U.S. patent application number 14/869297 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-07 for system and method for renting, charging, and discharging battery packs.
The applicant listed for this patent is BLACK & DECKER INC.. Invention is credited to Nathan J. CRUISE, Geoffrey S. HOWARD, David A. MILLER, Andrew E. SEMAN, JR., Matthew J. VELDERMAN, Daniel J. WHITE.
Application Number | 20160099590 14/869297 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54330591 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160099590 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VELDERMAN; Matthew J. ; et
al. |
April 7, 2016 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RENTING, CHARGING, AND DISCHARGING BATTERY
PACKS
Abstract
A system includes a plurality of battery packs, a plurality of
battery pack trays, and a kiosk. Each tray includes a battery
charging circuit and one or more receptacles for receiving one or
more of the battery packs. The kiosk includes a storage unit
configured to receive and store the plurality of battery pack
trays, a power module configured to deliver power to the battery
pack trays, and a controller that is configured to control
dispensing of the trays and the battery packs from the kiosk. Each
tray is configured to be alternatively powered by the power module
in the kiosk or by an external power source apart from the kiosk to
enable the charging circuit in the tray to charge the battery pack
that is received in each receptacle.
Inventors: |
VELDERMAN; Matthew J.;
(Baltimore, MD) ; WHITE; Daniel J.; (Baltimore,
MD) ; SEMAN, JR.; Andrew E.; (Pylesville, MD)
; MILLER; David A.; (Baltimore, MD) ; CRUISE;
Nathan J.; (Phoenix, MD) ; HOWARD; Geoffrey S.;
(Columbia, MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BLACK & DECKER INC. |
Newark |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54330591 |
Appl. No.: |
14/869297 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62060305 |
Oct 6, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
320/113 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 7/0045 20130101;
H02J 7/00045 20200101; H02J 7/007 20130101; G07F 7/06 20130101;
H02J 7/0027 20130101; H02J 2207/40 20200101; H02J 7/00 20130101;
G07F 15/006 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a plurality of battery packs; a plurality
of battery pack trays, each tray including a battery charging
circuit and one or more receptacles for receiving one or more of
the battery packs; and a kiosk comprising a storage unit configured
to receive and store the plurality of battery pack trays, a power
module configured to deliver power to the battery pack trays, and a
controller that is configured to control dispensing of the trays
and the battery packs from the kiosk, wherein each tray is
configured to be alternatively powered by the power module in the
kiosk or by an external power source apart from the kiosk to enable
the charging circuit in the tray to charge the battery pack that is
received in each receptacle.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the battery pack is removable
from the at least one of the plurality of battery pack trays and is
coupleable to a power tool to power the power tool.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the plurality
of trays is electrically connectable to a power tool so that the
battery pack in the tray provides power to the power tool via the
tray without removal of the battery pack from the tray.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the kiosk further comprises a
battery pack monitoring module configured to monitor battery packs
in the trays and to control activation of the charging circuits in
the trays based on the monitoring of the battery packs in the
trays.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the kiosk further comprises a
communications module configured to facilitate communication
between the kiosk and at least one of an external computing device,
a central server, and other kiosks.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the kiosk further comprises a
user interface configured to receive a user input of a selection of
a tray to be vended.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the storage unit comprises a
plurality of receptacles, each receptacle configured to receive one
of the trays.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the kiosk further comprises a
display with indicia of a charge status of battery packs in each of
the receptacles.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein each of the receptacles includes
a power connector configured to provide electrical power to the
tray in the receptacle and a communications connector configured to
transmit data to or from the tray in the receptacle.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller controls
dispensing of trays from the kiosk by enabling rental of the trays
and battery packs from the kiosk.
11. A system comprising: a plurality of battery packs; and a kiosk
having: a storage unit configured to receive and store the
plurality of battery packs; a battery charging unit configured to
charge one or more of the plurality of battery packs; a power
module configured to deliver power to the battery pack charger
unit; a controller in the kiosk configured to control vending of
the battery packs from the storage unit; and a charging management
unit configured to prioritize charging of the battery packs in the
battery pack storage unit based upon at least one parameter of the
kiosk and the battery packs received in the storage unit.
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of
battery pack trays, each tray including a battery charging circuit
and a receptacle for receiving one or more of the battery packs,
wherein the battery pack trays are configured to be received and
stored in the storage unit of the kiosk.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one parameter
comprises at least one of available charging power in the kiosk,
cost of available charging power in the kiosk, state of charge of
the battery packs received in the trays, conditions of the battery
packs received in the trays, and reservation schedules for the
trays.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the power module includes an
input line configured to be connected to an external source of
electrical power and a distribution subsystem configured to
distribute the electrical power to the battery packs that are
received in the storage unit.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the charging management unit
controls distribution of electrical power to the battery packs
through the distribution system based upon the prioritization of
charging of the battery packs.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein the kiosk further comprises a
battery pack monitoring module configured to monitor battery packs
in the storage unit, wherein the charging management unit controls
activation of charging circuits for the battery packs based on
monitoring from the battery pack monitoring module.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein the kiosk further comprises a
display with indicia of a charge status of the battery packs in the
storage unit.
18. The system of claim 11, wherein the controller controls
dispensing of the battery packs from the kiosk by enabling rental
of the battery packs from the kiosk.
19. A system comprising: a plurality of battery packs; and a kiosk
comprising a storage unit configured to receive and store the
plurality of battery packs, a power module configured to deliver
power to the battery pack trays, a controller that is configured to
control dispensing of trays and battery packs from the kiosk, and a
monitoring module configured to monitor a parameter of the battery
packs in the storage unit; and a user interface configured to allow
a user to select a battery pack for rental from among the plurality
of battery packs in the storage unit, wherein rental prices for the
battery packs are set based upon the monitored battery pack
parameter of each of the battery packs.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the battery pack parameter
comprises at least one of a state of charge of the battery pack, a
condition of the battery pack, and a rated voltage of the battery
pack.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the rental prices are set
higher for battery packs having a higher state of charge, a better
condition, or a higher rated voltage.
23. The system of claim 19, wherein the kiosk further comprises a
charging management unit configured to control charging of the
battery packs received in the storage unit.
24. The system of claim 19, further comprising a plurality of
battery pack trays, each tray including a battery charging circuit
and a receptacle for receiving one or more of the battery packs,
wherein the battery pack trays are configured to be received and
stored in the storage unit of the kiosk.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/060,305,
filed Oct. 6, 2014, titled "System and Method for Renting,
Charging, and Discharging Battery Packs," which is incorporated by
reference. This application also incorporates by reference U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/917,128, filed Nov. 1, 2010, titled
"Portable Alternating Current Inverter Having Reduced Impedance
Losses," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/037,290, filed Feb.
28, 2008, titled "Portable Power Supply," and U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/891,540, filed Feb. 26, 2007.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This application relates to a system and method for renting,
transporting, charging, and discharging battery packs, e.g., for
power tools or other electrical devices. In one implementation, the
system includes a kiosk for renting, dispensing and receiving
battery packs and a carrier for transporting, charging and
discharging the battery packs, e.g., for power tools and other
electrical devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various types of electric power tools are commonly used in
construction, home improvement, outdoor, and do-it-yourself
projects. Conventional power tools generally fall into two
categories--corded tools that are powered by an AC power source,
e.g., an AC mains line, and cordless tools that are powered by one
or more DC power sources, e.g., a rechargeable battery.
[0004] Corded power tools generally are used for heavy duty
applications that require high power and/or long runtimes, such as
heavy duty sawing, heavy duty drilling and hammering, and heavy
duty metal working. However, as their name implies, corded tools
require the use of a cord that can be plugged into an AC power
outlet. In many applications, such as on construction sites, it is
not convenient or practical to find an AC power outlet and/or AC
power must be generated by a generator, e.g. gas powered
generator.
[0005] Cordless power tools generally are used for lighter duty
applications that require low or medium power and/or short
runtimes, such as light duty sawing, light duty drilling, and
fastening. As cordless tools tend to be more limited in their power
and/or runtime, they have not generally been accepted by the
industry for all applications. They are also limited by weight
since the higher capacity batteries tend to have greater weight,
creating an ergonomic disadvantage.
[0006] Generally, conventional power tool battery packs may not be
able to run conventional corded power tools or other corded
electrical devices, while untransformed AC power may not be able to
be used to run cordless power tools. Further, the battery packs for
cordless power tools may require frequent recharging, may be
expensive to purchase, and may be cumbersome to manage on a large
construction site.
SUMMARY
[0007] An aspect of the present invention includes a vending system
comprising a plurality of battery pack carriers, each of the
carriers including a battery charging circuit and a receptacle for
receiving a battery pack; and a kiosk comprising (1) a storage unit
configured to receive, dispense, and store the plurality of battery
pack carriers, (2) a power distribution module configured to
deliver power to the battery pack carriers, and (2) a controller
that is configured to control dispensing of the carriers and
supplying charging power to the carriers, wherein each of the
carriers is configured to be alternatively powered by the power
distribution module when the carrier is inside the kiosk or by an
external power source when the carrier is outside the kiosk to
enable the carrier charging circuit to charge a battery pack that
is received in the receptacle. The receptacle may comprise a
plurality of receptacles and each of the plurality of receptacles
may receive a battery pack.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention includes a vending
system comprising a plurality of battery packs; a plurality of
battery pack carriers, each of the carriers including a battery
charging circuit and a receptacle for receiving one or more of the
plurality of battery packs; and a kiosk comprising (1) a storage
unit configured to receive, dispense, and store the plurality of
battery pack carriers, (2) a power distribution module configured
to deliver power to the battery pack carriers, and (3) a controller
that is configured to control dispensing of the carriers and the
battery packs from the kiosk and supplying charging power to the
carriers, wherein each of the carriers is configured to be
alternatively powered by the power distribution module when the
carrier is inside the kiosk or by an external power source when the
carrier is outside the kiosk to enable the carrier charging circuit
to charge the battery pack that is received in the receptacle. The
receptacle may comprise a plurality of receptacles and each of the
plurality of receptacles may receive a battery pack.
[0009] Another aspect of the present invention includes a vending
system comprising a power tool; a plurality of battery packs
configured to supply power to the power tool; a plurality of
battery pack carriers, each carrier including a battery charging
circuit and a receptacle for receiving one or more of the plurality
of battery packs; and a kiosk comprising (1) a storage unit
configured to receive, dispense, and store the plurality of battery
pack carriers, (2) a power distribution module configured to
deliver power to the battery pack carriers, and (3) a controller
that is configured to control dispensing of the carriers and the
battery packs from the kiosk and supplying charging power to the
carriers, wherein each of the carriers is configured to be
alternatively powered by the power distribution module when the
carrier is inside the kiosk or by an external power source when the
carrier is outside the kiosk to enable the carrier charging circuit
to charge the battery pack that is received in the receptacle. The
receptacle may comprise a plurality of receptacles and each of the
plurality of receptacles may receive a battery pack.
[0010] The foregoing exemplary embodiments of the present invention
may also comprise circuitry configured to monitor the battery packs
in the carriers and to control activation of the carrier charging
circuits. The foregoing exemplary embodiments of the present
invention may also comprise a communications module configured to
facilitate communication between the kiosk and an external
computing device. The communications module may be configured to
receive signals corresponding to a user's battery pack carrier
order to be vended via the external computing device. The
communications module may be configured to send signals
corresponding to parameters of the battery packs stored in the
battery pack storage unit. The kiosk may also comprise a retail
vending module configured to dispense merchandise for sale to a
user. The kiosk may also comprise a user interface configured to
receive a user's battery pack carrier order to be vended. The user
interface may comprise a payment processing system. The storage
unit may also comprise a plurality of bins, each of the plurality
of bines configured to receive one or more carriers. The kiosk may
also comprise a display configured to communicate a charge status
of the carriers and/or battery packs in the bins.
