WO2008156602A1

WO2008156602A1 - Battery pack having indicating mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2008156602A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/007271
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel J. White; Alexis W. Johnson; Geoffrey S. Howard; Nathan Cruise; Michelle L. Bowers; Danh T. Trinh; Robert J. Marcinkowski; Jr. R. Roby Bailey; Jeffrey Norris
Original assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
Priority date: 2007-06-15
Filing date: 2008-06-11
Publication date: 2008-12-24

Abstract

A battery pack that can be used in a power tool and charged by a battery pack charger generally includes a housing that defines a tower portion that extends from a base portion such that a first end of the tower portion is adjacent to the base portion while a second end of the tower portion is distal therefrom. The second end of the tower portion defines a terminal block that includes a power connection and a communication connection at least partially recessed in the second end. The power connection is capable of conducting a charge to the power tool or from the battery pack charger. The communication connection is capable of providing a data signal. An indicating mechanism is connected to the housing in a location outside of the terminal block. The indicating mechanism is capable of being detected so as to indicate a predetermined battery chemistry.

Description

BATTERY PACK HAVING INDICATING MECHANISM

TO DETERMINE BATTERY CHEMISTRY FOR USE WITH BATTERY PACK CHARGER AND POWER TOOL

PRIORITY STATEMENT

[0001] This application claims priority to provisional U.S. patent application entitled "Battery Pack Having Indicating Mechanism to Determine Battery Chemistry for Use with Battery Pack Charger and Power Tool", filed June 15, 2007, having a serial number 60/944,251, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present teachings relate to a battery pack with a terminal block and more specifically relate to an indicating mechanism on the battery pack outside of the terminal block that can be detected by the battery pack charger to determine the type of battery chemistry of the battery pack.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Typically, a battery pack charger or a power tool is dedicated to a particular type of battery pack having a specific battery chemistry. When a battery pack is inserted into the battery pack charger, the battery pack charger can detect the type of battery chemistry and can execute a battery pack charging cycle based on that type of battery chemistry, e.g., nickel cadmium, lithium ion, etc. In other examples, physical configurations and electrical connections can be implemented on the battery pack so that the battery pack charger or the power tool can only charge a battery pack with a certain battery chemistry. SUMMARY

[0004] The present teachings generally include a battery pack that can be used in a power tool and charged by a battery pack charger. The battery pack generally includes a housing that defines a tower portion that extends from a base portion such that a first end of the tower portion is adjacent to the base portion while a second end of the tower portion is distal therefrom. The second end of the tower portion defines a terminal block that includes a power connection and a communication connection at least partially recessed in the second end. The power connection is capable of conducting a charge to the power tool or from the battery pack charger. The communication connection is capable of providing a data signal. An indicating mechanism is connected to the housing in a location outside of the terminal block. The indicating mechanism is capable of being detected so as to indicate a predetermined battery chemistry.

[0005] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings.

DRAWINGS

[0006] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary power tool system using one or more battery packs having one or more battery pack chemistries in accordance with the present teachings. [0008] FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary drill/ driver that can use a battery pack having a tower configuration in accordance with the present teachings. [0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the battery pack having the tower configuration and an indicating mechanism in accordance with the present teachings showing a tower configuration.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary battery pack charger that can accept the battery pack of FIG. 3 in accordance with the present teachings.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the battery pack charger of FIG.

4 showing the battery pack of FIG. 3 in place to accept a charge from the battery pack charger in accordance with the present teachings.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary drill/driver configured to accept a battery pack having a rail configuration in accordance with the present teachings.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a battery pack having a rail configuration in accordance with the present teachings.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a battery pack charger configured to accept the battery pack of FIG. 7 in accordance with the present teachings.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the battery pack charger of FIG.

8 with the battery pack of FIG. 7 in place to accept a charge in accordance with the present teachings.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a side view of a portion of the battery pack and the battery pack charger showing one example of the indicating mechanism including a contact member extending from the battery pack charger and contacting the battery pack in accordance with the present teachings.

[0017] FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 10 and shows another example of the indicating mechanism including a contact member extending from the battery pack and contacting the battery pack charger in accordance with the present teachings.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a diagram of a side view of a portion of the battery pack and the battery pack charger showing a further example of the indicating mechanism providing an electromagnetic wave signal in accordance with the present teachings.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a simplified perspective view of an exemplary battery pack having the tower configuration and showing an exemplary location of the indicating mechanism in accordance with the present teachings.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a simplified top view of an exemplary battery pack showing another location of the indicating mechanism in accordance with the present teachings.

[0021] FIG. 15 is a simplified bottom view of an exemplary battery pack showing a different location of the indicating mechanism in accordance with the present teachings.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a simplified side view of an exemplary battery pack showing another location of the indicating member in accordance with the present teachings.

[0023] FIG. 17 is a simplified side view of an exemplary battery pack showing a further location of the indicating member in accordance with the present teachings.

[0024] FIG. 18 is a simplified front view of an exemplary battery pack showing yet another location of the indicating member in accordance with the present teachings.

[0025] FIG. 19 is a simplified rear view of an exemplary battery pack showing a different location of the indicating member in accordance with the present teachings.

[0026] FIG. 20 is a simplified perspective view of an exemplary battery pack having an alternative tower configuration such that the battery pack is configured with an enlarged tower portion and showing a further location of the indicating mechanism in accordance with the present teachings.

[0027] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a further alternative exemplary battery pack having a configuration that is switchable between a rail and a tower configuration showing a tower of the battery pack in a retracted condition in accordance with the present teachings. [0028] FIG. 22 is similar to FIG. 21 and shows the tower portion in an extended position in accordance with the present teachings.

