CN106099218B - Operation containing battery pack and the method and power tool battery group for running battery pack - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclose a kind of battery pack, a kind of method for executing the operation containing battery pack, a kind of method for running battery pack, a kind of for executing the method and a kind of power tool battery group of the operation including battery pack.It is configured to connect with electric tool, the battery pack includes: shell；Battery unit with voltage, power can transmit between the battery unit and the electric tool, and the battery unit has the battery chemistries based on lithium；Controller can operate the function for controlling the battery pack, and the controller requires voltage to be equal to and/or greater than operating voltage threshold value to run, and the battery unit can be operated for selectively providing voltage to the controller；And circuit, the circuit operative are used to make controller run when being provided by the battery unit and being lower than the operating voltage threshold value of the controller to the voltage of the controller.

Description

Operation containing battery pack and the method and power tool battery group for running battery pack

The application be the applying date be on November 24th, 2003, it is entitled " operation containing battery pack and operation battery pack The divisional application of the Chinese patent application 201210080443.7 of method and power tool battery group ".

Related application

Serial No. 60/428,358 that patent application claims were submitted on November 22nd, 2002, November 22 in 2002 Day submit Serial No. 60/428,450, submitted on November 22nd, 2002 Serial No. 60/428,452, in 2003 1 Serial No. 60/400,692 that the moon is submitted on the 17th, the Serial No. 60/440,693 submitted on January 17th, 2003 and not yet The U.S. Provisional Patent Application of authorization；Entitled " method and system for battery protection " submitted on November 19th, 2003 And the U.S. Provisional Patent Application (attorney docket 066042-9536-00) not yet authorized；It is submitted on November 19th, 2003 Entitled " method and system for battery charging " and the U.S. Provisional Patent Application that not yet authorizes (attorney docket is Equity 066042-9538-00), all contents are incorporated in the present specification as reference.It is submitted on November 20th, 2003 Entitled " method and system for battery charging " U.S. Patent application (attorney docket 066042-9538-01) All the elements are also in relation in the present specification as reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to a kind of method and systems for battery (battery) protection, more specifically to one Method and system of the kind for the battery protection of electric tool.

Background technique

Cordless power tool is usually driven by portable battery pack.These battery packs have different battery chemistries and Nominal voltage, and can be used for driving countless tool and electrical equipment.The battery chemistries of power tool battery are usually Ni-Cd (" NiCd "), ni-mh (" NiMH ") or plumbic acid.This general durable of chemical substance.

Summary of the invention

Some battery chemistries (such as: lithium (" Li "), lithium ion (" Li-ion ") and other chemicals based on lithium Matter) require have accurate charging scheme and charging operations, and electric discharge can be controlled.It insufficient charging scheme and cannot be controlled Discharge scheme the case where may generating excessive fever, overcharging and/or the case where excessive electric discharge.These situations and hair The capacity that heat may cause the damage that can not be made up to battery and seriously affect battery.Various factors (such as excessive heat) The one or more battery (cell) in battery pack may be made to become uneven, that is, its present charge state is significantly less than battery Other batteries in group.Unbalanced battery can seriously affect battery pack performance (such as runing time and/or voltage it is defeated Out) and service life of battery pack can be shortened.

The present invention provides a kind of method and systems for battery protection.In a kind of structure and some aspects, this hair It is bright provide it is a kind of for monitoring the method and system of the temperature of battery.In another structure and some aspects, the present invention is mentioned It has supplied a kind of for shifting the method and system of the heat in battery.In another structure and some aspects, the present invention is provided It is a kind of for shifting the method and system of the heat in battery by phase-change material.In another structure and some aspects In, the present invention provides one kind for monitoring the unbalanced method and system of battery.In another structure and some aspects, this Invention provides a kind of method for controlling the operation of electrical equipment according to the temperature of battery and/or battery imbalance and is System.In another structure and some aspects, the present charge state and expression that the present invention provides a kind of for determining battery Or the method and system of the present charge state of display battery.In another structure and some aspects, the present invention provides one Plant the method and system for interrupting discharge current according to the temperature of battery.

The present invention provides a kind of methods for executing the operation containing battery pack, and the method includes the following steps: with the One monitoring rate monitors the first battery pack situation；Judge when the second battery pack situation reaches threshold value；In the second battery pack situation After reaching threshold value, the first battery pack situation is monitored with the second monitoring rate, the second monitoring rate is different from the first monitoring rate.

The present invention also provides a kind of method for running battery pack, which has battery pack situation, battery pack Situation has range, the method includes the steps: execute the operation including battery pack；Measure the first measurement of battery pack situation Value；Measure battery pack situation the second measured value, at least one of the first measured value and the second measured value the range it Outside；Average first measured value and the second measured value, to provide average measurement value；And if average measurement value is in the range Within, continue include battery pack operation.

The present invention also provides it is a kind of for execute include battery pack operation method, the method includes the steps: prison Survey battery pack situation；And the function of control battery pack, the rate-determining steps include the following steps: to be in first when battery pack situation When range, to control the function for the first response time of the function, and when battery pack situation is in the second model When enclosing, to control the function for the second response time of the function, second response time is different from described the One response time.

The present invention also provides a kind of battery pack, which includes: shell；The battery unit supported by the shell, Power can transmit between the battery unit and electrical equipment；The circuit supported by the shell can be operated for controlling State the function of battery pack；And cooling fin, the cooling fin and the circuit carry out heat exchange, and can operate and come from institute for distributing State the heat of circuit.

The present invention also provides a kind of Li-ion batteries piles, which is configured to connect with electric hand tool, should Battery pack includes: battery-pack exterior casing；It is configured to the multiple terminals connected with the corresponding terminal of electric tool；It is arranged in shell Multiple rechargeable lithium ionic cell units that are interior and being supported by the shell, each battery unit have respective charging shape State, the battery pack have charged state, and power can transmit between the battery unit and the electric tool；By described outer The control circuit of shell support, can operate multiple functions for controlling the battery pack, the function includes discharging function, described Control circuit includes controller, and the control circuit is configured to control the battery pack based on monitored charged state At least one function；Switch, the switch be configured to interrupt when it is opened the battery unit and the electric tool it Between power transmission, it is described switch be further configured to when it is closed, start in the battery unit and the electric tool Between power transmission, it is described switch include at least one field effect transistor；And cooling fin, the cooling fin are opened with described It puts row heat exchange into, and can operate for distributing the heat from the switch, wherein the battery pack and the electric tool can With selectively disconnected from each other, and wherein the switch and the cooling fin are the components of the battery pack.

The present invention also provides a kind of Li-ion batteries piles, which is configured to connect with electric hand tool, should Battery pack includes: battery-pack exterior casing；It is configured to the multiple terminals connected with the corresponding terminal of electric tool；It is arranged in shell Multiple rechargeable lithium ionic cell units that are interior and being supported by the shell, each battery unit have respective charging shape State, the battery pack have charged state, and power can transmit between the battery unit and the electric tool；By described outer The control circuit of shell support, can operate multiple functions for controlling the battery pack, the function includes discharging function, described Control circuit includes controller and thermal resistor, and the control circuit is configured to based on monitored charged state and is supervised At least one of battery pack temperature of survey controls at least one function of the battery pack；Switch, the switch are configured to The transmission of the power between the battery unit and the electric tool is interrupted when it is opened, and the switch is further configured to When it is closed, the transmission of power of the starting between the battery unit and the electric tool；And cooling fin, the heat dissipation Piece and the switch carry out heat exchange, and can operate for distributing the heat from the switch, wherein the battery pack and described Electric tool can be selectively disconnected from each other, and wherein the switch and the cooling fin are the components of the battery pack.

The present invention also provides a kind of Li-ion batteries piles, which is configured to connect with electric hand tool, should Battery pack includes: battery-pack exterior casing；It is configured to the multiple terminals connected with the corresponding terminal of electric tool；It is arranged in shell Multiple rechargeable lithium ionic cell units that are interior and being supported by the shell, each battery unit have respective charging shape State, the battery pack have charged state, and power can transmit between the battery unit and the electric tool, the battery Unit can be operated for providing at least 20 amperes of discharge current to power to the electric tool in total；It is supported by the shell Control circuit, multiple functions for controlling the battery pack can be operated, the function includes discharging function, control electricity Road includes controller, and the control circuit is configured to the battery pack is controlled based on monitored charged state at least one A function；Switch, the switch are configured to interrupt the function between the battery unit and the electric tool when it is opened The transmission of rate, the switch are further configured to when it is closed, start between the battery unit and the electric tool The transmission of power；And cooling fin, the cooling fin and the switch carry out heat exchange, and can operate and come from described open for distributing The heat of pass, wherein the battery pack and the electric tool can be selectively disconnected from each other, and the wherein switch and institute State the component that cooling fin is the battery pack.

The present invention also provides a kind of Li-ion batteries piles, which is configured to connect with electric tool, the battery Group includes: shell；Multiple terminals；It is arranged in the multiple rechargeable lithium-ion electrics supported in the shell and by the shell Pool unit, each battery unit have respective charged state, and power can be between the battery unit and the electric tool Transmission, the battery unit can be operated for providing at least 20 amperes of discharge current to power to the electric tool in total； The control circuit supported by the shell, can operate multiple functions for controlling the battery pack, and the function includes electric discharge Function, the control circuit include controller and thermal resistor, and the control circuit is configured to monitor each battery unit Respective charged state, the charged state and battery pack temperature of the battery pack, the control circuit is further configured to base In the monitored respective charged state of the battery unit, the charged state of the monitored battery pack or it is monitored Battery pack temperature control at least one function of the battery pack；Switch, the switch are configured to interrupt when it is opened The transmission of power between the battery unit and the electric tool, the switch are further configured to when it is closed, open The transmission of the power between the battery unit and the electric tool is moved, the switch includes at least one field effect transistor Pipe；And cooling fin, the cooling fin and the switch carry out heat exchange, and can operate for distributing the heat from the switch.

The present invention also provides a kind of power tool battery group, can operate for providing power to electric tool, the electricity Pond group includes: battery unit, can be operated for providing discharge current to power to the electric tool；And controller, it can grasp Act on the operation that the battery pack is controlled when battery pack situation is in specified range, the controller can operate for so that Lack the first Sampling Modes and the second Sampling Modes to sample the battery pack situation to generate multiple measured values, first sampling Mode has the first sampling rate, and second Sampling Modes have the second sampling rate, and first sampling rate is less than described second Sampling rate, and the controller can be operated for average multiple measured values to generate average measurement value, and the controller can be grasped Act on the operation for modifying the battery pack when except specified range when the average measurement value.

The present invention also provides a kind of power tool battery group, can operate for providing power to electric tool, the electricity Pond group includes: shell；Multiple battery units, multiple battery unit are located in shell and can operate for providing discharge current To power to the electric tool, the battery unit has the chemical substance based on lithium；And controller, it can operate for controlling Make the operation of the battery pack, the controller can be operated for sampling at least the first Sampling Modes and the second Sampling Modes For the battery pack situation to generate multiple measured values, first Sampling Modes have the first sampling rate, the second sampling mould Formula has the second sampling rate, and first sampling rate is less than second sampling rate, and the controller can be operated for putting down Multiple measured values to generate average measurement value, the controller can operate for when the average measurement value specified range it The operation of the battery pack is modified when outer.

It the present invention also provides a kind of battery pack, is configured to connect with electric tool, the battery pack includes: shell； Battery unit with voltage, power can transmit between the battery unit and the electric tool, the battery unit tool There are the battery chemistries based on lithium；Controller, can operate the function for controlling the battery pack, and the controller requires electricity Pressure is equal to or more than at least one of operating voltage threshold value with operation, and the battery unit can be operated for selectively providing Voltage is to controller；And circuit, the circuit operative are used for when the voltage by battery unit offer to the controller Lower than the controller operating voltage threshold value when starting controller operation.

By consulting detailed description and drawings, those skilled in the art will be to key property of the invention and master Advantage is wanted to become apparent from.

Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 1 is the perspective view of battery；

Fig. 2 is the perspective view of another battery；

Fig. 3 is the perspective view of another battery；

Fig. 4 is the battery (such as battery shown in Fig. 3) being used together with the first electrical equipment of such as electric tool Perspective view；

Fig. 5 is the battery (such as battery shown in Fig. 3) being used together with the second electrical equipment of such as electric tool Perspective view；

Fig. 6 A is the schematic diagram of one of battery shown in such as Fig. 1-3；

Fig. 6 B is another schematic diagram of one of battery shown in such as Fig. 1-3；

Fig. 6 C is another schematic diagram of one of battery shown in such as Fig. 1-3；

Fig. 6 D is another schematic diagram of one of battery shown in such as Fig. 1-3；

Fig. 7 is another schematic diagram of one of battery shown in such as Fig. 1-3；

Fig. 8 is another schematic diagram of one of battery shown in such as Fig. 1-3；

Fig. 9 is another schematic diagram of one of battery shown in such as Fig. 1-3；

Figure 10 is another schematic diagram of one of battery shown in such as Fig. 1-3；

Figure 11 A is another schematic diagram of one of battery shown in such as Fig. 1-3；

Figure 11 B is another schematic diagram of one of battery shown in such as Fig. 1-3；

Figure 11 C is another schematic diagram of one of battery shown in such as Fig. 1-3；

Figure 11 D is another schematic diagram of one of battery shown in such as Fig. 1-3；

Figure 11 E is another schematic diagram of one of battery shown in such as Fig. 1-3；

Figure 11 F is another schematic diagram of one of battery shown in such as Fig. 1-3；

Figure 12 A-C is another schematic diagram of one of battery shown in such as Fig. 1-3；

Figure 13 A is the perspective view for the percentage of batteries that other parts are removed, such as one in battery shown in Fig. 1-3 Kind, and show FET and cooling fin；

Figure 13 B is the plan view of percentage of batteries shown in Figure 13 A；

Figure 13 C is the perspective view for the percentage of batteries that other parts are removed, such as one in battery shown in Fig. 1-3 Kind, and show FET, cooling fin and the electrical connection in battery；

Figure 14 A-E contains the view of percentage of batteries shown in Figure 13 A；

Figure 15 is the perspective view for the percentage of batteries that other parts are removed, such as one in battery shown in Fig. 1-3 Kind, and show FET and cooling fin；

Figure 16 is another perspective view for the percentage of batteries that other parts are removed, such as in battery shown in Fig. 1-3 One kind, and show FET and cooling fin；

