DE102009036608A1 - Rechargeable battery for use in e.g. mobile electrical device in electrical system, has digital signal unit connected with communication connections to send and receive information in form digital signal by connections - Google Patents

Abstract

The battery (12) has a rechargeable battery cell (16) for providing battery voltage to positive and negative pole connections. An indicator element e.g. specification resistor (18) and thermal resistor (20), provides a physical parameter that corresponds to an operating state or specification information of the battery. Communication connections (ID, NTC) are connected with the indicator element, so that the parameter is detected outwardly. A digital signal processing unit (30) is connected with the connections to send and receive information in the form digital signal by the connections. An independent claim is also included for a connection device for connection to a rechargeable battery, comprising a positive pole connection.

Description

The The present invention relates to a rechargeable battery comprising a positive terminal and a negative terminal, both of externally accessible, at least one rechargeable Battery cell for providing battery voltage at the positive terminal and the negative terminal, at least one indicator element which provides a physical parameter that corresponds to an operating condition or specification information of the battery, and at least one externally accessible communication port, which is connected to the indicator element, so that the parameter is detectable from the outside. The invention further relates a connection device for such a rechargeable Battery.

rechargeable Find batteries (also referred to as accumulators or rechargeable batteries) diverse applications in mobile electrical devices, such as electronic devices, tools, household appliances or even electric vehicles. Due to different performance requirements need different electrical devices different types of rechargeable batteries. electrical Devices can usually only with a certain Battery type operated, with a wrong association between Battery and terminal not only an impairment may affect the performance of the terminal, but also to damage or a shortened lifetime battery or connection device. Further, charging devices are for charging rechargeable batteries required, which depends on the type of each charged battery have to be adjusted. So a special charging circuit ensures that the battery required the charging current for the required Duration is supplied. Chargers are also known, which are integrated in the electrical device, so that the battery installed in the device by connecting the device the mains voltage can be charged.

From the DE 20 2007 016 545 U1 For example, a rechargeable battery and a charging device provided for charging the battery are known, wherein the battery comprises two indicator elements in order to transmit an operating state or specification information of the battery to the charging device. Specifically, the battery has a specification resistor whose size is measurable via an ID terminal of the charging device, and further includes a thermistor whose temperature-dependent resistance is measurable via an NTC terminal of the battery from the charging device. An analog signal whose size contains information about the temperature in the battery as well as a specification information of the battery coded in the size of the specification resistor can thus be picked up at the ID connection or the NTC connection of the known battery.

The from the DE 20 2007 016 545 U1 known arrangement has the advantage that between the battery and the charging device information about an operating condition or specification of the battery can be replaced. In this case, however, a separate external connection is required for each information channel to be provided, for example an NTC connection dedicated only to measuring the temperature. If the functionality of the battery and charging device is to be extended, for example, for exchanging further parameters or types of information, corresponding further external connections and measuring devices are necessary for this purpose.

task The present invention is a rechargeable battery of the type mentioned above and a connection device for to provide such a battery, with which the possibilities of Information exchange between battery and connection device can be extended without the size the battery and in particular the number of external connections significantly increase. It would also be desirable to improve the security of information transmission.

To In a first aspect, the invention task is solved by a rechargeable battery of the type mentioned, which characterized by the fact that it contains a digital signal unit, which is connected to the communication port for information in the form of digital signals via the communication port to send and / or receive.

One important idea of the invention is therefore, about the communication port, over which already has an analog Signal information about the indicator element (the physical Parameter), d. H. for example, the size a specification resistance is measurable, even digital signals to ask and thus a multiple use of a communication port to reach. In this way, one and the same communication port both for the analog signal transmission as well used for digital signal transmission, so that the functionality of the battery can be extended can, without the number of communication ports and hence the size and complexity of the battery significantly increase.

