CA1315335C - Mobile power tool and appliance operating system - Google Patents
Mobile power tool and appliance operating systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1315335C CA1315335C CA000546274A CA546274A CA1315335C CA 1315335 C CA1315335 C CA 1315335C CA 000546274 A CA000546274 A CA 000546274A CA 546274 A CA546274 A CA 546274A CA 1315335 C CA1315335 C CA 1315335C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- battery pack
- electrical connector
- appliances
- plug
- socket
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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- Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
- Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The mobile power tool and appliance operating system in-cludes a portable lead-acid battery pack having a high current capacity socket compatible with existing low current plugs used with appliances intended to operate from automotive cigarette lighter sockets. Matable high current capacity plugs are attached to power tools and appliances through retractable cords.
The battery pack is receivable in a 110 VAC powered charging base having a self-contained charging circuit including a transformer and a voltage regulator. The high current socket housing pre-vents inadvertent operation with an automotive cigarette lighter plug, and the high current plug housing prevents electrical con-tact in an automotive cigarette lighter socket, for safety rea-sons.
The mobile power tool and appliance operating system in-cludes a portable lead-acid battery pack having a high current capacity socket compatible with existing low current plugs used with appliances intended to operate from automotive cigarette lighter sockets. Matable high current capacity plugs are attached to power tools and appliances through retractable cords.
The battery pack is receivable in a 110 VAC powered charging base having a self-contained charging circuit including a transformer and a voltage regulator. The high current socket housing pre-vents inadvertent operation with an automotive cigarette lighter plug, and the high current plug housing prevents electrical con-tact in an automotive cigarette lighter socket, for safety rea-sons.
Description
~3~ 533~
MOBI LE POW~'R TOO:L AND APE~LIANCE OPERATING SYSTE'M
Field of the ~n~ention:
The present inventiorl relates to a system for- operating bat-tery powered, hand-held power tools and appliances, including tools and appliances having a high direct current capacity.
Description of the ~rior Art:
In recent years, low-voltage, direct current le.q., 12 v~c) hand held appliances and tools have proliferated for use in the car and around the horne. Some appliances, such as the hand-held car vacuum cleaners and car polishers, are intended for operation using power supplied from the car battery~ These appliances, which are relatively low current devices (~.e., 2-6 amps), typi-cally employ a plug connector compatibl~ with the socket compo-nent of a conventional, dash-mounted automotive cigarette lighter, The necessity for use of these appliances in close proximity to a vehicle having a lighter socket has restricted somewhat the utilization of the same appliances around the home.
Many hand-held tools used around the home, in comparison, require relatively high current levels ~l.e., 8-20 amps). These high current tools include hedge trimmers, grass tri~ers, etc., which can seriously tax the capacity of self-contained battery packs which t~pically are of the NiCd variety.
An operating system ~sing a portable battery pack having in-creased power capacity and longer operation times be-reen 3 ~ ~
charging would be highly desirable for these high ~irect current tools. The system shoul~ enable th~ battery ,oack to be selec-~ively connecta~le to a variety of different tools to maximize utility. Moreover, because of the existence in the marketplace of a variety of automotive appliances having cigarette lighter socket-compati~le low current plug connectors, an ability to accommodate existing low current plug connectors would further extend the usefulness of the system.
13i~i3~
~UMM~RY OF THE I NVr,NT I ON
In accordancc with th~ preserlt invention, as embodied and broadly described herein~ the system for op~r~ting one-at-a-time a plurality of different hand-held, low-voltage, direct current power ~ools and appliances of the present inventiorl comprises a portable battery pack, and ~irst electrical connector rneans for selectively connecting any one of the plurality of tools and appliances to the battery pack, for mobile operation thereof.
The system also includes regulated charging means energizable by standard 110 volt AC house current, the charging means including a housing and charging circuit means including a transformer and voltage regulator contained in the housing, and second electrical connector means for selectively connecting the oattery pack to the charging means.
Preferably, the battery pack includes at least one battery of the lead acid type, and the ~irst electrical connector means includes a high current connector assembly of the plug-and-socket typ~. The plug component including safeguard means for pre-venting insertion into an automotive cigarette lighter socket~
It is also preferred that the socket component is adapted for also receiving, and electrically connecting to~ low-voltage tool and appliance plugs intended for operation in an automotive cigarette lighter socket, and that the socket component includes loch.out means for preventin~ insertion of an automotive ~igarette 1 ig)lter plug ~
1315~5 Further in accordance with the preserlt invention, the hand-held, low-voltage, hi~h direct current power tool operatin~
system of the present invention comprises a hand-held, low voltage, high direct current power tool having an operational end, a power cord, and cord control means for biasing the power cord away from the ground and away from the operational end. The system further includes a portable battery pack including a lead-acid battery, and first high direct current electrical con-nector means for selectively connecting the power cord to the battery pack for mobile operation of the power tool; and requ-lated charging means energizable by standard 110 volt AC house current, the battery pack being selectively connectable to the charging means.
Preferably, the high direct current power tool includes a tool handl~ positioned distant from the operational end, the power cord being self-retractably coiled and connected to the tool at the handle.
~ till further in accordance with the invention, as embodied and bro~dly described herein, the system for operating one-at-~ time a plurality of different hand-held, low-voltage, direct current power tools and appliances of the present inven-tion comprises a portable battery pack, and electrical connector means for selec~ively connecting ~ny one of the plurality of tools and appliances to the ba~tery pack, for mobile operation 3 ~ ~
thereof, wherein the electrical conn~ctor ~eans includes a hiqh current connector assembly of the plug-and-socket type, The socket component of the plu9 and-socket ass~mbly is incorporated in the battery pack, and the plug component is connected to ~he one tool or appliance. The socket component is adapted Eor also receivinq, and electrically connecting to, low-voltage tool and appliance plugs intended for operation in an autornotive cigarette lighter socket.
The accompanying drawing which is incorporated in and con-stitutes a part o this speclfication illustrates one emhodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serves to explain the principles of the invention.
~3~.~335 ~RIEF DE~SC~IPTION OF T~E DR~ING
Fig. 1 is ~ schematiC representation of the mobile power tool and appliance system of the present invention;
Figs. 2 and 3 are perspective and side views of the portable battery pack preferred for use in th~ system of Fig~ l;
Fig. 4 is an illustration o~ the battery pack of Pigs. 2 and 3 to be worn by a user to power a high current capacity power tool;
Fig. 5 is a schematic of a high current capacity plug-and-socket connector assembly preferred for use in the sys-tem of Fig. l;
Figs. 6 and 7 are top and side plan view schematics of a charging base for use in recharging the hattery pack of the oper-ating system depicted in Fig. 1 Fig. ~ is a schematic of the charging circuit used with the charging base depicted in ~igs. 6 and 7 Fig~ 9 is a sc~.~rnatic of the power circuit used in the bat-tery pack depicted in Figs. ~ ~nd 3;
Figs. 10 ~nd 11 show dctails of the socket component of ~he connector assembly depicted ir. Fig. 5; and Pig. 12 shows details of the plug component of the connector assembly depicted in Fig. 5 3 3 ~
DF,SCR I PT I C)N Ol;` T~f:E PREFERRED EME~OD I ME~T
~ .
