DE102004030037A1 - Driving method of battery pack e.g. for nickel cadmium battery, involves monitoring voltages of two different batteries at different monitoring speeds, for judging time of battery pack voltage reaching threshold value - Google Patents

Abstract

The voltages of two different batteries (50) are monitored at different monitoring speeds, for judging the time of battery pack voltage reaching the predetermined threshold value. An independent claim is also included for battery pack.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent application claims the benefit of the previously filed, co-pending US patent application, Serial no. 10 / 720,027, filed November 20, 2003; the previously submitted, copending US patent application, serial no. 10 / 719,680, filed November 20 2003; the sooner submitted, co-pending US patent application, serial no. 10 / 721,800, which was on November 24, 2003 was submitted; the sooner submitted, co-pending, US provisional patent application serial no. 60 / 523,716, the 19. Filed in November 2003; the earlier filed, co-pending, US provisional patent application serial no. 60 / 523,712, the 19. Filed in November 2003; the earlier filed, co-pending, Provisional US Patent Application, Serial no. 60 / 574,278, the 24. Filed in May 2004; and the earlier filed, co-pending, Provisional US Patent Application, Serial no. 60 / 574,616, which issued on May 25, 2004, the entire contents thereof be incorporated by reference.

The US patent application, serial no. 10 / 720,027, which is on November 20, 2003 filed claims the benefit of the previously filed, co-pending, Provisional US patent application, Serial no. 60 / 428,358, filed November 22, 2002; the serial no. 60 / 428,450, filed November 22, 2002; the serial no. 60 / 428,452 filed November 22, 2002 has been; the serial no. 60 / 440,692 filed January 17, 2003 has been; the serial no. 60 / 440,693 filed January 17, 2003 has been; the serial no. 60 / 523,716 filed November 19, 2003 has been; and the serial no. 60 / 523,712, filed Nov. 19, 2003 has been incorporated herein by reference become.

The US patent application, serial no. 10 / 719,680, which issued on November 20, 2003 filed claims the benefit of the previously filed, co-pending, Provisional US patent application, Serial no. 60 / 428,358, filed November 22, 2002; Serial no. 60 / 428,450, filed November 22, 2002; Serial no. 60 / 428,452, filed November 22, 2002; Serial no. 60 / 440,692, filed January 17, 2003; Serial no. 60 / 440,693, filed January 17, 2003; the serial no. 60 / 523,716 filed November 19, 2003 has been; and serial no. 60 / 523,712 filed November 19, 2003 has been incorporated herein by reference become.

The US patent application, serial no. 10 / 721,800, which was on November 24, 2003 filed claims the benefit of the previously filed, co-pending, Provisional US patent application, Serial no. 60 / 428,356, filed November 22, 2002; Serial no. 60 / 428,358, filed November 22, 2002; Serial no. 60 / 428,450, filed November 22, 2002; Serial no. 60 / 428,452, filed November 22, 2002; Serial no. 60 / 440,692, filed January 17, 2003; Serial no. 60 / 440.693, which was filed on 17 January 2003; Serial no. 60 / 523,712, the filed on 19 November 2003; and serial no. 60 / 523.716, which was filed on November 19, 2003, with all the content of which are incorporated herein by reference.

 FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The The present invention relates generally to accumulators and in particular power tool accumulators.

BACKGROUND THE INVENTION

typical Power tools, for example, a cordless power tool, are by a rechargeable battery or a rechargeable Accumulator supplied. This accumulator can periodically in one compatible rechargeable battery charger.

OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION

36 - 38 show an existing accumulator 230 , The existing accumulator 230 contains a housing 242 and at least one rechargeable battery cell 246 (shown in 39 - 40 ) coming from the case 242 is held. In the illustrated construction, the existing accumulator is 230 an 18 V accumulator which (cf. 39 - 40 ) 15 battery cells or accumulator cells 246 containing about 1.2 V connected in series. The accumulator cells 246 are rechargeable battery cells of the chemical type, for example NiCd or NiMH.

As in 39 - 40 is shown in the existing accumulator 230 each accumulator cell 246 generally cylindrical and extending along a cell axis 250 parallel to a cylindrical outer cell wall. In the existing accumulator 230 are the cell axes 250 parallel to each other. In the existing accumulator 230 also has every accumulator cell 246 a cell length 252 , about twice the cell diameter 254 equivalent. In the illustrated construction, each battery cell has 246 a length of about forty-six millimeters (46 mm) and a diameter of about twenty-three millimeters (23 mm).

The existing accumulator 230 is with (see 12 ) a battery charger 38 connectable and the accumulator charger 38 can be operated such that it the existing accumulator 230 charging. The existing accumulator 230 is connectable to the electrical device, for example with a power tool 34 (shown in 11A ) to the power tool 34 to supply with energy or electricity. As in 36 - 38 is shown represents the housing 242 a support portion 250 for holding the existing accumulator 230 ready on an electrical device. In the illustrated construction, the support portion 250 (see. 36 ) has a C-shaped cross-section provided with a complementary support portion with a T-shaped cross-section on the electrical device (the support portion on the power tool 34 (shown in 11B ) and / or the battery holder portion on the battery charger 38 (shown in 12 )) can be connected.

The existing accumulator 230 contains (cf. 36 - 37 and 39 - 40 ) a connection device 286 , which is operable such that the accumulator cell 246 are electrically connected to a circuit in the electrical device. The connection device 286 contains a positive battery connection 298 , a ground connection 302 and a sensor connection 306 , As in 39 - 40 shown are the connections 298 and 302 with the opposite ends of the cell or series of cells 246 connected. The sensor connection 306 is with (cf. 40 ) of an electrical component 314 connected in the circuit of the existing accumulator 230 connected is. In the illustrated construction, the electrical component is 314 a Temperaturerfas sungsvorrichtung or a thermistor, the temperature of the existing accumulator 230 and / or the accumulator cells 246 tell.

