CN115997326A - Modular unit with integrated battery charger - Google Patents

Modular unit with integrated battery charger Download PDF

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Publication number
CN115997326A
CN115997326A CN202180053217.7A CN202180053217A CN115997326A CN 115997326 A CN115997326 A CN 115997326A CN 202180053217 A CN202180053217 A CN 202180053217A CN 115997326 A CN115997326 A CN 115997326A
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CN
China
Prior art keywords
power tool
tool battery
power
housing
charging device
Prior art date
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Pending
Application number
CN202180053217.7A
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Chinese (zh)
Inventor
M·J·佩纳
C·R·舒尔茨
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Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp
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Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp
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Publication date
Application filed by Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp filed Critical Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp
Priority claimed from PCT/US2021/053557 external-priority patent/WO2022076401A1/en
Publication of CN115997326A publication Critical patent/CN115997326A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0013—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries acting upon several batteries simultaneously or sequentially
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0013—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries acting upon several batteries simultaneously or sequentially
    • H02J7/0024—Parallel/serial switching of connection of batteries to charge or load circuit
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0042—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction
    • H02J7/0045—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction concerning the insertion or the connection of the batteries
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
  • Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)

Abstract

A stackable storage device, container or unit is provided. The storage device includes a storage compartment and an interface for recharging a rechargeable battery of the power tool. The storage devices may be stacked within a modular storage system.

Description

Modular unit with integrated battery charger
Cross-reference to related patent applications
The present application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/157,164 filed on day 3 and 5 of 2021 and U.S. provisional application No. 63/088,291 filed on day 10 and 6 of 2020, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
Background
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of tool storage systems and related devices. The present disclosure relates specifically to a tool storage container having a coupling mechanism that removably couples the tool storage container to another such container, and that includes a panel configured to provide electricity to charge a battery, and
tool storage units are commonly used to transport tools and tool accessories. Some storage units are designed to be incorporated into modular storage systems. Within a modular storage system, different units, devices, and/or containers may provide a variety of different functions, such as recharging a battery.
Disclosure of Invention
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a charging device including: a housing; a power input; a bottom surface defined by the housing; a plurality of coupling members extending from the bottom surface; and a first power tool battery interface configured to physically couple with the rechargeable power tool battery and to receive power from the power input. A power input extends from the housing and is configured to receive alternating current. Each of the plurality of coupling members includes a ledge defining an upper surface facing upwardly toward the bottom surface.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a charging device including: a housing; a power input; a bottom surface defined by the housing; a plurality of coupling members extending from the bottom surface; a latch; a power tool battery interface. A power input extends from the housing and is configured to receive electricity. The plurality of coupling members are configured to slidably engage with the modular unit. The latch is slidably coupled to the housing. The latch is actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch restricts the plurality of coupling members from slidably disengaging from the modular unit when the latch is positioned in the locked position. The power tool battery interface is configured to physically couple with the rechargeable power tool battery and receive power from the power input.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a charging device including: a housing; a power input coupled to the housing; a bottom surface defined by the housing; a plurality of coupling members; a latch; a plurality of power tool battery interfaces. A plurality of coupling members extend from the bottom surface and are configured to slidably engage with the modular unit. The latch is slidably coupled to the housing. The latch is actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch restricts the plurality of coupling members from slidably disengaging from the modular unit when the latch is positioned in the locked position. The plurality of power tool battery interfaces are each configured to physically couple with the rechargeable power tool battery and receive power from the power input. The plurality of power tool battery interfaces includes a first subset of power tool battery interfaces and a second subset of power tool battery interfaces, the second subset being different than the first subset. The first subset receives power in parallel with the second subset, and the power tool battery interfaces within the first subset receive power in series with each other.
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a tool storage device comprising: a housing; a storage compartment within the housing; a top surface including a coupling member coupling the top surface of the power unit to a bottom surface of another storage device; a power input, such as receiving AC power from an electrical outlet; and a battery interface electrically coupled to the power input. The battery interface is configured to recharge the rechargeable power tool battery using power received from the power input. In a particular embodiment, the storage device includes two different battery interfaces configured to recharge different types of batteries (such as different types of rechargeable batteries used by the power tool). In a particular embodiment, the storage device includes a power socket, such as a USB power socket, electrically coupled to the power input.
Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and drawings, which include. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.
The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of various embodiments.
Drawings
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the storage device of fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the storage device of fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 4 is a side view of the storage device of fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the storage device of fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 6 is a detailed perspective view of the storage device of fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 7 is a detailed perspective view of the storage device of fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of components of the storage device of fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of components of the storage device of fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of components of the storage device of fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of components of the storage device of fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 12 is a top view of components of the storage device of fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 15 is a detailed perspective view of the storage device of fig. 14 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 16 is a detailed perspective view of the storage device of fig. 14 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the storage device of fig. 17 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the storage device of fig. 17 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 20 is a front view of the storage device of fig. 17 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 21 is a side view schematic of the storage device of fig. 17 according to an example embodiment.
Fig. 22 is a top schematic view of the storage device of fig. 17, according to an example embodiment.
Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the storage device of fig. 17, according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 24 is a top view of a storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the storage device of fig. 24, according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 26 is a front view of a storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 27 is a side view of the storage device of fig. 26 according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 28 is a perspective view of a storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a power distribution device according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 30 is a top view of the power distribution device of fig. 29, according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 31 is a perspective view of the power distribution apparatus of fig. 29 from below according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 32 is a rear view of the power distribution device of fig. 29, according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the power distribution apparatus of fig. 29, taken along line 33-33 of fig. 32, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 34 is a perspective view of a power distribution device according to an exemplary embodiment.
Detailed Description
Referring generally to the drawings, various embodiments of stackable storage devices, containers, or units are shown. One or more of the devices are configured to selectively couple and decouple with the tool storage unit. The storage device includes one or more interfaces to recharge a rechargeable battery, such as that used by a power tool. The storage device includes one or more storage compartments for tools and/or personal devices, such as cellular telephones.
Referring to fig. 1-5, a container and/or device, such as a storage device 10, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The top panel 14 is coupled to the housing 12. The top panel 14 includes a top surface 16 and a coupling member 18. The coupling member 18 couples the storage device 10 to other objects, such as devices, containers, and storage units. The coupling member shown as latch 38 further secures storage device 10. The recess 56 receives a corresponding latch (e.g., similar to latch 38) on another object to which the storage device 10 is coupled. The bottom panel 30 is coupled to the housing 12. The bottom panel 30 includes a bottom surface 32 and a coupling member 34. In particular embodiments, the coupling member 18, the coupling member 34, the latch 38, and the groove 56 are compatible with the coupling mechanism(s) described in international patent application No. PCT/US 2018/044629.
Handle 36 is pivotally coupled to housing 12 and may be used to carry and/or move storage device 10. The storage compartment 40 is defined by the housing 12. The storage compartment 40 may be used to store tools, equipment, supplies, inventory, and the like. The storage device 10 receives power through a power input 45, such as a power line. The power line and power input 45 may be configured to receive power from an external power source, such as an AC power source. When the power cord is not in use, the power cord may be stored by wrapping around the protrusion 44.
A wall structure, shown as side panels 54 (shown in fig. 2), encloses the charging pod 42 (shown in fig. 4). The charging pod 42 includes a first battery charging interface 48 and is different from the firstA second battery charging interface 50 of the battery charging interface 48. The first battery charging interface 48 is configured to be coupled to a first battery 80, such as a rechargeable power tool battery. The second battery charging interface 50 is configured to be coupled to a second battery 82, such as a rechargeable power tool battery, that is different from the first battery 80. In a specific embodiment, the first battery 80 is in contact with Milwaukee Tool TM M12 of (2) TM The system is compatible and the second battery 82 is compatible with Milwaukee Tool TM M18 of (2) TM The system is compatible.
The charging pod 42 includes a receptacle, shown as a USB power receptacle 46. The USB power receptacle 46 receives a USB cable to charge a device, such as a personal electronic device, for example a cellular telephone. The storage compartment 52 may be used to house equipment, tools, and/or other objects, such as a cellular telephone (shown in fig. 4).
Turning to fig. 6-12, various electronic aspects of the storage device 10 are shown. The storage device 10 includes a USB board 60 and a dual slot PCBA62 (fig. 6). The storage device 10 includes a super charger 64 (fig. 7). The electronics 60, 62, and 64 collectively provide the storage device 10 with the ability to charge one or more of the first battery 80, the second battery 82, and the two USB receptacles 46 (such as ase:Sub>A USB-ase:Sub>A port and ase:Sub>A USB-C port). Multiple superchargers 66 (shown as four superchargers 66 in fig. 8) enable the storage device 10 to rapidly charge multiple batteries and/or devices simultaneously.
