JP4011563B2 - Method and system for battery protection - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for battery protection, and more particularly to methods and systems for battery protection of power tools.

  The cordless power tool is generally supplied with power by a portable battery pack (portable battery pack). These battery packs are categorized by battery chemistry and nominal voltage and can be used to power a large number of tools and electrical devices. Generally, the battery chemistry of a power tool battery is either nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel hydride metal (NiMH), or lead acid. Such chemicals are known to be robust and durable.

US Pat. No. 6,456,035 US Pat. No. 6,222,343

  Such battery chemistries (such as lithium (Li), lithium ions (Li ions), and other Li-based chemicals) have a precise charging scheme and controlled discharge. Requires charging operation. Insufficient charging procedures and uncontrolled discharge schemes can result in excessive heat build-up, excessive overcharge conditions, and / or excessive overdischarge conditions. These conditions and accumulations can cause irreversible damage to the battery and can significantly impact the capacity of the battery. Various factors, such as excess heat, cause one or more cells in the battery pack to become unbalanced, i.e., have a current state of charge substantially lower than the remaining cells in the pack. Non-equilibrium cells can have a significant impact on battery pack performance (eg, run-time and / or voltage output) and can shorten battery pack life.

  The present invention provides a system and method for battery protection. In one configuration and in some aspects, the present invention provides a system and method for monitoring battery temperature. In other configurations and some aspects, the present invention provides systems and methods for transferring heat within a battery pack. In other configurations and some aspects, the present invention provides systems and methods for transferring heat within a battery pack via a phase change material. In other configurations and some aspects, the present invention provides systems and methods for monitoring cell imbalance. In other configurations and in some aspects, the present invention provides systems and methods for controlling the operation of electrical devices based on battery temperature and / or cell imbalance. In other configurations and in some aspects, the present invention provides systems and methods for determining the current state of charge of a battery and indicating or displaying the current state of charge of the battery. In still other configurations and some aspects, the present invention provides systems and methods for interrupting discharge current based on battery temperature.

  The unique features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the detailed description and drawings.

  Before any embodiment of the present invention is described in detail, the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of the arrangement and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. Will be understood. The invention can be in other configurations and can be implemented or carried out in various ways. It will be understood that the wording and terms used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to include the items listed below and their equivalents, as well as additional items. The terms “mounted”, “connected” or “coupled” are widely used and include mounting, connecting and coupling both directly and indirectly. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings and can include direct and indirect electrical connections and couplings.

  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

  The external appearance of the battery pack or battery is illustrated in FIGS. The battery pack or battery 50 may be used to power one or more electrical devices such as, for example, a power tool 55 (shown in FIGS. 4-5), a battery charger 60 (shown in FIG. 24). And can be configured to receive power from those electrical devices. As shown in the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the battery 50 transfers power to various power tools such as, for example, a circular saw 56 and a driver drill 58. In some configurations and in some aspects, the battery 50 can provide a high discharge current to an electrical device, such as, for example, a power tool 55 having a high current discharge rate. For example, the battery 50 can supply power to a wide range of power tools 55 including a circular saw 56, a driver drill 58, etc., as illustrated in FIGS.

  In some configurations and in some embodiments, the battery 50 can be, for example, lead acid, nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium (Li), lithium ion (Li ion), other lithium based Or any other battery chemistry such as other rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery chemistry. In the illustrated configuration, the battery 50 can have Li, Li ions, or other lithium-based chemicals, and can provide an average discharge current that is approximately 20 A or greater. For example, in the illustrated configuration, the battery 50 can include lithium cobalt (Li—Co), lithium manganese (Li—Mn) spinel, or Li—Mn nickel chemicals.

  In some configurations and in some aspects, the battery 50 can have any nominal voltage. In some configurations, for example, the battery 50 may have a nominal voltage of about 9.6V. In some configurations, for example, the battery 50 may have a nominal voltage of about 50V. In some configurations, for example, the battery 50 may have a nominal voltage of about 21V. In some configurations, for example, the battery 50 may have a nominal voltage of about 28V.

  The battery 50 also includes a housing 65 that can include a terminal support 70. The battery 50 is further supported by a terminal support 70 and further includes one or more battery terminals (not shown in FIGS. 1-5) that can be connected to an electrical device such as the power tool 55, charger 60. Can be included.

  In some configurations and in some aspects, the housing 65 can substantially enclose an assist circuit that is electrically connected to one or more battery terminals. In some configurations, the circuit can include a microcontroller or a microprocessor. In some configurations, the circuit can communicate with an electrical device such as a power tool 55 (e.g., circular saw 56, driver drill 58, etc.), charger 60, e.g., as discussed below, Information regarding one or more battery characteristics or conditions, such as the nominal voltage of the battery 50, the temperature of the battery 50, the chemicals of the battery 50, and similar characteristics may be provided to the device. In a further configuration, the circuitry included in the battery 50 can be from an electrical device such as a power tool 55 (e.g., circular saw 56, driver drill 58, etc.), charger 60, e.g., device type (e.g., charger 60, Information regarding one or more characteristics or conditions of the device, such as circular saw 56, driver drill 58, etc.), power, device current and / or voltage requirements, thresholds for battery operation, sampling rate may also be received.

  The battery 50 is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D, 7-10, 11A-11D, and 12A-12C, and portions of the battery 50 are illustrated in FIGS. 13-16 and 20A-20. Illustrated in FIG. 20B. As shown, the battery 50 can include one or more battery cells 80 each having a chemical and a nominal voltage. Each battery cell 80 can also include a positive terminal 90 and a negative terminal 95. For example, in some configurations, such as the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6C, the battery 50 may have a Li-ion battery chemistry of about 18V or about 21V (eg, depending on the type of battery cell). It can have a nominal voltage and can include five battery cells 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, and 80e. For example, in another configuration, such as the configuration shown in FIGS. 6B and 6D, the battery 50 may have a Li-ion battery chemistry of about 24V, about 25V, or about 28V (eg, depending on the type of battery cell). ) And can include seven battery cells 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, and 80g. In a further configuration, the battery 50 can have more or fewer battery cells 80 than shown and described. In an exemplary configuration, each battery cell 80 has a Li-ion chemistry, and each battery cell 80 is substantially the same, for example, about 3.6V, about 4V, or about 4.2V. Has a nominal voltage.

  In some configurations, two or more battery cells 80 are connected to the positive terminal 90 of one battery cell 80 electrically connected to the negative terminal 95 of another battery cell 80 as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6C. Can be arranged in series. The battery cell 80 can be electrically connected by a conductive link or strap 100. In another configuration, the battery cell 80 is in parallel with the positive terminal 90 of the battery cells 80a-80e electrically connected to each other and the negative terminal 95 of the battery cells 80a-80e electrically connected to each other, or a combination of series and parallel Can be arranged in other ways. As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6D, the battery cells 80 can be individually coupled to the circuit 130. In some configurations, the circuit 130 may be, for example, a parallel arrangement, a series arrangement (such as the series of battery cells 80 illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6C), an individual arrangement (eg, drawing current from a single battery cell 80). , Or supply current to a single battery cell 80), partially parallel arrangement (eg, few battery cells 80 in series arrangement), partial series arrangement (eg, few battery cells in parallel) The battery cells 80 can be configured in a variety of configurations, such as a combination of series, partial series, parallel, and partial parallel. In some configurations, circuitry 130 included in battery 50 is permanently located via software (eg, a program executed by a processor such as microprocessor 140 discussed below) or hardware. Can be established. In some configurations, the circuit 130 may modify the arrangement via software or hardware (eg, one or more switches, logic components, etc.).

  The battery 50 can also include a terminal block 105 that can include one or more battery terminals supported by a terminal support 70 (shown in FIG. 1). In the illustrated configuration, the terminal block 105 can include a positive terminal 110, a negative terminal 115, and a detection terminal 120. The positive terminal 110 can be electrically connected to the positive terminal 90 of the first battery cell 80a, and the negative terminal 115 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 95 of the second battery cell 80e (or battery cell 80g). be able to. In the illustrated configuration, the first battery cell 80a is the first cell of the battery cells 80 linked in series, and the second battery cells 80e or 80g are respectively battery cells 80a- linked in series. It is the last cell of 80e or 80a-80g.

  In some configurations and in some aspects, the battery 50 may include other sensing terminals in addition to the sensing terminal 120, as discussed below. The additional sensing terminal (or further sensing terminals) may include other communication paths between the electrical device (eg, circular saw 56, driver drill 58, charger 60, etc.) and battery 50.

  As described above, the battery 50 can include the circuit 130. The circuit 130 can be electrically connected to one or more battery cells 80 and can be electrically connected to one or more battery terminals of the terminal block 105. In some configurations, the circuit 130 may include components that enhance the performance of the battery 50. In some configurations, the circuit 130 monitors battery characteristics, provides voltage detection, stores battery characteristics, displays battery characteristics, informs the user of specific battery characteristics, and stops current in the battery 50. In addition, components such as a battery 50 and a battery cell 80 for detecting temperature, transferring heat from the battery 50, and transferring heat to the battery 50 may be included. In some configurations and in some aspects, the circuit 130 includes a voltage detection circuit, a boosting circuit, a charge state indicator (indicator), etc., as discussed below. In some configurations, the circuit 130 can be coupled to a printed circuit board 145, discussed below. In another configuration, the circuit 130 can be coupled to the flexible circuit board 145. In some configurations, the flexible circuit board 145 can wrap around one or more cells 80 or can wrap around the interior of the housing 65.

  In some configurations and some aspects, the circuit 130 may also include a microprocessor 140. The microprocessor 140 can store battery characteristics, such as battery chemistry, nominal voltage, or battery identification information, for example. In other configurations and other aspects, the microprocessor 140 may be, for example, a battery temperature, an ambient temperature, a battery 50 charge count, a battery 50 discharge count, various monitor thresholds, various discharge thresholds, various charge thresholds, etc. Additional battery characteristics can be stored, and for example, the frequency and / or number of calculated battery characteristics, the number of times the microprocessor 140 invalidated the battery 50, and the microprocessor 140 itself and the microprocessor 140 Information about operations can be stored. Microprocessor 140 may also control other electrical components of circuit 130 including battery 50, as discussed below.

  In the illustrated configuration and in some aspects, the microprocessor 140 can be electrically connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) 145. In the illustrated configuration, PCB 145 includes the necessary electrical connections between microprocessor 140 and terminals 110, 115, and 120, as included in battery cells 80 a-80 g and battery 50, as discussed below. The necessary electrical connection between the electrical components can be provided. In another configuration, the PCB 145 may include additional electronic circuits and / or components such as, for example, additional microprocessors, transistors, diodes, current limiting components, capacitors.

  In some configurations and some aspects, the circuit 130 may also include a temperature sensing device such as, for example, a thermistor 150 or a thermostat (not shown). The temperature detection device can detect the temperature of one or more battery cells 80a to 80g included in the battery 50, can detect the temperature of the battery 50 as a whole, or can be the ambient temperature (environment temperature, operating time). Temperature) can be detected. In some configurations, the resistance value of the thermistor 150 can indicate the temperature of one or more battery cells 80a-80g being sensed, and when the temperature of one or more battery cells 80a-80g changes, Can change. In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 may determine the temperature of one or more battery cells 80a-80g based on the resistance value of the thermistor 150. The microprocessor 140 can also monitor the temperature change at that time by monitoring the thermistor 150 over time. Microprocessor 140 can also transmit temperature information to electrical devices such as power tool 55 and / or charger 60 and / or other components in battery 50 as discussed below. That temperature information can be used to initiate a particular function or to control other components within the battery 50. As shown in the illustrated configuration, the thermistor 150 is mounted on the PCB 145.

  In some configurations and in some aspects, the circuit 130 may also include an indicator that indicates the current state of charge, such as a fuel gauge 155 shown in the illustrated configuration, for example. it can. The fuel gauge 155 can include a light emitting diode (LED) display that indicates the current state of charge of the battery 50. In another configuration, the fuel gauge 155 can include a matrix display. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the fuel gauge 155 can be disposed on the upper surface 157 of the battery housing 65. In another configuration, the fuel gauge 155 may be, for example, the lower surface 158 of the housing 65, one side 159 of the housing 65, the bottom surface 161 of the housing, the back surface 162 of the housing 65, two or more surfaces or sides of the housing 65. It can be placed anywhere on the housing 65.

  In some configurations, the gauge 155 can be enabled via a push button switch 160 located on the housing 65 of the battery 50. In another configuration, the gauge 155 can be automatically activated, such as by a predetermined period when counted by a timer, or by predetermined battery characteristics. In the illustrated configuration, the gauge 155 can be electrically connected to the microprocessor 140 via a ribbon cable 165 and can include four LEDs 170a, 170b, 170c, and 170d that provide LED indications.

  In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 can determine the current charge state of the battery 50 (ie, how much charge is left in the battery 50) when the push button 160 is depressed. The charge level is output to the fuel gauge 155. For example, if the current state of charge of the battery 50 is approximately 100%, all LEDs 170a, 170b, 170c, and 170d are turned on by the microprocessor 140. If the current state of charge of the battery 50 is approximately 50%, only two LEDs, for example LEDs 170a and 170b, are turned on. If the current state of charge of the battery 50 is approximately 25%, only one LED, for example LED 170a, is turned on.

  In some configurations, the output can be displayed on the fuel gauge 155 for approximately a predetermined period of time (ie, the display period) after the push button 160 is initially depressed. In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 disables the fuel gauge 155 if the temperature of one or more battery cells 80a-80g exceeds a predetermined threshold, or zero current charge state output. Can be output and displayed. In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 may change the fuel gauge 155 if the battery 50 has a relatively high remaining charge level, but an abnormal battery condition is detected, for example, high battery temperature. It can be disabled or a zero current charge status output can be output. In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 disables the fuel gauge 155 if the current state of charge of the battery or the current state of charge of one or more cells 80a-80g falls below a predetermined threshold. Or the current charge status output of zero can be output. In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 disables the fuel gauge 155, approximately after a predetermined period (ie, the cutoff period), whether or not the push button 160 remains depressed, or The current charge state output of zero can be output and displayed. In some configurations, the cut-off period (interruption period, block period) may be substantially equal to the display period, and in another configuration, the cut-off period is longer than the display period. can do.

  In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 enables the fuel gauge 155 when the push button 160 is depressed during a period when the battery 50 is operating (eg, during charging and / or discharging). Can not. Current battery charge state information can be suppressed during these periods to avoid erroneous charge state readings. In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 is responsive to the depressed push button 160 when the current through the battery 50 (eg, charging current, discharging current, parasitic current, etc.) is below a predetermined threshold. It may be possible to provide information on the current state of charge.

  In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 may change the fuel gauge 155 during periods when the battery 50 is operating (eg, during charging and / or discharging), whether or not the push button 160 is depressed. Can be enabled. For example, in certain configurations, the fuel gauge 155 can operate during charging. In this configuration, the microprocessor 140 is responsive to certain battery characteristics (eg, when the current state of charge reaches a certain predetermined threshold, such as an increase of 5% each in the state of charge) or in the charge cycle. To display the current state of charge of the battery 50 continuously and periodically in response to a phase, mode, or change (eg, during a predetermined time interval or low current draw / supply period) The fuel gauge 155 can be automatically enabled. In another configuration, the microprocessor 140 may enable the fuel gauge 155 in response to the push button 160 being depressed when the battery 50 is operating.

  In some configurations and in some aspects, the fuel gauge 155 can be enabled via a touchpad, switch, and the like. In another configuration, the battery 50 can include other push buttons or switches (not shown) to enable and disable the automatic display mode. In these configurations, the user can select whether the circuit 130 operates in an automatic display mode or a manual display mode. The automatic display mode can include the fuel gauge 155 displaying the current state of charge of the battery 50 without user intervention. For example, in the automatic display mode, the fuel gauge 155 responds to certain battery characteristics (eg, when the charging current state reaches a certain predetermined threshold, such as an increase or decrease of 5% each in the charging state). Thus, the current charging state of the battery 50 can be displayed periodically (for example, after a predetermined period). The manual display mode can include, for example, the fuel gauge 155 displaying the current state of charge in response to a user operation such as pressing down the push button 160. In some configurations, push button 160 may be disabled when circuit 130 is operating in an automatic display mode. In another configuration, the push button 160 can still enable the fuel gauge 155 even when the circuit 130 is operating in the automatic display mode. In a further configuration, the automatic display mode can be enabled and disabled via a control signal from a push button 160, eg, an electrical device such as the power tool 55 or charger 60.