Reference will now be made in detail to the present pre-ferred em.bodiment of the invention, an example of which is illus-trated in the accornpanying drawing.
The pref erred embodiment of the mobile power tool and appli-ance operating system is shown schematically in ~igure 1 and is represented generally by the numeral 10. The s~stem is intended for utilization with a number of different power tools and appli-ances, such as the car vacuum, car polisher, power drill, etc.
devices listed in Figure 1. It should be noted that the listing in Figure 1 is not intended to be inclusivet and one skilled ;n the art would realize that the system of the present inYention could be used with a greater number and variety of power tools and appliances~
Importantly, however, the power toois and appliances listed in Figure 1 include some that are relative~ low current devices, such as those shown in Group I, as ~ell as the high current de-mand tools listed in Group II. Again, one shilled in the art would realize that certain of the tool or appliance types l;sted in Pigure 1, such as the power drill, could encompass models which more properly would belong in one or the other category de-pending upon size and application. Therefo.~, the list. set forth in Figure 1 is not intended to be restrictive in this sense.
However, the Figure 1 representation is intended to 5how that the 3 ~
pr~sent system can acco~ odate both low current tools and appli-anc~s and tools and appliances dr~wi~g relatively high currents It should be noted also th~t the present system contemplates operation of the power tools and applian~es only one-at-a-time In accordance with the present invention, the system for operating one-at-a-time a plurality of different hand-held, low~voltage, direct current power tools and appliances includes a portable battery pack. As embodied herein, and with initial ref-erenc~ to Figures 1-4, system 10 includes battery pack 12 which is intended to be carried by an operator, .such as operator 14 in ~igure 4, such as by a combinatiorl of shoulder strap 16 and waist strap 18. Battery pack 12 specifically includes housing 20 which preferably can be formed from an impact resistent plastic in a two-piece "clamshell" construction for ease of a5sembly. As best seen in Fiqures 2 and 3, housing 20 includes an integrally formed hand grip portion 22 and a battery patk side 24 inwardly curved to conform to the rounded trunk of the operator. ~tteri pack housing 20 also includes stud members 26, 28 for attachlng shoul~
der strap 14 and loop members 30, 32 for receiving wa;~t strap 18~ While battery pack 12 may be supported by operator 1~
through either shoulder strap 16 or waist strap 18 alon~, a more co~fortable and secure attachment is provided through the use of both shoulder strap 16 and waist strap la simultaneously.
~ 3 3L ~
With continued reference to Figure 3, portable battery pack 12 includes a plurality of rechargeable batteries, such as bat~eries 34 and 36 contained within housing 20 It ;s preferred that batteries 34, 36 be of the lead~acid type which exhibit su-perior voltag~current performance characteristics over extended temperature ranges. This extended operating range is intended to further increase the utility of the overall system.
Further in accordance with the present invention, the system includes an electrical connector means for selectively connectinq any one of the plurality o tools and aypliances to the ~attery pack for mobile operation. As embodied herein, and with initial reference to Figure 1, the sys~em 10 includes connector means 40 depicted schematically in the figure. In the present preferred embodiment, and as best seen in Figure 5, connector means 40 spe-ci~ically includes a high current density plug-and-socket con-nector assembly including plug component 42 and socket component 44. Socket component 4~ is incorporated in battery pack housing 20 while a plurality of plug components 42 are attached via po~-e~
cord ~6 to respecti~e power tools and appliances. It is specifi-cally contemplated that each power tool and appliance have a plug 42 permanently attached to a respective power cord 46, and that the connection betwe~n battery pack 12 and the respective power tool or appliance be achieved by insertion of the respective plug component 42 into the socket component 44 carried by battery pack 12.
_9_ ';f"~
13~33~
The constructional details of the preferred high current plug-and-socket connector assembly 40, including plug component 42 and socket component 44, are set forth in Bailey et al.
Canadian Application 546,217 entitled "Low-Voltage, ,.
High Current Capacity Connector Assembly".
As is discuss~d in Canadian Application 546,217 socket component ~4 is also specific~lly designed to accept conventional low current plug components, such as those typically used in automotive ciqarette lighter sockets. Such a low-voltage plug component is depicted in broken line representation in Pig-ure 5 and is designated qenerally by the numeral 4a. The ability of the present ~ystem to accommodate existing power tools and appliances having low current plug components of the type de-picted in Fig. 5 is expected to further enhance the utility of the present operating system invention.
~ ecause of the intended compabi:Lity with conventional low-voltage, low current plugs, the socket component used in the operating system of the present invention preferably has means for preventing insertion of an automotive cigarette lighter plug.
As embodied here;n, and as depicted schematically in Figs. 10 and 11, socket component 44 includes a boss 90 integrally formed with soch~t housing 9~ of non-conductive material. ~oss 90 is sized to intercept axial face 94 of ligher plug 96 (shown in broken ~, ~3~ ~33~
lines) and space ~ace 94 ~rom socket electrical contact element 9~ to prevent an electric~l connection. ~lso, socket component housing extension 100 inlcudes lip portion 102 sized to intercept flange 104 of lighter plugs 56' so equipped to prevent an elec-trical connection. See Fig. 11. The heat generated by activiation of lighter plug 9G otherwise could damage socket com-ponent ~q and degrade the performance of operating system 10.
It is also preferred that the plug components used with the operating system of the present invention inlcude means for pre-venting electrical connection when inserted in a standard automo-tive lighter socket~ Such standard sockets are often fused for relatively low current (~., 6 amps) and such fusing could be blown or the lighter circuit damaqed if an operator attempted to po~er high current tools from the lighter socket As embodied herein, and wi~h reference to Fig. 12 plug 4~ includes electrical contact memb~r 110 recessed in axial ~ace 112 of plug housing 114~ The recess prevents electrical contact between contact me.~-ber 110 and contact face 116 of lighter socket 118 (shown in bro-ken lines), The de.~ils of the a~ove described safeguard means and lock-out means ~re ~et for~h in Canadian Application 546~217.