The The present invention provides an accumulator that is substantially one or more independent Problems with the above-described and existing ones Accumulators triggers. In some aspects and in some constructions, the present The invention provides an accumulator containing two cells, the are arranged in a non-parallel relationship to each other. In some aspects, the two cells are in a normal relationship arranged to each other.

More accurate provides the present invention in some aspects and in some Superstructures an accumulator ready, a housing, a first cell, the extending along a first cell axis, and a second Cell extending along a second cell axis, wherein the first cell and the second cell through the housing in one Orientation are held in which the first cell axis is not parallel to the second cell axis. In some aspects and in some Abutments is the first cell axis normal to the second cell axis.

In some aspects and in some constructions represents the present Invention also provides a method for constructing a rechargeable battery, the method comprising the steps of providing an accumulator housing, the Holding a first cell in the housing and holding a second cell in the housing in a non-parallel relation to the first cell. In some Contains aspects the step of holding the second cell includes holding the second one Cell in a normal or perpendicular relationship to the first Cell.

moreover represents the present in some aspects and in some constructions Invention provides an accumulator having a plurality of cells, a sensor for detecting the voltage of the first group of the plurality of cells, a sensor for detecting the voltage of a second Group of the plurality of cells and a controller for comparing the voltage of the first group with the voltage of the second group, to determine if any of the multiplicity of cells on a voltage or under tension.

In some aspects and in some constructions represents the present The invention further provides a method for determining a voltage of a Cell of a rechargeable battery ready, the accumulator a variety of cells and wherein the method comprises the steps of detecting the voltage a first group of the plurality of cells, detecting the Voltage of a second group of the plurality of cells and the Compare the voltage of the first group with the voltage of the second Contains group, to determine if a cell from the plurality of cells is on or is under tension.

In some aspects and in some constructions represents the present Invention also an accumulator ready, the housing, a Cell coming from the case held, a FET, which is connected to the cell, and a heat sink in a heat transfer relationship containing the FET.

In addition, the present invention in egg In some aspects, and in some constructions, there is provided a method of constructing a rechargeable battery, the method comprising the steps of providing a housing, holding a cell in the housing, retaining a FET in the housing, connecting the FET to the cell, and holding a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the FET contains.

In some aspects and in some constructions represents the present The invention further provides an accumulator comprising a housing, the can be held by an electrical device, a cell, the one from the case is held and connectable to the electrical device, and a locking device for locking the accumulator of the electrical device. The locking device contains a locking part, which from the housing for movement between a locked or locked position in which the accumulator on the electrical device is locked, and an unlocked position, an actuator held by the housing and thus operable is that it is the locking member between the locked position and the unlocked position, and a biasing member, which works in such a way that the locking part in the locking position is biased, wherein the biasing member between the actuator and the housing is fixed and the actuator in a position relative to the casing holds.

Independent features and independent benefits of the invention are for Professionals in reviewing the detailed description and the drawings can be seen.

Summary the drawings

1 is a front perspective view of an accumulator;

2 is a rear perspective view of the top of an accumulator, which in 1 is shown

3 is a perspective, rear view from the bottom of the accumulator, which in 1 is shown;

4 is a top view of the accumulator in 1 is shown;

5 is a bottom view of the accumulator in 1 is shown;

6 is a front view of the accumulator which is in 1 is shown;

7 is a rear view of the accumulator in 1 is shown;

8th is a right side view of the accumulator in 1 is shown;

9 is a left side view of the accumulator which is in 1 is shown;

10 Fig. 10 is a bottom view of an alternative construction of a rechargeable battery embodying the features of the present invention;

11A FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an electrical device, for example a power tool, for use with the accumulator disclosed in FIG 1 is shown;

11B is a perspective view of the support portion of the power tool, which in 11A is shown;

12 FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an electrical device, for example a rechargeable battery charger, for use with the accumulator disclosed in FIG 1 is shown;

13 FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the accumulator incorporated in FIG 1 12, and illustrates the accumulator cells and the battery terminal device;

14 FIG. 11 is a plan view of the battery cells and the battery terminal device incorporated in FIG 13 are shown;

15 FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the battery cells and the battery terminal device incorporated in FIG 13 are shown;

16 FIG. 16 is a front view of the battery cells and the battery terminal device incorporated in FIG 13 are shown;

17 FIG. 12 is a rear view of the battery cells and the battery terminal device incorporated in FIG 13 are shown;

18 FIG. 10 is a right side view of the battery cells and the battery terminal device incorporated in FIG 13 are shown;

19 FIG. 16 is a left side view of the battery cells and the battery terminal device shown in FIG 13 are shown;

20 FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of components of a storage battery, for example, the storage battery included in FIG 1 is shown;

21 is another schematic diagram of the components of the accumulator;

22 is yet another schematic diagram of components of a rechargeable battery;

23 is yet another schematic diagram of components of a rechargeable battery;

24 FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the accumulator incorporated in FIG 1 shown with portions removed;

25 FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the accumulator incorporated in FIG 1 shown with portions removed;

26 FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the accumulator incorporated in FIG 1 shown with portions removed;

27 is a top view of the section of the accumulator that is in 26 is shown;

28 contains views of sections of the accumulator that are in 26 is shown;

29 FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the accumulator incorporated in FIG 1 shown with portions removed;

