DE102011089499A1 - Mobile communication device for large battery of machine tool, has communication link for unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of data with accumulator, and receptacle for identification module - Google Patents

Abstract

The mobile communication device has a communication link for unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of data with the battery (200), and a receptacle for an identification module. A communication interface is provided with an antenna for unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of data with an external device through a mobile network under identification of the communication device as a network user. The communication device is formed as a part of a charging device for the large battery.

Description

The invention relates to a mobile communication device for a large accumulator of a machine tool according to the preamble of claim 1 and an application according to claim 12.

Technical area

Machine tools which are provided for the portable, in particular manually operated use, for example, in particular gas-powered setting devices, often have a large accumulator for off-grid power supply. Such a large accumulator is often equipped with a memory, which records operating and runtime data. For example, a tool ID is stored here, which serves for unambiguous identification of the large accumulator. Likewise, overload counters, undervoltage counters, overtemperature Elo counters, NTC wire break counters, runtime counters for predefined intervals as well as the total runtime can be stored in the memory of the large accumulator. Numerous other data concerning the large accumulator and its use are also suitable.

The data stored in the large accumulator can be used to determine its operating time, capacity, possible error conditions or other important parameters for operation. Furthermore, by means of the data storage of the large accumulator data of the machine tools can be transmitted, e.g. Operating data logs on operating conditions, energy settings over time, throughput of consumables such as nails. This can be achieved, for example, that a defective large accumulator is detected and replaced, or that in a large accumulator, which records a decreasing capacity, special regeneration programs are used to regenerate the capacity again.

In order to be able to monitor the use and condition of the large accumulators of a manufacturer of machine tools as comprehensively as possible, the data of the accumulator in the large accumulator can be transmitted by means of an electronic connection to a central server of the manufacturer. There they can be collected, archived and evaluated. However, this requires the establishment of a respective connection between the memory of the large accumulator and the server.

Furthermore, software may also be contained in the memory which is executed by electronics of the large accumulator. With an existing communications link between the memory and a server, updates to the software may be loaded into memory, which may, for example, correct programming errors or provide new insights for controlling the battery.

State of the art

It is known to read the memory of a large accumulator, if this is in a workshop of the manufacturer.

Further, the document shows US 2009/0 250 364 A1 a suitcase which reads out the data from the memory of a large accumulator and transmitted via a radio link to the server, if the machine tool or large accumulator are in the case. In addition, the document shows US 2009/0 251 330 A1 a machine tool with an integrated radio module to transmit data from the memory via a radio link to the server.

In the first case, therefore, there is a communication device with which data can be read from the memory, only in the respective workshop of the manufacturer. In the second case, such a communication device is in the case, which means that the data are only transmitted when the machine tool is in the case. Depending on the nature of the use of the machine tool, however, considerable time can pass between stays of the machine tool in the case. In the third case, although a continuous monitoring of the memory is possible, but this additional components, such as a radio modem and a transmitting and receiving device to be installed in the machine tool itself, which require space, increase the total weight and energy from the limited capacity of Claim large accumulator.

Furthermore, the document shows US 2009/0 254 203 A1 a method for configuring the electronics of a machine tool via a radio link. For this purpose, a corresponding communication device is installed in the machine tool itself. The associated disadvantages correspond to those when reading a memory via a communication device integrated in the machine tool.

It would be desirable to be able to perform the communication between the accumulator and the server easier and more reliable.

Presentation of the invention

At this point, the invention is based, whose task is a communication device for a large accumulator a Specify machine tool, which ensures the frequent construction of a communication link between the large accumulator and the server in the ordinary use of a machine tool, without disturbing the operation of the machine tool. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to specify a use of a communication device such that the goals just mentioned in connection with their communication device are also achieved.

