WO2014070858A2

WO2014070858A2 - Tool case system for mobile charging

Info

Publication number: WO2014070858A2
Application number: PCT/US2013/067449
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Decicco
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH; Robert Bosch Tool Corp
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH; Robert Bosch Tool Corp
Priority date: 2012-10-30
Filing date: 2013-10-30
Publication date: 2014-05-08
Anticipated expiration: 2015-04-30
Also published as: WO2014070858A3

Abstract

A tool case system includes a container, an AC input socket, a DC input socket, a power inverter, and a controller. The container defines an internal space configured to contain a power tool. The AC input socket is supported on the container and is configured to be electrically connected to an external AC power supply. The DC input socket is supported on the container and is configured to be electrically connected to an external DC power supply. The power inverter is located in the internal space, and includes an AC inverter output and a DC input electrically connected to the DC input socket. The controller is located in the internal space and is electrically connected to the AC inverter output and the AC input socket. The controller is configured to selectively provide electrical power to an AC controller output from each of the AC input socket and the AC inverter output.

Description

TOOL CASE SYSTEM FOR MOBILE CHARGING

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/720,159, filed on October 30, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a tool case system configured to charge at least one battery associated with a cordless power tool.

Background

[0002] Battery operated power tools (also referred to herein as cordless power tools) typically include a power tool unit and a battery pack. The battery pack supplies electrical energy to the power tool unit. When the battery pack is depleted of charge it is recharged with a battery charger.

[0003] Users of battery operated power tools, such as construction workers, electricians, and plumbers, typically charge battery packs away from the jobsite the evening before the workday. During the workday, the battery pack connected to an often used power tool sometimes becomes depleted of charge. As a result, the user either exchanges the depleted battery pack for a more fully charged battery pack or stops using the power tool and charges the depleted battery pack at the jobsite. Having multiple battery packs for each power tool is expensive and waiting for the battery pack to recharge at the jobsite is an inefficient use of time. [0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide users of battery operated power tools with more opportunities to charge battery packs, such as while driving between jobsites during the workday.

Summary

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a tool case system for a cordless power tool includes a container, an AC input socket, a DC input socket, a power inverter, and a controller. The container defines an internal space configured to contain the cordless power tool. The AC input socket is connected to the container and is configured to be electrically connected to an external AC power supply. The DC input socket is connected to the container and is configured to be electrically connected to an external DC power supply. The power inverter is located in the internal space, and includes an AC inverter output and a DC input electrically connected to the DC input socket. The controller is located in the internal space and is electrically connected to the AC inverter output and the AC input socket. The controller includes an AC controller output located in the internal space. The controller is configured to selectively provide electrical power to the AC controller output from each of the AC input socket and the AC inverter output.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a storing vessel includes a container, an AC input socket, a DC input socket, a cordless power tool device, and a battery charger. The container defines an internal space. The AC input socket is connected to the container and is configured to be electrically connected to an external AC power supply. The DC input socket is connected to the container and is configured to be electrically connected to an external DC power supply. The cordless power tool device is mountable within the internal space, and includes a tool portion and a battery. The battery charger is (i) mountable within the internal space, (ii) electrically connectable to the AC input socket and to the DC input socket, and (iii) electrically connectable to the battery. The battery charger is configured to charge the battery with electrical power from a selected one of the AC power supply and the DC power supply.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a tool case system for a cordless power tool as described herein, the tool case system includes a container and a closure and the closure is shown in a closed position;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the tool case system of FIG. 1 showing a DC input socket and an AC input socket connected to the container;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the tool case system of FIG. 1 with the closure moved to an open position to show an internal space, a cordless power tool device, a battery, and a battery charger are shown positioned in the internal space;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a power system of the tool case system of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a portion of the container of the tool case system of FIG. 1 showing the power system of FIG. 4 positioned therein;

[0012] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a portion of the power system of FIG. 4 connected to a bottom side of a storage tray of the tool case system; and

[0013] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of a power system in accordance with another embodiment of the tool case system of FIG. 1. Detailed Description

[0014] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the following written description. It is understood that no limitation to the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. It is further understood that the present disclosure includes any alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0015] FIGs. 1 and 2 depict an exemplary embodiment of a tool case system for a cordless power tool 100. The tool case system 100, which is also referred to herein as a storing vessel, includes a container 104 and a closure 108, which may be formed from injection molded thermoplastic or another material(s) as desired by those of ordinary skill in the art. The material of the container 104 and the closure 108 may be a high durability material to withstand harsh working conditions at a jobsite, for example.