[0011] Each of the bins may include a power connector and the
carrier may include a power input connector, wherein the bin power
connector is configured to be coupled to the carrier power input
connector. Each of the bins may include a communications connector
and the carrier may include a communications connector, wherein the
bin communications connector is configured to be coupled to the
carrier communications connector. The power distribution module may
include an input line configured to be connected to an external
source of electrical power and a distribution subsystem configured
to distribute the electrical power to the carriers that are
received in the storage unit.
[0012] The controller may control dispensing of the carriers from
the kiosk by enabling rental of the carriers and battery packs from
the kiosk. The vending system may comprise a central server in
electronic communication with the kiosk. The central server may be
configured to communicate with a plurality of the kiosks at
different geographical locations. The central server may be
configured to receive remote user inputs of orders for battery
packs and carriers. The central server may be configured to receive
the remote user inputs via a telecommunications connection with a
remote electronic computing device. The central server may be
configured to communicate an order to a kiosk via a
telecommunications network.
[0013] The carrier power input connector may be configured to
receive an input of electrical power for charging a battery pack
received in the receptacle. The power input connector may comprise
one or more of an AC power input connector and a DC power input
connector. The carrier communications connector may be configured
to send and/or receive communications with the bin through the
communications connectors. The carrier may comprise a power output
connector configured to deliver output power from a battery pack
received in the receptacle. The power output connector may comprise
a DC output connector. The power output connector may comprise an
AC output connector.
[0014] The carrier may also comprise an inverter circuit configured
to convert a DC power output from a battery pack or a plurality of
battery packs to an AC power output at the carrier power output
connector. The carrier may be configured such that the battery
pack(s) generate a DC voltage having a magnitude greater than or
equal to a desired AC voltage at the carrier power output
connector.
[0015] The kiosk may include a processing unit that is configured
to prioritize charging of the battery packs in the carriers
received in the kiosk based upon at least one parameter of the
kiosk, the carrier and/or the battery packs received in the
carriers. The at least one parameter may comprise at least one of
available charging power in the kiosk, cost of available charging
power in the kiosk, state of charge of the battery packs received
in the carriers, conditions of the battery packs received in the
carriers, and reservation schedules for the carriers.
[0016] The carriers and/or battery packs may be configured to power
one or more power tools. The battery pack(s) can be configured to
operate at a first rated voltage and a second rated voltage, the
second rated voltage being different than the first rated
voltage.
[0017] Another aspect of the present invention includes a vending
system comprising a kiosk; a battery pack storage unit in the kiosk
configured to receive and store a plurality of battery packs; a
battery charger in the kiosk configured to charge one or more of
the plurality of battery packs; a power distribution module in the
kiosk configured to deliver power to the battery pack charger unit;
a controller in the kiosk configured to control vending of the
battery packs from the battery pack storage unit; and a processing
unit in the kiosk that is configured to prioritize charging of
battery packs in the battery pack storage unit based upon at least
one parameter of the kiosk and the battery packs received in
battery pack storage unit.
[0018] Another aspect of the present invention includes a vending
system comprising a plurality of battery pack carriers, each of the
plurality of carriers includes a battery charging circuit and a
receptacle, the receptacle configured for receiving a battery pack;
and a kiosk comprising a storage unit that is configured to receive
and store the plurality of battery pack carriers, a power
distribution module that is configured to deliver power to the
battery pack carriers, a controller that is configured to control
dispensing of the carriers and battery packs from the kiosk, and a
processing unit in the kiosk that is configured to prioritize
charging of the battery packs in the battery pack storage unit
based upon at least one parameter of the kiosk, the carriers, and
the battery packs received in the carriers. The receptacle may
comprise a plurality of receptacles and each of the plurality of
receptacles may receive a battery pack.
[0019] Another aspect of the present invention includes a vending
system comprising a plurality of battery packs; a plurality of
battery pack carriers, each of the plurality of carriers including
a battery charging circuit and a receptacle, the receptacle
configured for receiving one or more of the plurality of battery
packs; and a kiosk comprising a storage unit that is configured to
receive and store the plurality of battery pack carriers, a power
distribution module that is configured to deliver power to the
battery pack carriers, a controller that is configured to control
dispensing of the carriers and battery packs from the kiosk, and a
processor unit in the kiosk that is configured to prioritize
charging of the battery packs in the battery pack storage unit
based upon at least one parameter of the kiosk, the carriers, and
the battery packs received in the carriers.
[0020] In the foregoing exemplary embodiments of the present
invention the at least one parameter may comprise at least one of
available charging power in the kiosk, cost of available charging
power in the kiosk, state of charge of the battery packs received
in the carriers, conditions of the battery packs received in the
carriers, and reservation schedules for the carriers.
[0021] Another aspect of the present invention includes a vending
system comprising a plurality of battery packs; and a kiosk
comprising a storage unit that is configured to receive, dispense,
and store the plurality of battery packs, a power distribution
module that is configured to deliver power to the battery pack
carriers, a controller that is configured to control dispensing of
carriers and battery packs from the kiosk, and a processor unit in
the kiosk that is configured to prioritize charging of the battery
packs in the battery pack storage unit; and a user interface
configured to allow a user to select a battery pack for rental from
among the plurality of stored battery packs based upon user input
of a battery pack parameter, wherein prices for the battery packs
are set based upon the battery pack parameter.
[0022] In the foregoing aspect of the present invention the battery
pack parameter may comprise at least one of a state of charge of
the battery pack, a condition of the battery pack, and a rated
voltage of the battery pack. The battery pack parameter may
comprise a state of charge of the battery pack, wherein the prices
are set higher for battery packs having a higher state of charge.
The battery pack parameter may comprise a condition of the battery
pack, wherein the prices are set higher for battery packs having a
better condition. The battery pack parameter may comprise a rated
voltage of the battery pack, wherein the prices are set higher for
battery packs having a higher rated voltage.
[0023] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method
comprising storing, in a kiosk, a plurality of battery pack
carriers, each of the plurality of battery pack carriers including
a receptacle for receiving a battery pack and a charging circuit
that enables charging of the battery pack via a power source in the
kiosk when the carrier is stored in the kiosk and via another power
source when the carrier is removed from the kiosk; receiving a user
input of a desired battery pack carrier to be rented; selecting a
battery pack carrier from among the plurality of stored battery
pack carriers, where the battery pack carrier corresponds to the
user input of a desired battery pack carrier; enabling the kiosk to
dispense the selected battery pack carrier to the user.
[0024] The foregoing embodiment of the present invention may also
comprise receiving, in the kiosk, a previously used one of the
battery pack carriers. The foregoing embodiment may also comprise
enabling, via the kiosk, at least one of the stored battery pack
carrier charging circuits to charge battery packs received in the
at least one stored battery pack carrier. The foregoing embodiment
may also comprise prioritizing the enabling of the at least one of
the stored battery pack charging circuits based on a parameter of
the kiosk and/or a parameter of the battery pack carriers, wherein
the parameter comprises at least one of available charging power in
the kiosk, cost of available charging power in the kiosk, state of
charge of the battery packs received in the carriers, conditions of
the battery packs received in the carriers, and reservation
schedules for the carriers. The foregoing embodiment may also
comprise managing inventory of the stored battery carriers. In the
foregoing embodiment, the user input may be received via a user
interface on the kiosk or via a remote computing device via an
internet connection and the user input may include a desired
geographic location of the battery pack carrier to be rented.
[0025] The foregoing embodiment may also comprise identifying to
the user one or more kiosks from a plurality of kiosks that have
stored battery pack carriers corresponding to the desired
geographic location. In the foregoing embodiment, the user input
may include a desired state of charge of a battery pack. The
foregoing embodiment may also comprise identifying to the user a
battery pack carrier from the stored battery pack carriers with a
battery pack that most closely corresponds to the desired state of
charge or setting rental prices for the battery pack carriers based
upon states of charge of the battery packs in the battery pack
carriers or, after dispensing a battery pack carrier, disabling a
battery pack in the carrier after a predetermined rental time
period has expired.
[0026] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method
comprising storing, in a battery pack rental kiosk, a plurality of
battery packs; charging the battery packs in the kiosk; setting
prices of the battery packs based upon parameters of the battery
packs; receiving a user input of a desired parameter of a battery
pack to be rented; selecting a battery pack from among the
plurality of stored battery packs that corresponds to the user
input of a desired battery pack parameter; charging the user the
set price for the selected battery pack; enabling the kiosk to
dispense the selected battery pack to the user.
[0027] In the foregoing embodiment, the parameter may comprise at
least one of a state of charge of the battery pack, a condition of
the battery pack, and a rated voltage of the battery pack.
[0028] Another aspect of the present invention includes a power
supply apparatus comprising a housing having a receptacle, the
receptacle configured to receive a battery pack; a power input
connector configured to receive an input of electrical power; a
power output connector configured to deliver an output of
electrical power; a charging circuit coupled to the power input
connector and to the receptacle, the charging circuit configured to
control providing charging power to the receptacle using the input
of electrical power; and a discharging circuit coupled to the power
output connector and to the receptacle, the charging circuit
configured to control providing discharging power from the
receptacle to the power output connector, wherein the charging
circuit is configured to provide charging power to the receptacle
when the housing is received in a vending machine and when the
housing is outside of the vending machine and a source of
electrical power is connected to the power input connector.
[0029] The foregoing embodiment may also comprise a communications
connector configured to be coupled to a communications line in the
vending machine to send and/or receive a signal that causes the
charging circuit to provide charging power to the receptacle when
the housing is inside of the vending machine. The power input
connector may be configured to receive a source of AC input power
or the power input connector may be configured to receive a source
of DC input power. The power input connector may comprise a first
connector configured to receive a source of AC power and a second
connector configured to receive a source of DC power. The power
output connector may comprise an AC connector and/or a DC
connector.
[0030] The foregoing embodiment may also comprise at least one
battery pack and an inverter circuit configured to convert a DC
power output from the at least one battery pack to an AC power
output that is delivered to the power output connector. The at
least one battery pack may be configured to generate a DC voltage
that is greater than or equal to a peak value of a desired AC
voltage, and the inverter circuit may be configured to convert the
DC voltage generated by the at least one battery pack to an AC
output voltage with a peak value that is at least as great as the
peak value of the desired AC voltage, the AC output voltage being
delivered to the power output connector.
[0031] The foregoing embodiment may also comprise a switching
device that enables switching between a charging mode in which the
charging circuit is active to charge the battery packs and a
discharging mode in which the discharging circuit is active to
enable discharge of the battery packs to the power outlet. The
switching device may include an external switch that is switchable
by a user. The switching device may include an automated switching
device that switches to the charging mode upon detecting that the
power input connector is coupled to a source of electrical
power.
[0032] The foregoing embodiment may also comprise a handle coupled
to the housing to enable carrying of the housing and at least one
battery pack wherein the battery pack may be removable from the
housing. The at least one battery pack may have a first set of
electrical terminals that is connectable to a second set of
electrical terminals in the receptacle to enable charging and
discharging the at least one battery pack in the housing. The first
set of electrical terminals can be connected to a third set of
terminals on an electrical device that is separate from the
apparatus, to enable the at least one battery pack to be
electrically connected to the electrical device when the battery
pack is removed from the housing. The electrical device may
comprise a power tool, another battery charging device or another
electrical device.
[0033] Another aspect of the present invention includes a power
supply system comprising a battery pack and a charging and
discharging container having a housing with a receptacle, the
receptacle configured to removably receive and electrically connect
to the battery pack, a power input connector configured to receive
input power from an external power supply, a power output connector
configured to deliver output power from the battery pack, a
charging circuit configured to control charging of the battery pack
with the input power when the battery pack is received in the
receptacle, and a discharging circuit configured to control
discharging of output power from the battery pack to the power
output connector, wherein the power output connector is
electrically coupleable to a first electrical device to power the
first electrical device when the battery pack is received in the
receptacle, and wherein the battery pack is electrically coupleable
to a second electrical device to power the second electrical device
when the battery pack is removed from the receptacle.