One skilled i~ the art would appreciate that oth~r safegua~d and lockout means could be provided in the plug component and the socket ccmponent, respectively, of the present operating system invention.
~3:~ ~3~.~
Further in accordance with t!le pres~nt illvention, the mobile power tool and applianee operating system i~lcludes re9ulated chcll-ging means energi~ahle by standard AC house current ~or use with the battery pack. The chargirlg rneans specifically includes a housing and a chargin~ circuit including a transformer and voltage regulator components contained in the housin~. As embod;ed herein and with reference to Figures 6 and 7, system 10 further includes a charging unit designated generally by the nu meral 50 in Figure 1 andt as best seen in Figures 6 and 7, including housing S2 which also can serve as a stand for receiving battery pack 12 during charging operations. Housing 52 can be optionally rested on a hori~.ontal surface such as surface 54 as depicted in Figure 7 or can be mounted on a verti-cal surface such as surface 56 as depicted in ~igure 6, The exact shape of housinq 52 is not considered important to the present invention beyond the fact that it contain the charging circuit means to be discussed henceforth. Thus, while the charg-ing circuit is shown schematically located in the bottom portion of housing 52 in the Figure 7 representation, and designated gen-erally by the numeral 5a~ it is not critical that the charging circuit be so located, and a variety of diEferent charging unit housing configurations and charging circuit locations would occur to one skilled in the art.
13~3~
With ~pecific reference to Figure ~, ther~ is shown a sche rn~tic representatiOrl of th~ details of the preferred charging circuit means 5~. SpeciEically, chargillg circuit 5~ includes a transformer 60 the input o which is shown operationally con-nected to a source 6~ of standard house AC current, such as s~an dard 120 VAC as is used in the United States or 2~0 VAC as is used in Europe. Source 62, of course, can be a standar~ wall outlet (not shown) and the charging means 50 shown in Pigures 6 and 7 can include a standard p].ug and cord ~4 for utilization with such an outlet. Returning again to Figure H, charging cir-cuit means sa also includes voltage regulator 66 which is opera--tionally connected to transformer 60 through a full wave rectifi-er 6a. Suitable commercially available products for use in circuit means 5~ intended for 120 VAC power input include a ~odel 6050 trans~ormer manufactured by Coils, Incorporated, Huntley, Illinois, A model WO2M rectifier manufactured by General Instru ments; and a Model ~L 780-15C voltage regulator manufactu~ed by Texas Instruments.
Further in accordance with the present invention, the oper-ating system of the present invention includes electrically con-nector means for selectively connecting the battery pack to the regu1ated charginy means. As embodied herein and with reference to Figures 6 and 7, the charging means/bat~.ery pack electrical connector means is designated generally by l:he numeral 6~ and ~3~ ~3~
includes a pair of pin contacts 70, 72 mounted in housing 52 and operationally connected to the output of charyirl~ circuit means 58. Mounted in housing 20 of battery pack 12 are a pair of rivet contacts 74, 76 which are po5itioned to form an abutting contact with pin contact 70, 7~ when battery pack 12 is received in hous-ing 52 of charging unit 50. As depicted in the circuit schematic in Figure 9, rivet contacts 7~, 76 are electrically connected across the batteries of battery pack 12, such as batteries 3~, 36. LED 7a, shown schematically in Figure 9 with associated re-sistor 79, is disposed on the outside of battery pack housing 20 (se~ Fi~ure 7) and provide~ a visual indication of power flow to batteries 3~, 36 during charging operation. The LED is rated at 50 milliamps and the resistor at 660 ohms, 0.5 watts, 10~ ~at-tery pack 12 also includes circuit breaker 80 connected ;n series between batteries 34, 36 and socket component 4~ to provide pro-tection against excessively high current flow in the battery cir-cuit. A circuit breaker rated at 20 amps can be used. With ref-erence to Figure 3, circuit breaker 80 can be positioned conveniently in hand grip portioll 22 oE housing 20. Diode al in the Figure 9 circuit schematic is a type 4002, 50 volt PIV.
Further in accordance with the present invention, eac~ of the power tools and appliances intended for operation with the operating system is intended to include a power cord and a cord control means for biasing the power cord away from the ground an~
:~?~L~3~
away from the o~erational end of the respe ctive power tool or appliance~ ~s embodied herein, and with specific reference to Fiqure 4, power tool 380 which is a weed trimmer having an opera-tional end (trimming head) 82 and a handle 84 includes power cord ~6 which is spirally coiled to be self-retractable along its length. One end of coiled cord 86 is permanently connected to the tool 3~0at handle 84 while a plug component ~2 is attached to the other end of cord 86 and, in turn, is inserted into socket component 44 in battery pack 12. The retractably coiled power cord 86 prevents entanglement with the user's feet and arms while providing a full range of motion of power tool 380. The re-tractably coiled power cord ~ also prevents ~amage to the power cord caused by inadvertent engagement with operational end 82 of power ~ool380.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifica~ions and variations can be made in the mobile power tool ~nd appliance operating system of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and v~riations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
'' ' r:''
MOBI LE POW~'R TOO:L AND APE~LIANCE OPERATING SYSTE'M
Field of the ~n~ention:
The present inventiorl relates to a system for- operating bat-tery powered, hand-held power tools and appliances, including tools and appliances having a high direct current capacity.
Description of the ~rior Art:
In recent years, low-voltage, direct current le.q., 12 v~c) hand held appliances and tools have proliferated for use in the car and around the horne. Some appliances, such as the hand-held car vacuum cleaners and car polishers, are intended for operation using power supplied from the car battery~ These appliances, which are relatively low current devices (~.e., 2-6 amps), typi-cally employ a plug connector compatibl~ with the socket compo-nent of a conventional, dash-mounted automotive cigarette lighter, The necessity for use of these appliances in close proximity to a vehicle having a lighter socket has restricted somewhat the utilization of the same appliances around the home.
Many hand-held tools used around the home, in comparison, require relatively high current levels ~l.e., 8-20 amps). These high current tools include hedge trimmers, grass tri~ers, etc., which can seriously tax the capacity of self-contained battery packs which t~pically are of the NiCd variety.
An operating system ~sing a portable battery pack having in-creased power capacity and longer operation times be-reen 3 ~ ~
charging would be highly desirable for these high ~irect current tools. The system shoul~ enable th~ battery ,oack to be selec-~ively connecta~le to a variety of different tools to maximize utility. Moreover, because of the existence in the marketplace of a variety of automotive appliances having cigarette lighter socket-compati~le low current plug connectors, an ability to accommodate existing low current plug connectors would further extend the usefulness of the system.