[0029] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of yet another alternative exemplary battery pack having a configuration that is switchable between a rail and a tower configuration showing a tower configuration of the battery pack in a retracted condition in accordance with the present teachings.

[0030] FIG. 24 is similar to FIG. 23 and shows the tower portion in an extended position in accordance with the present teachings.

[0031] FIG. 25 is a side view of an exemplary drill/driver having an anti-vibration skirt that connects to a battery pack in accordance with the present teachings.

[0032] FIG. 26 is a partial perspective view of a base portion of the drill/driver of FIG. 25 showing the anti-vibration skirt and an elongated portion in accordance with the present teachings.

[0033] FIG. 27 is similar to FIG. 25 and shows an alternative example of a battery pack connected to the anti-vibration skirt in accordance with the present teachings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present teachings, their application or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. [0035] Moreover, certain terminology can be used for the purpose of reference only and do not limit the present teachings. For example, terms such as "upper," "lower," "above" and "below" can refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as "front," "back," "rear" and "side" can describe the orientation of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which can be made more clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms "first," "second" and other such numerical terms referring to structures, systems and /or methods do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.

[0036] The present teachings relate to a system of power tools, examples of which are generally indicated by reference numeral 10 in FIG. 1. The system of power tools 10 can include, for example, one or more power tools 12, one or more battery packs 16 and/or one or more battery pack chargers 18. Each of the power tools 12 can be any type of power tool, including without limitation, drills, drill/drivers, hammer drill/drivers, rotary hammers, screwdrivers, impact drivers, circular saws, jig saws, reciprocating saws, band saws, cut-off tools, cut-out tools, shears, sanders, vacuums, lights, radios, routers, adhesive dispensers, concrete vibrators, lasers, staplers, nailers, blowers, chainsaws, detail shrub trimmers, edgers, grass shears, hedge trimmers, lawn mowers, power scrubbers, string trimmers and applicable combinations thereof.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 1, the system of power tools 10 is illustrated with a first kit 20 and a second kit 22. In this example, the first kit 20 can include a drill/driver 24, a circular saw 26, battery pack 28 and a battery pack charger 30. The second kit 22 can include a drill/driver 32, a battery pack 34 and a battery pack charger 36. The first kit 20 can also include a carrying case 38 that can contain the drill/driver 24, the circular saw 26, the battery pack 28 and/or the battery pack charger 30. The second kit 22 can also include a carrying case 40 that can contain the drill/driver 32, the battery pack 34 and/or the battery pack charger 36. One or more battery packs 28, 34 can be available in the kits 20, 22, as applicable. It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that one or more addition kits can be used with one or more of any of the power tools 12, one or more of the battery packs 16, one or more of the battery pack chargers 18 and one or more carrying cases.

[0038] The battery pack 28 (FIG. 3) in the first kit 20 can have a tower configuration. In this example, all of the items in the first kit 20 (i.e., the drill/driver 24, the circular saw 26, the battery pack 28 and the battery pack charger 30) can be configured to accept the battery pack 28 having the tower configuration. The battery pack 34 (FIG. 7) in the second kit 22 can have a rail configuration. In this example, all of the items in the second kit 22 (i.e., the drill/driver 32, the battery pack 34 and the battery pack charger 36) can be configured to accept the battery pack 34 having the rail configuration.

[0039] In some examples, the drill/driver 24, 32 can be similar to the tool described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 6,431,289. The circular saw 26 can be similar to the tool described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 6,996,909. The battery pack 28, 34 can be configured in a manner that is similar to the battery packs described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0096771. The above references are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0040] With reference to FIG. 3, the battery pack 28 having the tower configuration is shown. The battery pack 28 can define a housing 50 that can include a base portion 52 and a tower portion 54. The base portion 52 can include an upper deck 56 and a lower deck 58 (FIG. 5) between which arcuate wall portions 60 can enclose multiple cells (not shown) included inside the battery pack 28. The tower portion 54 can extend from the upper deck 56 of the base portion 52 of the battery pack 28 and can have a first end 62 and a second end 64. In some examples, one or more cells (not shown) can be contained within the tower portion 54 in addition to those cells in the base portion 52.

[0041] The first end 62 of the tower portion 54 can be adjacent to the upper deck 56, while the second end 64 can be distal therefrom. The second end 64 of the tower portion 54 can include a power connection 66 and/or a data connection 68. In one example, the power connection 66 can have two terminals 70 and the data connection 68 can have a single terminal 72. The power connection 66 and the data connection 68 can reside, and can be recessed, in a terminal block 74. The terminal block 74 can be configured to attach to one or more of the power tools 12 in the system of power tools 10 (FIG. 1), as is known in the art. [0042] The power connection 66 can provide power to one of the power tools 12 or can accept a charge from the battery pack charger 30 (FIG. 4). The data connection 68 can be configured to transmit a data signal to one of the power tools 12 or to the battery pack charger 30. In various aspects of the present teachings, an indicating mechanism 76 can be connected at one or more suitable locations on the housing 50 of the battery pack 28, so as to be detected by one of the power tools 12 (FIG. 1) or one of the battery pack chargers 18 (FIG. 1) to indicate a predetermined battery chemistry associated with the cells in the battery pack 28.

