CA1138980A - Mechanical and electrical connection interface for a battery containing pack - Google Patents
Mechanical and electrical connection interface for a battery containing packInfo
- Publication number
- CA1138980A CA1138980A CA000361380A CA361380A CA1138980A CA 1138980 A CA1138980 A CA 1138980A CA 000361380 A CA000361380 A CA 000361380A CA 361380 A CA361380 A CA 361380A CA 1138980 A CA1138980 A CA 1138980A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- battery
- battery pack
- utilizing device
- connection interface
- base surface
- 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
Links
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 210000002105 tongue Anatomy 0.000 description 8
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C1/00—Dental machines for boring or cutting ; General features of dental machines or apparatus, e.g. hand-piece design
- A61C1/02—Dental machines for boring or cutting ; General features of dental machines or apparatus, e.g. hand-piece design characterised by the drive of the dental tools
- A61C1/06—Dental machines for boring or cutting ; General features of dental machines or apparatus, e.g. hand-piece design characterised by the drive of the dental tools with electric drive
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods
- A61B17/16—Instruments for performing osteoclasis; Drills or chisels for bones; Trepans
- A61B17/1613—Component parts
- A61B17/1628—Motors; Power supplies
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
- H01M50/262—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders with fastening means, e.g. locks
- H01M50/264—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders with fastening means, e.g. locks for cells or batteries, e.g. straps, tie rods or peripheral frames
-
- 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
-
- 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
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S439/00—Electrical connectors
- Y10S439/929—Connecting base plate or shelf type holder
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Dentistry (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)
Abstract
Title of the Invention MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTION INTER-FACE FOR A BATTERY CONTAINING PACK
Abstract of the Disclosure A connection interface for mechanically and elect-rically connecting a battery containing pack and a battery utilizing device includes a plurality of outwardly facing lugs positioned on the battery pack to define outwardly facing tab-receiving slots. Cooperating inwardly facing tabs located on the battery utilizing device define inwardly facing lug-receiving slots such that the outwardly facing lugs are received within the inwardly facing lug-receiving slots and the inwardly facing tabs are received within the outwardly facing tab-receiving slots. The mating faces of the tabs and lugs are inclined relative to a medial plane to accomodate accumulated tolerances and assist in providing a rigid mechanical connection. A manually operable latch is provided to prevent unintentional separation of the battery pack and the battery utilizing device.
Abstract of the Disclosure A connection interface for mechanically and elect-rically connecting a battery containing pack and a battery utilizing device includes a plurality of outwardly facing lugs positioned on the battery pack to define outwardly facing tab-receiving slots. Cooperating inwardly facing tabs located on the battery utilizing device define inwardly facing lug-receiving slots such that the outwardly facing lugs are received within the inwardly facing lug-receiving slots and the inwardly facing tabs are received within the outwardly facing tab-receiving slots. The mating faces of the tabs and lugs are inclined relative to a medial plane to accomodate accumulated tolerances and assist in providing a rigid mechanical connection. A manually operable latch is provided to prevent unintentional separation of the battery pack and the battery utilizing device.
Description
~ 31389~30 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present inVention relates to a connection interface for connecting a battery containing pack with a battery utilis-ng device, and, more particulary, to a conn-ection interface for effecting both a structurally rigidmechanical interconnection and a reliable electric~l inte~-connecti`on between a battery containin~ pack and a battery utilizing dPvice.
Portable battery-powered tools, such as portable electric drills, typically include a battery formed from a plurality of recharyeable secondary cells that are permanently installed within the tool housing. The battery is recharged with a battery charger through an electrical connector on the tool. S~ch tools ma~ be used until their battery is discharged after which the tool must be conneçted to its accompanying charger to effect replenish~ent of the battery.
During the recharging period, the tool is normally not available for portable use. While this battery/tool ar~angement is suitable far a wide variety of applications, it presents a problem with respect to medical applications, especially surgical applications, in which recharging o~ the battery during ~urgery is impracticable. While it is possible to provide battery receiving cavities in the tool housing to permit battery replacement, the manual removal of the depleted battery and replacement with a freshly charged battery can be time consuming, especially in the case where a plurality of individual cells must be replaced.
89~3~
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a broad overall object of the present in~Tention among others to provide a connection interface for connecting a battery containing pack with a battery utilizing device in which both a mechanical and an electrical connection is effected.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a connection interface for connecting a battery containing pack with a battery utilizing device in which both the battery pack and the battery utilizing device, when connected, are structurally integrated to provide a rigid mechanical interconnection.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a connection interface for c~nnecting a 15 1 battery pack and a battery utilizing device in which the battery pack defines part of the device handle and is adapted to be connected through the connection interface to a handle stub to provide a structurally integrated handle.
l It is still another object of the present inventon 20 ¦ to provide a connection interface for a battery pack and a battery utilizing device in which the ba~tery pack can be unlatched and removed from the device by a simple one-handed manipulation.