13i~i3~
~UMM~RY OF THE I NVr,NT I ON
In accordancc with th~ preserlt invention, as embodied and broadly described herein~ the system for op~r~ting one-at-a-time a plurality of different hand-held, low-voltage, direct current power ~ools and appliances of the present inventiorl comprises a portable battery pack, and ~irst electrical connector rneans for selectively connecting any one of the plurality of tools and appliances to the battery pack, for mobile operation thereof.
The system also includes regulated charging means energizable by standard 110 volt AC house current, the charging means including a housing and charging circuit means including a transformer and voltage regulator contained in the housing, and second electrical connector means for selectively connecting the oattery pack to the charging means.
Preferably, the battery pack includes at least one battery of the lead acid type, and the ~irst electrical connector means includes a high current connector assembly of the plug-and-socket typ~. The plug component including safeguard means for pre-venting insertion into an automotive cigarette lighter socket~
It is also preferred that the socket component is adapted for also receiving, and electrically connecting to~ low-voltage tool and appliance plugs intended for operation in an automotive cigarette lighter socket, and that the socket component includes loch.out means for preventin~ insertion of an automotive ~igarette 1 ig)lter plug ~
1315~5 Further in accordance with the preserlt invention, the hand-held, low-voltage, hi~h direct current power tool operatin~
system of the present invention comprises a hand-held, low voltage, high direct current power tool having an operational end, a power cord, and cord control means for biasing the power cord away from the ground and away from the operational end. The system further includes a portable battery pack including a lead-acid battery, and first high direct current electrical con-nector means for selectively connecting the power cord to the battery pack for mobile operation of the power tool; and requ-lated charging means energizable by standard 110 volt AC house current, the battery pack being selectively connectable to the charging means.
Preferably, the high direct current power tool includes a tool handl~ positioned distant from the operational end, the power cord being self-retractably coiled and connected to the tool at the handle.
~ till further in accordance with the invention, as embodied and bro~dly described herein, the system for operating one-at-~ time a plurality of different hand-held, low-voltage, direct current power tools and appliances of the present inven-tion comprises a portable battery pack, and electrical connector means for selec~ively connecting ~ny one of the plurality of tools and appliances to the ba~tery pack, for mobile operation 3 ~ ~
thereof, wherein the electrical conn~ctor ~eans includes a hiqh current connector assembly of the plug-and-socket type, The socket component of the plu9 and-socket ass~mbly is incorporated in the battery pack, and the plug component is connected to ~he one tool or appliance. The socket component is adapted Eor also receivinq, and electrically connecting to, low-voltage tool and appliance plugs intended for operation in an autornotive cigarette lighter socket.
The accompanying drawing which is incorporated in and con-stitutes a part o this speclfication illustrates one emhodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serves to explain the principles of the invention.
~3~.~335 ~RIEF DE~SC~IPTION OF T~E DR~ING
Fig. 1 is ~ schematiC representation of the mobile power tool and appliance system of the present invention;
Figs. 2 and 3 are perspective and side views of the portable battery pack preferred for use in th~ system of Fig~ l;
Fig. 4 is an illustration o~ the battery pack of Pigs. 2 and 3 to be worn by a user to power a high current capacity power tool;
Fig. 5 is a schematic of a high current capacity plug-and-socket connector assembly preferred for use in the sys-tem of Fig. l;
Figs. 6 and 7 are top and side plan view schematics of a charging base for use in recharging the hattery pack of the oper-ating system depicted in Fig. 1 Fig. ~ is a schematic of the charging circuit used with the charging base depicted in ~igs. 6 and 7 Fig~ 9 is a sc~.~rnatic of the power circuit used in the bat-tery pack depicted in Figs. ~ ~nd 3;
Figs. 10 ~nd 11 show dctails of the socket component of ~he connector assembly depicted ir. Fig. 5; and Pig. 12 shows details of the plug component of the connector assembly depicted in Fig. 5 3 3 ~
DF,SCR I PT I C)N Ol;` T~f:E PREFERRED EME~OD I ME~T
~ .
Reference will now be made in detail to the present pre-ferred em.bodiment of the invention, an example of which is illus-trated in the accornpanying drawing.
The pref erred embodiment of the mobile power tool and appli-ance operating system is shown schematically in ~igure 1 and is represented generally by the numeral 10. The s~stem is intended for utilization with a number of different power tools and appli-ances, such as the car vacuum, car polisher, power drill, etc.
devices listed in Figure 1. It should be noted that the listing in Figure 1 is not intended to be inclusivet and one skilled ;n the art would realize that the system of the present inYention could be used with a greater number and variety of power tools and appliances~
Importantly, however, the power toois and appliances listed in Figure 1 include some that are relative~ low current devices, such as those shown in Group I, as ~ell as the high current de-mand tools listed in Group II. Again, one shilled in the art would realize that certain of the tool or appliance types l;sted in Pigure 1, such as the power drill, could encompass models which more properly would belong in one or the other category de-pending upon size and application. Therefo.~, the list. set forth in Figure 1 is not intended to be restrictive in this sense.
However, the Figure 1 representation is intended to 5how that the 3 ~
pr~sent system can acco~ odate both low current tools and appli-anc~s and tools and appliances dr~wi~g relatively high currents It should be noted also th~t the present system contemplates operation of the power tools and applian~es only one-at-a-time In accordance with the present invention, the system for operating one-at-a-time a plurality of different hand-held, low~voltage, direct current power tools and appliances includes a portable battery pack. As embodied herein, and with initial ref-erenc~ to Figures 1-4, system 10 includes battery pack 12 which is intended to be carried by an operator, .such as operator 14 in ~igure 4, such as by a combinatiorl of shoulder strap 16 and waist strap 18. Battery pack 12 specifically includes housing 20 which preferably can be formed from an impact resistent plastic in a two-piece "clamshell" construction for ease of a5sembly. As best seen in Fiqures 2 and 3, housing 20 includes an integrally formed hand grip portion 22 and a battery patk side 24 inwardly curved to conform to the rounded trunk of the operator. ~tteri pack housing 20 also includes stud members 26, 28 for attachlng shoul~
der strap 14 and loop members 30, 32 for receiving wa;~t strap 18~ While battery pack 12 may be supported by operator 1~
through either shoulder strap 16 or waist strap 18 alon~, a more co~fortable and secure attachment is provided through the use of both shoulder strap 16 and waist strap la simultaneously.
~ 3 3L ~
With continued reference to Figure 3, portable battery pack 12 includes a plurality of rechargeable batteries, such as bat~eries 34 and 36 contained within housing 20 It ;s preferred that batteries 34, 36 be of the lead~acid type which exhibit su-perior voltag~current performance characteristics over extended temperature ranges. This extended operating range is intended to further increase the utility of the overall system.