[0043] With reference to FIG. 5, the battery pack 28 can be inserted into the battery pack charger 30 so that the battery pack 28 can accept a charge. In one example, the battery pack charger 30 can detect the indicating mechanism 76 (FIG. 3) so as to determine the chemistry of the battery pack 28 based on the detection. In this example, detection of the indicating mechanism 76 can indicate the predetermined battery chemistry, e.g., a lithium ion ("Li-Ion") battery chemistry. The inability to detect the indicating mechanism 76, in contrast, can indicate a different predetermined battery chemistry, e.g., a nickel cadmium ("Ni-Cad") battery chemistry. It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that detection of the indicating mechanism can be employed to detect (discern, etc.) between two battery chemistries, which can be selected from a group including, without limitation, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium ion, zinc-carbon, zinc-chloride, alkaline (zinc-manganese dioxide, lithium (lithium- copper oxide, lithium-iron disulfide and/or lithium-manganese dioxide), mercury oxide, zinc-air, silver oxide, etc.

[0044] The battery pack charger 30 can also detect the data signal from the data connection 68 in the terminal block 74 to further confirm the battery chemistry of the battery pack 28. Specifically, detection of both the indicating mechanism 76 and the data signal from the data connection 68 can indicate the predetermined battery chemistry, e.g., a lithium ion ("Li-Ion") battery chemistry. The inability to detect either the indicating mechanism 76 or the data signal from the data connection 68, in contrast, can indicate a different predetermined battery chemistry, e.g., a nickel cadmium ("Ni-Cad") battery chemistry.

[0045] The battery pack 34 with the rail configuration is shown in FIG. 7 and, similar to the tower configuration of the battery pack 28 (FIG. 3), can include a power connection 80 and a data connection 82. In one example, the power connection 80 can have two terminals 84 and the data connection 82 can have a single terminal 86. In addition, the battery pack 34 can define a housing 88 that can include a base portion 90 from which a rail portion 92 can extend. The base portion 90 can include an upper deck 94 and a lower deck 96 (FIG. 9) between which rectangular (or other suitable polygonal shape) wall portions 98 can enclose multiple cells (not shown) included inside the battery pack 34. [0046] The rail portion 92 can have a first rail 100 and a second rail 102. The first rail 100 and the second rail 102 can each include a lip 104 that can extend along the rail portion 92 to define a groove 106 between the lip 104 and the upper deck 94 of the base portion 90. It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that a complementary structure can be provided in one or more of the power tools 12 in the system of power tools 10 that can accept the battery pack 34 having the rail configuration, as is known in the art. Briefly, a complementary lip and groove can be formed in the applicable power tool 12 to accept the battery pack 34 having the rail configuration. [0047] With further reference to FIG. 7, a first end 108 of the rail portion 92 can define a terminal block 110 that can include the terminals 84, 86 that provide the power connection 80 and the data connection 82. The terminal block 110 can be configured to attach to one or more of the power tools 12 in the system of power tools 10 (FIG. 1). The power connection 80 can provide power to one of the power tools 12 or can accept a charge from the battery pack charger 36 (FIG. 9). The data connection 82 can be configured to transmit a data signal to either one of the power tools 12 or to the battery pack charger 36. In various aspects of the present teachings, the indicating mechanism 76 can be connected at one or more suitable locations on the housing 88 of the battery pack 34, so as to be detected by either one of the power tools 12 or the battery pack charger 36 to indicate a predetermined battery chemistry associated with the cells in the battery pack 34. [0048] The indicating mechanism 76 can be located in the terminal block 110 and can be configured to be similar to the power connection 80 and/or the data connection 82. In this regard, the indicating mechanism 76 can be similar to one or more of the terminals 84, 86. In one example, the indicating mechanism 76 can be referred to as a fourth terminal. By way of the above example, the power connection 80 can have a first and a second terminal (i.e., the terminals 84) and the data connection can have a third terminal (i.e., the terminal 86), so that the indicating mechanism 76 can be the fourth terminal. [0049] In other examples, the terminal block 110 can contain a fourth terminal used for purposes other than that described above, such that the indicating mechanism 76 can be located at other locations on the battery pack 34 and, in various instances, outside of the terminal block 110. As such, the indicating mechanism 76 can be referred to as a fifth terminal, or whatever terminal, connection, etc. may be applicable based on the configuration of the battery pack 28, 34. It will be appreciated that the indicating mechanism 76 can be located at various locations on the battery packs 16 (FIG. 1) regardless of whether the battery pack 16 is provided with the rail or the tower configuration.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 10, one example of an indicating mechanism 150 is shown associated with a battery pack 152 and a battery pack charger 154. The indicating mechanism 150 can be configured so as to include a spring member 156 that can extend from the battery pack charger 154 and contact the battery pack 152. The spring member 156 can contact a connector 158 on the battery pack 152 so that, for example, a reference voltage can be detected by the battery pack charger 154 and/or the battery pack 152. Detecting the indicating mechanism 150, therefore, can include detecting the reference voltage. [0051] In a further example, the spring member 156 can contact the connector 158 on the battery pack 152 so that, for example, continuity can be detected by the battery pack charger 154 and the battery pack 152. In this case, detecting the indicating mechanism 150 can, therefore, include detecting continuity.

[0052] In other examples, the indicating mechanism 150 can include a spring member 156 that can extend from the battery pack charger 154 and contact the battery pack 152. In this example, the spring member 156 can contact a portion of the battery pack 152 so that, for example, deflection of the spring member 156 can activate a switch (e.g., a micro switch) and /or one or more suitable mechanical or electromechanical devices. Detecting the indicating mechanism 150 can, therefore, include detecting a signal from the switch activated by the indicating mechanism 150.