[0034] Another aspect of the present invention includes a system
comprising a battery pack; a first electrical device; a second
electrical device; and a charging and discharging container having
a housing with a receptacle, the receptacle configured to removably
receive and electrically connect to the battery pack, a power input
connector configured to receive input power from an external power
supply, a power output connector configured to deliver an output
power from the battery pack, a charging circuit configured to
control charging of the battery pack with the input power when the
battery pack is received in the receptacle, and a discharging
circuit configured to control discharging of output power from the
battery pack to the power output connector, wherein the power
output connector is electrically coupleable to the first electrical
device to power the first electrical device when the battery pack
is received in the receptacle, and wherein the battery pack is
electrically coupleable to the second electrical device to power
the second electrical device when the battery pack is removed from
the receptacle.
[0035] In the foregoing embodiments the power input connector may
be configured to receive a source of AC input power or a source of
DC input power. The power input connector may comprise a first
connector configured to receive a source of AC power and a second
connector configured to receive a source of DC power. The power
output connector may comprise an AC connector or a DC connector.
The foregoing embodiment may also comprise an inverter circuit
configured to convert a DC power output from the battery packs to
an AC power output that is delivered to the power output connector.
In the foregoing embodiment, the at least one battery pack may be
configured to generate a DC voltage that is greater than or equal
to a peak value of a desired AC voltage, and the inverter circuit
may be configured to convert the DC voltage generated by the
battery pack to an AC output voltage with a peak value that is at
least as great as the peak value of the desired AC voltage, the AC
output voltage being delivered to the power output connector. The
foregoing embodiment may also comprise a switching device that
enables switching between a charging mode in which the charging
circuit is active to charge the battery packs and a discharging
mode in which the discharging circuit is active to enable discharge
of the battery packs to the power output connector. The switching
device may include an external switch that is switchable by a user.
The switching device may include an automated switching device that
switches to the charging mode upon detecting that the power input
connector is coupled to a source of electrical power. The foregoing
embodiment may also comprise a handle coupled to the housing to
enable carrying of the housing. The first electrical device may
comprise an AC power tool and the second electrical device
comprises a DC power tool.
[0036] Another aspect of the present invention includes a battery
pack container comprising a housing having a receptacle for
receiving at least one battery pack; a first power input connector
configured to receive power from an AC power supply; a second power
input connector configured to receive power from a DC power supply;
and a charging circuit coupled to the first and second power input
connectors and to the receptacle, the charging circuit configured
to control providing charging power to the receptacle using power
from at least one of the AC power supply and the DC power
supply.
[0037] The foregoing embodiment may also comprise a power output
connector coupled to the housing and configured to supply output
power; and a discharging circuit coupled to the power output
connector and to the receptacle, the discharging circuit configured
to control discharging of electrical power from the at least one
battery pack to the power output connector. The power output
connector may comprise an AC connector and/or a DC connector.
[0038] The foregoing embodiment may also comprise an inverter
circuit configured to convert a DC power output from the at least
one battery pack to an AC power output that is delivered to the
power output connector. The at least one battery pack may be
configured to generate a DC voltage that is greater than or equal
to a peak value of a desired AC voltage, and the inverter circuit
may be configured to convert the DC voltage generated by the at
least one battery pack to an AC output voltage with a peak value
that is at least as great as the peak value of the desired AC
voltage, the AC output voltage being delivered to the power output
connector.
[0039] The foregoing embodiment may also comprise a switching
device that enables switching between a charging mode in which the
charging circuit is active to charge the battery packs and a
discharging mode in which the discharging circuit is active to
enable discharge of the battery packs to the power outlet. The
switching device may include an external switch that is switchable
by a user or may include an automated switching device that
switches to the charging mode upon detecting that the power input
connector is coupled to a source of electrical power.
[0040] The foregoing embodiment may also comprise a handle coupled
to the housing to enable carrying of the housing.
[0041] Another aspect of the present invention includes a portable
power supply apparatus comprising a housing having a receptacle for
receiving at least one battery pack; a handle coupled to the
housing to enable carrying of the housing; a power input connector
configured to receive input power from an external power supply; a
power output connector configured to supply power from the housing;
a charging circuit coupled to the power input connector and to the
receptacle, the charging circuit configured to control providing
charging power to the receptacle using the input power; and a
discharging circuit coupled to the power outlet and to the
receptacle, the charging circuit configured to control discharging
of output power from the receptacle to the power output
connector.
[0042] The foregoing embodiment may also comprise an inverter
circuit configured to convert a DC power output from the receptacle
to an AC power output that is delivered to the power output
connector. The foregoing embodiment may also comprise at least one
battery pack, wherein the at least one battery pack may be
configured to generate a DC voltage that is greater than or equal
to a peak value of a desired AC voltage, and the inverter circuit
may be configured to convert the DC voltage generated by the
battery pack to an AC output voltage with a peak value that is at
least as great as the peak value of the desired AC voltage, the AC
output voltage being delivered to the power output connector. The
power input connector may be configured to receive a source of AC
input power and/or a source of DC input power. The power input
connector may comprise a first input connector configured to
receive a source of AC power and a second input connector
configured to receive a source of DC power. The power output
connector may comprise an AC connector and/or a DC connector.
[0043] The foregoing embodiment may also comprise a switching
device that enables switching between a charging mode in which the
charging circuit is active to charge the battery packs and a
discharging mode in which the discharging circuit is active to
enable discharge of the battery packs to the power output
connector. The switching device may include an external switch that
is switchable by a user or an automated switching device that
switches to the charging mode upon detecting that the power input
connector is coupled to a source of electrical power.
[0044] Another aspect of the present invention includes a portable
power supply comprising a housing including a battery connector for
electrically coupling to a battery pack; a power input connector
configured to receive power from an external power supply; a power
output connector configured to supply power from the housing; a
switch for selectively coupling the battery connector to the power
input connector or the battery connector to the power output
connector.
[0045] In the foregoing embodiment, the switch may include a first
switch for coupling the battery connector to the power input
connector and a second switch for coupling the battery connector to
the power output connector.
[0046] The foregoing embodiment may also comprise a charging
circuit coupled to the power input connector and to the battery
connector, wherein the charging circuit supplies charging power
received at the power input connector to the battery connector. The
foregoing embodiment may also comprise an inverter circuit coupled
to the battery connector and to the power output connector, wherein
the inverter circuit is configured to receive DC voltage output
from the battery connector, convert the received DC voltage to an
AC voltage and supply the AC voltage to the power output
connector.
[0047] Another aspect of the present invention includes a portable
power supply comprising a carrier comprising a battery connector,
the battery connector configured to receive a removable,
rechargeable battery pack, a charging circuit coupled to the
battery connector to supply charging power to the battery
connector, a power supply input connector coupled to the charging
circuit configured to receive input power and to provide the input
power to the charging circuit, wherein the input power may be
received from a variety of power sources.
[0048] In the foregoing embodiment the input power may comprise an
AC power source and/or a DC power source. In the foregoing
embodiment, the power supply input connector may comprise an AC
power connector and/or a DC power connector. The foregoing
embodiment may comprise a receptacle, wherein the receptacle
comprises the battery connector. The foregoing embodiment may
comprise a handle for transporting the carrier containing the
battery pack. The foregoing embodiment may comprise a cover for the
receptacle for securing the battery pack in the receptacle during
transportation.
[0049] Advantages may include one or more of the following. The
system may provide a convenient system and method for users to
obtain, charge, and discharge battery packs for use with power
tools and other electrical devices. These and other advantages and
features will be apparent from the description and the drawings
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0050] FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a rental system of the
present invention.
[0051] FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of a kiosk of the rental
system of FIG. 1.
[0052] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are a front view and a side view of an
exemplary embodiment of a bin of the kiosk of FIG. 2.
[0053] FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of a user interface of the
kiosk of FIG. 2.
[0054] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of various exemplary components of
the kiosk of FIG. 2.
[0055] FIG. 6 is another block diagram of various exemplary
components of the kiosk of FIG. 2.
[0056] FIG. 7 is another exemplary embodiment of a rental system of
the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 8 is an exemplary flow chart for operation of the
rental system of FIG. 1.
[0058] FIG. 9 is another exemplary flow chart for operation of the
rental system of FIG. 1.
[0059] FIGS. 10A-16 are exemplary screen shots of a user interface
for use with the rental system of FIG. 1, related to the flow
charts of FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0060] FIG. 17 is another exemplary flow chart for operation of the
rental system of FIG. 1.
[0061] FIGS. 18A-22 are exemplary screen shots of another user
interface for use with the rental system of FIG. 1, related to the
flow charts of FIG. 17.
[0062] FIG. 23 is an exemplary embodiment of the kiosk of FIG.
2.
[0063] FIGS. 24A and 24B are front view and a side view of an
exemplary embodiment of a bin and carrier of the rental system of
FIG. 1.
[0064] FIG. 25 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a
carrier.
[0065] FIG. 26 is another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment
of the carrier of FIG. 25.
[0066] FIG. 27 is another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment
of the carrier of FIG. 25.
[0067] FIG. 28 is another isometric view of an exemplary embodiment
of the carrier of FIG. 25.
[0068] FIG. 29A is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the
carrier of FIG. 25 including six battery packs.
[0069] FIG. 29B is a plan view of the exemplary embodiment of the
carrier of FIG. 25 without battery packs.
[0070] FIG. 30 is a simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary
embodiment of a carrier and battery packs.
[0071] FIG. 31 is a simplified schematic diagram of another
exemplary embodiment of a carrier and a battery pack.
[0072] FIG. 32 is an exemplary flow chart for charging battery
packs in a carrier in a kiosk of the rental system of FIG. 1.
[0073] FIG. 33 is an exemplary illustration of a relationship
between a carrier, battery packs and power tools.
[0074] FIG. 34 is another exemplary illustration of a relationship
between a carrier, battery packs and power tools.
[0075] FIG. 35 is another exemplary illustration of a relationship
between a carrier, battery packs and power tools.
[0076] FIG. 36 is another exemplary illustration of a relationship
between a carrier, battery packs and power tools.
[0077] FIG. 37 is another exemplary illustration of a relationship
between a carrier, battery packs and power tools.
[0078] FIG. 38 is another exemplary illustration of a relationship
between a carrier, battery packs and power tools.
[0079] FIG. 39 is another exemplary illustration of a relationship
between a carrier, battery packs and power tools.
[0080] FIG. 40 is an exemplary illustration of a rental return
warning system of a carrier.
[0081] FIG. 41 is an exemplary illustration of a relationship
between a carrier, battery packs and other electrical devices.
[0082] FIG. 42 is an exemplary illustration of various methods for
charging battery packs in a carrier.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0083] Referring to FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment, a system 10
for renting, transporting, charging and discharging battery packs
(e.g., for power tools and other electrical devices) includes a
vending machine or kiosk 100, one or more battery pack carriers or
trays 200 received in and dispensed by the kiosk 100, and one or
more rechargeable, removable battery packs 300 received in each of
the carriers 200 or received directly in the kiosk 100 independent
of the carriers 200. The carriers 200 may be configured to charge
the battery packs 300 inside and/or outside of the kiosk 100 via
one or more power inlets, and to enable discharging the battery
packs 300 through one or more power outlets. The kiosk 100 may
enable receiving, dispensing, and renting the carriers 200 and
battery packs 300, and causing the carriers 200 to charge the
battery packs 300 when the carriers 200 are received in the kiosk
100.
[0084] Referring also to FIG. 2, the kiosk 100 includes a housing
102 with an advertising display area 104, a battery pack rental
area 106, a retail vending area 108, and a user interface 110. The
advertising display 104 may be a static display (e.g., a static
sign) or a dynamic display (e.g., an LCD screen).
[0085] The battery pack rental area 106 includes a plurality of
bins 114. Each bin 114 is configured to dispense, receive, store,
and provide power for charging one of the carriers 200 and the
associated battery packs 300. The bins 114 are each closed by a
lockable door 116, and may each further include a handle 118. The
doors 116 are configured to unlock when a user rents or returns one
of the carriers 200.
