CN111148604A

CN111148604A - Accumulator battery

Info

Publication number: CN111148604A
Application number: CN201880062978.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: F·克内尔
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 2017-09-29
Filing date: 2018-08-22
Publication date: 2020-05-12
Also published as: WO2019063212A1; DE102017217495A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery pack, in particular a hand-held power tool battery pack, having a housing in which at least one battery unit is arranged, having at least one mechanical interface comprising a connecting element, by means of which the battery pack can be mechanically connected to a consumer. The invention proposes that the mechanical interface is designed to be at least partially exchangeable.

Description

Accumulator battery

Background

DE 102015207730 Al discloses a mechanical interface for connecting a battery pack to a consumer. By using battery packs in increasingly higher power appliances with increased energy requirements, the weight of the battery packs also increases. New requirements for the mechanical interface of the battery pack and the consumer arise due to the increased weight of the battery pack. In this case, the mechanical interface may be damaged due to wear or in the case of impact loading, such that it no longer can fulfill the function it is provided with and therefore the battery pack or the consumer must be replaced, which is associated with high costs.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention relates to a battery pack, in particular a hand-held power tool battery pack, having a housing in which at least one battery unit is arranged, having a mechanical interface comprising at least one connecting element, by means of which the battery pack can be mechanically connected to a consumer. The invention proposes that the mechanical interface is at least partially exchangeable. Advantageously, the mechanical interface can thus be simply replaced in the event of damage, as a result of which the overall service life of the battery pack can be increased.

The battery pack is in particular part of a system consisting of a battery pack and a consumer, wherein the consumer is supplied with energy via the battery pack during operation. In order to establish a mechanical connection between the battery pack and the consumer, both the battery pack and the consumer each have a mechanical interface which corresponds to one another. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the system comprises an adapter which comprises at least two mechanical interfaces via which the adapter can be mechanically connected to the battery pack and the consumer.

The electrical connection of the battery pack to the consumer is effected via the electrical interfaces of the battery pack and of the consumer, which correspond to one another. In particular, at least one battery cell of the battery pack can be electrically connected to a drive unit of the consumer via an electrical interface of the battery pack and the consumer. The battery cell may be configured as a galvanic cell having a structure in which one cell pole is located on one end and the other cell pole is located on the opposite end. In particular, the battery cell has a positive cell pole at one end and a negative cell pole at the opposite end. The battery cell is preferably designed as a NiCd battery cell or a NiMh battery cell, particularly preferably as a lithium-based battery cell. The battery voltage of a battery pack is usually a multiple of the voltage of the individual battery cells and is derived from the electrical circuit (parallel or series) of the battery cells. In a conventional battery cell having a voltage of 3.6V, battery voltages of, for example, 3.6V, 7.2V, 10.8V, 14.4V, 18V, 36V, etc., are thus obtained. Preferably, the battery cell is designed as an at least substantially cylindrical round cell, wherein the cell poles are arranged at the ends of the cylinder. The electrical interface comprises in particular at least two electrical contact elements which are designed for the transmission of energy. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical interface may have a secondary charging coil element for inductive charging. In addition, the electrical interface can have further contact elements which are designed to transmit additional information, which is preferably ascertained by the electronic device, to the consumer. The additional information may be, for example, the state of charge of the battery pack, the temperature within the battery pack, the coding of the battery pack or the remaining capacity. It is conceivable that the electronics regulate or control the charging and/or discharging process of the battery pack. The electronic device may have, for example, at least one circuit board, a computing unit, a transistor, a capacitor and/or a memory. Furthermore, the electronic device may have one or more sensor elements, for example for determining the temperature in the battery pack. The electronic device may alternatively or additionally have an electrical coding element, for example a coding resistor.