[0016] The container 104 includes a front wall 107, a left sidewall 109, a right sidewall

111, a rear wall 113, and a base 115 (FIG. 5). The walls 107, 109, 111 , 113 and the base 115 form a box-like configuration, which defines an internal storage area that is referred to herein as an internal space 112 (FIG. 3).

[0017] The container 104 includes attachment features 165 configured to enable a second tool case system (not shown) having complementary attachment features to be attached to (received by) the container. The attachment features 165 may be configured to enable a plurality of tool case systems 100 to be stacked and to be attached together to form a stacked unit. Attaching multiple tool case systems 100 together makes it simpler and more convenient to move and to transport the tool case systems.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the closure 108 is pivotably connected to the container 104 by a left hinge 110 and a right hinge 114, such that the closure 108 is movable between a closed position (FIGs. 1 and 2) and an open position (FIG. 3). In another embodiment, instead of being pivotably connected to the container 104, the closure 108 is removable from the container when access to the internal space 112 is desired.

[0019] With reference again to FIG. 1, a left latch 122 and a right latch 123 are connected to the container 104 and are configured to secure the closure 108 in the closed position. The latches 122, 123 are provided as any desired latch. Additionally, a handle 118 for conveniently transporting the tool case system 100 is pivotably connected to the closure 108.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the tool case system 100 further includes a storage tray 116, a cordless power tool device 138, a battery pack 130, and a battery charger 126. The storage tray 116 is located in the internal space 112 and, in the illustrated embodiment, defines numerous storage spaces including a power tool storage space 120, a battery charger storage space 124, a battery pack storage space 128, a power cord storage space 132, and an outlet space 136. In other embodiments, the storage tray 116 may have other configurations and may be configured with different storage spaces, as desired. Furthermore, the tool case system 100 may include multiple storage trays 116, which are stackable on top of each other to divide the internal space 112 into multiple levels, each being suitable for the storage of power tools, supplies, and accessories.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the storage tray 116 divides the internal space 112 into an upper space 142 (FIG. 3) and a lower space 146 (FIG. 5). The upper space 142 is defined between the storage tray 116 and the closure 108 and is configured for the storage of power tools, supplies, and accessories. The lower space 146, which is defined between the storage tray 116 and the base 115, is configured to contain a power system 140 (FIGs. 4-6) of the power tool system 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the storage tray 116 includes legs 150 that when positioned against the base 115 elevate the storage tray above the base so that the components of the power system 140 are positioned between the storage tray and the base.

[0022] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the cordless power tool device 138 (also referred to herein as a cordless power tool) is stored within the internal space 112. The cordless power tool device 138 includes a power tool unit 162 and the battery pack 130. The power tool unit 162 is mountable / positioned in the power tool storage space 120 (also referred to herein as a tool recess) in the upper space 142 of the internal space 112. The power tool unit 162 is illustrated as a cordless drill / driver; however, in other embodiments the power tool unit may be any cordless power tool such as a saw, a router, or any other power tool. The power tool unit 162 is shown with the battery pack 130 disconnected therefrom; however, the power tool storage space 120 may be sized to provide enough room to store the power tool device 138 with the battery pack 130 attached to the power tool unit 162.

[0023] The battery pack 130 is mounted / positioned in the battery pack storage space

128 in the upper space 142 of the internal space 112. The battery pack 130 is representative of any battery pack that is usable with a cordless power tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery pack 130 is a rechargeable 18V lithium-ion battery pack.