[0053] With reference to FIG. 11, an example of an indicating mechanism 160 is shown associated with a battery pack 162 and a battery pack charger 164. The indicating mechanism 160 can include a spring member 166 that can extend from the battery pack 162 and contact the battery pack charger 164. Similar to the indicating mechanism 150 in FIG. 10, the spring member 166 can contact a connector 168 on the battery pack charger 164 so that, for example, a reference voltage or continuity can be detected. In addition, the spring member 166 can activate a switch as explained above. [0054] With reference to FIG. 12, one example of an indicating mechanism 170 is shown associated with a battery pack 172 and a battery pack charger 174. The indicating mechanism 170 can include an emitter 176 and a receiver 178. In general, detecting the indicating mechanism 170 can, therefore, include detection of one or more electromagnetic wave signals 180 from the emitter 176 by the receiver 178. In one instance, the emitter 176 can be one or more members that can produce a magnetic field (e.g., a magnet, an electromagnet, etc.). The receiver 178 can be a hall-effect sensor. Detection of the indicating mechanism 170 can, therefore, include the hall-effect sensor detecting the one or more members that produce the magnetic field. [0055] In a further example, the emitter 176 can emit a radio frequency (RF) signal that can be received (i.e., detected) by the receiver 178. In this instance, detection of the indicating mechanism 170 can, therefore, include the receiver 178 detecting the RF signal from the emitter 176. It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that the emitter 176 can be located in or on the battery pack 172 and the receiver 178 can be located in or on the battery pack charger 174 or vice versa, as applicable.

[0056] With reference to FIGS. 13 through 19, various positions of an indicating mechanism can be shown on a battery pack having a tower configuration. It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that similar locations, as applicable, can be implemented on a battery pack having a rail configuration, an example of which is provided in FIG. 7. With reference to FIG. 13, a battery pack 200 can include an indicating mechanism 202. The indicating mechanism 202 can be in a position that is relatively close to a terminal block 204 that can contain a data connection and/or a communication connection (not shown). In this example, the indicating mechanism 202 can be located on a tower portion 206 outside of the terminal block 204. [0057] With reference to FIG. 14, a battery pack 220 can include an indicating mechanism 222 that can be located on an upper deck 224 of a body portion 226 of the battery pack 220. It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that the positioning of the indicating mechanism 222, in the example illustrated in FIG. 14, can be at a greater distance from a terminal block 228 than the indicating mechanism 202 relative to the terminal block 204, as illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0058] It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that other examples of placement of the indicating mechanism on the battery pack, examples of which are illustrated throughout FIGS. 13 - 19, can include locations of the indicating mechanism that can maximize a distance between a terminal block and the indicating mechanism. The distance between the terminal block and the indicating mechanism can be maximized for various reasons. One reason can be shown to include avoiding obstructing the power connection, the data connection and the indicating mechanisms with, for example, a paint spill or other debris from the work site. By maximizing the distance between the data connection (and/or the power connection) and the indicating mechanism, it can be shown that the propensity somehow obstruct, cover, deactivate, etc. both the data connection and the indicating mechanism so as to not detect the data connection and/or the indicating mechanism as a proxy for a predetermined battery chemistry can be reduced.

[0059] With reference to FIG. 15, a battery pack 240 can include an indicating mechanism 242 that can be positioned on a lower deck 244 of the battery pack 240. FIG. 16 illustrates an example of an indicating mechanism 250 being on a side area 252 of a battery pack 254. While the indicating mechanism 250 is illustrated on the side area 252 of a base portion 256, it will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that the indicating mechanism 250 can be on a side of a tower portion 258 in lieu of the base portion 256. [0060] With reference to FIG. 17, a battery pack 260 can include an indicating mechanism 262 being on a side area 264 of the battery pack 260. While the indicating mechanism 262 is illustrated on the side area 264 of a tower portion 266, it will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that the indicating mechanism 262 can be on the side area 264 of a base portion 268 in lieu of the tower portion 266. Moreover, the side area 264 of the tower portion 266 on which the indicating mechanism 262 is located can be opposite the surface relative to the location of the indicating mechanism 202 on the battery pack 200, as illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0061] With reference to FIG. 18, a battery pack 270 can include an indicating mechanism 272 that can be located on a front area 274 of the battery pack 270. While the indicating mechanism 272 is illustrated on the front area 274 of a base portion 276, it will be appreciated that the indicating mechanism 272 can be on the front area 274 of a tower portion 278 in lieu of the base portion 276. In FIG. 19, a battery pack 280 can include an indicating mechanism 282 being on a rear area 284 of the battery pack 280. While the indicating mechanism 282 is illustrated on the rear area 284 of a tower portion 286, it will be appreciated that the indicating mechanism 282 can be on a rear area 284 of a base portion 288, in lieu of the tower portion 286. [0062] With reference to FIG. 20, a battery pack 290 can include an indicating mechanism 292 that can be located on a side area 294 of the battery pack 290 having an enlarged tower portion 296 The enlarged tower portion 296 can sometimes be referred to as a two-up or a two tower configuration. While the indicating mechanism 292 is illustrated on the side area 294 of one tower portion 296, it will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that the indicating mechanism 292 can be on various areas of the battery pack 290 including, but not limited to, the locations provided in the above examples.

