the expansion modules unterein other and the base unit solely on the electric Contact pin appears problematic.

In this context, it is further known (EP 3 14 155), a system for sequentially charging a plurality providing of batteries, wherein a control circuit in Conjunction with a microprocessor which is individually connected batteries on the battery type and state of charge queries and a corresponding priority-affected Charging method specifies to which certain batteries preferred over others charging current get fed, and namely, those batteries with particularly good state of charge was first served. About the physical construction a charging device that such a battery charging system used, nothing is executed.

In a charger for charging of electrical Samm learning (DE-OS 27 02 129) it is also known for Aufla to a device funct this either in the radio befindlicher battery in the charging compartment of the charger insert, or remove the battery and then to Charging the battery separate an additional adapter provide multiple, only the physical Fixing the battery in the original charging compartment is used, while the original contacts, the through openings protrude in the adapter for the loading of the radio equipment removed battery use finds.

Finally, it is known an automatic charger, wel Che is capable of a greater number of batteries thereby charging that the presence of batteries in additional expansion modules is determined and the charge of the battery is caused thereupon. The Connection between the individual modules with each other as well as with the basic unit in mechanical and in Electrically, carried out by the baying single NEN subcomponents on a common rail as in electrical subcomponents, such as Siche ments and in fuse boxes. like. conventional per se. The Electrical contact is made by touching in the rail arranged in mutual isolation Ver connecting lines.

Thus, charging devices for rechargeable Batte rien or accumulators known in many forms; they used for repeated charging accordingly appro Neten battery and cover a wide range of devices to for example, so different batteries as heavy driving convincing batteries down to the smallest coin cell again be able to charge.

Especially lately are Chargers for batteries extensively used, as more and more battery powered devices are used, not only in Häus union area (rechargeable toothbrushes, Bags lamps u. the like.), but also in artisanal and indu strial scale especially for power tools, the-grid for power supply via a battery pack or other equipment at the firm network makes you independent.

Such battery packs, as well as the already widely in Use located nickel cadmium batteries, which in the common battery sizes are available, and the under can survive circumstances 1000 or more charge cycles, not only for environmental reasons over batteries to prefer, but also because it now, about for the motor drive, high currents for extended periods may submit.

Furthermore Chargers are generally known, the same time over several, for example by spring tension also ver adjustable positioning options for rechargeable Batteries, in particular on the size of a conventional D-cell or Baby cells have. Here, however, is to be unmatched chargers that only a certain ge can produce rings charging current and the state of Battery no consideration, for example, their Temperature can not capture.

The invention addresses the problem of providing a uniform, universally applicable and cost-effective battery charging system to provide a modular design, with the back rechargeable batteries of any shape, voltage and capaci ity, if desired, in the shortest possible time loading blank and which with a stable structure and cohesion the individual components a correct contact ensures.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The invention solves this object with the mark the features of the main claim and has the advantage that it is now possible, using a base unit load a plurality of identical or different batteries to be able, so that a user who is an example of Accumulators furnished implement in conjunction with a battery charging system according to the present invention acquires, first the base unit for charging with this acquisi tion may use contiguous batteries, this but then specifically enhance in any way, can in each case by the same or other batteries, the Special respective other manufacturers adapted wide re accessories or expansion modules to the base module of the battery system are connected.

The basic module includes this as a basic unit all erforder for the actual electrical charging union assemblies and circuits only once, ie Trans formator, rectifier, control circuit including reacts to temperature signals as well as a range first charging bay, so that a considerable price advantage in part for the user results, since one single with a Basic module and corresponding extension modules the full range of diverse batteries and Rechargeable ble batteries can provide.

It is understood that the basic module as a basic unit then contains a correspondingly powerful electronics, the controlling, regulating and monitoring of the respective is charging required. The respective extension module as an additional adapter part which the basic module is to be connected, then a little more than the corre relevant, male mold of rechargeable batteries matched molding and contains only contacts to a hand the originating from the basic module charging current to ent speaking battery forward and on the other hand, if desired and necessary, appropriate statements about the respective temperature to make.

The expansion module, which side of the base unit is docked, so there is in any embodiments, namely with respect to the recording device for each one clogging and battery to be charged while the outer identical form of the individual expansion modules to each other can be romantic, so that a total of pleasing Appearance of the entire battery system results.