[0024] The battery charger 126 is mountable / positioned in the battery charger recess

124 in the upper space 142 of the internal space 112. The battery charger 126 is powered by AC electrical energy and provides a DC output current configured to charge the battery pack 130. Another battery pack 166, which may be identical to the battery pack 130, may also be connected to the battery charger 126 in a charging position. The closure 108 is movable to the closed position with the battery pack 166 (or the battery pack 130) in the charging position and with the battery charger 126 in the battery charger recess 124 (also referred to as a charger recess) so that the battery pack 166 (or the battery pack 130) can be charged with the closure 108 in the closed position. A power cord 134 of the battery charger 126 may be stored in the power cord storage space 132.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, a power system 140 of the tool case system 100 includes a

DC input socket 144, a power inverter 148, a controller 170, and an AC output socket 160. The DC input socket 144 (also shown in FIG. 2) is connected to the container 104 and is accessible from the exterior of the container. The DC input socket 144 is configured to receive a plug 174 that is electrically connected to an external DC power supply 176. Accordingly, the DC input socket 144 is configured to be electrically connected to the external DC power supply 176. An exemplary external DC power supply 176 is the 12V DC accessory output of a vehicle electrical system, which is sometime referred to as a cigarette lighter socket. The DC input socket 144 includes a cover 178 (FIG. 2) to protect the input socket 144 from the weather and from construction site debris, such as saw dust and the like. The exemplary DC input socket 144 of FIG. 2 is shown as a two prong receptacle, but may alternatively be provided as a cigarette lighter receptacle. In another embodiment, the DC input socket 144 is connected to any portion of the container 104 and the closure 108, and may be located within the internal space 112.

[0026] The power inverter 148 is located in the lower space 146 of the internal space

112. As shown in FIGs. 5 and 6, the power inverter 148, in one embodiment, is connected to a bottom side 182 of the storage tray 116. The power inverter 148 includes a DC input 184 and an AC inverter output 186. The DC input 184 is electrically connected to the DC input socket 144. The power inverter 148 is configured to convert the electrical power connected to the DC input socket 144 into AC electrical power that is electrically coupled to the AC inverter output 186.

[0027] The controller 170 is located in the lower space 146 of the internal space 112 and as shown in FIGs. 5 and 6, may be connected to the bottom side 182 of the storage tray 116. The controller 170 includes a relay 152 which has a first pair of input contacts 192 (first relay input), a second pair of input contacts 196 (second relay input), a pair of actuator contacts 198 (actuator input), and a pair of output contacts 200 (relay output). Accordingly, the relay 152 may be configured as a double pole double throw (DPDT) relay. The first pair of input contacts 192 is connected to the AC inverter output 186 of the power inverter 148. The relay 152, in the illustrated embodiment, is normally closed in a position that connects the first pair of input contacts 192 to the output contacts 200, such that the AC inverter output 186 is normally connected to the pair of output contacts 200 and the AC output socket 160. The pair of output contacts 200 is also referred to herein as an AC controller output of the controller 170. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the AC controller output is electrically connected to the pair of output contacts 200. In response to the actuator contacts 198 being supplied with an AC voltage, the relay 152 is configured to electrically connect the pair of output contacts 200 to the second pair of input contacts 196. In some embodiments, instead of including the relay 152, the controller 170 may incorporate a microprocessor configured to electrically connect the outputs to the inputs.

[0028] The AC output socket 160 (also shown in FIG. 3) is electrically connected to the

AC controller output (i.e. the pair of output contacts 200 of the relay 152). The AC output socket 160 may be incorporated into the outlet space 136 of the storage tray 166 to be accessible from the upper space 142 of the internal space 1 12. The AC output socket 160 is configured to receive a plug from a device that operates with AC power, such as the battery charger 126 or a corded power tool (not shown). A plug 206 of the battery charger 126 is received by the AC output socket 160 in FIG. 3. The AC output socket 160 is shown as a NEMA 5 receptacle in the illustrated embodiment, which is suitable for most North American applications. In other embodiments, however, the AC output socket 160 is provided as any desired output socket and may be located outside of the internal space 112.

[0029] With reference again to FIG. 4, the power system 140 further includes an AC input socket 156, a USB power supply 168, USB output sockets 172, and AC output sockets 164. The AC input socket 156 (also shown in FIG. 2) is connected to the container 104 (i.e. the rear wall 113) and is accessible from the exterior of the container (outside of the interior space 112). The AC input socket 156 is configured to receive a plug 210 that is connected to a source of AC power provided from an external AC power supply 214 (i.e. a remote power plant). Accordingly, the AC input socket 156 is configured to be electrically connected to the external AC power supply 214. An exemplary source of AC power is a 120 V / 220V wall outlet that is connected to line voltage. The AC input socket 156 is electrically connected to the second pair of input contacts 196 of the relay 152, the pair of actuator contacts 198 of the relay, the USB power supply 168, and the AC output sockets 164. In another embodiment, the AC input socket 156 is connected to any portion of the container 104 and the closure 108, and may be located within the internal space 112.

