JP5083630B2 - Battery pack, power tool, charger - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a battery pack that can be charged by a charger and can supply power to the electric tool, an electric tool to which the battery pack is mounted, and a charger that charges the battery pack.

  Battery packs are widely used as a power source for electric tools, and charging / discharging of battery cells stored therein is repeatedly performed. Usually, a battery pack is a terminal electrically connected to an external device such as a power tool or a charger, and a power terminal through which a current for charging / discharging the battery cell flows, and a control signal for controlling charging / discharging of the battery cell. Is provided with a signal transmission terminal for communicating with the external device. Terminals such as the above power terminals and signal transmission terminals usually have the same shape, such as pins, blades, blade receivers, etc. made by processing conductive metal, depending on the parts to which the terminals are connected Its use was decided.

  However, since the battery pack is frequently attached to and detached from the power tool or the charger every time charging and discharging of the internal battery cells are repeated, the terminal may be worn or deformed. In particular, if the power terminal is worn or deformed, it may lead to poor contact with the terminal of the power tool or the charger. As a result, the contact resistance of the electrical connection between the power tool and the battery pack increases, and the power terminal Since a large current often flows through the power terminal, the power terminal generates heat. When the power terminal is melted by this heat generation, it may not be possible to supply power from the battery pack to the power tool, leading to a shortened life of the battery pack itself.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack, a power tool, and a charger that suppress heat generation of terminals.

The battery pack of the present invention is a battery pack that is detachably attached to an apparatus body having a plurality of terminals and can supply power to the apparatus body, and includes a housing, battery cells provided in the housing, A plurality of first terminals electrically connected to the battery cell; and a second terminal to which a control signal for controlling at least one of charging and discharging of the battery cell is transmitted. Each of the first terminal and the second terminal is configured to be fitted and electrically connected to a corresponding terminal of the device main body, and the plurality of terminals when the housing is attached to the device main body. The fitting pressure between the first terminal and the corresponding terminal of the device main body is configured to be larger than the fitting pressure between the second terminal and the corresponding terminal of the device main body.

  In the above configuration, when the battery cell is accommodated in the battery cell accommodating portion and the housing is attached to the device main body, the plurality of first terminals are press-fitted with the corresponding terminals of the device main body, and the battery pack is moved from the device main body Power can be supplied. Next, when the device main body is started, current flows from the battery cell to the device main body via the plurality of first terminals, and power is supplied to the device main body. In addition, when the second terminal is press-fitted with the corresponding terminal of the device main body, a control signal for controlling the discharge of the battery cell is transmitted between the device main body and the battery pack via the signal transmission terminal. The

  When the battery pack is mounted on the device body, the fitting pressure acting on the plurality of first terminals is higher than the fitting pressure acting on the second terminals. Therefore, due to the high fitting pressure acting on the plurality of first terminals, contact failure between the plurality of first terminals and the power terminal of the device body can be suppressed, and the plurality of first terminals due to the current flowing to the device body. Heat generation can be suppressed. That is, since the plurality of first terminals can take a wide contact area with the terminal of the device body due to a high fitting pressure, an increase in contact resistance can be suppressed, and thus a large amount of current due to the contact resistance. The heat generation of the plurality of first terminals when flowing can be suppressed. Moreover, generation | occurrence | production of the arc between the some 1st terminal resulting from contact failure and the terminal by the side of an apparatus main body can be suppressed, and damage and fusing of each of these terminals can be prevented.

  On the other hand, since the current component of the control signal is very small, almost no current flows through the second terminal. Therefore, even if the contact area with the terminal on the apparatus main body side is reduced and the contact resistance is increased, the second terminal does not generate much heat due to the small amount of current. Therefore, the second terminal does not require a high fitting pressure unlike the plurality of first terminals.

  Further, since only the fitting pressure of the plurality of first terminals is higher than the fitting pressure of the second terminal, the battery pack can be easily attached to and detached from the device main body, and the operability during attachment and detachment is easy. Is improved. Furthermore, when the battery pack is attached to the apparatus main body, the plurality of first terminals that require a larger force are disposed apart from each other with the center line interposed therebetween, and the second terminal is interposed between the plurality of first terminals. Since the terminal is interposed, the force required for press-fitting the plurality of first and second terminals and the corresponding terminal of the device body is substantially uniform over the first length. Can be dispersed. Therefore, the battery pack can be smoothly attached to the device body.

Preferably, the battery pack includes a substrate disposed between the battery cell and the housing, and the plurality of first terminals and the second terminal are provided on the substrate, and the plurality of first terminals Each of the terminal and the second terminal includes an open end, a bottom, a pair of arms connecting the open end and the bottom, and a leg extending from the bottom toward the substrate. The plurality of first terminals and the second terminals are configured such that corresponding terminals of the device main body are press-fitted so as to expand the open end, and the plurality of first terminals The plate thickness of the terminal may be larger than the plate thickness of the second terminal.

Preferably, the battery pack includes a substrate disposed between the battery cell and the housing, and the plurality of first terminals and the second terminal are provided on the substrate, and the plurality of the plurality of first terminals are provided on the substrate. Each of the first terminal and the second terminal includes an opening end, a bottom, a pair of arms connecting the opening and the bottom, and legs extending from the bottom toward the substrate. And the plurality of first terminals and the second terminals are configured such that corresponding terminals of the device body are press-fitted so as to spread the open end, The arm portion of the first terminal may be formed shorter than the arm portion of the second terminal.