It is also possible to use several extension modules behind bay them today to the basic unit, depending Ausgestal device of the electric control circuit so that two or more batteries are arranged in the charging slots, which then usefully be loaded sequentially. Thus, one can in the battery charging system with one or more, to the Basic device connected additional adapter parts or He extension modules at least two batteries at the same time use, for example in the evening, then within a predetermined time are (sequentially) loaded, so that both z. B. can be taken in the morning.

It is advantageous that the control electronics being so forms is that they electrical self on respective Data of the battery being charged reacts; example can by an initial current pulse to battery to be charged the control unit itself will automatically sensed, via what capacity and in particular on which nominal tension tion of the battery has, so that the base unit then the respective charging currents can be provided.

Using the modern technologies in data and supply voltage transmission is via two wire lines, it is also possible, by the control scarf tion of the basic unit of the different inserts depending Weil to address and in chronological order in FITTERS nected expansion modules to load fitting batteries or if it is identical batteries, by corresponding current increase in parallel at the same time charging for about expansion modules too perform additionally connected batteries.

Finally, it is also possible in conventional tech nik each to be connected expansion module on its own electrical connecting lines to the control circuit to connect the basic unit, including with lateral Aneinan derreihung on the expansion module page this link then lines in intermediate extension modules need only be looped through. It is understood of course, that will also be the opportunity Schlos sen is, on both sides of the base unit each He extension modules to arrange.

The measures specified in the dependent claims are fer ner advantageous developments and improvements of Invention possible. Thereby, the connectors between the various expansion modules and the Basic unit on the one hand or to each other, via side plug-in contacts, in the corre sponding complementary sockets are introduced; in addition, mechanical snap or Rastverbin tions provided, also plug contact connections possible that the entanglement of basic machine with Expansion modules allow, for example, by the expansion module with a side down projecting plug contact projection initially in from above a corresponding receptacle opening a on the basic unit is performed until both partial housing aneinanderlie flush gen. Lateral pulling is not then more possible.

A similar solution is obtained if the two between Part housings of the base unit and the expansion module the mechanical connection by means of a guide at the same time laterally arranged contacts between Basic unit and expansion module is made. In this case, by the lateral mechanical plugging or plugging of the basic unit to the expansion module or vice versa, between the two contiguous Wall areas by respectively overlapping and behind comprehensive guide a fixed mechanical security reached, then simultaneously the Verbindungskontak tierungen for continuing electrical lines be prepared for expansion module. The mutually adjacent electrical contacts clean by the first lateral Gone pushing itself and can also ver for example on one side by the contact making better Direction preload stand.

drawing

Embodiments of the invention are in the Drawing are planning and shown in the following Be scription explained. Show it:

<b>Fig.</b> 1 schematically a perspective view with its own charging bay provided basic unit to which more Erwei expansion modules with different charging slot infected openings for different batteries can and

<b>Fig.</b> 2 shows a variant of the in <b>Fig.</b> 1 Basic shown shape in which one side next to the docking Another possibility for adaptation to different Liche batteries and battery systems is shown, namely, the formation of different charging slot-A rates (change adapters), only for the reason device and / or also at the various Erwei extension modules;

<b>Fig.</b> 3 shows a further embodiment for lateral Arranging one or more Erweiterungsmodu le on a desk-like base unit, wherein the expansion modules the same gefälli have ge appearance and by the forward directed inclination to users insertion facilitates the batteries against the charging bays is the

<b>Fig.</b> 3a and 3b respectively detail sectional views along lines IIIa-IIIa or IIIb-IIIb of <b>Fig.</b> 3 are.

Description of Embodiments

The basic idea of ​​the present invention is a complete battery system with a basic module and any of a variety of expansion modules create that the several versions of the docked electric field covering basic unit may be, by lateral contact and mechanical interlock, which immediately also REQUIRED chen electrical connections between the base unit on the one hand and the majority of the base unit and also among themselves Herge docked expansion modules are presents.

In <b>Fig.</b> 1 is a basic unit <b>10</b>'Is shown, which by formed a mating housing the left in the plane part <b>10</b> the Electronic and associated components takes up and in the right part <b>11</b> a charging shaft opening <b>12</b> which example as for the own device battery, so the battery, which is sold with a device or to a device heard, which also includes the Akkuladesy can be supplied system. Of course is also an independent acquisition possible.