With regard to the communication device, the object is achieved by a mobile communication device for a large accumulator of a machine tool, which is designed as part of a separate from the machine tool loading device for the large accumulator. It is provided according to the invention that the mobile communication device has a communication connection for unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of data with the large accumulator, a communication interface with antenna for unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of data with an external device, for example a server, via a mobile network with identification as a network subscriber, and a receptacle for an identification module.

In terms of use, the object is achieved by using a mobile communication device for a large accumulator of a machine tool as a charging device for the large accumulator. It is provided that the mobile communication device has a communication connection for unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of data with the large accumulator, a communication interface with antenna for unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of data with an external device, such as a server, via a mobile network under identification as a network subscriber, and has a receptacle for an identification module.

The invention is based on the consideration that a large accumulator must be charged regularly, and for this purpose inevitably a certain amount of time must be connected to a charging device. If a data exchange between the large accumulator and the external device takes place during this charging time, no additional time is lost as a result. Furthermore, no additional components are required within the machine tool. Due to the limited capacity of the large accumulator, the large accumulator will regularly be connected to the charging device more frequently than putting the entire machine tool in a case. Since a charging device must be connected anyway with a rich source of energy, the power supply of the communication device, which forms part of a charging device, can be done without problems.

Based on this consideration, the invention has recognized that a communication device for a large accumulator of a machine tool is particularly preferably designed as part of a loading device for the large accumulator. Overall, the concept of the invention results in that the large accumulator can often exchange data with the external device, and for this, no components are required in the machine tool. The large accumulator is in particular for hand tool machines, such as drills, rotary hammers, screwdrivers, in particular gas-powered setting tools and the like used.

The concept of the invention also leads to a use of a mobile communication device according to claim 12.

Advantageous developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and specify in particular advantageous ways to realize the above-described concept within the scope of the problem and with regard to further advantages.

Particularly preferably, the communication device further comprises means for recognizing an authentication device, wherein a charging of a large accumulator can only begin when an authentication device is detected, or when a release message has been received via the communication interface. Thus, a theft protection can be provided. The authentication device can be, for example, an electronic key or a chip card. Such an authentication device must be brought close to the communication device in order to allow recharging of the accumulator. Should the large accumulator be stolen, this can not be charged by the unauthorized owner and is therefore worthless. However, should the authentication device be lost, which can certainly occur, for example, when used on construction sites, it is possible to enable a recharge of the large accumulator by requesting a release message, which is triggered for example by the manufacturer of the large accumulator.

The receptacle for an identification module is preferably a receptacle for a SIM card. This ensures that the communication device can be easily operated in one of the mobile networks, which are available in almost all countries worldwide, and in which the identification of a subscriber takes place in that in this a specific SIM card is pushed and the data stored on it are read out and used for identification in the mobile radio network.

The communication interface is preferably a module which is designed for data transmission in accordance with General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), or Long Term Evolution (LTE). Such modules are also referred to as GPRS, UMTS or LTE modules. This ensures that the communication interface can be used in the mobile networks available in almost all countries worldwide, which are also designed according to the aforementioned standards.

Preferably, the communication device is designed such that the communication connection can receive one or more operating parameters or identification data of the accumulator and the communication interface can transmit the received operating parameter or identification data to the external device. In addition to the operating parameters of the battery operating data of the machine tool can be transmitted according to a preferred embodiment, for example, energy settings, consumables used, temperatures in Geärt, number settlements per gas can, Dosiermenge, acceleration values, Verbennungsdruck, error conditions such as number misfiring, pressing without ignition and the like. These are frequently transmitted data which are of particular relevance for tracking the use and monitoring of the functioning of the large accumulator.

The communication device can advantageously have a position-determining means which can generate position data, and the communication interface can simultaneously be designed such that it can transmit position data to the external device. Positioning means may be, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver that can calculate position using satellite signals. Alternatively, however, the position-determining means may for example also determine the position based on connection data of the communication interface, i. from parameters obtained when communicating with a public mobile network. These include, for example, the position of the nearest transmission towers and the respectively associated signal parameters. By identifying and transmitting the position to the central unit, it is possible to spatially monitor the use of the large accumulators in operation.