Preferably, the battery pack includes a substrate disposed between the battery cell and the housing, and the plurality of first terminals and the second terminal are provided on the substrate, and the plurality of the plurality of first terminals are provided on the substrate. The first terminal and the second terminal are each formed of a substantially rectangular flat plate, and the plurality of terminals of the device main body are a pair of arms that connect the open end, the bottom, and the open end and the bottom. And the plurality of first terminals and the second terminals are configured to be press-fitted so as to expand the open end portions of the corresponding terminals of the device body. The plate thickness of the first terminal may be greater than the plate thickness of the second terminal.

  With the above configuration, the mechanical strength of the plurality of first terminals is higher than that of the second terminals. Accordingly, when the corresponding terminals of the device body are press-fitted into the plurality of U-shaped first and second terminals along the insertion direction from the opening end toward the bottom, the plurality of first terminals The deformation is smaller than the deformation of the second terminal, and the fitting pressure acting on the plurality of first terminals can be made higher than the fitting acting on the second terminal.

Further, the power tool to which the battery pack according to the present invention is detachably mounted , the power tool includes a motor, a control unit that controls driving of the motor, a power terminal for driving the motor, and a signal transmitting terminal connected with the control unit, the battery pack, a plurality supplies a housing, power to said power terminal which is connected a plurality of battery cells electrically accommodated in the housing A plurality of first terminals and the electric power when the housing is mounted on the electric power tool , and a second terminal for transmitting a signal between the first terminal and the signal transmission terminal. You may comprise so that the fitting pressure with a terminal may become larger than the fitting pressure with this 2nd terminal and this signal transmission terminal.

Preferably, the battery pack includes a substrate disposed between the battery cell and the housing, and the plurality of first terminals include an open end, a bottom, and the open end. The power terminal has a pair of arms connecting the bottom and a leg extending from the bottom toward the substrate, and the power terminal is press-fitted so as to expand the open end of the first terminal. Thus, the second terminal is electrically connected to the power terminal, and the second terminal includes an opening end, a bottom, a pair of arms connecting the opening end and the bottom, and the bottom from the bottom. A leg portion extending toward the substrate, and the signal transmission terminal is press-fitted so as to expand the opening end of the second terminal, thereby being electrically connected to the signal transmission terminal, The plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals may be greater than the plate thickness of the second terminal.

Preferably, the battery pack includes a substrate disposed between the battery cell and the housing, and the plurality of first terminals include an open end, a bottom, and the open end. The power terminal has a pair of arms connecting the bottom and a leg extending from the bottom toward the substrate, and the power terminal is press-fitted so as to expand the open end of the first terminal. Thus, the second terminal is electrically connected to the power terminal, and the second terminal includes an opening end, a bottom, a pair of arms connecting the opening end and the bottom, and the bottom from the bottom. A leg portion extending toward the substrate, and the signal transmission terminal is press-fitted so as to expand the opening end of the second terminal, thereby being electrically connected to the signal transmission terminal, The arm portions of the plurality of first terminals may be formed shorter than the arm portions of the second terminal.

  Further preferably, the plurality of first terminals and the second terminal are each formed of a substantially rectangular flat plate, and the power terminal and the signal transmission terminal include an opening end, a bottom, and the opening end. A pair of arms that connect the bottom, and the plurality of first terminals are electrically connected to the power terminal by press-fitting the open end of the power terminal so as to expand The second terminal is electrically connected to the signal transmission terminal by press-fitting so as to expand the open end of the signal transmission terminal, and the plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals is: It may be formed thicker than the plate thickness of the second terminal.

  With the above configuration, even if the vibration generated by driving the electric motor acts on the mounting portion between the electric tool and the battery pack, the fitting pressure of the fitting press-fitting portion between the plurality of first terminals and the power feeding terminals is high. For this reason, the fitting press-fit portion withstands such vibration and suppresses contact failure between the plurality of first terminals and the power supply terminals. Therefore, since the increase in contact resistance at the fitting portion between the plurality of first terminals and the power supply terminals is suppressed, heat generation at the plurality of first terminals accompanying power supply to the motor can be suppressed. On the other hand, since the fitting pressure between the second terminal and the signal terminal is small, the battery pack can be smoothly attached to and detached from the electric tool.

A battery charger for charging a battery pack according to the present invention, the charger having a power terminal for charging the battery pack and a signal transmission terminal for transmitting a signal to the battery pack. The battery pack includes a housing , a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the housing, and a plurality of first terminals electrically connected to the battery cells and electrically connected to the power terminal. And a plurality of first terminals and the power terminals when the housing is attached to the charger. The second terminals provided on the substrate and electrically connected to the signal transmission terminals May be configured to be larger than the fitting pressure between the second terminal and the signal transmission terminal.

Preferably, the battery pack includes a substrate disposed between the battery cell and the housing, and the plurality of first terminals include an open end, a bottom, the open end, and the bottom. And a pair of arms that extend from the bottom toward the substrate, and the power terminal is press-fitted so as to expand the open end of the first terminal. The second terminal is electrically connected to the power terminal, and the second terminal includes an opening end, a bottom, a pair of arms connecting the opening end and the bottom, and the bottom to the substrate. And the signal transmission terminal is press-fitted so as to expand the opening end of the second terminal, thereby being electrically connected to the signal transmission terminal. The plate thickness of the first terminal may be larger than the plate thickness of the second terminal.