[0063] With reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, a battery pack 300 having both a rail configuration and a tower configuration (i.e., a hybrid rail/tower configuration) is shown in accordance with an alternative example of the present teachings. The battery pack 300 can be readily switched between the tower configuration (FIG. 22) and the rail configuration (FIG. 21) as needed. In FIG. 21, a tower portion 302 is retracted into the battery pack 300 and thus can enable connection to a suitable power tool having the rail configuration (e.g., the drill/ driver 32 in the system of power tools 10 illustrated in FIG. 1). [0064] With reference to FIG. 22, the tower portion 302 can be pivoted up from an upper deck 304 of the battery pack 300 and can be moved into an extended position. In the extended condition, the battery pack 300 is enabled for use with suitable power tools having the tower configuration (e.g., the drill/driver 24 in the system of power tools 10 illustrated in FIG. 1). With reference to FIG. 21, the battery pack 300 can connect to the power tool 12 having the rail configuration so that the tower portion 302 in the retracted condition can make an electrical connection with the power tool 12 to provide power for its operation. As such, the battery pack 300 can have a lip 306 and a groove 308 so as to connect to the power tool 12 having the rail configuration. A terminal block 310 on the tower portion 302 can contact a complimentary terminal block in the power tool 12 in a similar fashion to a terminal block on a battery pack having only a rail configuration. Moreover, an indicating mechanism 312 can be located on the upper deck 304 or at various other suitable locations on the battery pack 300. [0065] The battery pack 300 can then be moved to the power tool 12 with the tower configuration. In this example, the tower portion 302 can be pivoted to the extended condition (FIG. 22) and the suitable power tool can accept the battery pack 300 so that the tower portion 302 makes electrical contact with the power tool 12 having the tower configuration. It will be appreciated in light of this disclosure that the ability to switch between the rail configuration and the tower configuration on a single battery pack removes the need to have another part to serve as an adaptor or the like to provide the functionality of both the tower and rail configurations.

[0066] With reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, a battery pack 400 having both the rail configuration and the tower configuration is shown in accordance with a further alternative example of the present teachings. The battery pack 400 can be readily switched between the tower configuration (FIG. 24) and the rail configuration (FIG. 23) as needed. In FIG. 23, a tower portion 402 can be retracted into the battery pack 400 and thus can enable connection to one of the power tools 12 having the rail configuration (e.g., the drill/driver 24 in the system of power tools 10 illustrated in FIG. 1).

[0067] With reference to FIG. 24, the tower portion 402 can be pivoted up from an upper deck 404 of the battery pack 400 and can be moved into the extended position. In the extended condition, the battery pack 400 can be enabled for use with the power tool 12 (e.g., having the tower configuration in the system of power tools 10 illustrated in FIG. 1). [0068] With reference to FIG. 23, the battery pack 400 can connect to the power tool 12 having the rail configuration. In this regard, the tower portion 402 in the retracted condition can be out of the way so that an electrical connection can be made with the power tool 12 and a terminal block 406 on the battery pack 400 unlike the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 21.

[0069] The battery pack 400 can then be moved to the power tool 12 with the tower configuration. As such, the tower portion 402 can be pivoted to the extended condition and the power tool 12 can accept the battery pack 400 so that a terminal block 408 on the tower portion 402 (and not the terminal block 406) makes electrical contact with the power tool having the tower configuration. In this example, the battery pack 400 can include a lip 410 and a groove 412 that is disposed between the lip 410 and the upper deck 404 of the battery pack 400 so as to provide the rail configuration that can be connected with one or more of the power tools 12. Similar to the battery pack 300 (FIGS. 21 and 22), an indicating mechanism 412 can be located on the upper deck 404 or at various other suitable locations on the battery pack 400. [0070] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, it will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that the drill/drivers 24, 32 and the other various suitable power tools 12 can operate with certain nominal voltages (e.g., 12 volts, 24 volts, 36 volts, etc.). Regardless of the nominal operating voltage, the drill/drivers 24, 32 can provide similar functionalities, including but not limited to, a multi-speed transmission and a torque limited clutch. By way of the above example, each of the drill/drivers 24, 32 can include a two-piece clam shell housing 500 that can contain an electric motor that operates at the nominal voltage and a multi-speed planetary transmission.

[0071] The housing 500 can define a handle 502 that at one end can be between a portion of the housing that receives the battery pack 16 (FIG. 1) and at another end can define a portion of the housing that contains the electric motor and the multi- speed planetary transmission. The handle 502 can include a trigger assembly 504 and an output spindle direction selection mechanism 506, i.e., forward or reverse. A clutch adjustment collar 508 can be included on the drill/driver 24, 32 to adjust the value of torque at which the clutch opens to unload the output spindle. In addition, an accessory handle 510 can be attached to the tool to facilitate use of the tool. Moreover, a chuck 512, as is known in the art, can be attached to the output spindle and can accept various tool bits, drill bits, etc.

[0072] In some examples, the battery pack 28 can include locking tabs 514 that can be depressed by the user to remove the battery pack 28 from the power tool 12. Moreover, the locking tabs 514 can be deflected as the battery pack 28 is inserted into the power tool 12 and then can lock to the housing 500 when completely connected, i.e., deflect and then snap back into place. The battery pack 28 can also use the locking tabs 514 or one or more suitable mechanisms that can securely but releasably hold the battery pack 28, 34 to the power tool 12. With reference to FIGS. 21 - 24, the locking tabs 514 or other suitable mechanism can additionally keep the tower portion 302, 402 in the retracted condition until the tower portion is pivoted to the extended condition.

[0073] In various aspects of the present teachings one or more of the battery packs 16, 28, 34, 152, 162, 172, 200, 220, 240, 254, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 400 can be used with one or more the power tools 12 in present teachings. With reference FIG. 1, one or more of the power tools 12 can be selected from the system of power tools 10 that can include, without limitation, drills, drill /drivers, hammer drill/drivers, rotary hammers, screwdrivers, impact drivers, circular saws 26, jig saws, reciprocating saws, band saws, cut-off tools, cut-out tools, shears, sanders, vacuums, lights, radios, routers, adhesive dispensers, concrete vibrators, lasers, staplers, nailers, blowers 550, chainsaws 552, detail shrub trimmers 554, edgers 556, grass shears 558, hedge trimmers 560, lawn mowers 562, power scrubbers 564, string trimmers 566 and one or more applicable combinations thereof.