Figure 17 is a kind of perspectivity sectional view of a part of the battery of replacing structure, includes phase-change material；

Figure 18 is the sectional view of a part of the battery of another replacing structure, includes phase-change material and cooling fin；

Figure 19 is the sectional view of a part of the battery of another replacing structure, includes phase-change material and cooling fin；

Figure 20 A-B is the perspectivity sectional view for the percentage of batteries that other parts are removed, such as electricity shown in Fig. 1-3 One of pond；

Figure 21 A-C is used in the battery in the electrical equipment of such as electric tool (such as in battery shown in Fig. 1-3 One kind) schematic diagram；

Figure 22 is the battery (such as one in battery shown in Fig. 1-3 together with the electrical equipment of such as electric tool Kind) another schematic diagram；

Figure 23 is the battery that is used together with the electrical equipment of such as electric tool (such as in battery shown in Fig. 1-3 One kind) another schematic block diagram；

Figure 24 is the battery that is used together with another electrical equipment of such as battery charger (such as shown in Fig. 1-3 One of battery) side view；

Figure 25 is the partial schematic diagram of one of battery shown in such as Fig. 1-3；

Figure 26-27 is the curve graph for showing cell voltage and cell voltage ratio with the variation of time；

Figure 28 is a kind of schematic block diagram of structure of batter-charghing system；

Figure 29 is the schematic block diagram of another structure of batter-charghing system；

Figure 30 A-B shows the operation of batter-charghing system shown in Figure 29；

Figure 31 is the schematic block diagram of existing battery；

Figure 32 is included in the schematic block diagram of the battery in the batter-charghing system of another structure；

Figure 33 is the schematic block diagram of existing battery charger；

Figure 34 is included in the schematic block diagram of the battery charger in another structure；

Figure 35 is the perspective view of battery；

Figure 36 is the top view of battery shown in Figure 35；

Figure 37 is the rearview of battery shown in Figure 35；

Figure 38 is the rear perspective view of the terminal plate of battery shown in Figure 35；

Figure 39 is the front perspective view of the terminal plate of battery shown in Figure 35；

Figure 40 is the side view of the electric device of battery shown in Figure 35 and such as battery charger；

Figure 41 is the schematic block diagram of battery shown in Figure 40 and such as battery charger；

Figure 42 is the perspective view of battery charger shown in Figure 40；

Figure 43 is another perspective view of battery charger shown in Figure 40；

Figure 44 is the top view of battery charger shown in Figure 40；

Figure 45 is the perspective view of the terminal plate of battery charger shown in Figure 40；

Figure 46 is the perspective view of the inside part of the shell of battery charger shown in Figure 40；

Figure 47 is the enlarged perspective of percentage of batteries charger shown in Figure 46 and shows the wiring of battery charger Plate；

Figure 48 A is the perspective view for having used the electrical equipment of such as electric tool of battery shown in Figure 35；

Figure 48 B is the perspective view of the support section of electric tool shown in Figure 48 A；

Figure 49 is the right side view of battery shown in Figure 35；

Figure 50 is the left side view of battery shown in Figure 35；

Figure 51 is the front view of battery shown in Figure 35；

Figure 52 is the bottom view of battery shown in Figure 35；

Figure 53 is a kind of front perspective view of the battery of replacing structure；

Figure 54 is the rear perspective view of battery shown in Figure 53；

Figure 55 is the top view of battery shown in Figure 53；

Figure 56 is the rearview of battery shown in Figure 53；

Figure 57 is the front perspective view of existing battery；

Figure 58 is the rear perspective view of battery shown in Figure 57；

Figure 59 is the top view of battery shown in Figure 57；

Figure 60 is the rearview of battery shown in Figure 57；

Figure 61 is the schematic block diagram of battery charger shown in existing battery and Figure 40 shown in Figure 57；

Figure 62 is the perspective view of existing battery charger；

Figure 63 is the side view of battery charger shown in Figure 62；

Figure 64 is another view of battery charger shown in Figure 62；

Figure 65 is the schematic block diagram of existing battery charger shown in existing battery and Figure 62 shown in Figure 57.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is in its application not by below In description it is listed or in the accompanying drawings shown in structure detail and element arrangement mode limitation.The present invention can be with There are other structures and can be practiced or carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that term used in the present specification and Term is for descriptive purposes and to be not construed as restricted effect." including (including) " in this specification, " include (comprising) " or " with (having) " and its variation be intended to the entry gone out comprising listed thereafter and its equivalent and its Its entry.Term " assembling (mounted) ", " connection (connected) " and " coupling (coupled) " be used broadly and Include assembling, connection and coupling directly or indirectly.In addition, " connection (connected) " and " coupling (coupled) " does not limit It in physics or mechanical connection or coupling and may include direct or indirect electrical connection and coupling.

Specific embodiment

Battery pack or battery 50 are shown in fig. 1-3.Battery 50 can be arranged for transferring power to such as electronic On one or more electrical equipments such as tool 55 (as illustrated in figures 4-5), battery charger 60 (as shown in figure 24) and receive from it Energy.In the structure shown in Figure 4 and 5, it is various to annular saw 56 and driving drilling machine 58 etc. that battery 50 can be transmitted energy On electric tool.In some structures and some aspects, battery 50 is capable of providing high discharge current to having high current discharge rate Electrical equipment (such as electric tool 55).For example, battery 50 can drive including a variety of electricity such as annular saw 56 and driving drilling machine 58 Power driven tools 55, as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

In some structures and some aspects, battery 50 can have any battery chemistries, such as plumbic acid, ni-Cd (" NiCd "), ni-mh (" NiMH "), lithium (" Li "), lithium ion (" Li-ion "), other chemical substances based on lithium or it is other can It recharges or non-rechargeable battery chemical substance.In the illustrated structure, battery 50 can have lithium, lithium ion or be based on The battery chemistries of the chemical substance of lithium, and it is capable of providing the average discharge current equal to or more than about 20A.For example, In the structure shown, battery 50 can have the chemicals of lithium cobalt (" Li-Co "), lithium manganese (" Li-Mn ") spinelle or Li-Mn nickel Matter.

In some structures and some aspects, battery 50 can also have any nominal voltage.In some structures, example Such as, battery 50 can have the nominal voltage of about 9.6V.In other structures, for example, battery 50 can have and be up to about The nominal voltage of 50V.In these structures, for example, battery 50 can have the nominal voltage of about 21V.In other structures, For example, battery 50 can have the nominal voltage of about 28V.

The also shell 65 comprising being capable of providing terminal support (terminal support) 70 of battery 50.Battery 50 can be with Comprising the one or more battery terminal (not showing in figs. 1-5) supported by terminal support 70, and battery terminal can connect To electrical equipments such as electric tool 55, battery chargers 60.

In some structures and some aspects, shell 65 can be surrounded sufficiently and be electrically connected to one or more battery terminal Support circuits.In some structures, which may include microcontroller or microprocessor.In some structures, the circuit energy It is enough to be communicated with electrical equipments such as electric tool 55 (such as annular saw 56, driving drilling machine 58 etc.), battery chargers 60, and can Information in relation to one or more battery characteristic or situation is provided and gives these equipment, such as nominal voltage, the battery 50 of battery 50 Temperature, the chemical substance of battery 50 and similar characteristic, as described below.

Battery 50 is schematically shown in Fig. 6 A-D, 7-10,11A-D and 12A-C and the part of battery 50 is being schemed It is shown in 13-16 and 20A-B.As shown, battery 50 includes one or more with a kind of chemical substance and nominal voltage Battery unit 80.Equally, each battery unit 80 may include positive terminal 90 and negative pole end 95.In some structures, such as Structure shown in Fig. 6 A and C, battery 50 can be with lithium ion battery chemical substance and about 18V or about 21V (such as bases Depending on the type of battery unit) nominal voltage, and may include five battery units 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d and 80e.At it In its structure, such as structure shown in Fig. 6 B and D, battery 50 can with lithium ion battery chemical substance and about 24V, about The nominal voltage of 25V or about 28V (such as depending on type of battery unit), and may include seven battery unit 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f and 80g.In other structure, battery 50 can be with more or less than shown above With described battery unit 80.In exemplary structure, each battery unit 80 has the chemical substance of lithium ion, and each Battery unit 80 has the nominal voltage essentially identical with such as about 3.6V, about 4V or about 4.2V.

In some structures, two or more battery units 80 can be with arranged in series: the positive terminal of a battery unit 80 90 are electrically connected with the negative pole end 95 of another battery unit 80, as shown in Fig. 6 A and C.Battery unit 80 can by conductor wire or Conductive strips 100 are electrically connected.In other structures, battery unit 80 can arrange in another manner, such as be arranged in parallel: battery The positive terminal 90 of unit 80a-e be electrically connected to each other and the negative pole end 95 of battery unit 80a-e be electrically connected to each other or connect and Combination in parallel.As shown in Fig. 6 B and D, battery unit 80 can be separately coupled to circuit 130.In some structures, electric Road 130 can be arranged to battery unit 80 various arrangement modes, such as: it is arranged in parallel, arranged in series is (such as in Fig. 6 A and C Shown in battery unit 80 series connection), respective array (i.e. from single battery unit 80 extracted current or provide it electric current), Part in parallel arranges (a small number of battery units 80 are arranged in series connection), sections in series arrangement (i.e. a small number of 80 rows of battery unit Arrange Cheng Binglian) or series connection, sections in series, parallel connection, part in parallel arrange combination.In some structures, it is included in battery 50 Circuit 130 can pass through software (i.e. the program as performed by processor, microprocessor 140 as discussed below) or hardware To permanently set up these arrangements.In some structures, circuit 130 can by software or hardware (i.e. one or more switches, Logic element etc.) modify these arrangements.

Battery 50 can also include terminal plate 105, may include by one of the support (as shown in Figure 1) of terminal support 70 Or multiple battery terminals.In the illustrated structure, terminal plate 105 may include anode terminal 110, cathode terminal 115 and induction Terminal 120.Anode terminal 110 can be electrically connected to the positive terminal 90 of the first battery unit 80a, and negative pole end 115 can be electrically connected It is connected to the negative pole end 95 (or battery unit 80g) of the second battery unit 80e.In the illustrated structure, the first battery unit 80a is By first battery of the battery unit 80 linked by series connection, and the second battery unit 80e or 80g is that will be linked by series connection respectively Battery unit 80a-e or 80a-g the last one battery.

As mentioned above, battery 50 may include circuit 130.Circuit 130 can be electrically connected to one or more electricity Pool unit 80, and can be electrically connected to the one or more battery terminal of terminal plate 105.In some structures, circuit 130 can be with Element comprising the performance of battery 50 can be enhanced.In some structures, circuit 130 may include can monitor battery behavior, Voltage detecting, storage battery characteristic are provided, battery behavior is shown, notifies some battery behaviors of user, interrupting the electricity in battery 50 Stream, the temperature of detection battery 50 and battery unit 80 etc., from battery 50 and/or the inside it element of heat transfer.Some In structure and some aspects, circuit 130 includes voltage detecting circuit, booster circuit, state-of-charge indicator etc., is begged for as following By.In some structures, circuit 130 can be coupled to printed circuit board 145, as described below.In other structures, electricity Road 130 is coupled to flexible circuit 145.In some structures, flexible circuit 145 can around one or battery unit 80 or The inside of person's surrounding housing 65.

In some structures and some aspects, circuit 130 can also include microprocessor 140.Microprocessor 140 can be deposited Storage battery characteristic or battery identification information, such as battery chemistries, nominal voltage etc..In other structures and other aspects, Microprocessor 140 can store additional battery behavior, for example, battery temperature, around temperature, battery 50 be electrically charged number, The number for the number that battery 50 is electrically charged, various monitoring threshold values, various discharge thresholds, various charge thresholds etc., and can store The information of information and its operation in relation to microprocessor 140 oneself, for example, it is battery behavior frequency calculated and/or number, micro- The number etc. of the stopping battery 50 of processor 140.Microprocessor 140 can also control include circuit 130 in battery 50 its Its electric device, as described below.

In the structure and some aspects shown, microprocessor 140 is capable of being electrically connected to printed circuit board (" PCB ") 145. In the illustrated structure, PCB 145 can include microprocessor 140 in battery 50 and terminal 110,115 and 120, electricity Necessary electrical connection is provided between pool unit 80a-g and other electric devices, as described below.In other structures, the PCB 145 may include additional circuit and/or element, such as additional microprocessor, transistor, diode, current limiting element, capacitor Device etc..

In some structures and some aspects, circuit 130 can also include temperature-sensing devices, such as thermal resistor 150 and thermostat (not shown).It includes one or more battery unit in battery 50 that temperature-sensing devices, which can sense, The temperature of 80a-g, can sense the temperature of entire battery 50, or can sense the temperature etc. of surrounding.In some structures, The resistance value of thermal resistor 150 can indicate the temperature of sensed one or more battery unit 80a-g, and can be with The variation of one or more battery unit 80a-g temperature and change.In some structures, microprocessor 140 can be according to warm The resistance value of sensitive resistor 150 determines the temperature of one or more battery unit 80a-g.Microprocessor 140 can also pass through The variation on temperature-time relationship is monitored with the mode of the change monitoring thermal resistor 150 of time.Microprocessor 140 Temperature information can also be sent to such as electrical equipment of electric tool 55 and/or battery charger 60, and/or believe using temperature It ceases to start some functions or control other elements in battery 50, as described below.As shown in the illustrated structure Out, thermal resistor 50 is assembled on PCB 145.

In some structures and some aspects, circuit 130 can also include present charge state indicator, such as show Structure shown in fuel gage 155.Fuel gage 155 may include shining for the present charge state for indicating battery 50 Diode (" LED ").In other structures, fuel gage 155 may include matrix and show.As illustrated in fig. 1-3, fuel gage 155 It can be positioned on the upper surface of battery case 65.In other structures, fuel gage 155 can be located at any position of shell 65 Set, for example, one on the lower surface 158 of shell 65, in the side 159 of shell 65 is upper, on the bottom surface 161 of shell, shell In 65 rear surface 162, the surface of shell 65 or two or more first-class in side.

In some structures, the fuel gage 155 on the shell 65 of battery 50 can be opened by button switch 160 It is dynamic.Preset time cycle or preset electricity in other structures, when fuel gage can be utilized by timer Pond characteristic etc. activates automatically.In the illustrated structure, fuel gage 155 can be electrically connected to micro process by ribbon cable 165 Device 140, and may include and LED four LED 170a, 170b, 170c and 170d showing are provided.