Preferably, the battery pack includes a substrate disposed between the battery cell and the housing, and the plurality of first terminals include an open end, a bottom, and the open end. The power terminal has a pair of arms connecting the bottom and a leg extending from the bottom toward the substrate, and the power terminal is press-fitted so as to expand the open end of the first terminal. The second terminal is electrically connected to the power terminal, and the second terminal has an opening end, a bottom, a pair of arms connecting the opening end and the bottom, and the substrate from the bottom. And the signal transmission terminal is press-fitted so as to expand the open end of the second terminal, thereby being electrically connected to the signal transmission terminal, The arm portions of the plurality of first terminals may be formed shorter than the arm portions of the second terminal.

  Further preferably, the plurality of first terminals and the second terminal are each formed of a substantially rectangular flat plate, and the power terminal and the signal transmission terminal include an opening end, a bottom, the opening end, and the A plurality of first terminals, and the plurality of first terminals are electrically connected to the power terminals by press-fitting the open ends of the power terminals. The second terminal is electrically connected to the signal transmission terminal by press-fitting the open end of the signal transmission terminal so as to expand, and the plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals is It may be formed thicker than the plate thickness of the second terminal.

In the above configuration, when a battery pack in which the battery cell is stored in the battery cell storage portion is attached to the charger, the plurality of first terminals are press-fitted with the corresponding terminals of the charger, and from the charger to the battery cell. Is charged. Further, the second terminal is press-fitted with a charger control terminal as a corresponding terminal of the charger, and a control signal for controlling the charging of the battery cell is transmitted between the charger and the battery pack via the second terminal. Communicated between. When the battery pack is charged by the charger, the fitting pressure acting on the plurality of first terminals is higher than the fitting pressure acting on the second terminals. Therefore, the contact failure with a some 1st terminal and the terminal by the side of a charger can be suppressed by high fitting pressure, and the heat_generation | fever in a some 1st terminal by the electric current which flows from a charger to a battery cell can be suppressed. Moreover, since only the fitting pressure of the plurality of first terminals is higher than that of the second terminals, the battery pack can be easily attached to and detached from the charger, and the operability during attachment and detachment is improved. . In addition, due to the high fitting pressure, contact failure between the plurality of first terminals and the power feeding terminal can be suppressed, and heat generation at the plurality of first terminals due to current flowing from the charger to the battery cell can be suppressed. In addition, since only the fitting pressure of the plurality of first terminals is higher than the fitting pressure of the second terminal, the battery pack can be easily attached to and detached from the charger, and the operability during attachment and detachment is easy. Is improved.
A battery pack according to the present invention is a battery pack that is detachably attached to an apparatus body having a plurality of terminals and can supply power to the apparatus body, and includes a housing and battery cells provided in the housing. A plurality of first terminals electrically connected to the battery cell; and a second terminal to which a control signal for controlling at least one of charging and discharging of the battery cell is transmitted. Each of the first terminal and the second terminal includes an opening end portion, a bottom portion, and a pair of arm portions connecting the opening end portion and the bottom portion, and the plurality of first terminals And each of the second terminals is configured such that the corresponding terminal of the device main body is inserted so as to spread the opening end, and the plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals is the second thickness. You may comprise thicker than the board thickness of this terminal.
An electric tool according to the present invention is an electric tool to which a battery pack is detachably attached. The electric tool includes a motor, a control unit that controls driving of the motor, and a motor for driving the motor. A power transmission terminal and a signal transmission terminal connected to the control unit, and the battery pack is electrically connected to the battery cell, a battery cell provided in the housing, the battery cell, and the power A plurality of first terminals for supplying power to the terminal, and a second terminal electrically connected to the signal transmission terminal, each of the plurality of first terminals and the second terminal Comprises an open end, a bottom, and a pair of arms connecting the open end and the bottom, the plurality of first terminals being the power terminal, the plurality of first being The second terminal is configured to be inserted so as to spread the open end of the terminal. The terminal is inserted so as to push out the open end of the second terminal, and the plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals may be larger than the plate thickness of the second terminal. Good.
The charger according to the present invention is a charger for charging a battery pack, and the charger is a power terminal for charging the battery pack, and signal transmission for transmitting signals to and from the battery pack. The battery pack includes a housing, a battery cell provided in the housing, and a plurality of first terminals electrically connected to the battery cell and electrically connected to the power terminal. And a second terminal electrically connected to the signal transmission terminal, and each of the plurality of first terminals and the second terminal includes an open end, a bottom, A pair of arms that connect the open end and the bottom, and the plurality of first terminals are configured such that the power terminal expands the open end of the plurality of first terminals. And the second terminal is configured such that the signal transmission terminal is the open end of the second terminal. And configured to be inserted as pushing, the thickness of the first terminal of the plurality of can be configured thicker than the thickness of the second terminal.
A battery pack according to the present invention is a battery pack that is detachably attached to an apparatus body having a plurality of terminals and can supply power to the apparatus body, and includes a housing and battery cells provided in the housing. A plurality of first terminals electrically connected to the battery cell; and a second terminal to which a control signal for controlling at least one of charging and discharging of the battery cell is transmitted. The first terminal and the second terminal are formed of a substantially rectangular flat plate, and the plurality of terminals of the device main body are a pair of terminals that connect the opening end, the bottom, and the opening end to the bottom. An arm portion, and the plurality of first terminals and the second terminal are configured to be inserted so as to push open the opening end portions of the corresponding terminals of the device body, The plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals may be greater than the plate thickness of the second terminal.
The power tool of the present invention is a power tool to which a battery pack is detachably mounted. The power tool includes a motor, a control unit that controls driving of the motor, and a motor for driving the motor. A power transmission terminal and a signal transmission terminal connected to the control unit, and the battery pack is electrically connected to the battery cell, a battery cell provided in the housing, the battery cell, and the power A plurality of first terminals for supplying power to the terminal, and a second terminal electrically connected to the signal transmission terminal, the plurality of first terminals and the second terminal, The power terminal and the signal transmission terminal of the electric tool each have an open end, a bottom, and a pair of arms that connect the open end and the bottom. The power terminal is configured such that the plurality of first terminals push the open end of the power terminal. The signal transmission terminal is configured to be inserted such that the second terminal pushes the open end of the signal transmission terminal, and the plurality of first terminals The plate thickness may be larger than the plate thickness of the second terminal.
The charger of the present invention is a charger for charging a battery pack, and the charger is a power terminal for charging the battery pack, and signal transmission for transmitting signals to and from the battery pack. The battery pack includes a housing, a battery cell provided in the housing, and a plurality of first terminals electrically connected to the battery cell and electrically connected to the power terminal. And a second terminal electrically connected to the signal transmission terminal, wherein the plurality of first terminals and the second terminal are formed of a substantially rectangular flat plate, and the charger The power terminal and the signal transmission terminal each have an opening end, a bottom, and a pair of arms connecting the opening end and the bottom, and the power terminal includes the plurality of power terminals. The first terminal is configured to be inserted so as to spread the open end of the power terminal, and the signal The second terminal is configured such that the second terminal is inserted so as to push the opening end of the signal transmission terminal wide, and the plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals is the plate of the second terminal. It may be thicker than the thickness.