The consumer can be designed in particular as a portable device. Preferably, the consumer device is designed as a garden implement, such as a mower or hedge trimmer, as a hand-held power tool, such as an angle grinder, a screwdriver, a drill, a hammer drill or the like, or as a measuring tool, such as a laser distance meter. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the consumer device can be designed as a radio, a lamp or a suction device. The battery pack interface is provided in particular for a system consisting of a battery pack and a consumer, in which system the weight specific gravity of the battery pack is at least 1/8 of the total weight, preferably at least 1/4 of the total weight, more preferably at least 1/3 of the total weight. In the case of such weight ratios, due to the high weight of the battery pack and the mass inertia of the battery pack, very high loads of the mechanical connection may occur in the event of a system drop, which may lead to irreversible damage of the mechanical interface. The mechanical interface of the battery pack and the corresponding mechanical interface of the consumer are in particular designed for forming a force-locking and/or form-locking connection with one another. The connection is preferably designed to be releasable, in particular designed to be able to be released without tools and without destruction. Preferably, at least one of the mechanical interfaces comprises a fastening element, by means of which the battery pack can be fastened to the consumer. Preferably, the fastening can be released by an actuating element, wherein the actuating element can be arranged on the battery pack and/or on the consumer. The actuating element can be configured, for example, as a push button, lever or push button.

A "machine interface designed to be at least partially exchangeable" is to be understood in particular to mean that at least one component, for example a connecting element, associated with the machine interface is exchangeable. In particular, the mechanical interface is designed to be completely exchangeable. Preferably, the mechanical interface is at least partially, in particular completely, tool-free replaceable. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the mechanical interface to be designed to be at least partially, in particular completely, tool-assisted releasable. In this context, "tool-assisted releasable" is to be understood in particular to mean that the components of the machine interface or the machine interface can be released only by means of commercially available tools, for example screwdrivers, or special tools specifically designed for this use.

It is also proposed that the mechanical interface has a bearing surface and that the ratio between the bearing surface of the mechanical interface and the weight of the battery pack is less than 5cm²/kg, in particular less than 1cm²/kg, preferably less than 0.5cm²In terms of/kg. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the ratio between the bearing surface of the mechanical interface and the weight of the battery pack to be at 0.2cm²Kg to 0.8cm²In the range between/kg, preferably at 0.3cm²Kg to 0.5cm²In the range between/kg. In this context, a bearing surface is to be understood to mean, in particular, the total bearing surface. Advantageously, the replaceable mechanical interface is thus only installed in systems that also require it. In this context, a "contact surface of the mechanical interface" is to be understood to mean, in particular, a surface of the battery pack or of the consumer, which is acted upon by a force by the consumer or battery pack. In this case, the bearing surface is oriented substantially perpendicular to the acting gravitational force during normal operation of the consumer.

Furthermore, it is provided that the connecting element is releasably connected to the housing in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner. Preferably, the connecting element of the mechanical interface of the battery pack is designed for a non-positive and/or positive connection with the connecting element of the mechanical interface of the consumer. Advantageously, a stable connection between the battery pack and the consumer can thereby be established.

Furthermore, it is provided that the connecting element is designed in such a way that the battery pack can be guided by the connecting element for establishing a force-locking and/or form-locking connection with the consumer. The connecting element can be configured, for example, as a guide rail, in particular a linear guide rail, as a guide groove, guide rib or the like. In particular, the connecting element has at least one guide surface on its outer surface, along which the battery pack can be guided for connection to the consumer. Preferably, the guide surface at least partially, preferably completely, forms the bearing surface. Each connecting element has in particular at least one guide surface, preferably at least two guide surfaces, preferably at least three guide surfaces. The guide surfaces can be formed at a distance from one another or adjacent to one another.

Furthermore, it is provided that the battery pack has at least two connecting elements. Advantageously, the connection can thereby be improved. The connecting elements may be arranged opposite, successively and/or side by side to each other.

Furthermore, it is provided that the connecting element can be fixed to the housing by means of at least one fixing element. Advantageously, the connection can thereby be further enhanced. The fastening element is associated with the mechanical interface. The fastening element is preferably designed as a screw. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening element can also be configured as an expansion rivet, a cotter pin or the like. The connecting element can be designed to be released by the fastening element without tools or preferably with the aid of tools. The connecting element and/or the fastening element are in particular designed to be able to be released without damage. Preferably, the connecting element is configured to be able to be released conditionally by the fixing element and/or the fastening element. In this context, "to be released conditionally" is to be understood in particular to mean that the connecting element and/or the fastening element is damaged during the release in such a way that the connection of the connecting element to the mechanical interface can no longer be realized by the released fastening element. The fastening element is preferably secured against unintentional release by a securing element. The securing element is in particular designed for establishing an additional connection between the fastening element and the mechanical interface, preferably the connecting element. Preferably, the additional connection is a cohesive connection, in particular an adhesive connection. The securing element can be embodied, for example, as a locking varnish (Sicherungslack), in particular as a screw locking varnish.

