U.S. patent application number 16/697402 was filed with the patent office on 2020-05-28 for power tool system and battery pack thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is Changzhou Globe Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Xinzhong Guo, Chuanjun Liu, An Yan.
Application Number | 20200168862 16/697402 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65143776 |
Filed Date | 2020-05-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200168862 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liu; Chuanjun ; et
al. |
May 28, 2020 |
POWER TOOL SYSTEM AND BATTERY PACK THEREOF
Abstract
A power tool system and a battery pack. The battery pack
includes a housing provided with a socket, and two battery cell
groups received in the housing. Each battery cell group has a
positive electrode and a negative electrode. The socket has four
conductive terminals respectively and electrically connected to the
electrodes of two battery cell groups. Two battery cell groups can
be switched between isolated state and series connected state to
output two different voltages through two conductive terminals with
different polarities being disconnected or connected to each other,
and the two conductive terminals with different polarities are
respectively connected to two battery cell groups.
Inventors: |
Liu; Chuanjun; (Changzhou,
CN) ; Guo; Xinzhong; (Changzhou, CN) ; Yan;
An; (Changzhou, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Changzhou Globe Co., Ltd. |
Changzhou |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
65143776 |
Appl. No.: |
16/697402 |
Filed: |
November 27, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25F 5/00 20130101; H01M
10/0445 20130101; H02J 1/00 20130101; H01M 2/1077 20130101; H01R
29/00 20130101; H01M 2/1022 20130101; H01M 2220/10 20130101; H01M
2/204 20130101; H01M 2/206 20130101; H02J 1/082 20200101; H01M 2/30
20130101; H01M 2220/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01M 2/10 20060101
H01M002/10; H01M 2/30 20060101 H01M002/30; H01M 2/20 20060101
H01M002/20; H01M 10/04 20060101 H01M010/04; B25F 5/00 20060101
B25F005/00; H02J 1/00 20060101 H02J001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 27, 2018 |
CN |
201811425584.1 |
Claims
1. A battery pack, comprising: a housing having a socket located
thereon, the socket having a plurality of terminals received
therein, the terminals including four conductive terminals; and two
battery cell groups received in the housing and each having a
positive electrode and a negative electrode respectively and
electrically connected to the corresponding conductive terminal of
the socket; wherein two battery cell groups can be switched between
isolated state and series connected state to output two different
voltages through two conductive terminals with different polarities
being disconnected or connected to each other, and wherein the two
conductive terminals with different polarities are respectively
connected to two battery cell groups.
2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the two
conductive terminals with different polarities are adjacent and
separate to each other, and wherein two battery cell groups are
isolated with each other in the battery pack and output a low
voltage.
3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein four conductive
terminals are arranged adjacent to each other, and wherein the two
conductive terminals with different polarities are located in the
middle, and wherein two adjacent conductive terminals located on
two sides have same polarity.
4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the two
conductive terminals with different polarities are adjacent and
connected to each other, and wherein two battery cell groups are
connected with each other in series in the battery pack and output
a high voltage.
5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein four conductive
terminals are arranged adjacent to each other, and wherein the two
conductive terminals with different polarities are located in the
middle, and wherein two adjacent conductive terminals located on
two sides have same polarity.
6. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein four conductive
terminals are arranged adjacent to each other, and wherein two
conductive terminals with different polarities are located on one
side of the four conductive terminals, and wherein two adjacent
conductive terminals which are located in the middle have same
polarity.
7. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the two
conductive terminals with different polarities each defines a
contacting arm, and wherein the contacting arms of the two
conductive terminals with different polarities are close but
separate to each other.
8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein two battery cell
groups are switched from isolated state to series connected state
to output a high voltage through changing the connection of two
contacting arms from separate state to connected state.
9. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein two battery cell
groups are in series connected state and output a high voltage when
the contacting arms of the two conductive terminals are connected
to each other.
10. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the two
conductive terminals with different polarities each defines a
contacting arm, and wherein the contacting arms of the two
conductive terminals with different polarities are directly
connected to each other through two contacting arms abutting with
each other.
11. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein two battery cell
groups are switched from series connected state to isolated state
to output a low voltage through changing the connection of two
contacting arms from electrical connected state to electrical
isolated state.
12. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein two battery cell
groups are in isolated state and output a low voltage when the
contacting arms of the two conductive terminals are isolated from
each other.
13. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein the two
conductive terminals with different polarities each further defines
a pair of main arms located on one side of the contacting arm, and
wherein the main arms are in idle state when the contacting arms of
the two conductive terminals abutting with each other.
14. A power tool system, comprising: a high rated-voltage power
tool having a first male plug; a low rated-voltage power tool
having a second male plug; and a battery pack supplying power to
the high or low rated-voltage power tool connected thereto,
including: a housing having a socket located thereon, the socket
defining a plurality of terminals received therein, the terminals
including four conductive terminals, and two battery cell groups
received in the housing and each defining a positive electrode and
a negative electrode respectively and electrically connected to
corresponding conductive terminal; wherein two battery cell groups
can be switched between isolated state and series connected state
through two conductive terminals with different polarities being
disconnected or connected to each other, and wherein the two
conductive terminals with different polarities are respectively
connected to two battery cell groups, and wherein the battery pack
outputs a low voltage through connecting two battery cell groups in
parallel when the second male plug is connected to the socket and a
high voltage through connecting two battery cell groups in series
when the first male plug is connected to the socket.
15. The power tool system according to claim 14, wherein two
conductive terminals with different polarities are adjacent and
separate to each other, and wherein two battery cell groups are
isolated with each other in the battery pack.
16. The power tool system according to claim 15, wherein the second
male plug has four contacting terminals corresponding to four
conductive terminals of the battery pack, and wherein the four
contacting terminals are respectively and electrically connected to
corresponding four conductive terminals when two cell groups are
connected with each other in parallel.
17. The power tool system according to claim 16, wherein the first
male plug has one connecting terminal simultaneously and
electrically connected with the two conductive terminals with
different polarities and two conducting terminals respectively
connected with corresponding conductive terminal of another two
conductive terminals of the socket, and wherein two battery cell
groups are connected to each other in series through the connecting
terminal simultaneously connecting one of the two conductive
terminals with different polarities to the other of two conductive
terminals with different polarities.
18. The power tool system according to claim 17, wherein the
connecting terminal of the first male plug is simultaneously and
electrically connected to the two conductive terminals with
different polarities through two opposite sides thereof.