  In some configurations, the circuit 130 can include a boost circuit 171. Boost circuit 171 can provide additional power for components included in circuit 130 during periods of low battery voltage, as discussed below. For example, the microprocessor 140 may require a power supply of about 3V or about 5V for operation. If the current state of charge of the battery 50 drops below about 5V or about 3V, the microprocessor 140 will receive sufficient power to operate and control the rest of the components included in the circuit 130. I can't. Therefore, in another configuration, the booster circuit 171 can “boost” a low input voltage to a high output voltage, as will be discussed below.

  Various configurations of the booster circuit 171 are illustrated in FIGS. 11A to 11F. For example, in one configuration, such as the configuration shown in FIG. 11A, the boost circuit 171a can include, for example, a power supply or other power supply component such as a battery cell 172. In some configurations, battery cell 172 may be different from battery cell 80 connected in series—chemicals, nominal voltage, and the like. For example, the battery cell 172 can be a Li-ion 1.2V cell.

  In some configurations, the boost circuit 171a provides power to the rest of the circuit 130 (eg, the microprocessor 140, etc.) when the current state of charge of the combined battery cell 80 falls below a threshold value. Can only do. In some configurations, the boost circuit 171a is used when the temperature of the battery cell 80 falls below a low temperature threshold and when the current charge state of the combined battery cell 80 falls below a low voltage threshold. Only power can be supplied to the rest of the circuit 130. In another configuration, the booster circuit 171a is a circuit that operates during a period of operation in a low temperature state (eg, the pack temperature is below the low temperature threshold or the ambient temperature is below the low temperature threshold). Only the remainder of 130 can be powered. In these configurations, boost circuit 171a causes circuit 130 (eg, microprocessor 140) to face a “brown-out” state (eg, an insufficient voltage supply over a period of time). You can only supply power to prevent it from happening. Brown-out conditions are more or less evident at times of low operating temperature (eg, pack temperature or ambient temperature) and can be caused by battery voltage fluctuations.

  For example, in other configurations, such as the configuration shown in FIG. 11B, the boost circuit 171b can include a boost mechanism 173, such as an inductive “flyback” type converter, a switched capacitor converter, or the like. Similar to booster circuit 171a, booster circuit 171b can supply power to the rest of circuit 130 in response to various battery conditions.

  For example, in yet another configuration, such as the configuration shown in FIG. 11C, boost circuit 171 may be a capacitor boosting circuit 171c. As illustrated, the capacitor type booster circuit 171 c can include a capacitor 174. During operation, the capacitor 174 can be charged from the battery cell 80 through a discharge circuit or by a signal from the microprocessor 140 or additional circuitry. Similar to booster circuit 171a, booster circuit 171c can supply power to the rest of circuit 130 in response to various battery conditions.

  For example, in yet another configuration, such as the configuration shown in FIG. 11D, boost circuit 171d can include a transistor or switch 175. In some configurations, the switch 175 can be a power field effect transistor (FET) 180 as discussed below. In the exemplary application, switch 175 is a FET. In some configurations, the boost circuit 171d can operate by interrupting the discharge current from a certain time period in order to allow the current charge state of the battery 50 to be restored. For example, battery cell 80 may face large voltage fluctuations due to low cell temperature, low ambient temperature, high discharge current (eg, large load), and the like. By interrupting the discharge current for a certain period, large fluctuations in the state of charge can be reduced and the voltage of the battery cell 80 can be increased. By activating or deactivating switch 175, large fluctuations can be prevented from creating a brown out condition for circuit 130. Similar to the booster circuit 171a, the booster circuit 171d can be operated in response to certain battery conditions, such as, for example, low temperature, low battery charge. In some configurations, the switch 175 can be used in combination with the capacitor 174 of the circuit 171c to recharge the capacitor 174.

  In some configurations, the switch 175 can be actuated (eg, repeatedly switched) at a set frequency or duty cycle. In some configurations, the switch 175 can be actuated like a hysteresis. For example, the switch 175 can be activated only when the voltage of the battery 50 reaches a first threshold or falls below the first threshold. The switch 175 opens (eg, interrupts the flow of current) until the current state of charge of the battery 50 recovers to a second threshold, which is generally greater than the first threshold, or exceeds the second threshold. ). In some configurations, the second threshold may be equal to the first threshold. In some configurations, when the state of charge of the battery is greatly reduced, the period during which the state of charge recovers the second threshold or reaches the second threshold may be longer. In these examples, circuit 130 may also include a timer (not shown). If the state of charge is not restored to the second threshold even after the first time held by the timer ends, the battery 50 is completely discharged and the switch 175 puts the battery 50 into an overdischarged state. The circuit 130 can infer that it remains open to prevent this.

  For example, in a further configuration, such as the configuration shown in FIGS. 11E and 11F, the boost circuit 171 may be a capacitor charge pump boost circuit, such as boost circuits 171e and 171f. Can do. In these configurations, the boost circuits 171e and 171f can “boost” one or more low voltage signals to a higher output voltage signal. As shown in FIG. 11e, the boost circuit 171e includes one or more inputs 176a-176f for receiving AC signals, control signals, etc., and one or more inputs for receiving one or more low voltage signals. A low voltage input 179 can be included. The signal (eg, AC signal and / or control signal) increases the low voltage signal and the charge stored on capacitor 178 (or the voltage across the capacitor) and produces a higher voltage output signal than at output 177. Can be used to do. Similar to booster circuit 171e, booster circuit 171f has one or more input terminals 176a-176d for receiving low voltage AC power signals, control signals, etc., and one for receiving one or more low voltage signals. One or more low voltage input terminals 179 may also be included. In an exemplary implementation, the boost circuit 171e can boost an approximately 3V input signal to an approximately 10V output signal, and the boost circuit 171f can boost an approximately 3V input signal to an approximately 5V output signal. it can.

  In some configurations, boost circuits 171e and 171f can provide a higher voltage signal than components in circuit 130 during any time and any battery condition. For example, the booster circuit 171e can provide an output signal to power a power FET or switch, as discussed below, and the booster circuit 171f can include one or more booster circuits 171f, as discussed below. An output signal can be provided to power the transistor.

  In some configurations and some aspects, the circuit 130 is in a state where the circuit 130 (eg, the microprocessor 140) is above or below a predetermined threshold (ie, “abnormal battery condition”). A semiconductor switch 180 may be included that interrupts the discharge current when determining or detecting. In some configurations, abnormal battery conditions include, for example, abnormally high or low battery cell temperature, abnormally high or low battery charge state, abnormally high or low battery cell charge state, abnormally large or small. Discharge current, abnormally large or small charge current, etc. can be included. In the illustrated configuration, the switch 180 includes a power FET or a metal oxide semiconductor FET (MOSFET). In another configuration, the circuit 130 can include two switches 180. In these configurations, the switches 180 can be arranged in parallel. The parallel switch 180 can be included in a battery pack that supplies a high average discharge current (eg, a circular saw 56, a battery 50 that supplies power such as a driver drill 58, etc.).

  In some configurations, the circuit 130 may further include a switch control circuit 182 (or switch 180 if appropriate) to control the state of the switch 180. In some configurations, the switch control circuit 182 may include a transistor 185, such as, for example, an npn bipolar junction transistor or a field effect transistor (FET). In these configurations, circuit 130 (eg, microprocessor 140) can control switch 180 by charging the state of transistor 185. As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the source 190 of the FET 180 can be electrically connected to the negative terminal 95 of the battery cells 80a-80e, and the drain 195 of the FET 180 can be electrically connected to the negative terminal 115. Can do. The switch 180 can be mounted on the second PCB 200 (shown in FIG. 7). For example, in some configurations and some aspects, such as the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14E, the switch 180 can be mounted on the PCB 145. In other configurations, the switch 180 can be mounted in other suitable locations or locations.

  In an exemplary implementation, current flows through switch 180 from drain 195 to source 190 during discharge, and current flows through switch 180 from source 190 to drain 195 during charging. For example, when an abnormal battery condition is detected by circuit 130 (eg, microprocessor 140), microprocessor 140 can turn on transistor 185, ie, bias transistor 185 to a conductive state. . When transistor 185 is conductive, there is not enough voltage between gate 205 and source 190 of FET 180 to make switch 180 conductive. In response, FET 180 becomes non-conductive and the flowing current is interrupted.

  In some configurations, when switch 180 becomes non-conductive, switch 180 may not be reset even if an abnormal condition is no longer detected. In some configurations, the circuit 130 (eg, the microprocessor 140) can reset the switch 180 only when an electrical device such as the charger 60 instructs the microprocessor 140 to reset. . In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 can reset the switch 180 after a predetermined period. In some configurations, if the microprocessor 140 detects an abnormal battery condition during discharge, the microprocessor 140 may have a discharge current that is lower than a predetermined threshold (ie, a low discharge current). Until detected, the state of the switch 180 may not be changed to non-conductive.

  In some configurations, the switch 180 can only be configured to interrupt the flow of current when the battery 50 is discharged. That is, the battery 50 can be charged even when the switch 180 is in a non-conductive state. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the switch 180 may include a body diode 210 that is integrated with MOSFETs and other transistors in some configurations. In another configuration, the diode 210 can be electrically connected in parallel with the switch 180.

  In another exemplary implementation, shown in FIG. 10 as a switch 215 in a first position 220 that allows a current to flow through a load 225 such as a power tool 55 when the battery 50 is discharged. Current flows through the battery 50 in the direction of the arrow 230 in the figure, ie through the drain 190 of the FET 180 to the source 190 of the FET 180. When the battery 50 charges (ie, shown in FIG. 10 as a switch 215 disposed in a second position 235 that allows current to flow through an electrical device such as the charger 60), the current is Flows through the battery 50 in the direction of the arrow 240, that is, through the source 190 of the FET 180 to the drain 195 of the FET 180.

  In this implementation, the current flow in direction 230 can be interrupted when switch 180 is in a non-conductive state. In response, battery 50 no longer supplies discharge current to load 225. In some configurations, for example, the circuit 130 included in the microprocessor 140, or in the additional circuit 250 (included in or not included in the microprocessor 140), the instructions for the microprocessor 140 to do so Alternatively, upon request, the state of switch 180 can be changed from non-conductive to conductive. In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 and / or the additional circuit 250 does not receive a request or instruction, and therefore cannot change the state of the switch 180 from non-conductive to conductive. For example, the battery 50 may be sufficiently discharged so that the battery 50 does not have enough power in the battery cell 80 to power the circuit 130. If battery 50 does not have enough power to power circuit 130, communication between battery 50 and the electrical device (eg, charger 60) (as performed by circuit 130) is The electrical device cannot send a control signal to the battery 50 to reset the switch 180. In these examples, the body diode 210 included in the switch 180 can conduct current (ie, charging current) in the direction of the arrow 240 in the figure supplied by an electrical device such as the charger 60, for example. This is the case even if the switch 180 is not conducting, or at least if the circuit 130 has reached a sufficient charge of power to reset the switch 180 and initiate communication or charging. 50 can be allowed to be charged.

  In some configurations and some aspects, the circuit 130 (eg, the microprocessor 140) can monitor the battery cell voltage for an abnormal condition (eg, a low battery cell voltage) and an abnormal condition is detected. If so, the switch 180 can be actuated to interrupt the discharge current. In some configurations, battery cell damage can occur when the cell voltage drops to or below a voltage, such as the cell “inverted” voltage. In some configurations, cell inversion occurs at about 0V. In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 or circuit 130 may establish a cell inversion threshold as a precaution. In some configurations, the cell inversion threshold can be set to a cell inversion voltage. In another configuration, the cell inversion threshold can be set higher than the cell inversion voltage. For example, the cell inversion threshold can be set to about 1V.

  In some examples, the battery 50 may experience a “depression” voltage (eg, a temporary large drop in voltage) during the onset of discharge. The voltage drop is generally transient and can be most apparent at low battery temperatures. In some configurations, the voltage collapse may be reduced to or below the cell reversal threshold.

FIG. 67 illustrates a first exemplary implementation of the semiconductor switch 180 during battery discharge usage. In this exemplary implementation, the semiconductor switch 180 triggers the first voltage threshold V ₁ to turn off the switch 180 (eg, enters a non-conductive state) and the second voltage threshold V ₂ ( different from the first voltage threshold V ₁₎ is to turn on the switch 180 (e.g., enter the conducting state) so as to trigger, operating at hysteresis manner. This embodiment can be used to maintain or resume battery operation during large voltage fluctuations, and the circuit 130 (eg, microcontroller 140) causes the semiconductor switch 180 to become non-conductive ( In other words, it can be used to avoid holding the discharge current supplied to the load early. In the illustrated configuration, the first voltage threshold V ₁ is lower than the second voltage threshold V ₂ . In other configurations and implementations, the battery 50 may depend on other characteristics such as, for example, battery temperature, battery cell temperature, operating time, load requirements (eg, voltage requirements for certain power tools 55), or other Additional voltage thresholds may be included that may be characteristic independent.

FIG. 66 shows a first mode of operation 2206 for the battery 50. During the first mode of operation 2206, the semiconductor switch 180 of the battery 50 is turned off and on (ie, enters a non-conductive and conductive state) during the discharge operation, and during the discharge operation, the battery 50 , Respectively, reach the first voltage threshold value V ₁ and recover to the _second voltage threshold value V ₂ . A first mode of operation 2206 can occur when the battery 50 has reached the end of discharge and can also provide an indication to the user that the battery 50 has reached the end of discharge. However, the first mode of operation 2206 can occur at a rapid pace such that the user is unaware that the battery 50 operates in the first mode 2206. The first mode of operation 2206 may occur when the battery 50 operates at a low temperature and encounters large voltage fluctuations. Again, the battery 50 enters the first mode 2206 but can be presented to the user that it can also occur quickly so that the user is unaware.

In some configurations between the first mode 2206 of operation, the battery voltage reaches the first voltage threshold value V _1, when the semiconductor switch 180 enters the nonconductive state, the battery 50 is "soft It is considered to be in the “shutoff” state or establishes a “soft” shutdown. In some configurations, this means that if the battery voltage recovers to the _second voltage threshold V ₂ within a predetermined time, eg, a shutdown time T _off of approximately 100 ms, the semiconductor switch 180 is in a conductive state. Entering is considered a soft shutdown due to the fact that it can be activated by the microcontroller 140 (or circuit 130). If the battery voltage does not recover to the _second voltage threshold V ₂ within the assigned shutdown time T _off , in some configurations, the microcontroller 140 (or circuit 130) performs a “hard” shutdown. In some configurations, a hard shutdown requires an external signal, such as a signal received by battery 50, such as from charger 60, power tool 55, other electrical devices, and the like. The signal may be an instruction to the microcontroller 140 (or circuit 130) to “reset” (eg, switch to a conductive state) the switch 180.

In the illustrated configuration, the curve 2208 represents the voltage of the battery 50 during use with a power tool 55 such as a circular saw 56, a driver drill 58, for example. During the start of operation (eg, during time T ₁ ), the microcontroller 140 drives the semiconductor switch 180 to a conductive state, allowing discharge current to be supplied to the power tool 55 accordingly. When the battery voltage 2208 reaches the first voltage threshold V ₁ at time 2210, the microcontroller 140 drives the semiconductor switch 180 to a non-conductive state and suspends supplying current to the power tool 55 accordingly. .

When the semiconductor switch 180 is in a non-conductive state (eg, an off state), the battery voltage 2208 is restored. Battery voltage 2208, when at time 2215 reaches the second voltage threshold V _2, the microcontroller 140 drives the semiconductor switch 180 to the conducting state, allows to supply again the discharge current in response thereto to the power tool 55 To.