Further in accordance with the present invention, the system includes an electrical connector means for selectively connectinq any one of the plurality o tools and aypliances to the ~attery pack for mobile operation. As embodied herein, and with initial reference to Figure 1, the sys~em 10 includes connector means 40 depicted schematically in the figure. In the present preferred embodiment, and as best seen in Figure 5, connector means 40 spe-ci~ically includes a high current density plug-and-socket con-nector assembly including plug component 42 and socket component 44. Socket component 4~ is incorporated in battery pack housing 20 while a plurality of plug components 42 are attached via po~-e~
cord ~6 to respecti~e power tools and appliances. It is specifi-cally contemplated that each power tool and appliance have a plug 42 permanently attached to a respective power cord 46, and that the connection betwe~n battery pack 12 and the respective power tool or appliance be achieved by insertion of the respective plug component 42 into the socket component 44 carried by battery pack 12.
_9_ ';f"~
13~33~
The constructional details of the preferred high current plug-and-socket connector assembly 40, including plug component 42 and socket component 44, are set forth in Bailey et al.
Canadian Application 546,217 entitled "Low-Voltage, ,.
High Current Capacity Connector Assembly".
As is discuss~d in Canadian Application 546,217 socket component ~4 is also specific~lly designed to accept conventional low current plug components, such as those typically used in automotive ciqarette lighter sockets. Such a low-voltage plug component is depicted in broken line representation in Pig-ure 5 and is designated qenerally by the numeral 4a. The ability of the present ~ystem to accommodate existing power tools and appliances having low current plug components of the type de-picted in Fig. 5 is expected to further enhance the utility of the present operating system invention.
~ ecause of the intended compabi:Lity with conventional low-voltage, low current plugs, the socket component used in the operating system of the present invention preferably has means for preventing insertion of an automotive cigarette lighter plug.
As embodied here;n, and as depicted schematically in Figs. 10 and 11, socket component 44 includes a boss 90 integrally formed with soch~t housing 9~ of non-conductive material. ~oss 90 is sized to intercept axial face 94 of ligher plug 96 (shown in broken ~, ~3~ ~33~
lines) and space ~ace 94 ~rom socket electrical contact element 9~ to prevent an electric~l connection. ~lso, socket component housing extension 100 inlcudes lip portion 102 sized to intercept flange 104 of lighter plugs 56' so equipped to prevent an elec-trical connection. See Fig. 11. The heat generated by activiation of lighter plug 9G otherwise could damage socket com-ponent ~q and degrade the performance of operating system 10.
It is also preferred that the plug components used with the operating system of the present invention inlcude means for pre-venting electrical connection when inserted in a standard automo-tive lighter socket~ Such standard sockets are often fused for relatively low current (~., 6 amps) and such fusing could be blown or the lighter circuit damaqed if an operator attempted to po~er high current tools from the lighter socket As embodied herein, and wi~h reference to Fig. 12 plug 4~ includes electrical contact memb~r 110 recessed in axial ~ace 112 of plug housing 114~ The recess prevents electrical contact between contact me.~-ber 110 and contact face 116 of lighter socket 118 (shown in bro-ken lines), The de.~ils of the a~ove described safeguard means and lock-out means ~re ~et for~h in Canadian Application 546~217.
One skilled i~ the art would appreciate that oth~r safegua~d and lockout means could be provided in the plug component and the socket ccmponent, respectively, of the present operating system invention.
~3:~ ~3~.~
Further in accordance with t!le pres~nt illvention, the mobile power tool and applianee operating system i~lcludes re9ulated chcll-ging means energi~ahle by standard AC house current ~or use with the battery pack. The chargirlg rneans specifically includes a housing and a chargin~ circuit including a transformer and voltage regulator components contained in the housin~. As embod;ed herein and with reference to Figures 6 and 7, system 10 further includes a charging unit designated generally by the nu meral 50 in Figure 1 andt as best seen in Figures 6 and 7, including housing S2 which also can serve as a stand for receiving battery pack 12 during charging operations. Housing 52 can be optionally rested on a hori~.ontal surface such as surface 54 as depicted in Figure 7 or can be mounted on a verti-cal surface such as surface 56 as depicted in ~igure 6, The exact shape of housinq 52 is not considered important to the present invention beyond the fact that it contain the charging circuit means to be discussed henceforth. Thus, while the charg-ing circuit is shown schematically located in the bottom portion of housing 52 in the Figure 7 representation, and designated gen-erally by the numeral 5a~ it is not critical that the charging circuit be so located, and a variety of diEferent charging unit housing configurations and charging circuit locations would occur to one skilled in the art.
13~3~
With ~pecific reference to Figure ~, ther~ is shown a sche rn~tic representatiOrl of th~ details of the preferred charging circuit means 5~. SpeciEically, chargillg circuit 5~ includes a transformer 60 the input o which is shown operationally con-nected to a source 6~ of standard house AC current, such as s~an dard 120 VAC as is used in the United States or 2~0 VAC as is used in Europe. Source 62, of course, can be a standar~ wall outlet (not shown) and the charging means 50 shown in Pigures 6 and 7 can include a standard p].ug and cord ~4 for utilization with such an outlet. Returning again to Figure H, charging cir-cuit means sa also includes voltage regulator 66 which is opera--tionally connected to transformer 60 through a full wave rectifi-er 6a. Suitable commercially available products for use in circuit means 5~ intended for 120 VAC power input include a ~odel 6050 trans~ormer manufactured by Coils, Incorporated, Huntley, Illinois, A model WO2M rectifier manufactured by General Instru ments; and a Model ~L 780-15C voltage regulator manufactu~ed by Texas Instruments.
Further in accordance with the present invention, the oper-ating system of the present invention includes electrically con-nector means for selectively connecting the battery pack to the regu1ated charginy means. As embodied herein and with reference to Figures 6 and 7, the charging means/bat~.ery pack electrical connector means is designated generally by l:he numeral 6~ and ~3~ ~3~
includes a pair of pin contacts 70, 72 mounted in housing 52 and operationally connected to the output of charyirl~ circuit means 58. Mounted in housing 20 of battery pack 12 are a pair of rivet contacts 74, 76 which are po5itioned to form an abutting contact with pin contact 70, 7~ when battery pack 12 is received in hous-ing 52 of charging unit 50. As depicted in the circuit schematic in Figure 9, rivet contacts 7~, 76 are electrically connected across the batteries of battery pack 12, such as batteries 3~, 36. LED 7a, shown schematically in Figure 9 with associated re-sistor 79, is disposed on the outside of battery pack housing 20 (se~ Fi~ure 7) and provide~ a visual indication of power flow to batteries 3~, 36 during charging operation. The LED is rated at 50 milliamps and the resistor at 660 ohms, 0.5 watts, 10~ ~at-tery pack 12 also includes circuit breaker 80 connected ;n series between batteries 34, 36 and socket component 4~ to provide pro-tection against excessively high current flow in the battery cir-cuit. A circuit breaker rated at 20 amps can be used. With ref-erence to Figure 3, circuit breaker 80 can be positioned conveniently in hand grip portioll 22 oE housing 20. Diode al in the Figure 9 circuit schematic is a type 4002, 50 volt PIV.