19. The power tool system according to claim 14, wherein the two
conductive terminals with different polarities are adjacent and
connected to each other, and wherein two battery cell groups are
connected with each other in series in the battery pack.
20. The power tool system according to claim 19, wherein the first
male plug of the high rated-voltage power tool has two conducting
terminals respectively and electrically connected to corresponding
conductive terminals of the rest two conductive terminals in the
four conductive terminals, and wherein the conductive terminals
with different polarities are disengaged when the first male plug
is assembled to the socket.
21. The power tool system according to claim 20, wherein the second
male plug of the low rated-voltage power tool has two contacting
terminals and an insulating rib located in the middle of two
contacting terminals, and wherein each contacting terminal defines
a pair of contacting arms branched at the end thereof for
connecting with corresponding conductive terminal of the socket,
and wherein the insulating rib is inserted into the connected two
conductive terminals of the socket to electrically isolate these
two conductive terminals, and wherein two cell groups are connected
with each other in parallel when the insulating rib of the second
male plug is clamped by the two conductive terminals with different
polarities.
22. The power tool system according to claim 21, wherein four
conductive terminals are arranged adjacent to each other, and
wherein the two conductive terminals with different polarities are
located in the middle, and wherein two adjacent conductive
terminals located on two sides have same polarity.
23. The power tool system according to claim 18, wherein four
conductive terminals are arranged adjacent to each other, and
wherein the two conductive terminals with different polarities are
located in the middle, and wherein two adjacent conductive
terminals located on two sides have same polarity.
24. The power tool system according to claim 18, wherein four
conductive terminals are arranged adjacent to each other, and
wherein two conductive terminals with different polarities are
located on one side of the four conductive terminals, and wherein
two adjacent conductive terminals which are located in the middle
have same polarity.
25. The power tool system according to claim 17, wherein two
conductive terminals with different polarities defines a gap formed
therebetween, and wherein the connecting terminal is inserted into
the gap for simultaneously and electrically connecting the two
conductive terminals with different polarities together.
26. The power tool system according to claim 16, wherein the second
male plug has an insulating rib located in the middle of four
contacting terminals, and wherein the insulating rib is inserted
into two conductive terminals in the middle to electrically
isolated these two conductive terminals.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a US application which claims the
priority of CN Application Serial No. 201811425584.1, filed on Nov.
27, 2018, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a dual voltage battery pack
and a power tool system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Battery pack as a rechargeable power source is increasingly
used for supplying power for outdoor tools, especially for cordless
power tools. It's very convenience to use Lithium-ion batterie pack
as an energy source to drive a motor of the power tool because the
battery pack can be removed from the tools and rechargeable by an
external charging device. Because the motor of the cordless power
tool has a rated voltage and need to be driven by corresponding
battery pack which can output the corresponding voltage, and
different cordless power tools have different rated-voltage motors,
so a plurality of battery packs which can supply different voltages
for corresponding tools need to be carried when the worker operates
different cordless power tools in the outdoors. It's very
inconvenient for the operator because of the larger load caused by
the battery packs.
[0004] Therefore, there is a requirement to provide an improved
battery pack and a power tool system to overcome the problems
described above.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] the present invention provides a battery pack which can
output two different voltages and a power tool system.
[0006] In order to achieve the object, the present invention
provides a battery pack comprising a housing having a socket
located thereon and two battery cell groups received in the
housing, each battery cell group having a positive electrode and a
negative electrode, the socket having a plurality of terminals
received therein, the terminals including four conductive terminals
respectively and electrically connected to corresponding electrode
of two battery cell groups, two battery cell groups being switched
between isolated state and series connected state to output two
different voltages through two conductive terminals with different
polarities being disconnected or connected to each other, and the
two conductive terminals with different polarities being
respectively connected to two battery cell groups.
[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the two conductive terminals
with different polarities are adjacent and separate to each other,
and two battery cell groups are isolated with each other in the
battery pack and output a low voltage.
[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the two conductive terminals
with different polarities are adjacent and connected to each other,
and two battery cell groups are connected with each other in series
in the battery pack and output a high voltage.
[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, four conductive terminals are
arranged adjacent to each other, and the two conductive terminals
with different polarities are located in the middle, and two
adjacent conductive terminals located on two sides have same
polarity.
[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, four conductive terminals are
arranged adjacent to each other, and two conductive terminals with
different polarities are located on one side of the four conductive
terminals, and two adjacent conductive terminals which are located
in the middle have same polarity.
[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the two conductive terminals
with different polarities each defines a contacting arm, and the
contacting arms of the two conductive terminals with different
polarities are close but separate to each other.
[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, two battery cell groups are
switched from isolated state to series connected state to output a
high voltage through changing the connection of two contacting arms
from separate state to connected state.
[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, two battery cell groups are in
series connected state and output a high voltage when the
contacting arms of the two conductive terminals are connected to
each other.
[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the two conductive terminals
with different polarities each defines a contacting arm, and the
contacting arms of the two conductive terminals with different
polarities are directly connected to each other through two
contacting arms abutting with each other.
[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, two battery cell groups are
switched from series connected state to isolated state to output a
low voltage through changing the connection of two contacting arms
from electrical connected state to electrical isolated state.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, two battery cell groups are in
isolated state and output a low voltage when the contacting arms of
the two conductive terminals are isolated from each other.
[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the two conductive terminals
with different polarities each further defines a pair of main arms
located on one side of the contacting arm, and the main arms are in
idle state when the contacting arms of the two conductive terminals
abutting with each other.
[0018] The present invention also provides a power tool system
comprising: a high rated-voltage power tool having a first male
plug; a low rated-voltage power tool having a second male plug; and
a battery pack supplying power to the high or low rated-voltage
power tool connected thereto, the battery pack including a housing
having a socket located thereon and two battery cell groups
received in the housing, the socket defining a plurality of
terminals received therein, the terminals including four conductive
terminals, each battery cell group defining a positive electrode
and a negative electrode respectively and electrically connected to
corresponding conductive terminal, two battery cell groups being
switched between isolated state and series connected state through
two conductive terminals with different polarities being
disconnected or connected to each other, and the two conductive
terminals with different polarities being respectively connected to
two battery cell groups, and the battery pack outputting a low
voltage through connecting two battery cell groups in parallel when
the second male plug being connected to the socket and a high
voltage through connecting two battery cell groups in series when
the first male plug being connected to the socket.