Preferably, the communication interface of the communication device is adapted to receive programming data from the external device, and at the same time, preferably, the communication link is adapted to transmit the programming data to the accumulator. This makes it possible to update a software stored in the memory of the large accumulator. If, for example, errors are detected in the software, an updated version on the external device, which may be a server, can be provided in this way and loaded into the large accumulator if it is already connected. Likewise, updates of the software can be obtained in this way, which, for example, result from the fact that new knowledge about the optimal use or charging of the large accumulator can be obtained. The user always receives the current software version for his accumulator without having to worry about it.

Further, the mobile communication device may preferably include a memory in which data received from the communication link or the communication interface may be stored. This allows caching of the data which has not been received by either the large accumulator or the external device, so that when they are complete, it will continue to be transmitted. As a result, for example, in the transmission of data over a mobile network time can be saved, which may possibly cause costs due to billing. The memory is preferably a volatile memory for normal operation, which allows quick access in both reading and writing. Preferably, however, the communication device additionally or alternatively includes a non-volatile memory in which data can be stored in case the power supply of the communication device should fail. This makes it possible, for example, that a software once received by the external device, which is to be loaded onto a plurality of accumulators, remains in the memory, even if the communication device is temporarily disconnected from a power supply.

Particularly preferably, the mobile communication device further comprises means for detecting a connected large accumulator, is further designed such that when connecting a battery data read out of this and transmitted to the external device. The means for detecting a connected large accumulator may, for example, consist of a push-button switch, which is activated when the accumulator is plugged into a charging device. Alternatively, however, the means for recognizing a connected large accumulator can, for example, also sense the start of a charging process with an electrically connected large accumulator. After the automatic start of reading and transmission of data, the user does not have to manually start the process of data transmission. Rather, the data transmission is triggered automatically as soon as the accumulator is connected to the charging device, part of which is the communication device for charging. This facilitates handling and further increases the reliability of data transmission.

Preferably, the communication device may further comprise a temperature sensor for sensing an ambient temperature, a temperature in the charging device or a temperature of the rechargeable battery, wherein the temperature sensor may generate temperature data, and further preferably at the same time the communication interface is configured to transmit temperature data to the external device. Thus not only data of the large accumulator can be transmitted to the external device, but it can also be monitored at the same time, the respective temperature of the environment, the charging device and / or the accumulator with. This makes it possible, for example, to establish correlations between certain parameters of the large accumulator, for example, the capacity, and the respective temperature and thus to gain knowledge about the temperature dependence of the accumulator. In addition, any occurring error conditions of the accumulator of a temperature which is outside the specifications of the large accumulator can be assigned. This allows, for example, the defense against unauthorized warranty claims, if a battery has a malfunction due to the operation in a too hot or too cold environment.

Particularly preferably, in the mobile communication device, a large accumulator with the charging device, the part of which is the communication device, electrically conductively connected.

The communication connection for unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of data with the large accumulator can be designed, for example, via a wired connection, via a Bluetooth, WLAN or other wireless connection, via an optical connection, or the like, suitable for short-range communication.

The communication interface is designed such that it can communicate with a mobile radio network and thereby identify the communication device as a network subscriber. An identification module ensures that the communication interface, by using an identification module specific to the desired mobile radio network, receives the necessary network access data and can identify itself in this network.

The loading device for the large accumulator can be designed in various ways. For example, the charging device can be constructed such that the large accumulator is inserted into the charging device for charging. Alternatively, the charging device can also have a slot on which the large accumulator is plugged. Likewise, it is also possible that the charging device has a cable which is connected to the large accumulator.