  According to the present invention, the contact failure between the plurality of first terminals of the battery pack and the terminal on the apparatus main body side such as an electric tool or a charger is suppressed, and the plurality of first terminals and the terminal on the apparatus main body side The increase in the contact resistance can be prevented, and the heat generation of the plurality of first terminals when a large amount of current flows between the battery pack and the device body via the plurality of first terminals can be suppressed. Therefore, damage and fusing of the plurality of first terminals can be prevented. Furthermore, the battery pack can be easily attached to the device body.

It is a perspective view which shows the electric tool equipped with the battery pack by this invention. It is a perspective view of the electric tool shown in Drawing 1 which removed a battery pack. It is a perspective view which shows the charger with which the battery pack by this invention was mounted | worn. It is a perspective view of the battery pack shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the battery pack shown in FIG. It is a top view of the battery pack which removed the upper housing. It is a top view which shows one of the terminals of a battery pack. (A) is a top view which shows a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal among terminals of a battery pack, (b) is a top view which shows a signal transmission terminal. The other structure of the terminal of a battery pack is shown, (a) is a top view which shows a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal, (b) is a top view which shows a signal transmission terminal. The other structure of the terminal of a battery pack is shown, (a) is a top view which shows a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal, (b) is a top view which shows a signal transmission terminal.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-rear direction indicate directions defined in the referenced drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an electric tool equipped with a battery pack according to the present invention. A drill 1 as an electric tool includes a main body 2 as an apparatus main body and a battery pack 10.

  The main body 2 has a built-in motor (not shown) and a control part (not shown) for controlling the drive of the motor, and a tool holding part 2A is provided that allows the drill bit 5 to be mounted at the tip. It has been. The handle 3 extends downward from the rear end portion of the main body 2, and a trigger 3 </ b> A is provided at the base end portion of the extended portion. The control unit controls power supply from the battery pack 10 to the main body unit 2 via the trigger 3A. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of plate-like terminals 4 are provided at the extending direction end of the handle 3 so as to protrude forward. Of the plurality of terminals 4, two terminals are power terminals through which a current for driving the motor flows, and the remaining terminals are signals for transmitting a signal representing the temperature of the battery pack 10 to the control unit. It is a transmission terminal.

  The battery pack 10 is detachably provided along the front-rear direction of the main body 2 with respect to the front end of the handle 3 in the extending direction. As shown in FIG. 1, when the battery pack 10 is inserted into the main body 2 with the direction indicated by the arrow A along the front-rear direction of the main body 2 as the insertion direction, the battery pack 10 is attached to the main body 2. On the other hand, when the battery pack 10 is moved relative to the main body 2 in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow A, the battery pack 10 can be removed from the main body 2.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when the battery pack 10 is attached to the charger 100 instead of the drill 1, a battery cell (not shown) housed therein is charged by the charger 100. Yes.

  The battery pack 10 includes a battery cell group 30, a substrate 40, and a cover 50 in a housing 20 shown in FIG. 4, and enables charging and discharging of the battery cells accommodated therein. 4 and 5, the direction indicated by the arrow A is the insertion direction of the housing 20 with respect to the main body 22. Therefore, when the housing 20 is pushed into the main body 2 along the direction A, the housing 20 can be attached to the main body 2.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 20 includes an upper housing 21 and a lower housing 22, and the upper and lower housings 21 and 22 are fitted to each other via a boss 22 </ b> A. In the housing 20, the battery cell group 30, the substrate 40, and the cover 50 are accommodated in order from the lower housing 22. The upper housing 21 is formed with a terminal insertion portion 21A so that the terminal 4 of the main body 2 can be inserted. Further, a pair of operation portions 23 and 23 for locking the housing 20 to the main body portion 2 are attached to the front side of the housing 20. The terminal insertion portion 21A is covered with a cover 50 so that the substrate 40 is not exposed to the outside.

  The battery cell group 30 accommodates a plurality of battery cells 32 electrically connected to the cell frame 31 as battery cell accommodating portions, and two electrode portions (not shown) electrically connected to the battery cells 32. Have The battery cell 32 is a nickel hydride battery, a lithium ion battery, or the like, and is a battery that can be charged and discharged multiple times.