[0086] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an example of an empty bin 114
is illustrated. The bin 114 includes five walls--two opposing
sidewalls 170, a top wall 172, a bottom wall 174, and a rear wall
176--and the bin door 116 forming a generally rectangular cavity
for receiving, housing and dispensing the carrier 200. Each
sidewall includes a longitudinal extending rail 184--providing a
pair of rails 184 in each bin 114. The rails 184 will be discussed
in more detail below. The rear wall 176 of each bin 114 includes a
plurality of connectors. Specifically, the rear wall 176 includes a
communication connector 178 for providing communication between the
kiosk 100 and the carrier 200 and a power connector 180 for
providing power to the carrier 200. The rear wall 176 also includes
an extension 182 for toggling a carrier charge/discharge switch
into charging mode. These elements correspond to a plurality of
corresponding elements in the carrier 200, all of which will be
discussed in greater detail below.
[0087] Adjacent to each bin door 116 may be a state of charge
display 120 to indicate the state of the carrier, including a state
of charge of the battery packs 300 received in the associated bin
114. For example, the display 120 may include multi-colored LED
lights to indicate the state of charge of the battery packs (e.g.,
red, yellow, and green for low, medium, and high). The bins may
have varied sizes and configurations to accommodate different sizes
and configurations of carriers 200. For example, as shown in FIG.
2, a first group 114a of bins 114 is configured to receive one of
the carriers 200 that contains six battery packs 300, while a
second group 114b of bins 114 may be configured to receive
individual battery packs not received in a carrier 200 or a carrier
200 having more than six battery packs 300.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 2, the retail vending area 108 includes a
retail vending display area 122 containing a plurality of products
for sale and a vending opening 124 for dispensing the products for
sale. The products contained in the retail vending area 108 may be
products for sale that will be used by persons who rent the battery
packs. For example, the retail vending area 108 may contain power
tools (e.g., electric screwdrivers, drills, saws, outdoor
equipment, etc.), power tool accessories (e.g., saw blades, drill
bits, screwdriving bits, spools of cutting string, battery pack
chargers and charging cords etc.), hand tools (e.g., screwdrivers,
hammers, wrenches, etc.), and other related products (e.g., work
gloves, safety glasses, tool belts, etc.).
[0089] Referring also to FIG. 4, the exemplary user interface 110
may include a display screen 126, a user input device 128, and a
payment processing area 112. The display screen 126 displays
options and information to the user. For example, the display
screen 126 may be an LCD monitor. The user input device 128 allows
the user to input information to the kiosk 100. For example, the
user input device 128 may include a keyboard or a keypad. In other
embodiments, the user input device may be fully or partially
integrated into the display screen 126, e.g., by implementing the
display screen 126 as a touch screen interface. The payment
processing area 112 may include one or more of a credit card reader
113, a bar code or a QR code scanner, a RFID sensor configured to
communicate with an RFID payment tag, bill and coin receptacles, a
receipt printer 115, and a change receptacle. The payment
processing area is configured to process payments from users for
battery pack rentals, retail sales, and coupon and voucher
redemptions.
[0090] FIG. 5 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates an
exemplary system architecture for the electronic controls for the
kiosk 100. The electronic controls include a power distribution
module 130 that controls and distributes power to all of the other
modules, as will be described in greater detail below. A central
processing unit (CPU) 140 and a memory/database module 138 provide
centralized control for the other modules: a retail vending module
134 that controls the retail vending area 108, a battery pack
rental module 136 that controls the battery pack rental area 106,
an advertising display module 142 that controls the advertising
display area 104, and a user interface module 144 that controls the
user interface 110. Also coupled to the CPU 140 are an auxiliary
systems control module 148 (e.g., to control HVAC, fire
suppression, lights, etc.) and an external communications module
146. As described in greater detail below, the external
communications module 146 enables communication between and among
the kiosk 100 and other kiosks, servers, databases, and computing
devices via one or more telecommunications networks 145.
[0091] The advertising display module 142 controls the display of
advertising information on the advertising display 104. For
example, in a static display, the advertising display module 142
may control illumination of the advertising display 104. In a
dynamic display, the advertising display module 142 may alter and
control the advertising display 104 to display various
advertisements for goods or services, in accordance with
instructions from the central processing unit 140. For example, the
advertising display module 142 may control operation of an LCD
screen that scrolls through various advertisements. The auxiliary
systems control module 148 controls several systems that are
helpful to operation of the kiosk 100. The auxiliary systems
control module 148 may communicate with and receive instructions
from the central processing unit 140. For example, the auxiliary
systems control module 148 may control HVAC, lighting, and fire
suppression systems for the kiosk 100.
[0092] The retail vending module 134 controls the vending of retail
products from the retail vending area 108. For example, the retail
vending module 134 may control dispensing of retail goods from the
retail vending area 108 upon receipt of instructions from the
central processing unit 140. The retail vending module 134 may also
sense the inventory of goods in the retail vending area 108 and
provide indications of low inventory levels to the central
processing unit 140. These and other implementations will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0093] Referring also to FIG. 6, the battery pack rental module 136
controls the battery pack rental area 106 according to instructions
from the central processing unit 140. As discussed above, the
battery pack rental area 106 includes the carrier bins 114, the
carriers 200 received in the carrier bins 114, and the battery
packs 300 received in the carriers 200. The power distribution
module 130 delivers power to each of the carrier bins 114 (as
described in more detail below). The battery pack rental module 136
includes a battery communications module 150 and a bin dispensing
module 152, each in communication with the central processing unit
140, and in communication with the carrier bins 114. The battery
communications module 150 and the bin dispensing module 152 may be
wired with individual communications lines for each carrier bin 114
or may be wired with fewer communications lines (e.g., one line)
for all carrier bins 114 with different channels, frequencies or
codes communicating between the modules and the receptacles.
[0094] The battery communications module 150 may perform several
functions. First, the battery communications module 150 may sense
the state of charge of the batteries in the carriers in the bins
114. The battery communications module 150 delivers this
information to the central processing unit for storage in the
memory/database module 138. The battery communications module 150
may also cause the state of charge display 120 to indicate the
state of charge of the battery packs in that bin 114. Second, the
battery communications module 150 may sense the condition of the
batteries in the bin 114. If, for example, the condition indicates
that the batteries have reached or exceeded their useful life, the
battery communications module 150 may communicate this information
to the central processing unit 140 and disable further renting of
those battery packs. Third, the battery communications module 150,
alone or based on instructions from the central processing unit
140, may prioritize and control the timing of when the carriers 200
in each bin 114 are allowed to charge the battery packs in their
bin 114. The prioritization may be based on a variety of parameters
(which may be sensed by the battery communications module 150,
decided in an algorithm executed in the central processing unit 140
and/or stored in the memory/database module 138), such as the
amount of available charging power, the cost of available charging
power, the relative states of charge of the battery packs in the
bins, the number of battery packs in each bin, the conditions of
the battery packs in each bin, and reservation schedules for
renting the battery packs in each bin. Further details about the
charging of the batteries in the bins are discussed below.
[0095] The bin dispensing module 152 controls when to open the
various bins to enable a user to insert or remove a carrier 200 and
battery packs 300 into or from the bins. For example, based on a
rental order received and/or processed in the central processing
unit 140 and/or stored in the memory/database module 138, the bin
dispensing module 152 may unlock a door 116 of a particular bin 114
and enable removal of the carrier 200 and battery packs 300 in that
bin 114. Similarly, based on a return order received and/or
processed in the central processing unit and/or stored in the
memory/database module 138, the bin dispensing module 152 may
identify an empty bin 114 and unlock the door 116 to that bin 114
to enable insertion of a carrier 200 and battery packs 300 in the
bin 114. Finally, the bin dispensing module 152 may monitor or
control which of several available carriers 200 should be rented in
response to a rental request, based on factors such as the state of
charge, age, or condition of the battery packs and the duration
that the battery packs have been received in the bins.
[0096] Referring also to FIG. 7, the external communications module
146 enables the central processing unit 140 of one or more kiosks
100 to communicate with each other and with one or more external
computing or communication devices, such as one or more central
servers 160, one or more personal computers or workstations 162,
one or more smartphones or tablet computers 164, etc. Communication
between and among the kiosks 100 and these devices 160, 162, 164
may be via one or more telecommunications networks 145 such as
internets, intranets, virtual private networks, public switched
telephone networks (PSTNs), cellular communications networks, Wi-Fi
networks, Bluetooth.RTM. communication networks, LANs, WANs, fiber
optic communications networks, cable communications networks,
satellite communication networks, etc. In other embodiments,
computing devices such as smartphones and tablets may communicate
directly with kiosks, bypassing the central servers and the
telecommunications networks. The computing devices and
communications networks shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 facilitate remote
communication and management among owners and customers and kiosks,
such as: reserving and ordering rental battery packs; purchasing
and reserving retail goods; communicating with users when a rental
battery pack is due for return; inventory management of kiosks;
locating kiosks with available battery packs for rental at the
closest geographic locations, and sending advertisements regarding
the kiosk products to customers and potential customers of the
kiosks.
[0097] In one implementation, operation of the kiosk 100 may be
controlled locally by user interaction with the user interface 110
on the kiosk 100. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an exemplary flow chart
400 for user interaction with the user interface 110 on the kiosk.
FIGS. 10A-16 illustrate exemplary screen shots of the user
interface 110 when implementing the flow chart 400 in FIGS. 8 and
9. In implementing these flow charts, the central processing unit
140 directs the user interface control module 144 to control the
user interface 110 and the payment processing area 112. The user
interface control module 144 controls the information that is
displayed on the screen 126, based on instructions from the central
processing unit 140. The user interface control module 144 also
receives and processes input into the user input device 128 of
desired actions such as renting carriers 200 and battery packs 300,
returning carriers 200 and battery packs 300, or purchasing retail
items, and transmits signals corresponding to this information to
the central processing unit 140 for further processing. In
addition, the user interface control module 126 receives and
processes payments received in the payment processing area 112, and
transmits signals corresponding to this information to the central
processing unit 140 for further processing.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 8, at step 402, the user approaches the
kiosk 100 and activates the user interface 110, e.g., by touching
it. At step 404 and FIG. 10A, the user interface 110 prompts the
user to select a language (e.g., English, Spanish, etc.). At step
406 and FIG. 10B, an action prompt requests that the user sign in
with an existing user ID and password, register with a new user ID
or password, or proceed as a guest without a user ID and password.
At step 408 and FIG. 10C, the user interface 110 main menu prompts
the user to select among several actions: Rental, Return, Reserve,
Retail, Pick-Up Order and Info.
[0099] Rental
[0100] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 11A-11E, if, at step 408, the user
selects Rental, the rental subroutine 410 is activated to enable
the user to select and rent one or more carriers 200 and battery
packs 300 for rental. At step 412 and FIG. 11A, the user interface
prompts the user to select the number of carriers and battery packs
for rental. As shown in FIG. 11A, the carriers and battery packs
may be priced according to the number of packs in the carrier and
the state of charge of the packs (e.g., 100%, 80%, 60%, etc.). The
user may also be prompted to select the type of battery packs
(e.g., voltage, wattage, capacity, etc.) and/or the rental duration
(e.g., number of hours or days).
[0101] At step 414 and FIG. 11B, the user interface 110 prompts the
user to review the selected rental battery packs that have been
placed into an electronic shopping cart. At step 416 and FIG. 11C,
the user interface 110 prompts the user to confirm agreement with
the terms of a rental agreement. At step 418, the kiosk 110 may
also provide the user with a notification of the rental due date
(e.g., via a text message, an e-mail, or a printed receipt). At
step 420 and FIG. 11D, the user interface 110 prompts the user to
use the payment processing area to pay for the rental (e.g., via
credit card, voucher, gift card, cash, corporate account, etc.). At
step 422, the kiosk 110 places a hold on the user's account and/or
credit card in an amount to ensure timely return of the rental
battery packs (e.g., for the retail value of the carrier and
battery packs). At step 424, the bin dispensing module 152 unlocks
and/or opens one or more the bin doors 116 to enable the user, at
step 426, to retrieve the rented carrier(s) and associated battery
pack(s). As shown in FIG. 11E, the user interface 110 may indicate
to the user which bin(s) have been unlocked. At step 428, the user
closes the bin door(s), thus ending the transaction at step 429. A
record of the rental transaction (including, e.g., an identifier of
carrier and battery packs rented, payment information, credit card
hold information, and user ID) is stored in the memory/database
module 138, and may also be communicated by the external
communications module 146 to a central server and/or to the user's
computing device or mobile phone.