A connection interface for a battery pack and a battery utilizing device in accordance with the present invention includes tabs that extend upwardly from a base surface of a battery pack and complementary lugs that extend downwardly from a base sur~ace of the battery utilizing device such that the tabs define lug receiving spaces or slots and the lug~ define tab-receiving spaces or sl~ts relative to their respective base surfaces. When connected, the lugs of the battery utilizing device are received within . ~L3~
the lug-receiving slots defined by the tabs, and the tabs of the battery pack are received within the tab-receiving slots defined ~y the lugs. The contacting surfaces of the lugs and tabs ~re inclined relative to a medial plane to permit the tab/lug interconnection to take-up and accomodate accumulated clearances and thereby provide a structurally rigid connection between the battery pack and the battery utilizing device. A finger operated latch is provided to permit the battery pack to be unlatched from and separated from the battery utilizing device. In the preferred embodiment, the battery pack is formed as part of a handle extension for a portable electric drill intended for medical applications so that the battery pack, when connected to a handle stub portion of the drill, is structurally integrated with the stub to provide a rigid, structurally integrated handle for the tool. The connection interface permits the battery pack to be quickly connected and disconnected from the electric drill with disconnection effected by a simple one-handed manipulation.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The above description, as well as the objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of a presently preferred but nonetheless illustrative embodiment in accordance with the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a battery-powered electric drill connected to a handle-type battery pack;
I _4_ l .
I
~ 1 1 3891!30 I FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the battery-powered electric drill and battery pack shown in FIG. l;
. FIG. ~ i6 a bottom view of a connection interface portion of the ~lectric drill taken along line 3-3 of FIG. l;
FIG. 4 is a top view of a connection interface portion of the ~attery pack taken along line 4-4 of FIG. l;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged side elevational view, in cross section, of the connected electric drill and the battery pack taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2;
.; 10 FIG. 6 is an enlarged rear elevational view, in cross section, of the connected electric drill and battery . pack taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged side elevational ~iew, similar to that of FIG. 5, of the connected electric drill and battery pack showing a finger-operated latch in an un-latching position and the battery pack partially disengaged . from the electric drill; and FIG. 8 is a detailed perspectiVe View of a finger-operated latch used to selectively latch the battery pack to the electric drill.
. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EM~ODIMENT
A connection interface in accordance with the present. invention is shown in the figures in co~bination with a battery-powered electric drill that is generally designated by the reference character 10. As shown in FIGS.
1 and 2, the electric drill 10 is formed generally about a vertically aligned tool axis 12 and includes a power head 14 i (shown în partial broken-line illustration) that contains an electrically driven motor and a gear head tnot shown~
; 30 and a handle stub 16 that is designed to be mechanically ~13~98~ -and electrically interconnected with a battery pack 18 so that the handle stub 16 and the battery pack 18 con-stitute a structurally integrated tool handle. As described in more detail below, bDth the electric drill 10 and the battery pack 18 have confronting base surfaces that are provided with complementary lugs and tabs that inter-engage to effect the mechanically rigid connection.
As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom of the handle stub 16 is provided with a base surface 20 that includes a rim 22 formed on the periphery of the base surface 20 with the rim 22 extending downwardly from the base surface 20 in FIG. 1. The rim 22 defines side walls 24 and 26 formed on opposite sides of a longitudinally aligned axis 28, a curved forward wall portion 30, and a curved rearwaxd wall portion 32.
A pair of lugs 34 are formed on the rim 22 on each side wall 24 and 26. The lugs 34 extend inwardly from their respective side walls toward each other and toward the longitudinal axis 28. Each of the lugs 34 is spaced from the base surface 20 of the electric drill 10 to define a tab-receiving space or slot 36 therebetween (see FIG. 7).
A rearwardly facing flange or tongue 38 is provided on the curved forward wall 30 of the rim 22 and is spaced from the base surface 20 to define a rearwardly facing pro-jection-receiving slot 40 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) that is aligned substantially laterally to the longitudinal axis 28. As second rearwardly facing flange or tongue 42 is provided on the curved rearward wall 32 of the rim 22 and is likewise spaced from ~he base surface 2Q and spans on an open portion of the rear wall 32 to define a second rearwardly facing projection-receiving slot 44 ~see FIG. 7).