  The substrate 40 is disposed above the battery cell group 30 so as to be positioned inside the upper housing 21. A terminal arrangement portion 41 is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 40 over a length L extending along a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction A. The terminal arrangement portion 41 is provided with a plurality of terminals 42 to 48 that can be fitted to the terminals 4 of the main body portion 2. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, seven terminals 42 to 48 are arranged at an appropriate interval in the terminal arrangement portion 41 and inserted through the terminal insertion portion 21 </ b> A. It fits with the terminal 4 of the main body 2 if necessary.

  The seven terminals 42 to 48 are, in order from one end of the terminal arrangement portion 41, a charging positive terminal 42, a discharging positive terminal 43, signal transmission terminals 44, 45, 46, a charging / discharging negative terminal 47, And a signal transmission terminal 48. The positive terminals 42 and 43 are connected to one electrode part of the battery cell group 30, and the negative terminal 47 is connected to the other electrode part of the battery cell 32. Therefore, when charging the battery cell 32, a current corresponding to the charging voltage flows through the positive electrode terminal 42 and the negative electrode terminal 47, and when discharging the battery cell 32, the positive electrode terminal 43 and the negative electrode terminal 47 are connected to each other. The current according to the load of the main body 2 is configured to flow. That is, the positive terminals 42 and 43 and the negative terminal 47 are used for flowing a current according to charging / discharging of the battery cell 32 between the battery pack 10 and the device attached to the battery pack 10.

  Signal transmission terminals 44, 45, 46, and 48 are terminals used to identify the type and number of battery cells accommodated, terminals used to detect overcharge, and outputs from the thermistor, respectively. A terminal for transmitting, a terminal used for preventing overdischarge or overcurrent. That is, a control signal for controlling charging and discharging of the battery pack 10 is transmitted via the signal transmission terminals 44, 45, 46 and 48. Thus, the positive terminals 42 and 43 and the negative terminal 47 correspond to the first terminals described in the claims, and the signal transmission terminals 44, 45, 46 and 48 correspond to the second terminals.

  The positive terminals 42 and 43 are connected to one region 41A of the terminal arrangement portion 41 divided by a virtual center line KK extending in parallel with the insertion direction A through the center of the length L of the terminal arrangement portion 41. Be placed. On the other hand, the negative electrode terminal 7 is disposed in the other region 41B divided by the center line KK. That is, the negative electrode terminal 47 is disposed so that either one of the positive electrode terminals 42 and 43 and the center line KK are interposed between them. The signal transmission terminals 44, 45, 46, and 48 are arranged at an appropriate distance with respect to the arrangement locations of the positive terminals 42 and 43 and the negative terminal 47 in the terminal arrangement portion 41.

  Next, the configuration of the terminals 42 to 48 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, each of the terminals 42 to 48 has a U-shape formed by bending a flat plate made of a conductive metal into a U-shape. It is processed and molded. Therefore, the terminal 42 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The terminal 42 includes two opening end portions 42a that are in pressure contact with each other, a bottom portion 42b that is a U-shaped bent portion, and an arm portion 42c that connects the opening end portion 42a and the bottom portion 42b. The terminal 42 is fixed to the substrate 40 by a leg portion 42d (see FIG. 5) extending vertically from the bottom 42b toward the substrate 40, and is electrically connected to a corresponding component such as the battery cell group 30. . In addition, in the following description, when referring to the open end, bottom, and arm of each terminal 42 to 48, the reference numbers of the terminals are referred to with a, b, and c, respectively.

  Further, as the terminal 42 is attached along the insertion direction A of the battery pack 10 into the main body portion 2, the terminal 4 of the main body portion 2 is fitted and press-fitted between the opening end portions 42 a, and the terminal 42 and the terminal 4 are inserted. The terminal 42 and the terminal 4 are electrically connected by pressure contact with each other.

  In the present embodiment, the positive terminals 42 and 43 and the negative terminal 47 are formed of a flat plate having a thickness of 0.5 mm, as shown in FIG. 8A, while the signal transmission terminals 44, 45, 46, and 48 are formed. As shown in FIG. 8B, it is formed of a flat plate having a thickness of 0.3 mm. That is, the positive terminals 42 and 43 and the negative terminal 47 through which current flows are formed thicker than the signal transmission terminals 44, 45, 46 and 48. Thus, the positive terminals 42 and 43 and the negative terminal 47 have higher mechanical strength than the signal transmission terminals 44, 45, 46, and 48, and the fitting pressure when mating with the terminals is increased.

  When the battery pack 10 configured as described above is mounted on the drill 1, as shown in FIG. 1, when the battery pack 10 is inserted along the insertion direction A with respect to the distal end portion of the handle 3 in the extending direction. The terminal 4 is fitted to the positive terminal 43, the negative terminal 47, and the signal transmission terminal 48, respectively. At this time, the terminal 4 is press-fitted into the terminals 43, 47, and 48 so as to push open the open end portions 43a of the terminals 43, 47, and 48, and the terminal 4 and the terminals 47 and 48 are press-fitted. . Since the positive electrode terminal 43 and the negative electrode terminal 47 are thicker than the signal transmission terminal 48, the fitting pressure acting on the fitting point P <b> 1 between each of the terminals 43 and 47 and the terminal 4 is It becomes higher than the fitting pressure which acts on the fitting point P2.

  Therefore, when the battery pack 10 is attached to the drill 1 and is supplied with power, even if force is continuously applied to the fitting point P1 due to vibration of the drill 1, contact failure between the positive electrode terminal 43 and the negative electrode terminal 47 is caused. It is possible to suppress heat generation of the terminals 43 and 47 due to the current flowing through the terminals 43 and 47.