The storage device 10 includes one or more dual-channel thermocouple locations 68 (fig. 9). In a particular embodiment, the storage device 10 includes seven thermocouple locations 68.
Turning to fig. 10-12, the storage device 10 includes a heat sink 72 having an innovative solder structure (shown as solder stake 74). The solder posts 74 extend a distance 78 from the bottom of the heat spreader 72. Recesses 76 in the circuit board 70 receive the solder posts 74. The solder posts 74 protruding into the circuit board 70 provide improved heat transfer and improved structural stability compared to the non-invasive interface between the heat spreader 72 and the circuit board 70. In a specific embodiment, the term labeled 1.6W is a boost diode, the term labeled 2W is a transformer, the term labeled 5.49W is a bridge diode, and the term labeled 9.82W is a PFC mosfet. Sample measurements of the thermal performance of these devices are depicted in tables 1, 2 and 3, which are shown below.
Figure BDA0004097649950000051
Turning to fig. 13, various aspects of the storage device 90 are illustrated. Storage device 90 is similar in function to storage device 10, except for the differences described herein. The storage device 90 receives three single-type batteries, shown as rechargeable power tool batteries 80.
Turning to fig. 14-16, various aspects of the storage device 95 are illustrated. Storage device 95 is functionally similar to storage device 10 and storage device 90, except for the differences described herein. The storage device 95 receives one battery 80 on the right side and two batteries 82 on the center and the left side (as seen in fig. 15). In particular embodiments, the battery 80 is spaced more than 36mm, more particularly more than 45mm, and more particularly 48.47mm from the centrally located battery 82.
Turning to fig. 17-23, various aspects of the storage device 110 are illustrated. Storage device 110 is functionally similar to storage device 10, storage device 90, and storage device 95, except for the differences described herein. When the first top panel 114 is removed, the storage compartment 138 is exposed. The storage compartment 138 is sized to receive a plurality of batteries 80 and/or batteries 82, such as six batteries 82.
The storage device 110 includes a first top panel 114 and a second top panel 120 that are commonly coupled to the top of the housing 112. The first top panel 114 includes a first top surface 116 and has a width 118. The second top panel 120 includes a second top surface 122 and has a width 126. The first top panel 114 and the second top panel 120 each include coupling features 124 that enable the storage device 110 to be coupled to other objects, devices, containers, and/or units. The housing 112 has a height 128.
The charging pod 140 receives two batteries 82 recharged by a battery charger 150 and one battery 80 recharged by a battery charger 148. The storage compartment 152 stores an object, such as a personal electronic device (e.g., a cellular telephone).
The storage device 110 includes a PFC PCBA board 156 to which the battery charger 148 and the battery charger 150 are electrically coupled. The storage device 110 also includes a DCDC PCBA board 160.PFC PCBA board 156 and DCDC PCBA board 160 together enable electrical and/or power communication within storage device 110.
Turning to fig. 24-25, various aspects of the storage device 210 are illustrated. Storage device 210 is functionally similar to storage device 10, storage device 90, storage device 95, and storage device 110, except for the differences described herein. In contrast to the storage device 110, the storage device 210 includes a redesigned PFC PCBA board 256 and a redesigned DCDC PCBA board 260.PFC PCBA board 256 and DCDC PCBA board 260 are electrically coupled to battery charger 248 and battery charger 250.
Turning to fig. 26-27, various aspects of the storage device 310 are illustrated. Storage device 310 is similar in function to storage device 10, storage device 90, storage device 95, storage device 110, and storage device 210, except for the differences described herein. The housing 312 includes a height 328 that is shorter than the height 128 of the housing 112 of the storage device 110. In particular embodiments, height 328 is between 2.5 inches and 1.5 inches less than height 128, and more particularly, height 328 is 2 inches less than height 128. The storage compartment 352 is laterally adjacent to the batteries within the charging bay 340, as opposed to the storage compartment 138 in the storage device 110 being located above at least one of the batteries being recharged.