[0102] Return
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 12A-12D, if, at step 408, the user
selects Return, the return subroutine 430 is executed to enable a
user to return a previously rented carrier and associated battery
packs. At step 432 and FIG. 12A, the user interface 110 prompts the
user to identify the carriers and packs to be returned by swiping
the credit card used in the previous transaction or by inputting a
login ID and password. At step 434, the user interface 110
communicates the previous payment information to the central
processing unit 140, which retrieves from the memory/database
module 138 the record containing the identification information and
quantify of the carriers 200 and battery packs 300 rented. At step
436 and FIG. 12B, the user interface 110 prompts the user to choose
which ones and how many of the rented carriers and battery packs to
return to the kiosk 100. At step 438 and FIG. 12C, the user
interface 110 prompts the user to identify any of the rented
battery packs 300 that may be damaged or underperforming.
[0104] At step 440, the bin dispensing module 152 unlocks and/or
opens one or more bin doors 116 to enable the user to return the
carriers and battery packs. As shown in FIG. 12D, the user
interface 110 identifies which bins 114 have been unlocked for
return of the carriers 200 and battery packs 300. At step 442, the
user returns the carriers 200 and battery packs 300 to the open
bins 114. At step 444, the kiosk 100 verifies that the carriers 200
and battery packs 300 are the ones that should be returned. This
can be performed, for example, by scanning a bar code or QR code on
the carrier and/or battery packs, by sensing an RFID tag on the
carrier and/or battery packs, or by identification of a electronic
signal generated by the carriers and/or battery packs. At step 446,
the central processing unit 140 causes the bin dispensing module
152 to lock the bin door(s) 116 to the bins 114 into which the
carriers 200 and battery packs 300 have been returned. At step 448,
the central processing unit 140 interfaces with the memory/database
module 138 and the external communications module 146 to release
the hold on the user's credit card or corporate account, thus
terminating the return transaction at step 449.
[0105] Reserve
[0106] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 13A-13F, if, at step 408, the user
selects Reserve, then the reserve subroutine 450 is executed to
enable a user to reserve a rental carrier 200 and battery packs 300
for a later time. At step 452 and FIG. 13A, the user interface 110
prompts the user to select a future date and time for a reservation
for a carrier 200 and battery packs 300. At step 454 and FIG. 13B,
the user interface 110 prompts the user to select the number of
carriers and battery packs for rental. The price may be based on
the number of packs rented and their state of charge. In other
implementations, the user may select the type of battery packs
(e.g., voltage, wattage, capacity, etc.) and/or the rental duration
(e.g., number of hours or days). At step 456 and FIG. 13C, the user
interface 110 prompts the user to review an electronic shopping
cart into which the rental selections have been placed. At step 458
and FIG. 13D, the user interface 110 prompts the user to confirm
agreement with the terms of the rental agreement. At step 460, the
kiosk 110 provides the user with a notification of the rental date
and time (e.g., via a text message, an e-mail, or a printed
receipt). At step 462 and FIG. 13E, the user interface 110 prompts
the user to use the payment processing area to process a payment
for the rental (e.g., via credit card, voucher, corporate account,
etc.). At step 464, the kiosk 110 places a hold on the user's
account and/or credit card in to hold the reservation. At step 466,
the central processing unit 140 stores a record corresponding to
the reservation in the memory/database module 138 and/or causes the
external communications module 146 to place a record of the
reservation in the central server 160, thus ending the Reserve
transaction at step 468.
[0107] At step 470 and as shown in FIG. 13F, at a later time closer
to the reservation date and time, the central processing unit 140
or the central server 160 causes an electronic reminder to be sent
to the user, e.g., via text message, automated phone call, e-mail,
or app notification. The user is given the option to obtain
directions to the kiosk 100, review the order, or cancel or modify
the order. The user then proceeds to the kiosk 100 to pick up the
rented carriers and battery packs, as described below.
[0108] Pick-Up
[0109] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 14A-14D, in the Pick-Up subroutine,
at step 472, the user arrives at the kiosk 100. At step 474 and
FIG. 14A, the user interface 110 prompts the user to provide the
payment method used for the previous transaction (e.g., by swiping
the credit card used in the payment processing area 112) or to
input an account login ID and password. At step 476, the user
interface 110 communicates the previous payment information or
account ID and password to the central processing unit 140, which
retrieves from the memory/database module 138 or a central server
160 a record containing identification information and quantity of
the carriers 200 and battery packs 300 that have been reserved. At
step 478 and FIG. 14B, the user interface 110 prompts the user to
rent additional carriers and battery packs (as described above with
respect to the Rental subroutine) or purchase additional goods (as
described below with respect to the Retail subroutine). At step 480
and FIG. 14C, the user interface 110 prompts the user to review the
shopping cart, which now includes any additional rental battery
packs or retail goods that have been ordered.
[0110] At step 482 and FIG. 14D, the user interface 110 prompts the
user to use the payment processing area to process a payment for
the additional rental or retail goods (e.g., via credit card,
voucher, corporate account, cash, etc.). At step 484, the bin
dispensing module 152 unlocks and/or opens one or more the bin
doors 116 to enable the user, at step 486, to retrieve the rented
carrier(s) 200 and associated battery pack(s) 300. As shown in FIG.
14E, the user interface 110 indicates to the user which bin(s) have
been unlocked. At step 488, the user closes the bin door(s), thus
ending the transaction at step 489. A record of the transaction
(including, e.g., identifier of carrier and battery packs rented,
payment information, credit card hold information, and user ID) is
stored in the memory/database module 138, and may also be
communicated by the external communications module 146 to the
central server and/or to the user's computing device or mobile
phone.
[0111] Retail
[0112] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 15A-15G, if, at step 408, the user
selects Retail, then the retail subroutine 490 is executed to
enable a user to purchase retail products through the kiosk 100. At
step 492 and FIG. 15A, the user interface 110 prompts the user to
select between Onsite purchases and Online purchases. If, at step
492, the user selects Onsite, then the Onsite subroutine 494 is
executed. At step 495 and FIG. 15B, the user interface 110 prompts
the user to select the item and quantity from among the items
available for immediate sale in the retail vending area 108. At
step 496 and FIG. 15C, the user interface 110 prompts the user to
review the selected items that have been placed into an electronic
shopping cart. At step 498 and FIG. 15D, the user interface 110
prompts the user to use the payment processing area 112 to process
a payment for the purchase (e.g., via credit card, voucher,
corporate account, cash etc.). At step 500, the kiosk 100 dispenses
the item and provides a receipt for the purchase (e.g., via
electronic mail, text message, or printed receipt), thus ending the
transaction at step 502. A record of the transaction (including,
e.g., identifier of items purchased, payment information, user ID,
etc.) may be stored in the memory/database module 138, and may also
be communicated by the external communications module 146 to the
central server and/or to the user's computing device or mobile
phone.
[0113] If, at step 492, the user selects Online, then the online
subroutine 504 is executed to enable a user to purchase retail
products not available onsite in the kiosk 100. At step 506 and
FIG. 15E, the user interface 110 may prompt the user to select from
among a plurality of manufacturers or retailers of products similar
to those sold in the kiosk. At step 508 and FIG. 15F, the user
interface 110 may display an online e-commerce website of a
selected manufacturer or retailer of products to enable online
ordering just as one would do on the traditional e-commerce
website. For example, the external communications module 146 may
communicate, via the internet, and download to the user interface
110 the e-commerce website of the selected manufacturer or retailer
or a specially designed e-commerce app or interface for display on
the user interface 110. The user then shops on the e-commerce
website for the desired goods to be purchased. At step 510 and FIG.
15G, the user interface 110 prompts the user to use the payment
processing area 112 to process a payment for the purchase (e.g.,
via credit card, voucher, corporate account, cash, etc.). The
machine then dispenses a receipt for the purchase (e.g., via
electronic mail, text message, or printed receipt), thus ending the
transaction at step 512. A record of the transaction (including,
e.g., identifier of items purchased, payment information, user ID,
etc.) may be stored in the memory/database module 138, and may also
be communicated by the external communications module 146 to the
central server and/or to the user's computing device or mobile
phone.
[0114] Information
[0115] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 16, if, at step 408, the user
selects Info, then the information subroutine 520 is executed to
enable a user to obtain certain information and assistance via the
user interface 110. In the information subroutine 520, and as shown
in FIG. 16, the user interface 110 prompts the user to select among
a menu of information options, including at least one or more of
the following options. For each option, the information displayed
on the user interface 110 may be stored locally in the
memory/database module 138 or remotely at a central server 160 or
elsewhere on the internet, and may be retrieved by instructions
from the central processing unit 140 and/or external communications
module 146, and displayed on the user interface 110 by the user
interface control module 144.
[0116] At option 522, the user interface 110 enables the user to
register for an account or review and modify account information
such as user ID, password, credit card, corporate account number,
etc. At option 524, the user interface 110 enables the user to
review his or her history for battery pack rental usage. At option
526, the user interface 110 enables the user to view targeted
advertising and promotions, such as video promotions directed to
products similar to those previously purchased by that user. At
option 528, the user interface 110 allows the user to review the
battery pack rental agreement policy. At option 530, the user
interface 110 allows the user to view other kiosk locations, and to
review the inventory for battery pack rentals and retail vending at
these other locations. At option 532, the user interface 110
enables the user to obtain information about obtaining a kiosk at a
new location, such as a worksite or jobsite. At option 534, the
user interface 110 enables the user to compare the cost of
operating gas powered power tools vs. the cost of battery pack
rentals for cordless power tools.
[0117] At option 536, the user interface 110 allows the user to
send an invitation (such as an e-mail or text message) to friends
or colleagues, inviting them to try the kiosk. At option 538, the
user interface 110 displays instructional videos, such as how to
use the carrier, how the battery pack rentals work, etc. At option
540, the user interface 110 links to an app store or displays a QR
code that can be scanned by the user's smartphone, to enable the
user to download an app to allow for interaction with the kiosk
110, as described below. At option 542, the user interface 110
allows the user to view a local weather forecast. At option 544,
the user interface 110 allows the user to contact a service center
(e.g., via electronic mail or live online chat). At option 546, the
user interface 110 allows the user to report a problem with the
kiosk or the rental carriers or battery packs. At option 548, the
user can complete a form to leave a comment or suggestion for the
owner of the kiosk.
[0118] Referring to FIGS. 17-22, modified versions of the Reserve,
Retail, and Info transactions may be implemented remotely on a
mobile smartphone or tablet computer app or on a website accessed
via a user's personal computer. The smartphone, tablet, or personal
computer communicates, via a telecommunications network, with one
or more kiosks 100 and/or with one or central servers, as
illustrated in FIG. 6. The smartphone app will be described in
detail below. However, it should be understood that a tablet app or
a website can be implemented with similar functionality. FIG. 17 is
a flow chart 600 that illustrates some of the functionality of an
app. FIGS. 18-22 are smartphone screenshots that illustrate some of
the functionality of an app. These and other implementations are
within the scope of this disclosure.
[0119] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18A-18B, the user first selects a
type of transaction to be performed. At step 602, and FIG. 18A, an
action prompt requests that the user sign in with an existing user
ID and password or register with a new user ID or password. At step
604 and FIG. 18B, the main menu prompts the user to select among
several actions: Reserve, Retail, and Information.
[0120] Reserve
[0121] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 19A-19G, if, at step 604, the user
selects Reserve, then the reserve subroutine 610 is executed to
enable a user to reserve a rental carrier 200 and battery packs 300
for pick up from a kiosk 100 at a later time. At step 612 and FIG.