In some structures, when button 160 is pressed, microprocessor 140 can determine the current charging shape of battery 50 State (remaining how many charge i.e. in battery 50) simultaneously exports charging level to fuel gage 155.For example, if the current charging of battery 50 State is about 100%, then all LED 170a, 170b, 170c and 170d will be opened by microprocessor 140.If battery 50 Present charge state be about 50%, then will only be opened there are two LED (such as LED 170a and 170b).If battery 50 Present charge state be about 25%, then only one LED (such as LED 170a) will be opened.

In some structures, after button 160 is started and presses, the output can about display be pre- on fuel gage 155 The time cycle (i.e. " display time cycle ") first set.In some structures, if one or more battery unit 80a-g Temperature be more than preset threshold value, then microprocessor 140 can stop fuel gage 155 or output when leading zero charged state Output.In some structures, even if 50 residue of battery has relatively high charge stage, when detect abnormal battery behavior (such as High battery temperature) when, microprocessor 140 can stop fuel gage 155 or the output of leading zero charged state is worked as in output.In some knots In structure, if the present charge state of the present charge state of battery 50 or one or more battery unit 80a-g are lower than pre- The threshold value first set, microprocessor 140 can stop fuel gage 155 or the output of leading zero charged state is worked as in output.In some knots In structure, regardless of button 160 is to maintain the state pressed or does not have, (i.e. " the turn-off time after the preset time cycle Period "), microprocessor 140 can stop fuel gage 155 or the output of leading zero charged state is worked as in output.In some structures, break The ETAD expected time of arrival and departure period can be substantially equal to the display time cycle, and in other structures, period turn-off time can then be greater than display Time cycle.

In some structures, during the time cycle that battery 50 is active (such as charge and/or discharge the phase Between), when button 160 is pressed, microprocessor 140 does not have starting fluid meter 155.During these time cycles, battery Present charge state information can be suppressed, to avoid the charged state reading for mistake occur.In these structures, when passing through electricity When the electric current (such as charging current, discharge current, parasite current etc.) in pond 50 is lower than preset threshold value, microprocessor 140 The information of present charge state can be provided, only to respond the button 160 being pressed.

In some structures, during the time cycle that battery 50 is active (such as charge and/or discharge the phase Between), regardless of whether button 160 is pressed, microprocessor 140 can starting fluid meter 155.Such as in a kind of structure, combustion Material meter 155 can be run during charging.In this configuration, microprocessor 140 can automatic starting fluid meter 155, to hold Continuous regularly (such as after certain preset time interval or in a period of low current extraction/supply) display electricity The present charge state in pond 50, to respond some battery behaviors (such as when present charge state reaches certain threshold set When value, for example, charged state every time 5% raising), or response charging cycle in some stages, mode or change.At it In its structure, when battery 50 is active, microprocessor 140 can star fuel gage 155, with response button 160 It presses.

In some structures and some aspects, fuel gage 155 can be started by contact plate, switch etc..In other knots In structure, battery 50 may include another button or switch (not shown), for starting and stopping automatic display pattern.At these In structure, user, which can choose, runs circuit 130 with automatic display pattern and with the operation of manually display pattern.It is automatic aobvious Show that mode may include the fuel gage 155 for showing the present charge state of battery 50 in the case where no user activates.Example Such as, in automatic display pattern, fuel gage 155 being capable of periodically (such as after certain preset time interval) display The present charge state of battery 50 (such as has been set with responding some battery behaviors when present charge state reaches certain When threshold value, for example, charged state every time 5% raising or decline) etc..Manual display pattern may include currently fills for showing The fuel gage 155 of electricity condition, to respond the activation of user, such as button 160 is pressed.In some structures, when circuit 130 with When automatic display pattern operation, button 160 can be disabled.In other structures, even if when circuit 130 is automatically to show When showing mode operation, button 160 still is able to starting fluid meter 155.In other structure, automatic display pattern can lead to Button 160, the control signal from electrical equipment (such as electric tool 55 or battery charger 60 etc.) are crossed to start and stop.

In some structures, circuit 130 may include booster circuit 171.The energy during low battery voltages of booster circuit 171 Enough provide additional power to including element in circuit 130, as described below.For example, microprocessor 140 may need The voltage source of one about 3V or about 5V, to work.If the present charge state of battery 50 falls to approximately 5V Or 3V is hereinafter, it includes its in circuit 130 that so microprocessor 140, which may run and control without receiving enough energy, Its element.In other structures, lower input voltage " boosting (boost) " can be arrived higher output by booster circuit 171 Voltage, as described below.

The various structures of booster circuit 171 are shown in Figure 11 A-F.In a kind of structure, such as shown in Figure 11 A Structure, booster circuit 171a may include power supply or power component, such as another battery unit 172.In some structures, electric Chemical substance, nominal voltage of pool unit 172 etc. may be different from concatenated battery unit 80.For example, battery unit 172 can be with It is the 1.2V battery of lithium ion.

In some structures, when the charged state of the present combination of battery unit 80 drops to threshold value or less, boosting electricity Road 171a can only supply energy to other elements (such as microprocessor 140) of circuit 130.In some structures, work as battery When the temperature of unit 80 drops to temperature threshold or less, and when the present combination charged state of battery unit 80 drops to low-voltage When below threshold value, booster circuit 171a can only supply energy to other elements of circuit 130.In other structures, in low temperature Spend the work phase under situation (such as battery pack temperature is lower than low temperature threshold value lower than the temperature of low temperature threshold value or surrounding) Between, booster circuit 171a can only supply energy to other elements of circuit 130.Booster circuit 171a can only provide power, It is (such as electric in time period to prevent circuit 130 (such as microprocessor 140) from " weaken (brown out) " situation occur Pressure supply is inadequate).The weakened condition may be as caused by battery voltage ripple, and voltage fluctuation is in low operating temperature (such as battery Group temperature or ambient temperature) period is more obvious or protrudes.

Such as in the another kind structure shown in Figure 11 B, booster circuit 171b may include boost parts 173, such as feel Answer " flyback (flyback) " formula converter, switch capacitor converter etc..Similar to booster circuit 171a, booster circuit 171b Other elements of circuit 130 can be supplied energy to, to respond various cell conditions.

In another structure, such as the structure shown in Figure 11 C, booster circuit 171 can be Capacitive boost electricity Road 171c.As shown, Capacitive boost circuit 171c may include capacitor 174.During operation, capacitor can be by battery The discharge circuit of unit 80, the signal from microprocessor or the charging of additional circuit.Similar to booster circuit 171a, boosting electricity Road 171c can supply energy to other elements of circuit 130, to respond various cell conditions.

In another structure, such as the structure shown in Figure 11 D, booster circuit 171d may include transistor or open Close 175.In some structures, switch 175 can be power field effect transistor (" FET "), as described below.Show in one kind In example property embodiment, switch 175 is FET.In some structures, booster circuit 171d can interrupt discharge current it is certain when Between, so that the present charge state of battery 50 is restored.For example, due to low battery temperature, the low temperature of surrounding, high electric discharge electricity Factors such as (such as heavy loads) are flowed, battery unit 80 is it is possible that significantly voltage fluctuation.By interrupting discharge current one The section time, the significantly fluctuation in charged state may be retarded, and the voltage of battery unit 80 may increase.Activation It can prevent from significantly fluctuating with deactivation switch 175 and bring weakened condition to circuit 130.It, can similar to booster circuit 171a To activate booster circuit 171d, to respond some cell conditions, such as low temperature, low battery charging state etc..In some structures In, switch 175 can be used together with the capacitor 174 of circuit 171c, to charge again to capacitor 174.

It in some structures, can be in the frequency of setting or activation (such as switching repeatedly) switch 175 on the duty cycle.? In other structures, switch 175 can be activated in a manner of lag.For example, if the voltage of battery 50 reaches or drops to first Threshold value is hereinafter, then only activate switch 175.The opening state (such as interruptive current) of switch 175 can remain to working as battery 50 Preceding charged state is restored to or is more than second threshold, which is typically larger than first threshold.In some structures, the second threshold Value is generally equal to first threshold.In some structures, the charged state of battery is consumed more, and charged state need to be restored to or reach Time to second threshold is longer.In some cases, circuit 130 can also include a timer (not shown).Work as meter When first time for being kept of device expire and when charged state does not recover to second threshold, then, circuit 130 may infer that battery 50 are completely discharged, and continue to be kept open switch 175, to prevent battery 50 from entering over-discharge state.

In a further arrangement, such as in the structure shown in Figure 11 E and 11F, booster circuit 171 can be capacitive character electricity Lotus pumps booster circuit, such as booster circuit 171e and booster circuit 171f.In these structures, booster circuit 171e and 171f energy It is enough that one or more lower voltage signals " boosting (boost) " are arrived higher output voltage signal.As shown in Figure 11 e, Booster circuit 171e may include one or more input 176a-f for receiving AC signal, control signal etc. and one or Multiple low-voltage inputs 179 for receiving one or more low voltage signals.The signal (such as AC signal and/or control letter Number) can be used for improving low voltage signal and increase the charge (or its voltage) being stored in capacitor 178, and for exporting A higher voltage output signal is generated on 177.Similar to booster circuit 171e, booster circuit 171f can also include one Or multiple input 176a-d for being used to receive low-voltage AC power signal, control signal etc., and it is one or more for receiving one The low-voltage input 179 of a or multiple low voltage signals.In the exemplary embodiment, booster circuit 171e can be about 3V's Input signal boosts to the output signal of about 10V, and booster circuit 171f can boost to the input signal of about 3V greatly The output signal of about 5V.

In some structures, booster circuit 171e and 171f can be at any time and during any cell condition to electricity Element in road 130 provides higher voltage signal.For example, booster circuit 171e is capable of providing for driving power FET or opens The output signal of pass, as described below, and booster circuit 171f is capable of providing for driving the defeated of one or more transistors Signal out, as described below.

In some structures and some aspects, circuit 130 may include semiconductive switch 180, (such as micro- in circuit 130 Processor 140) it determines or when sensing higher or lower than preset threshold condition (i.e. " abnormal cell condition "), switch 180 interrupt discharge current.In some structures, abnormal cell condition may include for example high or low battery cell temperature, Gao Huo Low battery charging state, high or low cell charging state, high or low discharge current, high or low charging current etc..It is showing Structure in, switch 180 include power fet or metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) FET (" MOSFET ").In other structures, circuit 130 may include two switches 180.In these structures, switch 180 can be arranged in parallel.Paralleling switch 180 may be embodied in In the battery unit that high average discharge current (such as the battery 50 etc. for supplying power to annular saw 56, driving drilling machine 58) is provided.

In some structures, circuit 130 can also include ON-OFF control circuit 182, (or multiple be opened with control switch 180 Close 180, if you are using) state.In some structures, ON-OFF control circuit 182 may include transistor 185, such as Npn DJ transistor or field effect transistor (" FET ").In these structures, circuit 130 (microprocessor 140) can lead to The state for crossing change transistor 185 carrys out control switch 180.As Figure 7-9, the source electrode 190 of FET 180 can be electrically connected to The negative pole end 95 of battery unit 80a-e, and the drain electrode 195 of FET 180 can be electrically connected to cathode terminal 115.Switch 180 can To be assembled on the 2nd PCB 200 (as shown in Figure 7).It is tied in some structures and some aspects, such as shown in Figure 14 A-E Structure, switch 180 can be assembled on PCB 145.In other structures, switch 180 can be assembled into another suitable position Set or place on.

In the exemplary embodiment, electric current flows to source electrode 190 by the drain electrode 195 of switch 180 during electric discharge, and is filling Pass through the flow direction of source electrode 190 drain electrode 195 of switch 180 during electricity.If circuit 130 (such as microprocessor 140) detects exception Cell condition, such as microprocessor 140 can open transistor 185, i.e., transistor 185 is displaced on state.Work as crystal When pipe 185 is in the conductive state, there is no enough voltage between the grid 205 and source electrode 190 of FET 180 to make at switch 180 In conduction state.Therefore, FET 180 becomes non-conductive state, and electric current is interrupted.

In some structures, when switch 180 becomes non-conductive state, even if never detecting abnormal conditions, It can not Resetting Switching 180.In some structures, circuit 130 (such as microprocessor 140) can be only in such as battery charger 60 electrical equipment indicates ability Resetting Switching 180 when 140 Resetting Switching 180 of microprocessor.In some structures, microprocessor 140 can after the preset time just Resetting Switching 180.In some structures, if microprocessor 140 is in the electric discharge phase Between detect abnormal cell condition, microprocessor 140 can not have to the state of switch 180 to change into non-conductive state, until Microprocessor 140 also detects that discharge current is under preset threshold value (i.e. low discharge electric current).

In some structures, when battery 50 is discharging, only interruptive current is can be set into switch 180.That is, even if working as When switch 180 is in non-conductive state, battery 50 can also be electrically charged.As shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10, switch 180 may include body Diode 210, in some structures, body diode 210 synthesize whole with MOSFET and other transistor junctions.In other structures In, body diode 210 can be electrically connected to switch 180 in parallel.

In a further exemplary embodiment, it (that is, in Figure 10, is in the first position on 220 when battery 50 is discharged Switch 215 allows electric current to flow through the load 225 of such as electric tool 55), electric current flows through battery 50 with direction 230, that is, from The drain electrode 190 of FET 180 flows to the source electrode 190 of FET 180.(that is, in Figure 10, second is in when battery 50 is electrically charged Set the electrical equipment that the switch 215 on 235 allows electric current to flow through such as battery charger 60), electric current flows through electricity with direction 240 Pond 50, that is, the drain electrode 195 of FET 180 is flowed to from the source electrode 190 of FET 180.