Turning to fig. 28, various aspects of a storage device 410 are illustrated. Storage device 410 is similar in function to storage device 10, storage device 90, storage device 95, storage device 110, storage device 210, and storage device 310, except for the differences described herein. The housing 412 defines a width 429. In a particular embodiment, the width 429 of the storage device 410 is approximately half the width 29 of the storage device 10. Thus, two storage devices 410 may be coupled to the top panel 14 of the storage device 10 at the same time.
Turning to fig. 29-33, various aspects of a device, unit, and/or container (shown as charging device 510) for distributing power are illustrated. The charging device 510 is substantially the same as the storage device 10, the storage device 90, the storage device 95, the storage device 110, the storage device 210, the storage device 310, or the storage device 410, except for the differences described herein.
The charging device 510 includes a housing 512 and a device (shown as a power input 514) extending from the housing 512, the power input 514 configured to receive power, such as electricity (e.g., alternating current). In various embodiments, the power input 514 extends from a front side 574 of the housing 512, the front side 574 defining a front surface 576 that faces the first direction 536. The charging device 510 includes a device that distributes power, shown as USB receptacle 549. In various embodiments, USB receptacle 549 is coupled to front side 574 of housing 512. In various embodiments, USB receptacle 549 is located on a front side 574 opposite a rear side 570 at which latch 535 is coupled. The charging device 510 includes one or more power tool battery interfaces 550, each configured to physically couple to a rechargeable power tool battery and receive power from the power input 514. In a particular embodiment, the charging device 510 includes a plurality of power tool battery interfaces 550, including a first power tool battery interface 550. For example, the charging device 510 includes a first subset 552 of three power tool battery interfaces 550 and a second subset 554 of three power tool battery interfaces 550 that is different from the first subset 552. A first subset 552 of the power tool battery interfaces 550 is disposed on one side of the charging device 510 and a second subset 554 of the power tool battery interfaces 550 is on an opposite side of the charging device 510. In various embodiments, the first subset 552 receives power from the power input 514 in parallel with the second subset 554, the power tool battery interfaces 550 within the first subset 552 receive power in series with each other, and/or the power tool battery interfaces 550 within the second subset 554 receive power in series with each other.
The charging device 510 includes a bottom surface 532 defined by the housing 512 and a plurality of coupling members 534 extending from the bottom surface 532 of the charging device 510. The coupling member 534 defines a coupling direction (shown by the first direction 536) such that sliding the charging device 510 in the direction of the first direction 536 causes the coupling member 534 to engage with a modular unit (such as a corresponding coupling groove in the modular unit). Charging device 510 includes latch 535 to couple charging device 510 to a modular unit, such as a modular tool storage unit. Latch 535 is slidably coupled to housing 512, latch 535 being actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the latch 535 is positioned in the locked position, the latch 535 restricts the plurality of coupling members 534 from slidably disengaging from the modular unit (e.g., protruding into a groove in the modular unit via the latch 535, thereby restricting movement between the charging device 510 and the modular unit). In various embodiments, latch 535 is coupled to a rear side 570 of housing 512, rear side 570 defining a rear surface 572 facing away from first direction 536. In various embodiments, the plurality of coupling members 534 includes a front row of at least two coupling members 534 aligned with each other in a direction parallel to the front surface 576 of the charging device 510 and a rear row of at least two coupling members 534 aligned with each other in a direction parallel to the front surface 576 of the charging device 510.
In a specific embodiment, the charging device 510 does not include a storage compartment. In various embodiments, each of the coupling members 534 includes a lug 540 defining an upper surface 538 facing upwardly toward the bottom surface 532.
The charging device 510 includes a handle 516 that extends (such as extends upwardly) from the housing 512 away from the plurality of coupling members 534. The handle 516 extends along a longitudinal axis 518 generally parallel to a first direction 536 along which the charging device 510 slides to slidably engage the coupling member 534 with the utility module.