19A, the app prompts the user to select a geographic location for a
kiosk 100. The app may access the smartphone's location services to
find the kiosks located closest to the user at that time.
Alternatively, the user may be prompted to enter an address or zip
code to find the kiosks 100 closest to the particular address or
zip code. The kiosks may be viewed in a map view or by address. At
step 614 and FIG. 19B, the app prompts the user to select a future
date and time for a reservation for renting carriers 200 and
battery packs 300. At step 454 and FIG. 19C, the app prompts the
user to select the number of carriers and battery packs for rental.
The price may be based on the number of packs rented and their
state of charge. In other implementations, the user may select the
type of battery packs (e.g., voltage, wattage, capacity, etc.)
and/or the rental duration (e.g., number of hours or days). At step
618 and FIG. 19D, the app prompts the user to review an electronic
shopping cart into which the rental selections have been placed. At
step 620 and FIG. 19E, the app prompts the user to confirm
agreement with the terms of the rental agreement.
[0122] At step 622, the app provides the user with a notification
of the rental date and time (e.g., via a text message, an e-mail,
or a printed receipt). At step 624 and FIG. 19F, the app prompts
the user for payment information for the rental (e.g., via credit
card, debit card, or corporate account). At step 626, the app
places a hold on the user's corporate account and/or credit card in
to hold the reservation. At step 628 the transaction ends with the
app communicating with the kiosk 100 and/or the central server to
store a record corresponding to the reservation. At step 629 and as
shown in FIG. 19G, at a later time closer to the reservation date
and time, the central processing unit 140 or the central server 160
causes an electronic reminder to be sent to the user, e.g., via
text message, automated phone call, e-mail, or app notification.
The user is given the option to obtain directions to the kiosk 110,
review the order, or cancel or modify the order. The user then
proceeds to the kiosk 110 to pick up the rented carriers and
battery packs, as described in the Pick-Up transaction above.
[0123] Retail
[0124] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 20A-20E, if, at step 604, the user
selects Retail, then the retail subroutine 630 is executed to
enable a user to purchase retail products via the kiosk rental app.
At step 632 and FIG. 20A, the app prompts the user to select
between Kiosk purchases (for pick-up at the kiosk) and Online
purchases (for home delivery or pick-up at a retailer). If, at step
632, the user selects Kiosk, then the Kiosk subroutine 634 is
executed. At step 636 and FIG. 20B, the app prompts the user to
select a geographic location for a kiosk 100. The app may access
the smartphone's location services to find the kiosk(s) located
closest to the user at that time. Alternatively, the user may be
prompted to enter an address or zip code to find the kiosks 100
closest to the particular address or zip code. The kiosks may be
viewed in a map view or by address. At step 638 and FIG. 20B, the
app prompts the user to select the item and quantity from among the
items available for immediate sale in the retail vending area 108
of the kiosk 100. At step 640 and FIG. 20C, the app prompts the
user to review the selected items that have been placed into an
electronic shopping cart. At step 642 and FIG. 20D, the app prompts
the user to make a payment for the purchase, e.g., via credit card,
debit card, corporate account, etc. At step 644, the transaction
ends with the app communicating with the kiosk 100 and/or the
central server to store a record corresponding to the reservation.
At step 646 and as shown in FIG. 20E, at a later time, the central
processing unit 140 or the central server 160 causes an electronic
reminder to be sent to the user, e.g., via text message, automated
phone call, e-mail, or app notification. The user is given the
option to obtain directions to the kiosk 110, review the order, or
cancel or modify the order. The user then proceeds to the kiosk 110
to pick up the purchased items. The reserved retail products may be
held for the user for a limited period of time, after which, if the
user fails to pick up the products, they are returned to the
inventory and the user's payment is refunded.
[0125] If, at step 632, the user selects Online, then the online
subroutine 650 is executed to enable a user to purchase retail
products from an online e-commerce website or store. At step 652,
the app may prompt the user to select from among a plurality of
manufacturers or retailers of products similar to those sold in the
kiosk. At step 654, the app may display or link to an online
e-commerce website, app, or specially designed user interface of a
selected manufacturer or retailer of products to enable online
ordering just as one would do on the traditional e-commerce
website. The user then shops on the e-commerce website for the
desired goods to be purchased. At step 656, the app or the
e-commerce website prompts the user to make a payment for the
purchase (e.g., via credit card, debit card, corporate account,
etc.). The app then sends a receipt for the purchase to the user
(e.g., via electronic mail, text message, etc.), thus ending the
transaction at step 658. A record of the transaction (including,
e.g., identifier of items purchased, payment information, user ID,
etc.) may be stored in the memory/database module, and may also be
communicated by the external communications module to the central
server.
[0126] Information
[0127] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 21, if, at step 602, the user
selects Information, then the information subroutine 660 is
executed to enable a user to obtain certain information and
assistance via the app. In the information subroutine 660, and as
shown in FIG. 21, the display screen prompts the user to select
among a menu of information options, including at least one or more
of the following options. For each option, the information
displayed to the user may be stored locally in the app, or remotely
at a central server 160 or elsewhere on the internet.
[0128] At option 662, the app enables the user to register for an
account or review and modify account information such as user ID,
password, credit card, corporate account number, etc. At option
664, the app enables the user to review his or her history for
battery pack rental usage. At option 666, the app enables the user
to view targeted advertising and promotions, such as video
promotions directed to products similar to those previously
purchased by that user. At option 668, the app allows the user to
review the battery pack rental agreement policy. At option 670, the
app allows the user to search for kiosk locations, and to review
the inventory for battery pack rentals and retail vending at these
locations. At option 672, the app enables the user to obtain
information about obtaining a kiosk at a new location, such as a
worksite or jobsite. At option 674, the user interface 110 enables
the user to compare the cost of operating gas powered power tools
vs. the cost of battery pack rentals for cordless power tools.
[0129] At option 676, the app allows the user to send an invitation
(such as an e-mail or text message) to friends or colleagues,
inviting them to try the kiosk or the kiosk app. At option 678, the
app displays instructional videos, such as how to use the carrier,
how the battery pack rentals work, etc. At option 680, the app
allows the user to view a local weather forecast. At option 682,
the app allows the user to contact a service center (e.g., via
electronic mail or live online chat). At option 684, the app allows
the user to report a problem with a kiosk or rental carriers or
battery packs. At option 686, the user can complete a form to leave
a comment or suggestion for the owner of the kiosk.
[0130] Referring to FIG. 22, the app can also provide in app
notifications 690 or e-mail or text notifications to remind a user
when rental carriers and battery packs are due to be returned to
the kiosk. This notification may be stored locally in the app
(running in the background) or may be pushed to the user's
smartphone from the central server. For example, as shown in FIG.
22, the app notifies the user that the rental carriers and packs
are due to be returned in three hours.
[0131] Referring to FIG. 23, the power distribution module 130 is
coupled to a source of external electrical power 132, e.g., an AC
mains line, batteries, solar panels, a generator, etc. via a plug
or connector 133. The power distribution module 130 distributes the
electrical power to the other areas and modules of the kiosk 100,
including to the battery pack rental area 106 and module 136, the
retail vending area 108 and module 134, the user interface 110 and
module 144, and the advertising display area 104 and module 142.
The power distribution module 130 may include circuits to modify,
rectify, transform, divide, modulate, regulate and/or invert the
incoming electrical signals for distribution to the various areas
and modules of the kiosk 100 by means known to one of ordinary
skill in the art. For example, the power distribution module 130
may transform an incoming AC signal to a DC signal to distribute to
some of the components. In addition, the power distribution module
130 may include one or more fuses or circuit breakers 131 to
prevent overload of the circuits in the various modules of the
kiosk 100.
[0132] Alternatively, an exemplary power distribution module is
coupled to a 240V, 50 A power source such as an AC mains line 132.
The power distribution 130 splits the 240V AC power source into two
120V AC power sources. distributed over a power bus or power supply
lines. The power distribution module 130 distributes the 120V AC
power supply to each bin 114 over a power bus or power supply line
135. The power distribution module 130 may include a fuse 131, for
example a 10A fuse, on the AC power supply line prior to the bins
114. The power distribution module 130 also provides power to the
CPU 140. Either the power distribution module 130 or the CPU 140
may include circuitry to convert the 120V AC power supply to the
appropriate voltage for the CPU 140, as would be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art.
[0133] Also illustrated in FIG. 23 are communication lines 137
between the CPU 140 and each of the bins 114. As noted above, each
bin 114 includes a communications connector 178 and as discussed in
more detail below, each carrier 200 includes a communications
connector that is configured to couple to the bin communications
connector 178. These communications connectors allow the CPU 140 to
monitor and communicate with the bins 114, the carriers 200 and the
batteries 300 to manage receiving, dispensing, and renting the
carriers 200 and battery packs 300, and monitoring and/or managing
the charging of the battery packs 300 by the carriers 200.
[0134] Referring to FIG. 24, there is illustrated a view of the bin
114 from a front side of the kiosk 100 including an exemplary
carrier 200. As noted above, the bin 114 includes two sidewalls
170, a top wall 172 and a bottom wall 174. As also noted above,
each of the sidewalls includes the rails 184. Also illustrated in
FIG. 24 is the bin communications connector 178 coupled to the
carrier communications connector 216 and the bin power connector
180 coupled to the carrier AC power input connector 212.
[0135] Also referring to FIGS. 25-29, the illustrated carrier 200
includes a housing 202 and a carrying handle 206. The carrier
housing 200 includes side walls. Each of the sidewalls includes a
longitudinal groove 220. Each carrier housing groove 220 is
configured to receive one of the bin sidewall rails 184 when the
carrier 200 is received in the bin 114. These grooves 220 and rails
184 insure that the carrier AC power input connector 212, the
carrier communications connector 216 and the charge/discharge
switch 222 align with the bin power connector 180, the bin
communications connector 178, and the bin extension 182,
respectively, when the carrier 200 is received in the bin 114. The
rails 184 may be adjustable to accommodate various size carriers
200. The rails 184 may serve to keep the carrier 200 raised from
the bottom wall 174 to allow air cooling of the carrier 200 when
the battery packs 300 are being charged inside the bin 114.
[0136] The carrier 200 may also include a door or cover 204. The
cover 204 may be transparent. The carrier housing 202 includes a
plurality of receptacles 208. Each receptacle 208 is configured to
receive one the rechargeable, removable battery packs 300. The
cover 204 may be configured to allow access to a plurality of the
receptacles 208. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, there may be
an individual cover 204 for each receptacle 208. The cover(s) may
include latching system elements configured to operate with
corresponding latching system elements on the carrier housing 202
to fix the cover 204 to the housing 202 and to allow a user to open
and close the door(s). The carrier 200 may include one or more
security features, e.g., loops or latches 209 to receive one or
more user applied padlocks 210 or other security locking devices to
lock the cover(s) 204 to the carrier housing 202.
[0137] In the disclosed exemplary embodiment, the housing 202
includes six receptacles 208a-f for receiving six battery packs
300a-f, respectively. However, it should be understood that the
carrier 200 may have any number of receptacles 208 for receiving a
corresponding number of battery packs 300.
[0138] As illustrated in FIGS. 29A and 29B, each receptacle 208
includes a terminal block 256 for electrically coupling the battery
pack 300 to the internal circuitry of the carrier 200. In the
illustrated exemplary embodiment, the battery packs 300 may be
convertible battery packs, as disclosed and described in
provisional U.S. Patent Application Nos. 61/944,953 filed May 18,
2014, 62/000,112 filed May 19, 2014 and 62/046,546 filed Sep. 5,
2014, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/715,258, filed May
18, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. The
battery packs 300 may be any one of the embodiments described in
the aforementioned provisional applications. As such, the carrier
terminal block would be configured in the same manner as the power
tool terminal block for a corresponding convertible battery pack as
disclosed and described in the aforementioned U.S. Provisional
applications. The exemplary battery packs 300 are 20V/60V rated
voltage battery packs, however battery packs 300 having other rated
voltages are contemplated and encompassed by the present
disclosure. Additionally, in alternate exemplary embodiments, the
battery packs 300 may be non-convertible battery packs such as the
battery packs disclosed and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,653,787,
which is incorporated herein by reference. These battery packs 300
may be any of a variety of rated voltages, for example 20V, 40V,
60V, etc.