[0074] With reference to FIGS. 25 and 26, one or more of the power tools 12 can include a drill/driver 600 that can include a two-piece clam shell housing 602. The housing 602 can define a handle 604. At one end, the handle 604 can provide a base portion 606 of the housing 602 that can receive a battery pack 608. At another end of the housing 602, a portion of the housing 602 can contain the electric motor and the multi-speed planetary transmission.

[0075] The handle 604 can include a trigger assembly 610 and an output spindle direction selection mechanism 612, i.e., forward or reverse. A clutch adjustment collar 614 can be included on the drill/driver 600 to adjust the value of torque at which the clutch opens to unload the output spindle. In addition, an accessory handle 616 can be attached to the drill/driver 600 and/or other suitable power tools 12 to facilitate use of the tool. [0076] Locking tabs 618 can be depressed by the user to remove the battery pack 608 from the drill/ driver 600. Moreover, the locking tabs 618 can be deflected (or moved) as the battery pack 608 is inserted into the drill/ driver 600 and then can lock to the housing 602 when connected thereto.

[0077] A partial skirt member 620 can extend from an end 622 of the base portion 606 of the housing 602 and can accept the battery pack 608. It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that battery packs having various configurations (e.g., the battery pack 16, 28, 34, 152, 162, 172, 200, 220, 240, 254, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 400) can be accepted by the base portion 606 of the housing 602. The partial skirt member 620, therefore, can be configured to operate with a single battery pack housing configuration, but can also be configured to operate with battery pack configurations having differing housing configurations, as well.

[0078] In various aspects of the present teachings, the base portion 606 of the housing 602 can accept a battery pack 608 that is generally the same size of the base portion 606, as shown in FIG. 25. In this example, exterior contours of the battery pack 608 generally match exterior contours of the base portion 606 proximate the connection between the two. In other aspects, a battery pack can be undersized relative to the base portion 606, e.g., the battery pack 700, as shown in FIG. 27. A battery pack can also be oversized relative to the base portion 606 such that a front and/or a rear portion of the battery pack housing can extend beyond an outer periphery of the base portion 606. Regardless of the shape and size of the battery pack relative to the housing of the power tool, the partial skirt member 620 can extend from the base portion 606 and connect with the battery pack to mechanically and electrical connect the battery pack to the power tool. [0079] The partial skirt member 620 of the drill/ driver 600 can define elongated portions 624 that can provide reduced relative movement (e.g., anti-vibration functionality) between the housing 602 and one or more of the battery packs. In one aspect of the present teachings and with reference to FIG. 26, each of the elongated portions 624 can extend from an edge 626 of the skirt member 620 at two opposed peripheral locations 628, 630. The elongated portions 624 can each extend in a direction that extends distally away from the handle 604, which can generally be perpendicular to a surface 632 of the base portion 606. The elongated portion 624 can also extend at least partially circumferentially around the base portion 606 so as to provide the partial skirt member 620, i.e. the elongated portions 624 can only extend from two opposed portions of the edge 626 and therefore not the entire periphery.

[0080] The elongated portions 624 can further define a locking tab engagement portion 634 that can receive the locking tabs 618 of the battery pack 608 to hold the battery pack 608 to the drill/driver 600. The locking tab engagement portions 634 can have locking grooves 636 at different heights (or other spaced apart configurations) for engaging the locking tabs 618 of various configurations of the battery packs, as applicable, to further mechanically couple the battery pack to the power tool. In this example, the partial skirt member 620 can provide the ability for any size battery to connect to the power tool, because, for example, an oversized or undersized battery is not obstructed by a full skirt in contrast to the partial skirt member 620.

[0081] With reference to FIG. 27, the drill/driver 600 can accept a battery pack 700 that does not exactly fit into the portion of the housing 602 configured to accept the battery pack 700. In this example, the battery pack 700 can be slightly undersized so that a base portion 702 of the housing 602 can overhang a face 704 of the battery pack 700. Notwithstanding the housing configuration mismatch, the top surface 704 of the battery pack 700 can almost completely abut the partial skirt member 620 as each of the elongated portions 624 can abut and /or overhang the top surface 704 of the battery pack 700. At a front 706 side and /or a back side 708 of the battery pack 700, there can be no skirt member that extends from the housing 602 and, as such, little to no portion of the base portion 702 overhangs the battery pack 700. [0082] By way of the above examples, the over/ undersized battery pack can nonetheless be secured to the housing 604 using the locking grooves 636 (FIG. 26) that can accept the locking tabs 618. The elongated portions 624, in effect, can take up tolerances between the connection of the battery pack 608 to the housing 604. Beyond taking up tolerances, the elongated portions 624 can also serve to reduce vibration between the battery pack 700 and the housing 604. In this regard, relative motion of the battery pack 700 and the housing 604 can still be reduced, when the battery pack 700 is configured in such a way that a completely flush connection with the housing 604 is not possible. With reference to FIG 25, when the battery pack 608 is configured in such a fashion so that the battery pack 608 can couple to the housing 604 in a substantially flush manner, the battery pack 608 and the base portion 606 can be configured to so as to maintain the exterior contours between the housing and the battery pack.