Each of the power tool battery interfaces 550 defines a battery installation direction 551 and a battery removal direction 553 through which the battery is moved to be installed/removed from the power tool battery interface 550. In various embodiments, the power tool battery interface 550 defines a battery mounting direction 551 along which the rechargeable power tool battery slides relative to the power tool battery interface 550 when the rechargeable power tool battery is being mounted. In a particular embodiment, the battery installation direction 551 and the battery removal direction 553 are substantially vertical, more particularly vertical. Generally, the power tool battery interface 550 is configured such that the battery installation direction 551/battery removal direction 553 is not aligned with the first direction 536 of the coupling component 534, and in particular is substantially perpendicular to the first direction 536 of the coupling component 534. In the particular embodiment shown, the first direction 536 of the coupling member 534 is substantially horizontal and the battery mounting direction 551/battery removal direction 553 of the power tool battery interface 550 is vertical, and thus the battery mounting direction 551 is generally perpendicular to the first direction 536. In such embodiments, the relative orientation of the power tool battery interface 550 and the coupling member 534 allows for the installation and removal of the battery without causing disengagement of the coupling member 534 as may be the case with some horizontally oriented power tool battery interfaces 550.
In a particular embodiment, the charging device 510 includes a first electronic board 562 and a second electronic board 564 that provide power to the power tool battery interface 550. The first electronic board 562 and the second electronic board 564 are generally identified in fig. 33. The first electronic board 562 controls and provides power to the first subset 552 of the power tool battery interface 550, and the second electronic board 564 controls and provides power to the second subset 554 of the power tool battery interface 550. In particular embodiments, first electronic board 562 provides power to power tool battery interface 550 serially (e.g., sequentially) such that most and/or all of the power provided from first electronic board 562 is routed to a single power tool battery interface 550 in first subset 552. When the battery coupled to the power tool battery interface 550 in the first subset 552 that receives most/all of the power is fully charged and/or most fully charged, the first electronic board 562 redirects power to another power tool battery interface 550 in the first subset 552. In a particular embodiment, the second electronics board 564 and the second subset 554 of the power tool battery interface 550 similarly charge the battery serially.
In a particular embodiment, the first electronic board 562 and the second electronic board 564 distribute power to the power tool battery interface 550 in parallel with each other. In this embodiment, up to two power tool battery interfaces 550 may receive power to recharge their respective batteries (one per set) at a given time.
Turning to fig. 34, various aspects of a device, unit, and/or container (shown as charging device 610) for distributing power are illustrated. Charging device 610 is similar in function to charging device 510, except for the differences described herein. Charging device 610 is also similar in function to storage device 10, storage device 90, storage device 95, storage device 110, storage device 210, storage device 310, and storage device 410, except for the differences described herein.
Charging device 610 includes a latch 635 to couple charging device 610 to a modular unit, such as a modular tool storage unit. In a particular embodiment, the charging device 610 includes coupling features on a bottom surface of the charging device 610 to couple the charging device 610 to a modular unit, such as a modular tool storage unit.
The charging device 610 includes one or more battery chargers 650. In a specific embodiment, the charging device 610 includes two sets of three battery chargers 650. A first set 652 of battery chargers 650 is disposed on one side of the charging device 610 and a second set 654 of battery chargers 650 is on an opposite side of the charging device 610.
In a particular embodiment, the first set 652 charges the batteries serially, and the second set 654 similarly charges the batteries serially. In a particular embodiment, the batteries coupled to the first set 652 are charged in parallel with the batteries coupled to the second set 654.
It is to be understood that the drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. It is also to be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, the description is to be construed as illustrative only. The constructions and arrangements shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logic algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
It is not intended in any way that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in the order specified, unless expressly stated otherwise. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. Furthermore, the article "a" or "an" as used herein is intended to include one or more components or elements and is not intended to be interpreted as having only one.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to any combination of any features and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or a future application. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

Claims (20)

1. A charging device, comprising:
a housing;
a power input extending from the housing, the power input configured to receive alternating current;
a bottom surface defined by the housing;
a plurality of coupling members extending from the bottom surface, each of the plurality of coupling members including a ledge defining an upper surface facing upwardly toward the bottom surface; and
a first power tool battery interface configured to physically couple with the rechargeable power tool battery and to receive power from the power input.
2. The charging device of claim 1, the first power tool battery interface defining a battery mounting direction along which the rechargeable power tool battery slides relative to the first power tool battery interface when the rechargeable power tool battery is being mounted, wherein the battery mounting direction is vertical.
3. The charging device of claim 1, comprising: a handle extending from the housing away from the plurality of coupling members.