The power tool 55 continues to operate for a time T ₃ until the battery voltage 2208 reaches the first voltage threshold V ₁ at time 2220. The microcontroller 140 again drives the semiconductor switch 180 to a non-conductive state. The semiconductor switch 180 remains non-conductive for a time T ₄ until the battery voltage 2208 recovers to the _second voltage threshold V ₂ at time 2225. During the time _{T 5,} the semiconductor switch 180, the battery voltage 2208, at 2230 again until it reaches the first voltage threshold value _{V 1,} and has a conductivity.

As shown in Figure 66 with respect to time _{T 6,} the battery voltage 2208, before the shutdown time _{T off} is completed, does not recover to the second voltage threshold _{V 2.} When the shutdown time T _off is reached, the microcontroller 140 performs a hard shutdown. In response, the semiconductor switch 180 remains non-conductive even when the battery voltage 2208 later recovers to the _second voltage threshold V2.

  In some configurations, the battery 50 operates in the first mode 2206 only when power needs to be sent to the load, for example, when an operator depresses a trigger switch to the power tool 55.

  FIG. 67 illustrates a second exemplary implementation of the semiconductor switch 180 during battery discharge usage. In this exemplary implementation, battery 50 operates in the same manner shown and described in FIG. 66 (ie, in first mode of operation 2206). In the second implementation, the battery 50 operates the second mode 2234 of operation following the first mode 2206 of operation.

As shown in FIG. 67, when the battery voltage 2208 reaches the first voltage threshold V ₁ at time 2230, the semiconductor switch 180 is driven to a non-conductive state and the battery voltage 2208 ends the shutdown time T _off. before, it does not recover the second voltage threshold V _2.

When the shutdown time T _off ends, the battery 50 enters the second mode of operation 2234. During the second mode of operation 2234, the microcontroller 140 (or circuit 130) controls the opening (ie, entering a non-conducting state) and closing (ie, entering a conducting state) of the semiconductor switch 180 at a predetermined frequency or duty cycle. can do. For example, the microcontroller 140 (or circuit 130) drives the semiconductor switch 180 to a non-conductive state for a predetermined time T _burst such as about 200 ms. When the predetermined time _{T burst} is completed, the microcontroller (or circuit 130) drives the semiconductor switch 180 to Mashirube conductive state of the setting time _{T on,} such as about 10 ms. In some configurations, the microcontroller 140 (or circuit 130) drives the semiconductor switch 180 to a conductive state with a duty cycle of about 10%.

As shown in FIG. 67, during the second mode 2234, the semiconductor switch 180 is in a non-conductive state for a predetermined time T _burst . When the predetermined time T _burst ends at time 2235, the microcontroller 140 (or circuit 130) drives the semiconductor switch 180 to a conductive state for a set time T _on ending at time 2240. During this time T _on, the battery voltage 2208 decreases (e.g., during the second mode 2234, so that shaking remains trigger switch is depressed by a user of the power tool, the load, the current drawn from the battery 50 (Assuming you are still demanding). Microcontroller 140 (or circuit 130) drives semiconductor switch 180 back to a non-conductive state at time 2240 until a predetermined time T _burst ends at time 2245. Since no current is supplied to the battery 50 during this time T _burst , the battery voltage 2208 can be restored.

Still referring to FIG. 67, the semiconductor switch 180, up to the point 2250 the set time _{T on} is completed, is driven to a conducting state at time 2245. During the set time _{T on,} the battery voltage 2208 is faced to the other decreases. Again, switch 180 is driven to a non-conductive state at time 2250 and battery voltage 2208 can be restored during this period. At time 2255, microcontroller 140 (or circuit 130) drives switch 180 back to a conductive state, and at time 2260, microcontroller 140 (or circuit 130) drives switch 180 to a non-conductive state. During a predetermined time T _burst , the battery voltage 2208 recovers to the _second voltage threshold V ₂ at time 2265. In some configurations, at time 2265, the battery 50 can again operate in the first mode 2206. Similarly, upon determination of the first mode 2206, the battery 50 can enter the second mode 2234 of operation again. In another configuration, if the battery voltage 2208 does not recover to the _second voltage threshold V ₂ , the battery 50 may remain at a predetermined time (eg, about 1 minute) or until the battery voltage 2208 is The operation can continue in the second mode 2234 until a _shutdown voltage threshold V _shutdown can be reached at which can perform a hard shutdown.

  When the battery 50 is used with a power tool 55, such as a driver drill 58, and the user depresses the trigger switch of the drill 58, the drill 58 is activated when the battery 50 operates in the second mode 2234 described above. Receives a slight boost in power. This can be more perceived by indicating to the user that the battery 50 is near the end of discharge or that the battery 50 is operating at a low temperature with large voltage fluctuations (generally due to large current drawn from the load). A signal can be generated.

In another configuration, the second mode 2234 can include other hysteresis aspects of operation with respect to the semiconductor switch 180. For example, rather than waiting for the battery voltage 2208 to recover to the _second voltage threshold V2 during the second mode of operation 2234, the microcontroller 140 (or circuit 130) causes the battery voltage 2208 to be when recovered to the third voltage threshold V ₃ which can be lower than the voltage threshold V _2, it is possible to drive the semiconductor switch 180 to the conducting state.

In a further configuration, the second mode 2234 of operation, except for the establishment of a longer shutdown time T _off, may contain a hysteresis manner of operation that is similar to a semiconductor switch 180 such as the first mode 2206. For example, during the second mode 2234 of operation, the battery voltage 2208 may still be a need to recover the second voltage threshold _{V 2} before the end of the shutdown time _{T off.} However, in the second mode 2234, the shutdown time T _off can be, for example, 200 ms rather than approximately 100 ms.

In yet a further configuration, the microcontroller 140 (or circuit 130) can drive the semiconductor switch 180 to a conductive state with a variable duty cycle when the battery 50 operates in the second mode 2234. For example, the microcontroller 140 (or circuit) may be through operation in the second mode 2234, gradually change the length of the setting time T _on so as to reduce or increase. The microcontroller 140 (or circuit 130) can also change the length of the predetermined time T _burst to gradually decrease or increase, for example through operation in the second mode 2234. The microcontroller 140 (or circuit 130) can further modify the length of both the set time T _on and the predetermined time T _burst to gradually decrease or increase through operation in the second mode 2234. .

  In these above variants of the second mode 2234, the battery 50 is operating in the second mode 2234, the battery 50 is near the end of discharge, or the battery 50 has a large voltage fluctuation (generally It can also generate a more perceptible signal that indicates to the user that it is operating at a low temperature (due to the large current drawn from the load).

  In some configurations, the microcontroller 140 (or circuit 130) can only enable the battery 50 when it detects that the battery 50 is connected to a load or electrical device (ie, discharging). The semiconductor switch 180 is driven to a conductive state so as to allow current to flow). In some configurations, this can provide protection against short circuit of the battery 50.

  For example, when the battery 50 is used to power the power tool 55, the microcontroller 140 may or may not be connected to the tool 55 before driving the semiconductor switch 180 to a conductive state. Determine whether. For example, a battery may be provided with a mechanical switch (not shown) installed on the housing 65 or in the terminal support 70 for detecting the presence of an electrical device such as the power tool 55 and the connection of the battery 50 to the electrical device. 50 can be included. The battery 50 can also include a sensor (not shown) installed in the battery 50 for detecting the presence of the electrical device and connection to the electrical device. For example, the sensor is connected to any one of a positive terminal 110, a negative terminal 115, a detection terminal 120, or other dedicated terminal for receiving or detecting a signal from an electric device such as the power tool 55. Can be done.

  In some configurations and some aspects, the circuit 130, such as the microprocessor 140, may include a variable response time to respond or react to the monitored battery characteristics. In some configurations, the variable response time can include multiple monitoring modes of circuit 130. That is, the circuit 130 (eg, the microprocessor 140) may be configured to detect and / or monitor battery characteristics such as, for example, cell charge status, battery charge status, and other similar battery characteristics. Can operate in any mode. For example, the microprocessor 140 can include a first mode having a first sampling rate (sampling rate) and a second mode having a second sampling rate. In some configurations, the first sampling rate can be set and can be different from the second sampling rate that can be set as well. In another configuration, the first sampling rate can depend on the first parameter and can vary depending on the first parameter. The first parameter can include, for example, one or more battery characteristics, a control signal from one or more electrical devices (eg, power tool 55 or charger 60), and the like. Similarly, the second sampling rate can also depend on the first parameter, or can depend on the second parameter (eg, similar to the first parameter), and can be It can change according to your needs. In another configuration, the microprocessor 140 can include additional sampling rates and additional modes, as discussed below.

  In some configurations, for example, the microprocessor 140 may operate in a first mode or a “slow” mode. In these configurations, the operation in the low speed mode can reduce the operation of the switch 180 due to the voltage drop by extending the response time. In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 can operate in a slow mode when the load on the battery 50 is not so high as to require a fast response time (eg, relatively low current draw). In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 may operate in a slow mode until the remaining current battery charge state falls below a predetermined threshold, eg, about 10% of the remaining charge state. Can work with.

  In an exemplary implementation, the microprocessor 140 may sample the cell voltage at a slow rate, such as once per second when operating in the slow mode. Since microprocessor 140 samples at a slower rate, microprocessor 140 will experience a slower response time. In some configurations, the slow mode may be appropriate for most monitoring conditions, reducing the quiescent current drawn by circuitry 130 (eg, microprocessor 140 and additional circuitry). Can do. In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 can operate in a slow mode as long as the cell voltage is above a predetermined threshold or “mode switch” threshold, such as 3.73V.

  In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 may operate in a second mode or a “fast” mode. In these configurations, the operation in the high-speed mode can speed up the response time in order to detect an abnormal state. In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 can operate in a high speed mode when one or more cell voltage values drop to a predetermined threshold or “mode switch” threshold, eg, 3.73V. In some configurations, when the remaining current battery charge state falls below a predetermined threshold, eg, about 10% of the remaining charge state, the microprocessor 140 may Can operate in mode.

  In an exemplary implementation, the microprocessor 140 samples the cell voltage at a high rate, such as 100 samples per second when operating in the high speed mode. In some configurations, the cell voltage sampled by the microprocessor 140 can be averaged over a certain number of samples before activation of the switch 180 occurs. In some configurations, for example, switch 180 may not be activated by microprocessor 140 unless the average of 30 samples is less than or equal to the cell reversal threshold. The averaging of the sample can have the effect of digital “filtering” of the voltage information read by the microprocessor 140, in order to ignore “inrush” current and / or voltage subsidence. 140 can be given considerable delay. Averaging the samples can also have the effect of filtering voltage information from electrical noise by an external speed control circuit. In some configurations, the number of samples averaged can vary depending on the operating mode of the microprocessor 140, the type of battery characteristics being monitored, and the like.

  In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 may operate in a fast mode if the cell voltage falls below a predetermined threshold, such as a cutoff threshold for a period of time, such as a few seconds. At times, the switch 180 may be actuated. In some configurations, the cutoff threshold may be greater than the cell inversion threshold. For example, the cutoff threshold can be about 2V and the cell inversion threshold can be about 1V. If the voltage drops below 1V, the response time can be faster (about 300 ms). A variable response time can reduce the total number of annoying shutdowns while still protecting the cell properly.

  In some configurations, the voltage threshold (cutoff threshold and cell inversion threshold) can be adjusted up or down by the microprocessor 140 depending on the battery temperature. This can allow optimization based on battery temperature characteristics.

  In a further exemplary implementation, the microprocessor 140 can change the response time by changing the number of samples averaged. For example, the microprocessor 140 can sample battery characteristics such as battery temperature. According to the first mode, the microprocessor 140 may have a “slow” response time by averaging battery temperature measurements over 50 samples. According to the second mode, the microprocessor 140 can have a “fast” response time by averaging battery temperature measurements over 30 samples. In some configurations, the measurements can be sampled at the same rate. In another configuration, the measurements can be sampled at different rates. For example, the first mode can sample measurements at a rate of about 1 sample per second, and the second mode samples measurements at a rate of about 10 samples per second. be able to.

  In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 can control and limit the current draw without the need for a current sensing device. This is because the microprocessor 140 can detect a high discharge current by monitoring the cell voltage. For example, when a high current load reduces the cell voltage to a low level, such as a cut-off threshold and / or a cell inversion threshold, the microprocessor 140 activates the switch 180 to disable the battery 50. be able to. The microprocessor 140 indirectly limits current draw by monitoring the cell voltage, and the battery 50 when the cell voltage drops to a certain level (eg, a cut-off threshold and / or a cell inversion threshold). Can be disabled.

  In some configurations and in some aspects, the circuit 130 (eg, in some configurations, the microprocessor 140) may be connected to a battery condition (eg, battery) to periodically reduce parasitic current drawn from the battery 50. Cell voltage / current charge state, battery cell temperature, battery pack voltage / current charge state, battery pack temperature, etc.) can be monitored. In these configurations, the microprocessor 140 can operate in a “sleep” mode for a first predetermined period of time (ie, a “sleep time period”). During sleep mode, the microprocessor 140 can draw a low quiescent current from the battery 50. After the period of inactivity has ended, the microprocessor 140 can “wake up”, or in other words, in active mode (in use mode) for a second predetermined period of time (ie, “activity period”). Can work. During the active mode, the microprocessor 140 can monitor one or more battery conditions.

  In some configurations, the inactivity period may be longer than the active time period. In some configurations, the ratio of the active period to the inactive period can be low so that the average parasitic current draw is low. In some configurations, the rate is adjusted (eg, increased) during a known battery operating period, such as when the microprocessor 140 detects a discharge current or charge current approximately equal to a predetermined threshold. Can) In some configurations, the inactivity period can be reduced and / or the activity period can be increased when the microprocessor 140 detects certain voltage and / or temperature characteristics.

  In some configurations and some aspects, the circuit 130 may include a voltage detection circuit 259. In some configurations, the voltage detection circuit 259 can include a plurality of resistors 260 that form resistor divider networks. As shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of resistors 260 can include resistors 260a-260d. The plurality of resistors 260 may be electrically connected to one or more battery cells 80a-80g and the plurality of transistors 265. In the illustrated configuration, the plurality of transistors 265 can include transistors 265a-265d or 265a-265f. In some configurations, the number of resistors included in the plurality of resistors 260 may be equal to the number of transistors included in the plurality of transistors 265.

  In some configurations, the voltage characteristics of battery 50 and / or battery cell 80 can be read by microprocessor 140 through a plurality of resistors 260 when microprocessor 140 is in active mode. In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 can initiate a voltage reading vent by turning off transistor 270 (ie, transistor 270 becomes non-conductive). When transistor 270 is non-conductive, transistors 265a-265d become conductive and voltage measurements for battery 50 and / or battery cell 80 can be made by microprocessor 140. Including a plurality of transistors 265 in the battery 50 can reduce parasitic current drawn from the battery 50 because the transistor 265 is periodically conductive.

  In some configurations and in some aspects, the microprocessor 140 may connect the battery to an electrical device, such as the power tool 55 and / or the charger 60, when the battery 50 and the electrical device are electrically connected. Communicate pack characteristics and / or status. In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 communicates digitally with the electrical device in a serial fashion. The sensing terminal 120 of the battery 50 comprises a serial communication link between the microprocessor 140 and the electrical device. Information about the battery 50 that can be communicated between the microprocessor 140 and the electrical device includes: battery pack chemistry, battery pack nominal voltage, battery pack temperature, battery pack current charge state, battery cell nominal voltage, Including, but not limited to, battery cell temperature, battery cell current state of charge, calibration techniques / information, charge instructions, number of charge cycles, estimated remaining life prediction, discharge information, and the like.

  In some configurations, an electrical device, such as charger 60, can calibrate microprocessor 140 when an electrical connection is established. In some configurations, the measurement circuit included in charger 60 is more accurate than the circuit included in battery 50. Accordingly, the charger 60 calibrates the circuit 140 included in the microprocessor 140 and / or battery 50 to improve battery measurements made by the microprocessor 140 and / or by the circuit 130.