[0083] It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that a housing of any power tool 12 from the system of power tools 10 can employ the partial skirt member 620 and the elongated portions 624 so to accept various sized battery packs and still provide the anti-vibration functionality while allowing for housing configuration mismatch between the battery pack and the power tool. Examples of power tools that can employ the partial skirt member 620 and the elongated portions 624 can include, without limitation, drills, drill /drivers, hammer drill/ drivers, rotary hammers, screwdrivers, impact drivers, circular saws 26, jig saws, reciprocating saws, band saws, cut-off tools, cut-out tools, shears, sanders, vacuums, lights, radios, routers, adhesive dispensers, concrete vibrators, lasers, staplers, nailers, blowers 550, chainsaws 552, detail shrub trimmers 554, edgers 556, grass shears 558, hedge trimmers 560, lawn mowers 562, power scrubbers 564, string trimmers 566 and one or more applicable combinations thereof. [0084] In various aspects of the present teachings, the housing 602 can accept the battery pack 700 and can also accept various other battery packs (e.g., battery pack 16, 28, 34, 152, 162, 172, 200, 220, 240, 254, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 400, etc.). As noted above, a housing 702 of the battery pack 700 can have a configuration that does not permit the battery pack 700 to fit completely flush with the skirt member 620 of the drill/ driver 600. The elongated portion 624 can, however, abut the battery pack 700. In doing so, the elongated portion 624 can be shown to reduce vibration when the drill/ driver 600 is running (i.e., between the battery pack 700 and the drill/driver 600). By reducing vibration, it may be shown that wear on the locking tabs 514, 618 and/or the locking tab engagement portions 626 of one or more of the power tools can be reduced.

[0085J In one example, the battery pack 608 can be a battery pack specifically configured to mate with the housing 604, e.g., a battery pack that is provided with the power tool. In addition, the battery pack 700 can be a battery pack not specifically configured for the power tool but nevertheless still connectable to the power tool. In this instance, the elongated portions 624 can serve to accommodate a less then perfectly flush connection (i.e., no relative motion therebetween) between the battery pack and the housing of the power tool.

[0086] While specific aspects have been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements and components thereof without departing from the scope of the present teachings, as defined in the claims. Furthermore, the mixing and matching of features, elements, components and/or functions between various aspects of the present teachings are expressly contemplated herein so that one skilled in the art will appreciate from the present teachings that features, elements, components and /or functions of one aspect of the present teachings can be incorporated into another aspect, as appropriate, unless described otherwise above. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, configuration or material to the present teachings without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present teachings not be limited to the particular aspects illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present teachings, but that the scope of the present teachings include many aspects and examples following within the foregoing description and the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What Is Claimed Is:

1. A battery pack that can be used in a power tool and charged by a battery pack charger, the battery pack comprising: a housing that defines a tower portion that extends from a base portion such that a first end of the tower portion is adjacent to said base portion while a second end of the tower portion is distal therefrom; said second end of said tower portion defining a terminal block that includes a power connection and a communication connection at least partially recessed in said second end, wherein said power connection is capable of conducting a charge to the power tool or from the battery pack charger and said communication connection is capable of providing a data signal; and an indicating mechanism connected to said housing in a location outside of said terminal block, wherein said indicating mechanism is capable of being detected so as to indicate a predetermined battery chemistry.

2. The battery pack of Claim 1, wherein said data signal from said communication connection and said indicating mechanism, when both detected, indicate said predetermined battery chemistry.

3. The battery pack of Claim 1, wherein said indicating mechanism is located on an upper deck of said base portion of the battery pack.

4. The battery pack of Claim 1, wherein said indicating mechanism is located on an outer surface of said tower portion.

5. The battery pack of Claim 1, wherein said indicating mechanism is located on said second end of said tower portion and near said terminal block.

6. The battery pack of Claim 1 , wherein said indicating mechanism is located on a lower deck of said base portion.

7. The battery pack of Claim 1, wherein said indicating mechanism is located on a wall portion of said base portion.

8. The battery pack of Claim 1, wherein said indicating mechanism includes an electrical contact on the battery pack capable of connecting to an electrical contact associated with the battery pack charger and wherein detection of said indicating mechanism at least includes detection of connectivity between said electrical contacts associated with the battery pack and the battery pack charger.

9. The battery pack of Claim 1, wherein said indicating mechanism includes an electrical contact on the battery pack capable of connecting to an electrical contact associated with the battery pack charger and wherein detection of said indicating mechanism at least includes detection of a reference voltage at said electrical contacts associated with the battery pack and the battery pack charger.

10. The battery pack of Claim 1, wherein said indicating mechanism includes a member configured to produce a magnetic field capable of being detected by a hall-effect sensor associated with the battery pack charger and wherein detection of said indicating mechanism at least includes detection of said magnetic field.

11. The battery pack of Claim 1 , wherein said indicating mechanism includes a hall-effect sensor configured to detect a magnetic field of a member associated with the battery pack charger and wherein said detection of said indicating mechanism at least includes detection of said magnetic field by said hall-effect sensor on said battery pack.

12. A system of power tools, the system comprising: a battery pack charger; a battery pack having a housing that defines a terminal block that includes a power connection capable of conducting a charge to one of the power tools or from said battery pack charger and a communication connection capable of providing a data signal; and an indicating mechanism connected to said housing of said battery pack in a location outside of said terminal block, wherein said battery pack charger determines a predetermined battery chemistry of said battery pack based on said battery pack charger detecting both said indicating mechanism and said data signal.

13. The system of Claim 12, wherein said indicating mechanism includes an electrical contact on said battery pack capable of connecting to an electrical contact on said battery pack charger and wherein detection of said indicating mechanism at least includes detection of connectivity between said electrical contacts associated with said battery pack and said battery pack charger.