. . 11389~30 The battery pack 18, as shown in FIG. 4 includes . a base surface 46 and a wall 50 that extends upwardly from the base surface; The wall 50 describes a generally open rectangle that includes two side walls 52 and 54, a S forward wall 56, a rear wall 58, and an intermediate wall 60 that is aligned along the longitudinal axis 28 as shown : in FIG. 4.
The present inVention relates to a connection interface for connecting a battery containing pack with a battery utilis-ng device, and, more particulary, to a conn-ection interface for effecting both a structurally rigidmechanical interconnection and a reliable electric~l inte~-connecti`on between a battery containin~ pack and a battery utilizing dPvice.
Portable battery-powered tools, such as portable electric drills, typically include a battery formed from a plurality of recharyeable secondary cells that are permanently installed within the tool housing. The battery is recharged with a battery charger through an electrical connector on the tool. S~ch tools ma~ be used until their battery is discharged after which the tool must be conneçted to its accompanying charger to effect replenish~ent of the battery.
During the recharging period, the tool is normally not available for portable use. While this battery/tool ar~angement is suitable far a wide variety of applications, it presents a problem with respect to medical applications, especially surgical applications, in which recharging o~ the battery during ~urgery is impracticable. While it is possible to provide battery receiving cavities in the tool housing to permit battery replacement, the manual removal of the depleted battery and replacement with a freshly charged battery can be time consuming, especially in the case where a plurality of individual cells must be replaced.
89~3~
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a broad overall object of the present in~Tention among others to provide a connection interface for connecting a battery containing pack with a battery utilizing device in which both a mechanical and an electrical connection is effected.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a connection interface for connecting a battery containing pack with a battery utilizing device in which both the battery pack and the battery utilizing device, when connected, are structurally integrated to provide a rigid mechanical interconnection.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a connection interface for c~nnecting a 15 1 battery pack and a battery utilizing device in which the battery pack defines part of the device handle and is adapted to be connected through the connection interface to a handle stub to provide a structurally integrated handle.
l It is still another object of the present inventon 20 ¦ to provide a connection interface for a battery pack and a battery utilizing device in which the ba~tery pack can be unlatched and removed from the device by a simple one-handed manipulation.
A connection interface for a battery pack and a battery utilizing device in accordance with the present invention includes tabs that extend upwardly from a base surface of a battery pack and complementary lugs that extend downwardly from a base sur~ace of the battery utilizing device such that the tabs define lug receiving spaces or slots and the lug~ define tab-receiving spaces or sl~ts relative to their respective base surfaces. When connected, the lugs of the battery utilizing device are received within . ~L3~
the lug-receiving slots defined by the tabs, and the tabs of the battery pack are received within the tab-receiving slots defined ~y the lugs. The contacting surfaces of the lugs and tabs ~re inclined relative to a medial plane to permit the tab/lug interconnection to take-up and accomodate accumulated clearances and thereby provide a structurally rigid connection between the battery pack and the battery utilizing device. A finger operated latch is provided to permit the battery pack to be unlatched from and separated from the battery utilizing device. In the preferred embodiment, the battery pack is formed as part of a handle extension for a portable electric drill intended for medical applications so that the battery pack, when connected to a handle stub portion of the drill, is structurally integrated with the stub to provide a rigid, structurally integrated handle for the tool. The connection interface permits the battery pack to be quickly connected and disconnected from the electric drill with disconnection effected by a simple one-handed manipulation.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The above description, as well as the objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of a presently preferred but nonetheless illustrative embodiment in accordance with the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a battery-powered electric drill connected to a handle-type battery pack;
I _4_ l .
I
~ 1 1 3891!30 I FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the battery-powered electric drill and battery pack shown in FIG. l;
. FIG. ~ i6 a bottom view of a connection interface portion of the ~lectric drill taken along line 3-3 of FIG. l;
FIG. 4 is a top view of a connection interface portion of the ~attery pack taken along line 4-4 of FIG. l;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged side elevational view, in cross section, of the connected electric drill and the battery pack taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2;
.; 10 FIG. 6 is an enlarged rear elevational view, in cross section, of the connected electric drill and battery . pack taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged side elevational ~iew, similar to that of FIG. 5, of the connected electric drill and battery pack showing a finger-operated latch in an un-latching position and the battery pack partially disengaged . from the electric drill; and FIG. 8 is a detailed perspectiVe View of a finger-operated latch used to selectively latch the battery pack to the electric drill.
. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EM~ODIMENT
A connection interface in accordance with the present. invention is shown in the figures in co~bination with a battery-powered electric drill that is generally designated by the reference character 10. As shown in FIGS.