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, two conductive terminals with
different polarities are adjacent and separate to each other, and
two battery cell groups are isolated with each other in the battery
pack.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the second male plug has four
contacting terminals corresponding to four conductive terminals of
the battery pack, and the four contacting terminals are
respectively and electrically connected to corresponding four
conductive terminals when two cell groups are connected with each
other in parallel.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the first male plug has one
connecting terminal simultaneously and electrically connected with
the two conductive terminals with different polarities and two
conducting terminals respectively connected with corresponding
conductive terminal of another two conductive terminals of the
socket, and two battery cell groups are connected to each other in
series through the connecting terminal simultaneously connecting
one of the two conductive terminals with different polarities to
the other of two conductive terminals with different
polarities.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting terminal of the
first male plug is simultaneously and electrically connected to the
two conductive terminals with different polarities through two
opposite sides thereof.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the two conductive terminals
with different polarities are adjacent and connected to each other,
and two battery cell groups are connected with each other in series
in the battery pack.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the first male plug of the high
rated-voltage power tool has two conducting terminals respectively
and electrically connected to corresponding conductive terminals of
the rest two conductive terminals in the four conductive terminals,
and the conductive terminals with different polarities are
disengaged when the first male plug is assembled to the socket.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the second male plug of the low
rated-voltage power tool has two contacting terminals and an
insulating rib located in the middle of two contacting terminals,
and each contacting terminal defines a pair of contacting arms
branched at the end thereof for connecting with corresponding
conductive terminal of the socket, and the insulating rib is
inserted into the connected two conductive terminals of the socket
to electrically isolate these two conductive terminals, and two
cell groups are connected with each other in parallel when the
insulating rib of the second male plug is clamped by the two
conductive terminals with different polarities.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, four conductive terminals are
arranged adjacent to each other, and the two conductive terminals
with different polarities are located in the middle, and two
adjacent conductive terminals located on two sides have same
polarity.
[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, four conductive terminals are
arranged adjacent to each other, and two conductive terminals with
different polarities are located on one side of the four conductive
terminals, and two adjacent conductive terminals which are located
in the middle have same polarity.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, two conductive terminals with
different polarities defines a gap formed therebetween, and the
connecting terminal is inserted into the gap for simultaneously and
electrically connecting the two conductive terminals with different
polarities together.
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the second male plug has an
insulating rib located in the middle of four contacting terminals,
and the insulating rib is inserted into two conductive terminals in
the middle to electrically isolated these two conductive
terminals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack in accordance
with a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a socket of the battery pack
shown in FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the electrical connection
between the conductive terminals of the socket and the electrodes
of two battery cell groups shown in FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a power tool system
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing
the connection status of the socket of the battery pack in FIG. 2
and a first male plug of a high rated-voltage power tool when the
battery pack outputting a high voltage for the high rated-voltage
power tool, and the base of the first male plug is not shown.
[0034] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the first male
plug of the high rated-voltage power tool in accordance with the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a power tool system
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing
the connection status of the socket of the battery pack and a
second male plug of a low rated-voltage power tool when the battery
pack outputting a low voltage for the low rated-voltage power tool,
and the main housing of the second male plug is not shown.
[0036] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the second male
plug of the power tool in accordance with the first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a power tool system
according to the second embodiment of the present invention,
showing the connection status of the socket of the battery pack and
a second male plug of a low rated-voltage power tool when the
battery pack outputting a low voltage for the low rated-voltage
power tool, and the main housing of the second male plug is not
shown.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the electrical connection
between the conductive terminals of the socket and the electrodes
of two battery cell groups shown in FIG. 8.
[0039] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the second male
plug of the low rated-voltage power tool in accordance with the
second embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a power tool system
according to the second embodiment of the present invention,
showing the connection status of the socket of the battery pack and
a first male plug of a high rated-voltage power tool when the
battery pack outputting a high voltage for the high rated-voltage
power tool, and the base of the first male plug is not shown.
[0041] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the first male
plug of the high rated-voltage power tool shown in FIG. 11
according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the electrical connection
between the conductive terminals of the socket and the electrodes
of two battery cell groups of the battery pack according to the
third embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of a power tool system
according to the third embodiment of the present invention, showing
the connection status of the socket of the battery pack and a
second male plug of a low rated-voltage power tool when the battery
pack outputting a low voltage for the low rated-voltage power tool,
and the main housing of the second male plug is not shown.
[0044] FIG. 15 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
second male plug of the low rated-voltage power tool shown in FIG.
14.
[0045] FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of a power tool system
according to the third embodiment of the present invention, showing
the connection status of the conductive terminals of the battery
pack and a first male plug of a high rated-voltage power tool when
the battery pack outputting a high voltage for the high
rated-voltage power tool, and the base of the first male plug is
not shown.
[0046] FIG. 17 is a schematic view of the electronical connection
between the conductive terminals of the socket and the electrodes
of two battery cell groups of the battery pack according to the
fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of a power tool system
according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention,
showing the connection status of the conductive terminals of the
battery and a first male plug of the high rated-voltage power tool
when the battery pack outputting high voltage for the high
rated-voltage power tool, and the base of the first male plug is
not shown.
[0048] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the f male plug
of the high rated-voltage power tool according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view of a power tool system
according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention,
showing the connection status of the conductive terminals of the
battery pack and a second male plug of the low rated-voltage power
tool when the battery pack outputting a low voltage for the low
rated-voltage power tool, and the main housing of the second male
plug is not shown.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0050] The present invention will be described in detail below with
reference to the drawings and specific embodiments.
[0051] It is also to be noted that, in order to avoid obscuring the
invention in unnecessary detail, the structures and/or processing
steps only closely related to the aspects of the present invention
are shown in the drawings and the other details having little
relationship with this invention is omitted.
[0052] In addition, it should be noted that the terms "comprising",
"including", or any other variants are intended to encompass a
non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or
device that comprising a plurality of elements includes not only
those elements but also the elements that are not explicitly
listed, or the elements that are inherent to such a process,
method, item, or device.