In the present embodiment, it when switch 180 is in non-conductive state, can be interrupted with the electric current that direction 230 is flowed. Therefore, battery 50 no longer provides discharge current to load 225.In some structures, such as include microprocessor 140 or additional electrical The circuit 130 on road 250 (may or may not include microprocessor 140) can change the state of switch 180 from non-conductive state Become conduction state, when microprocessor 140 receives instruction or order allows it to do so.In some structures, microprocessor 140 And/or adjunct circuit 250 may confiscate instruction or order, therefore the state of switch 180 cannot be changed from non-conductive state Become conduction state.For example, battery 50 may seriously be discharged, so that battery 50 comes in battery unit 80 without enough energy Driving circuit 130.If battery 50 carrys out driving circuit 130 without enough power, battery 50 and electrical equipment (such as battery fills Electric appliance 60) between communication (being executed by circuit 130) may not be able to carry out, then electrical equipment may not be able to send control signal To battery 50, with Resetting Switching 180.It in such cases, include that body diode 210 in switch 180 may be with direction 240 The electric current (i.e. charging current) that conduction is provided by the electrical equipment of such as battery charger 60.This makes the battery 50 that will be electrically charged With Resetting Switching 180 and it can start to communicate or charge, even if switch 180 is not turned on or at least receives enough charges to drive Circuit 130.

In some structures and some aspects, circuit 130 (such as microprocessor 140), which can monitor battery cell voltage, is It is no abnormal conditions (such as low battery cell voltage) occur, and if detecting abnormal conditions, switch 180 can be activated, in Disconnected discharge current.In some structures, if cell voltage decline or (such as battery is " reversed lower than certain voltage (reversal) " voltage), it is possible that the case where damage battery unit.In some structures, reverse battery occurs about On 0V.In some structures, microprocessor 140 or circuit 130 can establish a reverse battery threshold value, as preventative pre- Anti- voltage.In some structures, reverse battery threshold value can be arranged on reverse battery voltage.In other structures, battery is anti- It can be set as being higher than reverse battery voltage to threshold value.For example, reverse battery threshold value can be set to about 1V.

In some cases, battery 50 is when starting electric discharge it is possible that voltage " gliding (depression) " (such as the temporary sharp fall of voltage).Voltage glides usually temporary and the most obvious on low battery temperature.? In some structures, voltage downslide may drop to reverse battery threshold value or following.

In some structures and some aspects, circuit 130 (such as microprocessor 140) may include the various response times, with Respond or react on monitored battery behavior.In some structures, the various response times may include for circuit 130 Multiple monitoring modes.That is, when detecting and/or monitoring battery behavior (such as the charging shape of the charged state of battery unit, battery State and other similar battery behaviors) when, circuit 130 (such as microprocessor 140) can be run in different modes.For example, micro- Processor 140 may include the first mode with the first sampling rate and the second mode with the second sampling rate.In some knots In structure, the first sampling rate can be set and can be different from the second sampling rate being also set.In other structures, first is taken out Sample rate possibly relies on the first parameter, it may electrically set including, for example, one or more battery characteristic, one or more come from The control signal etc. of standby (such as electric tool 55 or battery charger 60), and may be changed according to the first parameter. Similarly, the second sampling rate may also depend on the first parameter or the second parameter (such as similar to first parameter), and may It is changed according to the second parameter.In other structures, microprocessor 140 may include additional sampling rate and additional mould Formula is discussed below.

In some structures, for example, microprocessor 140 can in the first pattern or " slow " mode operation.In these structures In, since voltage downslide extends the response time, the operation under slow mode may be decreased the vigor of switch 180.In some structures In, when not high (such as extracted current is relatively low) without fast response time of the load on battery 50, microprocessor 140 It can be run with slow mode.In some structures, microprocessor 140 can be run with slow mode, until present battery charging shape The surplus of state drops under preset threshold value, such as about 10% charged state surplus.

In the exemplary embodiment, when running under slow mode, microprocessor 140 can be (such as per second with slow rate Once) sampling cell voltage.Since microprocessor 140 is sampled with slow rate, microprocessor 140 undergoes the slower response time. In some structures, slow mode is for most of monitoring it may be the case that suitable and can reduce (such as micro- by circuit 130 Manage device 140 and adjunct circuit) parasite current drawn.In some structures, as long as cell voltage is higher than preset threshold value Or " pattern switching " threshold value (such as 3.73V), then microprocessor 140 is run with slow mode.

In some structures, microprocessor 140 can in a second mode or " fast " mode operation.In these structures, fastly Operation under mode can accelerate the response time for detecting abnormal conditions.In some structures, work as one or more battery When voltage drops to preset threshold value or " pattern switching " threshold value (such as 3.73V), microprocessor 140 can be with fast mode Operation.In some structures, when present battery charged state surplus drops under preset threshold value, such as about 10% Charged state surplus, microprocessor 140 can run with fast mode.

In a further exemplary embodiment, when being run under fast mode, microprocessor 140 can with rapid rate (such as 100 sampling per second) sampling cell voltage.In some structures, it before occurring to activate switch 180, is taken out by microprocessor 140 The battery cell voltage of sample can be averaged to certain frequency in sampling.In some structures, that samples until 30 times is flat When mean value is equal to or less than reverse battery threshold value, microprocessor 140 just activates switch 180.Sampling may averagely count The information of voltage that word " filtering (filtering) " is read by microprocessor 140, and some delays are provided for microprocessor 140, with The electric current and/or voltage for ignoring " pouring in (inrush) " glide.Sampling is carried out averagely " (filtering) may to be filtered " The information of voltage of electrical noise for being freed from external speed control circuit and generating.In some structures, for average sampling time Number can change according to operational mode, type of monitored battery behavior of microprocessor 140 etc..

In some structures, when being run under fast mode, if battery cell voltage drops to preset threshold value A period of time (such as several seconds) under (such as disconnecting threshold value), microprocessor 140 can also activate switch 180.In some structures, Reverse battery threshold value can be greater than by disconnecting threshold value.For example, disconnecting threshold value can be about 2V, and reverse battery threshold value can be greatly About 1V.In the case where dropping to 1V or less under voltage, the response time can become faster (about 300ms magnitude) significantly.Various responses Time can reduce unpleasant closing number, and still be able to the battery that adequately protects.

In some structures, voltage threshold (disconnecting threshold value and reverse battery threshold value) can be by microprocessor 140 according to electricity Pond temperature is turned up or is turned down.This allows to be optimized according to battery temperature characteristic.

In a further exemplary embodiment, microprocessor 140 can be by way of changing for average frequency in sampling To change the response time.The battery behavior for example, microprocessor 140 can sample, such as battery temperature.According to first mode, lead to It crosses the battery temperature measurement for sampling to 50 times to be averaged, microprocessor 140 may have " slow " response time.According to the second mould Formula is averaged by the battery temperature measurement sampled to 30 times, and microprocessor 140 may have " fast " response time.One In a little structures, these measurements can be sampled in identical rate.In other structures, these measurements can be different It is sampled in rate.For example, first mode can be sampled these measurements in the rate of 1 sampling about per second, And second mode can be sampled these measurements in the rate of 10 sampling about per second.

In some structures, since microprocessor 140 can sense high discharge current by monitoring battery cell voltage, Microprocessor 140 can control and limit extracted current without using electric grippe detecting device.For example, working as high current When load causes battery cell voltage to drop on low-level (such as disconnecting threshold value and/or the reversed threshold value of battery unit), micro- place Reason device 140 can activate switch 180 and stop battery 50.When cell voltage drop to certain level (such as disconnect threshold value and/or Reverse battery threshold value) on when, microprocessor 140 indirectly can be limited monitoring cell voltage and by way of stopping battery 50 The electric current of extraction.

In some structures and some aspects, circuit 130 (for example, in some structures, microprocessor 140) can be regular Monitoring cell condition (such as currently charge battery cell voltage/present charge state, battery cell temperature, battery voltage/shape State, battery pack temperature etc.), to reduce the parasite current drawn from battery 50.In these structures, microprocessor 140 may The first preset time cycle (i.e. " Sleep time periods ") is run under " sleep " mode.It is micro- during sleep pattern Processor 140 can draw low quiescent current from battery 50.After Sleep time periods expire, microprocessor 140 " may wake up Come (wake up) ", or in other words, ran for the second preset (i.e. " activationary time week time cycle in the active mode Phase ").During activation pattern, microprocessor 140 can monitor one or more battery situation.

In some structures, Sleep time periods can be greater than the activationary time period.In some structures, activationary time week The ratio of phase and Sleep time periods is very low, so that the extraction of mean parasitized electric current is low.In some structures, in known electricity In the movable time cycle of pond, such as when microprocessor 140 senses discharge current or charging current is approximately equal to preset Threshold value when, this ratio is adjustable (such as increase).In some structures, when microprocessor 140 detect some voltages and/ Or when temperature spy, Sleep time periods can be lowered and/or the activationary time period can be raised.

In some structures and some aspects, circuit 130 may include voltage detecting circuit 259 (referring to Fig. 9 and 12B).? In some structures, voltage detecting circuit 259 may include multiple resistors 260 for forming potential-divider network.As shown in figure 9, multiple Resistor 260 may include resistor 260a-d.Multiple resistors 260 can be electrically connected to one or more battery unit 80a-g and multiple transistors 265.In the illustrated structure, multiple transistors 265 may include transistor 265a-d or a- f.It in some structures, include that the number of resistor in multiple resistors 260 can be equal to and be included in multiple transistors 265 In transistor number.

In some structures, when microprocessor 140 is in activation pattern, the voltage of battery 50 and/or battery unit 80 Characteristic can be read by microprocessor 140 by multiple resistors 260.In some structures, microprocessor 140 can pass through closing Transistor 270 (transistor 270 becomes non-conductive state) starts voltage readings event.It is brilliant when transistor 270 is non-conductive Body pipe 265a-d becomes conduction state, and battery 50 and/or the relevant voltage measurement of battery unit 80 can be by microprocessors 140 It executes.Multiple transistors 265, which are covered, can reduce the parasite current drawn out of battery 50 in battery 50, because of transistor 265 is only periodically conductive.

In some structures and some aspects, when battery 50 is electrically connected with electrical equipment, microprocessor 140 is battery pack spy Property and/or situation are transferred to such as electrical equipment of electric tool 55 and/or battery charger 60.In some structures, micro- place Manage device 140 in series with electrical equipment digital communication.The sensing terminal 120 of battery 50 is in microprocessor 140 and electricity Serial communication link is provided between gas equipment.The related letter for the battery 50 that can be exchanged between microprocessor 140 and electrical equipment Breath includes but is not limited to the current charging shape of battery pack chemical substance, battery pack nominal voltage, battery pack temperature, battery pack State, battery pack temperature, the present charge state of battery pack, collimation technique/information, charging instruction, is filled battery unit nominal voltage Cycle-index, the remaining life expectancy of estimation, the discharge information etc. of electricity.

In some structures, when electrical connection is established, such as the electrical equipment of battery charger 60 can calibrate micro process Device 140.In some structures, include measuring circuit in battery charger 60 by than include circuit in battery 50 more Accurately.Therefore, the calibration of battery charger 60 includes the microprocessor 140 and/or circuit 130 in battery 50, to improve by micro- The battery measurement that processor 140 and/or circuit 130 are obtained.

In some structures, circuit 130 can also include voltage regulator 273 (referring to Fig. 9 and 12A).Voltage regulator 273 can provide suitable voltage to microprocessor 140, the LED170a-d and other constant electricity of any need of fuel gage 155 Press the additional electrical components of input.In the illustrated structure, which can export the voltage of about 5V.

In some structures and some aspects, battery 50 may include cooling fin 275 (referring to Fig. 7,13A-C, 14A, 14D, 15 and 16).Cooling fin 275 can be communicated with power fet or 180 heat of switch.Cooling fin 275 can be used for by the generation of switch 180 Heat removed from switch 180.

In some structures and some aspects, battery 50 can also include heat pipe (not shown) or fan (not shown), with Increase the heat transmitted from cooling fin 275.In order to remove the heat assembled by cooling fin 275, heat pipe can be logical with 275 heat of cooling fin Letter.Fan or hair dryer can be located on the position that can generate the cold air stream for flowing through cooling fin 275.Ventilating duct (not shown) It can be placed in the shell 65 of battery 50, so that cold air enters battery pack 50 and hot-air is made to leave battery pack 50.One In a little structures, heat pipe and/or fan can be placed, to assemble and/or remove the heat generated by battery unit 80a-e, Yi Jihuo Replace the heat generated by cooling fin 275.

In some structures and some aspects, battery 50 can also include phase-change material 300 (referring to Figure 17-19).At this In a little structures, phase-change material 300 can be placed and (do not existed with absorbing and/or removing by battery unit 80a-g and conductive link 100 Shown in Figure 17-19) generate heat.Due to phase-change material 300 carried out in phase transition temperature phase transition (such as: from solid-state to liquid State, from liquid to gaseous state, from liquid to solid-state, from gaseous state to liquid etc.), a large amount of energy, which is absorbed or released, (to be melted Latent heat, latent heat of evaporation etc.).During this phase transition, phase-change material 300 has relative constant temperature.

In the exemplary embodiment, when load is applied on battery unit 80, the temperature of battery unit 80 can be risen It is high.In some structures, as shown in figure 17, phase-change material 300 can surround each battery unit 80.In these structures, by The heat that battery unit 80 generates is first passed to the outer surface 305 of battery unit 80, is then passed to the phase transformation material of surrounding Material 300.Since phase-change material 300 continues to absorb the heat from battery unit 80 and conductive link 100, the temperature of phase-change material 300 Degree may rise.When the temperature of phase-change material 300 reaches phase transition temperature, phase-change material 300 starts to carry out from the first phase to the The phase transition of two-phase, while the temperature of phase-change material 300 opposite remains unchanged and approximately equal to phase transition temperature.In some structures In, phase-change material 300 may continue to carry out phase transition, until phase-change material 300 is converted to the second phase and/or load quilt completely (i.e. battery unit 80 no longer generates heat) is removed from battery unit 80.

In some structures and some aspects, phase-change material 300, which can have to be greater than expected ambient temperature and be less than, to be allowed Largest battery cell temperature phase transition temperature.In some structures and some aspects, phase-change material 300 be can have -34 Phase transition temperature between DEG C -116 DEG C.In some structures and some aspects, phase-change material 300 be can have at 40 DEG C -80 Phase transition temperature between DEG C.In some structures and some aspects, phase-change material 300 be can have between 50 DEG C -65 DEG C Phase transition temperature.

Phase-change material 300 can be any suitable phase-change material, and per unit mass has high latent heat, and can be heat can follow Ring, inert, non-corrosive, free of contamination, may include solid paraffin (such as can be located at Hamburg, Germany from general headquartersThe paraffin of acquisition), the eutectic mixture of salt (such as can obtain from the Climator positioned at Sweden Skovde Salt eutectic mixture), halogenated hydrocarbons and its mixture, the solution of salt hydrate, polyethylene glycol, stearic acid and its combination.