1 and 2, the electric drill 10 is formed generally about a vertically aligned tool axis 12 and includes a power head 14 i (shown în partial broken-line illustration) that contains an electrically driven motor and a gear head tnot shown~
; 30 and a handle stub 16 that is designed to be mechanically ~13~98~ -and electrically interconnected with a battery pack 18 so that the handle stub 16 and the battery pack 18 con-stitute a structurally integrated tool handle. As described in more detail below, bDth the electric drill 10 and the battery pack 18 have confronting base surfaces that are provided with complementary lugs and tabs that inter-engage to effect the mechanically rigid connection.
As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom of the handle stub 16 is provided with a base surface 20 that includes a rim 22 formed on the periphery of the base surface 20 with the rim 22 extending downwardly from the base surface 20 in FIG. 1. The rim 22 defines side walls 24 and 26 formed on opposite sides of a longitudinally aligned axis 28, a curved forward wall portion 30, and a curved rearwaxd wall portion 32.
A pair of lugs 34 are formed on the rim 22 on each side wall 24 and 26. The lugs 34 extend inwardly from their respective side walls toward each other and toward the longitudinal axis 28. Each of the lugs 34 is spaced from the base surface 20 of the electric drill 10 to define a tab-receiving space or slot 36 therebetween (see FIG. 7).
A rearwardly facing flange or tongue 38 is provided on the curved forward wall 30 of the rim 22 and is spaced from the base surface 20 to define a rearwardly facing pro-jection-receiving slot 40 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) that is aligned substantially laterally to the longitudinal axis 28. As second rearwardly facing flange or tongue 42 is provided on the curved rearward wall 32 of the rim 22 and is likewise spaced from ~he base surface 2Q and spans on an open portion of the rear wall 32 to define a second rearwardly facing projection-receiving slot 44 ~see FIG. 7).
. . 11389~30 The battery pack 18, as shown in FIG. 4 includes . a base surface 46 and a wall 50 that extends upwardly from the base surface; The wall 50 describes a generally open rectangle that includes two side walls 52 and 54, a S forward wall 56, a rear wall 58, and an intermediate wall 60 that is aligned along the longitudinal axis 28 as shown : in FIG. 4.
2~ p.~ir of tabs 62 are formed on each of the side walls 52 and 54 and extend from their respective wall 10 portions in opposite directions from one another and out-wardly of the longitudinal axis 28. The tabs 62 on each side wall are spaced from one another along the longitudinal axi~ 28 approximately the same distance as the lugs 34 of th~o electric drill 10 and are also spaced above the base surface 5 46 to define lug-receiving spaces or slots 64 therebetween tsee FIG. 7). A f~3rwardly facing projection 66 is formed on the forward wall 56 and is laterally aligned relative to the longitudinal axis 28. The projection 66 i5 spaced above the base qurface 46 to define a forwardly facing tongue-receiVing 20 slot or space 68 therebetween (see FIG. 7). A second forwardly facing projection 70 is provided on the rearmost portion of the base surface 46 of the battery pack 18 and is laterally aligned relative to the longitudinal axis 24. The projection 70 is also spaced above the base surface 46 to define a 25 second forwardly facing tongue-receivin~ slot 72 therebetween (see FIG. 7).
A :Einger-operated latch 74, as shown in detail in FIG. , is provided in the handle stub 16 of the electric drill 10 .
to permit the el~ctric drill and the battery pack 18 to be 30 latched and unlatched from one another. The lat~::h 74 includes a finger-operated trigger 76 that extends thr~ugh a generally rectangular 810t 78 (FIG. 2) fc:rmed in the rear wall portion ~L1389~
of the handle stub 16. The latch 74 is retained in an appropriately shaped cavity in the handle stub 16 and is resiliently urged in a downward direction by a helical spring 80, in compression, (FIG. 5) retained in a counterbore 82 formed in the upper portion of the latch 74. A stem 84 extends downwardly from the latch 74 and is designed to latch the battery pack 18 in place as described more fully below.