30 FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the accumulator shown in FIG 1 shown with portions removed;

31 FIG. 13 is another perspective rear view of the portion of the accumulator shown in FIG 30 is shown;

32 FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the accumulator incorporated in FIG 1 shown with portions removed;

33 is a perspective view of the portion of the accumulator, which in 32 is shown;

34 is a perspective, enlarged view of a portion of the accumulator, which in 33 is shown;

35 contains a view of sections of the accumulator in 1 shown with portions omitted;

36 Fig. 13 is a rear perspective view of an existing battery;

37 FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the accumulator incorporated in FIG 36 is shown;

38 is a left side view of the accumulator which is in 36 is shown;

39 FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the accumulator incorporated in FIG 36 and explaining the battery cells and the battery terminal device;

40 FIG. 10 is a right side view of the battery cells and the battery terminal device incorporated in FIG 39 is shown;

41 is a front perspective view of another accumulator;

42 is a right side view of the accumulator in 41 is shown;

43 is a left side view of the accumulator which is in 41 is shown;

44 is a top view of the accumulator in 41 is shown;

45 is a rear perspective view from the bottom of the accumulator, which in 41 is shown;

46 is a front view of the accumulator which is in 41 is shown;

47 is a rear view of the accumulator in 41 is shown;

48 is a front perspective view of another accumulator;

49 is a right side view of the accumulator in 48 is shown;

50 is a left side view of the accumulator which is in 48 is shown;

51 is a top view of the accumulator in 48 is shown;

52 is a rear perspective view from the bottom of the accumulator, which in 48 is shown;

53 is a front view of the accumulator which is in 48 is shown;

54 is a rear view of the accumulator in 48 is shown;

55 Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a storage battery in use with a first electrical device, such as a power tool;

56 Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an accumulator in use with a second electrical device, for example a power tool;

57 Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of a secondary battery illustrating the battery cells;

58 Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of a storage battery and illustrates the battery cells, terminals, end caps and circuits;

59 FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the portion of the accumulator incorporated in FIG 58 is shown;

60 is a right side view of the portion of the accumulator that is in 58 is shown;

61 is a left side view of the portion of the accumulator that is in 58 is shown;

62 is a front view of the portion of the accumulator which is in 58 is shown

63 is a rear view of the portion of the accumulator which is in 58 is shown;

64 is a top view of the section of the accumulator that is in 58 is shown;

65 is a perspective view of a portion of the accumulator and explains the end caps

66 is a partial, perspective side view of a portion of the housing of a battery;

67 is a partial, front perspective view of the portion of the housing that is in 66 is shown and

68 - 69 are still more schematic diagrams of the components of a battery.

Before some of the embodiments the invention explained in detail be noted that the invention is not in their Application to the details of construction and arrangement of Limited components which are explained in the following description or in the following Drawings are shown. The invention may be further embodiments have and can be put into practice in various ways and executed become. It is also noted that the wording and the Terminology used herein for the purpose of description is not restrictive may be considered. The use of "contain," "have," or "have" and variations because of here are meant that they are objects listed thereafter are, and equivalents of it and also additional objects include.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An accumulator 30 , which embodies aspects of the invention is disclosed in 1 - 9 shown. The accumulator 30 can be connected to an electrical device, such as a cordless power tool 34 (shown in 11A ) to the power tool 34 to energize selectively. The accumulator 30 can from the power tool 34 can be removed and charged by a battery charger 38 (shown in 8th ) be recharged.

As in 1 - 9 is shown contains the accumulator 30 a housing 42 and at least one rechargeable battery cell 46 (shown in 13 - 19 ) coming from the case 42 is held. In the illustrated construction, the accumulator 30 a 21 V accumulator, the 5 accumulator cells 46a . 46b . 46c . 4bd and 46e contains approximately 4.2V connected in series. In other constructions (not shown), the accumulator 30 have another nominal battery voltage, eg 9.6V, 12V, 14.4V, 24V, etc., to energize the electrical equipment and from the battery charger 38 to be charged. It should be noted that in other constructions (not shown) the accumulator cells 46 may have a different nominal cell voltage and / or be connected in a further construction, for example in parallel or in a parallel / serial combination.

The accumulator cells 46 may be any type of rechargeable battery cells of the chemical type, eg a nickel-cadmium (NiCd), a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lithium (Li), lithium-ion (Li-Ion), other lithium-based chemical cells, other rechargeable Accumulator cells chemical type, etc. In the illustrated structure, the battery cells 46 Be lithium-ion (Li-ion) -Akkumulatorzellen. For example, the accumulator cells 46 have a chemistry with lithium cobalt (Li-Co), lithium-magnesium (Li-Mn) spinel, Li-Mn nickel or the like.

As in 13 - 20 can be shown in the accumulator 30 each accumulator cell 46a - 46e be generally cylindrical and can move along a cell axis 50a - 50e extend parallel to the cylindrical outer cell wall. In the accumulator 30 can also be any accumulator cell 46 a cell length 52 have that bigger than twice and almost three times the cell diameter 54 is. In the illustrated construction, and in some aspects, each accumulator cell 46 have a diameter of about twenty-six millimeters (26 mm) and a length of at least about sixty millimeters (60 mm). In some constructions, each accumulator cell can 46 have a length of about sixty five millimeters (65 mm). In some constructions, each accumulator cell can 46 have a length of about seventy millimeters (70 mm).

The accumulator cells 46 are in a first sentence 56 of accumulator cells 4ba . 46b and 46c and in a second sentence 5S from accumulator cells 46d and 46e arranged. In the first sentence 56 are the cell axes 50a . 50b and 50c parallel to each other. In the second sentence 58 are the cell axes 50d and 50e parallel to each other. The sentences 56 and 58 however, are arranged so that the battery cells 46a . 46b and 46c not parallel to the accumulator cells 46d and 46e are. In the illustrated construction, the battery cells 46a . 46b and 46c for example, normal or perpendicular to the battery cells 46d and 46e be.