[0139] The housing 202 also includes an AC power input connector
212, e.g., a 3 prong 120 VAC male plug or female receptacle, a
universal DC power input connector 214 for connecting to a DC power
supply, e.g., a 12V car charger port, a USB port, and/or a trailer
adapter port, and a communications connector 216, e.g., a USB port,
a serial port, or a set of electrical contacts. The carrier 200
also includes a power output connector 218. In a first exemplary
embodiment, the power output connector 218 is an AC power output
connector. In a second exemplary embodiment, the power output
connector 218 is a DC power output connector. The carrier 200 also
includes a switch 222 for switching between a charging mode of
operation that charges the battery packs 300 using electrical power
input through the power input connectors 212, 214, and a
discharging mode of operation that outputs electrical power from
the battery packs 300 through the power output connector 218.
Alternatively, the external switch 222 may be replaced with an
automatic internal switch and a current sensor for the AC and DC
power inputs such that the internal switch switches to charging
mode when the current sensor senses an input current and switches
to discharge mode when the current sensor does not sense an input
current.
[0140] As noted above, the kiosk 100 includes the power supply line
135 coupled to the bin power connector 180 of each bin 114. The bin
power connector 180 is configured to electrically and mechanically
couple with the carrier AC power input connector 212 when the
carrier 200 is received in the bin 114. Also as noted above, the
kiosk 100 includes the communications line 137 coupled to the bin
communications connector 178. The bin communications connector is
configured to electrically and mechanically couple with the carrier
communications connector 216 when the carrier 200 is received in
the bin 114. As described in greater detail below, when the carrier
200 is received in the bin 114, the communications line 137 and the
communications connectors 178, 216 enable communications between
the kiosk 100 and the carrier 200 to manage and/or control when and
how the power delivered through the power input line 135 is used to
charge the battery packs 300.
[0141] As illustrated in the simplified schematic of FIG. 30, the
carrier 200 includes a plurality of electrical and electronic
components for monitoring, managing and/or controlling the charging
and discharging of the battery packs 300. More particularly, the
carrier 200 includes a system management unit (SMU) 250. The SMU
250 may be configured as a single printed circuit assembly or may
be configured as two printed circuit assemblies 250a, 250b--as
illustrated in FIG. 30--or may be configured as more than two
printed circuit assemblies. The SMU 250 may include a processor and
may include a charge/discharge control module 252. The carrier 200
may be configured to include a charge/discharge control module 252
for each battery 300--as illustrated in FIG. 30--or may include a
single charge/discharge control module 252 for all of the batteries
300 or may include some other number of charge/discharge control
modules. As discussed in more detail below, the charge/discharge
control modules 252 communicate with the SMU 250 which in turn
communicates with the kiosk 100 through a plurality of
communication lines 254 connected to the communication connector
216.
[0142] Each receptacle 208 includes a terminal block 256 and each
battery pack 300 includes a terminal block 310. Furthermore, the
charge/discharge control modules 252 are electrically connected to
the battery packs 300 via the receptacle terminal block 256 and the
battery pack terminal block 310. The charge/discharge control
module 252 controls a plurality of switches 258 to provide a
charging current to the battery packs 300 through the carrier power
supply lines 260, the receptacle terminal block 256 and the battery
pack terminal block 310--as will be discussed in more detail
below.
[0143] The SMU 250 also communicates with a power supply 262
coupled to the AC power input connector 212 and a power supply 264
coupled to the DC power input connector 214. The AC power supply
262 may be, for example, a 120 VAC to 60 VDC power supply and the
DC power supply 264 may be, for example, a 12 VDC to 60 VDC power
supply to supply power to the battery packs 300. The power supplies
262, 264 will be configured to provide a charging voltage equal to
the rated charging voltage of the battery pack configuration of a
particular carrier 200. For example, if all of the battery packs
are 60 V battery packs then the power supplies will be configured
to provide a 60 VDC output. Alternatively, if all of the battery
packs are 20 V battery packs then the power supplies will be
configured to provide a 20 VDC output.
[0144] The SMU 250 also communicates with an inverter 266. The
inverter 266 may be a pure sine wave inverter, a modified sign wave
inverter, a pulse wave inverter or any other inverter capable of
providing an AC output signal or an approximated AC output signal
for providing power to AC electrical and electronic devices. The
inverter 266 is electrically connected to the power output
connector 218. In the exemplary embodiment, the inverter is a 189
VDC to 120 VAC, square wave approximation of sine wave inverter. In
an alternate embodiment, the carrier 200 does not include an
inverter and only provides DC output power.
[0145] The SMU 250 is also electrically connected to the
discharge/charge mode switch 222. Generally speaking, when the
switch 222 is in the charge position, a charge signal is sent to
the SMU 250. In turn, the SMU 250 sends a signal to the inverter
266 to turn the inverter 266 off, sends a signal to the power
supply 262, 264 to turn the power supply 262, 264 on, and
selectively sends a signal to the switches 258 to close the
switches 258 to selectively connect the battery packs 300 to the
power supplies 262, 264. Depending upon the battery pack 300 status
and the carrier 200 status, the SMU 250 and the charge/discharge
control modules 252 will operate to charge the appropriate carriers
200 and battery packs 300.
[0146] Generally speaking, when the switch 222 is in the discharge
position, a discharge signal is sent to the SMU 250. In turn, the
SMU 250 sends a signal to the inverter 266 to turn the inverter 266
on, sends a signal to the power supply 262, 264 to turn the power
supply 262, 264 off, and selectively sends a signal to the switches
258 to selectively open the switches 258 to disconnect the battery
packs 300 from the power supplies 262, 264.
[0147] The carrier 200 may also include a plurality of door
switches 268. The door switches 268 ensure that the terminal blocks
of an empty receptacle are not of a dangerous electrical potential
when the door 204 is open. More particularly if the door 204 is
open and two receptacles 208a, 208b have fully charged battery
packs 300a, 300b inserted therein and a third receptacle 208c does
not have a battery pack 300c inserted therein a voltage across the
empty terminal block could be approximately 60V. And if the door
was open and the door switches were not present a user could
conceivably touch the terminals at a dangerous electrical potential
and receive a potentially dangerous shock. As such, when the door
204 is open all three door switches 268a, 268b, 268c will be open.
This will provide an open circuit between carrier receptacle
terminal blocks and prevent potential shocks when not all of the
receptacles include battery packs 300.
[0148] In an alternate exemplary embodiment, the carrier 200 does
not include a charger and the kiosk 100 does include a charger. In
this embodiment, the battery packs 300 may only be charged when the
carrier 200 is in the kiosk bin 114 or connected to a separate
charger that could provide equivalent charging functionality to
that of the kiosk 100.
[0149] The carrier 200 can communicate with each of the plurality
of battery packs 300 for purposes of identifying a particular
battery pack 300, performing a status diagnosis of the battery pack
300 and/or reporting data logging associated with the battery pack
300. The carrier 200 can communicate with the kiosk 100 through the
carrier communication lines 306, the carrier communication
connector 216, the bin communication connector 178 and the kiosk
communication lines 137 when the carrier 200 is in the kiosk bin
114 for transferring information regarding the status and health of
the battery packs 300 and carrier 200, regarding the identification
of the battery packs 300, regarding the data logging information
associated with the battery packs 300, and for receiving charge
instructions from the kiosk 100.
[0150] When the carrier 200 is received in the bin 114 the kiosk
100 may provide charging power to the carrier 200 through the kiosk
power supply lines 135, the bin power connector 180, the carrier AC
power input connector 212, the AC power supply 262, and the carrier
power supply lines 260. When the carrier 200 is not in the kiosk
100, alternate power sources may provide charging power to the
carrier 200. For example, an AC mains line power supply may provide
charging power to the carrier 200 through a power supply cord
connected to the carrier AC power input connector 212, the carrier
AC power supply 262 and the carrier power supply lines 260.
Alternately, for example, an automotive power supply, a solar power
supply or a trailer power supply may provide charging power to the
carrier 200 through a supply cord connected to the carrier DC power
input connector 214, the carrier DC power supply 264 and the
carrier power supply lines 260.
[0151] Referring to FIG. 32, in an exemplary embodiment, the kiosk
100 may include software and/or hardware programmed to implement a
process 700 to actively manage the charging of multiple carriers
200 and battery packs 300 received in the bins 114. At step 702,
each time a carrier 200 is returned to the kiosk 100, the kiosk CPU
140 queries returned carrier 200 for information about the
authentication ID (step 704), the state of charge (step 706), the
DC impedance (step 708), data-logging information (e.g., time uses,
charge cycles, shutdowns, etc.) (step 710), faults (step 712), and
charge readiness state (step 714) for each pack in each carrier. At
step 716, this information is stored in the kiosk memory/database
module 138, transmitted to the central server 160, and/or
associated with one or more user accounts. At step 718, if there is
an invalid pack ID or fault, the user is informed of the fault and
prompted for action (e.g., prompting the user to remove the faulty
carrier and battery packs and to insert the correct carrier and
battery packs into the bins).
[0152] At step 720, the kiosk CPU 140 queries each of the carriers
200 stored in the kiosk 100 for their system state. For example, at
step 722, the kiosk CPU 140 queries the state of charge for each of
the carriers 200 and battery packs 300 stored in the kiosk 100. At
step 724, the kiosk CPU 140 queries which carriers 200 and battery
packs 300 are ready for charging. At step 726, the kiosk CPU 140
queries which carriers 200 and battery packs 300 are currently
charging and in which mode of charging. At step 730, the kiosk CPU
140 prioritizes the charging order of the carriers 200 based on a
variety of preference rules, such as, for example, which battery
packs 300 are near full state of charge or end of charging (step
730), which battery packs 300 have better performance (e.g.,
capacity, impedance) (step 732), when certain carriers 200 and
battery packs 300 are reserved for future rental (step 734), and
limits on total power delivery capability of the kiosk (step
736).
[0153] At step 738, a charge enable signal is delivered via the
communications connectors 176, 216 to the carrier(s) that have been
selected for priority charging according to the preference rules.
At step 740, the carriers 200 that have received the charge enable
signals charge the battery packs 300 located in those carriers 200.
At step 742, each carrier 200 sends a disable signal to the kiosk
CPU 140 when the charging is complete, when the battery packs 300
or carriers 200 exceed a temperature threshold, or when there is a
fault in the charging. Upon sending the disable signal, the carrier
200 will stop charging the battery packs, and the CPU 140 will send
a charge enable signal to the next carrier 200 in the priority
order. At step 744, the CPU 140 queries the carriers 200 as to
whether all of the battery packs 300 in each carrier 200 are fully
charged. If not, then the CPU 140 returns to step 728 to reassign
priority to the carriers 200. If all battery packs 300 are fully
charged, then at step 746, the kiosk switches to a battery pack
standby management mode in which it maintains the state of charge
of all of the battery packs received in the kiosk.
[0154] The carrier 200 can output a power supply signal from the
power supply output connector 218 in the form of a waveform that is
an approximation of an AC mains line power supply allowing the
carrier output to operate nearly all corded electrical devices,
including for example, power tools and home appliances such as
refrigerators, televisions, etc.