In order to connect the battery pack 18 and the electric drill 10, the battery pack 18 is positioned, as shown in FIG. 7, immediately below the handle stub 16 of the electric drill 10 with the open rectangle defined by the wall 50 inserted into the opening defined by the rim 22 of the handle stub 16. The battery pack 18 is initially offset rearwardly of the handle stub 16 as indicated by the distance "D" in FIG. 7 such that the first and second rear-. wardly facing tongues 38 and 42 of the handle stub 16 are : positioned immediately adjacent to and aligned with their respective forwardly facing tongue-receiving spaces 68 and 72 of the battery pack 18; the first and second forwardly facing projections 66 and 70 of the battery pack 18 are positioned immediately adjacent to and aligned with the rearwardly facing projection-receîving spaces 40 and 44 of the handle stub 16; and the lugs 34 of the handle stub 16 and the tabs 62 of the battexy pack 18 are positioned immediately adjacent to and aligned wi.th their respective lug-receiving slots 64 and their respective tab receiving slots 36. The battery pack 18 is then pushed in a forward direction as indicated by the arrow 86 in FIG. 8 to cause the various tongues, projections, lugs, and tabs to enter their respective receiving slots. Thus, when the electric drill 10 and the . -8-1~;~8~
battery pack 18 are interconnected, as shown in FIG. 5, the tongues 38 and 42 are received within their respective receiving slots 68 and 72, the projections 66 and 70 are received within their respective projection-receiving slots 40 and 44, and the lugs 34 and the tabs 62 are received within their respective lug-receiving slots 64 and tab-receiving slots 36.
When the battery pack 18 and the electric drill lQ
are interconnected, the stem 84 portion of the latch 74 is i~3 resiliently urged downward by the spring 80 and enters the space defined between the rear wall 58 of the battery pack 18 and the forwardly facing projection 70 of the electric drill 10 to latch the battery pack in place.
In order to disconnect or separate the battery pack 18 from the electric drill 10, as shown in FIG. 7, the finger-operated trigger 76 is pushed in an upward direction as indicated by the arrow 88 against the resiliency of the spring 80 to cause the locking stem 84 of the latch 74 to move upwardly above the rear wall 58 of the battery pack 16.
The battery pack 18 is then pulled rearwardly relative to the electric drill 10 as indicated by the arrow 90 until the various tongues, projections, lugs, and tabs clear one another. Thereafter the battery pack 18 is separated from the electric drill 10 by pulling it downwardly in the direction of the arrow 92. As can be appreciated, the separation may ke effected by a one-handed manipulation in that the thumb may be used to urge the finger-operated trigger 76 upwardly while the first two fingers of the hand grip the handle . stub 16 and the remaining two fingers grip the battery pack 18 to pull rearwardly end downw~rdly during separation.
li ~L1389~
The various lugs, tabs, projections and tongues are designed so that the mating or contacting surfaces fit together with a line-to-line fit. Preferably, the mating or contacting surfaces of the various luys, tabs, tongues, and projections are inclined relative to a medial reference plane 96 (FIG. 5)that contains the longitudinal axis 28 and that is generally normal to the vertical axis 12 of the tool 10. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the mating or contacting surfaces are inclined by an angle A (for example 1) to the medial plane such that the forward most projection is somewhat thinner than the rearmost projection. The inclination of the various mating or contacting surfaces permits the connection interface to take-up or accomodate accumulated tolerances to provide a clearance-free mechanically rigid interconnection between the battery pack 16 and the electric drill 10.
Electrical contact between the battery pack 18 and the electric drill 10 is effected ~y electrical contacts i located on the base surfaces 20 and 46 of the battery pack and electric drill. In the preferred emhodiment, the electric drill 10 is provided with silver plated button head screws 98 on its base surface 20 that are connected to the electric motor within the power head. The battery pack 18 includes , two silver plated, resilient leaf springs 100 (broken-line illustration) that are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 and that are connected to rechargeable secondary cells 102 ~broken-line illustration in FIG. 6) within the battery pack housing.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various changes and modifications may be made to the connection interface of the present invention without departing from i the spirit and scope of the invention as recited in the l appended claims and their legal equivalent.
. .
A :Einger-operated latch 74, as shown in detail in FIG. , is provided in the handle stub 16 of the electric drill 10 .
to permit the el~ctric drill and the battery pack 18 to be 30 latched and unlatched from one another. The lat~::h 74 includes a finger-operated trigger 76 that extends thr~ugh a generally rectangular 810t 78 (FIG. 2) fc:rmed in the rear wall portion ~L1389~
of the handle stub 16. The latch 74 is retained in an appropriately shaped cavity in the handle stub 16 and is resiliently urged in a downward direction by a helical spring 80, in compression, (FIG. 5) retained in a counterbore 82 formed in the upper portion of the latch 74. A stem 84 extends downwardly from the latch 74 and is designed to latch the battery pack 18 in place as described more fully below.