Preferably, the indicator element is an electrical resistance and the physical parameter is the resistance value of the resistor, which indicates information about an operating condition or a specification information of the battery. Thus, a fixed specification resistance in size e of its resistance value specification information of the battery, for. B. a type of battery or the like. Encrypt, or a temperature-dependent resistor can be used to provide an angege indication of a temperature inside the battery on the measurable size of the resistor. Alternatively, the indicator element could be formed by a sensor circuit, in particular an integrated circuit with a sensor element which, depending on an operating state of the battery detected by the sensor, supplies a predetermined constant voltage at the communication terminal or disconnects the communication connection from voltage. The magnitude of the voltage applied to the communications port (including a potential voltage of 0 volts) then provides analog information about operating condition or specification information of the battery. Another alternative is a sensor switch based on a battery operating condition between only two States, wherein the analog signal transmitted in this way is to be seen in that either one or the other state over a detection time period is detected. Generally, the physical parameter may be a resistor, a voltage, a current, etc.

Preferably are at the communication port at a time both the Information of the indicator element detectable and the digital signal Sendable and / or receivable. This will be the parallel transmission a digital signal and an analog signal for an unrestricted use of both the analog information as well as the digital information usable.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the Battery at least two indicator elements, in particular one Specification resistor, which is a specification information of the battery coded, and a temperature-dependent component (eg. a thermistor) for delivering or measurably providing a analog information about the amount of the inside the battery prevailing temperature, and has accordingly at least two Communication ports, wherein a first of the indicator elements connected to a first of the communication ports and a second of the indicator elements with a second of the communication ports connected is.

In This embodiment may further include the digital signal unit set up for signal transmission in duplex mode and send digital signals through one of the two communication ports, while at the same time over the other the two communication ports receive digital signals can. Thus, in particular, an existing, with two analog Measuring terminals equipped battery to an inventive Battery be developed, which over the two Communication connections simultaneously digital signals can send and receive in duplex mode. Naturally could be via the two communication ports also two simultaneous (different or redundant) digital signals or two different digital signals are received.

The transmitted in a battery according to the invention digital signal can be information about the physical Contain parameters of the indicator element, i. H. an information, also in an analogous manner to the at least one communication port provided. The analog signal and the digital signal In particular, they can then have essentially the same information content have, thereby providing a redundant transmission of information to increase safety and reliability the data transmission is enabled. Further Examples of the digitally transmitted information are an error information about an error condition in the battery or connected device, the number of charge cycles, that have already been run by the battery, or one Authentication information. By appropriate design of the Content of the digital information allows the invention Battery the communication for example with a charging device, with an electrical device powered by the battery or with a service tool in a repair or maintenance operation.

Preferably sends and / or receives the digital signal unit digital Signal during a period shorter, preferably is many times shorter than the one required to capture the analog time signal of the indicator element provided, so that the secure detection of the analog signal by the superimposed digital signal is not affected. Other options for separating between the analog information and the digital information, z. By separation in the frequency domain or the time domain, are also conceivable as long as the information receiving device is still can distinguish which signal component represents the analog signal and which signal portion contains the digital information.

In a simple implementation, the analog signal is constantly output over a certain period of time, eg. B. a fixed specification resistor of the battery can be measured over a certain period of time by the charger at the communication port as a constant resistance, in particular by measuring a constant analog current flow due to a constant applied voltage, during a portion of this analog measurement duration digital information in the form of short pulses or in the form of periodic Fluctuations of the constant signal is transmitted. The information receiver could then wait to identify the analog information either the digital signal transmission until a uniform, analog signal is detectable at the communication port again, or could reason from a prior art structure of the digital signal to the analog signal component, for example by averaging a fluctuating waveform.

In Another embodiment of the invention could be provided that the indicator element a charge state the battery, in particular a full charge state, a full discharge state or a partial discharge state. A loader could then control the charge in response to this charge information or a device powered by the battery adjust its operation depending on the state of charge, for example, to prevent a deep discharge.

Preferably is between the digital signal unit and the communication terminal a capacitor switched. The capacitor allows transmission a digital signal to or from the communication port, he prevents, however, that DC components, as z. B. at malfunction of the digital signal unit could occur be passed on to the communications port or by this be received.