The presentation of this base unit <b>10</b>' also includes the possibility, if the electronics range with control circuit transformer and. the like. sufficiently small building, also in the right part of the inso Far doppelgehäusigen base unit <b>10</b>'Another charging slot <b>12</b>'To arrange, so that here immediately two charging options for the same or different Liche batteries give.

The further refinements can then be such that at the basic drive <b>10</b>' with first charging slot <b>12</b> and optionally further charging slot <b>12</b>'Further expansion modules <b>13</b>. <b>14</b>. <b>15</b> can be docked laterally so that wide re, batteries for charging receiving charging bays in United connection with the still docked expansion modules <b>13</b>. <b>14</b>. <b>15</b> arise.

Further, the representation comprising <b>Fig.</b> 1 under the various docking facilities still serienwei ses attaching all additional adapter parts <b>13</b>. <b>14</b>. <b>15</b> with each other and to the base unit <b>10</b>', it being understood that in this case each if the far middle expansion modules on both sides mechanical anchoring possibilities and contact means having as with regard to sockets <b>16</b>a, <b>16</b>b during expansion module <b>15</b> is indicated.

It is also possible, the basic unit on both sides to dock extension modules, wherein z. B. stiftförmi ge plug contacts <b>17</b>a, <b>17</b>b (the latter is the prosper sion module <b>14</b> merely indicated by dashed lines) ent neither from the base unit and / or from the Extension modules may arise.

Since there is no problem, the preferred only once existing electronics with transformer and DC interpreted judge so that the electronics electrical data of each battery to be charged (nominal voltage, capacitance) detected and charging ent is tuned speaking, it is an especially before some refinement straight the expansion modules <b>13</b>. <b>14</b>. <b>15</b> in the different most embodiments with respect to their respective Loading bays and in those to contact the respective battery terminals arranged internal contacts to provide, so that any kind of Akkumu lator or rechargeable battery by the Battery system can be charged, in particular ticular also external brand batteries. This results not only crucial price advantages when , what is in any case difficult to avoid, with a Variety of different battery packs or recurrent chargeable batteries works, but reduces it Also the space required, since only a single Electronic module for the control, regulation and monitoring charging is required which can then each in the basic unit <b>10</b>'Is.

In the expansion modules <b>11</b>. <b>13</b>. <b>14</b>. <b>15</b> is up to existing contacts and optionally Runaway dragged leads no electronics from present.

When the plug contacts shown <b>16</b>a, <b>16</b>b; <b>17</b>a, <b>17</b>b are each to the two Stromver sorgungskontakte who knows where code suffix "a" are lich, and a temperature sensor contact <b>16</b>b, <b>17</b>b, of any case in particular, anspruchsvol sized chargers is always present to also Temperature state of each battery to be charged capture. Typically, many battery packs therefore from the outset already three contact terminals on, one of which within a temperature sensor the battery pack leads.

Alternatively, it is of course also possible for the respective charging bay <b>12</b>. <b>12</b>', <b>13</b>a, <b>14</b>a, <b>15</b>a form such that, when no Tempera ture sensor having batteries, rechargeable Bat criteria or battery pack, the temperature of the employed Batteries for a cradle on own temperature sensor can be detected.

Shall simultaneously loaded more than just a battery be, this is then easily possible if the two or more batteries on the same data , including, in the electronic control circuit of the Base unit then only increases the charging current; han delt it is batteries of different data and / or articles, then a time to successive charge at the same time used Accumulators are contemplated, to which end the Control electronics connected Expansion modules sequentially in time served and Erwei expansion module, which then an already charged battery includes, off of the other power supply. This can Happen over separate control information hen that also via the two-wire Verbindungslei direction for the charging current, or even over the temperature sen sorleitung can be done - in the respective extension module is then, the Akkuanschlußkon overclock assigned a respective these tax be it information addressable switching part, or docked to the respective extension modules separate electrical connecting lines provided - Which was then added simultaneously at a variety is connected Expansion Modules Through grinds the connecting contacts are easily possible - and the electronics of the base unit then subjects the individual expansion modules by switching to successively. Since a common ground line ver can be used, also remains in such a Configuration, the number of cable connections low.