4. The charging device according to claim 1, comprising: a plurality of power tool battery interfaces including the first power tool battery interface, the plurality of power tool battery interfaces configured to physically couple with the rechargeable power tool battery and to receive power from the power input, the plurality of power tool battery interfaces including a first subset of power tool battery interfaces and a second subset of power tool battery interfaces, the second subset being different from the first subset, wherein the first subset receives power in parallel with the second subset.
5. The charging device of claim 4, wherein the power tool battery interfaces within the first subset receive power in series with each other, and wherein the power tool battery interfaces within the second subset receive power in series with each other.
6. The charging device of claim 5, further comprising:
a first electronic board that provides power to the first subset; and
and a second electronic board that supplies power to the second subset.
7. A charging device, comprising:
a housing;
a power input extending from the housing, the power input configured to receive electricity;
a bottom surface defined by the housing;
a plurality of coupling members extending from the bottom surface, the plurality of coupling members configured to slidably engage with the modular unit;
a latch slidably coupled to the housing, the latch actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the latch restricts the plurality of coupling members from slidably disengaging from the modular unit when the latch is positioned in the locked position; and
a power tool battery interface configured to physically couple with the rechargeable power tool battery and receive power from the power input.
8. The charging device of claim 7, wherein the latch is coupled to a rear side of the housing, the charging device comprising a USB socket located on a front side of the housing opposite the rear side.
9. The charging device of claim 8, wherein the housing slides in a first direction to slidably engage the modular unit, wherein a rear side of the housing defines a rear surface facing away from the first direction.
10. The charging device of claim 7, wherein the housing slides in a first direction to slidably engage with the modular unit, wherein the power input extends from a front side of the housing, wherein the front side defines a front surface facing the first direction.
11. The charging device of claim 7, comprising: a handle extends upwardly from the housing away from the plurality of coupling members.
12. The charging device of claim 11, wherein the housing slides in a first direction to slidably engage with the modular unit, the handle defining a longitudinal axis generally parallel to the first direction.
13. The charging device of claim 7, the power tool battery interface defining a battery mounting direction along which the rechargeable power tool battery slides relative to the power tool battery interface when the rechargeable power tool battery is being mounted, wherein the battery mounting direction is vertical.
14. The charging device of claim 13, wherein the housing slides in a first direction to slidably engage the modular unit, wherein the first direction is generally perpendicular to the battery mounting direction.
15. A charging device, comprising:
a housing;
a power input coupled to the housing;
a bottom surface defined by the housing;
a plurality of coupling members extending from the bottom surface, the coupling members configured to slidably engage with the modular unit;
a latch slidably coupled to the housing, the latch actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the latch restricts the plurality of coupling members from slidably disengaging from the modular unit when the latch is positioned in the locked position; and
a plurality of power tool battery interfaces each configured to physically couple with a rechargeable power tool battery and to receive power from the power input, the plurality of power tool battery interfaces including a first subset of power tool battery interfaces and a second subset of power tool battery interfaces, the second subset being different from the first subset, wherein the first subset and the second subset receive power in parallel, and wherein the power tool battery interfaces within the first subset receive power in series with each other.
16. The charging device of claim 15, wherein the power tool battery interfaces within the second subset receive power in series with each other.
17. The charging device of claim 15, the plurality of coupling members comprising: at least two coupling members of a front row aligned with each other in a direction parallel to the front surface of the charging device and at least two coupling members of a rear row aligned with each other in a direction parallel to the front surface of the charging device.
18. The charging device of claim 15, further comprising:
a first electronic board that provides power to the first subset; and
and a second electronic board that supplies power to the second subset.
19. The charging device of claim 15, a first power tool battery interface of the plurality of power tool battery interfaces defining a battery mounting direction along which the rechargeable power tool battery slides relative to the first power tool battery interface when the rechargeable power tool battery is being mounted, wherein the battery mounting direction is vertical.
20. The charging device of claim 15, comprising: a handle extending upwardly from the housing away from the plurality of coupling members, the housing sliding in a first direction to slidably engage the modular unit, the handle defining a longitudinal axis generally parallel to the first direction.
CN202180053217.7A 2020-10-06 2021-10-05 Modular unit with integrated battery charger Pending CN115997326A (en)

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US202063088291P 2020-10-06 2020-10-06
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US63/157,164 2021-03-05
PCT/US2021/053557 WO2022076401A1 (en) 2020-10-06 2021-10-05 Modular unit with integrated battery charger

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