It is furthermore proposed that the connecting element is sealed by a sealing element. Advantageously, unauthorized replacement can thereby be identified. The sealing element is preferably arranged in such a way that a loosening of the mechanical interface, in particular of the connecting element, leads to a damage of the sealing element. The sealing element can be arranged in the region of the fastening element or in the region of the connecting element which in the assembled state rests against a further component of the mechanical interface. The sealing element can be designed, for example, as a lead seal, in particular a plastic lead seal.

It is also proposed that the connecting element is made of a different material than the housing. Advantageously, the mechanical interface can thereby be reinforced in a targeted manner independently of the material selection of the remaining housing. In particular, the mechanical interface, preferably the connecting element, has a higher average tensile strength than the housing of the battery pack or the consumer. Preferably, the connecting element has a higher tensile strength than the member to which it is fixed.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the connecting element be made of ceramic, plastic or metal. Preferably, the metal is a non-ferrous metal or a non-ferrous metal alloy based on aluminium, zinc or magnesium. The nonferrous metal alloy has an iron content of in particular not more than 50%.

It is further proposed that the connecting element has a coding element for the mechanical coding device. A "mechanical coding device" is to be understood in this context to mean, in particular, a mechanical device which is provided on the part of the manufacturer to allow only certain or defined components or parts of the system to be connected to one another. The mechanical coding device has at least one coding element and a corresponding coding element, which can be designed as a component or as a profile on and/or in the component. The profile can be configured, for example, as a groove, a projecting projection, a projection or the like. In particular, the coding element is designed for mechanically coding the connecting element with the battery pack, in particular a housing, preferably a mechanical interface, of the battery pack. This advantageously ensures that only the connection elements specified by the manufacturer can be connected to the battery pack. Furthermore, it is alternatively or additionally also conceivable for the coding element to be provided for mechanically coding the battery pack and the consumer. The coding element can be designed in particular as one piece with the connecting element. Advantageously, the mechanical coding between the battery pack and the consumer can be realized in a simple manner by the shape of the connecting element.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the housing is designed in multiple parts and comprises an interface housing having a mechanical and electrical interface by means of which the battery pack can be mechanically and electrically connected to the consumer. Preferably, the interface housing completely surrounds the mechanical interface and partially surrounds the electrical interface. The interface housing is designed to be replaceable, in particular to be tool-assisted replaceable.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the interface housing has at least one connecting element and at least one electrical contact element, wherein the electrical contact element is arranged in particular in a slot of the interface housing. The connecting element may be constructed in one piece with the interface housing. Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one electrical contact element is connected to the interface housing in a force-fitting, form-fitting and/or material-fitting manner. Preferably, the at least one electrical contact element is connected to the interface housing in a non-releasable or conditionally releasable manner.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the interface housing is releasably connected to the housing, in particular to the base body of the housing, by means of an external fastening element. An "external fastening element" is to be understood in this context to mean, in particular, a fastening element which can release the battery pack from the outside and without partial removal of the consumer or the battery pack. The external fastening element is in particular designed as a mechanical fastening element which connects two current-non-conducting components to one another.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the interface housing, in particular at least one electrical contact element of the interface housing, is releasably connected to the battery pack, in particular to the electronics of the battery pack, by means of at least one internal fastening element. An "internal fastening element" is to be understood in this context to mean, in particular, a fastening element which can be released only after a previous removal of the consumer or of another component of the battery pack. The internal fixing element is in particular designed as an electrical fixing element which connects two current-conducting components to one another. Preferably, the at least one electrical contact element of the interface housing can be electrically connected to the electronics of the battery pack or to an electrical conductor of the battery pack by means of an internal fixing element.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the external fixing element and/or the internal fixing element be secured by means of a securing element, which is designed to secure the fixing element against loosening. Advantageously, a reliable connection can thereby be established.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the interface housing has at least one sealing element which is designed to seal the housing of the battery pack in the region of the fastening element, in particular in the region of the electrical fastening element. Advantageously, an effective protection of the electronics of the battery pack from moisture can thereby be achieved. The sealing element can be designed, for example, as a sealing ring, a stamped seal, a self-adhesive strip seal, or the like.

It is also proposed that the electrical contact element can be connected to the battery pack, in particular to the electronics of the battery pack, via a cable connection. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the electrical contact elements to be able to be connected to the battery pack, in particular to the electronics of the battery pack, via current rails.

The invention further relates to a system comprising a battery pack having a mechanical interface and a consumer having a mechanical interface, wherein at least one of the mechanical interfaces is designed to be replaceable. In this case, the mechanical interfaces can each be designed as described above.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the consumer has a corresponding coding element or another corresponding coding element, which corresponds to a coding element of the battery pack. Advantageously, a mechanical coding between the battery pack and the consumer can thereby be realized.

The invention further relates to a consumer device, in particular a hand-held power tool, having a housing, a mechanical interface comprising at least one connecting element, by means of which the consumer device can be mechanically connected to a battery pack. The invention proposes that the mechanical interface of the consumer is designed to be at least partially exchangeable. Advantageously, the service life of the consumer can thereby be extended.

Drawings

Further advantages result from the following description of the figures. The figures, description and claims contain a number of combined features. The person skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and summarize them into meaningful further combinations. Substantially corresponding reference numerals for features of different embodiments of the invention are provided with the same numerals and letters indicating the embodiments.

In the following exemplary embodiments, the mechanical interface according to the invention is assigned to a battery pack, for example. Since the mechanical interface of the consumer substantially corresponds to the mechanical interface of the battery pack, it is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the illustrated embodiment of the mechanical interface of the battery pack can also be applied to the corresponding mechanical interface of the consumer.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a system with a consumer and a battery pack;

fig. 2 is a perspective view of the battery pack;

fig. 3 is a perspective view of the battery pack according to fig. 2 without the interface housing;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the battery pack according to FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the system according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross section of an alternative embodiment of a system having an alternative connection element;

FIG. 7 is a cross section of another alternative embodiment of a system having an alternative connection element;

FIG. 8a is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a battery pack;

FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to FIG. 8 a;

FIG. 8c is another cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to FIG. 8 a;

FIG. 9a is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of an interface housing;

fig. 9b corresponds to a perspective view of the battery pack of the interface housing of fig. 9 a.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a side view of a system 10 made up of a consumer 14 in the form of a hand-held power tool 12 and a battery pack 18 in the form of a hand-held power tool battery pack 16. The hand-held power tool 12 and the battery pack 18 each have a

mechanical interface

20,22, via which the two components of the system 10 are connected to one another. The hand-held power tool 12 is configured, for example, as a hammer drill 24. The hand-held power tool 12 has a housing 26, on the rear end of which a handle 28 is arranged, which has an operating switch 30 for switching the hand-held power tool 12 on and off. A tool receiver 31 is arranged on the front end of the housing 26 of the hand-held power tool 12, which tool receiver is provided for receiving a plug-in tool 32. A drive unit 38 having an electric motor 34 and a transmission 36 is arranged between the handle 28 and the tool receptacle 31. The transmission 36 includes an impact mechanism unit 40 and is disposed above the motor 34. Disposed below the electric motor 34 is an electronic device 42, by means of which the hand-held power tool 12 can be adjusted or controlled. The battery pack 18 is disposed below the handle 28 and adjacent to the electronics 42. The battery pack 18 and the consumer 14 each have an electrical interface 44, 46 corresponding to each other, via which the battery pack 18 can be electrically connected to the consumer 14, in particular to the electronics 42 of the consumer 14. In the interconnected state, the battery pack 18 supplies the consumer 14 with energy. The battery pack 18 has a weight of about 1/4 corresponding to the total weight of the system 10. Due to the weight and arrangement of the battery pack 18, increased loads are generated in the region of the

mechanical interfaces

20,22 when the system 10 is in operation. In order to extend the service life of the system 10, in particular of the machine interfaces 20,22, the machine interfaces 20,22 are configured to be at least partially exchangeable.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the battery pack 18 with the mechanical interface 22. The battery pack 18 is mechanically detachably connected to the consumer 14 via a mechanical interface 22. The battery pack 18 has a housing 48, which is designed in multiple parts, for example. The housing 48 is made of a housing material containing plastic. Preferably, the housing 48 is constructed of polycarbonate or polyethylene having a high density. The housing 48 is in particular designed as an outer housing. The housing 48 has a base 50 on its underside, an interface housing 52 on its upper side and two opposing side walls 54 on its sides. The

housing parts

50, 52, 54 are connected to one another by fastening elements 56, which are designed, for example, as screws. The

housing parts

50, 52, 54 are all at least partially designed as outer housing parts. A charge status display 58 is arranged on the front side of the battery pack 18, by means of which the charge status of the battery pack 18 can be displayed. The charge status display 58 is integrated in the housing 48, in particular in the base body 50. The housing 48, in particular the interface housing 52, comprises the mechanical interface 22 with the fixing element 60 and the electrical interface 46. The battery pack is designed, for example, as a plug-in battery pack. When the battery pack 18 is installed, the connecting elements 62 of the mechanical interface 22 of the battery pack 18, which for example comprise guide grooves, engage with corresponding connecting elements 64 of the mechanical interface 20 of the consumer 14, which for example are designed as guide rails (see fig. 4). The battery pack 18 is inserted into the hand-held power tool 12 by means of a relative movement in an insertion direction 66 and is guided there by a connecting element 62 of the battery pack 18 and a connecting element 64 of the consumer. The battery pack 18 is connected to the consumer 14 in a non-positive and form-fitting manner by the connecting elements 62, 64 of the two

mechanical interfaces

20, 22. The relative movement for connecting the battery pack 18 has one degree of freedom. The connecting element 62 of the mechanical interface 22 is designed to be replaceable. The connecting element 62 is releasably connected to the machine interface 22, in particular to the interface housing 52, by means of a fastening element 90 (see fig. 5).

In order to lock the battery pack 18 to the consumer 14, the mechanical interface 22 has a fastening element 60. The fastening element 60 is designed as a spring-loaded latching element which is pivotably mounted in the housing 48 of the battery pack 18. The locking is achieved by inserting the battery pack 18 in the insertion direction 66, wherein the fastening element 60 latches into an undercut state (Hinterschnittstellung) at the end of the relative movement. To release the locking, the mechanical interface 22 has an actuating element 68 in the form of a pushbutton, which is movably coupled to the fastening element 60. By actuating the actuating element 68, the fastening element 60 is moved into the housing 48 of the battery pack 18 and releases the lock between the battery pack 18 and the consumer 14, so that the battery pack 18 can be released by a movement opposite to the relative movement in the insertion direction 66.

Furthermore, the system 10 has a mechanical coding device 11, by means of which it is ensured that only the combination of the battery pack 18 and the consumer 14 specified by the manufacturer can be mechanically connected to one another. The mechanical coding device 11 comprises a coding element 23 on the battery pack side and at least one coding element (not shown) on the consumer side. The coding element 23 of the battery pack 18 is arranged on the outer surface of the housing 48. The coding element 23 is arranged in particular in the region of the mechanical interface 22 and between the two connecting elements 62. The coding element 23 is formed as a molded part in one piece with the interface housing 52. The coding element 23 is designed as an elongated projection which extends transversely to the two connecting elements 62.

The battery pack 18 is shown in fig. 3 without the interface housing 52 and without the side walls 54. The base 50 of the housing 48 has a cell retention area. At least one battery cell 70 is received in this cell holding region, wherein the battery pack 18 in this embodiment has, for example, ten battery cells 70 connected in parallel or in series. The battery cells 70 are arranged in two layers, wherein one layer has five battery cells 70 each. The battery cell 70 is cylindrical in shape and has an electrode 72 on its end face. The battery cells 70 are connected to one another by cell connectors 74. The cell connectors 74 are configured to electrically connect the battery cells 70 in parallel and/or series with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, two or four battery cells 70 are each connected to one another by a cell connector 74. It can also be seen that the individual battery cells 70 are received in the cell holding regions of the base body 50 spaced apart from one another for mechanical fastening. The cell holding regions serve for cooling the battery cells 70 in addition to fixing the battery cells 70 in the housing 48 and are made of a thermally conductive material, for example aluminum or a plastic with good thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the cell holder region has a sleeve-like insulating wall, so that the individual battery cells 70 are separated and electrical insulation of the individual battery cells 70 from one another can be ensured.

An electronic device 78 is arranged above the unit holding region, in particular in the region between the base body 50 and the interface housing 52. The electronic device 78 includes a circuit board 80. The electronics 78 are coupled to the charge status display 58. Arranged on the circuit board 80 are electrical contact elements 82, which are provided for charging and discharging the battery pack 18, and further contact elements 84, which are designed to transmit status information, for example the charge status or the temperature of the battery pack 18, to the consumer device 14, the further contact elements 84 being designed to transmit the status information. An electrical contact element 82 and a further contact element 84 are associated with the electrical interface 46. The

electrical contact elements

82, 84 are arranged in a recess 83 in the housing 48, in particular in the interface housing 52, in the assembled state of the battery pack 18 (see fig. 2). The electrical contact elements 82 are connected to the electronics 78 and the battery cell 70. The electrical connection of the electrical contact elements 82 to the battery cell 70 is effected via contact points 86, which are designed as soldering points, at which the battery cell 70 is soldered to electrical conductors 88, which are designed as wires, via the cell connectors 74. Alternatively, a welded connection of the battery connector 74 to the electrical conductor 88 is also conceivable.

The battery pack 18 is shown in a side view in fig. 4. The side wall 54 is connected to the interface housing 52 and the base 50 of the housing 48 by a securing element 56. The connecting element 62 is releasably connected, in particular tool-assisted releasably connected, to the machine interface 22, in particular to the interface housing 52, by means of a fastening element 90. In this embodiment, each connecting element 62 is connected with two fixing elements 90. Of course, it is also contemplated that the connecting element 62 may be connected with more or less than two fixation elements 90. The fastening element 90 is configured, for example, as a screw. The screw 90 may be constructed of a metallic material or plastic. The end-side end of the fastening element 90, in this embodiment a screw head, is arranged in the region in which the corresponding connecting element 64 of the consumer 14 is guided or inserted in the connecting element 62 of the battery pack 18, which connecting element comprises a guide groove. The fixing element 90 is preferably arranged sunk in the connecting element 62. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the fastening element 90, in particular the end-side end of the fastening element 90, to form part of the guide surface of the connecting element 62. The end face end of one of the fastening elements 90 is covered by a sealing element 91. The sealing element 91 is designed as a plastic lead seal and must be removed before the fastening element 90 is released, wherein the removal of the sealing element 91 results in irreparable damage to the sealing element 91.

Fig. 5 shows a cross section of the mechanical interface 20 of the consumer 14 and the mechanical interface 22 of the battery pack 18 of the system 10 according to fig. 1. The consumer device 14 has an electrical interface 44 which comprises a plurality of electrical contacts 92 and by means of which the electrical interface 44 of the consumer device 14 can be electrically connected to the electrical interface 46 of the battery pack 18. The electrical contacts 92 are arranged on a contact-retaining device 94, which is fixed in the handle 28 of the consumer 14, in particular in the foot of the handle 28 of the consumer 14. In this embodiment, the connecting element 64 of the consumer 14, which is designed as a guide rail, engages in a corresponding connecting element 62 of the battery pack 18, which connecting element comprises a guide groove. The connecting elements 62, 64 are substantially L-shaped. The connecting element 64 bears against both outer faces of the connecting element 62 of the battery pack 18. During normal operation of the hand-held power tool 12, the orientation of the system 10 substantially corresponds to the orientation shown in fig. 1, in which the battery pack 18 is arranged on the lower end of the hand-held power tool 12. In this orientation, forces from the weight of the battery pack 18 act on the bearing surface 96 of the connecting member 62.

An alternative embodiment of the mechanical interface 22a is shown in cross-section in fig. 6. In contrast to the previous exemplary embodiments, the mechanical interface 22a does not have a mechanical coding 11 arranged between the connecting elements 62, but rather has an alternative mechanical coding 11a with a coding element 23a, which is formed in one piece with the exchangeable connecting element 62 a. The mechanical coding device 11a is provided for coding the battery pack 18a with the consumer 14 a. The mechanical coding means 11a are provided by: the region of the connecting element 62a forming the guide groove is bounded laterally and in height by two opposing

walls

98a, 100a, respectively. The connecting element 62a is substantially U-shaped. By means of this limitation, a flatter and narrower groove region of the connecting element 62a is obtained in comparison with the connecting element 62 of the previous exemplary embodiment, which results in the consumer 14 not being able to be connected to the battery pack 18a, in particular so that the connecting element 64 is not able to be connected to the connecting element 62 a. The connecting element 64a of the consumer 14a is designed as a coding element 102a corresponding to the coding element 23 a.

Fig. 7 shows a further alternative embodiment of the mechanical interface 22b in cross section. The exchangeable connecting elements 62b are L-shaped and each have a coding element 23b in the form of a profile. The mechanical coding device 11b is provided in particular for coding the connection between the connecting element 62b and the battery pack 18b, in particular for coding the connection between the connecting element 62b and the interface housing 52 b. The mechanical interface 22b, in particular the interface housing 52b, has a coding element 102b, which is designed as a groove, for example, and which corresponds to the coding element 23 b.

Fig. 8a shows an alternative embodiment of the battery pack 18. The structure of the battery pack 18d corresponds to the structure of the battery pack 18 to the greatest extent, and the differences are explained in detail below. The housing 48c of the battery pack 18c is constructed in two pieces with a base 50c and an interface housing 52 c. The base body 50c is detachably connected, in particular in a tool-assisted manner, to the interface housing 52c via an external fastening element 104 c. Advantageously, the interface housing 52c is configured to be replaceable. In particular, the interface housing 52c is designed to be exchangeable such that both the connecting element 62c and the contact elements 82c, 84c can be exchanged together with the interface housing 52 c. Advantageously, all the wear-prone components can thereby be replaced simultaneously. The interface housing 52c surrounds the mechanical interface 22c and partially surrounds the electrical interface 46c of the battery pack 18 c. The exchangeable interface housing 52c comprises two connecting elements 62c, each comprising a guide groove, which are formed in one piece with the interface housing 52 c. Furthermore, the interface housing 52c comprises five contact elements 82c, 84c, which are designed as spring contacts and are fixedly or non-releasably connected to the interface housing 52 c.

Fig. 8b shows a section through plane a shown in fig. 8 a. The contact elements 82c, 84c are connected with the housing cover 106c of the interface housing 52 c. The housing cover 106c forms in particular the top side of the housing 48c of the battery pack 18 c. The connection of the contact elements 82c, 84c to the interface housing 52c is achieved in particular by the contact elements 82c, 84c being received in a form-fitting manner by the interface housing 52 c. Of course, other types of fastening are also conceivable, such as a cohesive bonding of the contact elements 82c, 84c to the interface housing 52 c. The contact elements 82c, 84c can be electrically connected to the base body 50c or the electronics 78c of the battery pack 18c via the internal fastening element 108 c.

Fig. 8c shows a section through the plane B shown in fig. 8 a. The internal fastening element 108c is configured, for example, as a screw which electrically connects the electrical contact element 84c to the cable lug 110 c. The contact elements 82c, 84c each have a receptacle or a bore for the internal fastening element 108 c. The nut 112c is inserted into the base body 50c of the housing 48c of the battery pack 18 c. The cable lug 110c is arranged between the nut 112c and the electrical contact element 84, so that the electrical contact element 84c exerts a force on the cable lug 110d when the internal fastening element 108c, which is designed as a screw, is tightened.