Further in accordance with the present invention, eac~ of the power tools and appliances intended for operation with the operating system is intended to include a power cord and a cord control means for biasing the power cord away from the ground an~
:~?~L~3~
away from the o~erational end of the respe ctive power tool or appliance~ ~s embodied herein, and with specific reference to Fiqure 4, power tool 380 which is a weed trimmer having an opera-tional end (trimming head) 82 and a handle 84 includes power cord ~6 which is spirally coiled to be self-retractable along its length. One end of coiled cord 86 is permanently connected to the tool 3~0at handle 84 while a plug component ~2 is attached to the other end of cord 86 and, in turn, is inserted into socket component 44 in battery pack 12. The retractably coiled power cord 86 prevents entanglement with the user's feet and arms while providing a full range of motion of power tool 380. The re-tractably coiled power cord ~ also prevents ~amage to the power cord caused by inadvertent engagement with operational end 82 of power ~ool380.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifica~ions and variations can be made in the mobile power tool ~nd appliance operating system of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and v~riations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
'' ' r:''
Claims (31)
1. A system for operating none-at-a-time a plurality of different hand-held, low-voltage, direct current power tools and appliances, the system comprising:
a portable battery pack;
electrical connector means for selectively connecting any one of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack, for mobile operation thereof; wherein said electrical connector means includes a high current connector assembly having a plug component and a socket component, wherein the socket component is incorporated in said battery pack and said plug component is connected to said one of said tools and appliances; wherein said socket component includes means for receiving a selective one of said plug component and conventional low-voltage low-current appliance plugs of the type usable in automotive cigarette light sockets; and wherein said plug component includes safeguard means for preventing insertion into an automotive cigarette lighter socket.
a portable battery pack;
electrical connector means for selectively connecting any one of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack, for mobile operation thereof; wherein said electrical connector means includes a high current connector assembly having a plug component and a socket component, wherein the socket component is incorporated in said battery pack and said plug component is connected to said one of said tools and appliances; wherein said socket component includes means for receiving a selective one of said plug component and conventional low-voltage low-current appliance plugs of the type usable in automotive cigarette light sockets; and wherein said plug component includes safeguard means for preventing insertion into an automotive cigarette lighter socket.
2. A system for operating one-at-a-time a plurality of different hand-held, low-voltage, direct current power tools and appliances, the system comprising:
a portable battery pack;
electrical connector means for selectively connecting any one of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack, for mobile operation thereof; wherein said electrical connector means includes a high current connector assembly having a plug component and a socket component, wherein the socket component is incorporated in said battery pack and said plug component, is connected to said one of said tools and appliances; wherein said socket component includes means for receiving a selective one of said plug component and conventional low-voltage low-current appliance plugs of the type usable in automotive cigarette light sockets; and wherein said socket component includes lockout means for preventing insertion of an automotive cigarette lighter.
a portable battery pack;
electrical connector means for selectively connecting any one of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack, for mobile operation thereof; wherein said electrical connector means includes a high current connector assembly having a plug component and a socket component, wherein the socket component is incorporated in said battery pack and said plug component, is connected to said one of said tools and appliances; wherein said socket component includes means for receiving a selective one of said plug component and conventional low-voltage low-current appliance plugs of the type usable in automotive cigarette light sockets; and wherein said socket component includes lockout means for preventing insertion of an automotive cigarette lighter.
3. A system for operating one-at-a-time a plurality of different hand-held, low-voltage, direct current power tools and appliances, the system comprising:
a portable battery pack;
electrical connector means for selectively connecting any one of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack, for mobile operation thereof;
wherein said electrical connector means includes a high current connector assembly having a plug component and a socket component, wherein the socket component is incorporated in said battery pack and said plug component is connected to said one of said tools and appliances; wherein said plug component includes safeguard means for preventing insertion into an automotive cigarette lighter socket; wherein said socket component includes means for receiving a selective one of said plug component and conventional low-voltage low-current appliance plugs of the type usable in automotive cigarette lighter sockets; and wherein said socket component also includes lockout means for preventing insertion of an automotive cigarette lighter.
a portable battery pack;
electrical connector means for selectively connecting any one of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack, for mobile operation thereof;
wherein said electrical connector means includes a high current connector assembly having a plug component and a socket component, wherein the socket component is incorporated in said battery pack and said plug component is connected to said one of said tools and appliances; wherein said plug component includes safeguard means for preventing insertion into an automotive cigarette lighter socket; wherein said socket component includes means for receiving a selective one of said plug component and conventional low-voltage low-current appliance plugs of the type usable in automotive cigarette lighter sockets; and wherein said socket component also includes lockout means for preventing insertion of an automotive cigarette lighter.
4. A system for operating one-at-a-time a plurality of different hand-held, low-voltage, direct current power tools and appliances, the system comprising:
a portable battery pack, first electrical connector means for selectively connecting any one of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack, for mobile operation thereof;
wherein said first electrical connector means includes a high current connector assembly having a plug component and a socket component;
wherein said socket component is incorporated in said battery pack and said plug component is connected to said any one of the plurality of tools and appliances connected to said battery pack;
wherein said plug component includes a generally cylindrical housing formed from a non-conductive material and having an axis and an axial end insertable in said socket component, and including a first wiping contact member positioned at said insertable housing end; and wherein said socket component also includes means for receiving, and electrically connecting to, low current tool and appliance plugs intended for operation in an automotive cigarette lighter socket.
a portable battery pack, first electrical connector means for selectively connecting any one of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack, for mobile operation thereof;
wherein said first electrical connector means includes a high current connector assembly having a plug component and a socket component;
wherein said socket component is incorporated in said battery pack and said plug component is connected to said any one of the plurality of tools and appliances connected to said battery pack;
wherein said plug component includes a generally cylindrical housing formed from a non-conductive material and having an axis and an axial end insertable in said socket component, and including a first wiping contact member positioned at said insertable housing end; and wherein said socket component also includes means for receiving, and electrically connecting to, low current tool and appliance plugs intended for operation in an automotive cigarette lighter socket.