The replacing structure of battery 50A is shown in figs. 18 and 19.Identical component has identical reference character " A ".

In the illustrated structure, battery 50A can also include cooling fin 275A, the heat dissipation of battery unit 80A is arrived On the bigger region of phase-change material 300.Cooling fin 275A can be also used for providing additional hot memory capacity, with absorb and/ Or remove the heat produced by battery unit 80A.

In some structures, cooling fin 275A may include one around each and all battery unit 80a-e component (not shown).In other structures, cooling fin 275A may include multiple, so that each battery unit 80A is by cooling fin 275A is sufficiently around as shown in Figures 18 and 19.In other structure, as shown in figure 19, cooling fin 275A be can wrap Containing the interior column part 320 adjacent with the outer surface of battery unit 80A, with interior column part 320 radially apart from outside cylinder portion Points 325 and radial rib 330, the mutual circumference of radial rib 330 apart, connect in column part 320 and outer circle post part 325 and Define the interval 335 between them.The interval 335 can be filled by phase-change material 300A.With similar structures shown in Figure 19 It can be used for encapsulating multiple battery unit (not shown).In other structure, cooling fin 275A be may include as described above Radial rib 330, without using one or two of interior column part 320 and outer circle post part 325.

In another replacing structure, as shown in figure 18, cooling fin 275B may include column part in as described above 320B and radial rib 330B, and phase-change material 300B can be deviated from battery unit 80B and cooling fin 275B.It should be appreciated that Other cooling fins and phase change material structure can be used.Cooling fin 275 can by metal (such as aluminium), polymer (such as nylon), And/or any other material composition with high thermal conductivity and specific heat.

In some structures and some aspects, battery 50 may include shock absorber part or " buffer " 340.Such as Figure 20 A and B institute Show, the inner surface 345 of battery case 65 may include one or more shock absorber parts 340.In some structures, shock absorber part 340 can Be attached to or inner surface 345 fixed to shell 65 on.In other structure, shock absorber part 340 be can connect to one or more The end cap 350 (a part is shown in FIG. 16) of one end of a battery unit 80 or encirclement battery unit 80.In some knots In structure, shock absorber part 340 can absorb energy when shock, and the energy being transmitted on battery unit 80 during shock by limitation The mode of the quantity of amount protects battery unit 80.Shock absorber part 340 may include any thermoplastic elastomer, such as polypropylene RPT 100 FRHI (such as HI high impact polypropylene flame redardant).

As shown in Figure 21 A-C, 22 and 23, battery 50 can be set into be connect with the electrical equipment of such as electric tool 55. Electric tool 55 includes shell 400.The shell can provide the coupling part 405 that battery 50 can be attached thereto.Coupling part 405 may include one or more electrical equipment terminals (schematically showing in Figure 22), battery 50 is electrically connected to electricity Power driven tools 55.Include terminal in electric tool 55 be configured to include terminal 110,115 in battery 50 and/or 120 matchings, and for receiving power and/or information from battery 50.

In some structures, such as in Figure 21 A-C the structure schematically shown, electric tool 55 may include micro-control Device or microprocessor 420 processed, with the communication of battery 50, the operation for receiving information from battery 50, controlling electric tool 55, And/or the discharge process of control battery 50.In the illustrated structure, electric tool 55 may include the anode for being connected to battery 50 The anode terminal 430 of terminal 110, be connected to battery 50 cathode terminal 115 cathode terminal 435 and be connected to battery 50 Sense the sensing terminal 440 of terminal 120.Microprocessor 420 is capable of being electrically connected to each terminal 430,435 and 440.

Regardless of whether battery 50 includes microprocessor (such as microprocessor 140), microprocessor 420 can be transferred through sensing eventually End 440 communicates or receives the information from battery 50 with battery 50.It include microprocessor (such as microprocessor in battery 50 140) in structure, duplex communication can be carried out by sensing terminal 120 and 440.Microprocessor 140 and 420 can be returned Information is changed, such as battery behavior, electric tool runing time and electric tool require (such as nominal current and/or voltage).

In the battery 50 not structure comprising microprocessor, one in 420 periodic measurement of microprocessor or detection battery 50 A or multiple components or element, to determine battery behavior and/or cell work information, such as battery chemistries, nominal voltage, Present battery charged state, battery cell voltage, temperature etc..Microprocessor 420 can according to these and other battery behavior and Job information controls the operation of electric tool 55.

For example, in some structures, microprocessor 420 can be compiled to detect battery temperature, and if battery temperature Higher than threshold temperature, then stop driving electric tool 55.In this example, 420 periodic detection of microprocessor is located at battery 50 The resistance of interior thermal resistor 150, and determine and (be currently running when the motor 450 in tool 55 during tool operation When) battery pack 50 temperature.Then, microprocessor 420 determines whether the temperature of battery 50 is in suitable working range. This can be by storing in microprocessor 420 one or more temperature ranges, enabling microprocessor 420 to have detected that Mode of the temperature of battery 50 compared with the one or more temperature range is realized.If the temperature of battery 50 is not on conjunction In suitable working range, microprocessor 420 interrupts the electric current from battery 50 and/or closes motor 450.In some structures, Microprocessor 420 continues to disable motor 450 and/or interrupts the electric current from battery 50, until the temperature of battery 50 drops to conjunction Within the scope of suitable temperature.Determine that the temperature of battery 50 is not on some knots in suitable working range in microprocessor 420 In structure, microprocessor 420 just stops motor 450 when it detects the low discharge electric current for being supplied to motor 450 by battery 50. In some structures, when microprocessor 420 detects that battery 50 is removed from electric tool 55, motor 450 is opened again Dynamic (i.e. electric tool 55 can be run).

In some structures and some aspects, electric tool 55 can also include fan or hair dryer 470, to promote cold sky Gas is by tool 55 and battery pack 50, as illustrated in fig. 21b.So, battery unit 80a, cooling fin 275, heat pipe (not shown) and/ Or the air that power fet or switch 180 (if being included in battery 50) can be flowed through is cooling.In this configuration, battery 50 and electric tool 55 include one or more ventilating ducts so that cold air enters and comes out hot-air.Electric tool 55 wraps Containing one or more air inlet ducts 475, in the illustrated structure, air inlet duct 475 is located substantially on the top of electric power tool shell 400 Portion.For the electric tool 55 also comprising one or more exhaust passages 480, it is located substantially on the coupling part 405 of electric tool 55 Bottom.It include that exhaust passage 480 in electric tool 55 also may be positioned so that and keep the air inlet duct (not shown) of battery 50 basic On be positioned below.In the illustrated structure, include 485 driving fan 470 of motor in electric tool 55.In some structures In, it include the operation of the control fan 470 of microprocessor 490 in electric tool 55.During preset time interval And/or if detecting high battery temperature, microprocessor 490 can activate fan 470.

It as shown in fig. 21 c, include that circuit 130 in battery 50 can be the state transfer of charge information to being included in electricity Microcontroller 420 in power driven tools 55.In this configuration, the microcontroller 420 in electric tool 55 can be included in work Has the charging status information that battery is shown on 55 shells or on the fuel gage 115a of the inside.In this configuration, fuel gage 155a Can be similar to includes fuel gage 155 in battery 50, and (such as automatic display pattern, is manually shown in an identical manner Show mode etc.) operation.In some structures, fuel gage 155a may include button 160 and comprising more or less than shown and The LED (such as LED 170a-d) of description.

It as shown in figure 23, include that circuit 130 in battery 50 can be used for the electrical of control such as electric tool 55 The operation of equipment.In the structure shown in this, electric tool 55 includes motor 450, by user activated trigger switch 491, speed Spend control circuit 492, electric clutch 493 and brake 494.Tool 55 also includes the anode terminal 105 for being connected to battery 50 Anode terminal 900, be connected to battery 50 cathode terminal 110 cathode terminal 901, and be connected to two of battery 50 sensings Two sensing the terminals 902a and 902b of terminal 120a and 120b.In other structures, electric tool 55 and battery 50 can bands Have more or less than shown or described terminal.

In this configuration, circuit 130 is capable of providing tool velocity control and monitoring battery parameter or characteristic.Power MOSFET or switch 180 can control the switching function of the speed control circuit of tool 55.In this configuration, it is used for speed control The power MOSFET of control circuit 492 processed may be embodied in battery 50 rather than in electric tool 55.

As shown in figure 24, battery 50 also can be set into connect with the electrical equipment of such as battery charger 60.Battery fills Electric appliance 60 includes shell 500.Shell 500 provides the coupling part 505 that battery 50 is attached thereto.Coupling part 505 may include Battery 50 is electrically connected to battery charger 60 by one or more electrical equipment terminal (not shown).Included in battery charger Terminal in 60 is configured to and includes the terminal coupling in battery 50, and is used for transmission and receives the energy from battery 50 And information.

In some structures and some aspects, battery charger 60 also includes microprocessor or microcontroller 510.Microcontroller Device 510 controls the transmission of the energy between battery 50 and battery charger 60.In some structures, microcontroller 510 controls electricity The transmission of information between pond 50 and battery charger 60.In some structures, microcontroller 510 comes from battery 50 according to reception Signal identify and/or determine the one or more characteristics or situation of battery 50.Equally, microcontroller 510 can be according to electricity The evident characteristics in pond 50 control the work of charger 60.

In some structures and some aspects, battery charger 60 carries out charging to battery 50 according to the temperature of battery 50 Charging scheme or method.In a kind of structure, battery charger 60 provides charging current to battery 50, at the same periodic detection or Monitor the temperature of battery 50.If battery 50 does not include microprocessor, battery charger 60 is in the preset time cycle The resistance of periodic measurement thermal resistor (such as thermal resistor 150) later.If battery 50 includes that microprocessor is (such as micro- Processor 140), then battery charger 60 or: 1) periodically inquiry microprocessor 140 with determine battery temperature and/or if Battery temperature is not in suitable working range；Or 2) etc. to be received from microprocessor 140 and indicate that battery temperature does not exist Signal in suitable working range.

In some structures, when battery temperature is more than preset threshold value or is not dropped in suitable working range When, battery charger 60 interrupts charging current.Battery charger 60 continues periodic detection or monitors battery temperature or wait to be received From microprocessor 140 and indicate the battery temperature not signal in suitable working range.When battery temperature is in suitable When in working range, battery charger 60 can restart the charging current for being supplied to battery 50.Battery charger 60 continues Battery temperature is monitored, and charging current is interrupted and restarted according to the battery temperature detected.In some structures, pre- After the time cycle first set or when present battery charged state reaches preset threshold value, battery charger 60 is eventually Only charge.

In some structures and some aspects, battery 50 and/or such as electric tool 55 and battery charger 60 it is electrical Equipment is able to detect the unbalanced battery unit in battery 50.In some structures, such as microprocessor 140,420,490 And/or 510 (" monitoring microprocessor ") microprocessor only monitors two groups in battery unit 80, and uses two battery packs Voltage ratio is uneven to judge battery, rather than individually monitors each battery unit 80a-e.

For example, a part of battery 600 is shown in FIG. 25.In some structures, battery 600 is similar to battery 50, and Include microprocessor 140.In other structures, battery 600 does not include microprocessor.In the illustrated structure, battery 600 wraps Containing five battery units 605a, 605b, 605c, 605d and 605e, each has essentially identical nominal voltage, such as about 4V。

Battery unit 605a-e is aligned to two groups: group 610 and group 615.Group 610 includes battery unit 605a and 605b, Group 615 includes battery unit 605c and 605d and 605e.

Battery 600 also includes the voltage V at 615 both ends of offer group₆₁₅(i.e. total electricity of battery unit 605c and 605d and 605e Pressure) lead or tap 620.When battery unit 605a-e is substantially saturated with electricity, 615 voltage V is organized₆₁₅Approximately equal to 12V.Voltage V_TIt is across the voltage of all battery unit 605a-e.When battery unit 605a-e is substantially saturated with electricity, electricity Press V_TApproximately equal to 20V.

Monitoring microprocessor is organized can be with monitoring voltage V₆₁₅And V_T.In some structures, microprocessor continue or Regularly monitor V₆₁₅And V_T, and calculate measured voltage V₆₁₅And V_TBetween ratio R.The ratio R is true by following formula It is fixed:

R=V₆₁₅/V_T

When battery unit 605a-e is in a basic balance, ratio R is approximately equal to 0.6.If first during charge or discharge The one or more battery unit of group 610 is unbalanced (i.e. with the present battery charged state or electricity lower than other batteries Cell voltage), ratio R will be above 0.6.If second group 615 of one or more battery is uneven during charge or discharge, than Rate R will be less than 0.6.If during charge or discharge two battery units (one from first group 610 and one comes from second Group 615, such as battery 605a and battery 605e) it is uneven, then ratio R will be above 0.6.In other words, if there is imbalance Battery unit, ratio R by positively or negatively offset 0.6 equilibrium ratio.If monitoring microprocessor detects battery unit Imbalance, that is, calculate ratio R be substantially higher than or the equilibrium ratio lower than 0.6, the operation of battery 600 (charge and/or work as Electricity) it is interrupted or changes.In some structures and some aspects, if ratio R is not included in about 0.55 to about In the range of 0.65, then the operation of battery 600 is interrupted or changes.

Figure 26 and 27 is to show when occurring uneven in battery 600 and during this period how ratio R deviates the electricity of balance The exemplary curve graph of pressure.In this illustration, each battery 605a-e has the nominal voltage of about 4V, and ratio R is flat The ratio that weighs is about 0.6 or 60.0%.

In the illustrated structure, axis 700 indicates the time in seconds, and axis 705 indicates the voltage as unit of volt, And axis 710 indicates the ratio or percentage of volts/volts.Line 715a indicates the voltage that battery unit 605a is changed over time, line 715b indicates the voltage that battery unit 605b is changed over time, and line 715c indicates the electricity that battery unit 605c is changed over time Pressure.Line 715d indicates that the voltage that battery unit 605d is changed over time, line 715e indicate what battery unit 605e was changed over time Voltage, and line 720 indicates the ratio R changed over time.

In the illustrated example, uneven (being indicated on the graph by number 725) occurs approximately on 86 seconds greatly.The injustice Weighing apparatus 725 is by including that the battery unit 605e in group 615 is caused.(t=86 seconds) at this moment, ratio 720 start to reduce or deviate The equilibrium ratio of 0.6 (i.e. 60%).Since ratio 720 declines, it can be determined that uneven battery is in group 615.When ratio R is big It (is indicated in Figure 24 by number 730) when on about 91 seconds close to 55.0%, the voltage of battery unit 605e is about 1V.Some In structure, monitoring microprocessor detects that ratio R has fallen to about 55.0%, terminates the operation of battery 600, then to keep away Exempt from battery 605e further to discharge.