[0053] FIGS. 1 to 7 illustrate a power tool system according to a
first embodiment of the present invention. The power tool system
includes a high rated-voltage power tool (not shown) having a first
male plug 120, a low rated-voltage power tool (not shown) having a
second male plug 130, and a battery pack 100 optionally connected
to the high or low rated-voltage power tools for supplying power to
corresponding power tool. The battery pack 100 has a socket 110
located on the top thereof and optionally connected with the first
male plug 120 or the second male plug 130. The battery pack 100
outputs a low voltage to the low rated-voltage power tool through
the socket 110 electrically connecting with the second male plug
130 and a high voltage to the high rated-voltage power tool through
the socket 110 electrically connecting with the first male plug
120.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, a battery pack 100 used for
supplying power to corresponding power tool also includes a housing
101 and a first and second battery cell groups 102, 103 received in
the housing 101. Each battery cell group 102, 103 has a plurality
of battery cells connected in series and has same battery cells.
Each battery cell group 102, 102 is electrically connected to the
socket 110 through a circuit board (not shown) which is received in
the housing 101. The two battery cell groups 102, 103 are connected
with each other in parallel when the socket 110 is electrically
connected with the second male plug 130. The two battery cell
groups 102, 103 are connected with each other in series when the
socket 110 is electrically connected with the first male plug
120.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 2, the socket 110 includes a body 104
formed on the top of the housing 101 and six terminals received in
the body 104 in a row from left to right. Six terminals include one
communicating terminal 115, four conductive terminals 114, 112,
113, 111 and one charging terminal 116. The communicating terminal
115 and the charging terminal 116 are respectively disposed at two
opposite sides of all conductive terminals 114, 112, 113,111, so as
to prevent the battery pack 100 from damage when charging at a high
voltage level and prolong the service life of the battery pack 100.
The charging terminal 116 is used for transferring charger to
charge the battery cells of the battery cell groups 102, 103 when
the battery pack 100 is connected to a power source through a
charger (not shown).
[0056] The conductive terminals 111, 112, 113, 114 respectively
connected to the positive and negative electrodes of two battery
cell groups 102, 103 through a circuit board (not shown) are used
to achieve the electrically connection between the battery pack 100
and the corresponding power tool when connected to the
corresponding male plug 120, 130, so as to achieve the power
supplying function of the battery pack 100 for the power tool. Two
conductive terminals 111, 112 are respectively and electrically
connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the first
battery cell group 102. The other two conductive terminals 113, 114
are respectively connected to the positive and negative electrodes
of the second battery cell group 103. Specifically, the conductive
terminal 111 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of
the first battery cell group 102. The conductive terminal 112 is
electrically connected to the negative electrode of the first
battery cell group 102. The conductive terminal 113 is electrically
connected to the positive electrode of the second battery cell
group 103. The conductive terminal 114 is electrically connected to
the negative electrode of the second battery cell group 103.
[0057] Six terminals 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 are configured
with two different structures. The communicating terminal 115, the
charging terminal 116 and two conductive terminals 111, 114 are
configured with same structure. The rest two conductive terminals
112, 113 have same structure but different with that of the
communicating terminal 115. Each of the communicating terminal 115,
the charging terminal 116 and two conductive terminals 111, 114 has
two contacting arms to clamp corresponding contacting terminal of
the first or second male plug 120, 130. Two conductive terminals
112, 113 are symmetrically arranged in the middle of six terminals
and each has one contacting arm for contacting with corresponding
contacting terminal of the first or second male plug 120, 130.
[0058] Specifically, the conductive terminals 114, 112, 113, 111
are disposed in the body 104 from left to right. Two conductive
terminals 111, 114 are respectively disposed at the opposite sides
of two conductive terminals 112, 113. Specifically, the conductive
terminal 114 is disposed at the left side of the conductive
terminal 112. The conductive terminal 111 is disposed at the right
side of the conductive terminal 113. The conductive terminal 112 is
disposed at the left side of the conductive terminal 113. Two
conductive terminals 112, 113 are close to each other. The
contacting arms of the conductive terminals 112, 113 are close but
separate with each other. The first and second battery cell groups
102, 103 are isolated with each other in the battery pack 100.
[0059] Due to the layout of these four conductive terminals 114,
112, 113,111, the contacting arms of the conductive terminals 112,
113 are easily and mechanically connected or disconnected to each
other. Therefore, the battery cell groups 102, 103 are easily
switched between two states through the contacting arms of the
conductive terminals 112, 113. One state is that two battery cell
groups 102, 103 are connected with each other in series to output a
high voltage. The other state is that two battery cell groups 102,
103 are connected with each other in parallel to output a low
voltage.
[0060] Specifically, when the contacting arms of two conductive
terminals 112, 113 are connected to each other, two battery cell
groups 102, 103 are connected in series and the battery pack 100
can output a high voltage for the high rated-voltage power tool
connected thereto. When the contacting arms of two conductive
terminals 112, 113 are isolated or disconnected with each other,
two battery cell groups 102, 103 are isolated with each other and
the battery pack 100 can output a low voltage for the low
rated-voltage power tool connected thereto.
[0061] In this embodiment, the conductive terminal 111 is the first
positive terminal 111, the conductive terminal 112 is the first
negative terminal 112, the conductive terminal 113 is the second
positive terminal 113 and the conductive terminal 114 is the second
negative terminal 114. The second negative terminal 114, the first
negative terminal 112, the second positive terminal 113 and the
first positive terminal 111 are disposed on the battery pack 100
from left to right. In this embodiment, the communicating terminal
115 is located at the left side of the second negative terminal 114
and the charging terminal 116 is located at the right side of the
first positive terminal 111. The first negative terminal 112 and
the second positive terminal 113 are selectively disconnected or
connected in two different mechanical connection states. In one
state, the two battery cell groups 102, 103 are connected with each
other in series for outputting a high voltage. In another state,
the two battery cell groups 102, 103 are connected with each other
in parallel to output a low voltage.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the conductive terminals
114, 112,113,111 of the battery pack 100 cooperates with the first
male plug 120 to output a high voltage for the high rated-voltage
power tool (not shown). The first male plug 120 includes a stepped
base 126 and a plurality of first male terminals 121, 122, 123,
124, 125 received in the stepped base 126. The first male terminals
121, 122, 123, 124, 125 include four first male conducting
terminals 121, 122, 123, 124 and one connecting terminal 125
disposed in the same row and respectively connected to six
terminals of the battery pack 100. The connecting terminal 125 is
located at the middle of all the first male terminals 121, 122,
123, 124, 125 and can be connected with both conductive terminals
112, 113 when the first male plug 120 is inserted into the socket
110. The connecting terminal 125 has a width approximately same
with the distance between the contacting arms of two conductive
terminals 112, 113.