  In some configurations, the circuit 130 may also include a voltage regulator (voltage regulator, voltage stabilizer) 273. The voltage regulator 273 provides the appropriate voltage to the microprocessor 140, fuel gauge 155 LEDs (light emitting diodes) 170a-170d, and any other additional electrical components that require a constant voltage input. Can do. In the illustrated configuration, the voltage regulator 273 can output approximately 5V.

  In some configurations and in some aspects, the battery 50 can include a heat sink 275. The heat sink 275 can be in thermal communication with the power FET or switch 180. The heat sink 275 can help to remove the heat generated by the switch 180 away from the switch 180.

  In some configurations and in some aspects, the battery 50 may include a heat pipe (not shown) or a fan (not shown) to increase the amount of heat that is carried away from the heat sink 275. Such a heat pipe can be in heat transfer with the heat sink 275 to remove the heat collected by the heat sink 275. Such a fan or blower can be in a position that produces a flow of cooling air that passes over the heat sink 275. Ventilation holes (not shown) are disposed in the housing 65 of the battery pack 50 to allow cooling air to enter the battery pack 50 and to allow heated air to leave the battery pack 50. Can. In some configurations, the heat pipe and / or fan collects and / or removes heat generated by the battery cells 80a-80e in addition to or in place of the heat generated by the heat sink 275. Can be arranged to

  In some configurations and in some aspects, battery 50 may also include phase change material 300 (see FIG. 17). In such a configuration, the phase change material 300 can be arranged to absorb and / or remove heat generated by the battery cells 80a-80g and the conductive link 100 (see FIG. 7). Phase change material 300 undergoes a phase change (eg, from solid to liquid, from liquid to gas, from liquid to solid, from gas to liquid, etc.) at the phase change temperature, so that a large amount of energy is absorbed or released. (Ie, latent heat of dissolution, latent heat of vaporization, etc.) During such phase conversion, the phase change material 300 can have a relatively constant temperature.

  In an exemplary implementation, the temperature of the battery cell 80 may increase when a load is applied to the battery cell 80. In some configurations, phase change material 300 may surround each battery cell 80, as shown in FIG. In such a configuration, the heat generated by the battery cell 80 can be transferred first to the outer surface 305 of the battery cell 80 and then to the surrounding phase change material 300. As phase change material 300 continues to absorb heat from battery cell 80 and conductive link 100, the temperature of phase change material 300 will increase. When the temperature of the phase change material 300 reaches the phase change temperature, the phase change material 300 begins to undergo phase conversion from the first phase to the second phase, during which time the temperature of the phase change material 300 is compared. Remain constant and approximately equal to the phase change temperature. In some configurations, the phase change material 300 is converted to the second phase completely and / or the load is removed from the battery cell 80 (ie, the battery cell 80 is It is possible to continue to undergo phase transformation until no more heat is generated.

  In some configurations and in some embodiments, the phase change material 300 can have a phase change temperature that is higher than the expected ambient temperature and lower than the maximum allowable battery cell temperature. In some configurations and in some embodiments, the phase change material 300 can have a phase change temperature of −34 ° C. to 116 ° C. In some configurations and in some embodiments, the phase change material 300 can have a phase change temperature of 40 ° C. to 80 ° C. In some configurations and in some embodiments, the phase change material 300 can have a phase change temperature of 50 ° C. to 65 ° C.

  Phase change material 300 can be any suitable phase change material, can have a high latent heat per unit mass, can be heat cycled, inert, non-corrosive and non-contaminating. Paraffin waxes (such as those available from Rubytherm® headquartered in Hamburg, Germany), eutectic mixtures of salts (such as those available from Climator based in Skovde, Sweden), Halogenated carbohydrates and mixtures thereof, hydroxide salts solutions, polyethylene glycol, stearic acid, and combinations thereof can be included.

  Alternative configurations of battery 50A are illustrated in FIGS. Common elements have the same reference “A”.

  In the illustrated configuration, battery 50A may further include a heat sink 275A to exert heat from battery cell 80A over a larger area of phase change material 300A. The heat sink 275A can also be employed to provide additional live heat capacity to absorb and / or remove heat generated by the battery cell 80A.

  In an exemplary configuration, the heat sink 275A may include each battery cell 80a-80e and one component (not shown) that encloses all the battery cells 80a-80e. In another configuration, the heat sink 275A can include a plurality of pieces so that each battery cell 80A is sufficiently wrapped by the heat sink 275A as shown in FIGS. In still another configuration as shown in FIG. 21, the heat dissipation plate 275A includes an inner cylinder portion 320 adjacent to the outer surface 305A of the battery cell 80A and an outer cylinder portion 325 disposed at a certain radial distance from the inner cylinder portion 320. And radial ribs 330 connecting the inner cylinder portion 320 and the outer cylinder portion 325 and defining a space 335 therebetween and spaced apart from each other by a circumferential distance. The space 335 may be filled with the phase change material 300A. A configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 21 can also be used to enclose a plurality of battery cells (not shown). In another configuration, the heat radiating plate 275 </ b> A includes the radial ribs 330 as described above without using either the inner cylinder part 320 and the outer cylinder part 325 or both the inner cylinder part 320 and the outer cylinder part 325. Can be provided.

  In another alternative configuration as shown in FIG. 22, the heat sink 275B may include an inner cylinder portion 320B and a radial rib 330B as described above, and the phase change material 300B may include the battery cell 80B and the heat sink. Can be offset from 275B. It should be understood that other heat sinks and phase change materials are possible. The heat sink 275 can be formed of a metal (eg, aluminum), a polymer (eg, nylon), and / or any other material having high thermal conductivity and specific heat.

  In some configurations and in some aspects, the battery 50 may include a cushion member or “bumper” 340. As shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the inner surface 345 of the battery housing 65 can include one or more cushion members 340. In some configurations, the cushion member 340 can be integral with the housing 65. In another configuration, the cushion member 340 can be attached to or secured to the inner surface 345 of the housing 65. In a further configuration, the cushion member 340 can be connected to one or more battery cells 80 or an end cap 350 (partially shown in FIG. 16) that surrounds one of the ends of the battery cells 80. In another configuration, the cushion member 345 can protect the battery cell 80 during an impact by absorbing energy during the impact and limiting the amount of energy transmitted to the cell 80. The cushion member 345 can include any thermoplastic rubber, such as, for example, polypropylene RPT100FRHI (eg, flame retardant-high impact).

  As illustrated in FIGS. 21A-21C, 22, and 23, the battery 50 can be configured to be connected to an electrical device such as a power tool 55. The power tool 55 includes a housing 400. The housing can include a connecting portion 405 to which the battery 50 can be connected. The coupling portion 405 can include one or more electrical device terminals (shown schematically in FIG. 22) that electrically connect the battery 50 to the power tool 55. Terminals included in power tool 55 are configured to engage terminals 110, 115, and / or 120 included in battery 50 and receive power and / or information from battery 50.

  In some configurations, such as those schematically illustrated in FIGS. 21A-21C, the power tool 55 communicates with the battery 50, receives information from the battery 50, controls the operation of the power tool 55, and / or Alternatively, a circuit 420 for controlling the discharging process of the battery 50 can be included. In some configurations, the circuit 420 may or may not include a microcontroller. In the illustrated configuration, the electric power tool 55 is connected to the positive terminal 430 for connecting to the positive terminal 110 of the battery 50, the negative terminal 435 for connecting to the negative terminal 115 of the battery 50, and the detection terminal 120 of the battery 50. And a detection terminal 440 for connection. Microprocessor 420 can be electrically connected to each terminal 430, 435, and 440.

  The circuit 420 can communicate with the battery 50 or receive information from the battery 50 via the sensing terminal 440 regardless of whether the battery 50 includes or does not include a microprocessor, such as the microprocessor 140. In configurations where battery 50 includes a microprocessor, such as microprocessor 140, two-way communication can occur across sensing terminals 120 and 440. Microprocessor 140 and circuit 420 can exchange information such as battery characteristics, power tool usage time, and power tool requirements (eg, current and / or voltage rating) with each other.

  In a configuration where the battery 50 does not include a microprocessor, the circuit 420 determines battery characteristics and / or battery operating information such as, for example, battery chemistry, nominal voltage, current battery charge state, cell voltage, temperature. In order to do this, one or more elements or components in the battery 50 are periodically measured or detected. The circuit 420 can control the operation of the power tool 55 based on these and other battery characteristics and operation information.

  For example, in some configurations, the circuit 420 may include a processor that is programmed to detect battery temperature and disable the power tool 55 if the battery temperature is above a threshold temperature. In this example, the microprocessor 420 periodically detects the resistance value of the thermistor 150 disposed in the battery 50 and during tool operation (eg, when the motor 450 in the power tool 55 is operating). ) To determine the temperature of the battery pack 50. Microprocessor 420 then determines whether the temperature of battery 50 is within the proper operating range. This can be accomplished by storing one or more temperature ranges within the microprocessor 420, which allows the processor 420 to compare the detected battery 50 temperature with one or more temperature ranges. enable. If the temperature of the battery 50 is not in the proper operating range, the microprocessor 420 interrupts current flow from the battery 50 and / or shuts down the motor 450. In some configurations, the microprocessor 420 disables the motor 450 and / or continues to interrupt current flow from the battery 50 until the temperature of the battery 50 is in the proper operating range. In some configurations where the microprocessor 420 determines that the temperature of the battery 50 is not in the proper operating range, the microprocessor 420 will detect until the microprocessor 420 detects a low discharge current supplied to the motor 450 by the battery 50. The motor 450 is not invalidated. In some configurations, the microprocessor 420 re-enables the motor 450 (ie, the power tool 55 becomes operational) when it detects that the battery 50 has been removed from the power tool 55.

  In some configurations and in some aspects, the power tool 55 can also include a fan or blower 470 for sending cooling air through the tool 55 and the battery pack 50, as shown in FIG. 21B. If included in battery 50, battery cell 80a, heat sink 275, heat pipe (not shown), and / or power FET or switch 180 can be cooled by allowing air to pass through. In such a configuration, the battery 50 and the power tool 55 include one or more vent holes that allow for the intake of cooling air and allows the heated air to be discharged outside. The power tool 55 includes one or more inlet vent holes 475 disposed substantially at the top of the power tool housing 400 in the illustrated configuration. The electric tool 55 includes one or more outlet ventilation holes 480 disposed substantially at the bottom of the connecting portion 405 of the electric tool 55. The outlet ventilation hole 480 included in the electric power tool 55 may be arranged so that the inlet ventilation hole (not shown) of the battery 50 is substantially directly below the outlet ventilation hole 480. In the illustrated configuration, the motor 485 included in the electric power tool 55 supplies power to the fan 470. In the illustrated configuration, the microprocessor 490 included in the power tool 55 controls the operation of the fan 470. Microprocessor 490 can activate fan 470 during a predetermined time interval and / or if a high battery temperature is detected.

  In some configurations and in some aspects, for example, the power tool 55 can include a circuit 420 that enables operation of the power tool 55. For example, as shown in FIGS. 21C and 68, the electric tool 55 can include a circuit 420, and the circuit 420 is connected to the battery 50 via the detection terminal 120 of the battery 50 and the detection terminal 440 of the electric tool 55. A signal is generated to the microcontroller 140. When microcontroller 140 receives or detects the signal, microcontroller 140 can activate switch 180 (ie, drive switch 180 to a conductive state) and battery 50 is electrically powered. It is possible to supply power to the tool 55.

  In some configurations, the circuit 420 included in the power tool 55 may include a simple passive circuit having one or more electrical components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, for example. In another configuration, the circuit 420 may include a microcontroller (not shown) powered by a small battery (not shown) included in the tool 55 or powered by a signal from the microcontroller 140 of the battery 50. Can be done. In further configurations, the circuit 420 can include other suitable components for generating signals.

  In yet another configuration, the circuit 420 may include a memory accessed by the microcontroller 140 via the battery sensing terminal 120 and the power tool 55 sensing terminal 440. When accessed by the microcontroller 140, the memory can provide the necessary signals that indicate the connection established between the tool 55 and the battery 50. In some configurations, the memory may also include additional information to assist in the operation of the battery 50 and the power tool 55. For example, the memory may include tool characteristics such as, for example, the type of tool 55, previous tool usage information (eg, average working time, average current draw, etc.), voltage, current, and / or power rating (output rating) of the tool 55. Can be included. The memory may be, for example, voltage conversion information (eg, tool 55 requires 12V and battery 50 typically supplies 18V), different rates for microcontroller 140 for sampling battery characteristics, different thresholds for discharge operation. Other information supplied to the battery microcontroller 140 can also be included.

  In yet another configuration, the battery 50 can only be enabled when the electrical device is activated. For example, as shown in FIG. 68, the battery 50 can detect the operation of the trigger switch 430 of the electric tool 55. In this configuration, the electric tool 55 includes a trigger switch 430 that operates the electric tool 55. The trigger switch 430 is connected to the motor 438 and the positive terminal 432 of the tool 55. Tool 55 also includes an auxiliary switch or contact 435 for actuating trigger switch 430. As shown in FIG. 68, the auxiliary contact 425 is connected to an information terminal such as a detection terminal 440 of the tool 55 and a negative terminal 434 of the tool 55.

  In operation when the user depresses the trigger switch 430 (the switch 430 and the circuit from the battery 50 to the tool 55 are completely closed as is conventional), the auxiliary contact 425 on the tool 55 is also closed. The microcontroller 140 in the battery 50 detects the closing of the auxiliary switch 425 via the detection terminal 120 or other information terminal. The microcontroller 140 drives the semiconductor switch 180 to a conductive state in order to supply power to the tool 55.

  In this configuration, the microcontroller 140 can detect the presence of the communication line 440 between the battery 40 and the tool 55 and can distinguish between a shorted connection and an open connection. The battery 50 may also include a communication line interface 445 to provide switch debounce, dirty contact detection, vibration proofness, minimum on and off times, and the like.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 21C, the circuit 130 included in the battery 50 can communicate the charge state information to the microcontroller 420 included in the power tool 55. In this configuration, the circuit 420 included in the electric tool 55 can display the battery charge state information on the fuel gauge 155a included on the tool 55 housing or in the tool 55 housing. In this configuration, fuel gauge 155a can be similar to fuel gauge 155 included in battery 50 and can operate in a similar manner (eg, automatic display mode, manual display mode, etc.). In some configurations, the fuel gauge 155a can include a push button 160 and can include more or fewer LEDs (eg, LEDs 170a-170d) than those shown and described.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the circuit 130 included in the battery 50 can also be used to control the operation of an electrical device such as the power tool 55. In the configuration shown, the power tool 55 includes a motor 450, a trigger switch 491 activated by a user, a speed control circuit 492, an electric clutch 493, and a brake 494. The tool 55 includes a positive terminal 900 connected to the positive terminal 105 of the battery 50, a negative terminal 901 connected to the negative terminal 115 of the battery 50, and two connected to the two detection terminals 120a and 120b of the battery 50, respectively. Two sensing terminals 902a and 902b are also included. In another configuration, power tool 55 and battery 50 may include more or fewer terminals than shown and described.

  In this configuration, the circuit 130 can provide tool speed control as well as monitor battery pack parameters or characteristics. The power MOSFET or switch 180 can control the switching function of the speed control circuit of the tool 55. In this configuration, the power MOSFET used for the speed control circuit 492 can be included in the battery 50 rather than the power tool 55.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the battery 50 is also configured to be connected to an electrical device such as a charger 60. The charger 60 includes a housing 500. The housing 500 provides a connecting part 505 connected to the battery 50. The connecting portion 505 includes one or more electrical device terminals (not shown) for electrically connecting the battery 50 to the charger 60. Terminals included in charger 60 are configured to mate with terminals included in battery 50 and to communicate and accept power and information from battery 50.

  In some configurations and some aspects, the charger 60 also includes a microprocessor or microcontroller 510. Microcontroller 510 controls the transfer of power between battery 50 and charger 60. In some configurations, the microcontroller 510 controls the transmission of information between the battery 50 and the charger 60. In some configurations, the microcontroller 510 identifies and / or determines one or more characteristics or states of the battery 50 based on signals received from the battery 50. In addition, the microcontroller 510 can control the operation of the charger 60 based on the identified characteristics of the battery 50.

  In some configurations and some aspects, the charger 60 is based on the charging scheme or charging method of the battery 50 with respect to the temperature of the battery 50. In one configuration, the charger 60 supplies a charging current to the battery 50 while periodically detecting and monitoring the temperature of the battery 50. If battery 50 does not include a microprocessor, charger 60 periodically measures the resistance of a thermistor such as thermistor 150 after a predetermined period of time. If battery 50 includes a microprocessor, such as microprocessor 140, charger 60 may: 1) determine battery temperature and / or determine if battery temperature is outside proper operating range. In order to do so, it periodically queries the microprocessor 140 or 2) waits to receive a signal from the microprocessor 140 indicating that the battery temperature is not in the proper operating range.

  In some configurations, the charger 60 interrupts the incoming current when the battery temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold or is not within the proper operating range. Charger 60 continues to periodically detect or monitor the temperature of the battery, or waits to receive a signal from microprocessor 140 indicating that the battery temperature is within the proper operating range. . When the battery temperature is within the proper operating range, the charger 60 can resume the charging current supplied to the battery 50. The charger 60 continues to monitor the battery temperature, and continues to interrupt and resume the charging current based on the detected battery temperature. In some configurations, the charger 60 terminates charging after a predetermined period or when the current battery charge state reaches a predetermined threshold.

  In some configurations and some aspects, electrical devices such as battery 50 and / or power tool 55 and charger 60 may detect unbalanced battery cells within battery 50. In some configurations, rather than individually monitoring each battery cell 80a-80e, a microprocessor such as, for example, microprocessors 140, 420, 490, and / or 510 (monitoring microprocessor) may be Only the group is monitored and the voltage ratio of the two cell groups is used to determine cell imbalance.

  For example, a part of the battery 600 is shown in FIG. In some configurations, battery 600 is similar to battery 50 and includes a microprocessor 140. In another configuration, battery 600 does not include a microprocessor. In the illustrated configuration, the battery 600 includes five battery cells 605a, 605b, 605c, 605d, and 605e, each having substantially the same nominal voltage, eg, about 4V.

  Battery cells 605a-605e are configured in two groups 610 and 615. Group 610 includes battery cells 605a and 605b, and group 615 includes battery cells 605c, 605d, and 605e.

Battery 600 also includes leads or taps 620 provides a voltage _{V 615} across the group 615 (i.e., the battery cell 605c, 605d, and the overall voltage 605e). When battery cells 605a-605e are almost fully charged, the voltage V _{615 of} group 615 is equal to approximately 12V. The voltage V _T is a voltage across all of the battery cells 605a-605e. When battery cells 605a-605e are almost fully charged, the voltage V _T is equal to about 20V.

The monitoring microprocessor is programmed to monitor the voltages V ₆₁₅ and V _T. In some configurations, the monitoring microprocessor monitors the voltages V ₆₁₅ and V _T continuously or periodically and calculates the ratio R of the measured voltages V ₆₁₅ and V _T. The ratio R is given by the formula R = V ₆₁₅ / V _T
Is judged by.

  When cells 605a-605e are substantially balanced, the ratio R is approximately equal to 0.6. If one or more cells of the first group 610 become unbalanced during charging or discharging (ie, have a lower current charge state or cell voltage than other cells), the ratio R is 0. Higher than .6. If one or more cells of the second group 615 become unbalanced during charging or discharging, the ratio R will be lower than 0.6. Two cells, one cell in the first group 610 and one cell in the second group 615 (eg, cell 605a and cell 605e) become unbalanced during charging or discharging If so, the ratio R will be higher than 0.6. In other words, when an unbalanced cell occurs, the ratio R deviates from an equilibrium ratio of 0.6 to plus or minus. When the monitoring microprocessor detects a cell imbalance, i.e., calculates a ratio R that is substantially higher or lower than an equilibrium ratio of 0.6, the operation of the battery 600 (i.e. charging and / or discharging) is interrupted. Or changed. In some configurations and some aspects, the operation of the battery 600 is interrupted or altered when the ratio R is not within the range of about 0.55 to about 0.65.

  FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 are graphs showing an approximate example when a non-equilibrium occurs in the battery 600 and how the ratio R deviates from that equilibrium ratio during this occurrence. In this example, each cell 605a-605e has a nominal voltage of about 4V and the unbalance ratio of the ratio R is about 0.6 or 60%.

  In the illustrated configuration, axis 700 indicates time in seconds, axis 705 indicates voltage in volts, and axis 710 indicates ratio or percentage in volts / volt. Line 715a shows the voltage of cell 605a over time, line 715b shows the voltage of cell 605b over time, and line 715c shows the voltage of cell 605c over time. Line 715d shows the voltage of cell 605d over time, line 715e shows the voltage of cell 605e over time, and line 720 shows the ratio R over time.

  In the example shown, an imbalance (shown in the graph at 725) occurs in approximately 86 seconds. Non-equilibrium 725 is caused by cells 615e included in group 615. At this time (t = 86 s), the ratio 720 begins to decrease or deviate from an equilibrium ratio of 0.6 (ie 60%). Since the ratio 720 decreases, it can be determined that there are unbalanced cells in the group 615. When the ratio R approaches 55.0% in approximately 91 seconds (shown in FIG. 28 at 730), the voltage of the cell 605e is approximately 1V. In some configurations, the supervisory microprocessor detects that the ratio R has dropped to about 55.0% and terminates the operation of the battery 600 to avoid further discharging of the cell 605e.

  In some configurations, the monitoring microprocessor monitors the voltage of each battery cell instead of using a ratio-based monitoring method such as microprocessor 140, for example. As described above, the battery 50 includes a plurality of resistors 260 for providing voltage measurements of the battery cell 80. The plurality of resistors 260 are configured to allow the microprocessor 140 to measure the voltage of each battery cell 80a-80g substantially simultaneously. In some configurations, the microprocessor 140 detects an unbalance in the battery 50 when one or more cells 80 reach approximately 1V.

  In some configurations and some aspects, the battery 50 or 600 can rebalance the cells 80a-80g or 605a-605e when an unbalance is detected. In some configurations, the supervisory microprocessor disables the battery 50 or 600 (eg, interrupts battery operation, prevents battery operation, etc.) when the balance ratio R is no longer within an acceptable range. ). After the battery 50 or 600 is disabled, the supervisory microprocessor determines whether the cell 80a-80e or 605a-605e is unbalanced (low voltage cell).

  In some configurations, the supervisory microprocessor activates or turns on respective transistors, such as transistors 265a-265f, which are not in a low current charge state (ie, higher current than a low voltage cell). The cells 80a-80g or 605a-605e are electrically connected. The supervisory microprocessor initiates a controlled discharge of the highly charged cells 80a-80g or 605a-605e. For example, the supervisory microprocessor controls the small discharge current that flows from the balanced cells 80a-80e or 605a-605e through the respective transistors. The monitoring microprocessor continues to measure the voltage of cells 80a-80g or 605a-605e through a controlled discharge process. The supervisory microprocessor ends the controlled discharge process when the current charge state of the higher charge state of cells 80a-80g or 605a-605e has decreased approximately equally to the previous lower voltage cell.

  In some configurations, the supervisory microprocessor uses a controlled discharge process to power indicators such as all blinking LEDs 170a-170d on the fuel gauge 155, for example. In this configuration, for example, the blinking LEDs 170a-170d indicate that the battery 50 or 600 has been disabled and / or is currently in the process of rebalancing the cells 80a-80g or 605a-605e. Shown in

  A further schematic diagram of the battery 50 is schematically illustrated in FIG. In some configurations, the circuit 130 includes electrical components, such as an identification resistor 750, and the identification resistor 750 can have a configured resistor. In another configuration, the electrical component is a capacitor, inductor, transistor, semiconductor element, electronic circuit, or other component having a resistance value or capable of sending an electronic signal such as a microprocessor, digital logic component, etc. Can be. In the illustrated configuration, the resistance value of the identification resistor 750 can be selected based on the characteristics of the battery 50, such as the nominal voltage and chemical characteristics of the battery cell 80. The detection terminal 120 can be electrically connected to the identification resistor 750.

  The battery 50 schematically illustrated in FIG. 28 can be electrically connected to an electrical device such as a charger 820 (also schematically illustrated) for receiving or transferring power. The charger 820 can include a positive terminal 825, a negative terminal 828, and a detection terminal 830. Each terminal 820, 828, 830 of charger 820 can be electrically connected to a corresponding terminal 110, 115, 120 (respectively) of battery 50. The charger 820 also includes a circuit having electrical components such as a first resistor 835, a second resistor 840, a solid state electrical circuit or semiconductor 855, a comparator 860, and a processor or microcontroller (not shown), for example. be able to. In some configurations, the semiconductor 855 can include a transistor that can operate in a saturated or “on” state and that can operate in a cut-off or “off” state. In some configurations, the comparator 860 can be a dedicated voltage monitoring device, a microprocessor, or a processing unit. In another configuration, the comparator 860 can be included in a microcontroller (not shown).

  In some configurations, a microcontroller (not shown) can be programmed to identify electrical component resistance values in the battery 50, such as the identification resistor 750. The microcontroller can also be programmed to determine one or more characteristics of the battery 50, such as battery chemistry and nominal voltage of the battery 50, for example. As described above, the resistance value of the identification resistor 750 can correspond to a dedicated value associated with one or more certain battery characteristics. For example, the resistance value of the identification resistor 750 can be included in a range of resistance values corresponding to the chemistry and nominal voltage of the battery 50.

  In some configurations, the microcontroller can be programmed to recognize a range of resistance values for the identification resistor 750. In these configurations, each range corresponds to one battery chemistry such as NiCd, NiMH, Li ions, for example. In some configurations, the microcontroller can recognize additional resistance value ranges, each corresponding to other battery chemistry or other battery characteristics.

  In some configurations, the microcontroller can be programmed to recognize multiple voltage ranges. The voltage included in the voltage range is based on the resistance value of the identification resistor 750 or the resistance of the identification resistor 750 so that the microcontroller can determine the value of the resistor 750 based on the measured voltage. It can correspond to the resistance value.

  In some configurations, the resistance value of the identification resistor 750 can be further selected to be specific to each possible nominal voltage value of the battery 50. For example, in a range of resistance values, the first dedicated resistance value can correspond to a nominal voltage of 21V, and the second dedicated resistance value can correspond to a nominal voltage of 16.8V. The third dedicated resistance value may correspond to a nominal voltage of 12.6V. In some configurations, there may be more or fewer dedicated resistance values, each corresponding to the possible nominal voltage of battery 50 associated with the resistance value range.

In the exemplary implementation, battery 50 electrically connects charger 820. To identify the first battery characteristic, the semiconductor 855 switches to an “on” state under the control of additional circuitry (not shown). When semiconductor 855 is in the “on” state, identification resistor 750 and resistors 835 and 840 create a voltage divider network. The network establishes voltage _VA at a first reference point 875. If the resistance value of resistor 840 is much lower than the resistance value of resistor 835, voltage _VA will depend on the resistance values of identification resistor 750 and resistor 840. In this implementation, the voltage V _A is in a range determined by the resistance value of the identification resistor 750. A microcontroller (not shown) measures voltage _VA at first reference point 875 and determines the resistance value of identification resistor 750 based on voltage _VA . In this implementation, the microcontroller compares voltage _VA against multiple voltage ranges to determine battery characteristics.

  In some configurations, the identified first battery characteristics can include battery chemistry. For example, any resistance value lower than 150 k ohms can indicate that the battery 50 has a NiCd or NiMH chemistry, and any resistance value greater than about 150 k ohms can cause the battery 50 to be Li or Li. It can be shown that it has an ionic chemical. Once the microcontroller determines and identifies the chemistry of battery 50, an appropriate charging algorithm or method can be selected. In another configuration, there are more resistance value ranges, each corresponding to other battery chemistries different from the above example.

Following the exemplary implementation, the semiconductor 855 switches to an “off” state under the control of additional circuitry to identify a second battery characteristic. When semiconductor 855 switches to the “off” state, identification resistor 750 and resistor 835 form a voltage divider network. The voltage V _A at the first reference point 875 is determined by the resistance values of the identification resistor 750 and the resistor 835. The resistance value of the identification resistor 750 is such that the voltage V _A at the first reference point 875 is equal to the third voltage when the voltage V _BATT at the second reference point 880 is substantially equal to the nominal voltage of the battery 50. It is selected to be substantially equal to the voltage V _REF at reference point 885. If the voltage V _A at the first reference point 875 exceeds the voltage V _REF at the third reference point 885, the output V _{OUT of the} comparator 860 changes state. In some configurations, the output _VOUT is used to terminate charging or act as an indicator to initiate additional functions such as maintenance routines, equalization routines, discharge functions, additional charging schemes. Can. In some configurations, the voltage V _REF can be a fixed reference voltage.

  In some configurations, the identified second battery characteristic can include the nominal voltage of the battery 50. For example, the general formula for calculating the resistance value of the identification resistor 750 is:

Where R ₁₀₀ is the resistance value of the identification resistor 750, R ₁₃₅ is the resistance value of the resistor 835, V _BATT is the nominal voltage of the battery 50, and V _REF is For example, the fixed voltage is 2.5V. For example, in the range of resistance values for Li ion chemicals (shown above), a resistance value of about 150 k ohms for the identification resistor 750 can correspond to a nominal voltage of about 21 V and a resistance of about 194 k ohms. The value can correspond to a nominal voltage of about 16.8V, and a resistance value of about 274.7 kOhm can correspond to a nominal voltage of about 12.6V. In another configuration, more or less dedicated resistance values can correspond to additional or different battery pack nominal voltage values.

In the illustrated configuration, both the identification resistor 750 and the third reference point 885 can be placed on the “high” side of the current sensing resistor 890. This placement of the identification resistor 750 and the third reference point 885 can reduce any relative voltage variation between _VA and _VREF when charging current is present. it can. A voltage variation may appear at voltage _VA if the identification resistor 750 and the third reference point 885 are referenced to ground 895 and a charging current is applied to the battery 50.

In some configurations, the charger 820 may also include a charge control function. As described above, when the voltage V _A is substantially equal to the voltage V _REF (indicating a voltage V _BATT equal to the nominal voltage of the battery 50), the output V _{OUT of the} comparator 860 changes state. In some configurations, the charging current is no longer supplied to the battery 50 when the output _{VOUT of the} comparator 860 changes state. When the charging current is interrupted, the battery voltage V _BATT begins to decrease. When the voltage V _BATT reaches the low threshold, the output _{VOUT of the} comparator 860 changes state again. In some configurations, the low threshold of voltage V _BATT is determined by the resistance value of hysteresis resistor 898. The charging current is reestablished when the output _{VOUT of the} comparator 860 changes state again. In some configurations, this cycle repeats for a predetermined time as determined by the microcontroller, or for some state quantity made to the comparator 860. In some configurations, this cycle repeats until the battery 50 is removed from the charger 820.

  In some configurations and in some aspects, the circuit 130 of the battery 50 may also include one or more battery characteristics. In some configurations, the battery characteristics include, for example, nominal voltage and battery 50 temperature. The circuit 130 includes an electronic identification component or identification resistor 910, a temperature sensing device or thermistor 914, a first current limiter or protection diode 918, a second current limiter or protection diode 922, and a capacitor 926. The identification resistor 910 has a set resistance value corresponding to one or more battery characteristics. In some configurations, the resistance value of identification resistor 910 corresponds to the nominal voltage of battery 50 or battery cell 80. In some configurations, the resistance value corresponds to the chemistry of the battery 50. In some configurations, the resistance value corresponds to more than one battery characteristic or to different battery characteristics. The resistance value of the thermistor 914 indicates the temperature of the battery cell 80 and changes when the temperature of the battery cell 80 changes. The detection terminal 930 is electrically connected to the circuit 130.