In a simple and effective embodiment the digital signal unit drive a switch over which a potential can be applied to the communication port. The switch can then alternately the potential at the communication port and disconnect from it again to signal pulses to the digital Coding information via the communication port to send. The digital information can then be in the frequency of Pulses, the time intervals between the pulses or in the width of the pulses (PWM coding) and by measuring these digital parameters on the side of the information receiver be read out.

To In a second aspect, the invention task is solved through a connection device for connection to a battery of the invention described above Art, wherein the terminal device comprises: a positive terminal and a negative terminal, both of which are externally accessible are and which for connection to the Pulspolanschluss and the negative terminal a battery are set up, at least one from the outside accessible communication port, which for connection set to the at least one communication port of a battery and an indicator element read-out device associated with the at least one communication port is connected and which is set up for a physical parameter to measure and / or detect an indicator element of a battery. Such a connection device is set up for to communicate with a battery according to the invention and according to the invention both analog signal transmission as well as digital signal transmission over the same Use communication port. Such a connection device has advantages and effects comparable to those of the invention Battery on and can in the same way as the invention Battery be further developed in embodiments to a substantially mirror image structure with respect to the Have signal transmission. The corresponding characteristics, the above with respect to the battery in more detail can therefore also be transferred to the connection device, to achieve equal or corresponding benefits and effects.

The Connecting device may be a charging device for charging the Be battery so that between battery and connection device Information about the type of battery (specification information), about the number of charge cycles already performed or the like transmitted can be. Furthermore, the terminal device can by the Voltage of the battery be operated consumer device, wherein the communication according to the invention for optimizing the Operation of the consumer device or to ensure a correct fit between battery type and consumer device could be used. In addition, the connection device could a service device for testing / servicing the battery, wherein the service device via the communication link an authentication information, a specification information or information about the already performed Load cycles could read or update information could transfer to the battery.

To A third aspect of the invention, the invention task is solved by an electrical system comprising a battery according to the invention of the type described above and an inventive Connection device of the type described above, wherein the positive pole connections, the negative pole connections and the communication connections of the battery and the connection device each connectable to each other. Depending on the design of the Battery and the connecting device, z. B. according to one of the embodiments described above achieved the electrical system thus created the aforementioned respective ones Effects and advantages.

The invention will be described below with reference to an embodiment with reference to the attached drawing explained in more detail. Showing:

1 a circuit diagram of an electrical system with a rechargeable battery and a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

2 a timing diagram illustrating the overlap between analog and digital signals.

That in the 1 shown electrical system 10 includes a rechargeable battery 12 and a matching charger 14 , In known manner are in the battery 12 three battery cells 16 connected in series to one another at a battery positive pole P and a battery negative pole M one three times each cell voltage of the cells 16 provide appropriate battery voltage.

Furthermore, the battery points 12 an externally accessible communication port ID and another, externally accessible communication port NTC on. The communication port ID is via a specification resistor 18 connected to the negative terminal M. The size of the specification resistor 18 Provides information about a specification of the battery, so that by measuring the size of the specification resistor 18 an information z. B. on the type of battery, the voltage of the battery, a charging parameter or a source information can be determined, such as by reading a table.

The communication connection NTC is via a temperature-dependent component 20 connected to the negative terminal M. In the exemplary embodiment, the component 20 a thermistor having a temperature-dependent battery resistance. By measuring the size of the over the thermistor 20 decreasing resistance, ie the resistance between the communication port NCT and the negative pole M, can be inferred using a corresponding calibration curve to a temperature inside the battery.

At both communication ports ID and NTC are thus Signals detectable, at least during a read operation are constant and their size is a conclusion to a specification information or an operating state of Allow battery. Such signals are analog signals in the sense of the present invention.

The communication terminal ID is also connected to the negative pole M via a series connection of a capacitor 22 and a switch 24 connected. That is, the series circuit of capacitor 22 and switches 24 is parallel to the specification resistor 18 connected. In particular, in the present embodiment, the communication terminal ID is connected to an input of the capacitor 22 connected, the output of the capacitor 22 is connected to a source terminal of the switch formed as a transistor 24 connected and the drain terminal of the transistor 24 is connected to the negative terminal M.

In a similar configuration, the communication port NTC is via another series connection of another capacitor 26 and another switch 28 connected to the negative pole M, ie the series connection of capacitor 26 and switches 28 is parallel to the thermistor 20 connected. Also the switch 28 is formed as a transistor whose source terminal to the capacitor 26 is connected and whose drain terminal is connected to the negative terminal M.

The gate terminal of the transistor 24 is connected to an output TX ID-R of a signal processing unit 30 connected, which is preferably designed as a microprocessor. Further, the gate terminal of the transistor 28 with an output TX NTC of the signal processing unit 30 connected. The signal processing unit 30 thus turns on the transistors 24 and 28 independently of each other between a connection state and an interruption state.

Further, a terminal RX ID-R of the signal processing unit 30 connected to the communication port ID and a terminal RX NTC of the signal processing unit 30 is connected to the communication port NTC.

The signal processing unit 30 is about the battery voltage of the cells 16 operated, being a voltage converter 32 the battery voltage to the operating voltage of the signal processing unit 30 adapts. The voltage converter 32 is between a positive supply input 34 the signal processing unit 30 and the battery plus pole P, while a negative supply input 36 the signal processing unit 30 is connected to the battery miniature pole M.

The loading device 14 includes a power supply 38 , which is, for example, a low-voltage DC voltage source, which is operated by a 230 volt mains voltage via a transformer, not shown. Alternatively, a low voltage DC voltage could be provided directly from another electrical device.

The from the power supply 38 provided DC voltage is at a positive pole LP and a negative pole LM of the charging device 14 provided accessible from the outside.

The charging device further has a communication port ID and a communication port NTC, which are also accessible from the outside. The connections LP, ID, NTC and LM of the charger 14 as well as the connections P, ID, NTC and M of the battery 12 are connected via corresponding mechanical connection means, in particular suitable plug-in connections, to each other, so that the battery 12 can be supplied with charging voltage via the connections P and M or LP and LM and information between the battery via the communication connections ID-ID or NTC-NTC 12 and loader 14 can be transferred.

The loading device 14 has an analog measuring circuit 40 for the specification resistor 18 the battery 12 , which is composed of a charger-side voltage converter 42 , a first adaptation resistance 44 a charger side signal processing unit 46 and the communication port ID. For measuring the specification resistance 18 puts the charger 14 one through the voltage transformer 42 and the first matching resistance 44 matched measurement voltage between the communication port ID and the negative terminal M and measures one above the specification resistor 18 falling voltage at an analog signal input A-IN ID-R of the signal processing unit 46 to the size of the specification resistance 18 and thus to capture the specification information as an analog signal.

In a similarly constructed analog measuring circuit 48 for the thermistor resistor 20 the battery 12 is about the voltage converter 42 and a second matching resistor 50 a measuring voltage is applied to the communication terminal NTC and the one above the thermistor 20 dropping voltage is applied to a terminal A-IN NTC of the signal processing unit connected to the communication terminal NTC 46 recorded to provide information about the temperature in the battery 12 to win.

Similar to the switching concept of the battery 12 are also in the loader 14 the communication terminals ID and NTC each through series circuits of a capacitor 52 respectively. 54 and a transistor 56 respectively. 58 with a voltage pole of the power supply 38 connected, wherein the gate terminals of the transistors 56 respectively. 58 respectively through terminals TX ID-R and TX NTC of the signal processing unit 46 are driven to deliver voltage pulses of predetermined duration at predetermined times at the communication terminals ID and NTC and in this way a digital signal to the battery 12 to send.

Further, the communication terminals ID and NTC of the charger 14 with read inputs RX ID-R or RX NTC for digital signals of the signal processing unit 46 connected, these inclusions for the evaluation of the battery 12 sent digital signals are set up.

In operation of the electrical system 10 for example, to charge the battery 12 the charger 14 with its four connections LP, ID, NTC, LM to the connections P, ID, NTC or M of the battery 12 connected. About the analog measuring circuit 40 for the specification resistor 18 detects the signal processing unit 46 At the A-IN ID-R connector, an analog signal about the size of the specification resistor 18 , About the analog measuring circuit 50 for the thermistor 20 captures the loader 14 an analog signal about the size of the thermistor resistor 20 at the input A-IN NTC of the signal processing unit 46 ,

In 2 is the analog voltage signal at the input A-IN ID-R shown, which _is received _analog over the measurement period T. Likewise, an analog measurement signal of the thermistor is over a certain measurement time away 20 received at the input A-IN NTC.

The signal processing unit 30 the battery 12 simultaneously sends digital, pulse-shaped signals to the communication ports ID and NTC via the digital signal outputs TX ID-R and TX NTC. Via the digital signal inputs RX ID-R or RX NTC of the signal processing unit 46 the loader 14 These digital signals are received and evaluated their information.

In 2 It can be seen that the duration of the transmission of the digital signals, T _digital , is much shorter than the measurement time T _{analogous to} the analog signal, so that the analog measurement is hardly affected by the digital signal transmission and the digital signal at best as a minor disturbance to the analog inputs A-IN ID-R and A-IN NTC of the signal processing unit 46 is recognized.

In case of malfunction of the signal processing unit 30 leading to a permanent circuit of one of the transistors 24 or 28 leads into the connection mode, prevent the capacitors 22 respectively. 26 in that the communication connections ID or NTC are permanently connected to the negative pole M of the battery. Likewise, the capacitors serve 52 and 54 the loader 14 the separation between the communication terminals and the negative terminal LM of the power supply 38 in case of malfunction of the signal processing unit 46 ,

The digitally transmitted information from the battery 12 can the specification information of the resistor 18 or temperature information corresponding to the thermistor 20 so that this information is redundantly transmitted both analog and digital. Further, as the digital information, the number of battery charging cycles already performed 12 , an error condition or other information is transmitted. The loading device 14 can control the charging operation based on the information received, such. B. initiate a charge, prevent charging, cancel a charge, issue a signaling or display and the like.

Furthermore, the electrical system allows 10 of the embodiment shown, a transmission of digital data from the charging device 14 to the battery 12 by outputting pulse-shaped signals at the outputs TX ID-R and TX NTC of the signal processing unit 46 , so that at the communication terminals ID and NTC of the charging device 14 pulsed digital signals are superimposed on the analog signals (received by the battery). The digital signal pulses are applied to the terminals RX ID-R and RX NTC of the signal processing unit 30 the battery 12 registered and evaluated to decrypt the information contained therein. In this way, information for influencing the charging process can be transmitted to the battery, a charging cycle counter can be increased, or authentication information can be written in the battery or the like.

The electrical system 10 of the embodiment can be operated in duplex mode by, for example, via the communication port ID digital signals from the battery 12 to the charger 14 are transmitted, while at the same time via the communication terminal NTC digital signals from the charging device 14 to the battery 12 be sent or vice versa. Of course, only one of the two communication ports ID, NTC could be used to transmit digital signals, or both communication ports ID, NTC could either only be from the battery 12 to the charger 14 or transfer data only in the opposite direction.

Instead of a charger 14 could be to the battery 12 an electrical consumer device, z. As a household appliance or an electric tool, a small appliance or an electric vehicle or the like. Connected, which by energy of the battery 12 is operated. By one of the circuit of the charging device 14 comparable circuit could then be between the consumer device and the battery 12 Information in the form of analog and digital data to be exchanged. The same applies to a service tool of a repair or maintenance operation connected to the battery 12 is connected to repair or service the battery.