[0063] Four male conducting terminals 121, 122, 123, 124 are
respectively connected to the communicating terminal 115, two
conductive terminals 114, 111 and the charging terminal 116 through
clamped by corresponding two arms of corresponding terminals of the
socket 110 when the first male plug 120 is inserted into the socket
110. Specifically, when the first male plug 120 is inserted into
the socket 110 of the battery pack 100, the male conducting
terminal 121 is clamped by two contacting arms of the communicating
terminal 115. The male conducting terminal 122 is clamped by two
contacting arms of the conductive terminal 114. The male conducting
terminal 123 is clamped by two contacting arms of the conductive
terminal 111. The male conducting terminal 124 is clamped by two
contacting arms of the charging terminal 116. The connecting
terminal 125 is clamped together by the contacting arms of the
conductive terminals 112, 113, so as to electrically connect the
negative electrode of the first battery cell group 102 to the
positive electrode of the second battery cell group 103. Therefore,
the first and second battery cell groups 102, 103 are connected
with each other in series and the battery pack 100 outputs a high
voltage for the high rated voltage power tool through the negative
conductive terminals 114 and the positive conductive terminal 111
thereof.
[0064] Specifically, when the first male plug 20 of the high
rated-voltage power tool is connected to the socket 110 of the
battery pack 100, only the electrical connections formed between
the male conducting terminal 121 and the communicating terminal
115, the male conducting terminal 122 and the conducting terminal
114, the male conducting terminal 123 and the conducting terminal
111 are achieved between the first male plug 20 and the socket 110
of the battery pack 100. Specifically, the electrical connection
formed between the male conducting terminal 122 and the conducting
terminal 114 is used to transfer the communication between the
battery pack 100 and the high rated-voltage power tool. The
electrical connections formed between two sets of terminals, for
example, the male conducting terminal 122 and the conducting
terminal 114, the male conducting terminal 123 and the conducting
terminal 111 are used to supply power from the battery pack 100 to
the high rated-voltage power tool. The connecting terminal 125 is
only used to electrically connected the conducting terminal 112 to
the conducting terminal 113 in the battery pack 100, so as to make
two battery cell groups 102, 103 connected with each other in
series. No electrical connection between the battery pack 100 and
the high rated-voltage power tool is achieved by the connecting
terminal 125 and two conducting terminals 112, 113. The connecting
terminal 125 is only used to achieve the electrical connection
between two battery cell groups 102, 103.
[0065] The charging terminal 116 is used when the battery pack 100
is connected to an external power source for charging, and it
doesn't work when the battery pack 100 is connected to the power
tool, so that the charging terminal 116 and the male conducting
terminal 124 only have a mechanical connection but not an
electrical connection. The cooperation of the male conducting
terminal 124 and the charging terminal 116 can enhance the mating
strength between the first male plug 120 and the battery pack 100.
Correspondingly, the first male plug 120 can be provided with only
three first male terminals 121, 122, 123, and without the male
conducting terminal 124.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the conductive terminals
114, 112, 113, 111 of the battery pack 100 of the present invention
cooperates with the second male plug 130 to output a low voltage
for of a low rated-voltage power tool (not shown). The second male
plug 130 includes a main housing 135 corresponding to the body 104
of the socket 110 and a plurality of second male terminals 131,
132, 133, 134 receiving in the main housing 135. The main housing
135 defines an insulating rib 136 at the bottom thereof, for
electrically insulating two conductive terminals 112, 113 when the
second male plug 130 is connected to the socket 110 of the battery
pack 100. The insulating rib 136 extends along the main housing 135
from a rear-to-front direction. The insulating rib 136 integrally
formed with the main housing 135 is located corresponding to the
space formed between two conductive terminals 112, 113. The
insulating rib 135 is also located in the middle of the second male
terminals 131, 132, 133, 134. Specifically, the insulating rib 135
is located between two second male terminals 132, 133 for achieving
the electrical insulation of two contacting terminals 132, 133 when
the second mal plug 130 is connected to the socket 110 of the
battery pack 100.
[0067] The second male terminals configured with two different type
include four contacting terminals 131, 132, 133, 134 which are
corresponding to six terminals of the battery pack 100. Four
contacting terminals 131, 132, 133, 134 are disposed in the main
housing 135 from left to right. Two contacting terminals 131, 134
have same structure and each defines only one contacting arm
respectively clamped by two contacting arms of corresponding
communicating terminal 115 or charging terminal 116. The function
of the contacting terminals 131 is same with that of the conducting
terminal 121 of the first mal plug 120 which is described above.
The function of the contacting terminal 134 is same with that of
the conducting terminal 124 of the first male plug 120 which is
described above.
[0068] Two contacting terminals 132, 133 have same structure which
is different with that of the contacting terminals 131, 134 and
each defines a pair of contacting arms 1321, 1322, 1331, 1332
corresponding to conductive terminals 114, 112, 113, 111.
Specifically, the contacting terminal 132 is configured with a pair
of contacting arms 1321, 1322 branched at the end thereof. The
contacting arm 1321 is clamped by two contacting arms of the
conductive terminal 114 and the contacting arm 1322 is connected to
the contacting arm of the conductive terminal 112. The contacting
terminal 133 also defines two contacting arms 1331, 1332 branched
at the end thereof. The contacting arm 1331 is electrically
connected to the contacting arm of the conductive terminal 113 and
the other contacting arm 1332 is clamped by two contacting arms of
the conductive terminal 111. The contacting terminal 132 is
simultaneously connected with two conductive terminals 114, 112 and
the contacting terminal 133 is simultaneously connected with two
conductive terminals 112, 111 when the second male plug 130 is
connected to the socket 110.
[0069] Therefore, the electrical connection between the socket 110
and the second male plug 130 is achieved together by the contacting
arms of the conductive terminal 114 clamping one contacting arm
1321 of the contacting terminal 132, the contacting arm of the
conductive terminal 112 connecting with the other contacting arm
1322 of the contacting terminal 132, the contacting arm of the
conductive terminal 113 contacting with one contacting arm 1331 of
the contacting terminal 133 and the contacting arms of the
conductive terminal 111 clamping the other contacting arm 1332 of
the contacting terminal 133. Due to the structures of two
contacting terminals 132, 133 of the second male plug 130 and the
conductive terminals 114, 112, 113, 111 of the socket 110, the
first battery cell group 102 and the second battery cell group 103
are connected with each other in parallel, the battery pack 100
output a low voltage to the low rated-voltage power tool through
the electrical connections between the conducting terminals 114,
112,113, 111 of the socket 110 and two contacting terminals 132,
133 of the second male plug 130.
[0070] Specifically, the contacting arm 1322 of the contacting
terminal 132 is closed to the contacting arm 1331 of the contacting
terminal 133. The insulating rib 136 is located between the
contacting arm 1322 of the contacting terminal 132 and the
contacting arm 1331 of the contacting terminal 133 and separate
these two contacting terminals 132 and 133, so as to prevent the
contacting terminals 132, 133 from circuit shorting. The insulating
rib 136 has a length longer than that of the contacting arms 1322,
1331.
[0071] In this embodiment, two conductive terminals 112, 113 are
isolated with each other in the battery pack 100, so that two
battery cell groups 102, 103 are isolated with each other. When the
first male plug 120 of the high rated-voltage power tool is
assembled on the socket 110 of the battery pack 100, the connecting
terminal 125 of the first male plug 120 is clamped by corresponding
contacting arms of two conductive terminals 112, 113, the
conducting terminal 122 of the first male plug 120 is clamped by
two contacting arms of the conductive terminal 114, and the
conducting terminal 123 is clamped by two contacting arms of the
conductive terminal 111, so that the conductive terminals 114, 112,
113, 111 are connected with each other in series, two battery cell
groups 102, 103 of the battery pack 100 are connected with each
other in series, therefore, the battery pack 100 outputs a high
rated-voltage for the high rated-voltage power tool through the
connection between the socket 100 and the first male plug 120. The
battery cell groups 102. 103 can be switched between isolated state
and series connection state when disconnecting or connecting the
socket 110 of the battery pack 100 to the first male plug 120 of
the high rate-voltage power tool. When the second male plug 130 of
the low rated-voltage power tool is assembled on the socket 110 of
the battery pack 100, the contacting terminal 133 of the second
male plug 130 is simultaneously connected with two conductive
terminals 111, 113, the contacting terminal 132 is simultaneously
connected with two conductive terminals 112 and 114, so that two
conductive terminals 111, 113 are connected in parallel and two
conductive terminals 112, 114 are connected in parallel. Therefore,
two battery cell groups 102, 103 are connected with each other in
parallel and the battery pack 100 outputs a low voltage for the low
rated-voltage power tool. The battery cell groups 102, 103 can be
switched between isolated state and parallel connection state when
disconnecting or connecting the socket 110 of the battery pack 100
to the second male plug 130 of the low rated-voltage power
tool.
[0072] FIGS. 8 to 12 illustrate a power tool system in accordance
with the second embodiment of the present invention. The power tool
system includes a battery pack 200 with a socket 210, a high
rated-voltage power tool with a first male plug 230 and a low
rated-voltage power tool with a second male plug 220 in accordance
with the second embodiment of the present invention. The
differences between the power tool systems in the first and second
embodiments are that the first male plug 230 of the high
rated-voltage power tool in the second embodiment is configured as
same with the second male plug 130 of the low rated-voltage power
tool in the first embodiment and the second male plug 220 of the
low rated-voltage power tool in the second embodiment is configured
as same with the first male plug 120 of the high rated-voltage
power tool in the first embodiment except lacking the connecting
terminal 125. Two battery cell groups 202, 203 in the second
embodiment are connected with each other in series when four
conductive terminals 211, 212, 213, 214 are respectively and
electrically connected to the corresponding positive and negative
electrodes of the first and second battery cell group 202, 203, but
two battery cell groups 102, 103 in the first embodiment are
isolated with each other when four conductive terminals 111, 112,
113, 114 are respectively and electrically connected to the
corresponding positive and negative electrodes of the first and
second battery cell group 102, 103. The communicating terminal 215,
the charging terminal 216 and two conductive terminals 214, 211 in
the second embodiment are configured as same with corresponding
communicating terminal 115, the charging terminal 116 and two
conductive terminals 114, 111 in the first embodiment. The reason
caused the different battery packs 200, 100 in different
embodiments is the different structures of the sockets 210, 110.
Specifically, the conductive terminals 212, 213 are respectively
different with corresponding conductive terminals 112, 113. Each
conductive terminal 212, 213 formed integrally from a conductive
sheet defines a pair of main contacting arms 2121, 2131 and an
auxiliary contacting arm 2122, 2132. But conductive terminal 112,
113 in the first embodiment each only has one contacting arm. The
main contacting arms 2121, 2131 have same structure with that of
the conductive terminals 215, 214, 211, 216. Two auxiliary
contacting arms 2122, 212 are located close to each other and
electrically connected with each other, so as to make two battery
cell groups 202, 203 in the second embodiment being connected with
each other in series in the battery pack 200.
[0073] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, when the second male plug 220
of the low rated-voltage power tool is assembled to the socket 210
in the second embodiment, the contacting terminal 221 is clamped by
two contacting arms of the communicating terminal 215, one
contacting arm of the contacting terminal 222 is clamped by a pair
of contacting arms of the conductive terminal 214, the other
contacting arm of the contacting terminal 222 is clamped by two
main contacting arms of the conductive terminal 212, the insulating
rib 225 is clamped by two auxiliary contacting arms 2122, 2132, one
contacting arm of the contacting terminal 223 is clamped by two
main contacting arms of the conductive terminal 213 and the other
contacting arm of the contacting terminal 223 is clamped by two
contacting arms of the conductive terminal 211, and the contacting
terminal 224 is clamped by two contacting arms of the charging
terminal 216. The insulating rib 225 is separate the auxiliary
contacting arm 2122 of the conductive terminal 212 from the
auxiliary contacting arm 2132 of the conductive terminal 213, so
that the contacting terminal 222 of the second male plug 220 is
simultaneously connected with two conductive terminals 214, 212 of
the socket 210, the contacting terminal 223 of the second male plug
220 is simultaneously connected with two conductive terminals 213,
211. Therefore, two battery cell groups 202, 203 are connected with
each other in parallel due to two conductive terminals 214, 212
being connected with each other in parallel and two conductive
terminals 213, 211 being connected with each other in parallel. And
then the battery pack 200 outputs a low voltage to the low
rated-voltage power tool through the socket 210 and the second male
plug 220. Two battery cell groups 202, 203 can be switched between
series connection state and parallel connection state through
disconnecting or connecting the socket 210 of the battery pack 200
to the second male plug 220 of the low rated-voltage power
tool.