14. The system of Claim 12, wherein said indicating mechanism includes an electrical contact on said battery pack capable of connecting to an electrical contact on said battery pack charger and wherein detection of said indicating mechanism at least includes detection of a reference voltage at said electrical contacts associated with said battery pack and said battery pack charger.

15. The system of Claim 12, wherein said indicating mechanism includes a member connected to said battery pack and configured to produce a magnetic field capable of being detected by a hall-effect sensor connected to said battery pack charger and wherein detection of said indicating mechanism at least includes detection of said magnetic field.

16. The system of Claim 12, wherein said indicating mechanism includes a hall-effect sensor connected to said battery pack, said hall- effect sensor configured to detect a magnetic field produced by a member connected to said battery pack charger and wherein said detection of said indicating mechanism at least includes detection of said magnetic field by said hall-effect sensor.

17. A system of power tools, the system comprising: a battery pack charger; a battery pack having a housing that defines a terminal block that includes a power connection capable of conducting a charge to one of the power tools or from said battery pack charger and a communication connection capable of providing a data signal; and an indicating mechanism connected to said housing of said battery pack in a location outside of said terminal block, wherein said battery pack charger determines a predetermined battery chemistry of said battery pack based on at least detection of said indicating mechanism.

18. The system of Claim 17, wherein said data signal from said communication connection and said indicating mechanism, when both are detected by said battery pack charger, indicate said predetermined battery chemistry.

19. The system of Claim 17, wherein said indicating mechanism is located on an upper deck of said base portion of said battery pack.

20. The system of Claim 17, wherein said indicating mechanism is located on an outer surface of a tower portion of said battery pack.

21. The system of Claim 17, wherein said indicating mechanism is located on an end of a tower portion near said terminal block of said battery pack.

22. The system of Claim 17, wherein said indicating mechanism is located on a lower deck of a base portion of said battery pack.

23. The system of Claim 17, wherein said indicating mechanism is located on a wall portion of a base portion of said battery pack.

24. The system of Claim 17, wherein said indicating mechanism includes an electrical contact on said battery pack capable of connecting to an electrical contact on said battery pack charger and wherein detection of said indicating mechanism at least includes detection of connectivity between said electrical contacts associated with said battery pack and said battery pack charger.

25. The system of Claim 17, wherein said indicating mechanism includes an electrical contact on said battery pack capable of connecting to an electrical contact on said battery pack charger and wherein detection of said indicating mechanism at least includes detection of a reference voltage at said electrical contacts associated with said battery pack and said battery pack charger.

26. The system of Claim 17, wherein said indicating mechanism includes a member connected to said battery pack configured to produce a magnetic field capable of being by a hall-effect sensor connected to said battery pack charger and wherein detection of said indicating mechanism at least includes detection of said magnetic field.

27. The system of Claim 17, wherein said indicating mechanism includes a hall-effect sensor connected to said battery pack, said hall- effect sensor configured to detect a magnetic field from a member connected to said battery pack charger and wherein said detection of said indicating mechanism at least includes detection of said magnetic field by said hall-effect sensor.

28. The system of Claim 17, further comprising a power tool having a housing including a base portion that is configured to connect to said battery pack, a partial skirt member that extends from said base portion of said housing, said partial skirt member defining two elongated portions that each extend from two opposed peripheral locations of said base portion, wherein each of said elongated portions extend in a direction generally in line with a direction in which the battery pack is inserted into said power tool and wherein each of said elongated portions are circumferential spaced from the other about the base portion of said housing.

29. The system of Claim 28, further comprising a groove formed on each of said elongated portions that accepts a locking tab.

30. A power tool having a base portion that can connect to one of an undersized battery, an oversized battery and a battery that generally matches the contours of the base portion proximate the connection between the two, the power tool comprising: a partial skirt member that extends from the base portion of the power tool; two elongated portions that each extend from two opposed peripheral locations of the base portion, wherein each of said elongated portions extend in a direction generally in line with a direction in which a battery pack is inserted into the power tool and wherein each of said elongated portions are circumferential spaced from the other about the base portion of said housing; and a groove formed in each of the elongated portions configured to couple one of the undersized battery, the oversized battery and the battery that generally matches the contours of the base portion proximate the connection between the two to the power tool by accept a locking tab of the applicable battery pack.

31. The power tool of Claim 30 wherein when the oversized battery pack is coupled to the power tool, a portion of the oversized battery pack extends beyond the base portion of the housing and wherein said elongated portions overhang another portion of the oversized battery back and said grooves accept said locking tab of the battery pack.

32. A battery pack that can be used in a power tool and charged by a battery pack charger, the battery pack comprising: a housing that defines a tower portion that extends from a base portion such that a first end of said tower portion is adjacent to said base portion; said second end of said tower portion defining a terminal block that includes a power connection and a communication connection at least partially recessed in said second end, wherein said power connection is capable of conducting a charge to the power tool or from the battery pack charger and said communication connection is capable of providing a data signal; and said tower portion moveable between an upright position and a recessed position, wherein a second end of said tower portion is distal from said base portion of the battery pack when said tower portion is in the extended condition.

33. The battery pack of Claim 32 further comprising an indicating mechanism connected to said housing in a location outside of said terminal block, wherein said indicating mechanism is capable of being detected so as to indicate a predetermined battery chemistry.

34. The battery pack of Claim 32 wherein said tower portion is capable of connecting to the power tool or the battery pack charger in the extended condition and the retracted condition.

35. The battery pack of Claim 32 wherein said tower portion is capable of connecting to the power tool or the battery pack charger in the retracted condition and further comprising a terminal block on said base portion of the battery pack capable of connecting to the power tool or the battery pack charger when the tower portion is in the retracted condition.