The communication device may be integrated into the electronics of the charging device such that it is located on the same board or an integrated circuit with the control of the charging device. Alternatively, however, the communication device may also be electronically separate from the control of the charging device, in which case the communication device is located, for example, only within a housing of the charging device. Likewise, the communication device can be designed as an additional module to be connected to the loading device.

embodiments

Embodiments of the invention will now be described below with reference to the drawing. This is not necessarily to scale the embodiments, but the drawing, where appropriate for explanation, executed in a schematic and / or slightly distorted form. With regard to additions to the teachings directly recognizable from the drawing reference is made to the relevant prior art. It should be noted that various modifications and changes may be made in the form and detail of an embodiment without departing from the general idea of the invention. The disclosed in the description, in the drawing and in the claims features of the invention may be essential both individually and in any combination for the development of the invention. In addition, all combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the drawings and / or the claims fall within the scope of the invention. The general idea of the invention is not limited to the exact form or detail of the preferred embodiments shown and described below, or limited to an object that would be limited in comparison with the subject matter claimed in the claims. at The specified design ranges should also reveal values within the limits specified as limits and be arbitrarily usable and claimable. For simplicity, the same reference numerals are used below for identical or similar parts or parts with identical or similar function.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the drawing; this shows in:

1 : a machine tool with large accumulator;

2 a loader for a large accumulator with a contained communication device.

In 1 is a machine tool 100 , in the present case a hand drill, shown. The machine tool 100 has a large accumulator 200 on, which supplies these with electricity. The details of the large accumulator 200 will be referred to below with reference to 2 described.

2 shows a charging device 300 on which the large accumulator 200 is appropriate. The large accumulator 200 has three cells in the present case 210 . 220 . 230 on, which serve to store electrical energy. The cells 210 . 220 . 230 are with a connection 260 connected, through which the cells 210 . 220 . 230 electrical energy can be supplied to charge these. The large accumulator 200 also has a microprocessor 240 on which the state of charge of the cells 210 . 220 . 230 monitors and detects load conditions and possible faults during operation of the large accumulator. The microprocessor 240 stores data in a memory 250 , which is also in the Großackumulator 200 is included. The memory 250 is with a connection 270 connected over which the memory 250 can be read out. Likewise can over the connection 270 Software in the store 250 which are subsequently loaded by the microprocessor 240 can be executed.

The loading device 300 has a charge controller 310 on which with a mains connection 320 connected is. The power connection 320 serves to supply electrical energy from an external power source, which may be, for example, a public power grid or a generator. charge controller 310 is with a charging socket 400 connected.

The loading device 300 also has a communication connection 330 which is present for the bidirectional exchange of data with the accumulator 200 is trained. This is the communication link 330 with a socket 410 connected. In addition, the loader points 300 a communication interface 350 which in this case is a GPRS module. This is used for data transmission over a mobile network. In order to be able to exchange data with such a mobile radio network, the communication interface is 350 with an antenna 390 connected. In addition, the communication interface 350 with a recording 360 for an identification module, which in the present case is a receptacle for a SIM card. This makes it possible to insert a SIM card of the desired mobile service provider in the receptacle for an identification module to achieve authentication of the communication interface as a network subscriber in the mobile network.

Also part of the loader 300 is a store 340 which communicates with both the communication link 330 as well as with the communication interface 350 connected is. In the store 340 Data can be cached, which depends on the communication connection 330 or the communication interface 350 were received. The memory 340 is in this case a volatile memory.

The charge controller 310 is also with a means 430 for detecting an authentication device, which in the present case is an RFID sensor. The RFID sensor 430 is able to detect if an authentication device 440 , which in the present case is a disc-shaped key fob with RFID components, in the vicinity of the loading device 300 is or not.

The communication connection 330 is also with a means 420 for detecting a connected accumulator connected, which in the present case is a push-button switch.

The communication interface 350 is with a temperature sensor 380 which in the present case can sense the temperature in the charging device and generate corresponding temperature data for this purpose. Furthermore, the communication interface 350 with a means 370 connected to the position determination, which in the present case is a GPS module. The GPS module 370 is capable of using satellite signals to determine the current position of the loader 300 to determine and to generate corresponding position data.