  That is, the terminals 43 and 47 through which the current of the battery pack 10 flows have a large contact area with the terminal 4 of the drill 1 due to the high fitting pressure, so that an increase in the contact resistance can be suppressed, resulting from an increase in the contact resistance. The heat generation of the terminal can be suppressed. Further, by suppressing the heat generation, the generation of arc between the terminal 43 and the terminal 4 or between the terminal 47 and the terminal 4 can be suppressed, and the damage and fusing of the terminals 43 and 47 can be prevented. On the other hand, since almost no current flows between the signal transmission terminal 48 and the terminal 4, even if the contact area with the terminal 4 is small and the contact resistance is increased due to the low fitting pressure, the heat generation of the terminal 48 is generated. Can be suppressed.

  Moreover, since the fitting pressure of only the terminals 43 and 47 through which the current flows is high, the mounting of the battery pack 10 on the drill 1 is not required, and the mounting can be performed smoothly.

  Furthermore, since the terminals 43 and 47 that require more force for fitting are dispersedly arranged on both sides of the terminal arrangement portion 41, the terminal arrangement is performed with the force necessary for mounting the battery pack 10 on the drill 1. Dispersion can be performed substantially uniformly over the length L of the portion 41. Therefore, the battery pack 10 can be smoothly attached to the drill 1.

  When charging the battery pack 10, when the battery pack 10 is attached to the charger 100, the positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 47 are press-fitted into the power supply terminal of the charger 100, respectively, and the signal transmission terminals 44, 45, 46 are inserted. Are fitted and press-fitted to the signal transmission terminals of the charger 100. Similar to the attachment to the drill 1, the fitting pressure of the terminals 42 and 47 through which the current flows becomes higher than the fitting pressure of the signal transmission terminals 44 to 46. Therefore, contact failure between the terminals 42 and 47 through which current flows can be suppressed, and heat generation at the terminals 42 and 47 can be suppressed. Moreover, the battery pack 10 can be smoothly attached to the charger 100 with a small force.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 8, the thickness of the U-shaped bottom portion is the same among all the terminals 42 to 48, but only the thickness of the arm portions 42 c, 43 c, 47 c of the terminal through which the current flows is used as the signal transmission terminal. Even if it is formed thicker than the thickness of the arm portions 44c, 45c, 46c, 48c, the same effect can be obtained.

  FIG. 9 shows another configuration of the terminals 42 to 48. In FIG. 9, all of the terminals 42 to 48 are made of flat plates having the same thickness. However, the lengths of the arm portions 42c, 43c, 47c of the positive terminals 42, 43 and the negative terminal 47 shown in FIG. 9A are the same as the arms of the signal transmission terminals 44, 45, 46, 48 shown in FIG. It is formed shorter than the length of the parts 44c, 45c, 46c, 48c. Thereby, the terminals 42, 43, 47 through which the current flows are provided with higher mechanical strength than the signal transmission terminals 44, 45, 46, 48, and are formed so that the fitting pressure when mating with the terminals is increased. Has been. Accordingly, the same effects as those of the terminals 42 to 48 having the configuration shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows still another configuration of the terminals 42 to 48. The terminals 42 to 48 are made of a conductive metal flat plate. The terminals 42 to 48 are fixed to the substrate 40 by legs (not shown) extending from the longitudinal end portions 42e, 43e, 44e, 45e, 46e, 47e, 48e toward the substrate 40, and are connected to the battery cell group. It is electrically connected to corresponding parts such as 30. As shown in FIG. 10A, the positive terminals 42 and 43 and the negative terminal 47 are formed of a flat plate having a thickness of 0.5 mm, while the signal transmission terminals 44, 45, 46, and 48 are formed as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the flat plate is 0.3 mm thick. That is, the positive terminals 42 and 43 and the negative terminal 47 through which current flows are formed thicker than the signal transmission terminals 44, 45, 46 and 48. In addition, when the terminals 42 to 48 of the battery pack 10 are formed in a plate shape, the corresponding terminals 4 to 48 of the drill 1 and the charger 100 to which the battery pack 10 is attached can be inserted into the terminals 42 to 48. It is a U-shape which has the opening edge part which becomes. Also in this configuration, when the terminals 42 to 48 are press-fitted with the corresponding terminals 4 of the drill 1 or the charger 100, the fitting pressure of the terminals through which current flows is higher than the fitting pressure of the signal transmission terminals. Thus, the same effect as the terminal shown in FIG.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the number of terminals of the battery pack 10 is seven has been described, but the number of terminals is not limited to this.

  Further, the battery pack of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.

  The battery pack of the present invention can be attached to a portable electric tool such as a drill or an impact driver.

1 Drill 4 Terminal 10 Battery Pack 20 Housing 31 Cell Frame 32 Battery Cell 42, 43, 47 First Terminal 44, 45, 46, 48 Second Terminal 100 Charger

Claims (20)