[0030] The USB power supply 168 may be located in the lower space 146 of the internal space 112 and, as shown in FIGs. 5 and 6, may be connected to the bottom side 182 of the storage tray 116. The USB power supply 168 includes an electrical input 216 that is electrically connected to the AC input socket 156 and is configured to receive electrical power from the external AC power supply 214. The USB power supply 168 converts AC electrical power into electrical power that is suitable for use with USB devices, typically approximately 5V DC. An electrical output 218 of the USB power supply is connected to the USB output sockets 172. In another embodiment, the USB power supply 168 may be electrically connected to at least one of the AC inverter output 186 of the power inverter 148 and the DC input socket 144.

[0031] The USB output sockets 172 (also referred to herein as USB ports or USB output ports) may be connected to the front wall 107 of the container 104 and may be accessible from the exterior of the container. In the illustrated embodiment, the USB output sockets 172 are female receptacles that are configured to receive a male USB connector from a USB device (not shown), but may alternatively be male connectors. The USB output sockets 172, in the illustrated embodiment, are energized only when the AC input 156 is electrically connected to a source of electrical energy; however, in another embodiment the USB output sockets may be energized when the DC input socket 144 is electrically connected to the external DC power supply 176. The USB output sockets 172 are configured to provide an approximately 5V DC output signal. In yet another embodiment, the USB output sockets 172 are connected to any portion of the container 104 and the closure 108, and may be located within the internal space 112.

[0032] The AC output sockets 164 (also shown in FIG. 1) are connected to the front wall

107 of the container 104 and are configured to be accessible from the exterior of the container 104. Accordingly, the AC output sockets 164 are accessible regardless of whether the closure

108 is closed or open. The AC output sockets 164 may include a pivotable cover plate 212 (FIG. 1) configured to protect the AC output sockets 164 from the weather and from construction site debris, such as saw dust and the like. The AC output sockets 164 are configured to receive a plug from a device that operates with AC power, such as the plug 206 of the battery charger 126 or the plug (not shown) of a corded power tool (also not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the AC output sockets 164 are energized only when the AC input 156 is connected to a source of electrical energy. In another embodiment, however, the AC output sockets 164 are also energized when the external DC power supply 176 is electrically connected to the power inverter 148. In yet another embodiment, the AC output sockets 164 are connected to any portion of the container 104 and the closure 108, and may be located within the internal space 112.

[0033] In operation, the tool case system 100 conveniently stores power tool equipment in the internal space 112. For example, a user of the case system 100 places items in the storage spaces 120, 124, 128, 132, 136 defined by the storage tray 116 (as shown in FIG. 3). When the closure 108 is in the closed position the items placed in the internal space 112 are protected from the weather and from construction side debris. Also, the items positioned in the internal space 112 are easily transportable by carrying the container 104 by the handle 118.

[0034] The tool case system 100 is further operable to supply the AC output socket 160 with electrical energy from either the external DC power supply 176 or the external AC power supply 214. For example, to use the tool case system 100 to charge the battery pack 166 from an external DC power supply 176, first the DC input socket 144 is electrically connected to the external DC power supply. Electrical energy from the DC power supply 176 is provided to the power inverter 148, which is configured to generate AC electrical power in response thereto. The AC electrical power from the power inverter 148 is provided to the first pair of input contacts 192 of the relay 152. Since, in this example, the AC input socket 156 is disconnected from the external AC power supply 214, the relay 152 is in the normally closed position, which couples the first pair of input contacts 192 to the pair of output contacts 200. Accordingly, the electrical energy provided by the power inverter 148 is provided to the AC output socket 160 through the relay 152. The battery charger 126 (or any other electrical device that operates on AC power) is connectable to the AC output socket 160 to receive electrical power therefrom.

[0035] Typically, the DC input 144 may be used to supply the AC output socket 160 with electrical power when the tool case system 100 is being transported in a vehicle. Therefore, the tool case system 100 is useful, for example, to charge the battery pack 166 while the user is traveling to a jobsite or when the user is traveling between jobsites.

