Adapter for power tools, power tool system and method for wirelessly communicating maintenance information therefor

摘要

An adapter for a power tool powered by a detachable battery pack which adapter includes a connector configured to detachably connect the adapter directly to the power tool, an adapter controller, at least one memory and/or storage device in communication with the adapter controller and configured to store maintenance information concerning the battery pack or to store maintenance information concerning the battery pack and the power tool, at least one communication port configured to transmit electrical communications, including said maintenance information, from the adapter controller to a controller located in the power tool and vice versa, and a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the maintenance information to an external device.

主权项

1. A power tool system comprising:
a power tool having a housing and a battery pack interface, a battery pack connected to the battery pack interface, and first and second adapters each configured to provide a different electrical function to the power tool by being connected to the power tool, wherein the first and second adapters are physically engageable with only the housing of the power tool in place of each other and the battery pack does not contain any means for physically engaging the first and second adapters, wherein the first adapter comprises:
means for detachably connecting to only the power tool,an adapter controller,at least one memory and/or storage device in communication with the adapter controller and configured to store maintenance information concerning the power tool and/or the battery pack, the maintenance information including a unique identifier of the battery pack and/or the power tool,at least one communication port configured to transmit electrical communications, including said maintenance information, from the adapter controller to a controller located in the power tool and vice versa, andmeans for wirelessly communicating the maintenance information to an external device, wherein the first adapter is configured to enable the external device to access maintenance information stored in the adapter, wherein the second adapter comprises means for detachably connecting to only the housing of the power tool and does not contain any means for wireless communication; and the second adapter is configured to enable the power tool to be electrically connected to a charger for the battery pack such that charging current is conducted from the charger to the battery pack via the second adapter and the power tool.