A battery pack that is detachably attached to a device body having a plurality of terminals and can feed power to the device body,
A housing ;
A battery cell provided in the housing;
A plurality of first terminals electrically connected to the battery cell;
A second terminal to which a control signal for controlling at least one of charging and discharging of the battery cell is transmitted,
Each of the plurality of first terminals and the second terminal is configured to be fitted and electrically connected to a corresponding terminal of the device body ,
When the housing is mounted on the device main body, the fitting pressure between the plurality of first terminals and the corresponding terminal of the device main body is such that the fitting between the second terminal and the corresponding terminal of the device main body A battery pack characterized by being configured to be larger than the pressure. The battery pack has a substrate disposed between the battery cell and the housing ;
The plurality of first terminals and the second terminals are provided on the substrate,
Each of the plurality of first terminals and the second terminals includes an opening end portion, a bottom portion, a pair of arm portions connecting the opening end portion and the bottom portion, and the bottom portion toward the substrate. Elongate legs,
The plurality of first terminals and the second terminals are configured such that corresponding terminals of the device main body are press-fitted so as to expand the open end,
The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein a plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals is larger than a plate thickness of the second terminals. The battery pack has a substrate disposed between the battery cell and the housing ;
The plurality of first terminals and the second terminals are provided on the substrate,
Each of the plurality of first terminals and the second terminals includes an opening end portion, a bottom portion, a pair of arm portions connecting the opening end portion and the bottom portion, and the bottom portion toward the substrate. Elongate legs,
The plurality of first terminals and the second terminals are configured such that corresponding terminals of the device main body are press-fitted so as to expand the open end,
The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the arm portions of the plurality of first terminals are shorter than the arm portions of the second terminals. The battery pack has a substrate disposed between the battery cell and the housing ;
The plurality of first terminals and the second terminals are provided on the substrate,
The plurality of first terminals and the second terminals are substantially rectangular flat plates,
The plurality of terminals of the device main body have an open end, a bottom, and a pair of arms that connect the open end and the bottom,
The plurality of first terminals and the second terminals are configured to be press-fitted so as to push open the opening end portions of the corresponding terminals of the device body,
The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein a plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals is thicker than a plate thickness of the second terminals.   The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the device main body is an electric tool.   The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the device main body is a charger. A power tool battery pack Ru is detachably mounted,
The electric tool includes a motor, a control unit that controls driving of the motor, a power terminal for driving the motor, and a signal transmission terminal connected to the control unit,
The battery pack includes a housing , a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the housing, a plurality of first terminals electrically connected to the battery cells and supplying power to the power terminal, and the signal A second terminal for transmitting a signal to and from the transmission terminal ,
The fitting pressure between the plurality of first terminals and the power terminal when the housing is attached to the electric tool is larger than the fitting pressure between the second terminal and the signal transmission terminal. An electric tool characterized by comprising. The battery pack includes a substrate disposed between the battery cell and the housing, and the plurality of first terminals connect the open end, the bottom, and the open end and the bottom. A pair of arms and a leg extending from the bottom toward the substrate, and the power terminal is press-fitted so as to expand the opening end of the first terminal, Electrically connected to the power terminal,
The second terminal includes an opening end, a bottom, a pair of arms that connect the opening to the bottom, and a leg that extends from the bottom toward the substrate. The signal transmission terminal is press-fitted so as to expand the opening end of the second terminal, thereby being electrically connected to the signal transmission terminal,
The power tool according to claim 7, wherein a plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals is thicker than a plate thickness of the second terminals. The battery pack includes a substrate disposed between the battery cell and the housing, and the plurality of first terminals connect the open end, the bottom, and the open end and the bottom. A pair of arms and a leg extending from the bottom toward the substrate, and the power terminal is press-fitted so as to expand the opening end of the first terminal, Electrically connected to the power terminal,
The second terminal includes an opening end, a bottom, a pair of arms that connect the opening to the bottom, and a leg that extends from the bottom toward the substrate. The signal transmission terminal is press-fitted so as to expand the opening end of the second terminal, thereby being electrically connected to the signal transmission terminal,
The power tool according to claim 7, wherein arm portions of the plurality of first terminals are shorter than arm portions of the second terminals. The plurality of first terminals and the second terminals are substantially rectangular flat plates,
The power terminal and the signal transmission terminal each have an opening end, a bottom, and a pair of arms that connect the opening and the bottom.
The plurality of first terminals are electrically connected to the power terminal by press-fitting so as to expand the open end of the power terminal,
The second terminal is electrically connected to the signal transmission terminal by press-fitting the open end of the signal transmission terminal so as to expand,
The power tool according to claim 7, wherein a plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals is thicker than a plate thickness of the second terminals. A charger for charging a battery pack,
The charger has a power terminal for charging the battery pack, and a signal transmission terminal for transmitting signals to and from the battery pack,
The battery pack includes a housing , a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the housing, a plurality of first terminals electrically connected to the battery cells and electrically connected to the power terminal , A second terminal electrically connected to the signal transmission terminal ;
The fitting pressure between the plurality of first terminals and the power terminal when the housing is attached to the charger is larger than the fitting pressure between the second terminal and the signal transmission terminal. A charger characterized by comprising. The battery pack includes a substrate disposed between the battery cell and the housing, and the plurality of first terminals connect the open end, the bottom, and the open end and the bottom. A pair of arms and a leg extending from the bottom toward the substrate, and the power terminal is press-fitted so as to expand the opening end of the first terminal, Electrically connected to the power terminal,
The second terminal includes an opening end, a bottom, a pair of arms that connect the opening to the bottom, and a leg that extends from the bottom toward the substrate. The signal transmission terminal is press-fitted so as to expand the opening end of the second terminal, thereby being electrically connected to the signal transmission terminal,