[0155] Referring to FIG. 31, there is illustrated an exemplary
battery pack 300. As noted above, the battery pack 300 may be a
convertible battery pack, for example any one of the battery packs
disclosed and described in the above-referenced U.S. Provisional
Application Nos. 61/944,953 filed May 18, 2014, 62/000,112 filed
May 19, 2014 and 62/046,546 filed Sep. 5, 2014. As such, the
battery pack 300 will not be described in detail. The battery pack
300 includes a plurality of cells 306. The battery pack 300 also
includes a battery terminal block 310. The battery terminal block
310 includes a plurality of battery terminals 312. The battery
terminals 312 include a first subset of terminals 312a that serve
as power terminals 312a and a second subset of terminals 312b that
serve as communications or signal terminals 312b. The battery pack
300 also includes a printed circuit assembly 314. In the
illustrated exemplary embodiment, the PCA 314 is unique to a rental
battery pack 300. For example, the rental PCA 314 may allow for 60V
charging. Furthermore, the rental PCA 314 may include a clock and
generate an expiration disable signal to disable the battery pack
after a certain rental period has ended. This disable signal could
be transmitted from the battery PCA 314 to the carrier 200. The
rental PCA 314 may also include authentication and serial number
information for communication to the carrier 200 to ensure that
only appropriate battery packs are being used in conjunction with
the carrier 200. The battery PCA 314 may also include a processor
and a memory element, for example, an EEPROM to store the
aforementioned information and other battery related information.
In alternate embodiments, the battery pack may be a standard retail
battery pack with a standard PCA 314 that operates with the carrier
200, the carrier SMU 250 and the charge/discharge control module
252.
[0156] The battery pack may also be discharged into an electrical
device (e.g., a power tool) independent of the carrier by
connecting the battery pack directly to the electrical device via
the battery terminal block 310. In this case, the discharge
circuitry may be located inside of the electrical device, may be
incorporated into the battery pack, or some combination thereof.
Further, the battery pack 300 may be able to be charged by a
separate charger independent of the carrier 200 by connecting the
battery pack 300 directly to the charger via the battery pack
terminal block 310. The charging circuitry may be located in the
charger, in the battery pack 300, or in some combination thereof.
In certain embodiments, the battery pack 300 may be connected to an
alternative charging and discharging electrical device such as a
radio charger.
[0157] Also illustrated in FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of the
receptacle terminal block 256. The receptacle terminal block 256
includes a plurality of carrier terminals 270. The carrier
terminals 270 include a first subset of terminals 270a that serve
as power terminals 270a and a second subset of terminals 270b that
serve as communications or signal terminals 270b. As noted above,
the carrier 200 includes the charge/discharge control module 252.
The charge/discharge control module 252 is connected to the carrier
terminal block 256 by the communication lines 272 which in turn are
connected to the carrier communication/signal terminals 270b. The
charge/discharge control module 252 also controls the carrier
charge control switches 258 to enable/disable charging of the
battery packs 300. The charge/discharge control module 252 may also
be connected to the power discharge lines 274 to enable/disable
discharging of the battery packs 300. The charge/discharge control
module 252 may also process and/or transmit the communication
signals from the battery pack 300 to the SMU 250.
[0158] Referring again to FIG. 30, the carrier 200 may discharge in
various configurations. For example, if the receptacles 208a, 208b,
208c have 60V battery packs 300a, 300b, 300c therein, the carrier
can output 120V RMS AC, 15 A waveform through the inverter 266--the
three battery packs 300a, 300b, 300c produce 180V peak voltage for
input to the inverter 266. However, if one of the receptacles, for
example 208a, does not have a battery pack 300a therein the circuit
will be open and the other two battery packs 300b, 300c will not be
able to discharge. While the three battery packs 300a, 300b, 300c
are discharging a 120V AC supply, the three other battery packs
300d, 300e, 300f from the carrier 200 may be used to operate
various electrical devices for example, the convertible battery
packs 300d, 300e could be used to provide power to two 20V rated
voltage power tools and the battery pack 300f could be used to
provide power to a 60V rated voltage power tool. Alternatively, the
battery pack 300d could be used to provide power to a 20V rated
voltage power tool and the battery packs 300e, 300f could be used
to provide power to a 120V rated voltage AC/DC power tool.
[0159] The carrier 200 may also provide an AC power supply when the
carrier is connected to an AC input power source. Particularly,
when the carrier 200 is connected to an AC power supply, for
example an AC mains line, the carrier 200 could operate as a power
supply pass through by employing a switch and thereby bypassing the
internal power supply 314 and the inverter 318 and providing an AC
power supply directly from the AC input connector 212 to the AC
output connector 218. Alternatively, when the carrier 200 is
connected to an AC power supply, for example an AC mains line, and
there are three battery packs 300a, 300b, 300c in the carrier, the
carrier 200 can provide AC power supply out from the battery packs
300a, 300b, 300c through the inverter 266 and power output
connector 218 and when power is not being drawn from the battery
packs 300/inverter 266, the carrier 200 can charge the battery
packs 300a, 300b 300c. Alternatively, if there are more than three
battery packs 300 in the carrier 200 and the carrier 200 is
connected to an AC power supply, the carrier 200 can provide an AC
power supply out from three of the battery packs 300a, 300b, 300c
while simultaneously charging the remaining battery packs 300d
and/or 300e and/or 300f.
[0160] The carrier 200 may also provide very high power output to a
specialized high power connector 230. In a first exemplary
embodiment, if all six of the receptacles 208a-f have 60V battery
packs 300a-f, DC power may be sourced directly from the battery
packs 300a-f--bypassing the inverter 266--and permitting a larger
power output on the specialized high power connector 230 than would
otherwise be possible within the limitations of the inverter 266 or
the AC mains line with a circuit limitation, e.g., a circuit
breaker. The specialized connector 230 may be configured to
restrict the DC power supply for a line of power tools specifically
configured to operate with the carrier 200 in this mode.
[0161] FIGS. 33-41 schematically illustrate relationships between
the carriers 200, the battery packs 300 and a variety of power
tools and other electrical devices. FIG. 33 schematically
illustrates that the carrier 200 may be used to store and charge a
plurality of the battery packs 300. In addition, the battery packs
may be used to power a variety of power tools 800 including a set
of low rated voltage DC power tools 802 (e.g., under 40V, such as
4V, 8V, 12V, 18V, 20V, 24V and/or 36V), a set of medium rated
voltage DC power tools 804 (e.g., 40V to 80V, such as 40V, 54V,
60V, 72V, and/or 80V), and a set of high rated voltage DC-only or
AC/DC power tools 806 (e.g., 100V to 240V, such as 100V, 110V,
120V, 220V, 230V and/or 240V). In one embodiment, the battery packs
300 may include one or more convertible battery packs, each of
which may be converted between (1) a first rated voltage and a
first rated capacity and (2) a second rated voltage and a second
rated capacity that are different than the first rated voltage and
the first rated capacity. For example, a convertible battery pack
may be convertible between a low rated voltage that corresponds to
the low rated voltage power tools 802 and a medium rated voltage
that corresponds to the medium rated voltage power tools 804. In
this case, a convertible battery pack 300 in its low rated voltage
configuration can power a low rated voltage power tool 802, a
convertible battery pack 300 in its medium rated voltage
configuration can power a medium rated voltage power tool 804, and
a pair of convertible battery packs 300 in their medium rated
voltage configuration can together power a high rated voltage power
tool 806. For example, the battery packs 300 may be convertible
between a 20V rated voltage and a 60V rated voltage so that one
battery pack can power a 20V low rated voltage power tool 802 when
the battery pack 300 is in its 20V configuration and can power a
60V medium rated voltage power tool when the battery pack is in its
60V configuration, and a pair of the battery packs 300 in their 60V
configuration can power a 120V high rated voltage power tool. In
addition, if the high rated voltage power tool 804 is an AC/DC
power tool that can be alternatively powered by an AC input, the
AC/DC high rated voltage power tool 804 can be powered by
connecting an AC cord between the AC power output connector 218 of
the carrier 200 and an AC input of the AC/DC high rated voltage
power tool 804. Further details about using convertible battery
packs to power a system of low, medium, and high rated voltage
power tools can be found in the aforementioned provisional U.S.
Patent Application Nos. 61/944,953 filed May 18, 2014, 62/000,112
filed May 19, 2014 and 62/046,546 filed Sep. 5, 2014, and in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/715,258, filed May 18, 2015, each of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0162] Referring to FIG. 34 schematically illustrates an exemplary
embodiment of a carrier 200, battery packs 300, and power tools 800
in use. In this embodiment, three battery packs 300 are stored and
being charged in the carrier 200 by an AC power supply 810. In the
meantime, two battery packs 300 are being used to power a first
cordless power tool 812 having a first rated voltage (e.g., a 60V
or 120V blower) and one battery pack 300 is being used to power a
second cordless power tool 814 having a second rated voltage (e.g.,
a 20V or 40V string trimmer).
[0163] Referring to FIG. 35, in another embodiment, one battery
pack 300 is being used to power a first cordless power tool 816
having a first rated voltage (e.g., a 20V or 40V string trimmer),
and two battery packs 300 are being used to power a second cordless
power tool 816 having a second rated voltage (e.g., a 60V or 120V
blower). Meanwhile, three battery packs stored in the carrier 200
are being used to power an AC-only corded power tool 820 (e.g., an
AC chain saw) via a cord connected to the AC power output connector
218 of the carrier.
[0164] Referring to FIG. 36, in another embodiment, one convertible
battery pack 300 is being used to power a first cordless power tool
822 having a low rated voltage (e.g., a 20V circular saw), one
convertible battery pack 300 is being used to power a second
cordless power tool 824 having a medium rated voltage (e.g., a 60V
circular saw), and two convertible battery packs 300 are being used
to power a third cordless or AC/DC power tool 826 having a high
rated voltage (e.g., a 120V miter saw). Meanwhile, two battery
packs 300 are stored and being charged in the carrier 200 by an AC
power supply.
[0165] Referring to FIG. 37, in another embodiment, one battery
pack 300 is being used to power a first cordless power tool 830
having a first rated voltage (e.g., a 60V circular saw), and one
battery pack 300 is being used to power a second cordless or AC/DC
power tool 832 having a second rated voltage (e.g., a 120V miter
saw). Meanwhile, three battery packs stored in the carrier 200 are
being used to power an AC-only corded power tool 834 (e.g., an AC
hammer) via a cord connected to the AC power output connector 218
of the carrier 200.
[0166] Referring to FIG. 38, in another embodiment, a plurality of
battery packs 300 in a carrier 200 are being used to power a high
powered AC tool 836 (e.g., a 120V or 180V jackhammer) via a cord
connected to the AC power output connector 218 of the carrier 200.
In the meantime, other carriers 200 containing additional battery
packs 300 await use. This enables a user to power the high powered
AC tool for an entire work day.
[0167] Referring to FIG. 39, in another embodiment, the carrier 200
disables at the end of a predetermined rental period (e.g., three
days). An indicator LED 280 on the carrier flashes to notify the
user to return the carrier 200 to the kiosk. In addition, an alert
is transmitted wirelessly to an app on the user's cell phone or
tablet computer 840. Via the cell phone or tablet computer 840, the
user may renew the rental period for an additional amount of time
(e.g., one more day).
[0168] Referring to FIG. 40, in another embodiment, the carrier 200
containing a plurality of battery packs 300 may be used to power an
AC electrical device or appliance 842 (e.g., a refrigerator) via a
cord connected to the AC power output connector 218.
[0169] Referring to FIG. 41, in another embodiment, the carrier 200
containing a plurality of battery packs 300 may be used to power an
AC electrical device or appliance 844 (e.g., a television) via a
cord connected to the AC power output connector 218.
[0170] FIG. 42 schematically illustrates the various ways for a
user to charge the battery packs 300 in a carrier 200 while
transporting it in a vehicle 850 from a first rental kiosk location
A to a second rental kiosk location B. First, the carrier 200 may
be used to charge the battery packs 300 by connecting a cord from a
trailer adapter port 852 to the universal DC power input connector
214. Second, the carrier 200 may be used to charge the battery
packs 300 by connecting a cord from a solar cell array 854 to the
universal DC power input connector 214. Third, the carrier 200 may
be used to charge the battery packs 300 by connecting a cord from a
12V car charger port 856 to the universal DC power input connector
214.
[0171] Numerous modifications may be made to the exemplary
implementations described above. These and other implementations
are within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *