WO2009068360A1

WO2009068360A1 - Storage battery, use of identification means and method for identification

Info

Publication number: WO2009068360A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/063622
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wolf Matthias; Rainer Glauning
Original assignee: Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date: 2007-11-30
Filing date: 2008-10-10
Publication date: 2009-06-04
Also published as: CN101884124A; DE102007057703A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage battery (1), in particular for a power tool, having a storage battery casing (2) and having identification means (4) for the identification of the storage battery (1). It is provided according to the invention that the identification means (4) are made from fireproof material. The invention also relates to an identification method.

Description

description

title

Accumulator, use of identification means and methods of identification

State of the art

The invention relates to an accumulator, in particular for a power tool, according to the preamble of claim 1, a use of identification means according to claim 10 and a method for identification of an identification means having accumulator according to claim 13.

Power tools are increasingly being equipped with ever more powerful accumulators. If power tools are operated with plagiarism accumulators, this can lead to the destruction of the power tool. In addition, there is an increased risk of fire in faulty or not suitable for the power tool plagiarism accumulators.

To identify accumulators, for example, accumulator housings are provided with an identification code which describes the date of manufacture and the assembly plant. The identification code is burned according to specification either by laser inscription or by hot stamping in a plastic accumulator housing. A disadvantage of such trained identification means is that they can be copied in a simple manner. In addition, there is the disadvantage that in the event of fire, the accumulator housing burns and as a result the identification code is no longer legible. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

The invention has for its object to propose an accumulator with identification means that allow identification of the accumulator even after a (complete) destruction, especially after a fire. Furthermore, the object is to propose a method for the identification of a rechargeable battery, which allows identification even after a (complete) destruction of the accumulator.

Technical solution

This object is achieved in terms of the accumulator with the features of claim 1 and by a use of identification means according to claim 10. With regard to the identification method, the object is achieved with the features of claim 13. Advantageous further developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. All combinations of at least two features disclosed in the description, the claims and / or the figures also fall within the scope of the invention. To avoid repetition, features disclosed purely in accordance with the device should also be disclosed as being in accordance with the method and be able to be claimed. Likewise, purely disclosed in accordance with the features are to be considered as device disclosed and claimable.

The invention is based on the idea to form the identification means partially, or preferably completely, from a refractory material, so that a unique identification of the accumulator itself after a fullest destruction by fire is possible. In the context of the invention, a refractory material is understood as meaning a material which withstands a fire of the accumulator such that a clear identification is still possible. Particularly preferred is an embodiment of the identification means in which these temperatures of more than 500 ⁰ C, preferably of more than 700 ⁰ C, more preferably of more than 900 ⁰ C, more preferably of more than 1100 ⁰ C, ideally of more than 1500 ⁰ C survive, preferably without destroying identification data of the identification means.

In a further development of the invention is advantageously provided that is used as the material for forming the identification means metal, especially steel, and / or glass and / or ceramic. These materials are characterized by a high temperature resistance.

With regard to the application and / or coding of identification data on, at and / or in the identification means, there are a multiplicity of implementation possibilities. According to a preferred realization possibility, the identification data are formed as a label on the identification means. In this case, the labeling can be realized for example by laser marking and / or an embossing process. A label does not necessarily mean letters or numbers. It is also conceivable for identification data in the form of symbols, etc. to bring or bring. Additionally or alternatively, identification data may be encrypted (coded) by the shape of the identification means and / or by the size of the identification means. Under shaping of identification means In this case, for example, an outer and / or inner contour of the identification means is understood. Likewise, the shaping of the surface is understood as meaning the provision of recesses or holes or depressions in the identification means. Furthermore, identification data may be coded by the weight and / or the number and / or the color of the identification means.

The identification data can advantageously include the production or production and / or assembly location as information. Additionally or alternatively, it is feasible to provide a batch number and / or a production date as identification data of the identification means. Additionally or alternatively, a production time and / or a manufacturer identification may be provided. Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the identification data also accumulator properties, for example, the provided operating voltage and / or the stored amount of energy include. In addition, the identification data can provide information about the battery technology

(e.g., NiCd, NiMH, Li-ion, etc.), information on contained chemical substances, and / or on the cell type and / or the Zeil supplier.

In order to make the accumulator, in particular the identification means, particularly tamper-proof, an embodiment is preferred in which the identification means have non-copyable components. Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the identification means of potential counterfeiters not even recognized and not copied in the sequence. For this purpose, in an embodiment of the invention is advantageously provided that the identification means of an accumulator outside are not visible. In order to prevent recognition of the identification means by opening the accumulator housing, an embodiment is preferred in which the identification means are also not visible when the accumulator housing is open.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the identification means are integrated in an accumulator housing. Preferably, the identification means within the actual housing, so preferably within a peripheral wall, added. In a further development of the invention is advantageously provided that the identification means are hidden by internal recording in a portion of the accumulator. This can be realized, for example, in that the identification means, preferably completely, are surrounded by accumulator housing material. This can be done for example by encapsulation of the identification means in the manufacture of the accumulator housing in the injection molding process.

With regard to a good evaluability of the identification means as well as a good integrability in the accumulator housing, an embodiment of the identification means is preferred in which they are formed as flat plate element (in particular sheet metal stamp), ie platelet-shaped. The depth extension is preferably low compared to the width and height extension.

Of particular advantage is an embodiment of the accumulator, in which an identification medium blank is integrated into it during production of the accumulator housing, for example by extrusion coating. The provision of identification data is preferred in this embodiment only after the integration of the identification means into the accumulator housing, in particular by means of laser beam inscription. For this purpose, it is necessary for the accumulator housing or the accumulator housing material to be permeable to laser radiation, in order to avoid melting the accumulator housing, at least to a large extent, when introducing (burning in) the identification data. The described labeling method should hereby be disclosed as independent and claimable.

In a further development of the invention is advantageously provided that the identification means are formed as a ball, in particular made of metal. Commercially available ball bearing balls are preferably used, which can be labeled as needed, in particular by means of laser beams before or after setting in or on the accumulator.

It is particularly preferred if the identification means are pressed into a recess of the housing. Preferably, the recess is a screw hole for receiving a screw for screwing two Akkumulatorgehäuseteile. In this case, the identification means, in particular designed as a ball, can be brought into their final press-in position by the screwing-in operation, whereby they are secured in captivity and are not easily recognizable during disassembly. Particularly preferably, the identification means are introduced at least into the last screw hole to be provided with a screw, after all other screw connections have taken place. Advantageously, this pressing is done by the last

Screwing during the final assembly test and serves as a hallmark that the assembly test was successfully passed. The invention also leads to the use of identification means made of a refractory material as identification means arranged in and / or on an accumulator.

Furthermore, the invention also leads to a method for the identification of a rechargeable battery on the basis of the evaluation of refractory identification means of the rechargeable battery. This method makes it possible to identify the accumulator, in particular in the event that the identification means are not visible from the outside of the accumulator and / or when the accumulator housing is open, ie from the inside of the housing, in particular because the identifiers are incorporated in the accumulator housing, for example by extrusion coating with accumulator housing material - are integrated. The core of the method according to the invention is to make the (hidden) identification means visible for enabling an evaluation, during the identification and / or in a method step upstream of the identification.

Of particular advantage is an embodiment of the method in which the identification means are made visible by scanning the accumulator housing. For example, an X-ray of the accumulator can be made for this purpose. This embodiment is therefore of particular advantage, since destruction of the accumulator for identification purposes can be omitted.

As an alternative to the use of a transillumination method for evaluating the identification means, an embodiment is preferred in which the accumulator, preferably the only the accumulator housing is burnt to expose the identification means and thus make it visible.

In particular, if already the fact of the presence of identification means, in particular at a defined position, to enable an identification of the accumulator, an embodiment is preferred in which the identification means are detected by means of the action of magnetic forces. For example, with a magnetic design of the identification means, it is possible to detect the presence of the identification means, in particular at a defined position, with a magnetizable material, in particular metal. In the case of the formation of the identification means of a ferromagnetic material, the detection of the identification means by means of a magnet is possible.

Brief description of the drawings

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. These show in:

1 is a schematic representation of an accumulator with a battery housing,

2 shows a first possible embodiment of identification means, or of an identification means blank, 3 shows a second possible embodiment of identification means in which identification data are encoded in the form of a laser-cut pattern,

4 shows a third possible embodiment of identification means, in which the identification data are realized as a label, and

Fig. 5: a possible arrangement of identification means in a screw hole.

Embodiments of the invention

In the figures, the same components and components with the same function with the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1, an accumulator 1 is shown for a power tool. The accumulator 1 comprises an accumulator housing 2 made of plastic, wherein in Fig. 1, only a trough-like bottom part of the accumulator housing 2 is shown. For reasons of clarity, the representation of a, also trough-shaped, screwed to the bottom part of the cover part was omitted. The accumulator housing 2 encloses the actual energy store 3 in the mounted state.

In the accumulator housing 2 identification means 4 are integrated (dashed representation). The identification means 4 are platelet-shaped and consist entirely of a refractory material. The identification means 4 are arranged such that they neither from the outside of the accumulator 1 nor from the inside of the accumulator housing 2 are visible. This is realized in that the identification means 4 are encapsulated by the accumulator housing 2.

Exemplary embodiments of identification means 4 for integration into an accumulator 1 according to FIG. 1, in particular into an accumulator housing 2, are shown in FIGS. 2 to 4.

In the identification means 4 shown in Fig. 2 is a rectangular contoured metal plate without inscription. The identification of the accumulator 1, which is equipped with such an identification means 4, takes place via the determination as to whether such an identification means 4 is present at all or at which position the identification means 4 is located. The determination of the position or the test for the presence of the identification means 4 can be carried out by means of a permanent magnet or electromagnet, not shown.

Alternatively, the component shown in FIG. 2 is an identification means blank which is provided with identification data either before or only after the integration into the accumulator 1 according to FIG. If a material permeable to laser beams is selected as the accumulator housing material, it is possible to inscribe the identification medium blank, even if it is completely encapsulated, ie after integration into the accumulator housing 2.

In Fig. 3 alternatively formed identification means 4 are shown. These plate-like identifiers Cation means 4 made of sheet steel are provided with identification data 5. The identification data 5 are coded on the one hand in the form of the outer contour 6 of the platelet-shaped identification means 4 and on the other hand in the form of a stamped or laser-cut pattern 7 in an identification means surface 8.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the outer contour 6 of the identification means 4 according to FIG. 3 differs from the outer contour 6 of the identification means 4 according to FIG. 1. In FIG. 3, the outer contour 6 has a chamfered corner area.

Instead of sheet steel, the identification means 4 according to FIG. 3 may be formed from another refractory material, in particular from ceramic or glass or from another metal or another metal alloy. Likewise, it is conceivable to form the identification means 4 as a permanent magnet.

Identification data 5 in the form of a lettering 9 are provided in the identification means 4 made of ceramic shown in FIG. 4. This includes both letters and numbers. In this way, manufacturer information, place of manufacture, date of manufacture, etc. can be applied in a simple manner. In particular, in a formation of the identification means 4 made of metal, the label 9 can be introduced by laser marking and / or embossing.

In Fig. 5 a section of a battery housing 2 is shown. Evident is a screw dome 10 with a screw hole 11 (recess) for receiving a fastening screw 12, with the two housing parts together are definable. With the fastening screw 12 designed as a ball bearing ball identification means 4 are pressed in the axial direction in the screw hole 11. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the space 13 underneath the identification means can be used by providing further identification means, not shown, in particular in other forms and / or materials.

Claims

claims

1. accumulator, in particular for a power tool, with an accumulator housing (2) and with identification center (4) for identifying the accumulator (1),

characterized,

in that the identification means (4) are formed from a refractory material.

2. Accumulator according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification means (4) made of metal and / or glass and / or ceramic are formed.

3. Accumulator according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that identification data (5) are designed as a label and / or that the identification data (5) by the shape of the identification means (4), in particular by the peripheral contour and / or the surface structure, and / or the size and / or the weight and / or the number and / or the color of the identification means (4) are encrypted.

4. Accumulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification data (5) the place of manufacture and / or a batch number and / or a production date and / or a manufacturing time and / or a manufacturer identification and / or accumulator properties and / or the accumulator technology and / or information chemical ingredients and / or cell type information and / or cell supplier information.

5. Accumulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification means (4) are arranged such that they are not visible from the accumulator outside and / or when the accumulator housing (2) is open.

6. Accumulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification means (4) in an accumulator housing (2) are integrated.

7. Accumulator according to claim 6, characterized in that the identification means (4), in particular completely, surrounded by accumulator housing material, preferably encapsulated, are.

8. Accumulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification means (4) are formed as a flat plate member.

9. Accumulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the accumulator housing (2) is permeable to laser radiation, and that the identification means (4) were labeled after integration into the accumulator housing (2).

10. Accumulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification means (4) as a ball, in particular as a ball bearing ball, are formed.

11. Accumulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification means (4), in particular by a screwing, in a recess, preferably in a screw hole (11), are pressed.

12. Use of refractory material for the production of identification means (4) for an accumulator (1).

13. A method for identifying an identification means (4) having accumulator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

characterized,

in that the identification means (4) not visible are made visible and / or detected by means of magnetic forces.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the identification means (4) are made visible by means of transillumination of an accumulator housing (2) or by ashing of the accumulator (1).