[0074] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, when the first male plug 230
of the high rated-voltage power tool is assembled to the socket 210
of the battery pack 200 in the second embodiment, the conducting
terminal 231 is clamped by two contacting arms of the communicating
terminal 215, the conducting terminal 232 is clamped by two
contacting arms of the conductive terminal 214, the conducting
terminal 233 is clamped by two contacting arms of the conductive
terminal 211, the conducting terminal 234 is clamped by two
contacting arms of the charging terminal 216. The main contacting
arms 2121, 2131 of the conductive terminals 212, 213 are disengaged
but the auxiliary contacting arm 2122 of the conductive terminal
212 is connected to the auxiliary contacting arm 2132 of the
conductive terminal 213. So that two battery cell groups 202, 203
are connected with each other in series, the battery pack 200
outputs a high voltage for a high rated-voltage power tool through
the socket 210 and the first male plug 230.
[0075] In the second embodiment, two conductive terminals 212, 213
are connected with each other in the battery pack 200, so that two
battery cell groups 202, 203 are connected with each other in
series in the battery pack 200. When the first male plug 230 of the
high rated-voltage power tool is assembled on the socket 210 of the
battery pack 200, the conducting terminal 232 is clamped by two
contacting arms of the conductive terminal 214, the conducting
terminal 233 is clamped by two contacting arms of the conductive
terminal 211, so that the conductive terminals 214, 212, 213, 211
are connected to each other in series through the conductive
terminal 212 being connected with the conductive terminal 213, two
battery cell group 202, 203 are connected with each other in
series. Therefore, the battery pack 200 outputs a high voltage for
the high rated-voltage power tool through the connection between
the socket 210 and the first male plug 230. When the second male
plug 220 of the low rated-voltage power tool is assembled on the
socket 210 of the battery pack 200, the contacting terminal 222 is
simultaneously connected with two conductive terminals 214, 212,
and the contacting terminal 223 is simultaneously connected with
two conductive terminals 213, 211, and the insulating rib 225 is
simultaneously connected with two auxiliary arms 2122, 2131 and
separated the connection between two conductive terminals 212, 213.
So that the conductive terminals 214, 213, 212, 211 are connected
with each other in parallel through the contacting terminals 222,
223. Therefore, two battery cell groups 202, 203 are connected with
each other in parallel and the battery pack 200 outputs a low
voltage for the low rated-voltage power tool. Two battery cell
groups 202, 203 can be switched between series connection state and
parallel connection state when disconnecting or connecting the
socket 210 of the battery pack 200 to the second male plug 220 of
the low rated-voltage power tool.
[0076] FIGS. 13 to 16 illustrate a power tool system in accordance
with the third embodiment of the present invention. The power tool
system includes a battery pack 300 provided with a socket 310, a
high rated-voltage power tool provided with a first male plug 330
and a low rated-voltage power tool with a second male plug 320 in
the third embodiment of the present invention. The socket 310 of
the battery pack 300 in this embodiment has same structure with the
socket 110 of the battery pack 100 in the first embodiment, except
that the conductive terminal 313 is connected to the negative
electrode of the second battery cell group 303, and the conductive
terminal 314 is connected to the positive electrode of the second
battery cell group 303. But in the first embodiment, the conductive
terminal 113 is connected to the positive electrode of the second
battery cell group 103 and the conductive terminal 314 is connected
to the negative electrode of the second battery cell group 103. Two
battery cell groups 203, 303 are isolated with each other in the
battery pack 300 before the battery pack 300 is connected to the
high or low rated-voltage power tools. Two battery cell groups 302,
303 can be switched between isolated state and parallel connected
state through disconnecting or connecting the socket 310 of the
battery pack 300 to the second male plug 320 of the low
rated-voltage power tool. Two battery cell group 302, 303 can be
also switched between isolated state and series connected state
through disconnecting or connecting the socket 310 of the battery
pack 300 to the first male plug 330 of the high rated-voltage power
tool.
[0077] The second male plug 320 of the low rated-voltage power tool
in the third embodiment has similar structure with the first male
plug 120 of the high rated-voltage power tool in the first
embodiment, except that the contacting terminal 322 of the second
male plug 320 in the third embodiment is formed as a whole by
integrating tow conductive terminals 122, 123 of the first male
plug 120 in the first embodiment. Therefore, when the second male
plug 320 of the low rated-voltage power tool (not shown) is
connected to the socket 310 of the battery pack 300 in the third
embodiment, the contacting terminal 322 is simultaneously connected
with two conductive terminals 314, 313 at the same time through two
contacting arms of the conductive terminal 314 clamping one
contacting arm of the contacting terminal 322 and two contacting
arms of the conductive terminal 311 clamping the other contacting
arm of the contacting terminal 322. So that two positive electrodes
of two battery cell groups 302, 302 are connected with each other
in parallel. The connecting terminal 323 of the second male plug
320 is simultaneously connected with two conductive terminals 312,
313. So that two positive electrodes of two battery cell groups
302, 302 are connected with each other in parallel. Such that two
battery cell groups 302, 302 are connected with each other in
parallel when the second male plug 320 of the low rated-voltage
power tool is assembled on the socket 310 of the battery pack 300.
And the battery pack 300 can output a low voltage for the low
rated-voltage power tool through connecting the socket 310 to the
second male plug 320. Two battery cell groups 302, 302 can be
switched between isolated state and parallel state through
disconnecting or connecting the battery pack 300 to the low
rated-voltage power tool. The contacting terminal 321 is clamped by
two contacting arms of the communicating terminal 315. The
contacting terminal 324 is clamped by two contacting arms of the
charging terminal 316, referring to FIG. 14.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 16, the first male plug 330 of the high
rated-voltage power tool in the third embodiment has similar
structure with the second male plug 130 of the low rated-voltage
power tool in the first embodiment, except that two conducting
terminals 332, 333 are isolated and separated with each other. When
the first male plug 330 is assembled to the socket 310 of the
battery pack 300, the conducting terminal 331 is clamped by two
contacting arms of the communicating terminal 315, the connecting
terminal 335 is simultaneously connected with two conductive
terminals 314, 312, the conducting terminal 332 is contacting with
the contacting arm of the conductive terminal 313, the conducting
terminal 333 is clamped by two contacting arms of the conductive
terminal 311, and the conducting terminal 334 is clamped by two
contacting arms of the charging terminal 316. So that two battery
cell groups 302, 303 are connected with each other in series due to
the conductive terminal 314 connected to the connective terminal
312 through the connecting terminal 335 of the first male plug 330
and the battery pack 300 output a high voltage to the high
rated-voltage power tool through the connection between the socket
310 and the first male plug 330. Two battery cell groups 302, 303
can be switched between isolated state and series connected state
through disconnecting or connecting the socket 310 of the battery
pack 300 to the first male plug 330 of the high rated-voltage power
tool.