[0036] To use the tool case system 100 to supply the AC output socket 160 with electrical power from the external AC power supply 214, first the AC power supply 214 is electrically connected to the AC input socket 156. The electrical power from the AC power supply 214 is electrically coupled to the second pair of input contacts 196 and to the actuator contacts 198 of the relay 152. When the actuator contacts 198 are supplied with electrical power, the relay 152 electrically connects the second pair of input contacts 196 to the pair of output contacts 200 and disconnects the first pair of electrical contacts 192 from the pair of output contacts 200. Accordingly, the AC output socket 160 may be supplied with electrical power from the external AC power supply 214 through the relay 152. Additionally, connecting the AC input socket 156 to the external AC power supply 214 also supplies the USB power supply 168 and the AC output sockets 164 with electrical power.

[0037] According to the above example, the controller 170 is configured to selectively provide electrical power to the AC controller output (i.e. the pair of output contacts 200) from each of the AC input socket 156 and the AC inverter output 186. In particular, the controller 170 is configured to supply the AC controller output 200 with electrical power from the external AC power supply 214 when the AC input socket 156 is electrically connected to the external AC power supply 214. The controller 170 may be further configured to supply the AC controller output 200 with electrical power from the AC inverter output 186 when the DC input socket 144 is electrically connected to the external DC power supply 176 and the AC input socket 156 is electrically disconnected from the external AC power supply 214. Therefore, the controller 170 may be prevented from supplying electrical power to the AC output socket 160 from the power inverter 148 when electrical power from the external AC power supply 214 is available.

[0038] When the controller 170 includes the relay 152, the relay 152 is configured (i) to electrically connect the first pair of input contacts 192 to the pair of output contacts 200, and (ii) to electrically disconnect the second pair of input contacts 196 from the pair of output contacts 200 when the AC input socket 156 is electrically disconnected from the external AC power supply 214. The relay 152 is further configured (i) to electrically connect the second pair of input contacts 196 to the pair of output contacts 200, and (ii) to electrically disconnect the first pair of input contacts 192 from the pair of output contacts 200 when the AC input socket 156 is electrically connected to the external AC power supply 214.

[0039] In another embodiment of the tool case system 100, the power system 140 may be located above the storage tray 116 in the upper space 142. For example, all or a portion of the power system 140 may be connected to the wall 107, 109, 111, 113 of the container 104 in order to reduce the overall height of the container 104. Alternatively, all or a portion of the power system 140 may be connected to the underside of the closure 108.

[0040] FIG. 7 depicts another exemplary embodiment of a power system 340 in accordance with the disclosure. The power system 340 includes a DC input socket 344, a first shutoff device 350, a power inverter 348, and a controller 352. The DC input socket 344 is connected to the container 104 (FIG. 1) and may be accessed from the exterior of the container. The DC input socket 344 is configured to receive a plug (See plug 174, FIG. 4) that is electrically connected to an external DC power supply, such as the DC power supply 176 of FIG. 4.

[0041] The first shutoff device 350 may be an electrical device that is configurable in a first mode and in a second mode. In the first mode the shutoff device 350 is approximately an electrical short. In the second mode the shutoff device 350 is approximately an electrical open. The shutoff device 350 enters the second mode in response to receiving a control signal from the controller 352. The power system 340 includes the shutoff device 350 to prevent power being drawn through the DC input socket 344 in response to a detected undesirable condition, as described below. In one embodiment, the shutoff device 350 is provided as a controlled fuse. Accordingly, when the shutoff device 350 is in the second mode overloading of the components of the power system 340 through the DC input socket 144 is prevented.

[0042] The power inverter 348 may be electrically connected to the first shutoff device 350 and the controller 352. The power inverter 348 is substantially identical to the power inverter 148 of FIG. 4.

[0043] The power system 340 further includes an AC input socket 356, a second shutoff device 351, a sensor 393, and AC output sockets 360, 364. The AC input socket 356 may be accessed from the exterior of the container 104 (FIG. 1) and is configured to receive a plug (See plug 210 of FIG. 4) that is connected to a source of AC power provided from an external AC power supply 214 (FIG. 4). The AC input socket 356 is electrically connected to the second shutoff device 351, which is substantially identical to the first shutoff device 350. Accordingly, when the shutoff device 351 is in the second mode overloading of the components of the power system 340 through the AC input socket 156 is prevented.

[0044] The sensor 393 may be located in the internal space 112 and may be electrically connected to the controller 352. The sensor 393, in one embodiment, may be a temperature sensor that is configured to generate a temperature output signal if the temperature of the internal space 112 exceeds a temperature threshold that is prohibitive to operation of the tool case system 100. In another embodiment, the sensor 393 is any type of sensor device that senses a condition, such as a gas sensor, a heat detector, a smoke detector, or any other desired sensor. The sensor 393, in some embodiments, may also detect mechanical failure of the power system 340.

[0045] The controller 352 is substantially identical to the controller 170 of FIG. 4, except that the controller 352 further includes a sensor input 395 and two control signal outputs 396, 397. The sensor input 395 is electrically connected to the sensor 393. The control signal output 396 is electrically connected to the first shutoff device 350, and the controller signal output 397 is electrically connected to the second shutoff device 351. In addition to operating in the same manner as the controller 170, in response to receiving the temperature output signal from the sensor 393, the controller 352 sends a signal to the shutoff devices 350, 351 via the control signal outputs 396, 397, which causes the shutoff devices 350, 351 to enter the second mode in which no energy is drawn from the DC input socket 344 and the AC input socket 356.

[0046] In the power system 340, each of the AC output sockets 360, 364 are electrically connected to the pair of output contacts 399 (shown as a single contact for simplicity) of the controller 352. In particular, the AC output socket 360 is substantially identical to the AC output socket 160 and is located in the internal space 112 of the container 104. The AC output sockets 364 are substantially identical to the AC output sockets 164 and are accessible from the exterior of the container 104. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the power inverter 348 is configurable to supply the AC output socket 360 and the AC output sockets 364 with electrical energy. In particular, when the tool case system 100 is disconnected from the external AC power supply 214 and is connected to the DC power supply 176, AC power is available at the internal AC output socket 360 and at the external AC output sockets 364.

[0047] The power system 340 further includes a switch 374, a USB power supply 368, and USB output ports 372. The switch 374 may be an electrical switch that connects either the AC input 356 or the DC input 344 to the USB power supply 368. In particular, when the AC input 356 is connected to a source of electrical power, the switch 374 electrically connects the AC input 356 to the USB power supply 368 (through the second shutoff device 351) and electrically isolates the DC input 344 from the USB power supply. Furthermore, when the DC input 344 is connected to a source of electrical power, the switch 374 electrically connects the DC input 344 to the USB power supply 368 (through the first shutoff device 350) and isolates the AC input from the USB power supply. The USB output sockets 372 are substantially identical to the USB output sockets 172, except that the USB output sockets 372 are selectively supplied with electrical power from either the AC input 356 or the DC input 344.

[0048] Any of the above-described embodiments of the tool case system 100 may further include a converter circuit, another microcontroller / controller, a timer, a memory, a fuse, a line filter, and/or other circuit components not shown in FIGs. 4 and 7. Furthermore, any embodiment of the tool case system 100 may include a user input interface (not shown), which is electrically or wirelessly coupled to an electrical circuit, such as the electrical circuit 140 of FIG. 4 or the electrical circuit 340 of FIG. 7. The user input interface is provided to control the electrical circuit 140, 340. In one embodiment, the user interface may be a mechanical switch, a sensing switch, or a wireless remote control.

[0049] It will be appreciated that variants of the above-described and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems, applications or methods. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A tool case system for a cordless power tool comprising:

a container defining an internal space configured to contain the cordless power tool; an AC input socket connected to the container and configured to be electrically connected to an external AC power supply;

a DC input socket connected to the container and configured to be electrically connected to an external DC power supply;

a power inverter located in the internal space, the power inverter including an AC inverter output and a DC input electrically connected to the DC input socket; and

a controller located in the internal space and electrically connected to the AC inverter output and the AC input socket, the controller including an AC controller output located in the internal space, and the controller being configured to selectively provide electrical power to the AC controller output from each of the AC input socket and the AC inverter output.

2. The tool case system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured (i) to supply the AC controller output with electrical power from the external AC power supply when the AC input socket is electrically connected to the external AC power supply, and (ii) to supply the AC controller output with electrical power from the AC inverter output when the DC input socket is electrically connected to the external DC power supply and the AC input socket is electrically disconnected from the external AC power supply.

3. The tool case system of claim 1, wherein:

the controller includes a relay having a first relay input, a second relay input, a relay output, and an actuator input,

the DC input socket is electrically connected to the first relay input,

the AC input socket is electrically connected to the second relay input and the actuator input,

the AC controller output is electrically connected to the relay output,

the relay is configured (i) to electrically connect the first relay input to the relay output, and (ii) to electrically disconnect the second relay input from the relay output when the AC input socket is electrically disconnected from the external AC power supply, and

the relay is further configured (i) to electrically connect the second relay input to the relay output, and (ii) to electrically disconnect the first relay input from the relay output when the AC input socket is electrically connected to the external AC power supply.

4. The tool case system of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one USB port supported by the container; and

a USB power supply located in the internal space and electrically connected to the AC input socket and to the at least one USB port.

5. The tool case system of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one AC output socket electrically connected to the AC controller output.

6. The tool case system of claim 5, wherein:

a first AC output socket of the at least one AC output socket is located in the internal space, and

a second AC output socket of the at least one AC output socket is connected to the container and is accessible from outside of the internal space.

7. The tool case system of claim 5, further comprising:

a storage tray located in the internal space and defining a charger recess configured to receive a battery charger, the storage tray dividing the internal space into an upper space and a lower space,

wherein a first AC output socket of the at least one AC output socket is connected to the storage tray and is located in the upper space, and

wherein the power inverter and the controller are located in the lower space.

8. The tool case system of claim 7, wherein the storage tray further defines a tool recess configured to receive the cordless power tool.

9. The tool case system of claim 5, wherein the at least one AC output socket is a NEMA 5 receptacle.

10. The tool case system of claim 1, further comprising:

a closure pivotably connected to the container and movable between an open position and a closed position; a handle pivotably connected to the closure; and

at least one latch connected to the container and configured to secure the closure in the closed position.

11. A storing vessel comprising:

a container defining an internal space;

an AC input socket connected to the container and configured to be electrically connected to an external AC power supply;

a cordless power tool device mountable within the internal space, the cordless power tool device including a tool portion and a battery; and

a battery charger (i) mountable within the internal space, (ii) electrically connectable to the AC input socket and to the DC input socket, and (iii) electrically connectable to the battery, and the battery charger configured to charge the battery with electrical power from a selected one of the AC power supply and the DC power supply.

12. The storing vessel of claim 11, further comprising:

a power inverter located in the internal space, the power inverter including (i) an AC inverter output, and (ii) a DC input electrically connected to the DC input socket; and

a controller located in the internal space and electrically connected to the AC inverter output and the AC input socket, the controller including an AC controller output located in the internal space, the AC controller output being electrically connectable to the battery charger, and the controller being configured to selectively provide electrical power to the AC controller output from each of the AC input socket and the AC inverter output.

13. The storing vessel of claim 12, wherein the controller is further configured (i) to supply the AC controller output with electrical power from the external AC power supply when the AC input socket is electrically connected to the external AC power supply, and (ii) to supply the AC controller output with electrical power from the AC inverter output when the DC input socket is electrically connected to the external DC power supply and the AC input socket is electrically disconnected from the external AC power supply.

14. The storing vessel of claim 13, wherein:

the control circuit includes a relay having a first relay input, a second relay input, a relay output, and an actuator input,

the DC input socket is electrically connected to the first relay input,

the AC controller output is electrically connected to the relay output,

15. The storing vessel of claim 12, further comprising:

16. The storing vessel of claim 15, wherein:

17. The storing vessel of claim 15, further comprising:

a storage tray located in the internal space and defining a charger recess configured to receive the battery charger, the storage tray dividing the internal space into an upper space and a lower space,

wherein the at least one AC output socket is connected to the storage tray and is located in the upper space, and

wherein the power inverter and the controller are located in the lower space.

18. The storing vessel of claim 17, wherein the storage tray further defines a tool recess configured to receive the cordless power tool device.

19. The storing vessel of claim 11, further comprising:

at least one USB port connected to the container; and a USB power supply located in the internal space and electrically connected to the AC input socket and the at least one USB port.

20. The storing vessel of claim 11, further comprising:

a closure pivotably connected to the container and movable between an open position and a closed position;

a handle pivotably connected to the closure; and