5. The system as in claim 4, further comprising:
charging means, energizable by standard AC house current, for charging said battery pack; and second electrical connector means for selectively connecting said battery pack to said charging means.
charging means, energizable by standard AC house current, for charging said battery pack; and second electrical connector means for selectively connecting said battery pack to said charging means.
6. The system as in claim 5, wherein said charging means includes a charging circuit having a transformer operationally connected to a voltage regulator through a rectifier.
7. The system as in claim 4, wherein said battery pack includes at least one battery of the lead-acid type.
8. The system as in claim 4, wherein said battery pack further includes a plastic housing formed with a hand grip, and indicator means for indicating power flow to said at least one lead-acid battery.
9. The system as in claim 4, wherein said battery pack includes a housing at least one side of which is inwardly curved to conform to the trunk of a user;
means for optionally supporting said battery pack from the shoulder of a user; and means for optionally supporting said battery pack from a waist belt worn by a user.
means for optionally supporting said battery pack from the shoulder of a user; and means for optionally supporting said battery pack from a waist belt worn by a user.
10. The system as in claim 4, wherein said battery pack includes at least one battery and a circuit breaker operationally connected between said one battery and said socket component for interrupting excessive current flow.
11. The system as in claim 4, wherein said socket component includes lockout means for preventing insertion of an automotive cigarette lighter.
12. The system as in claim 4, wherein said plug component includes safeguard means for preventing insertion into an automotive cigarette lighter socket.
13. The system as in claim 4, wherein said socket component includes a non-conductive, generally cylindrical housing having an axis and a first plug-receiving axial end and a second axial end;
a first wiping electrical contact element positioned within said housing at the second axial end; and a second wiping electrical contact element electrically isolated from said first element and proximate the outer housing periphery of said housing at a preselected circumferential position, said second wiping contact element having at least one wiping contact surface parallel to said axis at said circumferential position, wherein said first and second wiping contact elements are configured for mating with complementary wiping contact members carried by the high current plug component during plug insertion to a predetermined axial location.
a first wiping electrical contact element positioned within said housing at the second axial end; and a second wiping electrical contact element electrically isolated from said first element and proximate the outer housing periphery of said housing at a preselected circumferential position, said second wiping contact element having at least one wiping contact surface parallel to said axis at said circumferential position, wherein said first and second wiping contact elements are configured for mating with complementary wiping contact members carried by the high current plug component during plug insertion to a predetermined axial location.
14. The system as in claim 131 wherein said socket component further includes lockout means for preventing electrical connection to at least one of said first and second wiping contact elements upon insertion of said plug component into the socket of a conventional automotive cigarette lighter plug of a kind having a generally cylindrical housing with an axially insertable end and having a heating element coiled in the axial face of the insertable lighter plug housing end.
15. The system as in claim 14, wherein said lockout means includes a boss formed on the inside periphery of said socket housing surrounding said first wiping contact element, said boss having an inner diameter less than that of the insertable lighter plug housing end and extending axially toward said plug receiving end a distance greater than the distance said first wiping contact element extends toward said plug receiving end.
16. The system as in claim 4, wherein said plug component further includes a second wiping contact member electrically isolated from said first member and positioned at the periphery of said plug housing, said second member having at least one planar wiping surface disposed parallel to said housing axis.
17. The system as in claim 16, wherein said plug component further includes safeguard means for preventing electrical connection to at least one of said first and second wiping contact members upon inadvertent insertion of the plug into a conventional automotive cigarette lighter socket of the type having a contact face disposed in a plane axially spaced from a plug-receiving end and perpendicular to the direction of plug insertion.
18. The system as in claim 17, wherein said safeguard means includes a non-conductive wall connected to said plug housing at said insertable housing end, said end wall having a port, and said first wiping contact member being positioned in said port and axially recessed from the outer surface of said non-conductive wall.
19. A rechargeable system for operating one-at-a-time a plurality of different hand-held, direct current power tools and appliances, the system comprising:
a rechargeable portable battery pack;
first electrical connector means, incorporated in said battery pack, for selectively connecting individual ones of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack for mobile operation thereof, said first electrical connector means including a low current connector assembly of the plug-and-socket type; and second electrical connector means, incorporated in said battery pack, for connecting a recharging source to said battery pack for recharging thereof, said second electrical connector means including means for selectively connecting other individual ones of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack for mobile operation thereof, and including a high current connector assembly of the plug-and-socket type.
a rechargeable portable battery pack;
first electrical connector means, incorporated in said battery pack, for selectively connecting individual ones of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack for mobile operation thereof, said first electrical connector means including a low current connector assembly of the plug-and-socket type; and second electrical connector means, incorporated in said battery pack, for connecting a recharging source to said battery pack for recharging thereof, said second electrical connector means including means for selectively connecting other individual ones of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack for mobile operation thereof, and including a high current connector assembly of the plug-and-socket type.
20. The system as recited in claim 19, wherein said first and said second electrical connector means both include wiping contacts.
21. A rechargeable system for operating one-at-a-time a plurality of different hand-held, direct current power tools and appliances, the system comprising:
a rechargeable portable battery pack;
first electrical connector means for selectively connecting individual ones of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack for mobile operation thereof;
second electrical connector means for connecting a recharging source to said battery pack for recharging thereof, said second electrical connector means including means for selectively connecting other individual ones of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack for mobile operation thereof;
and circuit means for selectively delivering a first voltage level to said first electrical connector means and a second voltage level to said second electrical connector means.
a rechargeable portable battery pack;
first electrical connector means for selectively connecting individual ones of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack for mobile operation thereof;
second electrical connector means for connecting a recharging source to said battery pack for recharging thereof, said second electrical connector means including means for selectively connecting other individual ones of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack for mobile operation thereof;
and circuit means for selectively delivering a first voltage level to said first electrical connector means and a second voltage level to said second electrical connector means.
22. The system as recited in claim 21, wherein said battery pack includes a pair of lead acid batteries and said circuit means selectively connects said batteries in series to deliver said first voltage level and in parallel to deliver said second voltage level.
23. The system as recited in claim 22, wherein said circuit means further includes a switch to selectively deliver said first and said second voltage levels.