[0079] FIGS. 17 to 20 illustrate a power tool system in accordance
with the fourth embodiment of the present invention. the power tool
system according to the fourth embodiment includes a battery pack
400 with a socket 410, a high rated-voltage power tool with a first
male plug 420 and a low rated-voltage power tool with a second male
plug 430. The battery pack 400 in the fourth embodiment has similar
structure with the battery pack 200 in the second embodiment and
shown in FIG. 11, except that the conductive terminal 414 is
electrically connected to the positive electrode of the second
battery cell group 403 and the conductive terminal 413 is
electrically connected to the negative electrode of the second
battery cell group 403. While the conductive terminal 214 is
electrically connected to the negative electrode of the second
battery cell group 203 and the conductive terminal 213 is
electrically connected to the positive electrode of the second
battery cell group 203 in the second embodiment. So that the
negative electrodes of two battery cell groups 402, 403 are
connected with each other through the auxiliary contacting arm 4122
of the conductive terminal 412 contacting the auxiliary contacting
arm 4132 of the conductive terminal 413.
[0080] Referring FIG. 19, the first male plug 420 of the high
rated-voltage power tool in this embodiment is configured as same
structure with that of the second male plug 220 of the low
rated-voltage power tool shown in FIG. 10 in the second embodiment,
except two conducting terminals 422, 423 are isolated and separated
with each other, while the contacting arm 223 in the second
embodiment is integrated together as a whole. When the first male
plug 420 of the high rated-voltage power tool is assembled to the
socket 410 of the battery pack 400, the conducting terminal 421 is
clamped by two contacting arms of the communicating terminal 415,
the connecting terminal 425 is simultaneously connected with two
conductive terminals 414, 412 through one contacting arm thereof
being clamped by two contacting arms of the conductive terminal 414
and the other contacting arm thereof being clamped by two main
contacting arms 4121 of the conductive terminal 412. The insulating
rib 416 is simultaneously contacted with the auxiliary arm 4122 of
the conductive terminal 412 and the auxiliary arm 4132 of the
conductive terminal 413. The conducting terminal 422 is clamped by
two main contacting arms 4131 of the conductive terminal 413. The
conducting terminal 423 is clamped by two contacting arms of the
conductive terminal 411 and the conducting terminal 424 is clamped
by two contacting arms of the charging terminal 416. Therefore, two
battery cell groups 402, 403 are connected with each other in
series through the connecting terminal 425 connecting the
conductive terminal 414 to the conductive terminal 412 and the
insulating rib 426 electrically insulating two conductive terminals
412 and 413. The battery pack 400 output a high voltage to the high
rated-voltage power tool through the socket 410 is connected to the
first male plug 420.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 20, the second male plug 430 of the low
rated-voltage power tool in the fourth embodiment is configured as
same with that of the second male plug 320 of the low rated-voltage
power tool shown in FIG. 14 in the third embodiment. When the
second male plug 430 in this embodiment is assembled to the socket
410 of the battery pack 400, the contacting terminal 431 is clamped
by two contacting arms of the communicating terminal 415, one
contacting arm 4321 of the contacting terminal 431 is clamped by
two contacting arms of the conductive terminal 414, the other
contacting arm 4322 of the contacting terminal 431 is clamped by
two contacting arms of the conductive terminal 413, the contacting
terminal 433 is clamped by the auxiliary contacting arms of two
conductive terminals 412, 413, the contacting terminal 434 is
clamped by two contacting arms of the charging terminal 416. So
that two conductive terminals 414, 411 are connected to each other
through the contacting terminal 431, two conductive terminals 412,
413 are connected to each other through the contacting terminal
433. Therefore, two battery cell groups 402, 403 are connected with
each other in parallel through four conductive terminals 414, 413,
412, 411 and the battery pack 400 output a low voltage to the low
rated-voltage power tool through the socket 410 is connected to the
second male plug 430. Therefore, the first and second battery cell
groups 402, 403 can be switched between series connected state and
parallel connected state through the battery pack 400 being
selectively connected to the first male plug 420 of the high
rated-voltage power tool or the second male plug 430 of the low
rated-voltage power tool in the fourth embodiment. The battery pack
400 can selectively output a high or low voltage through connected
to the high or low rated-voltage power tool.
[0082] In summary, the battery pack of the present invention
comprises two sets of battery cells and four conductive terminals
respectively connected to the two sets of battery cells, two of
four conductive terminals are provided with different mechanical
connected states formed therebetween. And two sets of the battery
cells in the battery pack are isolated or serially connected with
each other through these two conductive terminals with different
polarity being disconnected or connected with each other. Two sets
of the battery cells are always isolated with each other when these
two conductive terminals having same polarity. A contacting
terminal disposed on a male plug of a high rated-voltage power tool
can change the mechanical connection state of two different
polarity conductive terminals from isolated state to series
connected state. An insulating rib disposed on a male plug of a low
rated-voltage power tool can change the mechanical connection state
of two different polarity conductive terminals from series
connected state to isolated state. Two set of battery cells can be
connected with each other in series or in parallel through the
electrical connections formed between four conductive terminals of
the battery pack and the conducting or contacting terminals of the
high or low rated-voltage power tool when the high or low
rated-voltage power tool connected to the battery pack. The battery
pack output different voltages through switching the connection
between two set of battery cells caused by the electrical
connection formed between four terminals and the conducting or
contacting terminals of corresponding power tool. so that the
battery pack is widely used.
[0083] Although, the present invention has been described above
with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be
limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the
invention is limited only by the accompanying claims.
[0084] In the claims, the term "comprises/comprising" does not
exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore,
although individually listed, a plurality of means or elements may
be implemented by e.g. a single unit or processor. Additionally,
although individual features may be included in different claims,
these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion in
different claims does not imply that a combination of features is
not feasible and/or advantageous. In addition, singular references
do not exclude a plurality. The terms "a", "an", "first", "second"
etc., do not preclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims
are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be
construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.
* * * * *