  A battery 50 schematically illustrated in FIG. 29 electrically connects an electrical device such as a charger 942 (also schematically illustrated). The charger 942 includes a positive terminal 946, a negative terminal 950, and a detection terminal 954. In a manner similar to the battery 50 and charger 820 illustrated in FIG. 28, the positive terminal 934, negative terminal 938, and detection terminal 930 of the battery 50 are the positive terminal 946, negative terminal 950, and detection of the charger 942, respectively. Electrical connection is made to the terminal 954. The charger 942 also includes a controller, a processor, a control circuit such as a microcontroller or controller 958, and electrical components or resistors 962.

The operation of battery 50 and charger 942 will be discussed with reference to FIG. 29 and FIGS. 30A-30B. In some configurations, when the battery 50 is in electrical connection with the charger 942 and the capacitor 926 is initially discharged, the controller 958 at the first reference point 964 brings the voltage _VA to approximately the first threshold. Increase. In some configurations, the first threshold is about 5V. As shown in FIG. 30A, the controller 958 increases the voltage V _A to the first threshold at approximately time T ₁ .

When the first threshold is applied at the first reference point 946, a first current path is established within the battery 50 and the charger 942. The first current path includes a resistor 962, a capacitor 926, a first diode 918, and an identification resistor 910. When the voltage _VA rises to approximately the first threshold, the controller 958 measures the voltage _VOUT at the second reference point 966. At the second reference point 966, the voltage _VOUT rises rapidly to a voltage determined by a voltage divider network comprised of a forward voltage drop across the identification resistor 910, resistor 962, and diode 918. In some configurations, the voltage V _OUT ranges from approximately 0V to slightly lower than the voltage _VA . As shown in FIG. 30B, the increase in voltage _VOUT occurs at approximately time T ₂ and controller 958 measures voltage _VOUT at approximately time T ₂ or slightly after time T ₂ . In some configurations, time T ₂ is approximately equal to time T ₁ . In some configurations, time T ₂ occurs approximately immediately after time T ₁ . Time T ₂ are, can be a later based on tolerances in measurement.

In some configurations, the voltage _VOUT measured by the controller 958 corresponds to the resistance value for the identification resistor 910. The resistance value corresponds to the nominal voltage of the battery 50. In some configurations, when the resistance value of the identification resistor 910 decreases, the voltage _VOUT also decreases.

In the illustrated configuration, voltage V _OUT eventually rises to approximately voltage V _A when capacitor 926 is fully charged. After capacitor 926 is fully charged, controller 958 reduces voltage _VA to a second threshold at first reference point 964. In some configurations, the second threshold is approximately 0V. As shown in FIG. 30A, the controller 958 reduces the voltage V _A to the second threshold at approximately time T ₃ .

When the second threshold is applied at the first reference point 964, a second current path is established in the battery 50 and the charger 942. The second current path includes resistor 962, capacitor 926, second diode 922, and thermistor 914. When voltage V _A drops to approximately the second threshold, controller 958 measures voltage V _OUT at a second reference point 966. At the second reference point 966, the voltage V _OUT quickly drops to a voltage determined by a voltage divider network comprised of a forward voltage drop across the thermistor 914, resistor 962, and diode 922. In some configurations, the voltage V _OUT ranges from approximately 0V to slightly lower than the voltage _VA . As shown in FIG. 30B, the drop in voltage _VOUT occurs at approximately time T ₄ and controller 958 measures voltage _VOUT at approximately time T ₄ or slightly after time T ₄ . In some configurations, time T ₄ is approximately equal to time T ₃ . In some configurations, time T ₄ occurs approximately immediately after time T ₃ . Time T ₄ may be later based on tolerances in measurement.

In one configuration, voltage _VOUT measured by controller 958 at time T ₄ corresponds to a resistance value for the thermistor 914. The resistance value corresponds to the temperature of the battery 50. In some configurations, the voltage _VOUT increases as the resistance of the thermistor 914 decreases.

  In some configurations, the capacitor 926 has a DC blocking function. Capacitor 926 does not recognize new power tool battery chemistries such as existing chargers (eg, Li or Li ion chemicals) and has the necessary corresponding charging algorithms for such new chemicals. Non-chargers, etc.) prevent charging the battery pack with the circuit 130.

  The existing power tool battery 968 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 31, and a further configuration of the battery 970 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 31-34, other battery charging systems include both batteries 968 and 970, an existing charger 972 (shown in FIG. 33), and a charger 974 that implements aspects of the present invention (FIG. 34). Included).

  Referring to FIG. 31, the existing batteries 968 include one or more battery cells 976 that each have a chemical and provide a nominal voltage. In general, the chemical substance of the battery cell 976 is lead acid, NiCd, or NiMH. Battery cell 976 includes a positive terminal 978 and a negative terminal 980. The positive terminal 982 electrically connects the positive terminal 978 of the cell 976, and the negative terminal 984 electrically connects the negative terminal 980 of the cell 976.

  Battery 968 also includes an electrical device or thermistor 986. The resistance value of the thermistor 986 indicates the temperature of the battery cell 976 and changes when the temperature of the battery cell 976 changes. In some configurations, the resistance value of the thermistor 986 is included in the first range of resistance values. The existing charger 972 can identify the resistance value of the thermistor 986 within this first range and varies depending on the battery 968 present. For example, the first range of resistance values includes resistance values of approximately 130 k ohms or less. If the resistance value of the thermistor 986 is not included in the first range of resistance values, the existing charger 972 cannot charge the existing battery 968. The existing battery 968 also includes a sensing terminal 988 that is electrically connected to the thermistor 986.

  As shown in FIG. 32, the battery 970 includes one or more battery cells 990 each having a chemical substance and having the nominal voltage of the battery 970. In general, the chemicals of the battery cell 990 include, for example, Li, Li ions, or other Li-based chemicals. Battery cell 990 includes a positive terminal 992 and a negative terminal 993. The positive terminal 994 electrically connects the positive terminal 992 of the cell 990, and the negative terminal 995 electrically connects the negative terminal 993 of the cell 990.

  Battery 970 also includes two sensing terminals 996 and 997. The first detection terminal 996 electrically connects the first electrical component or identification resistor 998, and the second detection terminal 997 electrically connects the second electrical component or temperature detection device or thermistor 999. In some configurations, the resistance value of the identifying resistor 998 is not within the first range of resistance values that can be identified by the existing charger 972. For example, the resistance value of identification resistor 998 is approximately 150 k ohms or greater. The resistance value of the thermistor 986 indicates the temperature of the battery cell 990 and changes when the temperature of the battery cell 990 changes.

  As shown in FIG. 34, in most configurations, charger 974 includes a positive terminal 1001, a negative terminal 1002, a first detection terminal 1003, and a second detection terminal 1004. The first detection terminal 1003 of the charger 974 electrically connects either the first detection terminal 996 of the battery 970 or the detection terminal 988 of the existing battery 968.

  As shown in FIG. 33, in some configurations, an existing charger 972 includes a positive terminal 1005, a negative terminal 1006, and a sensing terminal 1007. The detection terminal 1007 of the existing charger 972 electrically connects either the first detection terminal 996 of the battery 970 or the detection terminal 988 of the existing battery 968.

  When the existing battery 968 electrically connects the charger 974, the second detection terminal 1004 of the charger 974 does not electrically connect any battery terminal. In some configurations, the controller, microprocessor, microcontroller, or controller 1008 included in the new charger 974 determines the resistance value of the thermistor 986 via the first sensing terminal 1003 and either NiCd or NiMH chemistry. The battery 968 is identified as having material. The controller 1008 selects an appropriate charging method or algorithm for the existing battery 968 based on the chemistry and temperature of the battery 968. The charger 974 charges the existing battery 968 accordingly.

  When the battery 970 electrically connects the charger 974, the second detection terminal 1004 of the charger 974 electrically connects the second detection terminal 997 of the battery 970. In some configurations, the controller 1008 determines the resistance value of the identification resistor 998 and identifies the battery 970 as having, for example, Li, Li ions, or other Li-based chemicals. For example, a resistance value of approximately 150 k ohms or greater for the identification resistor 998 corresponds to Li, Li ions, or other Li-based chemicals.

  In some configurations, the resistance value of the identification resistor 998 is further selected based on the nominal voltage of the battery 970. For example, a resistance value of approximately 150 k ohms or greater for the identification resistor 998 indicates that the battery 970 has a nominal voltage of about 21V. A resistance value of about 300 k ohms can correspond to a nominal voltage of about 16.8V, and a resistance value of about 450 k ohms can correspond to a nominal voltage of about 12.6V. In some configurations, when the resistance value of the identification resistor 998 increases, the nominal voltage of the battery 970 decreases. In some configurations, the controller 1008 also determines the resistance value of the thermistor 385. The controller 1008 selects an appropriate charging method or algorithm for the battery 970 based on the chemical, nominal voltage, and / or temperature. Charger 974 charges battery 970 accordingly.

  When the existing battery 968 is electrically connected to the existing charger 972, the detection terminal 1007 of the charger 972 electrically connects the detection terminal 988 of the existing battery 968. In some configurations, the microcontroller 1009 included in the existing charger 972 determines the resistance value of the thermistor 986, and if the resistance value of the thermistor 986 is within the first resistance value range, NiCd or NiMH. Battery 968 is identified as having chemicals. The existing charger 972 determines the temperature of the existing battery 968 based on the resistance value of the battery 968 and selects an appropriate charging method or algorithm for the battery 968 based on the temperature. The existing charger 972 charges the existing battery 968 accordingly.

  When the existing battery 970 is electrically connected to the existing charger 972, the detection terminal 1007 of the existing charger 972 electrically connects the first detection terminal 996 of the battery 970. The second sensing terminal 997 of the battery 970 is not electrically connected to any charger terminal of the existing charger 972. In some configurations, the microcontroller 1009 determines the resistance value of the identification resistor 998. In some configurations, the resistance value of the identification resistor 998 is not within the first resistance value range recognized by the microcontroller 1009. Because the microcontroller 1009 cannot identify the battery 970, the existing charger 972 cannot perform the charging method or algorithm. The charger 972 is electrically blocked or “locked out” from being charged by an existing charger 972.

  Other batteries 1030 that implement aspects of the invention are illustrated in FIGS. 35-37, 40-41, 48A, and 49-52. The battery 1030 can be similar to the battery 50 illustrated in FIGS. For example, the battery 1030 can be connected to an electrical device or device, such as a cordless power tool 1034 (shown in FIG. 48A), for selecting and powering the power tool 1034. The battery 1030 can be removed from the power tool 1034 and can be recharged by the charger 1038 (shown in FIGS. 40-44).

  As shown in FIGS. 35-37, battery 1030 includes a housing 1042 and at least one rechargeable battery cell 1046 (shown schematically in FIG. 41) supported by housing 1042. it can. In the illustrated configuration, the battery 1030 can be an 18V battery pack that includes five approximately 3.6V battery cells 1046 (one shown) connected in series, or connected in series. It can be a 21V battery pack that includes five approximately 4.2V battery cells 1046 (one shown). In other configurations (not shown), the battery 1030 can have other nominal voltages, for example, 9.6V, 12V, 14.4V, 24V, 28V, etc., to charge the electronics and charge The battery 1038 can be charged. In other configurations (not shown), the battery cells 1046 can have different nominal cell voltages and / or can be connected in other configurations such as, for example, a parallel or parallel / series combination. Should be understood.

  The battery cell 1046 can be, for example, nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel hydride (NiMH), lithium (Li), lithium ion (Li ion), other Li-based chemicals, other rechargeable battery cell chemistries. It can be of any rechargeable battery cell chemical type such as material. In the illustrated configuration, the battery cell 1046 is a Li ion battery cell.

  The housing 1042 can provide a support portion 1050 that supports the battery 1030 to an electrical device such as a power tool 1034 or a charger 1038. In the illustrated configuration, the support portion 1050 can provide a C-shaped cross section (see FIG. 37) that can be connected to a complementary T-shaped cross-section support portion of the electrical device. As shown in FIGS. 35-37, the support portion 1050 can include a rail 1054 that extends along a support axis 1058 and defines a groove 1062. An intermediate ridge 1066 can also be provided to engage the surface of the electrical device support portion. A recess 1070 (see FIGS. 35-36) can be defined by the ridge 1066 such that the ridge 1066 has a portion 1072 extending laterally outward.

  The battery 1030 can also include a securing assembly 1074 that can be operated to secure the battery 1030 to an electrical device, such as a power tool 1034 and / or a charger 1038 (see FIGS. 35-37). . In some configurations, the securing assembly 1074 can include a locking member 1078 that locks the locking member 1078 corresponding to the electrical device to secure the battery 1030 to the electrical device. It is movable between a fixed position that engages the member and an unfixed position. The fixation assembly 1074 can also include an actuator 1082 for moving the locking member 1078 between a fixed position and an unfixed position. A biasing member (not shown) can bias the locking member 1078 toward a fixed position.

  The battery 1030 can also include a terminal assembly 1086 that is operable to electrically connect the battery cell 1046 to circuitry in the electrical device (see FIGS. 35-39 and 41). The terminal assembly 1086 can include a terminal housing 1090 provided by the housing 1042 (FIGS. 35-37). In the illustrated configuration, and in some aspects, a window or opening 1094 can be provided in the terminal housing 1090. The terminal assembly 1086 can include a positive battery terminal 1098, a ground terminal 1102, a first sensing terminal 1106, and a second sensing terminal 1110 (FIGS. 35, 37-39, and 41). As schematically illustrated in FIG. 41, terminals 1098 and 1102 are connected to opposite ends of a cell or a series of cells 1046.

  The detection terminals 1106 and 1110 can be connected to electrical components 1114 and 1118, respectively, which are connected by the circuit of the battery 1030. Sensing terminals 1106 and 1110 can communicate information regarding battery 1030 to an electrical device. For example, one electrical component, such as electrical component 1114 connected to sensing terminal 1106, may communicate the identification of battery 1030 chemistry, such as battery cell 1046 chemistry, battery 1030 nominal voltage, and the like. It can be an identification component such as a resistor. Other electrical components such as electrical component 1118 connected to sensing terminal 1110 can be a temperature sensing device or thermistor to communicate the temperature of battery 1030 and / or battery cell 1046.

  In another configuration, electrical components 1114 and 1118 can be other suitable electrical components that can generate electronic signals, such as, for example, microprocessors, controllers, digital logic components, or electrical components 1114 and 1118 and 1118 can be other suitable passive electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, for example.

  In other configurations (not shown), electrical components 1114 and 1118 can be other types of electrical components and can communicate other characteristics or information regarding battery 1030 and / or battery cell 1046. Should be understood. “Communication” and “communication” as used in connection with electrical components 1114 and 1118 have a status or condition detected by a sensor or device that can determine the status or status of electrical components 1114 and / or 1118. Or electrical components 1114 and / or 1118 that are in a state or condition detected by a sensor or device.

As shown in FIG. 39, terminals 1098, 1102, and 1106 can be directed to respective planes P ₁ , P ₂ , and P ₃ that are substantially parallel to one another. Terminal 1110 can be directed to the surface _{P 4,} plane _{P 4} is another aspect _P 1, _{P 2,} and oriented to at least one of the _{P 3} are not parallel, in the configuration shown , Oriented to be non-parallel to all of the other planes P ₁ , P ₂ , and P ₃ . In one configuration, plane P ₄ can be perpendicular to planes P ₁ , P ₂ , and P ₃ . Terminals 1098, 1102, 1106, and 1110 can extend along axes A ₁ , A ₂ , A ₃ , and A ₄ , respectively, and in the illustrated configuration, terminal axes A ₁ , A ₂ , A ₃ and A ₄ are parallel to the support shaft 1058 (see FIGS. 35 and 37).

  As shown in FIGS. 40-44, a charger 1038 that implements aspects of the present invention can be connected to a battery 1030 (as shown in FIG. 40) and is operable to charge the battery 1030. is there. The charger 1038 can include a charger housing 1122 and a charging circuit 1126 (shown schematically in FIG. 41) supported by the housing 1122 and connectable to a power source (not shown). The charging circuit 1126 can be connected to the terminal assembly 1086 (shown schematically in FIG. 41) of the battery 1030 and is operable to transmit power to the battery 1030 to charge the battery cell 1046. .