This in 2 shown embodiment shows that a communication device as part of the charging device 300 is trained. The communication device according to the broadest aspect of the invention comprises the communication link 330 , the communication interface 350 , the antenna 390 , as well as the recording 360 for an identification module. In accordance with more narrow aspects of the invention, the RFID sensor may also be used 430 , the memory 340 , the GPS sensor 370 as well as the temperature sensor 380 , each individually or in any combination, be construed as components of the communication device. These elements also have in common that they are part of the loading device 300 are.

To the communication device 305 prepare for use, must be in the recording 360 a SIM card of the mobile operator are pushed, via the mobile network data transmission is to take place. Furthermore, the power plug must 320 be connected to a suitable power source, such as a public network. Subsequently, the large accumulator 200 on the charger 300 be attached, with the charging port 260 with the charging socket 400 electrically connected, and also the connection 270 with the socket 410 electrically connected. The charging of the cells 210 . 220 . 230 of the large accumulator 200 via the charge controller 310 ,

After the large accumulator 200 with the charger 300 can be connected to data from the memory 250 of the large accumulator 200 using the communication link 330 be read out. The data can be obtained using the communication interface 350 over the antenna 390 to a transmission tower 500 of the mobile operator, which by the in the recording 360 inserted SIM card is specified to be sent. From there you can use the worldwide internet 600 to an external device, here a network server 700 be transmitted. Due to the compatibility of the communication device 305 With almost all mobile networks available worldwide it does not matter where the communication device is 305 located. The data from the memory 250 of the large accumulator 200 which of the communication link 330 can be received in the memory 340 be cached. When the desired data is completely in memory 340 are present, they can then together through the communication interface 350 to the server 700 be transmitted. As a result, connection time can be saved, which can save costs for time-based tariffs.

If on the server 700 a software is located in the memory 250 of the large accumulator 200 for execution by the processor 240 This software can be transmitted over the Internet 600 to the mobile mast 500 from where they go to the antenna 390 and thus the communication interface 350 , Communication device 305 is transmitted. The software can be in the memory 340 be cached first, before subsequently passing through the communication link 330 in the store 250 of the accumulator 200 is written. This allows easy updating of the software in memory 250 of the large accumulator 200 ,

The data transfer from the memory 250 can start automatically when the push button switch 420 recognizes that the large accumulator 200 was set up. This eliminates the need for a manual start of data transmission by the user. If the data, as described above, at the server 700 have arrived, the server can 700 , For example, based on a co-transmitted identification number of the large accumulator 200 , independently determine if a new software for the large accumulator 200 is available. If this is the case, the server can 700 to initiate the transfer of the software as described above. This makes it possible to perform the software update without any intervention of the user.

With the data from the memory 250 of the large accumulator 200 , or even separately, can communication interface 350 Position data to the server 700 which identify the location at which the mobile communication device is transmitting 305 inside the loader 300 located. This makes it possible to monitor the use of accumulators worldwide. Likewise, temperature data of the temperature sensor 380 to the server 700 be transferred, with which the current temperature within the charging device 300 determine. This allows conclusions about a possible temperature dependence of certain states of the large accumulator 200 getting closed. The transmission of the position and / or temperature data is carried out as well as above with respect to the data from the memory 250 described.

To the large accumulator 200 To protect against theft, the RFID sensor can 430 be used. This detects if there is an authentication device 440 , as in the present case designed as a key ring disc with RFID components, located in the vicinity. If this is the case, the charging process of the cells 210 . 220 . 230 of the large accumulator started. Unless there is an authentication device 440 near the RFID sensor 430 , and so on the charger 300 , the charging process can not be started. The possession of the large accumulator 200 without an associated authentication device 440 is worthless, so that a theft is not worthwhile.