In some structures, monitoring microprocessor monitors the voltage of each battery unit, rather than uses monitoring such as micro- Ratio measures (ratiometric) method of processor 140.As described above, battery 50 includes multiple resistors 260, for mentioning For the voltage measurement to battery unit 80.Multiple resistors 260 are aligned to that microprocessor 140 is enable substantially simultaneously to measure The voltage of each battery unit 80a-g.In some structures, when one or more battery unit 80 reaches about 1V, micro- place Manage the imbalance that device 140 detects battery 50.

In some structures in some aspects, when an imbalance is detected, battery 50 or 600 can rebalance battery list First 80a-g or 605a-e.In some structures, when equilibrium ratio R is no longer in acceptable range, monitoring microprocessor Stop battery 50 or 600 (such as interruption battery operation, prevention battery operation etc.).After battery 50 or 600 is stopped, monitor micro- Processor judges which battery unit 80a-e or 605a-e is uneven (" low-voltage battery ").

In some structures, monitoring microprocessor activation or opening are electrically connected to those of not low in present charge state Each transistor (example of battery unit 80a-e or 605a-e (i.e. battery has the present charge state higher than low-voltage battery) Such as transistor 265a-f).Monitoring microprocessor starts battery unit 80a-e's or 605a-e with high present charge state Controlled discharge.For example, monitoring microprocessor, which will be controlled from the battery unit 80a-e or 605a-e of balance, flows through each transistor Small discharge current.In entire controlled discharge process, monitoring microprocessor will continue battery unit 80a-e or The voltage measurement of 605a-e.When the present charge state with battery unit 80a-e or 605a-e compared with high charge state is dropped When as low as approximately equal to previous low-voltage battery, monitoring microprocessor will terminate controlled discharge process.

In some structures, monitoring microprocessor such as makes fuel gage 155 using controlled discharge process come actuation indicator On all LED 170a-d flashing.In this configuration, for example, the LED179a-d of flashing is indicated to operator or user During battery 50 or 600 is stopped and/or is rebalancing 80a-e or 605a-e.

Another schematic block diagram of battery 50 is shown in FIG. 28.In some structures, circuit 130 includes such as identification electricity The electronic component of device 750 is hindered, and identifies that resistor 750 can have the resistance of setting.In other structures, electronic component can be with It is capacitor, inductor, transistor, semiconducting elements, circuit or other elements for having resistance or electric signal capable of being sent, example Such as microprocessor, digital logic element.In the illustrated structure, identify that the resistance value of resistor 750 can be according to battery 50 Characteristic (such as nominal voltage and chemical substance of battery unit 80) select.Sensing terminal 120 can be electrically connected to identification Resistor 750.

The battery 50 such as schematically shown in Figure 28 can be electrically connected to such as (the same signal of battery charger 820 Show to property) electrical equipment, to receive or transmit energy.It is whole that battery charger 820 may include anode terminal 825, cathode End 828 and sensing terminal 830.Each terminal 820,828,830 (difference) of battery charger 820 is electrically connected to pair of battery 50 Answer terminal 110,115,120.Battery charger 820 is also comprising the circuit with electronic component, such as first resistor device 835, the Two resistors 840, solid state electrical part or semiconductor 855, comparator 860 and processor or microprocessor (not shown).Some In structure, semiconductor 855 may include can saturation or " openings " state under operation with can be in disconnection or "Off" state The transistor of lower operation.In some structures, it is single to can be specialized voltages monitoring device, microprocessor or processing for comparator 860 Member.In other structures, comparator 860 be may be embodied in microcontroller (not shown).

In some structures, microcontroller (not shown) can weave into for can identify the electric device in battery 50 (such as Identify resistor 750) resistance value.Microcontroller can also weave into one or more characteristics to can determine battery 50, example Such as the battery chemistries and nominal voltage of battery 50.As described above, the resistance value of identification resistor 750 can be with one or more A associated specific value of determining battery behavior is corresponding.For example, the resistance value of identification resistor 750 may be embodied in and battery 50 Within the scope of chemical substance and the corresponding resistance value of nominal voltage.

In some structures, microcontroller can weave into multiple resistance ranges to can recognize that identification resistor 750. In these structures, each range is corresponding with a battery chemistries (such as NiCd, NiMH, Li-ion etc.).In some knots In structure, microcontroller can recognize that additional resistance range, each with another battery chemistries or another battery behavior It is corresponding.

In some structures, microcontroller can be weaved into can recognize that multiple voltage ranges.Included in these voltages Voltage in range may rely on or corresponding to identification resistor 750 resistance value, enable microcontroller according to being surveyed The voltage measured determines the resistance value of resistor 750.

In some structures, identify that the resistance value of resistor 750 is also an option that as can rower for each of battery 50 It is all unique for claiming voltage value.For example, the first Special electric resistance value can be with the nominal voltage of 21V within the scope of a resistance value Corresponding, the second Special electric resistance value can be corresponding with the nominal voltage of 16.8V, and third Special electric resistance value can be with the mark of 12.6V Claim voltage corresponding.In some structures, there can be more or less Special electric resistance values, each both correspond to and the resistance range The possible nominal voltage of associated battery 50.

In the exemplary embodiment, battery 50 is electrically connected to battery charger 820.In order to identify the first battery behavior, half Conductor 855 is switched to " opening " state under the control of adjunct circuit (not shown).When semiconductor 855 is in " opening " state When, identify that resistor 750 and resistor 835 and 840 constitute voltage network.The network establishes electricity in the first reference point 875 Press V_A.If the resistance value of resistor 840 is significantly less than the resistance value of resistor 835, voltage V_AIt will be dependent on identification resistance The resistance value of device 750 and resistor 840.In this embodiment, voltage V_AIt is determined in the resistance value by identification resistor 750 Range.Microcontroller (not shown) measures voltage V in the first reference point 875_A, and according to voltage V_ATo determine identification resistor 750 resistance value.In some structures, microcontroller is voltage V_AIt is compared with multiple voltage ranges, to determine battery Characteristic.

In some structures, the first battery behavior being identified be may include into battery chemistries.For example, any low In 150k ohm of resistance values can indicate battery 50 have NiCd or NiMH chemical substance, and any about 150k ohm or Above resistance value can indicate that battery 50 has the chemical substance of Li or Li-ion.When microcontroller is determining and identifies battery When 50 chemical substance, suitable charging algorithm or method can choose.In other structures, there are multiple resistance ranges, each Both correspond to another battery chemistries in non-above-mentioned example.

This exemplary embodiment is continued discussing, in order to identify the second battery behavior, control of the semiconductor 855 in adjunct circuit "Off" state is switched under system.When semiconductor 855 is switched to "Off" state, resistor 750 and resistor 835 are identified Constitute voltage network.Now, the voltage V in the first reference point 875_APass through identification resistor 750 and resistor 835 Resistance value determines.The resistance value of identification resistor 750 is selected as the voltage V made in the second reference point 880_BATTSubstantially equal to The nominal voltage of battery 50 makes the voltage V in the first reference point 875_AVoltage substantially equal in third reference point 885 V_REF.If the voltage V in the first reference point 875_AMore than the fixed voltage V in third reference point 885_REF, comparator 860 Output V_OUTChange its state.In some structures, output V_OUTIt can be used for terminating charging or as beginning additional function Indicator, such as maintenance program, equilibrium code, discharging function, neighbouring discharge scheme etc..In some structures, voltage V_OUTIt can To be fixed reference potential.

In some structures, the second battery behavior being identified may include to the nominal voltage of battery 50.For example, with It may is that in the general formulae for the resistance value for calculating identification resistor 750

Wherein R₁₀₀It is the resistance value for identifying resistor 750, R₁₃₅It is the resistance value of resistor 835, V_BATTIt is battery 50 Nominal voltage, and V_REFIt is fixed voltage, such as about 2.5V.For example, in the resistance value for lithium ion (above set) In range, about 150k ohm of resistance value of resistor 750 can correspond to the nominal voltage of about 21V for identification, greatly About 194k ohm of resistance value can correspond to the nominal voltage of about 16.8V, and about 274.7k ohm of resistance value can be right The nominal voltage of Ying Yu about 12.6V.In other structures, more or less Special electric resistance values can correspond to additional or not Same battery pack nominal voltage.

In the illustrated structure, identify that resistor 750 and third reference point 885 can be placed at current sensing resistor The "high" end of device 890.When there is charging current, places identification resistor 750 in this way and third reference point 885 can be with Slow down V_AAnd V_REFBetween any relevant voltage fluctuation.If identification resistor 750 and third reference point 885 are referred to Ground 895, and charging current is applied on battery 50, voltage fluctuation possibly is present at voltage V_AOn.

In some structures, battery charger 820 can also include charger control function.As described above, working as voltage V_A Substantially equal to voltage V_REFWhen (indicate voltage V_BATTEqual to the nominal voltage of battery 50), the output V of comparator 860_OUTChange shape State.In some structures, as the output V of comparator 860_OUTWhen change state, charging current no longer is provided to battery 50.Once When charging current is interrupted, cell voltage V_BATTIt begins to decline.As voltage V_BATTWhen reaching lower threshold value, the output of comparator 860 V_OUTChange state again.In some structures, voltage V_BATTLower threshold value determined by the resistance value of hysteresis resistor 898.When than Compared with the output V of device 860_OUTWhen changing state again, charging current is established again.In some structures, the circulating repetition is by micro-control The preset number of device processed repeats the certain state made by comparator 860 and changes number.In some structures, the circulation It is repeated until that battery 50 is removed from battery charger 820.

In some structures and some aspects, the circuit 130 of battery 50 may also indicate that one or more battery characteristic. In some structures, nominal voltage and temperature of the battery behavior including, for example, battery 50.Circuit 130 includes electric recognition component or knowledge Other resistor 910, temperature-sensing devices or thermal resistor 914, the first current limiting device or protectiveness diode 918, second limit Flow device or protectiveness diode 922 and capacitor 926.It identifies that resistor 910 has and determines that battery is special with one or more The corresponding fixed resistance value of property.In some structures, identify that the resistance value of resistor 910 corresponds to battery 50 or battery unit 80 Nominal voltage.In some structures, which corresponds to the chemical substance of battery 50.In some structures, the resistance value Corresponding to two or more battery behaviors or corresponding to different battery behaviors.The resistance value of thermal resistor 914 indicates battery The temperature of unit 80, and change with the change of 80 temperature of battery unit.Sensing terminal 930 is electrically connected to circuit 130.

As schematically shown in Figure 29, battery 50 is electrically connected to such as that battery charger 942 is (equally schematically Show) electrical equipment.Battery charger 942 includes anode terminal 946, cathode terminal 950 and sensing terminal 954.With scheming Battery 50 shown in 28 is similar with the mode of battery charger 820, anode terminal 934, cathode terminal 938 and the sense of battery 50 Survey anode terminal 946, cathode terminal 950 and sensing terminal 954 that terminal 930 is respectively electrically connected to battery charger 942.Battery Charger 942 also comprising such as control circuit and electronic component of control device, processor, microcontroller or controller 958 or Resistor 962.

The operation of battery 50 and battery charger 942 will discuss with reference to Figure 29 and 30A-B.In some structures, when Battery 50 is electrically connected to battery charger 942, and when capacitor 926 starts electric discharge, controller 958 is in the first reference point 964 Voltage V_AIt is increased to about first threshold.In some structures, first threshold is about 5V.As shown in Figure 30 A, controller 958 about in time T₁When voltage V_AIt is increased to first threshold.

When first threshold is applied in the first reference point 964, first is established in battery 50 and battery charger 942 Current path.First current path includes resistor 962, capacitor 926, first diode 918 and identification resistor 910.When Voltage V_AWhen being about increased to first threshold, controller 958 measures the voltage V in the second reference point 966_OUT.Second reference point Voltage V on 966_OUTIt is increased on the voltage established by voltage network quickly, voltage network is by identification resistor 910, the diode 918 that resistor 962 and forward voltage descend through forms.In some structures, voltage V_OUTRange will From about 0V to small in voltage V_A.As shown in Figure 30 B, about in time T₂Upper voltage V_OUTIt increases, and controller 958 About in time T₂Or time T₂Voltage V is measured when later_OUT.In some structures, time T₂Approximately equal to time T₁.Some In structure, almost in time T₁Time of occurrence T immediately later₂.Time T₂It can the later appearance according to measurement tolerance.

In a kind of structure, the voltage V that is measured by controller 958_OUTResistance value corresponding to resistor 910 for identification. The resistance value corresponds to the nominal voltage of battery 50.In some structures, with the reduction of identification 910 resistance value of resistor, electricity Press V_OUTAlso it and then increases.

In the illustrated structure, when capacitor 926 is fully charged, voltage V_OUTIt is finally increased to voltage V substantially_A.In electricity After container 926 is fully charged, controller 958 is the voltage V in the first reference point 964_AIt is reduced to second threshold.In some structures In, second threshold is about 0V.As shown in fig. 30 a, controller 958 is about in time T₃It is upper voltage V_AIt is reduced to second threshold.

When second threshold is applied in the first reference point 964, second is established in battery 50 and battery charger 942 Current path.Second current path includes resistor 962, capacitor 926, the second diode 922 and thermal resistor 914.When Voltage V_AWhen being reduced to about second threshold, controller 958 measures the voltage V in the second reference point 966 again_OUT.Second reference Voltage V on point 966_OUTIt is reduced on the voltage established by voltage network quickly, voltage network is by thermal resistor 914, the diode 922 that resistor 962 and forward voltage descend through forms.In some structures, voltage V_OUTRange will From about 0V to small in voltage V_A.As shown in Figure 30 B, about in time T₄Upper voltage V_OUTDecline, and controller 958 About in time T₄Or time T₄Voltage V is measured when later_OUT.In some structures, time T₄Approximately equal to time T₃.Some In structure, almost in time T₃Time of occurrence T immediately later₄.In some structures, time T₄It can be later according to measurement tolerance Occur.