The charger according to claim 11, wherein a plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals is larger than a plate thickness of the second terminal. The battery pack includes a substrate disposed between the battery cell and the housing, and the plurality of first terminals connect the open end, the bottom, and the open end and the bottom. A pair of arms and a leg extending from the bottom toward the substrate, and the power terminal is press-fitted so as to expand the opening end of the first terminal, Electrically connected to the power terminal,
The second terminal has an open end, a bottom, a pair of arms connecting the open end and the bottom, and legs extending from the bottom toward the substrate, and The signal transmission terminal is press-fitted so as to expand the opening end of the second terminal, thereby being electrically connected to the signal transmission terminal,
The charger according to claim 11, wherein the arm portions of the plurality of first terminals are shorter than the arm portions of the second terminal. The plurality of first terminals and the second terminals are substantially rectangular flat plates,
The power terminal and the signal transmission terminal have an open end, a bottom, and a pair of arms that connect the open end and the bottom,
The plurality of first terminals are electrically connected to the power terminal by press-fitting so as to expand the open end of the power terminal,
The second terminal is electrically connected to the signal transmission terminal by press-fitting the open end of the signal transmission terminal so as to expand,
The charger according to claim 11, wherein a plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals is larger than a plate thickness of the second terminal. A battery pack that is detachably attached to a device body having a plurality of terminals and can feed power to the device body,
  A housing;
  A battery cell provided in the housing;
  A plurality of first terminals electrically connected to the battery cell;
  A second terminal to which a control signal for controlling at least one of charging and discharging of the battery cell is transmitted,
  Each of the plurality of first terminals and the second terminal includes an opening end, a bottom, and a pair of arms connecting the opening end and the bottom,
  Each of the plurality of first terminals and the second terminals is configured such that the corresponding terminals of the device main body are inserted so as to spread the open end,
  The battery pack characterized in that the plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals is thicker than the plate thickness of the second terminals.   An electric tool in which a battery pack is detachably attached,
  The electric tool includes a motor, a control unit that controls driving of the motor, a power terminal for driving the motor, and a signal transmission terminal connected to the control unit,
  The battery pack includes a housing, battery cells provided in the housing, a plurality of first terminals electrically connected to the battery cells and supplying power to the power terminals, and the signal transmission terminals A second terminal electrically connected to
  Each of the plurality of first terminals and the second terminal includes an opening end, a bottom, and a pair of arms connecting the opening end and the bottom,
  The plurality of first terminals are configured such that the power terminals are inserted so as to spread the open end portions of the plurality of first terminals,
  The second terminal is configured such that the signal transmission terminal is inserted so as to spread the open end of the second terminal,
  The electric tool characterized in that the plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals is thicker than the plate thickness of the second terminal.   A charger for charging a battery pack,
  The charger has a power terminal for charging the battery pack, and a signal transmission terminal for transmitting signals to and from the battery pack,
  The battery pack includes a housing, a battery cell provided in the housing, a plurality of first terminals electrically connected to the battery cell and electrically connected to the power terminal, and the signal A second terminal electrically connected to the transmission terminal,
  Each of the plurality of first terminals and the second terminal includes an opening end, a bottom, and a pair of arms connecting the opening end and the bottom,
  The plurality of first terminals are configured such that the power terminals are inserted so as to spread the open end portions of the plurality of first terminals,
  The second terminal is configured such that the signal transmission terminal is inserted so as to spread the open end of the second terminal,
  The charger is characterized in that the plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals is thicker than the plate thickness of the second terminal.   A battery pack that is detachably attached to a device body having a plurality of terminals and can feed power to the device body,
  A housing;
  A battery cell provided in the housing;
  A plurality of first terminals electrically connected to the battery cell;
  A second terminal to which a control signal for controlling at least one of charging and discharging of the battery cell is transmitted,
  The plurality of first terminals and the second terminals are substantially rectangular flat plates,
  The plurality of terminals of the device main body have an open end, a bottom, and a pair of arms that connect the open end and the bottom,
  The plurality of first terminals and the second terminals are configured to be inserted so as to spread the open end portions of the corresponding terminals of the device body,
  The battery pack characterized in that the plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals is thicker than the plate thickness of the second terminals.   An electric tool in which a battery pack is detachably attached,
  The electric tool includes a motor, a control unit that controls driving of the motor, a power terminal for driving the motor, and a signal transmission terminal connected to the control unit,
  The battery pack includes a housing, battery cells provided in the housing, a plurality of first terminals electrically connected to the battery cells and supplying power to the power terminals, and the signal transmission terminals A second terminal electrically connected to
  The plurality of first terminals and the second terminals are substantially rectangular flat plates,
  The power terminal and the signal transmission terminal of the electric tool each have an opening end, a bottom, and a pair of arms connecting the opening end and the bottom,
  The power terminal is configured such that the plurality of first terminals are inserted so as to spread the open end of the power terminal,
  The signal transmission terminal is configured such that the second terminal is inserted so as to expand the open end of the signal transmission terminal,
  The electric tool characterized in that the plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals is thicker than the plate thickness of the second terminal.   A charger for charging a battery pack,
  The charger has a power terminal for charging the battery pack, and a signal transmission terminal for transmitting signals to and from the battery pack,
  The battery pack includes a housing, a battery cell provided in the housing, a plurality of first terminals electrically connected to the battery cell and electrically connected to the power terminal, and the signal A second terminal electrically connected to the transmission terminal,
  The plurality of first terminals and the second terminals are substantially rectangular flat plates,
  The power terminal and the signal transmission terminal of the charger each have an open end, a bottom, and a pair of arms that connect the open end and the bottom,
  The power terminal is configured such that the plurality of first terminals are inserted so as to spread the open end of the power terminal,
  The signal transmission terminal is configured such that the second terminal is inserted so as to expand the open end of the signal transmission terminal,
  The charger is characterized in that the plate thickness of the plurality of first terminals is thicker than the plate thickness of the second terminal.

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