  In some configurations and in some embodiments, the charging circuit 1126 is issued on Sep. 24, 2002, issued on Sep. 24, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference. It can operate to charge the battery 1030 in a manner similar to that described in US Pat. In another configuration, charging circuit 1126 is similar to the method described in US patent application Ser. No. 60/440692 filed Jan. 17, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Can operate to charge the battery 1030 in a simple manner.

  As shown in FIGS. 42-44, the housing 1122 can provide a battery support portion 1130 that supports the battery 1030. The support portion 1130 can have a generally T-shaped cross section (see FIG. 42), which can be complementary to the C-shaped cross section of the support portion 1050 of the battery 1030. The support portion 1130 can include a rail 1134 that extends along the support axis 1138 and defines a groove 1142 (see FIGS. 42-44). Support portion 1130 can also include a surface 1146 that is engageable with ridge 1066.

  The protrusions or ribs 1150 can extend from the surface 1146. When the battery 1030 is disposed on the support member 1130, the ribs 1150 can generally be laterally aligned with the locking member 1078 to maintain the locking member 1078 in a fixed position. In one configuration, the rib 1150 is lowered to ensure that the rib 1150 does not engage the ridge 1066 on the support member 1050 of the battery 1030 that prevents the battery 1030 from being connected to the charger 1038.

  The charger 1038 also includes a terminal assembly 1154 that is operable to electrically connect the charging circuit 1126 to a terminal assembly 1086 of the battery 1030 (as schematically illustrated in FIG. 41) (FIGS. 41-47). be able to. As shown in FIGS. 42-44 and FIGS. 46-47, the terminal assembly 1154 can include a terminal housing 1158 provided by a support member 1130. The terminal assembly 1154 can include a positive terminal 1162, a negative terminal 1166, a first sensing terminal 1170, and a second sensing terminal 1174 (see FIGS. 41-47). Charger terminals 1162, 1166, 1170, and 1174 can be connected to battery terminals 1098, 1102, 1106, and 1110, respectively (as schematically illustrated in FIG. 41).

  The charger terminals 1162, 1166, 1170, and 1174 can be connected to the charging circuit 1126. The charging circuit 1126 can include a microcontroller 1178 that controls charging of the battery 1030. The controller 1178 may identify one or more characteristics and / or states of the battery 1030 such as, for example, the nominal voltage of the battery 1030, the chemistry of the battery cell 1046, the temperature of the battery 1030 and / or the battery cell 1046. , Is operable to communicate or detect the status or condition of electrical components 1114 and 1118 of battery 1030. Based on the determination made by controller 1178, controller 1178 can control charging circuit 1126 to properly charge battery 1030.

  As shown in FIGS. 35, 37-39, the battery terminals 1098, 1102, and 1106 can be male blade terminals. As shown in FIG. 42, charger terminals 1162, 1166, and 1170 may be female terminals that are operable to receive male blade terminals 1098, 1102, and 1106. The battery terminal 1110 (see FIGS. 35-39) and the charger terminal 1174 (see FIGS. 42-44) can provide cantilever spring type engagement. In the illustrated configuration (see FIGS. 42-44), the charger terminal 1174 may extend generally perpendicular to the support shaft 1138 to provide sliding engagement and contact with the battery terminal 1110. it can.

  The battery 1030 can be connected to an electronic device, such as a power tool 1034 (shown in FIG. 48A), for powering the tool 1034, for example. The power tool 1034 includes a housing 1182 that supports an electronic motor 1184 (shown schematically) that is selectively powered by a battery 1030. The housing 1182 can provide a support member 1186 on which the battery 1030 can be supported (see FIG. 48B). The support member 1186 can have a generally T-shaped cross section that can be complementary to the C-shaped cross section of the support portion 1050 of the battery 1030. Support member 1186 can also define a locking recess 1188 (one shown) in which locking member 1078 can be engaged to secure battery 1030 to power tool 1034.

  The power tool 1034 also includes a terminal assembly 1190 (partially shown in FIG. 48B) that can be connected to the terminal assembly 1086 of the battery 1030 such that power can be transferred from the battery 1030 to the power tool 1034. it can. In the illustrated configuration, the terminal assembly 1190 can include a positive terminal 1194 and a negative terminal 1198 that are connected to terminals 1098 and 1102 of the battery 1030, respectively.

  In another configuration (not shown), information regarding the battery 1030 such as, for example, one or more characteristics of the battery 1030 and / or the state of the battery 1030 can be communicated or sensed by the power tool 1034. In addition, it should be understood that the terminal assembly 1190 can include additional terminals (not shown) that can be connected to the sensing terminals 1106 and / or 1110. In such a configuration, the power tool 1034 can include a controller (not shown) that determines communicated or sensed information regarding the battery 1030 and controls the operation of the power tool 1034 based on this information.

  Alternative configurations of battery 1030A that implement aspects of the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. Common elements are identified by the same reference “A”.

  As shown in FIGS. 53-56, the battery 1030A can include a housing 1042A that supports one or more cells (not shown but similar to the cell 1046). Battery 1030A may include a support portion 1050A that has a generally C-shaped cross section (see FIG. 56). The C-shaped cross section is relative to the support portion 1130 of the charger 1038 (see FIG. 42) and to the support portion 1186 of the power tool 1034 so that the battery 1030A can be connected to the charger 1038 and the power tool 1034. (See FIG. 48B) can be complementary.

  As shown in FIGS. 53-56, the support portion 1050A can include a ridge 1066A. As shown in FIG. 55, the ridge 1066A can further extend to one side (the lower side in FIG. 55) to provide a laterally extending portion 1072A.

  For some configurations and some aspects, further independent characteristics and operation of battery 1030A have been described in more detail above.

  When the battery 1030A is placed on the support portion 1130 of the charger 1038, the low rib 1150 (shown in FIG. 42) prevents the battery 1030A from being connected to the charger 1038. Does not engage extended portion 1072A of ridge 1066A on 1050A (see FIG. 55).

  57-61 illustrate a prior art battery 1230. FIG. The battery 1230 can include a housing 1242 and at least one rechargeable battery cell 1246 (shown schematically in FIG. 61) supported by the housing 1242. In the illustrated configuration, the battery 1230 is an 18V battery pack that includes 15 approximately 1.2V battery cells 1246 connected in series. In another configuration (not shown), the battery 1230 can have other nominal voltages, such as 9.6V, 12V, 14.4V, 24V, etc., to power the electronics, and by the charger 1038 Can be charged. In another configuration (not shown), the battery cells 1246 can have different nominal cell voltages and / or can be connected in other configurations such as, for example, a parallel or parallel-series combination. Should be understood. The battery cell 1246 can be of a rechargeable battery cell chemical type such as NiCd or NiMH, for example.

  As shown in FIGS. 57-60, the housing 1242 includes a support portion 1250 that supports the battery 1230 in an electrical device, such as a power tool 1034 (shown in FIG. 48) or a charger 1038 (shown in FIG. 42). Can be provided. In the illustrated configuration, the support portion 1250 can provide a C-shaped cross section (see FIG. 60) that can be connected to a T-shaped cross-section support portion complementary to the electrical device (see FIG. 60). Support portion 1186 (shown in FIG. 48B) and / or battery support portion 1130 on charger 1038 (shown in FIG. 42)). As shown in FIGS. 57-60, the support portion 1250 can include a rail 1254 that extends along a support axis 1258 and defines a groove 1262, with the intermediate ridge 1266 being an electrical device support portion. Can be provided to engage the surface. The ridge 1266 can be substantially linear and have side surfaces 1272 that are uninterrupted. Ridge 1266 does not provide a laterally outwardly extending portion with extended portion 1072 of battery 1030 (shown in FIG. 36) or with extended portion 1072A of battery 1030A (shown in FIG. 55). As well).

  The battery 1230 also includes a securing assembly 1274 that can be operated to secure the battery 1230 to an electrical device and / or charger, such as, for example, a power tool 1034 (shown in FIG. 48A) (FIGS. 57-60). See). The securing assembly 1274 can include a locking member 1278 (shown in FIGS. 57-60), which locks the battery 1230 to the electrical device (fixing assembly 1188 on the power tool 1034). Further, the locking member 1278 is movable between a fixed position where the locking member 1278 engages with a locking member corresponding to the electric device and an unfixed position. The fixation assembly 1274 may also include an actuator 1282 for moving the locking member 1278 between a fixed position and an unfixed position. A biasing member (not shown) can bias the locking member 1278 toward a fixed position.

  The battery 1230 can also include a terminal assembly 1286 that is operable to electrically connect the battery cell 1246 to circuitry in the electrical device (see FIGS. 58 and 60). The terminal assembly 1286 can include a terminal housing 1290 provided by the housing 1242. The terminal assembly 1286 can include a positive battery terminal 1298, a ground terminal 1302, and a sensing terminal 1306. As shown in FIGS. 58 and 60, terminals 1298, 1302, and 1306 can be oriented in planes that are substantially parallel to each other and extend along respective axes that are parallel to support axis 1258. be able to.

  As schematically illustrated in FIG. 61, terminals 1298 and 1302 can be connected to opposite edges of a cell or a series of cells 1246. The detection terminal 1306 can be connected to an electrical component 1314 that is connected to the circuit of the battery 1230. In the illustrated configuration, electrical component 1314 can be a temperature sensing device or thermistor for communicating the temperature of battery 1230 and / or battery cell 1246.

  As schematically illustrated in FIG. 61, battery 1230 can be connected to charger 1038, and charger 1038 is operable to charge battery 1230. Battery terminals 1298, 1302, and 1306 can be connected to three charger terminals 1162, 1166, and 1170, respectively. Microcontroller 1178 can identify battery 1230 (or determine whether battery 1230 is not battery 1030 or battery 1030A) and the status of electrical component 1314 or thermistor to sense the temperature of battery 1230. Can be identified. The microcontroller 1178 can control the charging of the battery 1230.

  The battery 1230 can be supported on a support portion 1130 of the charger 1038. Ribs 1150 (shown in FIG. 42) do not prevent battery 1230 from being connected to charger 1038, so that ridge 1266 on support portion 1250 of battery 1230 (shown in FIGS. 57-60). May not engage.

  The battery 1230 can be connected to an electronic device, such as a power tool 1034 (shown in FIG. 48A), for powering the power tool 1034. The battery 1230 can be supported on a support member 1186 (shown in FIG. 48B) of the power tool 1034 and is connected to a motor 1184 (shown schematically in FIG. 48A) to power the motor 1184. Can.

  62-65 illustrate another charger 1338. The charger 1338 can include a charger housing 1342 and a charging circuit 1346 (shown schematically in FIG. 65) supported by the housing 1342 and connectable to a power source (not shown). The charging circuit 1346 can be connected to the terminal assembly 1286 of the battery 1230 and can be operated to transmit power to the battery 1230 to charge the battery cell 1246.

  As shown in FIGS. 62-64, the housing 1342 can provide a battery support portion 1350 that supports the battery 1230. The support portion 1350 can have a generally T-shaped cross section (see FIG. 62) that can be complementary to the C-shaped cross section of the support portion 1250 of the battery 1230 (shown in FIG. 60). Support portion 1350 can include a rail 1354 that extends along support axis 1358 and defines a groove 1362 (see FIGS. 62-64). Support portion 1350 can also include a surface 1366 that is engageable with ridge 1266.

  The protrusions or ribs 1370 can extend from the surface 1366. Ribs 1370 can extend further from surface 1366 than ribs 1150 (see FIGS. 43-44) that extend from surface 1146 of charger 1038. When battery 1230 is supported on support member 1350, rib 1370 slides along the lateral edge of ridge 1266 (see FIG. 59) so that battery 1230 can be connected to charger 1338. Can do. The ridge 1266 of the battery 1230 can be narrower in the side direction (see FIG. 36) than the ridge 1066 of the battery 1030 and can include no extending portion 1072.

  As shown in FIGS. 62-65, the charger 1338 can include a terminal assembly 1374 operable to electrically connect the charging circuit 1346 to the terminal assembly 1286 of the battery 1230. The terminal assembly 1374 can include a terminal assembly 1378 provided by a support portion 1350 (see FIGS. 62-64). The terminal assembly 1374 can also include a positive terminal 1382, a negative terminal 1386, and a sensing terminal 1390. As schematically illustrated in FIG. 65, charger terminals 1382, 1386, and 1390 can be connected to battery terminals 1298, 1302, and 1306, respectively.

  The charging circuit 1346 can include a microcontroller 1394 that controls charging of the battery 1230. The controller 1394 can determine the temperature of the battery 1230 by detecting the state of the electrical component 1314 or the thermistor. Based on the determination made by controller 1394, controller 1394 can control charging circuit 1346 to properly charge battery 1230.

  In an exemplary implementation, when a user attempts to connect battery 1030 to charger 1338, a portion of charger 1338, such as an upwardly extending rib 1370 (shown in FIG. 62) Connection to the charger 1338 can be prevented. The ribs 1370 are ridged on the support portion 1050 of the battery 1030 (shown in FIG. 36) to prevent the battery 1030 from being fully connected to the charger 1338 when the battery 1030 is disposed on the support portion 1350. Engage with the wider portion 1072 on the side of 1066. Ribs 1370 are disposed on support portion 1350 so that terminal assembly 1086 of battery 1030 cannot be connected to terminal assembly 1374 of charger 1338.

  In some aspects, the present invention provides a battery, such as battery 1030 or 1030A, and / or a charger, such as charger 1038, that has additional communication or sensing paths. In some aspects, the present invention provides a charger, such as a charger 1038, and a further communication, such as a battery 1230, that can charge a battery pack having a further communication or sensing path, such as a battery 1030 or 1030A. Alternatively, a battery having no detection path is provided. In some aspects, the present invention provides a “mechanical lotout” that prevents a battery, such as battery 1030 or 1030A, from being connected to a charger, such as an existing charger 1338, while the battery A battery such as 1030 or 1030A can be used with a correspondingly present electrical device such as a power tool 1034.

  As shown in FIG. 69, the battery 50 can also include operable battery cells 4480. If one or more cells 4480 included in the battery 50 fail, the operable cells 4480 can be replaced as a group or package 4485. As shown in FIG. 69, the cells 4480 can be bundled together and wrapped with a plastic cover 4490. The package 4485 can be inserted into the housing 65 of the battery 50, a portion of which is shown in FIG.

  With reference to FIGS. 69-70, the package 4485 is disposed within the end cap 4495 of the housing 65. Appropriate electrical leads (not shown) are connected between the positive terminal 110, the negative terminal 115, and the circuit 130 (eg, switch 180, microcontroller 140, etc.) and the cell 4480.

  In another configuration (shown in FIG. 71), operable cells 4420 are grouped together in a single package 4500 with terminal block 105 (and positive terminal 110, negative terminal 115, and sensing terminal 120). As shown in FIG. 71, cells 4480 are connected together by a conductive strap or link 100. The first cell 4480a is also connected to the positive terminal 120.

  Cell 4480 is encased in a plastic cover or suitable insulating housing 4505. A housing 4505 (shown schematically) exposes the terminal block 105. The package 4500 similarly includes several circuits for establishing electrical connections between the circuit 130 (not shown in FIG. 70) such as the microcontroller 140 and the semiconductor switch 180 and the cell 4480 and the terminal block 105. An electrical connector 4510 is included. In one configuration, the package 4500 includes a first connector 4515 that connects the positive terminal 110 to the positive input of the microcontroller 140, and a second connector 4520 that connects the detection terminal 120 to the detection input of the microcontroller 140. In this configuration, the package 4500 also includes a third connector 4525 that connects the negative terminal 115 to the drain 195 of the semiconductor switch 180, and a first connector that connects the source 190 of the semiconductor switch 180 to the negative terminal 95 of the last battery cell 4480e. 4 connectors 4530.

  In this configuration, package 4500 provides and establishes a power connection between cell 4480 and terminal block 105. The package 4500 is disposed in a housing 65 that includes a circuit 130 (eg, semiconductor switch 180, microcontroller 140, etc.).