In order to connect the battery pack 18 and the electric drill 10, the battery pack 18 is positioned, as shown in FIG. 7, immediately below the handle stub 16 of the electric drill 10 with the open rectangle defined by the wall 50 inserted into the opening defined by the rim 22 of the handle stub 16. The battery pack 18 is initially offset rearwardly of the handle stub 16 as indicated by the distance "D" in FIG. 7 such that the first and second rear-. wardly facing tongues 38 and 42 of the handle stub 16 are : positioned immediately adjacent to and aligned with their respective forwardly facing tongue-receiving spaces 68 and 72 of the battery pack 18; the first and second forwardly facing projections 66 and 70 of the battery pack 18 are positioned immediately adjacent to and aligned with the rearwardly facing projection-receîving spaces 40 and 44 of the handle stub 16; and the lugs 34 of the handle stub 16 and the tabs 62 of the battexy pack 18 are positioned immediately adjacent to and aligned wi.th their respective lug-receiving slots 64 and their respective tab receiving slots 36. The battery pack 18 is then pushed in a forward direction as indicated by the arrow 86 in FIG. 8 to cause the various tongues, projections, lugs, and tabs to enter their respective receiving slots. Thus, when the electric drill 10 and the . -8-1~;~8~
battery pack 18 are interconnected, as shown in FIG. 5, the tongues 38 and 42 are received within their respective receiving slots 68 and 72, the projections 66 and 70 are received within their respective projection-receiving slots 40 and 44, and the lugs 34 and the tabs 62 are received within their respective lug-receiving slots 64 and tab-receiving slots 36.
When the battery pack 18 and the electric drill lQ
are interconnected, the stem 84 portion of the latch 74 is i~3 resiliently urged downward by the spring 80 and enters the space defined between the rear wall 58 of the battery pack 18 and the forwardly facing projection 70 of the electric drill 10 to latch the battery pack in place.
In order to disconnect or separate the battery pack 18 from the electric drill 10, as shown in FIG. 7, the finger-operated trigger 76 is pushed in an upward direction as indicated by the arrow 88 against the resiliency of the spring 80 to cause the locking stem 84 of the latch 74 to move upwardly above the rear wall 58 of the battery pack 16.
The battery pack 18 is then pulled rearwardly relative to the electric drill 10 as indicated by the arrow 90 until the various tongues, projections, lugs, and tabs clear one another. Thereafter the battery pack 18 is separated from the electric drill 10 by pulling it downwardly in the direction of the arrow 92. As can be appreciated, the separation may ke effected by a one-handed manipulation in that the thumb may be used to urge the finger-operated trigger 76 upwardly while the first two fingers of the hand grip the handle . stub 16 and the remaining two fingers grip the battery pack 18 to pull rearwardly end downw~rdly during separation.
li ~L1389~
The various lugs, tabs, projections and tongues are designed so that the mating or contacting surfaces fit together with a line-to-line fit. Preferably, the mating or contacting surfaces of the various luys, tabs, tongues, and projections are inclined relative to a medial reference plane 96 (FIG. 5)that contains the longitudinal axis 28 and that is generally normal to the vertical axis 12 of the tool 10. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the mating or contacting surfaces are inclined by an angle A (for example 1) to the medial plane such that the forward most projection is somewhat thinner than the rearmost projection. The inclination of the various mating or contacting surfaces permits the connection interface to take-up or accomodate accumulated tolerances to provide a clearance-free mechanically rigid interconnection between the battery pack 16 and the electric drill 10.
Electrical contact between the battery pack 18 and the electric drill 10 is effected ~y electrical contacts i located on the base surfaces 20 and 46 of the battery pack and electric drill. In the preferred emhodiment, the electric drill 10 is provided with silver plated button head screws 98 on its base surface 20 that are connected to the electric motor within the power head. The battery pack 18 includes , two silver plated, resilient leaf springs 100 (broken-line illustration) that are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 and that are connected to rechargeable secondary cells 102 ~broken-line illustration in FIG. 6) within the battery pack housing.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various changes and modifications may be made to the connection interface of the present invention without departing from i the spirit and scope of the invention as recited in the l appended claims and their legal equivalent.
. .
Claims (10)
1. A separable connection interface for connecting a battery-containing pack with a battery utilizing device, said connection interface comprising:
at least two tabs connected to a base surface of a battery pack, said lugs positioned on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of a connection interface, each tab directed laterally outward from said longitudinal axis and spaced from said base surface of said battery pack to define a lug-receiving slot therebetween;
at least two lugs connected to a base surface of said battery utilizing device, said lugs directed inward toward one another and each lug spaced from said base surface of said battery utilizing device to define a tab-receiving slot therebetween;
said outwardly facing tabs of said battery pack, when said battery pack is connected to said battery utilizing device, received within said tab-receiving slots and said inwardly facing lugs of said battery utilizing device received within said lug-receiving slots of said battery pack;
whereby said battery pack and said battery utilizing device may be separated by relative movement therebetween along said longitudinal axis.