In the <b>Fig.</b> 2 variant shown first clear their universal applicability bility and practicability; a base unit<b>10</b>'' Includes on the left side in the drawing a casing subarea <b>10</b>a, the transformer, rectifier and electrochemical African circuit part housed, and on the right Side a housing section <b>10</b>b with Ladeschachtöff Regulation <b>19</b>, There are laterally dockable expansion modules <b>20</b>. <b>21</b>. <b>22</b> ... provided that its own charging bays without own Electronics have and through connectors with the basic unit <b>10</b>'' Are connected.

In addition, provided the receiving shafts <b>19</b>. if they do not a priori a special, a given battery or a rechargeable have battery adapted inner contour, in a Embodiment, each with a from a variety of existing charging slot-Adapterein sets are provided, which in <b>Fig.</b> 2 with <b>23</b>. <b>24</b>. <b>25</b> are designated. By charging bay adapter inserts relativized the problem, a number below load ent or equivalent batteries, far more than the individual charging slot-Adap tereinsätze with corresponding dimensions in then with their respective associated internal and external dimensions concerted, always same Aufnahmeschäch te can be used, so that only a few few additional expansion modules needed then when one over a corresponding number of Ladeschacht- Adapter inserts features.

The connections of the additional expansion modules with the base <b>10</b>'' Are in the embodiment of the <b>Fig.</b> 2 different from the representation of the <b>Fig.</b> 1 hit; it is up to each additional adapter part a projecting plug contact edge <b>26</b> educated, at which downward outgoing pins <b>27</b> are arranged in corresponding, upwardly open sockets <b>28</b> the basic unit <b>10</b>'' Intervene; is working one in this context with different Charging bay adapter inserts, then the plug bushings <b>28</b>, For all embodiments of "standardized" also on a lateral socket surface <b>29</b> of the be arranged charging bay adapter inserts.

have the individual charging bay adapter inserts then one or more Eigent turn loading tracks shafts <b>24</b>a, <b>25</b>a. Also in this Ausfüh tion for containing the expansion modules or the charging bay adapter inserts merely Kontaktan finals, with a contact interface solution by about the various contact terminals, the electrical cal connection first from the base unit to a jewei time extension module and of this about also according to "standardized" contact terminals for jewei then charging bay adapter application are performed.

The embodiment of <b>Fig.</b> 3 shows that In addition to the vertically plugged into one another Kon Diplomatic options accordingly <b>Fig.</b> 2 or alone at then other contact versions of the respective Expansion module thereby mechanically on the basic module or Base unit can be mounted, that guide at both aligned wall parts of Basic unit and expansion module according to the type of Teeth engage behind locking means form, with which the base unit and extension module each are plugged into one another or be snapped.

In <b>Fig.</b> 3, the base unit with its own charging bay and consistent with housing <b>10</b>'' 'And referred in turn consists of the one-piece Gehäuseteilbe rich <b>10</b>a for electronics and a mind integrally attached housing part <b>10</b>b with battery its cradle <b>12</b>'. It is merely a second Erwei expansion module <b>13</b>'Yet presented with charging bay <b>13</b>a '; Expansion Module<b>13</b>'Mechanically form positively to the base unit <b>10</b>'' 'Is locked. The Locking occurs in the illustrated embodiment for example by partially or to a Seitenflä che completely circumferential, projecting Führungsnu th to the facing wall surfaces, which then, as in <b>Fig.</b> 3a, each engage behind where by basic unit, each with an attached extension module are positively locked mechanically. example example, the guide groove <b>30</b>. <b>31</b> the basic unit at the expansion module facing wall below missing, so that the basic unit of up to prosper sion module can be plugged. Once a front given, backed by attacks end position is achieved, resulting in a separate Kontak tierungsbereich <b>32</b>, Which in the illustration of <b>Fig.</b> 3 only on the facing wall surface of the Grundge chine <b>10</b>'' 'Can be seen, the contact is in for example as in <b>Fig.</b> 3b shown in detail. Contact projections <b>33</b> on one side touch Contact areas <b>34</b> on the other hand, for example, under spring pressure.

If desired, the basic unit or any indicator lights <b>34</b> for the respective charging state or <b>35</b> for a temperature indication of just gelade be provided NEN batteries.