  The configurations described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications in the elements and their arrangements and arrangements are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Like.

It is a perspective view of a battery. It is a perspective view of another battery. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further battery. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery, such as the battery shown in FIG. 3, for use with a first electrical device such as a power tool. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a battery, such as the battery shown in FIG. 3, for use with a second electrical device such as a power tool. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 is another schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. 4 is a further schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. FIG. 4 is yet another schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 is yet another schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 is yet another schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 is yet another schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 is yet another schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. 4 is yet another perspective view of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. FIG. 4 is yet another schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 is yet another schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 is yet another schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 is yet another schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 is yet another schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 is yet another schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 is yet another schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 is yet another schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3, with some portions removed, showing the FET and heat sink. It is a top view of the part of the battery shown by FIG. 13A. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3, with some portions removed, showing the FET, heat sink, and electrical connections in the battery. FIG. 13B includes several portions of the battery shown in FIG. 13A. FIG. 13B includes several portions of the battery shown in FIG. 13A. FIG. 13B includes several portions of the battery shown in FIG. 13A. FIG. 13B includes several portions of the battery shown in FIG. 13A. FIG. 13B includes several portions of the battery shown in FIG. 13A. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3, with some portions removed, showing the FET and heat sink. FIG. 4 is another perspective view of a portion of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3, with some portions removed, showing the FET and heat sink. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of an alternative configuration of a battery that includes a phase change material. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another alternative configuration of a battery including a phase change material and a heat sink. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of yet another alternative configuration of a battery including a phase change material and a heat sink. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3, with some portions removed. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3, with some portions removed. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3, for use with an electrical device such as a power tool. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3, for use with an electrical device such as a power tool. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3, for use with an electrical device such as a power tool. FIG. 4 is another schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3, for use with an electrical device such as a power tool. FIG. 4 is yet another schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3, for use with an electrical device such as a power tool. FIG. 4 is a side view of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3, for use with other electrical devices such as a charger. FIG. 4 is a partial schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. Figure 6 is a graph showing the ratio of cell voltage and cell voltage over time. Figure 6 is a graph showing the ratio of cell voltage and cell voltage over time. It is the schematic of a structure of a battery charging system. It is the schematic of the other structure of a battery charging system. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an operation of the battery charging system as shown in FIG. 29. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an operation of the battery charging system as shown in FIG. 29. It is the schematic of the conventional battery. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a battery included in a further configuration of the battery charging system. It is the schematic of the conventional charger. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a further included charger. It is a perspective view of a battery. FIG. 36 is a top view of the battery shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 36 is a rear view of the battery shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 36 is a rear perspective view of the battery terminal assembly shown in FIG. 35; FIG. 36 is a front perspective view of the battery terminal assembly shown in FIG. 35; FIG. 36 is a side view of an electrical component such as a battery and a charger shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 41 is a schematic diagram of a battery and the charger shown in FIG. 40. It is a perspective view of the charger shown by FIG. FIG. 41 is another perspective view of the charger shown in FIG. 40. It is a top view of the charger shown by FIG. FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the terminal assembly of the charger shown in FIG. 40. It is a perspective view of the inner part part of the housing of the charger shown by FIG. FIG. 47 is an enlarged perspective view of the portion of the charger shown in FIG. 46 showing the terminal assembly of the charger. FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an electrical device such as a power tool for use with the battery shown in FIG. FIG. 48B is a perspective view of a support portion of the power tool shown in FIG. 48A. FIG. 36 is a right side view of the battery shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 36 is a left side view of the battery shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 36 is a front view of the battery shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 36 is a bottom view of the battery shown in FIG. 35. It is a front perspective view of the structure instead of a battery. FIG. 54 is a rear perspective view of the battery shown in FIG. 53. FIG. 54 is a top view of the battery shown in FIG. 53. FIG. 54 is a rear view of the battery shown in FIG. 53. It is a front perspective view of the battery of a prior art. FIG. 58 is a rear perspective view of the battery shown in FIG. 57. FIG. 58 is a top view of the battery shown in FIG. 57. FIG. 58 is a rear view of the battery shown in FIG. 57. FIG. 58 is a schematic diagram of the prior art battery shown in FIG. 57 and the charger shown in FIG. 40. It is a perspective view of the charger of a prior art. FIG. 63 is a side view of the charger shown in FIG. 62. FIG. 63 is another view of the charger shown in FIG. 62. FIG. 68 is a schematic diagram of the prior art battery shown in FIG. 57 and the prior art charger shown in FIG. 62. FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of a first mode of operation of a battery such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. 4 is a graphical representation of a second mode of operation of a battery such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. FIG. 4 is another schematic diagram of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3, for use with an electrical device such as a power tool. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another portion of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further portion of a battery, such as one of the batteries shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

50 Battery pack or battery (battery)
55 Electric Tool 56 Round (Circular) Saw 58 Driver Drill 60 Charger 65 Housing 70 Terminal Support 80 Battery Cell 80a-80g Battery Cell 90 Positive Terminal 100 Conductive Link or Strap 105 Terminal Block 110 Positive Terminal 115 Negative Terminal 120 Detection Terminal 130 Circuit 140 Microprocessor (microcontroller)
145 Printed circuit board 150 Thermistor 155 Fuel gauge 159 Side surface of housing 160 Push button switch 161 Bottom surface of housing 162 Rear surface of housing 65 170a to 170d LED
171 Booster Circuit 171a-171f Booster Circuit 172 Battery Cell 173 Booster Mechanism 174 Capacitor 175 Transistor or Switch 176a-176f Input 177 Output 178 Capacitor 179 Low Voltage Input 180 Power Field Effect Transistor (FET) (Semiconductor Switch)
185 transistor 190 source 195 drain 210 body diode 215 switch 220 first position 225 load 230 direction 235 second position 240 direction 250 circuit 2206 first mode 2208 battery voltage 2210, 2220, 2225, 2230, 2245, 2250 time point 2234 Second mode 2255, 2260, 2265 Time 259 Voltage detection circuit 260 Resistor 260a-260d Resistor 265 transistor
265a to 265f Transistor 270 Transistor 273 Voltage regulator (voltage regulator, voltage stabilizer)
275 heat sink 300 phase change material 305 outer surface of battery cell 320 inner cylinder part 325 outer cylinder part 335 space 330 radial rib 340 cushion member or “bumper”
345 Internal surface of battery housing 350 End cap 400 Housing 405 Connecting portion 420 Circuit for controlling discharge process of battery (microprocessor)
425 Auxiliary switch or contact 430 terminal 432 positive terminal 434 negative terminal 435 negative terminal 438 motor 440 detection terminal 445 communication line interface 450 motor 470 fan or blower 480 outlet vent hole (hole)
485 Motor 490 Microprocessor 491 Trigger switch 492 Speed control circuit 493 Electric clutch 494 Brake 510 Microcontroller (monitoring microprocessor)
600 battery 605a to 605e battery cell 610, 615 group 700, 705, 710 axis 715a to 715e line 720 line 725 unbalanced 750 identification resistor 820 charger 825 positive terminal 828 negative terminal 830 detection terminal 835 first resistor 840 Second resistor 855 Solid state electrical circuit or semiconductor 860 Comparator 875 First reference point 880 Second reference point 885 Third reference point 890 Current sensing resistor 895 Ground 900 Positive terminal 901 Negative terminal 910 Identification resistor 914 Temperature sensing device or thermistor 918 First current limiter or protection diode 922 Second current limiter or protection diode 926 Capacitor 930 Sensing terminal 934 Positive terminal 938 Negative terminal 942 Appliances 946 positive terminal 950 negative terminal 954 detects the terminal 958 the control circuit (controller)
962 Electrical component or resistor 964 First reference point 962 Resistor 966 Second reference point 968 Power tool battery 970 Battery 972 Charger 974 Charger 976 Battery cell 978 Positive terminal 980 Negative terminal 982 Positive terminal 984 Negative terminal 986 Electrical device or thermistor 988 sensing terminal 990 battery cell 992 positive terminal 993 negative terminal 994 positive terminal 995 negative terminal 996,997 sensing terminal 998 first electrical component or identification resistor 999 second electrical component or temperature sensing device or thermistor 1001 Positive terminal 1002 Negative terminal 1003 First detection terminal 1004 Second detection terminal 1005 Positive terminal 1006 Negative terminal 1007 Detection terminal 1008 Controller 1009 Microcontroller 1030 Battery 103 4 Cordless electric tool 1038 Electric device and / or charger 1042 Housing 1046 Battery cell 1050 Supporting part 1054 Rail 1058 Supporting shaft 1062 Groove 1066 Intermediate ridge 1070 Recess (recess, storage part)
1072 Externally extended portion 1074 Fixing assembly 1078 Lock member 1082 Actuator 1086 Terminal assembly 1090 Terminal housing 1094 Window or opening 1098 Positive battery terminal 1102 Ground terminal 1106 First detection terminal 1110 Second detection terminal 1114, 1118 Electrical equipment Product 1122 Charger housing 1126 Charging circuit 1130 Battery support portion 1134 Rail 1138 Support shaft 1142 Groove 1146 Surface 1150 Projection or rib 1154 Terminal assembly 1158 Terminal housing 1162 Positive terminal 1166 Negative terminal 1170 First detection terminal 1174 Second detection terminal 1178 Controller 1182 Housing 1184 Electronic motor 1186 Support member 1188 Locking recess 1190 Terminal assembly Buri 1194 positive terminal 1198 negative terminal 1230 battery 1242 housing 1246 battery cell 1250 support portion 1254 rails 1258 support shaft 1258
1262 Groove 1266 Intermediate ridge 1274 Fixing assembly 1278 Locking member 1282 Actuator 1286 Terminal assembly 1290 Terminal housing 1298 Positive battery terminal 1302 Ground terminal 1306 Detection terminal 1314 Electrical component 1338 Charger 1342 Charger housing 1346 Charging circuit 1350 Battery support part 1354 Rail 1358 Support shaft 1362 Groove 1366 Surface 1370 Projection or rib 1374 Terminal assembly 1378 Terminal assembly 1382 Positive terminal 1386 Negative terminal 1390 Sensing terminal 1394 Microcontroller 4420 Cell 4480 First battery cell 4485 Group or package 4495 End cap 4500 Single package 4505 Insulating housing 4510 Connector 4515 first connector 4520 second connector 4525 third connector 4530 fourth connector

Claims (29)

A battery pack configured to be compatible with a power tool ,
A housing;
A cell having voltage and power , wherein power can be transmitted between the cell and the power tool ;
A controller operable to control the function of the battery pack, wherein the controller is operable at at least one voltage of a voltage greater than or equal to one operating voltage threshold; and the cell is selective to the controller. A controller that enables the supply of voltage to the
Voltage supplied to the controller by the cell, when lower than the operating voltage threshold of the controller, a circuit for enabling operation of said controller, during a period in which the power tool is being operated by the user A battery pack comprising: a circuit including switching made of FET (Field Effect Transistor) capable of selectively interrupting transfer of electric power between the cell and the power tool . The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the circuit is operable to supply at least one voltage equal to or higher than an operating voltage threshold to the controller. The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein the circuit includes a booster circuit operable to boost to at least one voltage equal to or higher than one operating voltage threshold supplied by the cell. The circuit includes a power supply that enables the controller to supply a voltage such that the voltage supplied to the controller is at least one voltage greater than or equal to one operating voltage threshold, the power supply comprising the power supply The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein the battery pack does not operate so as to supply electric power to the electric power tool . The battery pack according to claim 4 , wherein the power supply includes a power supply component operable to supply at least one voltage equal to or higher than one operating voltage threshold to the controller. The battery pack according to claim 5 , wherein the power supply component includes a capacitor operable to supply at least one voltage equal to or higher than one operating voltage threshold to the controller. The battery pack according to claim 5 , wherein the power supply component includes a battery cell operable to supply at least one voltage equal to or higher than one operating voltage threshold to the controller. The controller is operable to control the field effect transistor such that a voltage supplied to the controller by the cell is at least one voltage greater than or equal to one operating voltage threshold. The battery pack according to claim 1 . The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the cell enables electric power to be supplied to the electric tool for operating the electric tool . The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein when the cell is at a low temperature, the power supply to the power tool causes a voltage supplied to the controller by the cell to be lower than the operating voltage threshold. 11. The battery of claim 10 , wherein when the cell is hotter, power supply to the power tool does not cause the voltage supplied by the cell to the controller to be lower than the operating voltage threshold. pack. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein when the ambient temperature is low, power supply to the power tool causes a voltage supplied to the controller by the cell to be lower than the operating voltage threshold. . 13. The battery of claim 12 , wherein when the ambient temperature is higher, power supply to the power tool does not cause the voltage supplied to the controller by the cell to be lower than the operating voltage threshold. pack. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein a load applied to the electric tool causes a voltage supplied to the controller by the cell to be lower than the operating voltage threshold. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein the operating temperature threshold is 5 volts. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein the operating temperature threshold is 3 volts. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the function includes interruption of transfer of electric power between the cell and the power tool . The cells, in order to operate the power tool is operable to supply power to the electric tool, the function, characterized in that from the cell containing the interruption of power supply to the power tool The battery pack according to claim 17 . A cell having voltage and power that can be transferred to and from the power tool , a controller that controls the function of the battery pack and is operable with at least one voltage that is greater than or equal to one operating voltage threshold, and an FET (field effect) A circuit having a switch with a transistor) , wherein the cell is operable to selectively supply a voltage to the controller, the method including performing operation of the battery pack , the method comprising: , the voltage supplied to the controller by the cell, when lower than the operating voltage threshold of said controller, comprising the act of allowing the operation of the controller, the power tool and act said cell to allow the Control the FET so that the power transfer between is selectively interrupted during the period when the power tool is operated by the user A method characterized by including an act . The circuit is operable to supply a voltage to the controller, and the act of enabling the transfer of power is such that the voltage supplied to the controller is at least one voltage greater than or equal to one operating voltage threshold. 20. The method of claim 19 , comprising the act of supplying a voltage to the controller using the circuit. The circuit includes a booster circuit operable to boost a voltage supplied by the cell, and the act of supplying the voltage causes a voltage supplied to the controller by the cell to be greater than or equal to one operating voltage threshold. 21. The method of claim 20 , comprising boosting to at least one voltage. The circuit includes a power source operable to supply a voltage to the controller, the power source not operable to supply power to the power tool , and the act of supplying the voltage is supplied to the controller 21. The method of claim 20 , comprising the act of supplying a voltage from the power source to the controller such that the applied voltage is at least one voltage greater than or equal to an operating voltage threshold. The power source includes a power supply component operable to supply a voltage to the controller, and the act of supplying the voltage is at least one voltage having a voltage supplied to the controller equal to or higher than one operating voltage threshold value. The method of claim 22 including the act of providing a voltage to the controller from the power supply component. The power supply component includes a capacitor operable to supply a voltage to the controller, and the act of supplying the voltage is at least one voltage in which a voltage supplied to the controller is greater than or equal to one operating voltage threshold 24. The method of claim 23 , comprising the act of providing a voltage from the capacitor to the controller. The power supply component includes a battery cell operable to supply voltage to the controller, and the act of supplying is such that the voltage supplied to the controller is at least one voltage greater than or equal to one operating voltage threshold. 24. The method of claim 23 , further comprising the act of supplying a voltage from the battery cell to the controller. The act of enabling further comprises the act of controlling the FET such that the voltage supplied by the cell to the controller is at least one voltage greater than or equal to one operating voltage threshold. Item 20. The method according to Item 19 . The method of claim 19 , further comprising the act of supplying power from the cell to the power tool to operate the power tool . The method of claim 19 , further comprising the act of interrupting power transfer between the cell and the power tool by the controller. Said cell, said being operable to supply power to the power tool in order to operate the power tool, wherein the interrupting act includes interrupting act supply of power from the cell to the power tool 29. The method of claim 28 , wherein:

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