24. A rechargeable system for operating one-at-a-time a plurality of different hand-held, direct current power tools and appliances, the system comprising:
a rechargeable portable battery pack;
first electrical connector means for selectively connecting individual ones of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack for mobile operation thereof, said first electrical connector means including a lower current connector assembly having wiping contacts;
a second electrical connector means for connecting a recharging source to said battery pack for recharging thereof, said second electrical connector means also including means for selectively connecting other individual ones of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack for mobile operation thereof, and wherein said second electrical connector means includes a high current connector assembly having wiping contacts; and circuit means for selectively delivering a first voltage level to said first electrical connector means and a second voltage level to said second electrical connector means.
a rechargeable portable battery pack;
first electrical connector means for selectively connecting individual ones of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack for mobile operation thereof, said first electrical connector means including a lower current connector assembly having wiping contacts;
a second electrical connector means for connecting a recharging source to said battery pack for recharging thereof, said second electrical connector means also including means for selectively connecting other individual ones of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack for mobile operation thereof, and wherein said second electrical connector means includes a high current connector assembly having wiping contacts; and circuit means for selectively delivering a first voltage level to said first electrical connector means and a second voltage level to said second electrical connector means.
25. The system as recited in claim 24, wherein said battery pack includes a pair of lead acid batteries and said circuit means selectively connects said batteries in series to deliver said first voltage level and in parallel to deliver said second voltage level.
26. The system as recited in claim 25, wherein said circuit means further includes a switch to selectively deliver said first and said second voltage levels.
27. A rechargeable system for operating one-at-a-time a plurality of different hand-held, direct current power tools and appliances, the system comprising:
a rechargeable portable battery pack including at least one battery;
first electrical connector means for selectively connecting individual ones of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack for mobile operation thereof, said first electrical means including a low current connector assembly;
second electrical connector means for connecting a recharging source to said battery pack for recharging thereof, said second electrical connector means also including means for selectively connecting other individual ones of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack for mobile operation thereof, and wherein said second electrical connector means includes a high current connector assembly; and circuit means, coupled between said battery pack and said first and second electrical connector means, for delivering power from said battery pack to said first and second electrical connector means to power the tools and appliances connected thereto and for delivering a charge supplied to said second electrical connector means to recharge said battery pack, said circuit means including thermostat means coupled in thermal relation to said battery pack for sensing overheating of said battery pack during recharging.
a rechargeable portable battery pack including at least one battery;
first electrical connector means for selectively connecting individual ones of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack for mobile operation thereof, said first electrical means including a low current connector assembly;
second electrical connector means for connecting a recharging source to said battery pack for recharging thereof, said second electrical connector means also including means for selectively connecting other individual ones of the plurality of tools and appliances to said battery pack for mobile operation thereof, and wherein said second electrical connector means includes a high current connector assembly; and circuit means, coupled between said battery pack and said first and second electrical connector means, for delivering power from said battery pack to said first and second electrical connector means to power the tools and appliances connected thereto and for delivering a charge supplied to said second electrical connector means to recharge said battery pack, said circuit means including thermostat means coupled in thermal relation to said battery pack for sensing overheating of said battery pack during recharging.
28. The system as recited in claim 27, wherein said thermostat means comprises a normally closed thermostate thermally coupled to said battery pack.
29. The system as recited in claim 27, wherein said thermostat means comprises a thermostat coupled to said battery pack via a heat conductor.
30. The system as recited in claim 29, wherein said heat conductor is coupled to said battery pack via a heat conducting adhesive material.
31. The system as recited in claim 27, wherein said at least one battery comprises a plurality of individual cells and said thermostat means is thermally coupled to more than one of said individual cells of said at least one battery.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000546274A CA1315335C (en) | 1987-09-08 | 1987-09-08 | Mobile power tool and appliance operating system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000546274A CA1315335C (en) | 1987-09-08 | 1987-09-08 | Mobile power tool and appliance operating system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1315335C true CA1315335C (en) | 1993-03-30 |
Family
ID=4136396
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000546274A Expired - Fee Related CA1315335C (en) | 1987-09-08 | 1987-09-08 | Mobile power tool and appliance operating system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1315335C (en) |
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| USRE45897E1 (en) | 2008-04-14 | 2016-02-23 | Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. | Battery management system for a cordless tool |
| US9406915B2 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2016-08-02 | Black & Decker, Inc. | Power tool system |
| US9893384B2 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2018-02-13 | Black & Decker Inc. | Transport system for convertible battery pack |
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| US11211664B2 (en) | 2016-12-23 | 2021-12-28 | Black & Decker Inc. | Cordless power tool system |
-
1987
- 1987-09-08 CA CA000546274A patent/CA1315335C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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| USRE45897E1 (en) | 2008-04-14 | 2016-02-23 | Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. | Battery management system for a cordless tool |
| US10333453B2 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2019-06-25 | Black & Decker Inc. | Power tool having a universal motor capable of being powered by AC or DC power supply |
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| US10615733B2 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2020-04-07 | Black & Decker Inc. | Power tool having a brushless motor capable of being powered by AC or DC power supplies |
| US10541639B2 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2020-01-21 | Black & Decker, Inc. | Cordless power tool system |
| US10236819B2 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2019-03-19 | Black & Decker Inc. | Multi-voltage battery pack |
| US10250178B2 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2019-04-02 | Black & Decker Inc. | Cordless power tool system |
| US10291173B2 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2019-05-14 | Black & Decker Inc. | Power tool powered by power supplies having different rated voltages |
| US10333454B2 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2019-06-25 | Black & Decker Inc. | Power tool having a universal motor capable of being powered by AC or DC power supply |
| US9406915B2 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2016-08-02 | Black & Decker, Inc. | Power tool system |
| US9871484B2 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2018-01-16 | Black & Decker Inc. | Cordless power tool system |
| US9583793B2 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2017-02-28 | Black & Decker Inc. | Power tool system |
| US9893384B2 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2018-02-13 | Black & Decker Inc. | Transport system for convertible battery pack |
| US11152886B2 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2021-10-19 | Black & Decker Inc. | Battery pack and battery charger system |
| US10840559B2 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2020-11-17 | Black & Decker Inc. | Transport system for convertible battery pack |
| US10972041B2 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2021-04-06 | Black & Decker, Inc. | Battery pack and battery charger system |
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| US11005411B2 (en) | 2014-05-18 | 2021-05-11 | Black & Decker Inc. | Battery pack and battery charger system |
| US10749430B2 (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2020-08-18 | Positec Power Tools (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. | Power transmission apparatus and control method therefor, and power supply system |
| US11601002B2 (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2023-03-07 | Positec Power Tools (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. | Electrical energy transmission apparatus, method for controlling same, and power supply system |
| US11211664B2 (en) | 2016-12-23 | 2021-12-28 | Black & Decker Inc. | Cordless power tool system |
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