The interface housing 52c, in particular the housing cover 106c of the interface housing 52c, has an opening 114c, which is arranged in the region of the internal fastening element 108 c. The opening 114c is arranged above the inner fixing element 108c in particular. The opening 114c is preferably arranged in such a way that the internal fixing element 108c can be inserted and/or fixed through the opening 114 c. In order to protect the interface housing 52c from dust and moisture after the internal fixing element 108c is fixed, the interface housing 52c has a sealing element 116 c. The sealing element 116c is made of an elastic plastic and is inserted into the opening 114 c. Advantageously, the sealing element 116c is connected to the interface housing 52c in a material-locking or force-locking and form-locking manner.

Fig. 9a and 9b show an alternative embodiment of a battery pack 18d with an exchangeable interface housing 52 d. The housing 48d of the battery pack 18d is of two-part design, wherein the interface housing 52d is connected to the base body 50d of the housing 48d via the external fastening element 104 d. The replaceable interface housing 52d surrounds the mechanical interface 22d and partially surrounds the electrical interface 46 d. The exchangeable interface housing 52d comprises in particular two opposite connecting elements 62d, each of which has a guide groove and is formed integrally with the interface housing 52 d. Furthermore, the interface housing 52d comprises five

contact elements

82d, 84d, which are fixedly and non-releasably connected to the interface housing 52 d. The base body 50d has a fastening element receptacle 118d configured as a screw receptacle for each external fastening element 104 d. In order to electrically connect the

contact elements

82d, 84d of the interface housing 52d to the battery cells of the battery pack 18d, a current rail 120d is arranged on the electronic device 78d, in particular on the circuit board 80 d. The current rail 120d may be configured as a high voltage current rail. In particular, the current rail 120d connected to the electrical contact element 82d for charging and discharging is designed as a high-voltage current rail. Preferably, the

contact elements

82d, 84d have planar contact surfaces (not shown) which, in the assembled state, bear against the current rail 120d and establish an electrical contact. In order to improve the electrical connection in the region of the current rail 120d, it is additionally conceivable for the

contact elements

82d, 84d to be connected to the circuit board 80d, for example, by means of internal fastening elements.

Claims

1. A battery pack, in particular a battery pack for a hand-held power tool, having a housing (48) in which at least one battery unit (70) is arranged, having at least one mechanical interface (22) comprising a connecting element (62), by means of which the battery pack (18) can be connected to a consumer (14),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the mechanical interface (22) is designed to be at least partially exchangeable.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical interface (22) has a bearing surface (98) and in that the ratio between the bearing surface (98) and the weight of the battery pack (18) is less than 5cm²/kg。

3. Battery pack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (62) is connected releasably to the housing (48) in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner.

4. Battery pack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (62) is designed in such a way that the battery pack (18) can be guided by the connecting element (62) for establishing a force-locking and/or form-locking connection to the consumer (14).

5. Battery pack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (62) is configured as a guide rail.

6. Battery pack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the battery pack (18) has at least two connecting elements (62).

7. Battery pack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (62) can be fixed on the housing (48) by means of at least one fixing element (90).

8. Battery pack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection element (62) is sealed by a sealing element (91).

9. Battery pack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (62) is made of a different material than the casing (48).

10. The battery according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting element (62) is made of ceramic, plastic or metal.

11. Battery pack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (62a) has a coding element (23a) for mechanical coding.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, characterized in that the housing (48b) of the battery pack (18b) has a corresponding coding element (102 b).

13. A system consisting of a battery pack (18) having a mechanical interface (22) and a consumer (14) having a mechanical interface (20), characterized in that at least one of the mechanical interfaces (20,22) is designed to be replaceable.

14. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that the consumer (14a) has a corresponding coding element (102a) or another corresponding coding element.

15. A consumer device, in particular a hand-held power tool, having a housing (26), having at least one mechanical interface (20) comprising a connecting element (64), by means of which the consumer device (14) can be mechanically connected to a battery pack (18), characterized in that the mechanical interface (20) is designed to be at least partially replaceable.