Cordless tool battery housing and charging system

摘要

In a battery housing and charging system for a range of cordless tools, a universal charger accepts battery packs of several configurations and size (number of cells). The common feature of the battery packs is (at least) one cell housed on end and substantially coaxial with a specific terminal block assembly. Terminal pins are shielded from external contact and engage the charger terminals in a recessed well in the floor of the charger receptacle. Charger terminals are at one end of the receptacle which is elongated so that it can accommodate a battery pack "nose" portion with either one or two cells housed on end and side-by-side. Upright side walls of the receptacle provide stabilizing support for the battery pack In the battery pack portion outside the receptacle, cells may be arranged in any configuration to suit tool or other requirements. Charger output terminals are normally biased away from their respective terminal apertures to minimize risk of accidental contact with live terminals. Charging control circuitry, including means for sensing battery temperature, is all contained in the charger assembly, with a visible indication of charging condition registered by a light emitting diode and transmitted externally through an optic light pole. In assembly of the charger, accurate register of charger output terminals carried on a printed circuit board, with corresponding terminal apertures in the floor of the charger receptacle is achieved through the mutual engagement of a tapered dowel and mating hole in these parts.