In a kind of structure, by controller 958 in time T₄The voltage V of upper measurement_OUTCorresponding to for thermal resistor 914 resistance value.The resistance value corresponds to the temperature of battery 50.In some structures, with 914 resistance value of thermal resistor Decline, voltage V_OUTIncrease.

In some structures, capacitor 926 provides DC barrier functionality.Capacitor 926 prevent existing battery charger (such as It cannot identify the battery charger of the newer power tool battery chemical substance such as lithium or lithium ion chemical substance, and not With the battery charger for correspondence charging algorithm needed for this newer chemical substance) it can be to circuit 130 Battery pack charges.

Existing power tool battery 968 is schematically shown in Figure 31, and another structure of battery 970 is in Figure 32 It schematically shows.With reference to Figure 31-34, another batter-charghing system includes the battery for embodying various aspects of the invention simultaneously 968 and 970, existing battery charger 972 (as shown in figure 33) and battery charger 974 (as shown in figure 34).

With reference to Figure 31, existing battery 968 include with a kind of chemical substance and provide one of a kind of nominal voltage or Multiple battery units 976.Typically, the chemical substance of battery unit 976 is usually plumbic acid, NiCd or NiMH.Battery unit 976 Include positive terminal 978 and negative pole end 980.Anode terminal 982 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 978 of battery unit 976, and cathode terminal 984 are electrically connected to the negative pole end of battery unit 976.

Battery 968 also includes electronic component or thermal resistor 986.The resistance value of thermal resistor 986 indicates battery list The temperature of member 976, and change with the variation of 976 temperature of battery unit.In some structures, the resistance of thermal resistor 986 Value is comprised in the first range of resistance value.Existing battery charger 972 can recognize that the temperature-sensitive in the first range The resistance value of resistor 986, and correspondingly charge to existing battery 968.For example, the first range of resistance value includes about It is equal to and the resistance value less than 130k ohm.If the resistance value of thermal resistor 986 is not comprised in the first model of resistance value In enclosing, existing battery charger 972 cannot charge to existing battery 968.Existing battery 968 is also comprising being electrically connected to temperature-sensitive The sensing terminal 988 of resistor 986.

As shown in figure 32, battery 970 includes a kind of chemical substance with battery 970 and provides a kind of nominal voltage One or more battery unit 990.Normally, the chemical substance of battery unit 990 including, for example, lithium, lithium ion or another is based on The chemical substance of lithium.Battery unit 990 includes positive terminal 992 and negative pole end 993.Anode terminal 994 is electrically connected to battery unit 990 positive terminal 992, and cathode terminal 995 is electrically connected to the negative pole end 993 of battery unit 990.

Battery 970 also includes two sensing terminals 996 and 997.First sensing terminal 996 be electrically connected to the first electric device or Identify resistor 998, and the second sensing terminal 997 is electrically connected to the second electric device or temperature-sensing devices or thermal resistor 999.In some structures, identify that the resistance value of resistor 998 is not included in and can be identified by existing battery charger 972 In first range of resistance value.For example, the resistance value of identification resistor 998 is approximately equal to or greater than in 150k ohm.Temperature-sensitive electricity The resistance value for hindering device 986 indicates the temperature of battery unit 990, and changes with the variation of 990 temperature of battery unit.

As shown in figure 34 and in most of structure, battery charger 974 includes anode terminal 1001, cathode terminal 1002, the first sensing terminal 1003 and the second sensing terminal 1004.The the first sensing terminal 1003 or electricity of battery charger 974 It is connected to the first sensing terminal 996 of battery 970, or is electrically connected to the sensing terminal 988 of existing battery 968.

As shown in figure 33 and in most of structure, existing battery charger 972 includes anode terminal 1005, cathode terminal 1006 and sensing terminal 1007.The sensing terminal 1007 of existing battery charger 972 or the first sense for being electrically connected to battery 970 It surveys terminal 996 or is electrically connected to the sensing terminal 988 of existing battery 968.

When existing battery 968 is electrically connected to battery charger 974, the second sensing terminal 1004 of battery charger 974 It is not electrically connected to any battery terminal.It in some structures, include control device in new battery charger 974, micro- Processor, microcontroller or controller 1008 determine the resistance value of thermal resistor 986 by the first sensing terminal 1003, and Battery 968 is identified as with NiCd or NiMH chemical substance.Controller 1008 according to the chemical substance and temperature of battery 968 come Selection is suitable for the charging method or algorithm of existing battery 968.Battery charger 974 correspondingly fills existing battery 968 Electricity.

When battery 970 is electrically connected to battery charger 974, the second sensing terminal 1004 of battery charger 974 is electrically connected It is connected to the second sensing terminal 997 of battery 970.In some structures, controller 1008 determines the resistance of identification resistor 998 Value, and battery 970 is identified as with such as lithium, lithium ion or other chemical substances based on lithium.For example, identification resistor 998 about or greater than 150k ohm of resistance value corresponds to lithium, lithium ion or other chemical substances based on lithium.

In some structures, identify that the resistance value of resistor 998 is further selected according to the nominal voltage of battery 970. For example, about 150k ohm of resistance value of identification resistor 998 indicates that battery 970 has the nominal voltage of about 21V.About 300k ohm of resistance value corresponds approximately to the nominal voltage of 16.8V, and about 450k ohm of resistance value corresponds approximately to 12.6V nominal voltage.In some structures, with the raising of identification 998 resistance value of resistor, the nominal voltage of battery 970 Decline.In some structures, controller 1008 also determines the resistance value of thermal resistor 385.Controller 1008 is according to battery 970 Chemical substance, nominal voltage and/or temperature select the charging method or algorithm suitable for battery 970.Battery charger 974 Correspondingly charge to battery 970.

When existing battery 968 is electrically connected to existing battery charger 972, the sensing terminal 1007 of battery charger 972 It is electrically connected to the sensing terminal 988 of existing battery 968.In some structures, if the resistance value of thermal resistor 986 is included in It include the determining thermal resistor 986 of microcontroller 1009 in existing battery charger 972 in first range of resistance value Resistance value, and battery 968 is identified as with such as NiCd or NiMH chemical substance.Existing battery charger 972 is according to temperature-sensitive The resistance value of resistor 968 determines the temperature of existing battery 968, and selects filling suitable for battery 968 according to its temperature Method for electrically or algorithm.Battery charger 972 correspondingly charges to existing battery 968.

When battery 970 is electrically connected to battery charger 974, the sensing terminal 1007 of existing battery charger 972 is electrically connected It is connected to the first sensing terminal 996 of battery 970.Second sensing terminal 997 of battery charger 970 is not electrically connected to existing electricity Any battery charger terminal of electrolytic battery charger 972.In some structures, microcontroller 1009 determines identification resistor 998 Resistance value.In some structures, identify that the resistance value of resistor 998 is not comprised in the resistance identified by microcontroller 1009 In first range of value.Since microcontroller 1009 cannot identify that battery 970, existing battery charger 972 are not carried out charging Method or algorithm.Battery 970 cannot be charged by power block or " latching " by existing battery charger 972.

Another battery 1030 for embodying various aspects of the invention is shown in Figure 35-37,40-41,48A and 49-52.Electricity Pond 1030 can be similar to battery 50 shown in Fig. 1-5.For example, battery 1030 can connect to such as cordless power tool The electrical equipment or device of 1034 (as shown in Figure 48 A), selectively to drive electric tool 1034.Battery 1030 can be from electricity Power driven tools 1034 are removed, and can be recharged by battery charger 1038 (as shown in Figure 40-44).

As shown in figs. 35-37, battery 1030 may include shell 1042 and at least one by shell 1042 support can be again The battery unit 1046 (being schematically shown in Figure 41) of charging.In the illustrated structure, battery 1030 can be comprising five The 18V battery pack of the about 3.6V battery unit 1046 (one has shown that) of a series connection is connected in series big comprising five The 21V battery pack of about 4.2V battery unit 1046 (one has shown that).In other structures (not shown), battery 1030 can have There are another nominal battery voltage, such as 9.6V, 12V, 14.4V, 24V, 28V etc., to drive electric device and by battery charger 1038 chargings.It should be appreciated that battery unit 1046 can have different nominal battery units in other structures (not shown) Voltage and/or can for example be connected in parallel in a further arrangement or parallel/series connection.

Battery unit 1046 is any rechargeable battery unit chemical type, such as ni-Cd (NiCd), ni-mh (NiMH), lithium (Li), lithium ion (Li-ion), other chemical substances based on lithium, other rechargeable battery units chemistry Substance etc..In the illustrated structure, battery unit 1046 is lithium ionic cell unit.

Shell 1042 is capable of providing support section 1050, is used to support in such as electric tool 1034 or battery charger Battery 1030 on 1038.In the illustrated structure, support section 1050 is capable of providing C-shaped cross-section (referring to Figure 37), it can To be connected to T shape cross section support section complementary on electrical equipment.As shown in figs. 35-37, support section 1050 may include Extend and define the cross bar 1054 of groove 1062 along support shaft 1058.Center spine 1066 can also be provided, with electrical equipment branch The surface engagement of support part point.Slot 1070 (referring to Figure 35-36) can be defined in ridge 1066, so that ridge 1066 is with sideways, outwardly extending Part 1072 out.

Battery 1030 can also include (referring to Figure 35-37) locked component 1074, and battery 1030 can be locked in electricity by it In gas equipment, such as it is locked on electric tool 1034 and/or battery charger 1038.In some structures, locked component 1034 may include the locking piece 1078 that can be moved between latched position and non-locked position, in the locking position, locking Part 1078 is engaged with the corresponding locking piece on electrical equipment, battery 1030 is locked on electrical equipment.Locked component 1074 It can also include actuator 1082, for locking piece 1078 mobile between latched position and non-locked position.Offset member (is not shown Locking piece 1078 can be made to offset to latched position out).

Battery 1030 can also include (referring to Figure 35-39 and 41) terminal plate 1086, battery unit 1046 can be electrically connected The circuit being connected in electrical equipment.Terminal plate 1086 may include the terminal enclosure provided (referring to Figure 35-37) by shell 1042 1090.In the structure and some aspects shown, window or opening 1094 can be provided in terminal enclosure 1090.Terminal plate 1086 may include (referring to Figure 35,37-39 and 41) positive battery terminal 1098, grounding terminals 1102, first sense terminal 1106 and second sense terminal 1110.As shown schematically in Figure 41, terminal 1098 and 1102 is connected to a battery unit Or the opposite ends of multiple battery units 1046.

Sensing terminal 1106 and 1110 can be respectively connected to be connected to 1114 He of electric device in the circuit of battery 1030 1118.It senses terminal 1106 and 1110 and transmits the information in relation to battery 1030 to electrical equipment.For example, one is connected to sensing eventually The electric device (such as electric device 1114) at end 1106 can be the recognition component of such as resistor, to transmit the spy to battery 1030 The identification information of property (such as chemical substance, nominal voltage of battery 1030 of battery unit 1046 etc.).It is other to be connected to sensing The electric device (such as electric device 1118) of terminal 1110 can be temperature-sensing devices or thermal resistor, to transmit battery 1030 And/or the temperature of battery unit 1046.

In other structures, electronic component 1114 and 1118 can be other suitable electronics members that can generate electric signal Part, such as microprocessor, controller, digital logic element etc. or electric device 1114 and 1118 can be other suitable nothings Source electric device, such as resistor, capacitor, inductor, diode etc..

It should be appreciated that in other structures (not shown), the electronics that electronic component 1114 and 1118 can be other types Element, and other characteristics or information in relation to battery 1030 and/or battery unit 1046 can be transmitted.It should be appreciated that for " transmitting " (communication) and " communication " (communicate) of electronic component 1114 and 1118 " can have with letter lid Or in by sensor or the case where can determine electric device 1114 and/or 1118 or the case where the device of state senses or shape The electric device 1114 and/or 1118 of state.

As shown in figure 39, terminal 1098,1102 and 1106 can be oriented at face P substantially parallel to each other respectively₁、P₂With P₃On.Terminal 1110 can be oriented in face P₄On, in the illustrated structure, face P₄With all other face P₁、P₂And P₃In at least One not parallel.In a kind of structure, face P₄It can be with face P₁、P₂And P₃Vertically.Terminal 1098,1102,1106 and 1110 can be with Along each axis A₁、A₂、A₃And A₄Extend, and in the illustrated structure, terminal shaft A₁、A₂、A₃And A₄It is parallel to (referring to Figure 35 and 37) Support shaft 1058.

As shown in Figure 40-44, the battery charger 1038 for embodying various aspects of the invention be can connect to battery 1030 (as shown in figure 40), and can charge to battery 1030.Battery charger 1038 may include charger case 1122 and by outer The charging circuit 1126 (being schematically shown in Figure 41) that shell 1122 supports, and can connect to power supply (not shown).Charging Circuit 1126 can connect to the terminal plate 1086 of battery 1030 and (schematically show in Figure 41), and can operate for passing Defeated power is to battery 1030, to charge to battery unit 1046.

In some structures and some aspects, charging circuit 1126 can be operated in the beauty of publication on September 24th, 2002 State patent No.6,456,035 and on April 24th, 2001 publish United States Patent (USP) No.6,222,343 (be incorporated herein by ginseng Examine) described in same way charge to battery 1030.In other structures, charging circuit 1126 can operate in On January 17th, 2003, (all contents combine to be made U.S. Provisional Application submit and Serial No. 60/440,692 herein For reference) described in same way charge to battery 1030.

As shown in Figure 42-44, shell 1122 can provide the battery support portion 1130 for being used to support battery 1030.Support It part 1130 can be with (referring to fig. 4 2) general T shape cross section, the C-shaped cross-section of it and the support section 1050 of battery 1030 It is complementary.Support section 1130 may include the cross bar that (2-44 referring to fig. 4) extends and define groove 1142 along support shaft 1138 1134.The support section 1130 can also include the surface 1146 engaged with ridge 1066.

Protrusion or rib 1150 can extend from surface 1146.When battery 1030 is placed on support section 1130 When, rib 1150 can be substantially transversely aligned with locking piece 1078, with locking piece 1078 is fixed in the locking position.In one kind In structure, rib 1150 is lowered to ensure that rib 1150 is not engaged with the ridge 1066 on the support section 1050 of battery 1030, is prevented Battery 1030 is connected to battery charger 1038.