The accumulator cells 46 are arranged such that the heat transfer between the battery cells 4fi is reduced and that the accumulation and removal of heat from the battery cells 46 is improved. In this way, the accumulator cells 46 be maintained in a suitable temperature operating range for longer periods of use. The accumulator cells 46 are also arranged to provide effective space utilization and maintain a relatively small battery size.

As in 1 - 4 and 7 shown, the housing can 42 a support portion 60 for holding the accumulator 30 on an electrical device, for example a power tool 34 or a battery charger 38 , In the illustrated construction, the support portion 60 a C-shaped cross-section (see. 7 ), which is connectable to the complementary T-shaped cross-section of the support portion of the electrical device.

The accumulator 30 can also (see 1 - 4 . 8th - 9 . 21 . 24 - 25 and 30 - 38 ) a locking device 74 included, which works such that the accumulator 30 is locked to the electrical device, eg on the power tool 34 and / or the battery charger. The locking device 34 contains locking parts 78 between a locked position in which the locking parts 78 engage in a corresponding locking part on the electrical device to the accumulator 30 to be locked or locked to the electrical device, and a dearretierten or unlocked position are movable. The locking device 74 also contains actuators 82 for moving the locking parts 78 between the locked position and the locked position. The actuators 82 have a large surface area for operator intervention to provide improved ease of unlocking the locking device 74 to be able to provide. The actuators 82 are also held to the engaging force required for unlocking the locking device 74 is required to reduce.

As in 30 - 38 is shown, tension the biasing parts 83 the locking parts 78 in the direction of the locked position. In the illustrated construction, each biasing member 83 a leaf spring between the actuator 82 and the housing 42 is arranged to the locking part 78 to bias in the locked position.

Each header part 83 is between the actuator 82 and the housing 42 attached and works in such a way that the actuator 82 (and the locking part 78 ) are held in a position and that an unwanted movement of the actuator 82 (and the locking part 78 ) relative to the housing 42 is restricted. The biasing part 83 in particular restricts or limits the movement of the actuator 82 (and the locking part 78 ) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement between the locked position and the deared position (ie, upward in the cross-sectional views of FIG 35 ), to prevent the actuator 82 and / or the locking member 78 on the housing 42 be blocked or prevented from moving in the desired manner to the locking device 74 to operate.

As in 32 and 35 is shown contains the biasing part 83 a housing leg 84 that in the case 42 engages to the biasing part 83 down (in the left cross-sectional view of 35 ) to force. The biasing part 83 also contains (see the right cross-sectional view of 35 ) an actuator leg 85 that is in the actuator 83 engages the actuator 82 (and the locking part 78 ) in the correct downward position (in the cross-sectional views of FIG 35 ) during operation of the locking device 74 and the accumulator 30 to pull and hold.

The accumulator 30 contains (see 1 - 5 . 7 . 13 - 14 and 17 - 20 ) a connection device 86 that works so that it's the accumulator cells 46 connects to a circuit in the electrical device. The connection device 86 contains (see 1 - 3 ) a positive accumulator connection 98 , a ground connection 102 , and one sense terminal 106 , As schematically in 20 shown are the connections 98 and 102 with the opposite ends of the cells or the series of cells 46 connected.

The sensing connection 106 may be connected to one or more electrical components, for example an identification component (ie, a resistor), to identify a property of the accumulator 30 to communicate, for example, the chemistry of the accumulator cells 46 , the nominal voltage of the accumulator 30 etc., or a temperature detecting device or a thermistor to the temperature of the accumulator 30 and / or the accumulator cell (s) 46 tell. It should be understood that in other constructions (not shown), the electrical components may be other types of electrical components and other characteristics or information about the accumulator 30 and / or the accumulator cell (s) 46 can communicate. It should be understood that "communicating" and "communicating" as used with respect to the electrical components also includes having or being in a condition or condition of the one or more sensors or sensors a device that can determine the condition or state of the electrical components.

In some constructions and in some aspects, the sensing connection can 106 with a circuit 430 be connected as in 21 - 23 and 68 - 69 is shown. The circuit 430 can be electrical with one or more accumulator cells 46 be connected and can electrically with one or more accumulator terminals of the terminal block 86 be connected. In some constructions, the circuit can 430 Components contain the capacity of the accumulator 30 to improve. In some constructions, the circuit can 430 Components for monitoring accumulator characteristics, providing voltage detection, storing accumulator characteristics, displaying accumulator characteristics, informing a user of particular accumulator characteristics, blocking power within the accumulator 30 , to detect the temperature of the accumulator 30 , the accumulator cells 46 and the like, for transferring heat from the accumulator 30 and / or within the accumulator 30 , and for providing a balancing method when an imbalance within one or more accumulator cells 46 is detected. In some constructions and in some aspects, the circuit contains 430 a voltage detection circuit, a booster circuit, a charge-up indicator, and the like. In some constructions, the circuit can 430 with a printed circuit board (PCB) 145 be coupled. In other constructions, the circuit 430 with a flexible circuit 445 , as explained below, be coupled. In some constructions, the flexible circuit 445 around one or more cells 46 be winding or around the inside of the case 42 wound, as will be explained below.