at least two tabs connected to a base surface of a battery pack, said lugs positioned on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of a connection interface, each tab directed laterally outward from said longitudinal axis and spaced from said base surface of said battery pack to define a lug-receiving slot therebetween;
at least two lugs connected to a base surface of said battery utilizing device, said lugs directed inward toward one another and each lug spaced from said base surface of said battery utilizing device to define a tab-receiving slot therebetween;
said outwardly facing tabs of said battery pack, when said battery pack is connected to said battery utilizing device, received within said tab-receiving slots and said inwardly facing lugs of said battery utilizing device received within said lug-receiving slots of said battery pack;
whereby said battery pack and said battery utilizing device may be separated by relative movement therebetween along said longitudinal axis.
2. The separable connection interface claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a projection connected to said base surface of said battery pack transverse to said longitudinal axis and facing in a forward direction, said projection spaced from said base surface of said battery pack to define a tongue-receiving slot therebetween;
a rearwardly facing tongue connected to the base surface of said battery utilizing device transverse to said longitudinal axis, said tongue spaced from said base surface of said battery utilizing device to define a projection-receiving slot therebetween whereby said projection and said tongue, when said battery pack and said battery utilizing device are connected, are received, repectively, within said pro-jection-receiving slot and said tongue-receiving slot.
a projection connected to said base surface of said battery pack transverse to said longitudinal axis and facing in a forward direction, said projection spaced from said base surface of said battery pack to define a tongue-receiving slot therebetween;
a rearwardly facing tongue connected to the base surface of said battery utilizing device transverse to said longitudinal axis, said tongue spaced from said base surface of said battery utilizing device to define a projection-receiving slot therebetween whereby said projection and said tongue, when said battery pack and said battery utilizing device are connected, are received, repectively, within said pro-jection-receiving slot and said tongue-receiving slot.
3. The connection interface claimed in claim 2 further comprising:
a second projection connected to said base surface of said battery pack transverse to said longitudinal axis and facing in a forward direction, said second projection spaced from said base surface of said battery pack to define a second tongue-receivng slot therebetween;
a second rearwardly facing tongue connected to the base surface of said battery utilizing device transverse to said longitudinal axis, said tongue spaced from said base surface of said battery utilizing device to define a second projection receiving slot therebetween whereby said second projection and said second tongue, when said battery pack and said battery utilizing device are connected, are received, respectively, within said second projection-receiving slot and said second tongue-receiving slot.
a second projection connected to said base surface of said battery pack transverse to said longitudinal axis and facing in a forward direction, said second projection spaced from said base surface of said battery pack to define a second tongue-receivng slot therebetween;
a second rearwardly facing tongue connected to the base surface of said battery utilizing device transverse to said longitudinal axis, said tongue spaced from said base surface of said battery utilizing device to define a second projection receiving slot therebetween whereby said second projection and said second tongue, when said battery pack and said battery utilizing device are connected, are received, respectively, within said second projection-receiving slot and said second tongue-receiving slot.
4. The connection interface claimed in claim 2 wherein the mating surfaces of said tabs and lugs are inclined relative to a medial plane of said connection interface.
5. The connection interface claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
locking means for preventing longitudinal motion of said battery pack relative to said battery utilizing device to prevent separation thereof.
locking means for preventing longitudinal motion of said battery pack relative to said battery utilizing device to prevent separation thereof.
6. The connection interface claimed in claim 5 wherein said locking means comprises:
a movable stem mounted on said battery utilizing device and cooperable with an abutment mounted on said battery pack and operable between a first position in which relative motion between said battery pack and said battery utilizing device is blocked and a second position in which said motion is permitted.
a movable stem mounted on said battery utilizing device and cooperable with an abutment mounted on said battery pack and operable between a first position in which relative motion between said battery pack and said battery utilizing device is blocked and a second position in which said motion is permitted.
7. The connection interface device claimed in claim 6 further comprising:
resilient biasing means to resiliently bias said locking means to said first position.
resilient biasing means to resiliently bias said locking means to said first position.
8. The connection interface claimed in claim 1 wherein said battery pack comprises the handle portion of said battery utilizing device.
9. The connection interface claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
electrical contacts located on said battery pack and electrical contacts located on said battery utilizing device, said contacts making mutual contact with one another when said battery pack and said battery utilizing device are connected.
electrical contacts located on said battery pack and electrical contacts located on said battery utilizing device, said contacts making mutual contact with one another when said battery pack and said battery utilizing device are connected.