Battery charger 1038 can also include (1-47 referring to fig. 4) terminal plate 1154, it can be operated in charging electricity Road 1126 is electrically connected to the terminal plate 1086 (schematically showing in such as Figure 41) of battery 1030.Such as Figure 42-44 and 46-47 institute Show, terminal plate 1154 may include the terminal enclosure 1158 provided by support section 1130.Terminal plate 1154 can also include (ginseng See Figure 41-47) anode terminal 1162, the sensing terminal 1170 of cathode terminal 1166, first and the second sensing terminal 1174.Charger Terminal 1162,1166,1170 and 1174 can be connected respectively to battery terminal 1098,1102,1106 and 1110 and (show in such as Figure 41 Meaning property is shown).

Charger terminal 1162,1166,1170 and 1174 can connect to charging circuit 1126.Charging circuit 1126 can be with Microcontroller 1178 comprising the charging for controlling battery 1030.Microcontroller 1178 can operate in sensing battery 1030 The case where electronic component 1114 and 1118 or state communicate with, with identify battery 1030 one or more characteristics and/or Situation, such as the nominal voltage of battery 1030, the chemical substance of battery unit 1046, battery 1030 and/or battery unit 1046 Temperature etc..According to judgement made by controller 1178, controller 1178 can control charging circuit 1126, with correctly right Battery 1030 charges.

As shown in Figure 35,37-39, battery terminal 1098,1102 and 1106 can be convex blade (male blade) eventually End.As shown in figure 42, charger terminal 1162,1166 and 1170 can be female terminal, can operate in and receive convex leaf Piece terminal 1098,1102 and 1106.Battery terminal 1110 (referring to Figure 35-39) and charger terminal 1174 (2-44 referring to fig. 4) It is capable of providing the engagement of cantilever (cantilever) spring.(2-44 referring to fig. 4) in the illustrated structure, charger terminal 1174 can be extended with the direction basically perpendicular to support shaft 1138, to provide inclined combination and connect with battery terminal 1110 Touching.

Battery 1030 can connect to the electric device of such as electric tool 1034 (as shown in Figure 48 A), with driving instrument 1034.Electric tool 1034 includes shell 1182, to support (the signal of electric motor 1184 selectively driven by battery 1030 Property is shown).Shell 1182 is capable of providing the support section 1186 (8B referring to fig. 4) for supporting battery 1030 above it.Support Part 1186 has general T shape cross section, complementary with the C-shaped cross-section of support section 1050 of battery 1030.Support section 1186 also define lock slots 1188 (showing one), and inside it, locking piece 1078 can be used for battery 1030 to be locked in On electric tool 1034.

Electric tool 1034 (can also partially exist comprising the terminal plate 1190 for the terminal plate 1086 that can be connected to battery 1030 Shown in Figure 48 B), therefore energy can be transferred to electric tool 1034 from battery 1030.In the illustrated structure, terminal plate 1190 may include the anode terminal 1194 and cathode terminal 1198 of the terminal 1098 and 1102 for being separately connected battery 1030.

It should be appreciated that terminal plate 1190, which may include, can be connected to sensing terminal 1106 in other structures (not shown) And/or 1110 attaching terminal (not shown) so that (such as the one or more of battery 1030 is special for the information in relation to battery 1030 Property and/or the case where battery 1030) electric tool 1034 can be transferred to or by its sensing.In this configuration, electronic work Tool 1034 may include controller (not shown), to judge the information of related battery 1030 transmitted or sensed, and according to These information control the operation of electric tool.

The replacing structure for embodying the battery 1030A of various aspects of the invention is shown in Figure 53-56.Identical component band There is identical reference character " A ".

As shown in Figure 53-56, battery 1030A may include support one or more battery unit and (be not shown, but be similar to Battery unit 1046) shell 1042A.Battery 1030A may include the support section 1050A (ginseng with general C-shaped cross-section See Figure 56), it and the support section 1130 (referring to fig. 4 2) of battery charger 1038 and the support section of electric tool 1034 1186 (8B referring to fig. 4) are complementary, so that battery 1030A can connect to battery charger 1038 and electric tool 1034.

As shown in Figure 53-56, support section 1050A may include ridge 1066A.As shown in figure 55, ridge 1066A can extend To a cross side (lower cross side in Figure 55), to provide horizontal outwardly directed part 1072A.

For some structures and some parts, the additional autonomous behavior of battery 1030A, structure and operate in above by more It describes in detail.

When battery 1030A is placed on the support section 1130 of battery charger 1038, lower 1150 (such as Figure 42 of rib It is shown) do not engaged with the part 1072A of the extension of the ridge 1066A on the support section 1050A of battery 1030A, therefore battery 1030A is prevented from being connected to battery charger 1038.

Figure 57-61 shows existing battery 1230.Battery 1230 may include shell 1242 at least one by shell The rechargeable battery unit 1246 (being schematically shown in 61) of 1242 supports.In the illustrated structure, battery 1230 It can be the 18V battery pack of the about 1.2V battery unit 1246 comprising 15 series connections.In other structures (not shown), Battery 1230 can have another nominal battery voltage (such as 9.6V, 12V, 14.4V, 24V etc.) with drive electric device and by Battery charger 1038 charges.It should be appreciated that battery unit 1246 can have different marks in other structures (not shown) Claim battery cell voltage and/or can for example be connected in parallel in a further arrangement or parallel/series connection.Battery unit 1246 is Any rechargeable battery chemical type, such as NiCd or NiMH.

As shown in Figure 57-60, shell 1242 is capable of providing support section 1250, is used to support in such as electric tool 1034 Battery 1230 on (being shown in FIG. 48) or battery charger 1038 (being shown in FIG. 42).In the illustrated structure, it supports Part 1250 is capable of providing C-shaped cross-section (referring to Figure 60), it can connect the complementarity T shape cross section branch to electrical equipment Support part point is (in the support section 1186 (showing in Figure 48 B) on electric tool 1034 and the branch on battery charger 1038 1130 (being shown in FIG. 42) of support part point).As shown in Figure 57-60, support section 1250 may include to be extended along support shaft 1258 And the cross bar 1254 of groove 1262 is defined, center spine 1266 can be provided, to engage with the surface of electrical equipment support section.It should Ridge 1266 can be with substantially linear and the lateral surfaces 1272 not being interrupted.Ridge 1266 does not provide the portion stretched out lateral out Point (part 1072 (being shown in FIG. 36) of such as extension of battery 1030 or as battery 1030A extension part 1072A ( Shown in Figure 55)).

Battery 1230 can also include (referring to Figure 57-60) locked component 1274, and battery 1230 can be locked in electricity by it In gas equipment, such as it is locked on electric tool 1034 (being shown in Figure 48 A) and/or battery charger.Locked component 1274 It may include the locking piece 1278 that can be moved between latched position and non-locked position (referring to Figure 57-60), in locking bit It sets, locking piece 1278 is engaged with the corresponding locking piece (such as lock slots 1188 on electric tool 1034) on electrical equipment, Battery 1230 is locked on electrical equipment.Locked component 1274 can also include actuator 1282, in latched position The mobile locking piece 1278 between non-locked position.Offset member (not shown) can make locking piece 1278 offset to latched position.

Battery 1030 may include the terminal plate 1286 (referring to Figure 58 and 60), is operable in a battery unit 1246 and is electrically connected The circuit being connected in electrical equipment.Terminal plate 1286 may include the terminal enclosure 1290 provided by shell 1242.Terminal plate 1286 may include positive battery terminal 1287, grounding terminals 1302 and sensing terminal 1306.As shown in Figure 58 and 60, terminal 1298,1302 and sensing terminal 1306 be fixed in face substantially parallel to each other, and along being parallel to each axis of support shaft 1258 Extend.

As shown schematically in Figure 61, terminal 1298 and 1302 is connected to a battery unit or a series of battery units 1046 opposite ends.Sensing terminal 1306 can connect to the electronic component 1314 in the circuit for being connected to battery 1230.? In the structure shown, electronic component 1314 can be temperature-sensing devices or thermal resistor, to transmit battery 1230 and/or electricity The temperature of pond element 1246.

As shown schematically in Figure 61, battery 1230 be can connect to battery charger 1038, and battery charger 1038 can operate in the charging of battery 1230.Battery terminal 1298,1302 and 1306 can be respectively connected to three chargers Terminal 1162,1166 and 1170.Microcontroller 1178 can identify battery 1230 (or determine battery 1230 be not battery 1030 or It is battery 1030A) and the case where identify electronic component 1314 or thermal resistor, to sense the temperature of battery 1230.Microcontroller Device 1178 can control the charging of battery 1230.

Battery 1230 can be supported on the support section 1130 of battery charger 1038.Rib 1150 (shows in Figure 42 It can not engaged out) with the ridge 1266 (being shown in Figure 57-60) on the support section 1250 of battery 1230, therefore battery 1230 are prevented from being connected to battery charger 1038.

Battery 1230 can connect to the electric device of such as electric tool 1034 (showing in Figure 48 A), to drive electricity Power driven tools 1034.Battery 1230 can be supported on the support section 1186 of electric tool 1034 (showing in Figure 48 B), and It can connect to motor 1184 and (schematically shown in Figure 48 A), with drive motor 1184.

Figure 62-65 shows another battery charger 1338.Battery charger 1338 may include charger case 1342 and the charging circuit 1346 (being schematically shown in Figure 65) that is supported by shell 1342, and can connect to power supply (not It shows).Charging circuit 1346 can connect to the terminal plate 1286 of battery 1230, and can with transimission power to battery 1230, with It charges to battery unit 1246.

As shown in Figure 62-64, shell 1342 can provide the battery support portion 1350 for being used to support battery 1230.Support Part 1350 can have the general T shape cross section (referring to Figure 62), the support section 1250 of it and battery 1230 (referring to Figure 60) C-shaped cross-section it is complementary.The support section 1350, which may include, to be extended along support shaft 1358 (referring to Figure 62-64) and defines groove 1362 cross bar 1354.Support section 1350 can also include the surface 1366 engaged with ridge 1266.

Protrusion or rib 1370 can extend from surface 1366.Rib 1370 extends from surface 1366 (3-44 referring to fig. 4) Distance can prolong than rib 1150 from the surface of battery charger 1,038 1146 and project farther.When battery 1230 is placed on support When on part 1350, rib 1370 tilts (referring to Figure 59) along the edge of ridge 1266, so that battery 1230 can connect to battery and fill Electric appliance 1338.The ridge 1266 of battery 1230 horizontally can be narrower than the ridge 1066 of battery 1030, and can not include and stretch out Part 1072.

If shown in 62-65, battery charger 1338 can also include terminal plate 1374, it can be charging circuit 1346 It is electrically connected to the terminal plate 1286 of battery 1230.Terminal plate 1374 may include the terminal enclosure provided by support section 1350 1378 (referring to Figure 62-64).Terminal plate 1374 can also include positive battery terminal 1382, cathode terminal 1386 and sensing terminal 1390.As shown schematically in Figure 65, charger terminal 1382,1386 and 1390 can be separately connected battery terminal 1298, 13022 and 1306.

Charging circuit 1346 may include the microcontroller 1394 of the charging for controlling battery 1230.Controller 1394 is logical The case where sensing electronic component 1314 or thermal resistor is spent to determine the temperature of battery 1230.According to made by controller 1394 Judgement, controller 1394 can control charging circuit 1346, correctly to charge to battery 1230.

In the exemplary embodiment, if user attempts a connection to battery 1030 to battery charger 1338, battery charger 1338 a part, such as the rib 1370 (shown in Figure 62) stretched out upwards, can prevent battery 1030 from being connected to battery Charger 1338.When battery 1030 is placed on support section 1350, on the support section 1050 of rib 1370 and battery 1030 Ridge 1066 lateral widening extension part 1072 engage (being shown in FIG. 36), to prevent battery 1030 from being fully connected To battery charger 1338.Rib 1370 is placed on support section 1370 so that the terminal plate 1086 of battery 1030 not with fill The terminal plate 1374 of electric appliance 1338 connects.

In certain aspects, the present invention provides with it is additional communication or sense path such as battery 1030 or The battery charger of the battery of 1030A and/or such as battery charger 1038.In certain aspects, the present invention provides can To the battery pack (such as battery 1030 or 1030A) with additional communication or sense path and without additional communication or sense Survey the charger (such as charger 1038) that the battery pack (such as battery 1230) in path charges.In certain aspects, originally Invention provides " mechanical caging ", to prevent such as battery of battery 1030 or 1030A to be connected to such as existing charger 1338 charger, while such as the battery of battery 1030 or 1030A can be with corresponding existing electrical equipment (such as electronic works 1034) tool is used together.

Structure describe above and shown in the figure be show in an illustrative manner and not as to of the invention The limitation of concept and principle.Equally, it those skilled in the art should understand that, is defined without departing substantially from appended claims The spirit and scope of the present invention in the case where, the various changes on component and its structure and arrangement mode are all feasible.

Claims (9)

1. a kind of battery pack is configured to connect with electric tool, the battery pack includes:

Shell；

Battery unit with voltage, power can transmit between the battery unit and the electric tool, the battery list Member has the battery chemistries based on lithium；

Controller, can operate the function for controlling the battery pack, and the controller requires voltage to be equal to and/or be greater than work To run, the battery unit can be operated for selectively providing voltage to the controller voltage threshold；And

Circuit, the circuit operative are used to be lower than the controller when the voltage by battery unit offer to the controller Operating voltage threshold value when run controller.

2. battery pack as described in claim 1, wherein the circuit operative is in providing voltage to the controller, so that The voltage for being provided to the controller is equal to and/or is greater than operating voltage threshold value.

3. battery pack as claimed in claim 2, wherein the circuit includes booster circuit, the booster circuit can operate in by The voltage that the battery unit provides, which is increased to, is equal to and/or is greater than the operating voltage threshold value.

4. battery pack as claimed in claim 2, wherein the circuit includes power supply of the offer voltage to the controller, so that The voltage that the controller must be provided to is equal to and/or is greater than the operating voltage threshold value, which cannot operate in offer function Rate is to the electric tool.

5. battery pack as claimed in claim 4, wherein the power supply includes that can operate in provide voltage to the controller Power component, so that the voltage for being provided to the controller is equal to and/or is greater than the operating voltage threshold value.

6. battery pack as claimed in claim 5, wherein the power component includes capacitor.

7. battery pack as claimed in claim 5, wherein the power component includes battery unit.

8. battery pack as described in claim 1, wherein the battery unit has lithium ion battery chemical substance.

9. battery pack as claimed in claim 8, wherein the battery unit has lithium-manganese cell chemical substance.