The Invention allows a very simple and flexible extension of Functionality in terms of communication between Battery and connection device. In particular, you can only by suitable programming of the signal processing units the battery and the connecting device the type and contents the data transmission almost unlimited changed and / or extended without the rest of the hardware, in particular the number of communication ports, change or to have to expand.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 202007016545 U1 [0003, 0004]

Claims (15)

Rechargeable battery ( 12 ) - a positive terminal (P) and a negative terminal (M), both of which are externally accessible, - at least one rechargeable battery cell ( 16 ) for providing battery voltage to the positive terminal and the negative terminal, - at least one indicator element ( 18 . 20 ), which provides a physical parameter corresponding to an operating state or a specification information of the battery ( 12 ), - at least one externally accessible communication port (ID, NTC), which communicates with the indicator element ( 18 . 20 ), so that the parameter can be detected from the outside, characterized by a digital signal unit ( 30 ) connected to the communication port (ID, NTC) for sending and / or receiving information in the form of digital signals via the communication port. Battery ( 12 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the indicator element ( 18 . 20 ) a resistor ( 18 . 20 ) having a resistance value corresponding to an operating state or a specification information of the battery ( 12 ), or a sensor switch that switches according to an operating condition of the battery is. Battery ( 12 ) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that on the communication port (ID, NTC) at a time both the information of the indicator element ( 18 . 20 ) is detectable as well as the digital signal is sendable and / or receivable. Battery ( 12 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the battery ( 12 ) at least two indicator elements ( 18 . 20 ), in particular a fixed resistor ( 18 ) and a thermistor ( 20 ), and at least two communication ports (ID, NTC), wherein a first one of the indicator elements (ID) 18 . 20 ) is connected to a first of the communication ports (ID, NTC) and a second of the indicator elements ( 18 . 20 ) is connected to a second of the communication ports (ID, NTC), and that the digital signal unit ( 30 ) transmits digital signals through one of the two communication ports (ID, NTC) for duplex communication and at the same time receives digital signals through the other of the two communication ports (ID, NTC). Battery ( 12 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the digital signal contains information about the parameter of the indicator element ( 18 . 20 ) contains. Battery ( 12 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the digital signal unit ( 30 ) transmits and / or receives the digital signal for a period of time that is shorter, preferably many times shorter, than that for detecting the parameter of the indicator element ( 18 . 20 ) provided period of time. Battery ( 12 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indicator element indicates a state of charge of the battery, in particular a full charge state or a full discharge state or a partial discharge state. Battery ( 12 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the digital signal unit ( 30 ) and the communication port (ID, NTC) a capacitor ( 22 . 26 ) is switched. Battery ( 12 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the digital signal unit ( 30 ) a switch ( 24 . 28 ), via which a potential can be applied to the communication connection (ID, NTC). Connection device ( 14 ) for connection to a battery ( 12 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection device ( 14 ) comprises: - a positive pole connection (LP) and a negative pole connection (LM), both of which are accessible from outside and which are connected to the pulse terminal (P) and the negative terminal (M) of a battery ( 12 ), - at least one externally accessible communication port (ID, NTC), which is for connection to the at least one communication port (ID, NTC) of a battery ( 12 ), and - an indicator element read-out device ( 40 . 48 . 46 ), which is connected to the at least one communication port (ID, NTC) and which is adapted to a physical parameter of an indicator element ( 18 . 20 ) of a battery ( 12 ), characterized by a digital signal unit ( 46 ) connected to the communication port (ID, NTC) for sending and / or receiving information in the form of digital signals via the communication port. Connection device ( 14 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that on the communication port (ID, NTC) at a time both the information of the indicator element ( 18 . 20 ) of a battery ( 12 ) is detectable as well as the digital signal sendable and / or receivable. Connection device ( 14 ) according to claim 10 or claim 11, characterized in that between the digital signal unit ( 46 ) and the communication port (ID, NTC) a capacitor ( 52 . 54 ) is switched. Connection device ( 14 ) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the digital signal unit ( 46 ) a switch ( 56 . 58 ), via which a potential can be applied to the communication connection (ID, NTC). Connection device ( 14 ) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the connection device is a charging device ( 14 ) for charging the battery ( 12 ), a consumer device operable by the voltage of the battery or a service device for testing / servicing the battery. Electrical system ( 10 ), comprising a battery ( 12 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and a connection device ( 14 ) according to one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the positive pole connections (P, LP), the negative pole connections (M, LM) and the communication connections (ID, NTC) of the battery ( 12 ) and connection device ( 14 ) are each connected to each other.

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