However, it may happen that the authentication device 440 , which is carried for example by workers on a construction site, is lost. In this case, the user can communicate with the operator of the server via another communication channel 700 and, upon authentication, request a release message. This release message is from the server 700 over the internet 600 and the mobile tower 500 to the antenna 390 and thus to the communication interface 350 Posted. If the release message from the communication interface 350 is received and identified as such, a corresponding internal command to the charge controller 310 given. This internal command then replaces detection of an authentication device 440 so that the loading process can be started despite their absence.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2009/0250364 A1 [0007]
• US 2009/0251330 Al [0007]
• US 2009/0254203 Al [0009]

Claims (13)

Mobile communication device ( 305 ) for a large accumulator ( 200 ) of a machine tool ( 100 ), with - a communication connection ( 330 ) for unidirectional or bi-directional exchange of data with the accumulator ( 200 ), - a communication interface ( 350 ) with antenna ( 390 ) for unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of data with an external device ( 700 ) via a mobile radio network with identification of the communication device as a network subscriber, and 360 ) for an identification module, characterized in that the communication device ( 305 ) as part of one of the machine tool ( 100 ) separate charging device ( 300 ) for the large accumulator ( 200 ) is trained. Mobile communication device ( 305 ) according to claim 1, which means ( 430 ) for recognizing an authentication device ( 440 ), wherein a large accumulator ( 200 ) is only rechargeable if the authentication device ( 440 ) by the means ( 430 ) or if a release message is sent via the communication interface ( 350 ) was received. Mobile communication device ( 305 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle ( 360 ) for an identification module is a receptacle for a SIM card. Mobile communication device ( 305 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication interface ( 350 ) has a GPRS, UMTS or LTE module. Mobile communication device ( 305 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication connection ( 330 ) is adapted to one or more operating parameters or identification data of the large accumulator ( 200 ) and the communication interface ( 350 ) is adapted to transmit the received operating parameter or identification data to the external device ( 700 ). Mobile communication device ( 305 ) according to one of the preceding claims, which has a position determining means ( 370 ), which can generate position data, and wherein the communication interface ( 350 ), position data to the external device ( 700 ). Mobile communication device ( 305 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication interface ( 350 ), programming data from the external device ( 700 ) and the communication connection ( 330 ), programming data to the large accumulator ( 200 ). Mobile communication device ( 305 ) according to one of the preceding claims, the means ( 420 ) for recognizing a connected large accumulator ( 200 ), which is designed such that when connecting a large accumulator ( 200 ) Data is read from this and sent to the external device ( 700 ). Mobile communication device ( 305 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a memory ( 340 ) in which data received from the communication link ( 330 ) or the communication interface ( 350 ) can be stored. Mobile communication device ( 305 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a memory ( 340 ), in which data is stored, which is connected to the communication link ( 330 ) or the communication interface ( 350 ). Mobile communication device ( 305 ) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a temperature sensor ( 380 ) for sensing an ambient temperature, and / or a temperature in the charging device ( 300 ) and / or a temperature of the large accumulator ( 200 ) and which can generate temperature data, and wherein the communication interface ( 350 ) is adapted, temperature data to the external device ( 700 ). Mobile communication device ( 305 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the large accumulator ( 200 ) of the machine tool ( 100 ) with the loading device ( 300 ) is electrically connected. Use of a mobile communication device ( 305 ) for a large accumulator ( 200 ) of a machine tool ( 100 ), with - a communication connection ( 330 ) for unidirectional or bi-directional exchange of data with the accumulator ( 200 ), - a communication interface ( 350 ) with antenna ( 390 ) for unidirectional or bidirectional exchange of data with an external device ( 700 ) via a mobile radio network with identification of the communication device as a network subscriber, and 360 ) for an identification module, wherein the communication device is part of a Loading device ( 300 ) for the large accumulator ( 200 ).

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