In some constructions, the circuit can 130 a microprocessor 430 contain. The microprocessor 430 can monitor various accumulator parameters (eg, the current state of charge of the accumulator, the current state of charge of the accumulator cell, the accumulator temperature, the accumulator cell temperature and the like), can store various accumulator parameters and characteristics (including nominal voltage of the accumulator, chemistry and the like in addition to the parameters) can be different electrical components within the circuit 130 control and may perform communication with other electrical devices, such as a power tool, a battery charger, and the like. In some constructions, the microprocessor can 430 monitor the current state of charge of each battery cell and can detect when an imbalance occurs (eg the current state of charge of a battery cell exceeds the average cell state of charge by a certain amount or drops below the average cell state of charge by a certain amount).

In some constructions and in some aspects, the circuit can 430 a voltage detection circuit 459 contain. In some constructions, the voltage detection circuit may be 459 a variety of resistances 460 that form Resistance divider networks. As shown in the illustrated construction, the plurality of resistors 46U the resistances 460a -D included. The variety of resistors 460 can be electrical with one or more accumulator cells 46a -E and with a variety of transistors 465 be connected. In the illustrated construction, the plurality of transistors 465 transistors 465a -D included. In some constructions, the number of resistors in the variety of resistors 460 are equal to the number of resistors included in the plurality of transistors 465 are included.

In some constructions, the voltage characteristics of the accumulator can 30 and / or the accumulator cells 4b from the microprocessor 440 through a variety of resistances 460 be read when the microprocessor 440 is in the active mode. In some constructions, the microprocessor can 440 a voltage read event solve by turning on the transistor (s) 470 (ie the transistor 470 becomes non-conductive). If the transistor (s) 470 are non-conductive), the transistors become 265a -D conducting and the voltage measurements with respect to the accumulator 30 and / or the accumulator cells 46 can from the microprocessor 440 be executed. Accommodating the plurality of transistors 465 in the accumulator 30 can remove the parasitic current coming from the accumulator 30 is deducted, reduce, as the transistors 465 only periodically conductive.

In some constructions, the microprocessor can 440 the voltage of each accumulator cell 46 monitor and the cell 46 compensate if an imbalance occurs. As explained above, the accumulator 30 the variety of resistances 460 for providing the voltage measurements of the battery cells 46 contain. The variety of resistors 460 is arranged such that the microprocessor 440 the voltage of each of the battery cells 46a -E can measure at about the same time. In some constructions, the microprocessor detects 440 an imbalance within the accumulator 30 if one or more cells 46 reach about 1V.

In some constructions and in some aspects the accumulator can 30 the cells 46 compensate again if an imbalance over a compensation circuit 459 has been detected. In some constructions, the accumulator can 30 the accumulator cells 46 compensate again if the accumulator 30 is in a discharge operation or works or when the Akkumula gate 30 does not provide a discharge current or receives a charging current. In some constructions, the compensation circuit 459 a variety of resistances 460 and a variety of transistors 465 contain. In some constructions, the microprocessor locks 440 the accumulator 30 (For example, it interrupts the accumulator operation, it prevents the accumulator operation, etc.) via the switch 180 if a balance R between the cells 46 no longer within an acceptable range. After the accumulator 30 has been locked, determines the microprocessor 440 which cell (s) 46 imbalance is or are (the "low voltage cell").

In some constructions, the microprocessor activates 440 the respective transistors or turn them on, for example, the transistors 465a -D, that electrically with those cells 4b which are not low in the current state of charge (ie, the cells having a higher current state of charge than the cell having a low voltage). The microprocessor 440 begins a controlled discharge of the cells 46 with high current state of charge. For example, the microprocessor controls the small discharge current, that of the balanced cells 46 flows through the respective transistors. The microprocessor 440 continues or continues with the voltage measurements of the cells 46 during the entire controlled unloading process. The microprocessor 440 stops the controlled discharging process when the present state of charge of the cells 46 is reduced with higher state of charge such that it is approximately equal to that of the previous low-voltage cell.

Components of the circuit 430 and the accumulator 30 , for example a FET 480 , a heat sink 485 , a thermistor 450 , a charge indicator 170 (The one or more light emitting diodes 470a -D), a push button 460 to activate the charge indicator 470 , a microprocessor 440 and the like are in more detail in 20 - 29 shown. For some constructions and for some aspects, these and other additional independent features and structures of the accumulator are 30 and further operations of the accumulator 3D in greater detail in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 720,027, filed November 20, 2003 entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD OF BATTERY PROTECTION" (Attorney Docket No. 066042-9536-01).

As in 8th is shown is the accumulator charger 38 with the accumulator 30 connectable and is operable so that the accumulator 30 is charged. The accumulator charger 38 contains a charging case 122 that has a mounting portion 124 to which the accumulator 30 is held, and a charging circuit 126 (schematically in 12 shown) is from the housing 122 and is connectable to the power source (not shown). The charging circuit 126 is with a charging connector 128 with the connection device 86 of the accumulator 30 connected and is operable such that power to the accumulator 30 is transmitted to the accumulator cell (s) 46 to be able to charge.

In some constructions and in some aspects the charging circuit works 126 to the accumulator 30 in a manner similar to that described in U.S. Patent No. 6,456,035, issued September 24, 2002, and U.S. Patent No. 6,222,343, April 24, 2001, which are incorporated herein by reference be recorded.

For some constructions and for some aspects, additional, independent features, structures and operations of the accumulator loader will be added 38 in more detail in the US patent application with the serial no. 10 / 720,027, filed Nov. 20, 2003, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD OF BATTERY PROTECTION" (System and method for accumulator protection) (Attorney Docket No. 066042-9536-01), and in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 719,660, filed November 20, 2003, entitled "METHOD AND SYS-TEM OF BATTERY CHARGING" (Attorney Docket No. 066042-9538-01).

The accumulator 30 is connectable to the electrical device, for example with the power tool 34 (shown in 11A ) to the power tool 34 to supply electricity. The power tool 34 contains a housing 182 that has an electric motor 184 contains (shown schematically), which is electrically connected to the accumulator 30 through (see 11B ) a power tool connection device 186 connected so that the engine 184 from the accumulator 30 is selectively supplied with electricity. The housing 182 puts (see 11B ) a support portion 186 ready at which the accumulator 30 is held. The support section 186 becomes generally in a T-shaped cross section, which is complementary to the C-shaped cross section of the support portion 60 of the accumulator 30 is. The support section 186 also defines locking receptacles 188 (not shown), in which the locking parts 78 can intervene to the accumulator 30 on the power tool 34 to lock.

An alternative construction of a rechargeable battery 30A , which embodies aspects of the invention is disclosed in 10 shown. Common elements are identified by like reference characters "A".

As stated above, the accumulator 30 more or less accumulator cells 46 as the embodiment shown and may have a higher or lower nominal voltage than the constructions shown and described. Such a construction of a rechargeable battery 30B which has a higher nominal voltage is, for example, in 41 - 47 shown. The common elements are identified by the same reference character "B". Another construction of a rechargeable battery 30C is in 48 - 54 shown. Common elements are identified by the same reference character "C".

Unless otherwise specified below, the accumulator may 30 on different constructions of the accumulator 30 (eg the accumulator 30 , the accumulator 30A , the accumulator 30B and the accumulator 30C ) Respectively. Unless otherwise specified, the accumulator may 30B also on both the accumulator 30B as well as on the accumulator 30C Respectively.

In some constructions, the accumulator can 30 for transmitting electrical energy to and receiving electrical energy from various electrical devices, for example, various power tools, battery chargers, and the like. In other constructions, the accumulator 30 for transmitting power to various high power electrical devices, for example: various power tools, including electrically powered tools used in manufacturing and assembling; Lawn and garden equipment, including tools used in agricultural applications; portable lighting, signaling and flash devices of motorized vehicles, including electric scooters, mopeds, motorized delivery vehicles and the like; Vacuum cleaners and other electrically powered household and commercial appliances, tools and devices, electrically powered toys; remote-controlled aircraft, automobiles and other vehicles and also auxiliary engines and the like. In some constructions, eg the superstructures, which are in 55 and 56 can be shown, the accumulator 30 Electric power various power tools, eg a drill 300 , a band saw 305 and the like. In some constructions, the accumulator can 30 various power tools (including a drill 300 Driver Drill and a circular saw 305 ), which have high discharge rates. For example, the accumulator 30 an average discharge current equal to or greater than about 20 amps and may have an amp hour capacity of about 3.0 amps.

In some constructions, the accumulator can 30 , eg the accumulator 30B , seven accumulator cells 346a -G (shown in 57 ) to have. In some constructions, the accumulator cells can 346a -G similar to the accumulator cells 46a -E be in the accumulator 30 are included. In some constructions, the accumulator cells can 346a -G from the battery cells 46a -E differ in weight, size, nominal tension, chemistry and the like. For example, in a structure, the battery cells 346a -G have a cell chemistry of Li-ion, eg Li-Mn spinel, Li-Mn-nickel or Li-Co. In some constructions, every cell can 346a -G have a nominal voltage of about 3.6V. In other constructions every cell can 346a -G have a nominal voltage of about 4V and in other constructions every cell 346a -G have a nominal voltage of about 4.2V. In some constructions, the accumulator can 30B seven accumulator cells 346a -G and may have a nominal voltage of about 28V. In other constructions, the accumulator 30B seven accumulator cells 346a -G and may have a nominal voltage of about 25V.

The accumulator cells 346a-g may also be electrically connected in a suitable manner, for example, in a serial arrangement, a parallel arrangement, a partial serial arrangement (eg, some of the accumulator cells 346a -G connected in a serial arrangement), a partially parallel arrangement (eg, some of the accumulator cells 346a -G connected in a serial arrangement), a combination of serial, parallel, partially serial or partially parallel arrangement. In one construction, the accumulator cells are 346a -G electrically connected in a serial arrangement. The accumulator cells 346a -G can electrically via conductive strips or bands 450 be connected. For example, a conductive tape 450 the negative end of the first accumulator cell 346a with the positive end of the second accumulator cell 346b connect. Also may be another senior band 450 the negative end of the second accumulator cell 346b with the positive end of the third accumulator cell 346c connect.

As in 58 - 65 The accumulator can be shown 30 , for example the accumulator 30B , also an end cap assembly 505 contain. In some constructions, the end cap assembly may be used to space the accumulator cells 346 be used. The end cap assembly 505 contains a first end cap 510 and a second end cap 515 , The first endcap 510 and the second end cap 515 can through a connecting section 520 be connected. In some constructions, the connecting portion 520 be a hinge or a hinge. In some constructions, the end cap assembly includes 505 not the connecting section 520 , Each end cap 510 and 515 may partially one or more chambers or cavities 530 (shown in 65 ) limit. The end of an accumulator cell 346 can be inside a cavity 530 be arranged. In the illustrated construction, the first end cap is included 51D and the two te end cap 520 seven chambers each 530a -G for positioning seven corresponding accumulator cells 346a -G.

In the illustrated construction, the first end cap 510 at a first end 490 (shown in 57 ) of the arrangement of the battery cells 346 arranged and the second end cap 515 is at the second end 495 the arrangement of the battery cells 346 arranged. As mentioned above, each end of each accumulator cell 346a -G within the respective cavities 530a -G of the first end cap 510 and the second end cap 515 be arranged. Each end cap 510 and 515 can the chambers 530a -G limit to column or spaces between the accumulator cells 346 to generate when the accumulator cells 346 inside the chambers 530 are arranged. This can be a higher heat dissipation within the accumulator 30B Allow air to pass through the gaps and spaces between the cells 346 can circulate.

In some constructions, the first end cap 510 and the second end cap 515 still openings 450 limit. The openings 450 can conductive tapes 450 for electrically connecting an accumulator cell 346 with another accumulator cell 346 receive.

In some constructions and in some aspects, the end cap assembly may 505 also a flexible circuit 445 contain. In some constructions, the flexible circuit 445 integral with either the first end cap 510 , the second endcap 515 , the connecting section 520 or a combination thereof. In other constructions, the end cap assembly 505 limit one or more areas for holding the flexible circuit. In other constructions, the flexible circuit 445 at the end cap assembly 505 be assured. As shown in the illustrated construction, the flexible circuit 445 partly around the accumulator cells 346 be wound around or folded.

In the illustrated construction, the end cap assembly 505 a plug 560 for electrically connecting the flexible circuit 445 with the PCB or the printed circuit board 145B contain. In this construction, the PCB 145B and the flexible circuit 445 each a section of the circuit 430 included in the accumulator 30B is included.

In some constructions and in some aspects the accumulator can 30 Upholstery parts or "rubber parts" 640 contain. As in 66 and 67 Shown is the inner surface 645 of the accumulator housing 42B one or more upholstery parts 640 contain. In some constructions, the upholstery parts can 640 integral with the housing 42B be. In other constructions, the upholstery parts 640 on the inner surface 645 of the housing 42B be secured or secured. In other constructions, the upholstery part 640 with one or more accumulator cells 346 or with the end cap assembly 505 that partially the accumulator cells 346 surrounds, be connected. In some constructions, the upholstery parts can 645 Absorbing energy during impact or impact and the accumulator cells 34b during serving by limiting the amount of energy going to the cell 346 is transmitted. The upholstery parts 645 may contain any thermoplastic rubber such as polypropylene RPT 100 FRHI (eg rejecting flames, high impact).

An independent feature or more independent features or independent advantages of the invention are set forth in the claims.

Claims (60)

Method for carrying out an operation, the one Contains power tool accumulator, the accumulator being a housing, a first cell held by the housing and the one Has voltage, and contains a second cell held by the housing is and has a voltage, the accumulator with a power tool is connectable and is operable to supply power, to operate the power tool, the method being the step comprising: unloading one of the first cell or the second cell until the voltage of one of the first cell or the second Cell essentially equal to the voltage of the other of the first Cell and the second cell is. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps having: Measuring the voltage of the first cell; and measure up the voltage of the second cell; and wherein the discharging step unloading one of the first cell and the second cell containing the a higher one Voltage has until the voltage of one of the first cell and the second cell is substantially equal to the voltage of the other from the first cell and the second cell. The method of claim 2, wherein one of the measuring steps provides the unloading step. Method according to claim 3, wherein the measuring step, which is connected to one of the first cell and the second cell is, provides the Entladeschritt. The method of claim 2, wherein the accumulator furthermore contains a controller, which is connected to the first cell and the second cell, and wherein the measurement steps the step of determining the voltage with the Controller contains. The method of claim 5, after the measuring steps further comprising the determining step with the controller with respect to which from the first cell and the second cell of the discharging step should. The method of claim 1, wherein the accumulator further contains at least one connector that is connected to the first cell and the second cell is connected and which is operable that the accumulator is connected to the power tool, and wherein the method comprises the step of discharging the first cell and the second cell has to provide electrical energy through the port to energize the power tool. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step loading the first cell and the second cell. The method of claim 8, wherein the accumulator further contains at least one connector that is connected to the first cell and the second cell is connected and is operable such that the accumulator is connected to a battery charger, wherein the accumulator charger connected to a power source is and is operable to supply power to the accumulator, and wherein the charging step comprises the step of supplying power from the battery charger to the accumulator. The method of claim 1, wherein the accumulator still contains a third cell, the one from the case is held and which has a voltage, and wherein the method further comprising the step of discharging the third cell, until the voltage of the third cell is substantially equal to the voltage from the other of the first cell and the second cell. Accumulator for powering multiple power tools, wherein the power tools include a drill and a circular saw and the accumulator comprises: a housing that is selective with the drill and the circular saw is connectable and held by them; and a variety of accumulator cells, wherein the accumulator cells combined Nominal voltage of about Have 28 volts. A rechargeable battery according to claim 11, wherein the battery cells have a lithium-based chemistry. The accumulator of claim 12, wherein the accumulator cells have a lithium-magnesium chemistry. The accumulator of claim 12, wherein the accumulator cells have a spinel chemistry. The accumulator of claim 11, wherein the plurality of accumulator cells contains seven battery cells. A rechargeable battery according to claim 11, wherein each of said Variety of battery cells a nominal voltage of about 4.2 volts Has. The accumulator of claim 11, wherein each of said plurality of battery cells has an ampere hour capacity of about 3.0 ampere hours. The accumulator of claim 11, wherein the plurality of accumulator cells is able to average De-energizing current of about 20 amps to produce. Electrical combination comprising: a Drilling machine; a circular saw; and an accumulator containing a case that is selectively connectable with the drill and the circular saw and of these can be held, and a plurality of accumulator cells, wherein the accumulator cells have a combined nominal voltage of approximately Have 28 volts. An electrical combination according to claim 19, wherein the accumulator cells have a lithium-based chemistry. An electrical combination according to claim 20, wherein the accumulator cells have a lithium-magnesium chemistry. An electrical combination according to claim 20, wherein the accumulator cells have a spinel chemistry, An electrical combination according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of battery cells contains seven battery cells. An electrical combination according to claim 19, wherein each of a plurality of battery cells has a voltage of approximately 4.2 volts Has. An electrical combination according to claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells has an amp-hour capacity of about 3.0 amp-hours Has. An electrical combination according to claim 19, wherein the drill and the circular saw each an average current draw of about 20 amps can generate. An electrical combination according to claim 19, wherein includes the drill one Drill housing that selectively with the housing the accumulator is connectable and is operable such that the accumulator is held when connected, and one Engine, which is held by the drill housing and so is operable that a drill bit is driven, the Variety of battery cells electrically connected to the engine is to selectively operate the engine. An electrical combination according to claim 19, wherein the circular saw contains one Saw housing, the selectively with the housing of the Accumulator is connectable and is operable so that the Accumulator is held when connected, and one Motor, which is held by the saw housing and which is operable to drive a saw blade, wherein the Variety of battery cells electrically connected to the motor is to selectively operate the engine. Electrical combination comprising: a Drill that has an average current draw of about 20 amps can generate a circular saw, which can produce an average current draw of about 20 amps; and a power tool accumulator, which are operated can supply power to the drill and the circular saw, the accumulator includes a plurality of accumulator cells and wherein the plurality of accumulator cells each have a lithium-based chemistry. An electrical combination according to claim 29, wherein the accumulator cells have a lithium-magnesium chemistry. An electrical combination according to claim 29, wherein the accumulator cells have a lithium-magnesium spinel chemistry. An electrical combination according to claim 29, wherein the plurality of battery cells contains seven battery cells. An electrical combination according to claim 29, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells has a rated voltage of approximately Has 4.2 volts. An electrical combination according to claim 29, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells has an amp-hour capacity of about 3.0 amp-hours Has. An electrical combination according to claim 29, wherein includes the drill one drill housing contains that selectively with the housing the accumulator is connectable and operable, the accumulator to hold when he is connected, and a motor of held the drill housing and is operable to drive a drill bit, wherein the plurality of battery cells are electrically connected to the motor connectable to selectively operate the motor. The electrical combination of claim 29, wherein the circular saw includes a saw housing that is selectively connectable to the housing of the accumulator and is operable to hold the accumulator when ver and a motor supported by the saw housing and operable to drive the saw blade, the plurality of battery cells electrically connectable to the motor to selectively operate the motor. An electrical combination according to claim 29, wherein the accumulator a housing contains which is selectively connectable to the drill and the circular saw and of these and wherein the plurality of accumulator cells has a combined rated voltage of about 28 volts. Accumulator for powering one of a plurality of power tools, the power tools being a power drill and a circular saw and wherein the accumulator comprises: a case that is selectively connectable with the drill and the circular saw and of these can be held; and a plurality of accumulator cells, which have a combined amp hour capacity of approximately 3.0 ampere hours, wherein the plurality of battery cells each one on lithium have based chemistry. The accumulator of claim 38, wherein the accumulator cells have a lithium-magnesium chemistry. The accumulator of claim 38, wherein the accumulator cells have a lithium-magnesium spinel chemistry. The accumulator of claim 38, wherein the plurality of accumulator cells contains seven battery cells. A rechargeable battery according to claim 38, wherein each of said Variety of battery cells a nominal voltage of about 4.2 volts Has. The accumulator of claim 38, wherein the plurality of accumulator cells an average discharge of approximately Can produce 20 amperes. The accumulator of claim 38, wherein the plurality of accumulator cells a combined nominal voltage of about 28 volts Has. Accumulator for powering one of a plurality of power tools, the power tools being a power drill and a circular saw contain and the accumulator has: a case that is selectively connectable to the drill and the circular saw and through this can be kept; and a plurality of accumulator cells, which has an average discharge current of about 20 amps can generate each one of the many Accumulator cells has a lithium-based chemistry. The accumulator of claim 45, wherein the accumulator cells have a lithium-magnesium chemistry. The accumulator of claim 45, wherein the accumulator cells have a spinel chemistry. The accumulator of claim 45, wherein said plurality of accumulator cells contains seven battery cells. A rechargeable battery according to claim 45, wherein each of said Variety of battery cells a nominal voltage of about 4.2 volts Has. The accumulator of claim 45, wherein said plurality of accumulator cells, a combined amp hour capacity of approximately 3.0 amp hours Has. The accumulator of claim 45, wherein said plurality of accumulator cells a combined nominal voltage of about 28 volts Has. The accumulator of claim 45, wherein said plurality of accumulator cells is arranged in series. Accumulator for supplying power to an electric Device, the accumulator comprising: a case that is selectively connectable to an electrical device and by this can be kept; and a plurality of accumulator cells, which has an average discharge current of about 20 amps can generate each one of the many Accumulator cells has a lithium-based chemistry. The accumulator according to claim 53, wherein the accumulator cells have a lithium-magnesium chemistry. The accumulator according to claim 53, wherein the accumulator cells have a spinel chemistry. The accumulator of claim 53, wherein said plurality of accumulator cells contains seven battery cells. A rechargeable battery according to claim 53, wherein each of which Variety of battery cells a nominal voltage of about 4.2 volts Has. The accumulator of claim 53, wherein said plurality of accumulator cells, a combined amp hour capacity of approximately 3.0 amp hours Has. The accumulator of claim 53, wherein said plurality of accumulator cells a combined nominal voltage of about 28 volts Has. The accumulator of claim 53, wherein said plurality of accumulator cells is arranged in series.