10. The connection interface claimed in claim 9, wherein said electrical contacts of said battery pack comprise:
electrically conductive resilient leaf springs mounted on said base surface of said battery pack and aligned sub-stantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of said connection interface.
electrically conductive resilient leaf springs mounted on said base surface of said battery pack and aligned sub-stantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of said connection interface.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US086,026 | 1979-10-17 | ||
| US06/086,026 US4309067A (en) | 1979-10-17 | 1979-10-17 | Mechanical and electrical connection interface for a battery containing pack |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1138980A true CA1138980A (en) | 1983-01-04 |
Family
ID=22195751
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000361380A Expired CA1138980A (en) | 1979-10-17 | 1980-10-02 | Mechanical and electrical connection interface for a battery containing pack |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4309067A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1138980A (en) |
Families Citing this family (23)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4421111A (en) * | 1982-03-02 | 1983-12-20 | Black & Decker Inc. | Low-voltage surgical cast cutter with vacuum exhaust of debris |
| US4544434A (en) * | 1984-02-28 | 1985-10-01 | Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. | Hand-held labeler |
| US5468949A (en) * | 1985-02-28 | 1995-11-21 | Symbol Technologies, Inc. | Portable laser diode scanning head |
| GB2271017B (en) * | 1990-11-30 | 1995-02-08 | Motorola Inc | Battery housing assembly with integral limited travel guide rails |
| US6181032B1 (en) | 1999-07-14 | 2001-01-30 | Black & Decker Inc. | Releasably connecting power packs to electrical appliances |
| US7183745B2 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2007-02-27 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Adapter for a power tool battery |
| US7443137B2 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2008-10-28 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Adapter for a power tool battery |
| US6525511B2 (en) | 2000-08-11 | 2003-02-25 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Adapter for a power tool battery |
| US6729413B2 (en) * | 2001-08-24 | 2004-05-04 | Black & Decker Inc. | Power tool with battery pack ejector |
| US6729897B2 (en) * | 2002-06-06 | 2004-05-04 | Hon Hai Precision Inc. Co., Ltd. | Electrical connector having theftproof member |
| DE102004044331B4 (en) * | 2004-09-09 | 2019-05-09 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Device for locking an electrical appliance with an accessory |
| CN2762964Y (en) * | 2005-01-10 | 2006-03-08 | 南京德朔实业有限公司 | Electric tool power supplied by battery |
| US20070277987A1 (en) * | 2006-05-26 | 2007-12-06 | Meyer Gary D | Power tool, battery pack, and method of operating the same |
| JP4981392B2 (en) * | 2006-09-20 | 2012-07-18 | 日立工機株式会社 | Adapter, combination of adapter and battery pack, and electric tool including them |
| US20080305387A1 (en) * | 2007-06-11 | 2008-12-11 | Black & Decker Inc. | Cordless power tool system |
| US9314261B2 (en) | 2007-12-03 | 2016-04-19 | Covidien Ag | Battery-powered hand-held ultrasonic surgical cautery cutting device |
| US8061014B2 (en) | 2007-12-03 | 2011-11-22 | Covidien Ag | Method of assembling a cordless hand-held ultrasonic cautery cutting device |
| US20090143800A1 (en) | 2007-12-03 | 2009-06-04 | Derek Dee Deville | Cordless Hand-Held Ultrasonic Cautery Cutting Device |
| US20130051080A1 (en) * | 2010-02-25 | 2013-02-28 | Demain Technology Pty Ltd | Power station assembly |
| JP2013126430A (en) * | 2010-08-25 | 2013-06-27 | Kevin W Smith | Battery-powered hand-held ultrasonic surgical cautery cutting device |
| CN107836047B (en) | 2015-05-20 | 2021-11-02 | 梅达提斯控股有限公司 | Electric energy source, kit and method for inserting an energy source into a tool |
| US11848457B2 (en) | 2021-01-05 | 2023-12-19 | Xentris Wireless, Llc | Small tactical universal battery and methods of interconnection |
| US12426912B2 (en) | 2021-06-17 | 2025-09-30 | Covidien Lp | Surgical instruments, systems, and methods for frequency dithering control functionality |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3973179A (en) * | 1974-08-23 | 1976-08-03 | The Black And Decker Manufacturing Company | Modular cordless tools |
| US4113337A (en) * | 1976-10-29 | 1978-09-12 | Trw Inc. | Connector constructions and mounting means and hoods therefor |
-
1979
- 1979-10-17 US US06/086,026 patent/US4309067A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1980
- 1980-10-02 CA CA000361380A patent/CA1138980A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4309067A (en) | 1982-01-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry |